About the CIA
The Central Intelligence Agency, more commonly known as the CIA, is responsible for gathering and sharing intelligence to protect our nation from threats. However, the what, who, and how they collect that intelligence remains secret. This article provides an overview of the CIA podcast The Langley Files. The new podcast gives listeners a peek behind the curtain of the world’s foremost intelligence agency.
Historically, the CIA has continuously operated under a veil of secrecy. Sure, they distribute press releases about significant events and provide great information on their website at CIA.gov. However, they don’t have an adequate public relations machine that works to promote their image in the public eye. However, in modern times, every organization, including U.S. intelligence agencies, needs to manage its brand. Why? Public confidence in the government agency is critical. To be truly effective, they need to demystify their work and gain the trust of the people they protect. So, the CIA created a podcast rather than leaving it up to social media to define their culture.
With the overwhelming success of true crime podcasts, the CIA entering this space makes perfect sense.
About the CIA Podcast The Langley Files
The name of the CIA’s podcast is The Langley Files. Langley refers to the CIA Headquarters building in Langley, Virginia. The “Files” part of the name suggests they will discuss topics related to the organization itself, its people, and what they do to keep America safe.
The CIA has several goals in releasing the podcast:
- First, to educate and connect with the general public
- Share insight into the leading intelligence agency’s mission and capabilities
- Share interesting stories
Each episode is between 15 and 30 minutes in length.
It features the hosts, known only as Dee and Walter, conversing with a wide range of special guests. For the most part, the hosts using only their first names adds to the aura of secrecy and mystique.
List of Episodes – The Langley Files: A CIA Podcast
Episode 1 – CIA Director Bill Burns Brings the Agency Out from the Shadows – In the first episode, Dee and Walter speak with the current Director of the CIA, Bill Burns. Burns dispels some of the common misconceptions about the Agency. Then, he provides general insights into the character and skills of the Agency’s workforce. Also, he shares share personal anecdotes about what it means to him to lead the world’s premier foreign intelligence organization.
Release Date: October 13, 2022
Length: 27 minutes and 44 seconds
Episode 2 – CIA: 75 Years and Counting – Dee and Walter talk about two agency offers to work to commemorate the Agency’s 75th anniversary in the second episode. They discuss the organization’s evolution over time, what events marked this year’s celebration, and how the CIA is learning from its past to serve the American people best.
Episode 3 – The Recruiter: What Does it Take to Join CIA? – Have you ever thought of a job with the CIA? Here’s your chance to get some insight into how the process works. In the third episode of the CIA podcast The Langley Files, hosts Dee and Walter take a step out of the shadows to chat with an Agency recruitment leader named Mike. For example, they discuss the main characteristics they look for when selecting candidates. Also, they talk about how the CIA differs from the private sector. For instance, the bar is set very high for potential candidates. Indeed, the world’s top intelligence agency wants to hire only the best. Later, they cover the various types of occupations they seek to fill.
Episode 4 – Into the Archives: Why does the CIA have historians? – The Chief Historian joins the crew to discuss the role of the agency’s in-house historians. For instance, they talk about how the agency studies and learns from the past to inform the present.
Episode 5 – The Greatest Museum You’ll Never See – The team talks about a secret mission to the bottom of the ocean in this episode. Plus, an officer postpones his retirement to lead the agency’s response to 9/11.
Podcast Reviews
The customer reviews on Apple Podcasts average 3.8 out of 5 stars. Hopefully, future episodes won’t disappoint interested fans. If so, the rating will likely rise.
However, as with every government-sponsored effort, there will be critics. In this case, critics accuse the agency of “whitewashing” and even go as far as to say they are distributing propaganda. Few can forget about the agency’s history of using torture in interrogations.
How to Listen
The podcast is available on your favorite platforms.
Also, you can listen directly on the Agency’s website.
Questions and Comments
If you have any questions or comments about the CIA Podcast, The Langley Files, please post them below.
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