Open Secret - The power of open-source intelligence

About Open Secret - The power of open-source intelligence

Have you ever wondered what open-source intelligence is? How it can be used to inform strategic decision making? Or make powerful change? Open Secret: The power of open-source intelligence is a podcast designed to inspire you to think critically and creatively about the impact of open-source intelligence on our world. Join hosts and intelligence specialists, Kylie Pert and Jane van Tienen, as they embark on a unique learning journey to find out more about open-source intelligence, its practitioners and its possibilities. Now, over to your hosts to let you in on the open secret...the power of open-source intelligence! A podcast by OSINT Combine.

Publisher

TributePod

Category

technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

17 Jan 2024

Latest episode

30 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

13 of 14 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   30 Jul 2025

   Open Secret - Season 2 Finale I Season 2 - Ep. 6

   In this episode… In this final episode of Season 2, hosts Jane van Tienen and Kylie Pert reflect on the evolving landscape of OSINT, exploring the people, principles and purpose behind the practice. They discuss the craft of OSINT, the importance of judgment and ethical rigor, and the leadership required to transform open-source information into actionable intelligence that decision-makers can trust. As OSINT grows in influence, so does the responsibility of its practitioners. Jane and Kylie challenge the OSINT community to reflect on the kind of OSINT practice we want to shape moving forward. This conversation invites you to think critically and creatively about the future of OSINT—and your role in shaping it. What You’ll Learn · OSINT as a Craft: OSINT is more than just tools—it’s about cultivating a mindset grounded in discipline, critical thinking and sound judgment. Learn why maintaining rigor and applying ethical frameworks are essential to producing intelligence that is both trusted and reliable. · The Myth of the Complete OSINTer: OSINT is not a one-person job. Explore why specialisation and collaboration are key to success and how focusing on individual strengths within the OSINT community drives better results. · Leadership in the age of AI: Discover how OSINT leaders can guide their teams to leverage AI effectively while ensuring it complements, not replaces, the critical thinking and tradecraft underpin valuable intelligence. Resources · The US Intelligence Community Standard ICS 206-10, Citation and Reference for Publicly Available Information, Commercially Available Information, and Open Source Intelligence, Office of the Director of National Intelligence: https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICS-206-01.pdf (https://www.dni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICS-206-01.pdf) · Lights, camera, insight: Creating OSINT, Open Secret Episode with Gus Kangas: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-1/chief-innovation-officer%2C-rl-leaders (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-1/chief-innovation-officer%2C-rl-leaders) · Eyes in the dark: OSINT and counter-human trafficking, Open Secret Episode with Alisa Gbiorczyk: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-1/ceo-%26-founder%2C-cyber-nitewatch (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-1/ceo-%26-founder%2C-cyber-nitewatch) Want to dig deeper? · Protecting Priceless Things: OSINT and Art Crime, Open Secret Episode with Tim Carpenter: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/managing-director-and-ceo%2C-argus-cultural-property-consultants (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/managing-director-and-ceo%2C-argus-cultural-property-consultants) · Leadership in the Open: Leading with OSINT, Open Secret Episode with Terry Bullard: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/executive-accounts-director-and-strategic-advisor%2C-3gimbals (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/executive-accounts-director-and-strategic-advisor%2C-3gimbals) · Networks of Trust: Shaping the OSINT Community, Open Secret Episode with Ritu Gill: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/co-founder%2C-forensic-osint%3B-special-osint-advisor%2C-the-canadian-osint-centre%3B-president%2C-osmosis-association (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/co-founder%2C-forensic-osint%3B-special-osint-advisor%2C-the-canadian-osint-centre%3B-president%2C-osmosis-association) · Brains, Bias and Breadcrumbs on the Internet: OSINT and Inclusion, Open Secret Episode with Micah Hoffman and Ginger T: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/brains%2C-bias%2C-and-breadcrumbs-on-the-internet%3A-osint-and-inclusion (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/brains%2C-bias%2C-and-breadcrumbs-on-the-internet%3A-osint-and-inclusion) · The Craft of Responsibility: Journalism and OSINT, Open Secret Episode with Olivia Pirie-Griffiths: https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/non-executive-director%2C-alliance-for-journalists'-freedom%3B-advisor%2C-missing-perspectives (https://www.osintcombine.com/oc-podcast-season-2/non-executive-director%2C-alliance-for-journalists)

2. 

   24 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT

   The Craft of Responsibility - Journalism and OSINT I Season 2 Ep. 5

   Olivia Pirie-Griffiths explores the intersection of open-source intelligence and journalism, emphasizing ethical considerations and the importance of collaboration to strengthen truth and democracy; this is an interview.

3. 

   8 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Brains, Bias, and Breadcrumbs on the Internet - OSINT and Inclusion I Season 2 Ep. 4

   Host Jane and Kat Caudrelier interview Micah Hoffman and Tony (Ginger T) about how diversity and inclusion strengthens OSINT analysis, addresses biases, and improves team performance.

4. 

   1 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Networks of Trust - Shaping the OSINT Community I Season 2 - Ep. 3

   Ritu Gill, President of the OSMOSIS Association, explores the collaborative power of the OSINT community and highlights the critical role of trust in this decentralized intelligence field in this interview.

5. 

   11 May 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Leadership in the Open - Leading with OSINT I Season 2 - Ep. 2

   Brigadier General (Ret.) Terry Bullard discusses the cultural shift towards open-source intelligence and how it reshapes leadership in national security, offering insights on adapting to change and leveraging new technologies in this interview.

6. 

   11 May 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Protecting Priceless Things - OSINT and Art Crime I Season 2 - Ep. 1

   Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Tim Carpenter discusses the evolving landscape of art crime and how open-source intelligence plays a crucial role in recovering stolen art in this interview.

7. 

   8 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Season 2 Coming Soon!

   The secret's out—and it's only getting better. Open Secret is back with a brand-new season, packed with bold conversations, unexpected angles, and powerful stories that explore the evolving role of open-source intelligence in our world. From leadership and art crime to social impacts and curating history in real time, Season 2 brings you fresh perspectives and practical insights from some of the most thoughtful voices in the field. Hit play on our Season 2 trailer for a sneak peek—and subscribe wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

8. 

   1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

   From info to insight An OSINT journey I Ep. 6

   This season we’ve explored open-source intelligence across a broad spectrum – we’ve heard how it’s applied in banking, pharmaceutical companies, journalism and more. We’ve delved into the importance of creativity, communication and tradecraft in OSINT. While interviewing leading OSINT minds Cameron Mitchell, Alisa Gbiorczyk, Gordon Farrer, Nikki Rutman and Gus Kangas, hosts Jane and Kylie have solidified something that they both already believed – the power and possibility of OSINT is infinite. Listen to our season finale to hear Jane and Kylie's favourite bits from the season, and reflections on the importance of OSINT. Content Warning. This episode of Open Secret contains references to themes of human trafficking, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children, abuse, and violence which some individuals may find distressing. Show notes Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

9. 

   1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

   Lights, camera, insight - Creating OSINT I Ep. 5

   Gus Kangas has an innovative approach to getting the most out of intelligence teams – pairing them with creative types. With experience as a child actor, on Broadway, and then as an intelligence officer, Gus recognises the strength that comes from both groups of people. Listen to find out why Gus wants more divergent thinkers in the room, how it affects intelligence teams’ outputs, and why national security needs a little more showbiz sometimes. Gus recently retired from almost three decades of federal service, including with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Show notes RL Leaders: https://www.rlleaders.com/ (https://www.rlleaders.com/) RL Leaders on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rl-leaders/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rl-leaders/%E2%80%AF) Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

10. 

    1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

    Intelligence in the boardroom - Corporate OSINT unveiled I Ep. 4

    In this episode of Open Secret, we speak to Nikki Rutman. Nikki honed her intelligence skills in government over two decades, including with the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI), then turned her sights to the pharmaceutical industry. But it isn't easy building an intelligence capability from scratch! Her secret weapon? Good OSINT analysts. Nikki says the ideal intelligence professional is innately curious, versatile, and comfortable with a bit of discomfort because no two days are ever the same. Listen to find out how you can build intelligence capability in your organisation and communicate with impact (fast!). And how to turn corporate speak into tangible, actionable research problems for your team. Show notes Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

11. 

    1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

    Doubt in the digital age - OSINT and democracy I Ep. 3

    Gordon Farrer had an interesting introduction to open-source intelligence. As a career journalist and checker of facts, he believes whole-heartedly in producing content that is credible, truthful and backed by rigorous methodology. Luckily for Australia’s young journalistic minds, Gordon is also passionate about education, and teaches a subject on fact checking and verification at RMIT. He was recently awarded the “Outstanding Teaching Award in a Journalism Program” by the Journalism, Education and Research Association of Australia for his work on designing and teaching the subject. Gordon has He found open-source collection methods helped him build on existing journalistic investigation skills, allowing him to search deeper, find information faster, and uncover things that might otherwise have stayed hidden. At a time when mis and disinformation spread with ease, and AI-generated content presents more of a challenge than ever, Gordon says his OSINT skills help him to investigate some of the narratives intended to undermine society. Listen to find out why you should seek out information to challenge your world view, why journalists should learn OSINT skills, and why we often think with our heart (not our head) when we see misinformation. Show notes RMIT ABC Fact Check: https://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck (https://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck) Truth mass index: https://theconversation.com/when-1-1-1-journalism-and-the-trouble-with-facts-17781 (https://theconversation.com/when-1-1-1-journalism-and-the-trouble-with-facts-17781) Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

12. 

    1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

    Eyes in the dark - OSINT and counter-human trafficking I Ep. 2

    Content Warning. This episode of Open Secret contains references to themes of human trafficking, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children, abuse, and violence which some individuals may find distressing. Alisa Gbiorczyk is an indomitable figure in the counter-human trafficking world. A self-described “hunter”, she has dedicated her life to tracking down perpetrators and working with law enforcement to disrupt criminal networks. In this episode of Open Secret, Alisa shares with Kylie and Jane the challenges and triumphs of combating this global issue. As an OSINT practitioner, trainer, and certified human trafficking investigator, she explores the challenges of working with explicit content and offers practical tips for protecting yourself and others online. Listen to find out why Alisa thinks everyone has a part to play in dismantling human trafficking networks, supporting survivors, and advocating for change. And how OSINT helps her do what she does best – hunting. Show notes CYBER NITEWATCH: https://cybernitewatch.com/ (https://cybernitewatch.com/) CYBER NITEWATCH on X: https://twitter.com/cybernitewatch (https://twitter.com/cybernitewatch) CYBER NITEWATCH on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-nitewatch-llc/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyber-nitewatch-llc/) Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

13. 

    1 Apr 2024TRANSCRIPT

    From risk to reward - OSINT for the financial sector I Ep. 1

    At a time when governments are increasingly prosecuting foreign policy through businesses, Cameron Mitchell says his OSINT skills translate perfectly into his current role as Head of Geopolitical Risk for ANZ. In this episode of the podcast Cameron explains that he can’t predict the future, but he can help the bank to proactively manage future risk and remain compliant amid geopolitical uncertainty. Listen to find out Cameron's advice on how to strategically position a geopolitically-focused intelligence function within a major financial corporation, how his UNTIDI acronym helps stakeholders better understand geopolitical risks, and how he uses open-source information for greater intelligence outcomes. Show notes ‘UNTIDI’ geopolitics: https://bluenotes.anz.com/posts/2023/06/anz-news-geopolitics-trade-mitchell-global (https://bluenotes.anz.com/posts/2023/06/anz-news-geopolitics-trade-mitchell-global) Open Secret is an OSINT Combine podcast, produced by TributePod. Open Secret is recorded on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people. OSINT Combine acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the land where we live, work, and learn.

14. 

    17 Jan 2024TRANSCRIPT

    Welcome to Open Secret - The power of open-source intelligence

    Have you ever wondered what open-source intelligence is? How it can be used to inform strategic decision-making? Or make powerful change? Well, you’re not alone. Join hosts Kylie Pert and Jane van Tienen as they ask guests, Cameron Mitchell, Alisa Gbiorczyk, Gordon Farrer, Nikki Rutman and Gus Kangas to share their insights about the impact of open-source intelligence on our world.

Inside a recent episode

The Craft of Responsibility - Journalism and OSINT I Season 2 Ep. 5

Published 24 Jun 2025 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And that is wanting to put more thought and attention around ethics and methodology so that OCEAN as a craft or as a discipline is being done and can be used in really powerful ways. In your experience, what is OCEAN to journalism? Is OCEAN a necessary part of journalism? Is OCEAN a tool that a journalist would wield? Or is it a key enabler at the moment? It's a really good question, Jane. I think currently a key enabler, but I think it should become and is becoming a necessary part of the craft. I think it's really crucial, actually, that OCEAN becomes a common and necessary part of journalistic practice to address the challenges that we've touched on before. […]

Who has been a guest on Open Secret - The power of open-source intelligence

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Micah Hoffman
• Tony (Ginger T)
• Ritu Gill
• Terry Bullard
• Tim Carpenter

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Spotify

4.9 / 5

14 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

45

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.