Security Clearance Insecurity
Millions of jobs require a U.S. government security clearance. Getting or keeping one is an anxiety-inducing process shrouded in mystery, and sometimes, urban legend. From drug use and bankruptcy to cryptocurrencies and motorcycle gangs, we unpack all of your top (or most unexpected) security clearance questions. We also talk with some of the leading experts and government officials charged with overseeing the security clearance process and establishing security policies. Security Clearance Insecurity demystifies security clearances, delivers expert insight, and answers the questions you’d never ask at work. Hosted by ClearanceJobs.com's Lindy Kyzer and Sean Bigley, security clearance le...
Who Am I Now? Military Transition, Identity, and Self-Reporting
A security clearance can get you hired, but it can’t tell you who you are once the uniform comes off. In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs talks with Army veteran Brian McGovern. McGovern served nearly 12 years as a paralegal and public affairs specialist and deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the author of Who Am I Now: An NCO’s Guide to Life, Work, and Identity After Military Service.
Brian explains why your transition should start on day one, not in your last six months. He argu...
Veterans in Congress, Clearance Reform, and Your Deleted Social Media
Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs talks with Scott Cooper, who leads policy at With Honor, about how veterans in Congress are working across party lines. Scott describes the For Country Caucus, a bipartisan group of more than 50 House and Senate members he calls "radical moderates." He talks about the caucus' role in moving the Russia Sanctions Act and about With Honor's new 13-month fellowship, which places mid-career professionals in congressional offices. The conversation also covers the civil-military divide, why security clearance reform is one of the few truly bipartisan issues on the Hill, and how Congress shapes clearance policy through...
From Co-Op to Cleared: Northeastern's Talent Pipeline, Plus Foreign Travel Reporting Pitfalls
How do we grow the pool of cleared talent instead of competing over the same people? Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs talks with Jamie Jones Miller of Northeastern University, a member of the ClearanceJobs Policy Advisory Board.
Jamie got her first clearance at 19 as an intern at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and she's held one through her career on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon and now in academia. She explains how Northeastern's co-op program and industrial security team sponsor students for clearances, train future FSOs and place them with industry partners. She and Lindy also cover reciprocity problems...
The Cipher Brief's Brad Christian Previews the Threat Conference's 10th Year
Lindy Kyzer sits down with The Cipher Brief's COO Brad Christian to preview the 10th annual Threat Conference in Sea Island, Georgia — covering AI's growing role in warfare, the widening public-private innovation gap, and the "gray warfare" tactics adversaries are using inside the U.S. homeland. Apply to attend: https://www.tcbconference.com/
Then, attorney Elisabeth Baker-Pham joins Lindy to unpack a less obvious clearance risk: how conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and elsewhere can reignite foreign influence and foreign preference concerns (Guidelines B and C) for clearance holders whose foreign contacts were already vetted — through no action of t...
Modernizing SCI Nominations — and When Foreign Ties Come Under Scrutiny
This episode of Security Clearance Insecurity covers two timely issues facing the cleared workforce. First, Lindy Kyzer talks with Mike Flanders, founder of SudoTouch, about the technology gap slowing SCI nomination processing and how automation can help security offices keep pace with Trusted Workforce 2.0's shift to continuous vetting.
Then, attorney Elisabeth Baker-Pham joins Lindy to break down Guidelines B and C — foreign influence and foreign preference — and what clearance holders need to know when conflicts abroad (Ukraine, Israel, tensions with China) change how existing foreign contacts are viewed, even without any change in the clearance holder's own...
FOCI Just Got a Lot Bigger — Plus, What Summer Fun Can Cost Your Clearance
This episode tackles two very different but equally timely clearance issues. First, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Andrew Lotwin, Senior Vice President of Federal at ISI and a former senior leader at DCSA, to unpack the Department of War's proposed expansion of Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) requirements.
The draft rule would extend FOCI disclosure obligations well beyond the traditional cleared contractor base to any contractor or subcontractor with contracts over $5 million — a change DCSA estimates could take FOCI determinations from roughly 2,000 a year to as many as 40,000. Andrew breaks down what this means for in...
Could Veterans Soon Keep Their Security Clearance Eligibility Longer? Plus, Handling False Clearance Reports
Could security clearance holders soon have more time to return to government service after leaving the workforce? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer is joined by ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton to discuss the proposal to extend the security clearance eligibility window for veterans from two years to five years, what it could mean for workforce mobility, taxpayer investment, and the future of Trusted Workforce 2.0.
Then, security clearance attorney Elizabeth Baker-Pham joins the show to tackle one of the most anxiety-inducing topics for clearance holders: what happens when a former partner...
Trusted Workforce 2.0: Closing the Continuous Vetting Gap with AI, Automation & Workforce Risk
Trusted Workforce 2.0 has transformed personnel vetting, but implementation is still catching up.
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, ClearanceJobs' Lindy Kyzer sits down with Aarti Smith, CEO of Chainbridge Solutions, to explore how continuous vetting is changing workforce risk management across the federal government—and why automation, AI, and modern personnel security systems are becoming mission-critical.
They discuss:
How continuous vetting has replaced the old "set it and forget it" clearance model
What Continuous Vetting Action Reports (CVARs) are—and why they matter
The growing "cont...
The New Rules of Suitability: What OPM's Vetting Changes Mean for Your Career
The federal personnel vetting landscape is evolving—and understanding the changes has never been more important. In this episode of Security Clearance in Security, host Lindy Kyzer is joined by former OPM suitability expert Bill Pedersen to unpack the biggest updates to federal suitability regulations, Trusted Workforce 2.0, and continuous vetting.
They explain how OPM's reforms are creating greater consistency across agencies, what post-appointment suitability actions mean for federal employees, how new reporting capabilities could improve government-wide visibility, and why understanding your position designation has become increasingly important. Whether you're a federal employee, contractor, facility security officer, or se...
Building Your Brand in the Intelligence Community with Shana Cosgrove
Success in government contracting isn't built overnight—it's earned through consistency, credibility, and continuous growth.
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, Lindy Kyzer sits down with Shana Cosgrove, founder and CEO of Nyla Technology Solutions, to discuss what it takes to build a thriving GovCon business while establishing a trusted reputation in the cleared community.
Shana shares lessons from her journey as a technology leader and entrepreneur, including overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry, building strong teams, developing future leaders, and why documenting your accomplishments matters more th...
Secret Squirrel Files: Where True Crime Meets National Security
What happens when a former true crime reporter, a national security storyteller, and a clearance industry expert sit down to talk espionage, insider threats, terrorism, and the cases that changed history?
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer welcomes Secret Squirrel Files hosts Phoebe Wells and Katie Helbling, ClearanceJobs new true crime, national security podcast. They discuss the inspiration behind their growing podcast series and why some of the most compelling national security lessons come from real-world cases.
The conversation explores how true crime storytelling can help security professionals better understand insider...
Why Facility Security Officers Are Being Asked to Do More Than Ever
Facility Security Officers (FSOs) are at the center of some of the biggest changes happening across the national security workforce—and many are feeling the strain.
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with Ike Rivers, NISPAC representative and advisory board member for TechnoMile Security Information Management, to discuss findings from the latest State of the Facility Security Officer Survey. Together, they explore why FSOs are being asked to wear more hats than ever before and what that means for security programs across the Defense Industrial Base.
The conversation co...
Cleared & Compensated: What the 2026 Data Reveals
Average compensation for cleared professionals has hit a record high of $126,125 — but what's driving that number, and what does it mean for you? ClearanceJobs Content Director Jill Hamilton breaks down the 2026 Compensation Report, covering why pay jumped 6% year over year, which clearance levels and certifications move the needle most, and how location, education, and experience combine into what she calls the "triple threat" for top earners.
Download the full report here.
Then, security clearance attorney John Berry joins to discuss one of the harshest realities facing federal employees with clearance issues: the indefinite suspension without pa...
Storytelling, Service, and Trust: Capturing the Human Side of National Security
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jacob Centeno, founder of Poor Bear Stories, to explore the power of storytelling within the national security community. From his personal journey as a Gold Star family member to building a mission-driven media company, Centeno shares how authenticity, vulnerability, and lived experience shape the stories he tells.
The conversation dives into the unique connection between storytelling and service—how shared experiences can break down barriers, build trust, and reveal the human side of intelligence and special operations communities. Centeno also reflects on the evolving la...
GEOINT 2026: Tradecraft, AI, and the Future of Intelligence
What makes the GEOINT Symposium 2026 a must-attend event for national security professionals? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jim McCool to break it down.
From his experience at organizations like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, and the U.S. Air Force, McCool shares why GEOINT remains at the center of modern intelligence—and how it’s evolving fast.
They dive into the role of tradecraft in an AI-driven world, the growing importance of data and critical thinking skills, and how professionals at every stage can get the...
Certainty in Uncertain Times: CIA Leadership Lessons That Actually Work
What makes a great boss—and why do so many get it wrong?
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer sits down with former CIA Chief of HR Mike Mears to unpack the real driver behind employee engagement, retention, and performance: certainty at the local level.
Drawing on decades of experience inside the intelligence community—and insights from his book Certainty—Mears explains why employees don’t leave missions, they leave managers. He breaks down how the brain responds to uncertainty, why psychological safety is critical in high-stakes environments, and how small leadership habits c...
When the Mission Ends: Rebuilding Identity After Service
What happens when the uniform comes off—or your federal service ends—and the identity that once defined you suddenly shifts?
In this episode, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Lisa Parmeter, Executive Director of Merging Vets & Players (MVP), to explore the often-overlooked challenges of transition for veterans, active duty service members, and former professional athletes.
From the loss of identity and purpose to the need for intensity, structure, and community, this conversation dives into what it really takes to rebuild after high-performance careers. Parmeter shares how MVP helps individuals rediscover meaning through peer support, whol...
Innovation, AI, and the Future of the Security Industry
The security industry is evolving far beyond its traditional image of guards, guns, and gates. Today, it sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, federal policy, and critical infrastructure protection.
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer speaks with Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association (SIA), about how emerging technologies are transforming the physical security landscape. From AI-enabled surveillance systems to cybersecurity integration and supply chain protections, the industry is playing a growing role in national security.
They also discuss how SIA works with federal policymakers to promote responsible innovation...
Diving Into Federal Career Pivots & Side Hustles
Career disruption and side hustles are increasingly common — but how do they impact your security clearance?
In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs sits down with federal career coach and FedUpward host Love Rutledge to discuss navigating unexpected federal career pivots, translating government experience for the private sector, and the emotional impact of leaving civil service.
They also share transition resources for federal employees, including:
Volcker Alliance — https://www.volckeralliance.orgPartnership for Public Service — https://ourpublicservice.orgFormerGov — https://www.formergov.com FedUpward Podcast — https://www.fedupwardcoaching.com/podcastLater, security c...
Who’s Accountable When AI Shapes National Security Decisions?
The federal government can no longer treat artificial intelligence as optional—but what does true AI readiness actually look like?
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Jennifer Ewbank, former Deputy Director of the CIA for Digital Innovation, to unpack how AI is reshaping national security missions, workforce expectations, and accountability across government.
Rather than focusing on tools or pilot programs, Ewbank makes the case for a mission-first approach to AI—one that prioritizes readiness, governance, and human judgment. The conversation explores why digital literacy must become foundational for the...
A New Era of Security Clearance Insecurity: New Legal Voices, Real-World Guidance for 2026
The Security Clearance Insecurity podcast welcomes new legal contributors Elisabeth Baker-Pham of Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, P.C. and John Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC to the mic. In this episode, the panel breaks down how security clearance decisions intersect with employment law, why agencies handle cases differently, and what cleared professionals should know before filling out an SF-86, responding to investigators, or facing a statement of reasons. A must-listen for anyone navigating the cleared workforce this year.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Why Workplace Flexibility Matters for the National Security Workforce
What does flexibility really mean for the national security workforce—and why does it matter now?
In this episode, ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer is joined by workforce strategist and former federal executive Mika Cross for a timely conversation on the future of federal and cleared work. Drawing from congressional testimony, workforce data, and decades of public service experience, they unpack how telework, hybrid models, and strategic flexibility directly impact mission readiness, talent retention, and national security outcomes.
The discussion explores:
Why flexibility is a national security imperative, not a workplace perkThe real costs of losing high...Shutdown Stress: How Financial Fallout Can Threaten Your Security Clearance
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, Lindy Kyzer sits down with Elisabeth Baker Pham, attorney and federal employment expert, to unpack how government shutdowns trigger far more than political drama, they create real financial strain that can jeopardize a cleared worker’s livelihood and their security clearance.
Elisabeth breaks down the most immediate financial impacts she sees when federal employees and contractors suddenly lose income, from missed paychecks to debt that spirals faster than many expect. She explains how those shutdown-driven money problems often resurface later in a clearance file - late mortgage payments, credit card de...
Modernizing Personnel Vetting and Mapping the Future with Trusted Workforce 2.0
In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, host Lindy Kyzer sits down with Leslie Reid, Vice President of Defense Programs at iWorks and former senior leader at the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), for a deep-dive conversation into the reality and the future of Trusted Workforce 2.0.
With more than two decades of leadership experience across the national security and defense community, Leslie has been at the center of some of the most significant vetting reforms of the past decade. From driving modernization at DCSA to championing agile, scalable solutions that support mission requirements, Leslie brings unmatched...
What the Government Shutdown Could Mean for Your Security Clearance
How does a government shutdown really impact security clearance holders and applicants? In this timely episode, Lindy Kyzer sits down with security clearance and employment law expert John Berry to break down the real-world consequences beyond the headlines.
From delayed investigations and paused adjudications to furlough fears and continuous vetting confusion, we explore how shutdowns can ripple through every stage of the clearance process. Can your clearance be at risk if you’re not being paid? What if you’re an applicant waiting on paperwork or a contractor stuck in limbo?
John brings his legal insi...
Federal Hiring Myths, Trends, and What’s Next with Armand Curet
Federal hiring is never simple. And right now, it’s changing faster than ever. From new incentives for law enforcement and the growing demand for IT talent, to changes like the two-page USAJobs resume rule, the landscape can feel overwhelming.
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity on Federal News Network, ClearanceJobs’ Lindy Kyzer sits down with federal jobs coach Armand Curet to break it all down. They’ll unpack the latest on hiring freezes, agency-specific trends, and the myths that stop great candidates from landing government roles.
Whether you’re a veteran, a career-changer, or just...
Inside Scoop on ClearanceJobs Connect
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity join Vice President of Marketing at ClearanceJobs Eric Pecinovsky as we take you inside ClearanceJobs Connect. This event brings together recruiters, government leaders, and industry experts to talk about the most pressing issues facing the cleared community, from hiring trends and workforce challenges to innovation and leadership in national security.
This is the fifth year of Connect, and in this episode we’ll share highlights from the conversations, key takeaways from the sessions, and some behind-the-scenes perspective on what makes this event such a unique gathering point for the cleared co...
Trust Me: Talking Trusted Sources and Internet Liars in the Clearance Process
Jill Hamilton Content Director, ClearanceJobs, joins Lindy Kyzer to discuss a brand new book that discusses the history and the current realities of the Clearance process. In Trust Me: A Guide to Secrets, Lindy Kyzer tackles the wonky security clearance process in one readable resource for applicants and professionals alike.
A recent Reddit post from a young applicant illustrates the stakes. The individual admitted to years of marijuana use but confessed they had already told their recruiter “no drug usage.” Unsure of how to move forward, they turned online for advice—and found the internet urging them to lie...
Reform, Risk, and Results: Rethinking Federal Acquisition
Lindy Kyzer and defense innovation leader Noam Oz—former Director for Innovation Operations at NavalX—join the show today for a candid discussion on how to cut through bureaucracy and deliver solutions at the speed of relevance.
From outdated procedures to entrenched cultural norms, federal acquisition has long faced challenges in moving innovation from idea to implementation.
They’ll explore how rapid prototyping, operator engagement, and smart risk management can transform acquisition outcomes, and why cultivating enduring industry-government partnerships is key to sustaining innovation.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...
How to Support High Achieving Teams Despite Government Uncertainty
On this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Steven Gaffney, CEO of the Steven Gaffney Company, renowned leadership expert, and author of Unconditional Power. Known for helping Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and military organizations build Consistently High Achieving Teams (CHAT®), Steven shares powerful insights on unlocking team potential, fostering candid communication, and overcoming leadership challenges in today’s workforce.
From breaking down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about high performance, to offering actionable tips for encouraging honesty and accountability, Steven reveals the mindset shifts that transform struggling teams into thriving ones. He als...
Innovation in the Federal Government - with Sabra Horne
In this episode, we sit down with Sabra Horne, a passionate advocate for innovation and intrapreneurship within the federal government. Drawing from her extensive experience working across both government and industry, Sabra unpacks the complex barriers that hold back innovation inside federal agencies, especially when it comes to empowering the people who make change happen.
Sabra reminds us that true transformation isn’t just about new tech. It’s about people. She shares candid insights on why the human side of innovation is so often overlooked, and what shifts must occur in leadership, culture, and workforce development to m...
How Tech is Transforming Security Clearance Compliance
Join us for an insider’s look at how Tru-Vetting is reshaping the personnel security landscape. In this episode, we explore the driving force behind Tru-Vetting’s founding, its alignment with Trusted Workforce 2.0, and how its technology eases the burden on overworked FSOs while keeping compliance front and center. Hear firsthand how modern tools can enhance insider threat detection, continuous vetting, and risk management — and learn from early adopters about real-world success stories proving that better vetting makes for a stronger, more resilient workforce.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...
Bringing Together the Security Professionals Who Safeguard the Nation
The annual NCMS Seminar brings together security professionals from across the nation. In this episode of the ClearanceJobs Podcast, we take you behind the scenes of the NCMS Annual Seminar—the premier event for industrial security professionals. Joining us are special guests Stevie Dahl and Sarah Turner, members of the NCMS National Board of Directors, who share their insights from this year’s event, including the most asked-about sessions, trends shaping the security profession, and why NCMS continues to be the must-attend seminar for cleared industry leaders.
From insider threat programs to classified contract compliance, the NCMS Semi...
How Effective is Trusted Workforce GAO Studies Program
What’s really happening with Trusted Workforce 2.0? In this episode of Security Clearance Insecurity, we sit down with Alyssa Czyz, Director at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), to discuss GAO’s recently released report on the federal government’s personnel vetting reform initiative, Trusted Workforce 2.0.
Czyz breaks down the GAO study, its key findings, and what they reveal about the current state of implementation across the federal personnel security enterprise. From the promise of Continuous Vetting to the persistent delays with NBIS, she provides an expert look at where progress is real—and where it's still pe...
Iron Butterfly Continues to Tell Untold Stories of Women in the IC
Iron Butterfly Podcast continues to tell the untold stories of women serving in the Intelligence Community. Cadie Hopkins and Megan Jaffer join the show to discuss their latest endeavor - a full length documentary highlighting never before told stories of women serving in the IC. Iron Butterfly continues to champion belief, authenticity, and love, and the importance of platforms for women to share their stories and experiences.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Building a Resilient Cyber Workforce with the Cyber Guild
Debbie Sallis of The Cyber Guild, a nonprofit on a mission to build a resilient, inclusive cybersecurity workforce joins the show to discuss how the Guild is tackling retention, community-building, and allyship through programs. Plus, hear how the upcoming May 29th Cyber Connect event in Arlington, VA is helping transitioning federal and military professionals build trusted connections, sharpen their skills, and protect their clearances in today’s volatile market. Discover why curated relationship-building—not just networking—is key to the future of cybersecurity careers. For more info and to register, visit www.thecyberguild.org. In the second half of the sh...
Career Transition Tips for Intelligence Community Professionals
A number of intelligence community professionals now find themselves looking for their next opportunity. Unfortunately, the transition out of the IC and into the private sector doesn't come with a guidebook. That's why Alison Bouwmeester wrote the book Mission: Career Transition. After spending 28 years with the Central Intelligence Agency, she took on the new task of helping others to find their next opportunity after government service. She outlines dos and don'ts, including why it's important to get as much resume detail cleared before you start looking as possible, why contracting can offer a softer landing, and how to activate...
Tips for Navigating the Personnel Vetting Questionnaire
n this episode, we're joined by Elisabeth Baker-Pham, partner at KCNF, for an in-depth conversation on a big change coming to the federal security clearance process. Elisabeth breaks down the new Personnel Vetting Questionnaire, or PVQ — a major update aimed at simplifying and streamlining the clearance application journey.
What does the PVQ mean for applicants? Why are forms like the SF-85, SF-85P, and SF-86 getting consolidated? And what revisions are being made to key questions? Elisabeth walks us through what you need to know.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...
Finding Your Haymitch Abernathy in the Federal Hunger Games: Tips for Coping with Constant Changes
Every day there seems to be new guidance going out to the federal workforce, sometimes with mandates that conflict with local agency communication. How can federal workers stay on top of the policy deluge? Kevin Shehan, owner and founder of Shehan Legal and a former civil servant joins the show to discuss recent hot topics, from the 'five things' email to the firing of employees on probationary periods. And he ends the show with a bright spot - all of the changes today may end up enabling more federal workers to enter service in the long run, as the...
Tips for Federal Workers Dealing with Reductions and Restructuring
In the midst of massive restructuring across the federal government, federal workers may be wondering how to cope with the massive changes. Jill Hamilton, senior editor of ClearanceJobs joins the program to talk about the influx of news and changes. For federal workers in the national security space it's important to follow specific agency guidance and not get caught up in negative headlines.
For federal workers looking for another spot for water cooler talk, commentary, and job opportunities, ClearanceJobs recently launched FedWork.net. The federal forum had been in the works since Federal Soup shuddered its pages...
