The Information Advantage
Join host Frank Emerson, J.D., on The Information Advantage, as he interviews Governor West Chair speakers at The Citadel. Speakers include experts in the intelligence, military, law enforcement, homeland security, and diplomatic communities. Emerson currently serves as the Governor John C. West Chair of American Government and International Studies for The Citadel's Political Science Department and is a senior policy consultant to the government, advising on national security, foreign policy, and legal issues. https://www.citadel.edu/political-science/faculty-staff/dr-frank-emerson/
Episode 30: Dana Dyson
Join us for our discussion with Dana Dyson, former Deputy General Counsel of CIA for Operations and U.S. Navy JAG, as she educates us on National Security Law and Covert Action.
Episode 29: The Honorable Platte B. Moring III
Join us for our first podcast of the school year with the Inspector General (IG) at the Department of War and former Citadel Professor, Platte Moring. Moring provides insight into the IG's roles, responsibilities, and authorities along with lessons on leadership.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard and Aubrey Carson. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 28: Dr. William Prillaman
Ever wonder how the President maintains a decision advantage over our adversaries? Join our discussion this week with Dr. William Prillaman (retired Central Intelligence Agency Senior Intelligence Service) as he provides insights on the Presidential Daily Brief (PDB). With decades of expertise writing for and briefing Presidents along with leading PDB production, listen to Prillaman share his experiences and interesting vignettes. We look forward to hosting Dr. Prillaman as part of the Governor West Chair speaker series and at our Latin America conference (30 September - 2 October).The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson a...
Episode 27: The Citadel's Distinguished Scholars Program
Please join this episode's guests, Dr. Lauren Rule Maxwell (English Professor and Director of the Distinguished Scholars Program) and Senior Cadets Lucy McArthur and Olivia Liquori as they discuss the Distinguished Scholars Program, their projects, research, and leadership.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 26: Cadets Jake Blaser & Phipps Fiore
Join Cadets Jake Blaser and Phipps Fiore as they discuss the importance of the Law of Armed Conflict and their preparation for Team Citadel’s participation at the 24th edition of the IIHL Sanremo Law of Armed Conflict Competition for Military Academies.
Cadet Amanda Wolford became the first ever Citadel cadet to win an individual medal in the five years of participating as she won a tie for Bronze medal. This placed her in the top 5 out of 105 cadets, and she was one of three Americans in the top 5 (the other two were from U.S. Ai...
Episode 25: Richard Waring, '07
Join us for our discussion with Richard Waring, '07, Army JAG Officer and defense operations attorney, as we cover the Law of Armed Conflict Space.
The views expressed by Waring were given in a private capacity and do not reflect the official policy or position of the DoD, Army National Guard, or U.S. Government.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 24: Mike Driscoll
Join our discussion with Michael Glenn Driscoll, The Citadel's 2025 OSINT Conference lead keynote, as we talk about his experiences in Israel, the Middle East, and cognitive warfare.
Driscoll is currently a senior advisor at Palantir. He was a U.S. Navy cryptologic veteran and retired with 34 years of technical and senior leadership roles within the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is p...
Episode 23: Ross Berkoff
Join the discussion with Ross Berkoff as he shares his experiences on the frontlines in Afghanistan.
A decorated veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, Ross Berkoff served as a Cavalry and Intelligence officer in Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars while deploying alongside the conflict’s two Medal of Honor recipients from his division.
His military legacy is further chronicled in his 2025 book, Beyond the Outpost, a firsthand account of his experiences on the front lines of the Afghanistan War.
He has translated this frontline leadership into a distinguished civilian career, currently serving as Pres...
Episode 22: Adriana Boersner Herrera, Ph.D.
Venezuela with Dr. Adriana Boersner Herrera: Join us as we discuss Venezuela and related policy and international law issues.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 21: Sean Wiswesser
Join us for another episode of The Information Advantage with former CIA Senior Operations Officer and Russian expert, Sean Wiswesser, as he provides insight on Russia's Hybrid Warfare and Intelligence Failures in Ukraine.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 20: James Ellis, Ph.D.
As we prepare for The Citadel's OSINT 2.0, listen to ORBIS' Vice President for Open-Source Intelligence James Ellis discuss the history of open-source intelligence and where it is going with Artificial Intelligence. ORBIS, this year's Keynote Sponsor, will be presenting with a full panel on "The Future of OSINT in the Age of AI." Come join us on Thursday in Capers Hall!
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 19: Melissa Graves, Ph.D.
The Citadel's OSINT Conference 2.0! Listen to Dr. Melissa Graves, the Chair of the Intelligence and Security Studies Department, discuss The Citadel's second upcoming Open-Source Intelligence Conference. Don't miss it, 29-31 October at Capers Hall in Charleston, SC!
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 18: DuBose Kapeluck, Ph.D., and Mark Owens, Ph.D.
In this episode, Dr. DuBose Kapeluck and Dr. Mark Owens of The Citadel's Political Science Department discuss the issue of gerrymandering. Kapeluck and Owens, The Citadel's experts who track election changes and population dynamics, cover the issues that have spread across the states late this summer, principally adopting new congressional district maps. Who’s doing it? And are there keys to how to put these changes into perspective?
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is prod...
Episode 17: Dean Brian M. Jones, Ph.D.
Listen to Dean Brian M. Jones, Ph.D., discuss education at The Citadel, the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, and his leadership style of focusing on people.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 16: Charles "Chuck" Wilson, '84
Join our discussion with Chuck Wilson, '84, retired CIA Officer and former Director of the CIA's Special Activities Center, as he provides lessons on Leadership in High-Risk Environments.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 15: Colonel Thomas J. Gordon (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps
Join us in our discussion with Commandant of The Citadel, Colonel Thomas J. Gordon USMC (Ret.), as he discusses leadership, Marine Maxims, and his role as Commandant at The Citadel.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 14: Colonel Ty Gilbert, U.S. Air Force
Learn from U.S. Air Force Colonel and Commander of the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre, Ty Gilbert, as he explains the mission of the Centre, the importance of open-source intelligence, and lessons on leadership.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 13: U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
Join the discussion with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa as she provides insight into Collaborating with the new Department of Government Efficiency, Securing Peace for Israel, Leading International Bipartisan Bicameral Congressional Delegations, Forging U.S. policy towards the International Criminal Court, and Providing Lessons on Leadership for The Citadel’s Cadets.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 12: Jack Porter, Ph.D.
Join Dr. Jack Porter, Chair of The Citadel’s Political Science Department, in discussing the importance of Political Science and its role in building leaders at The Citadel and his views on national security issues for 2025.The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 11: Jennifer Ewbank
Join Jennifer Ewbank, former Deputy Director of CIA for Digital Innovation, for an eye-opening discussion of how digital technologies are reshaping global security and the future of democracy.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 10: Adriana Boersner Herrera, Ph.D.
Listen to Political Science Professor and The Citadel's Latin American Affairs Expert, Dr. Adriana Boersner Herrera, discuss Venezuela and Nicolas Maduro's consolidation of authoritarianism.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 9: Ambassador Joseph Manso (Ret.)
Retired Ambassador Joseph Manso, U.S. Ambassador to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), discusses the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, serving at the OPCW, and stopping the proliferation of chemical weapons.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 8: Pat Hendrix, Ph.D.
Listen to Dr. Pat Hendrix, The Citadel’s OSINT Expert in the Department of Intelligence and Security Studies, as he discusses Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and how Citadel students are using OSINT in the classroom. The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Episode 7: The Citadel's 2024 OSINT Conference
Listen to some of the speakers at The Citadel’s first OSINT Conference discuss the future of OSINT and the need for expanding partnerships among the government, private sector, and academia. Thank you to Andrew Borene at Flashpoint, Patrick Weninger and Matthew Brock at Orbis Ops, Jim Ford at Microsoft, Dennis Eger with the U.S. Army, Melissa Ullom with the U.S. State Department, and Guido Torres at Irregular Warfare Initiative for taking the time to talk with us on The Information Advantage.
The Information Advantage is hosted by Frank Emerson and produced by Aubrey Carson and...
Episode 6: Jason Barrett
The Director of National Intelligence OSINT Executive, Jason Barrett, discusses the Intelligence Community’s Open Source Intelligence Strategy 2024-2026 and the connection between open source intelligence and advising tomorrow’s principled leaders.
Episode 5: DuBose Kapeluck, Ph.D., and Mark Owens, Ph.D.
Join Professors DuBose Kapeluck, Ph.D., and Mark Owens, Ph.D., who are The Citadel’s experts on southern politics, as they discuss the 2024 presidential race and the results of The Citadel Poll. Learn about their findings, voters’ preferences, decision making, and what it means for South Carolina as one of the fastest growing states.The Citadel Poll
Episode 4: David Tyson
Join our discussion with retired CIA Officer David Tyson as he gives The Citadel’s cadets the educational advantage on his career as a CIA operations officer and member of CIA’s Team Alpha. Tyson was a member of Team Alpha, the first group of U.S. personnel inserted behind enemy lines in Afghanistan after 9/11. Tyson also served as a Chief of Station and is a recipient of the CIA’s Distinguished Intelligence Cross, the Agency’s highest award for valor, and the Agency’s Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal.
Episode 3: Melissa Graves, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Intelligence and Security Studies Melissa Graves, Ph.D., discusses The Citadel's OSINT Conference and why OSINT is the Intelligence Discipline of First Resort.
Episode 2: Tonya Ugoretz
Listen to Tonya Ugoretz, the FBI’s Assistant Director, Directorate of Intelligence, provide the information advantage on the FBI’s unique law enforcement and intelligence roles, and how the FBI is adapting to a shifting operating environment through the FBI’s five-year intelligence program strategy.
Episode 1: Mike Cinnamon, '92
Do you want to catch the next high value target, such as a terrorist or international drug trafficker? Listen to former CIA officer and adjunct Citadel professor, Mike Cinnamon '92, provide you the information advantage on targeting and how it works.
