From Big Think.
“The public really doesn’t realize that they are much closer to CIA spies than they think they are.”
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Most people think CIA agents are born extraordinary. Charming, genius, and ready to win every fight, gliding through danger like James Bond. But the reality isn’t so glamorous, reveals former spy Andrew Bustamante. Real spies aren’t superheroes; they’re invisible. They’re the people you’d never remember seeing in line for coffee, the ones who thrive on being overlooked.
From the grueling 18‑month recruitment process to the moral flexibility required to operate in gray zones, Bustamante explains how the CIA builds operatives who can disappear, adapt, and serve missions above everything else.
00:00:00 Part 1: Becoming a spy
00:00:19 What do people get wrong about being a spy?
00:01:29 What are the qualities of a potential spy?
00:04:56 What is the process for becoming a CIA operative?
00:09:10 What did you learn while becoming a CIA operative?
00:11:05 How does becoming a CIA agent impact your personal life?
00:13:48 What is CIA training like?
00:16:48 What did the CIA teach you about ethics and morals?
00:19:21 How do I know if I have what it takes to be a CIA operative?
00:20:47 Part 2: Is there a difference between manipulation and motivation?
00:22:57 How can you take control of a conversation?
00:24:16 What is the R.I.C.E. method?
00:26:43 What is sensemaking?
00:33:11 How should we use these psychological tools?
00:34:29 Part 3: The economy of secrets. What is the economy of secrets?
00:36:15 Do all secrets hold equal value?
00:38:17 Why is it beneficial to know that everyone keeps secrets?
00:42:25 How do we identify the most valuable secrets?
00:44:21 Are there any tricks to keeping a secret?
00:46:57 How can we extract secrets from others?
00:49:57 Part 4: How to multitask like a spy. What is task saturation?
00:51:49 How can I manage my task saturation?
00:59:09 How do emotions sometimes get in our way?
Want to learn more from Andy?
Find your Spy Superpower: https://yt.everydayspy.com/BigThink
Pre-Order Shadow Cell: https://yt.everydayspy.com/4fUwOEO
Follow Andy on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Andrew-Bustamante
Explore Spy School: https://everydayspy.com/
Join the podcast: https://youtube.com/@UCpuzFvHij2JVyMq1CX1qyQQ
Read the video transcript ► https://bigthink.com/series/full-interview/andrew-bustamante/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=youtube_description
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About Andrew Bustamante:
Andrew Bustamante is a former covert CIA intelligence officer and decorated US Air Force combat veteran. In 2017, he founded EverydaySpy.com, the first digital platform teaching real-world intelligence techniques to everyday people. Drawing from his 20 years running human and technical operations globally, Bustamante empowers individuals to break social, financial, and cultural barriers using proven spy skills. He’s a Fortune 10 corporate advisor, cybersecurity expert, and author of "Everyday Espionage: Winning the Workplace and Social Game." Together with his wife Jihi, also a former CIA officer, Andrew hosts the EverydaySpy Podcast.
