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The Information Advantage

The Citadel SHSS

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/

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21 episodes
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Avg 28 min
English

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Wednesday · 32 min
Episode 32: General Frank McKenzie
Join us for our discussion with General Frank McKenzie, USMC (Ret.), ‘79, The Citadel’s 21st President, as we dive into his background, career, leadership experiences, and vision for The Citadel.
September 23 · 26 min
Episode 31: Dr. Adriana Boersner-Herrera
Join The Citadel’s Latin America expert, Dr. Adriana Boersner-Herrera, as she updates us on the latest policy developments in the region and discusses The Citadel’s next National Security Conference 30 September - 2 October. This is the third year in a row the Political Science and Intelligence & Security Studies Departments are hosting a conference sponsored by the Governor West Chair and outside partners.
September 10 · 58 min
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.
August 26 · 20 min
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
May 1 · 35 min
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 and Jessica Galvin, with additional support provided by Jeff Leonard. The music for this podcast is produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
April 17 · 41 min
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
April 3 · 18 min
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. Air Force Academy). Amanda was also selected as the emcee for the presentation of the annual 'Spirit of Sanremo' award which went to the team from Thailand. Cadets Alexis Van Brocklin and Phipps Fiore won a tie for Silver and Bronze medal, respectively, in the Mixed Team category. Stay tuned for future discussions with the other cadets who participated in the competition. 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
March 20 · 24 min
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
March 6 · 43 min
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 produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
February 20 · 51 min
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 President of RiverTech, LLC, where he oversees a global workforce of over 1,000 employees specializing in information technology, intelligence, and national security mission planning. 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
January 30 · 40 min
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
Dec 5, 2025 · 21 min
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
Oct 28, 2025 · 28 min
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
Oct 24, 2025 · 21 min
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
Oct 10, 2025 · 22 min
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 produced by Bert Jerred: youtube.com/@bertjerred
Sep 19, 2025 · 22 min
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
Apr 24, 2025 · 17 min
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
Apr 10, 2025 · 21 min
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
Mar 27, 2025 · 18 min
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
Mar 13, 2025 · 13 min
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

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