Published Jul 13, 2021

“On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)

CIA operator Karen Schaefer delves into her path to the agency driven by a passion for international affairs, the challenges of balancing personal life and a demanding career, and her compelling operational experiences, offering a candid look into the sacrifices and triumphs in the world of intelligence.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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Dexa/SpyCast

“On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Diversity in Intelligence

Choosing Intelligence Work

Counterterrorism Transition

Acceptance Letter Excitement

Career Reflections

Embracing Diversity

Agility in Adversity

Courage in Adversity

Trust and Impact

Interagency Collaboration

Journey into Intelligence

Career Reflections

Confidence in Execution

Diversity in Leadership

Episode Highlights

Path to CIA

Career Challenges

Operational Experiences

Related Episodes

From the Vault: “On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)

“Special Operations, FBI, NSC, et al” – Serial Collaborator Karen Schaefer (Part 2)

“The Counterintelligence Chief” – with FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler

“The 75th Anniversary of the CIA” – with former Director Robert Gates

A Young Woman on the Front Lines of the Cold War

“Leningrad, Molehunts, and Life After the CIA” - A Conversation with Christopher Burgess

Author Debriefing: The Art of Intelligence: Lessons from a Life in the CIA’s Clandestine Service

Military Intelligence from the Cold War to Cyber War

A Spy in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard

“CIA Case Officer, Cyber Entrepreneur, Burning Man Volunteer” – with Mike Susong (Part 1 of 2)

Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and the Iraq War

So, A KGB Spy & A Navy Intel Guy Walk Into a Bar…Jack Barsky & Keith Mahoney

Intelligence in a War Zone (Melissa Mahle)

“The Third Option” – US Covert Action with Loch Johnson (Part 2 of 2)

The CIA and the End of the Cold War

“On the Streets, Location Unknown” - CIA Operator Karen Schaefer (Part I)

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Path to CIAKaren Schaefer, a seasoned CIA operator, reveals her motivations for joining the intelligence community and her initial experiences in the agency. Her story is marked by a passion for international affairs and a desire to make a meaningful impact.

Path to CIA

Career ChallengesKaren Schaefer shares her experiences balancing personal life with a demanding intelligence career and addressing diversity challenges within the CIA. Her reflections highlight the personal sacrifices and institutional changes that have shaped her journey.

Career Challenges

Operational ExperiencesKaren Schaefer shares her experiences as a CIA operator, highlighting significant missions and strategic decision-making. Her stories reveal the challenges and triumphs of intelligence work, showcasing her resilience and dedication.

Operational Experiences

Related Episodes