Today, we’re talking about something that’s kind of a big deal, but most people have never heard of it. Here’s a few hints. It’s embedded in thousands of systems, including more than a billion smartphones for mobile navigation apps. It’s critical for the military and commercial uses around the world and is the standard for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defense, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the International Hydrographic Organization. It supports navigation for submarines, satellites and aircraft, while also informing operational logistics, like the numbering of runways. And, beyond navigation, it ensures precise orientation that supports applications and industries as diverse of energy and telecommunications. If you haven’t guessed what it is yet -- we don’t blame you. We’re talking about the world magnetic model.

Episode 36: Get to know the world magnetic model

Bundle up. We’re heading back to the Cold War to reflect on the Cuban Missile Crisis — a pivotal moment for an NGA heritage organization, the National Photographic Interpretation Center, or NPIC. We’ll also be tuning into some remarks given by NGA historian Dr. Gary Weir at an agency commemoration event this past October at NGA’s Springfield, Virginia, campus.

Episode 35: Perspectives on the Cuban Missile Crisis from NGA's historian

It’s not often that you get to celebrate a sesquicentennial, but that’s just what the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency did this fall at its Springfield, Virginia, campus. For 150 years, the Notice to Mariners has kept navigators and shipmasters informed with the most current navigational information. The average observer would be forgiven for not knowing the notice even exists. Vessels navigating safely rarely make headlines. Notice to Mariners have neither dramatic moments nor hair-raising adventures. Yet for 150 years, every American ship officer, reflecting on a safely completed voyage, owes a piece of that to the men and women behind the Notice to Mariners. Today, NGA’s Maritime Safety Office has the responsibility to provide accurate charts and publications, including the Notice to Mariners, to support safety of navigation.

Episode 34: A maritime achievement 150 years in the making

It's no secret that the Intelligence Community has long reflected a single demographic. And, while change doesn't happen overnight - especially in government - diversity and inclusion has moved to the forefront within the community and is viewed as a mission critical priority for the IC, even finding its way into the National Intelligence Strategy of the United States, released earlier this year. Who better to talk about one facet of that diversity conversation - women leading in the IC - than former NGA Director Letitia Long? On this episode of the Geointeresting Podcast, we're talking about the current state of women in the IC, taking mentorship to the next level and what is most exciting about where the geospatial industry is heading.

It's no secret that the Intelligence Community has long reflected a single demographic. And, while change doesn't happen overnight - especially in government - diversity and inclusion has moved to the forefront within the community and is viewed as a mission critical priority for the IC, even finding its way into the National Intelligence Strategy of the United States, released earlier this year. Who better to talk about one facet of that diversity conversation - women leading in the IC - than former NGA Director Letitia Long? On this episode of the Geointeresting Podcast, we're talking about the current state of women in the IC, taking mentorship to the next level and what is most exciting about where the geospatial industry is heading.

Episode 33: A conversation with former NGA Director Letitia A. Long

We're talking tech in St. Louis with T-REX Executive Director Patty Hagen. Tune in for a look (or listen) at the exciting geospatial transformation happening in St. Louis. We're also answering one of our most burning questions -- just how did T-REX get its name? Spoiler alert: It's not what you think!

Episode 32: Perspectives on the St. Louis geospatial ecosystem with T-REX's executive director

Today on the podcast you will hear from two women in NGA’s Research directorate — one running the research and development portfolio for NGA and a scientist discovering the latest in hyperspectral signatures. NGA’s Director of Research Cindy Daniell and research scientist Jennifer Durdall might be at different stages of their career but are strong advocates for women in the STEM field.

Episode 31: A conversation with NGA Research Director and NGA research scientist

NGA explores the cartographic legacy of president, general and surveyor George Washington through an interview with Joseph Stoltz, Ph.D., digital historian at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon.According to Stoltz, as the third-born son, Washington knew he would need to find a practical career for himself and an encounter with the book “Art of Surveying and Measuring Land” helped solidify his future career path -- first as a surveyor, then as a military officer.

NGA explores the cartographic legacy of president, general and surveyor George Washington through an interview with Joseph Stoltz, Ph.D., digital historian at the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington at Mount Vernon. According to Stoltz, as the third-born son, Washington knew he would need to find a practical career for himself and an encounter with the book “Art of Surveying and Measuring Land” helped solidify his future career path -- first as a surveyor, then as a military officer.

Episode 30: President, general, surveyor & NGA employee #1 - George Washington

Space-based GEOINT capabilities help provide U.S. defense officials and policymakers understanding of adversaries and world events. But the user base for these capabilities goes far beyond the military and intelligence community.Through the Civil Applications Committee, federal agencies and entities can leverage these capabilities for many different domestic and international applications.Listen up to learn about NGA's role in the CAC and how the CAC is providing some much needed support to the State of Hawaii, in the wake of the Kilauea volcano eruption.

Space-based GEOINT capabilities help provide U.S. defense officials and policymakers understanding of adversaries and world events. But the user base for these capabilities goes far beyond the military and intelligence community. Through the Civil Applications Committee, federal agencies and entities can leverage these capabilities for many different domestic and international applications. Listen up to learn about NGA's role in the CAC and how the CAC is providing some much needed support to the State of Hawaii, in the wake of the Kilauea volcano eruption.

Episode 29: Civil applications of intelligence data - How NGA supports disaster relief and more

Following the end of World War II, the United States was in the midst of an intense Space Race with the Soviet Union. The American people were inspired to support the Apollo mission - to be the first to land a man on the moon. This goal to reach uncharted territory required Americans to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and live up to their pioneering heritage.Many of those pushing the scientific envelope worked for the Air Force’s Aeronautical Chart and Information Center and the Army Map Service, both NGA predecessor organizations. Today, lunar exploration is still going strong at NASA. Listen up as NGA Historian Gary Weir, Ph.D., NGA alumnus Al Anderson and NASA lunar geologist Noah Petro, Ph.D. talk about the nation's journey to land a man on the moon, and how far lunar reconnaissance has come since then.

Following the end of World War II, the United States was in the midst of an intense Space Race with the Soviet Union. The American people were inspired to support the Apollo mission - to be the first to land a man on the moon. This goal to reach uncharted territory required Americans to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and live up to their pioneering heritage. Many of those pushing the scientific envelope worked for the Air Force’s Aeronautical Chart and Information Center and the Army Map Service, both NGA predecessor organizations. Today, lunar exploration is still going strong at NASA. Listen up as NGA Historian Gary Weir, Ph.D., NGA alumnus Al Anderson and NASA lunar geologist Noah Petro, Ph.D. talk about the nation's journey to land a man on the moon, and how far lunar reconnaissance has come since then.

Episode 28: NGA & NASA Map the Moon

The 2018 Winter Olympics are nearly here - and we couldn't be more excited to cheer on Team USA. Even before the Opening Ceremony kicks off the Games, Team NGA works behind the scenes to provide GEOINT to the host country, helping ensure the safety of the global athletes and spectators. 	Learn more about NGA's support to the Olympics and other special events - and make sure to stay tuned in after our analysts talk - you'll want to hear the inspiring story of NGA's own Helen Stephens - Olympic athlete and then, librarian at NGA predecessor organization, the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center in St. Louis.

The 2018 Winter Olympics are nearly here - and we couldn't be more excited to cheer on Team USA. Even before the Opening Ceremony kicks off the Games, Team NGA works behind the scenes to provide GEOINT to the host country, helping ensure the safety of the global athletes and spectators. 	 Learn more about NGA's support to the Olympics and other special events - and make sure to stay tuned in after our analysts talk - you'll want to hear the inspiring story of NGA's own Helen Stephens - Olympic athlete and then, librarian at NGA predecessor organization, the Aeronautical Chart and Information Center in St. Louis.

Episode 27: NGA's Olympic Legacy

Geointeresting is the official podcast of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Geointeresting features conversations with innovators, explorers and pathfinders. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency delivers world-class geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT, that provides a decisive advantage to warfighters, policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. Both an intelligence agency and combat support agency, NGA fulfills the president’s national security priorities in partnership with the intelligence community and the Department of Defense.Transcriptions of Geointeresting can be found at https://www.nga.mil/MediaRoom/Pages/Geointeresting-Podcast.aspx.

Geointeresting is a surprising source of interesting interviews and topics. Consider me a fan.

Surprises abound

A great way to get the word out about the power of GEOINT. Good for morning commutes!

Powerful

Geointeresting is the official podcast of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Geointeresting features conversations with innovators, explorers and pathfinders. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency delivers world-class geospatial intelligence, or GEOINT, that provides a decisive advantage to warfighters, policymakers, warfighters, intelligence professionals and first responders. Both an intelligence agency and combat support agency, NGA fulfills the president’s national security priorities in partnership with the intelligence community and the Department of Defense. Transcriptions of Geointeresting can be found at <a href="https://www.nga.mil/MediaRoom/Pages/Geointeresting-Podcast.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nga.mil/MediaRoom/Pages/Geointeresting-Podcast.aspx</a>.

Geointeresting

Michael V. Hayden

Geointeresting talks to former director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, U.S. Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden. In this podcast, Gen. Hayden  discusses innovation, leadership and transparency in the intelligence community.

Episode 10: Former director of the CIA and NSA, Michael V. Hayden

Darren McDew

In need of a little motivation? The latest Geointeresting podcast features U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren W. McDew, commander, U.S. Transportation Command. McDew participated in the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency director's distinguished speaker series Sept. 7. At the event, McDew spoke about leadership and the importance of thanking colleagues for their work.

Episode 15: U.S. Air Force Gen. Darren McDew, commander U.S. Transportation Command

Paul Morin, director of the Polar Geospatial Center at University of Minnesota, talked with Geointeresting about the advances in mapping the Arctic and Alaska through the creation of digital elevation models, and with the help of NGA and the National Science Foundation. Upon completion, this collaborative mapping effort, established following President Obama's Jan. 2015 Executive Order, "Enhancing Coordination of National Efforts in the Arctic," will encompass all land area north of 60 degrees north latitude.

Episode 18: Mapping the Arctic with the director of the Polar Geospatial Center

Dmitri Henry

"Geospatial products are the bedrock of what we do."Director of Intelligence, United States Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Dimitri Henry, sits down with Geointeresting to discuss national security, cyberwarfare and leadership from his perspective and experience; Henry is the Marine Corps’ top intelligence official whose career spans 36 years. As the Marine Corps commandant’s principal intelligence staff officer, Henry’s role includes formulating policy for intelligence, counterintelligence and electronic warfare for the Marine Corps. “I have had NGA representatives on all my deployments, NGA has always been a part of [what] Marines have done, and their [NGA] products are things you can see,” said Henry, during NGA's Marine Corps birthday celebration Nov.7  at the Springfield, Virginia campus. “I can tell you, a grunt or a pilot would rather have a map to be ‘shown the way’.”

"Geospatial products are the bedrock of what we do." Director of Intelligence, United States Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Dimitri Henry, sits down with Geointeresting to discuss national security, cyberwarfare and leadership from his perspective and experience; Henry is the Marine Corps’ top intelligence official whose career spans 36 years. As the Marine Corps commandant’s principal intelligence staff officer, Henry’s role includes formulating policy for intelligence, counterintelligence and electronic warfare for the Marine Corps. “I have had NGA representatives on all my deployments, NGA has always been a part of [what] Marines have done, and their [NGA] products are things you can see,” said Henry, during NGA's Marine Corps birthday celebration Nov.7 at the Springfield, Virginia campus. “I can tell you, a grunt or a pilot would rather have a map to be ‘shown the way’.”

Episode 26: Director of Intelligence, United States Marine Corps, Brig. Gen. Dmitri Henry

Stacey Dixon

In the latest Geointeresting podcast we sat down with Dr. Stacey Dixon, deputy director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity.  She talks to us about her efforts to advance women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering; the future of technology in the intelligence community; and what she believes are characteristics of a great leader. Bonus! By listening to this podcast you will also learn why many IARPA research projects reference Tolkien!

In the latest Geointeresting podcast we sat down with Dr. Stacey Dixon, deputy director of the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity. She talks to us about her efforts to advance women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering; the future of technology in the intelligence community; and what she believes are characteristics of a great leader. Bonus! By listening to this podcast you will also learn why many IARPA research projects reference Tolkien!

Episode 24: Dr. Stacey Dixon, IARPA deputy director

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's 2nd Street campus in St. Louis is headquarters to the majority of NGA West employees. And some say there are other ... inhabitants roaming the halls.Sandy, an NGA cartographer, has been giving tours to new employees of NGA's West Campus for several years. She details some of the rich history of the 2nd Street campus, dating back to the time before it was the St. Louis Arsenal, most notably used during the Civil War. Learn more about the St. Louis Arsenal at NGA West here: http://www.ngaalumni.org/resources/ArsenalPDFsmall.pdfThrough her tours, Sandy has heard employee stories of things going bump on the night shift. She shares these stories on tours to raise money for the Combined Federal Campaign. Today, Sandy takes us on our own NCW ghost tour. Join us, won't you? There's always room for one more.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's 2nd Street campus in St. Louis is headquarters to the majority of NGA West employees. And some say there are other ... inhabitants roaming the halls. Sandy, an NGA cartographer, has been giving tours to new employees of NGA's West Campus for several years. She details some of the rich history of the 2nd Street campus, dating back to the time before it was the St. Louis Arsenal, most notably used during the Civil War. Learn more about the St. Louis Arsenal at NGA West here: <a href="http://www.ngaalumni.org/resources/ArsenalPDFsmall.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ngaalumni.org/resources/ArsenalPDFsmall.pdf</a> Through her tours, Sandy has heard employee stories of things going bump on the night shift. She shares these stories on tours to raise money for the Combined Federal Campaign. Today, Sandy takes us on our own NCW ghost tour. Join us, won't you? There's always room for one more.

Episode 25: Ghost Stories at the St. Louis Arsenal

Vint Cerf

Vint Cerf, one of the “fathers of the Internet” discusses his role in its creation  and the impact it has had on the world. In the late 1960s Vint Cerf was part of the team that developed the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, or ARPANet. It continued to expand due to the creation of the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP, which sets standards for how data could be transmitted between multiple networks. In 1983, ARPANET adopted TCP/IP and a network of networks was created that became the modern Internet. Cerf sat down with Geointeresting to share his experience as both a government and a tech industry employee and offer insight on why taking risks and sharing information is vital to success.

Vint Cerf, one of the “fathers of the Internet” discusses his role in its creation and the impact it has had on the world. In the late 1960s Vint Cerf was part of the team that developed the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, or ARPANet. It continued to expand due to the creation of the Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol, or TCP/IP, which sets standards for how data could be transmitted between multiple networks. In 1983, ARPANET adopted TCP/IP and a network of networks was created that became the modern Internet. Cerf sat down with Geointeresting to share his experience as both a government and a tech industry employee and offer insight on why taking risks and sharing information is vital to success.

Episode 23: Vint Cerf - Innovator, risk taker, Internet pioneer

Geointeresting sits down with two National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency interns from this past summer to discuss their unique experiences as interns in the intelligence community. They are also joined by one of the agency's student programs managers for some helpful tips to becoming an intern at the agency. Interested in learning more about NGA's internship program or applying? Visit: https://www.nga.mil/Careers/StudentOpp

Geointeresting sits down with two National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency interns from this past summer to discuss their unique experiences as interns in the intelligence community. They are also joined by one of the agency's student programs managers for some helpful tips to becoming an intern at the agency. Interested in learning more about NGA's internship program or applying? Visit: <a href="https://www.nga.mil/Careers/StudentOpp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nga.mil/Careers/StudentOpp</a>

Episode 13: What is it like to be an intern at NGA?

Alex Kent, Ph.D., professor of cartography and geographic information at Canterbury Christ Church University, and John Davies, a lifelong map lover and collector, recently sat down with NGA’s Geointeresting podcast team to talk about Cold War-era Soviet mapmaking and its impact on modern-day cartography.

Episode 16: Mapmaking behind the Iron Curtain

Yudhijit Bhattacharjee

Recently, author and journalist Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, visited NGA's Springfield, Virginia, campus and told the story of Brian Regan, a former signals intelligence officer who stole over 20,000 pieces of classified information. Regan's story is anything but typical. He was able to elude and stump and authorities long after he was caught due to nearly unbreakable cryptological code he developed. This is not just a story of code breaking and espionage, but also the human side of Regan.

Episode 19: Journalist, author Yudhijit Bhattacharjee on a little known tale of espionage

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Deputy Director Sue Gordon and NGA’s Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. “UV” Linda Urrutia-Varhall, sat down with the agency’s Geointeresting podcast to talk about women's equality, leadership and some of their personal experiences.

Episode 12: Agency leaders reflect on Women's Equality Day

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Best Parenting Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!