Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs S10 Ep5: Train Like a Spy with SpyQ
Sep 29, 2025
James Foster, a trainer in influence, elicitation and memory techniques, and Gavin Stone, a former British intelligence trainer, discuss SpyQ — a civilian training that condenses tradecraft into practical skills. They cover elicitation, deception detection, resilience, behavioural profiling, memory training, interactive exercises and how the program adapts classified methods for everyday use.
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Elite Tradecraft Translated For Civilians
- SpyQ condenses elite intelligence psychological training into civilian-usable frameworks.
- Gavin Stone adapted strategies from MI6, CIA, Mossad and contractor experience to teach mental resilience and influence for everyday goals.
Werewolf Game Shows Power Of Insider Knowledge
- Gavin demonstrated the power of insider information with the Werewolf game used for recruits and operatives.
- He taps select people as werewolves who then privately coordinate kills, showing how insider knowledge collapses groups quickly.
Elicit Information With Statements Not Questions
- Use elicitation not direct questioning to get sensitive information.
- James Foster explains making statements and using positive association to link desired behaviors to identities the target values.