Ever wonder what the CIA really does all day? (Besides what you see in movies, which—spoiler alert—isn’t quite accurate.) Join us for the most intriguing Wine & Wisdom yet, where we’ll learn how America’s most secretive agency works... or at least, what they’re willing to tell us.
This edition of Wine & Wisdom it’s an intimate evening where you can ask those burning questions: Do you really have those cool gadgets? What’s the biggest misconception about the CIA? How often do you actually save the world before breakfast?
Michael J. Ard, former CIA analyst and manager, is ready to spill some secrets—the declassified kind, of course. After decades inside Langley’s walls, analyzing everything from Latin American cartels to Middle Eastern politics, he’s here to separate spy fact from Hollywood fiction. Fair warning: you might be slightly disappointed to learn it’s not all car chases and martinis. He’ll debunk myths, confirm a few truths, and maybe leave you with more questions than answers. (He’s still got some secrets to keep.)
What we will uncover over wine:
- The Real CIA: How it actually works when the cameras aren’t rolling (hint: there’s a lot more spreadsheets than shootouts)
- Intelligence 101: The surprisingly complex journey from “someone overheard something” to “Mr. President, we need to talk”
- War Stories: Real cases that shaped history—the victories, the close calls, and yes, the spectacular failures
- Modern Spy Games: Why today’s biggest threats come through fiber optic cables, not briefcases
- The Accountability Question: How do you oversee an agency designed to keep secrets? (It’s complicated)
- Career Day, CIA Edition: What it’s really like to work in intelligence (spoiler: less glamorous than you think, more fascinating than you’d imagine)
Limited spots available because some conversations are best kept… intimate.
PS: No security clearance required, but curiosity is mandatory.
