February 18, 2026
Inside Cold Zero: Brad Thor on Intelligence Operations Gone Wrong
Connect with us wherever you get your podcasts
In this episode
Fred Burton sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Thor to discuss his latest thriller, Cold Zero. Centered on a CIA extraction gone wrong in the Arctic Circle, the novel explores the realities of modern intelligence operations, global competition, and high-stakes decision-making under extreme pressure. Thor shares the real-world inspiration behind the book, his collaboration with former fighter pilot Ward Larson to ensure operational accuracy, and how today’s fragmented threat environment shaped the story’s geopolitical tensions. The conversation also examines the human element of intelligence work — from trust between allies to making critical calls without complete information.
Order Cold Zero here.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter here.
What you’ll learn
01
How real-world intelligence tradecraft and CIA extraction operations inspired Cold Zero
02
What happens when intelligence operations go wrong — and how leaders make decisions with incomplete information
03
Why trust between partners is the foundation of effective connected intelligence in today’s threat landscape
More about our guest
Brad Thor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five thrillers, is renowned for his deep expertise in intelligence, special operations, and terrorism. His novels, such as Spymaster and Blowback, have been praised for their authenticity and insight into real-world threats. Thor was recruited into the Department of Homeland Security’s elite Red Cell program, where he brainstormed terrorist scenarios for the U.S. government. His extensive research includes traveling the globe, including shadowing a black ops team in Afghanistan, which brings unparalleled realism to his writing.
Connect with Brad
