In this episode of Books That Changed My Life, host Chris Collins sits down with Andrew Bustamante—a former covert CIA officer, Air Force veteran, founder of EverydaySpy, and co-author of Shadow Cell—to talk about the books that shaped his worldview, career, and personal philosophy.
But this time, it’s not just one book. Andrew shares two powerful reads that left a lasting impact on his life: Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card – A sci-fi classic that taught him about leadership, empathy, and strategic thinking under pressure—skills that translated directly into his work in military intelligence and espionage.
Thou Shall Prosper by Rabbi Daniel Lapin – A book that reframed Andrew’s entire understanding of wealth, ethics, and the intersection of faith and finance, especially after leaving government service and building his own business. From battle rooms to boardrooms, Andrew brings a unique lens to both fiction and nonfiction, showing how these two very different books helped him navigate some of the most intense environments on the planet—and build a life of purpose after espionage.
Tune in for a conversation filled with insights on mindset, money, leadership, and the unexpected lessons hiding between the pages.
Want to learn more from Andrew?
- Find your Spy Superpower
- Read Andrew’s CIA book ‘Shadow Cell’
- Follow Andy on YouTube
- Explore Spy School
- Support Andy’s sponsor Axolt Brain
- Listen to the podcast
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