Forget What You’ve Been Taught: Building Trust Beats Chasing Confessions with Mark Anderson

In this episode, Dave Thompson and Mark Anderson explore the evolution of investigative interviewing, emphasizing the shift from confession-driven tactics to truth-seeking approaches. They discuss the pressures investigators face, the importance of recording interviews, and how bias can influence both interviews and forensic evidence. Mark also shares personal experiences that highlight the value of strategic empathy, teamwork, and continuous learning in modern investigations.

The conversation also examines the foundations of effective interviewing, including trauma awareness, active listening, planning, and preparation. Mark explains how sincerity and credibility help build trust, while strong communication skills improve outcomes across law enforcement, business, and everyday interactions. The episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to enhance their interviewing, leadership, and relationship-building skills.

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Podcast Al McBride: Dealing With Goliath

In this episode, investigative interviewing expert Mark Anderson explains that effective interviews and negotiations rely on rapport, authenticity, and psychologically sound communication. He notes that many professionals still use outdated, confrontational methods, while modern approaches focus on building trust, encouraging open dialogue, and using open-ended questions to gather deeper insights.

Anderson also emphasizes self-awareness and integrity as essential for interviewers and negotiators. By staying authentic and ethically influencing conversations, professionals can increase the quality of information, build credibility, and approach interactions with empathy, making interviewing a learnable and strategic skill.

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Cultivating Creativity in Investigations with Colton Seale & Mark Anderson

In this episode of Fraudish, investigative interviewing experts Mark Anderson and Colton Seale share how psychology, empathy, and creativity help uncover the truth.

Colton recounts a kidnapping case from his FBI career, while Mark explains why building genuine human connections leads to more truthful interviews.

They discuss cognitive interviewing, behavioral science, trust-building, and practical techniques investigators can use to improve interviewing and fraud detection outcomes.

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Episode 78 Mark A. Anderson

Mark A. Anderson is Director of Training at Anderson Investigative Associates (AIA), a firm specializing in customized training for investigators and audit professionals. A retired Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ/OIG), he previously served as Program Manager and Instructor at the Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy (IGCIA) at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC).There, he managed and taught advanced interviewing and fraud investigation programs for Inspector General investigators and auditors.

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Persuasion Secrets When the Stakes Are High

In this episode, we explore persuasion in its most critical form—not to sell, but to uncover the truth. Our guest, Mark Anderson, is an investigative interviewing expert who trains law enforcement, HR, and compliance professionals to navigate high-stakes conversations involving accountability, misconduct, and potential criminal consequences.

We discuss the science of ethical influence, the power of active listening, and how trust, empathy, and effective questioning lead to better outcomes. Mark also shares practical lessons business leaders can apply to strengthen communication, leadership, and integrity.

Learn more about Mark at andersoninvestigative.com.

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The Great Prison Contraband Adventure

Two years from retirement, federal correctional officer Paul John appeared to have a successful career—until his secrets surfaced. He smuggled contraband cell phones into prison, hosted after-hours pizza parties for favored inmates, and was accused of coercing an inmate into a sexual relationship.

In Episode 28, The Great Prison Contraband Adventure, I speak with Mark Anderson, Director of Training at Anderson Investigative Associates and a retired Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. Mark’s distinguished career also includes service with the FBI and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He holds degrees in chemistry and forensic chemistry and has taught as an adjunct instructor at colleges in Pennsylvania.

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Earn the Right to Ask Questions | Mark Anderson

In this episode, Mark Anderson shares practical strategies for having high-value conversations that build trust and uncover the truth. We discuss the importance of being fully present, asking effective questions, practicing active listening, and managing personal biases. Mark explains how these skills strengthen communication, improve leadership, and lead to more meaningful professional and personal relationships.

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Interrogation trainer shares what really works (and why "reading people" doesn't)

In this episode, interrogation expert Mark Anderson challenges common myths about body language and deception detection. He explains why stress-related behaviors are often mistaken for signs of guilt, how confirmation bias can derail investigations, and why “reading people” is far less reliable than many believe.

Instead, Mark shares evidence-based interviewing techniques that actually work: active listening, effective questioning, conversation management, and building genuine rapport. Drawing on stories from his career, he demonstrates how empathy and curiosity can uncover critical information and lead to better outcomes in high-stakes interviews.

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What Matters in the Room

In this episode of Matters of Consequence, host Michael Hanf sits down with Mark Anderson to reflect on his three decades as a federal senior special agent. Beyond investigating cases, Mark shares how meaningful conversations can influence lives, shape decisions, and leave lasting impressions long after an interview ends.

Together, they explore the themes of integrity, leadership, and the challenges of driving cultural change from within an organization. The conversation offers thoughtful insights into the human side of investigations and the enduring impact of trust, accountability, and connection.

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Testimonials

Mark’s training classes are a refreshing and engaging approach to gathering pertinent evidence during the interviewing process. Mark is extremely engaging and knowledgeable and presents the material in a way that draws the audience in.
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPI
Elizabeth L. Sherrod, CFE, LPICEO Sherrod Investigative Group, LLC Seminar Coordinator and Past President of the Knoxville ACFE
Mark’s training is engaging, approachable, and genuinely enjoyable, yet firmly grounded in the latest science.
Anthony Palmieri
Anthony PalmieriDeputy Inspector General | President, Palm Beach Economic Crimes Unit | Former President, National Guardianship Association
Mark has a myriad of law enforcement and public corruption investigation experience accumulated over many years that make him one of the highest rated instructors at the AIG Institutes. It is instructors of this caliber that help make the CIGI certification so valuable.
Stephen Street
Stephen StreetLouisiana State Inspector General
Mark Anderson is a vibrant, entertaining, engaging and knowledgeable speaker. The Jacksonville ACFE has had Mark speak at many of our engagements over the past few years. His style which includes stories, videos and audio clips to demonstrate points keeps the audience involved and leaves them wanting more no matter the length of the event.
Andrea ValentinVP Prepaid FIU at FSV Payment Systems (US Bank)
Mr. Anderson is uniquely qualified to develop and deliver interviewing and interrogation training to new and experienced criminal investigators, administrative investigators, auditors, inspectors, evaluators and other professionals charged with oversight, investigative, and law enforcement duties.
Robert RayDirector, Inspector General Criminal Investigator Academy
During Mark's tenure at the IG Academy, he managed or contributed significantly to the delivery of a majority of our training programs. Mark's expertise in investigative interviewing sets him apart. Mark is an outstanding and enthusiastic instructor who often received very favorable comments on his instruction and classroom management from both students and colleagues.
Angela HrdlickaIndependent Management, Security and Law Enforcement Consultant; Evernote Certified Consultant
I attended a training conducted by Mark regarding Ethics and Advanced Interviewing. By far, one of the best trainings I have received. Mark was engaging and knowledgeable on these issues. If you require investigations, interrogations, or interviewing training (to name a few) for your organization, I would highly recommend you contact Mark - immediately.
Julie HolladayInvestigator at TriCenturion
Our instructors are evaluated by the students who attend the Institute on a scale of 1 to 5. Mark has consistently received evaluations with an average score exceeding 4.5. He has been universally well received. He is an expert in his field and he delivers his lectures in an highly engaging, energetic and interactive way. He is certainly one of the highlights for our investigators during the week of training.
Philip ZismanJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice, Department of Public Management
Mark is without question one of the most technically qualified, knowledgeable, and dynamic trainers in the field of interviewing I have ever witnessed. As a certified trainer with nearly three decades of experience as an investigator, he possesses the hands on skill-set to present interviewing techniques in the most proficient and educational way thereby allowing the students to gain invaluable knowledge.
Tom CaulfieldCOO, Procurement Integrity Consulting Services
"Without a doubt, some of the best interviewing training I've ever seen and sent my detectives to. Mark has the innate gift of interviewing, but what makes him especially good his how his practices, styles, and trainings evolve as he learns more from science-based information then applies it to the field."
Brian PeeteDirector, Riley County Police Department
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FAQ

ask us anything

Anderson Investigative Associates (AIA) is a professional training organization specializing in customized, science-based interview and investigative training for organizations across law enforcement, corporate, audit, human resources, and inspection sectors.

AIA offers training in human resources interviewing, investigative interviewing, audit/inspection/evaluation, leadership and communication, trauma-informed interviewing, cognitive interviewing, evidence collection techniques, and more — all customized to client needs.

Science-based interviewing refers to methodologies rooted in cognitive psychology and behavioral science research that improve information accuracy, reduce investigative bias, and enhance the quality of interviews and investigations.

AIA’s training is designed for professionals in law enforcement, auditing, internal investigations, human resources, corporate security, inspection, evaluation, and other roles where effective information gathering and interviewing are critical.

Yes. AIA specializes in fully customized training solutions tailored to an organization’s specific operational requirements, training gaps, culture, and investigative challenges.

Training can be structured in various formats — from one-day workshops to multi-day immersive courses — and includes interactive exercises, realistic scenarios, and hands-on practice.

Some courses include Cognitive Interviewing, Counter-Interrogation Strategies, Science-Based Rapport Building, Strategic Interview Planning, Evidence Disclosure and Strategic Empathy, and Advanced Trauma-Informed Interviewing.

Science-based approaches improve investigative outcomes by maximizing the reliability and accuracy of information obtained, minimizing bias, and creating defensible methods suitable for legal and professional scrutiny.

Yes. AIA provides training tailored to human resources professionals for employee interviews, misconduct investigations, conflict resolution, and documentation practices that align with legal and organizational standards.

You can contact AIA through their website’s Contact page or by calling their office number provided on the site.