The Spy Who

Jack Barsky was arguably one of the most successful and enduring of the "Illegals”. These were the Soviet and Russian operatives who seamlessly integrated into American society while covertly serving their handlers in Moscow. But as Jack started a family in his new country, the weight of his double life began to take its toll. Talking to actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson, Jack delves into his remarkable journey from Soviet KGB agent to devoted American family man, taking us inside his daring decision to fake his own death to escape his handlers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time’s running out to arrest the illegals, but before the FBI can bust them it needs the okay from President Barack Obama. However, it means trashing the president’s plan to make nice with Russia.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the undercover Russian spies making moves to get closer to Hilary Clinton, Moscow sends a new illegal to America: Anna Chapman. And she’s on a mission to wow Manhattan.Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 1999, deep-cover Russian spies infiltrate American suburbs, throwing the FBI into a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse. The story dives into Anna Chapman and her fellow operatives, revealing their double lives, personal sacrifices, and the complex emotions tied to espionage. As surveillance intensifies, love and deception intertwine, painting a vivid portrait of life under cover. A honeymooning couple's idyllic moments are juxtaposed with shadowy investigations, highlighting the intricate dance of spies amidst ordinary life.

Krzysztof Kosior, great-grandson of the heroic Witold Pilecki, shares captivating family stories about his ancestor, who bravely infiltrated Auschwitz. He opens up about the complexity of Witold’s identity as a soldier and spy and reflects on the emotional weight of family legacy amidst historical trauma. Listeners also hear about the romantic tales interwoven with tragedy and loss during WWII, along with the struggle for recognition faced by the Pilecki family due to political suppression after the war.

Witold Pilecki confronts the harrowing realities of Auschwitz while grappling with a mission that seems increasingly futile. As resistance efforts fall on deaf ears, despair brews among those trying to broadcast the camp's horrors. The emotional aftermath of a family's arrival underscores the dire conditions within. Daring escape plans come to life, revealing the dangers entwined with the desperate quest for freedom. Ultimately, the podcast sheds light on the legacy of heroism amidst the shadows of historical silence.

Discover the gripping story of Witold Pilecki, a Polish spy infiltrating Auschwitz in March 1941. He navigates the perilous dynamics of trust while gathering intelligence and fostering resistance among inmates. As tension escalates with the threat of exposure, Pilecki faces the grim realities of camp life and the challenges of deception. His daring efforts to uplift fellow prisoners amid despair reveal a relentless fight for hope and a desperate plan to expose the atrocities occurring behind the gates.

Witold Pilecki, a Polish soldier known for his extraordinary bravery, chose to infiltrate Auschwitz to unveil its horrific truths. He shares his harrowing journey, detailing how he adopted the alias Tomasz Serafinski before entering the notorious camp. Pilecki highlights the resilience of those fighting against oppression and the stark transformation of Auschwitz into a death camp. Through personal anecdotes and historical context, he sheds light on the daunting challenges he faced while trying to organize resistance among the imprisoned.

Aimen Dean, a former MI6 spy with eight years inside Al-Qaeda and author of "Nine Lives," shares his gripping journey from undercover operative to counter-terrorism. He reveals why he chose to work for Britain over the U.S. and reflects on the harrowing moment his cover was blown. Dean humorously contrasts real-life espionage with its glamorous portrayals in media. He also delves into the emotional toll on spies and the delicate balance of compassion in hostile environments, while navigating the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.

Eamon Dean, a former MI6 agent who infiltrated al-Qaeda, shares gripping tales from his perilous past. He discusses a chilling plot against the New York Subway, highlighting the complexities of loyalty and betrayal in espionage. Dean reveals the emotional toll of his double life and the tragic stories of young jihadists ensnared by radical beliefs. His reflections on danger and deception draw listeners into the dark world of intelligence work, where the line between right and wrong often blurs.