True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
SPYSCAPE
True Spies takes you inside the world's greatest espionage and detective operations. Our hosts Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Sophia Di Martino, Daisy Ridley and Rhiannon Neads talk to the real spies behind the missions. What do they know? What are their skills? And what would you do in their position? We explore and investigate real life thrillers, mysteries and crimes - stories that prove truth is stranger than fiction! These stories cover lies, murder, theft, sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. You’ll meet experts from the top intelligence agencies including FBI, CIA, MI5, MI6 (SIS), KGB, GRU, Mossad and many others. You’ll discover characters who spied because of money, ideology, coercion or just plain old ego. And, if you’d like to dig deeper into the world of secrets, and test your own secret intelligence skills, head over to spyscape.com for articles, games, experiences, puzzles and videos.For episodes first and ad-free, subscribe to Spyscape+ at: plus.Spyscape.comA Cup & Nuzzle production. Series producers: Gemma Newby, Joe Foley. Music: Nick Ryan.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 17, 2024 • 46min
The Traitor of Arnhem | WW2
In this engaging discussion, author Robert Verkaik reveals hidden facets of Operation Market Garden and the espionage that led to its catastrophic failure. He unveils tales of betrayal, including the mysterious mole known as Josephine, who played a pivotal role in misleading Allied forces. The podcast delves into the moral dilemmas faced by spies, the shadowy figures behind the scenes, and the eerie circumstances surrounding the death of a key intelligence operative. Each revelation highlights the intertwined fates of loyalty and treachery in wartime.
Sep 10, 2024 • 60min
True Spies: Classic - The Spycatcher | FBI
In this True Spies Classic episode, spy catcher Robert Booth recounts a mission to capture a Cuban agent who had infiltrated the State Department. Robert managed to identify the traitor, but proving Kendall Myers' treachery was another matter entirely.From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Producer David Waters. Series producer Joe Foley. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 3, 2024 • 39min
True Spies: Debriefs - Robert Booth on underestimating Cuba's spies
Robert Booth, an ex-State Department counterintelligence officer and self-described spycatcher, dives into the underestimated threat posed by Cuban spies in America. He discusses the shocking access that Cuban agents, like Manuel Roca, have to sensitive U.S. information. The conversation explores the evolution of espionage techniques and how Cuba uniquely targets the U.S., especially within the Cuban community in Florida. Booth reflects on his own journey in counterintelligence, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal that shape the intricate world of espionage.
Aug 26, 2024 • 46min
Fringe Diplomacy | Investigation
Mickey Bergman, a political prisoner and hostage advocate, shares his insights as the CEO of Global Reach and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He discusses the complex realm of fringe diplomacy, specifically the ongoing negotiations for American detainees in Russia amid rising tensions. Mickey recounts his personal experiences and the emotional weight of these negotiations. He also highlights cases like Trevor Reed and the intertwined fates of Brittany Griner and Paul Whelan, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and urgent calls for justice in international diplomacy.
Aug 20, 2024 • 51min
True Spies: Classic - Fair Game | CIA
Valerie Plame, a former CIA agent, shares her gripping experiences navigating the treacherous waters of espionage and politics. She recounts the perilous moment when her undercover identity was exposed, endangering her family and contacts. Plame discusses the emotional toll of her career, the intricate relationships built with sources, and the ethical dilemmas faced in espionage. She also reflects on the fallout from the Iraq War's intelligence failures and the personal impact of living in the public eye after her secret life as a spy was revealed.
Aug 13, 2024 • 27min
True Spies: Debriefs - Valerie Plame on the future of nuclear Non-Proliferation
Valerie Plame, a famously outed ex-CIA officer, delves into the critical topic of nuclear non-proliferation and global security. She shares insights on the state of the Doomsday Clock and the implications of the impending expiration of the New START treaty. Valerie emphasizes the need for public awareness of nuclear preparedness, critiques current U.S. nuclear policy, and advocates for a collective approach to global tensions. Ultimately, she encourages optimism and action among younger generations to foster a safer future.
Aug 6, 2024 • 36min
Operation Red Sox | CIA
In this insightful discussion, investigative journalist Casey Michel dives into the troubling saga of Operation Red Sox, a covert 1949 mission aimed at undermining Soviet control in Ukraine. He reveals the harrowing challenges faced by CIA agents parachuting into a hostile environment and the stark contrast between American aspirations and the brutal realities on the ground. Michel highlights significant miscalculations, the expertise of Soviet intelligence, and the implications for Cold War dynamics, offering an intriguing look at espionage's darker corners.
Jul 30, 2024 • 56min
True Spies: Classic - The Illegal | KGB
Jack Barsky, a former KGB agent who lived undercover in the U.S., shares his gripping tale of espionage. He recounts his life as a seemingly ordinary American family man while harboring deep secrets. Barsky elaborates on the rigorous training spies undergo, the psychological toll of living a double life, and his emotional struggle between loyalty to the KGB and his American family. His transformative journey highlights the complexities of identity and the unexpected relationships that developed, including ties with the FBI.
Jul 23, 2024 • 40min
True Spies: Debriefs - Jack Barsky on a career after the KGB
Ex-KGB agent Jack Barsky reflects on his espionage career, transition to American citizenship, and lessons learned. Topics include personal growth, relationships, purpose, and love triumphing over challenges.
Jul 16, 2024 • 42min
The Gathering | FBI
Former FBI undercover agent Dana Ridenour discusses infiltrating eco-terrorists, intense FBI training scenarios, challenges faced by undercover agents, and the blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries in espionage.
