True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics Tradecraft, Part 10
Jan 6, 2026
Neil Bisson, a retired Canadian intelligence officer, discusses the complexities of mobile debriefs and counter-terrorism. Journalist Steve Vogel shares the thrilling tale of Operation Gold, detailing the covert Berlin Tunnel used to tap Soviet lines. Claire Mulley unveils the remarkable story of Agent Zoe, a female resistance fighter in WWII, who utilized clever tradecraft to evade capture and smuggle critical information. Each guest brings a unique lens to the intricate world of spy techniques and history.
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Real Q Branch Inspired James Bond Gadgets
- MI9 created real-life Q Branch gadgets like thumbnail compasses hidden in uniform buttons and disguised boots to aid escape and evasion.
- Christopher Clayton Hutton mass-produced tiny, concealed tools that directly inspired Fleming-style spy gadgets.
Concealment Beats Complexity In Gadgets
- Effective gadget design focused on concealment and practicality rather than novelty, making tools undetectable under scrutiny.
- MI9 iterated simple fixes like detachable boot tops and reverse-screwing buttons to evade enemy searches.
Make Mobile Debriefs Fast And Comfortable
- Build rapid rapport and comfort quickly during mobile debriefs to elicit useful intelligence within limited time.
- Keep exchanges succinct, set clear tasking, and manage environmental risks like checkpoints or IEDs.
