The Team House The First Female CIA Officer in Moscow, The Widow Spy | Marti Peterson (throwback episode)
Dec 10, 2025
Marti Peterson, the first female CIA officer in Moscow and author of *The Widow Spy*, shares gripping tales from her Cold War career. She recounts her harrowing capture by the KGB and the psychological toll of espionage. Marti discusses recruiting a top Soviet asset and the alarming signs of his compromise. She reveals the dramatic circumstances of her arrest and the interrogation that followed. With insider insights, she highlights the dangers and human cost of intelligence work, while reflecting on her enduring legacy.
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From Widow To Career Case Officer
- Marty Peterson joined the CIA after her Green Beret husband John died in Laos and stepped into his mission-driven world.
- She trained, learned Russian, and built a 32-year CIA career starting from that personal loss.
John’s Fatal HLZ Mission
- John Peterson landed with his troops in an HLZ and his helicopter was shot down; he died badly burned.
- Marty described the immediate aftermath, grief, and the small community memorials in Laos.
Breaking Institutional Barriers
- Women faced systematic barriers into operations roles but internal advocates and persistence could open doors.
- Marty emphasized credentials, experience, and refusing 'girl' roles to win operational assignments.
