Oleg Penkovsky, a complex and controversial spy, grabs the spotlight alongside Tristan Donovan, a writer and executive producer, and Jack Basu-Mellish, host of the LSE Cold War Podcast. They dive deep into Penkovsky's motives—heroic or egotistical? The conversation also covers the Cold War's lasting global impact and the critical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Listeners will gain insights on intelligence interpretation and the importance of communication in diplomacy, all while pondering the reliability of history.