In this enthralling discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jake Halpern, known for his work on the Pushkin podcast Deep Cover, unpacks the complex life of Esther Reed, a woman ensnared in a web of deception. Halpern reflects on the chilling parallels between Reed and Mata Hari, exploring how media sensationalism twists narratives. The podcast dives deep into the psychological toll of living a double life, examining the intricacies of identity, societal biases, and the consequences of seemingly innocent lies.