The Spy Who

Charlotte Philby interviews Andrew Lycett, the biographer of Ian Fleming, about the other real life spies that inspired his most famous character: James Bond - including the flamboyant Biffy Dunderdale, the urbane Sir Peter Smithers and evenIan Fleming’s own escapades. But who is the most James Bond of all?Listen to The Spy Who on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/the-spy-who/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dive into the thrilling world of espionage where British intelligence crafts an elaborate ruse to mislead the Nazis before D-Day. Meet Duško Popov, the audacious double agent whose chutzpah is critical for Operation Fortitude's success. Experience the tension of undercover confrontations and the dangerous chess game of loyalty and deception. Explore the fascinating post-war life of a spy and discover how these covert operations influenced literature and culture in unexpected ways.

Dive into the whirlwind of the AOL-Time Warner merger, once hailed as a dream collaboration. Discover the ambitious hopes that quickly spiraled into chaos as leadership faced declining stock prices and growing investor fears. The podcast reveals the high-stakes creativity and desperate measures taken to push the merger through, raising eyebrows with manipulative tactics that foreshadowed long-term repercussions. This tale is a riveting look at corporate ambition, failure, and the messy reality behind mergers.

Dive into the thrilling life of Duško Popov, a double agent caught between loyalty and betrayal. After a fallout with the FBI post-Pearl Harbor, he grapples with romance and espionage’s hidden dangers. Journey through the emotional depths of a spy as he navigates the treacherous waters of World War II, utilizing misinformation to outsmart the Germans. Experience the high-stakes game of deception in Operation Fortitude, where every move could change the tide of war.

Duško Popov's thrilling escapades as a double agent take center stage as he navigates a high-stakes baccarat game in 1941. He juggles his playboy lifestyle with dangerous espionage missions in Manhattan, all while under the watchful eyes of the FBI. The tension escalates as Popov struggles to earn trust while carrying critical intelligence about Japan's intentions. The narrative culminates in the shocking lead-up to the Pearl Harbor attack, showcasing the perils of espionage and the dire consequences of miscommunication.

In 1940, Serbian playboy Duško Popov unexpectedly dives into the thrilling spy world as a double agent for both the Nazis and MI6. His life unfolds amidst perilous encounters with the Gestapo and the complexities of loyalty. Hear about the high-stakes tension as he races to convey vital intelligence about the Pearl Harbor attack, highlighting the critical nature of espionage during the war. This captivating tale showcases the fine line between trust and deception in the dangerous realm of spying.

Andrew Lownie, author of Stalin's Englishman, dives into the intriguing world of the Cambridge Five spy scandal. He reveals the scandal's significant embarrassment for MI5 and discusses Oleg Lyalin's crucial role in restoring faith in British intelligence. The conversation delves into the motivations behind the recruitment of the Cambridge students and the personal narratives that drove them to spy for the Soviets. Lownie also connects historical espionage to today’s geopolitical climate, emphasizing ongoing security challenges and the legacy of betrayal.

Operation Foot is now happening. And British government knows that its attempt to neutralise the KGB in London will be met with hostility from Moscow. But it’s not just the UK that must prepare for the retaliation, for Oleg Lyalin is also about to discover what it will cost to escape the KGB’s wrath.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s panic at MI5 headquarters. Oleg Lyalin, their man inside the KGB, has just been arrested for drunk driving putting Operation Foot in jeopardy. But as MI5 races to reach him before the KGB can, Lyalin is working out a daring new plan that will force the British security service to place its trust in him.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oleg Lyalin's tangled web of love and espionage takes center stage as he juggles multiple identities. Tension escalates with a KGB investigator sent to London, putting his secrets at risk. British officials debate the fraught decision to expel Soviet spies amidst rising threats. Emotional turmoil grips both spies and handlers, exposing the psychological complexities of their dangerous game. Finally, a night of recklessness forces Oleg to navigate police scrutiny while striving to maintain his mission's integrity.