

The Spy Who
Wondery
These are stories you were never meant to hear. The invisible but vital work of the world’s intelligence services: secret operatives playing to very different rules. The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, takes you deep inside that shadow world to meet spies who risked everything in the national interest – or, sometimes, their own.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 29, 2024 • 34min
The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | The Exchange | 2
Discover the life of Sergei Skripal, a former MI6 agent now living it up in Spain, while the FSB hunts for traitors amid a backdrop of international espionage. Dive into the gripping tale of two women caught in the web of secrets and lies, where the ordinary masks a dangerous reality. Experience the high-stakes drama of spy arrests in the U.S. and the tension-filled exchanges between CIA and Russian officials. Witness a chilling welcome-back party for Russian spies, as Putin's ominous words hang heavy in the air.

Oct 22, 2024 • 39min
The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | End of an Era | 1
When the USSR falls apart, GRU officer Sergei Skripal finds himself adrift in the new Russia, having never asked for the country's new democracy. So when he meets a shadowy wine dealer, he leaps at the chance to make some money, without a clue how the deal would lead him to Salisbury.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting 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.

9 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 32min
The Spy Who Started the Cold War | The Most Dangerous In History? | 5
In this enlightening discussion, Frank Close, an expert on Klaus Fuchs and author of "Trinity," explores the controversial life of Fuchs, a pivotal figure in Cold War espionage. He delves into Fuchs' motivations for sharing nuclear secrets and the moral dilemmas faced by scientists in the Manhattan Project. Close debates whether Fuchs was a betrayer or a peacemaker, unveiling the intricate balance of loyalty and ethics in his dual allegiance. The conversation also touches on the legacy of espionage and its far-reaching consequences on global security.

11 snips
Oct 8, 2024 • 43min
The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Lost Control | 4
Tension mounts as MI5 zeroes in on Klaus Fuchs, a pivotal figure in early Cold War espionage. The narrative reveals the psychological toll of interrogation, as Fuchs grapples with loyalty versus conscience. His confession could shift the balance of nuclear power, shaking the foundations of the arms race. Delve into the moral complexities faced by scientists involved in espionage, highlighting the delicate dance between ambition and accountability amidst political chaos.

4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 38min
The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Fallout | 3
Klaus Fuchs, a physicist and notorious spy, shares thrilling insights into his role in the Cold War's early nuclear tensions. He reflects on the betrayal experienced during the Manhattan Project and the shift from collaboration to suspicion. The conversation dives into his precarious relationships with Soviet handlers and the ethical dilemmas of espionage. As American intelligence closes in on him, Fuchs navigates a web of romance and danger, revealing a historic struggle filled with intrigue and paranoia.

4 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 41min
The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Los Alamos | 2
Dive into the intense world of espionage as Klaus Fuchs grapples with the pressures of feeding atomic secrets to the Soviets. Discover the tight security around the Manhattan Project and the moral dilemmas faced by scientists. Experience the contrast of lighthearted picnics among wives against the backdrop of a war-torn world, highlighting the hidden tensions. Uncover the strategic discussions surrounding the Trinity bomb's creation and its profound implications on the unfolding Cold War dynamics.

Sep 17, 2024 • 42min
The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Enemy Alien | 1
Klaus Fuchs, a German-born physicist and traitor, navigates the treacherous waters of espionage during the Cold War while working on the Manhattan Project. He wrestles with moral dilemmas as he secretly relays nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union. The podcast dives into his complex relationship with his handler, Sonia, blending personal connection with strategic urgency. It sheds light on the clandestine world of espionage, the ethical challenges of developing nuclear weapons, and the broader implications of Fuchs' actions on global peace.

Sep 10, 2024 • 40min
The Spy Who Sold Peace to the IRA | Thatcher's favourite | 5
Why was Carlin considered Thatcher's favourite spy? What difference did he really make? And how did he cope when he became an exile?To find out more about Carlin's life and significance, Charlie Higson is joined by Aaron Edwards, the author of 'Agents of Influence: Britain’s Secret Intelligence War Against the IRA'.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting 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.

Sep 3, 2024 • 36min
The Spy Who Sold Peace to the IRA | Threats From All Sides | 4
With IRA hardliners losing ground and Sinn Féin on the up, Willie Carlin’s feeling confident about his spying. But loose talk is about to put him on a kill list.Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting 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.

Aug 27, 2024 • 43min
The Spy Who Sold Peace to the IRA | Fly Fishing | 3
Willie Carlin, a former undercover agent in the IRA, shares his harrowing experiences navigating moral dilemmas while deep in enemy territory. He recounts a chilling discovery in an IRA safe house, forcing him to question his loyalty versus his conscience. The podcast dives into the psychological tensions of undercover work, juxtaposing personal conflict with fierce political rivalries. Carlin reveals how he operated amid betrayal, navigating the labyrinth of trust and manipulation during peace negotiations, highlighting the fine line between loyalty and justice.


