

Spybrary Spy Podcast
Shane Whaley
Spybrary is a podcast for fans of spy books, spy tv and spy movies since 2017. We bring you author interviews and reader discussions on our favorite spy books and novels.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2023 • 53min
Liza Mundy - The Secret History of Women at the CIA
In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Liza Mundy, author of "Code Girls" and "The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women and the CIA". Mundy discusses the often overlooked contributions of women to the CIA, highlighting the challenges they faced due to gender biases. She shares stories of women who played crucial roles in intelligence gathering and analysis, including Lisa Harper, the first female division chief at the CIA. Mundy also explores the moral dilemmas faced by women in the CIA post 9/11 and the lessons learned from their experiences. It's time you came in from the cold. Join our Spybrary Readers Community today!

Oct 3, 2023 • 1h 3min
Espionage, WW2, and historical accuracy: A conversation with thriller author Alex Gerlis.
Welcome to Spybrary, the podcast for spy book enthusiasts! In today's episode, we are diving into the world of WW2 spy books with author Alex Gerlis. In this episode of Spybrary we talked about the inspiration behind each book in Alex Gerlis most recent Wolf Pack series. From the events of Pearl Harbor to the Allied bombing of the Ruhr, to the butcher of Lyon, and even to German football, Alex's novels delve into significant historical events yet still offer readers a thrilling World War Two spy thriller. Alex's thorough research and commitment to historical accuracy make his novels a must-read for anyone interested in this era. Got a question for Alex? He is a member of our Spybrary Online Community and is always open to answering readers questions. About Alex Gerlis Alex Gerlis was a BBC journalist for nearly thirty years and is the author of eleven Second World War spy books, these espionage books are all published by Canelo. His first four novels are in the acclaimed Spy Masters series, including the best-selling The Best of Our Spies. Prince of Spies was published in March 2020 and was followed by three more in the Prince series. His latest series is the Wolf Pack novels, with Agent in Berlin the first of which was published in November 2021

Sep 19, 2023 • 56min
The Spy Novels You Can't Miss: Oliver Webb Carter's Top 5 Best Picks
Welcome to Spybrary, a podcast for spy book enthusiasts. In episode 215, I had the pleasure of hosting special guest Oliver Webb Carter, a historian and the founder of Aspects of History, a magazine, podcast, and website dedicated to history and historical fiction. Dead Drop 5 is our espionage version of Desert Island Discs, except in our case, the guest is asked which five favourite spy novels he/she wants stashed in a dead drop during an undercover mission behind the Iron Curtain. Join fellow Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Spybrary Online Community

Sep 10, 2023 • 16min
Intel: The Sandbaggers 45th Anniversary Virtual Event
Welcome back to Spybrary, the ultimate podcast for spy books, spy movies, and spy TV series. In today's 'intel' episode, we share more about an upcoming Sandbaggers fan-organized virtual event featuring Roy Marsden (Neil Burnside.) Paul Hodges of the Sandbaggers Facebook community shares 'that The Sandbaggers Facebook Group will be hosting our first global event, named "Sandbagger Two", to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of the initial UK broadcast of The Sandbaggers. It will be a virtual voice+presentation event held via Zoom on Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 11am EDT, 8am PDT, 4pm BST, etc. for 120 minutes. Besides a robust agenda, I am so excited to share the news that Roy Marsden and Greg Rucka will be the keynote speakers at Sandbagger Two. More information is available at our Facebook Group which can be found by searching Facebook for The Sandbaggers Yorkshire Television 1978-1980. I hope to see you at Sandbagger Two. We asked Paul what fans can expect, what was Roy Marsden's reaction to being invited, and why Paul thinks the spy TV show has maintained such a loyal following after all these years.

Aug 23, 2023 • 51min
The John le Carré Movie Club - The Deadly Affair
Lights, camera, intrigue! Join the Spybrary Spies and Books Podcast panel as we shine a spotlight on "The Deadly Affair." Uncover the hidden gems, character nuances, and unexpected twists in this underrated film adaptation of John le Carre's work based on his debut novel Call for the Dead. Following our full debriefing of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy we are tackling The Deadly Affair starring James Mason. We are joined by Jeff Quest of the Le Carre Cast, Double O Section's Matthew Bradford, and Spybrary commentator Martin Reynolds. That and more in this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Join the Spybrary Community today!

Aug 10, 2023 • 53min
Ex-CIA Officer's Spy Thriller Marks a Stunning Literary Debut - The Peacock and The Sparrow
In today's episode, we are diving into the world of espionage books with an interview featuring a remarkable debut novelist, ex-CIA officer I.S. Berry. Her book, "The Peacock and the Sparrow," has been causing quite a stir in the Spybrary community. Without a doubt, The Peacock and the Sparrow is the best spy novel published in 2023 that I have read. I.S. Berry, a former CIA officer, brings a unique perspective to the genre. In this gritty and realistic spy thriller set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring, Berry explores the complexities of a CIA spy stationed in Bahrain. The story delves into his involvement in the conflict and a passionate romance with an artist. Join the Spybrary Community

Aug 1, 2023 • 15min
David Callan Books: The Antihero of Espionage - Brush Pass Review
Spybrary's Man in Station L (Northern Sector) author Andy Onyx slipped us this brush pass review of the David Callan books penned by James Mitchell. Welcome back to Spybrary, the ultimate podcast for spy books. In today's episode, we dive into the thrilling world of Callan, the antihero of espionage. Get ready tohear more about this iconic character as we explore the gripping Callan Books. Join our host, Andy Onyx, as he gives is his take on the shadowy world of David Callan, a former soldier with a troubled past and a knack for killing. From his time in prison to his recruitment into the enigmatic Section organization, Callan's story is one of grit, suspense, and moral dilemmas. We'll delve into the mind of author James Mitchell, the creative genius behind Callan, and discover how his vision of a gritty and bored 1970s Britain influenced the series and novels. From the memorable characters like Lonely and Hunter to the intense cat-and-mouse games between spies, there's plenty to dissect. What do you think of the Callan books and the Callan TV series? Come and share your views will fellow spy fans in our free, online community for spy book enthusiasts This is Spybrary, and today we're diving headfirst into the world of Callan, the antihero of espionage! Let's get started. Check out Tim Shipman's best spy writers, all 125 of them and ranked!

Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 14min
Secrets and Alliances: Exploring the UK and US Intelligence Partnership with Michael Smith
On this episode of Spybrary the Spy Podcast, host Shane Whaley sits down with guest Michael Smith, an intelligence historian and author of The Real Special Relationship: The True Story of How the British and US Secret Services Work Together. Michael Smith delves into the origins of the special relationship between the UK and the US, focusing on their collaboration in code-breaking during World War II and the subsequent intelligence sharing during the Cold War. The book covers key figures, such as Winston Churchill, Ian Fleming, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Kim Philby, and Edward Snowden. Drawing on his personal experience in British military intelligence, Michael Smith provides a behind-the-scenes look at the close collaboration and alignment of intelligence that drives decision-making in both nations. The episode delves into various anecdotes and stories, including the recovery of a Soviet jet from a lake in West Berlin. Join Shane Whaley and Michael Smith as they explore the fascinating world of UK and US secret services and their unique relationship. Join the Spybrary Community today!

Jul 2, 2023 • 1h 11min
Revealing the 5 Best Spy Books as Recommended by David Clark
Former Special Advisor to British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, David Clark, reveals his 5 best spy books, taking us on a thrilling journey through the espionage world. From Communist-controlled East Berlin to captivating spy narratives, get ready for gripping page-turners and recommendations that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Jun 9, 2023 • 45min
The Bucharest Legacy with author William Maz
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with William Maz, author of the Bill Hefflin Spy Thriller Series, which is set in Bucharest, Romania. In our conversation, we explore the plotlines of Maz's books and the historical backdrop of Romania during and after the communist regime. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this fascinating setting. Read it? Want to read it? Share more in our online community for spy book fans.


