True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
SPYSCAPE
True Spies takes you inside the world's greatest espionage and detective operations. Our hosts Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, Sophia Di Martino, Daisy Ridley and Rhiannon Neads talk to the real spies behind the missions. What do they know? What are their skills? And what would you do in their position? We explore and investigate real life thrillers, mysteries and crimes - stories that prove truth is stranger than fiction! These stories cover lies, murder, theft, sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll. You’ll meet experts from the top intelligence agencies including FBI, CIA, MI5, MI6 (SIS), KGB, GRU, Mossad and many others. You’ll discover characters who spied because of money, ideology, coercion or just plain old ego. And, if you’d like to dig deeper into the world of secrets, and test your own secret intelligence skills, head over to spyscape.com for articles, games, experiences, puzzles and videos.For episodes first and ad-free, subscribe to Spyscape+ at: plus.Spyscape.comA Cup & Nuzzle production. Series producers: Gemma Newby, Joe Foley. Music: Nick Ryan.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 13, 2026 • 33min
Tradecraft, Part 11
In this insightful discussion, Sean Walker, an international correspondent and author known for covering Russia, reveals the secret training of NKVD spy Nikolai Khochlov, who impersonated a Nazi officer for a high-stakes assassination. Dr. Jenny Benham, an expert in medieval diplomacy, shares fascinating tales of household spies who gathered intelligence and sometimes turned into assassins. The blend of historical and modern espionage techniques highlights the ever-evolving art of tradecraft, making for a captivating exploration of secrets both ancient and contemporary.
Jan 6, 2026 • 36min
Tradecraft, Part 10
Neil Bisson, a retired Canadian intelligence officer, discusses the complexities of mobile debriefs and counter-terrorism. Journalist Steve Vogel shares the thrilling tale of Operation Gold, detailing the covert Berlin Tunnel used to tap Soviet lines. Claire Mulley unveils the remarkable story of Agent Zoe, a female resistance fighter in WWII, who utilized clever tradecraft to evade capture and smuggle critical information. Each guest brings a unique lens to the intricate world of spy techniques and history.
Dec 30, 2025 • 37min
True Spies Classic: The Real Sopranos | FBI
Giovanni Rocco, a former FBI undercover agent, details his harrowing infiltration of the Decavacante crime family in New Jersey. He shares chilling stories from his time posing as a mob associate, including tense meetings with notorious figures like Charlie Stango. Giovanni offers insight into the brutal training he endured at the FBI's undercover school and the emotional toll of living a double life. He reveals the moment he was ordered to commit murder, all while capturing critical evidence that led to convictions.
Dec 23, 2025 • 53min
True Spies Debrief: Anthony Vinci on the Fourth Intelligence Revolution
Anthony Vinci is a former DIA case officer who went on to serve at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency before entering the private sector. His new book, The Fourth Intelligence Revolution, bridges the divide between the intelligence community and the tech world. Anthony spoke with True Spies producer Morgan Childs about why this new era puts intelligence in the hands of everyday people, and about what individuals and governments can do to prepare.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 16, 2025 • 47min
The Wireless Operator, Part Two: The Derber Method | Historical
When Dr David Tuch started investigating his family tree, he found much more than he bargained for. A distant cousin. A sailor. A man who led a life of adventure - and changed the world of crime forever.
In Part One of this True Spies story, you'll meet him too - and discover the first steps on a dark, dangerous and fascinating journey.
Dr. David Tuch is the author of The Wireless Operator: The Untold Story of the British Sailor Who Invented the Modern Drug Trade.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Joe Foley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 11, 2025 • 29min
True Spies - Brief Histories: Double Agents
From ancient Babylon to the darkest depths of the Cold War, Double Agents have fascinated us for centuries.
In Brief Histories, the monthly special from True Spies, series producer Joe Foley is your guide to this secret world - alongside a treasure-trove of stories and expert knowledge from our archive.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets and skills. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 2025 • 54min
The Wireless Operator, Part One: The Trouble With Hyman | Historical
Dr. David Tuch, a historian and the author of The Wireless Operator, uncovers the thrilling life of his distant cousin, Harold Durber, who transformed the world of crime. Tuch dives into Durber's adventurous beginnings, from a Jewish upbringing to his dangerous post-war exploits. Discover his role in arms smuggling during the Israeli war and ties to the Miami Mafia. Amid Cold War tensions, Durber's dramatic ventures unravel, including plans to ferry Cuban refugees and his mysterious connections with both Cuban officials and exiles.
Dec 2, 2025 • 34min
True Spies Classic: The Money Spy | FSB
Roman Borisovich, a financier and anti-corruption activist, delves into the murky waters of money laundering in London. He shares his harrowing journey from Moscow to the UK, fueled by a desire to combat corruption alongside Alexei Navalny. The conversation uncovers how a web of lawyers and bankers facilitate illicit flows and why London is nicknamed 'Londongrad.' Roman discusses a daring undercover sting, revealing shocking compliance from agents on laundering stolen money, ultimately sparking public outrage and calls for reform.
Nov 25, 2025 • 37min
True Spies Debriefs: Dr Amy Zegart on Entertainment, Policy and AI
Dr Amy Zegart works to bridge the divide between the worlds of policy and tech. In this Debrief, True Spies producer Morgan Childs joins Dr. Zegart To hear her thoughts on spy entertainment, espionage in the age of AI, and the future of American intelligence policy.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs.
Dr. Zegart is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, a professor of political science by courtesy at Stanford University and the author of Spies, Lies and Algorithms: The History and Future of American Intelligence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 18, 2025 • 47min
The Drunk in Department V | KGB
Author and filmmaker Richard Kerbaj tells the story of Oleg Lyalin - the hard-living, womanising KGB officer whose defection changed the course of the Cold War, and shaped the future of intelligence agencies on both sides of the Atlantic.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Max Bower.
Richard Kerbaj is the author of The Defector: The untold story of the KGB agent who saved MI5 and changed the Cold War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
