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
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Baltic Baron | MI6
Author, historian and former British Foreign Office official Tim Willasey-Wilsey tells the incredible story of Wilhelm Von De Ropp - the high-born chameleon who had Hitler's ear in the build-up to WW2.
But unbeknownst to the Nazis, 'Bill' was MI6's man on the inside, passing on information that would help Britain to win the war...
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Joe Foley.
Tim Willasey-Wilsey is Visiting Professor at Kings College, University of London, and the author of The Spy and the Devil .
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Jul 15, 2025 • 39min
True Spies Classic: I Was Never Here | CSIS
Join Andrew Kirsch, a Special Operations officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, as he shares exhilarating tales from the field. He reveals the hidden dynamics of home-grown terrorism in suburban Toronto, driven by his response to global threats like 9/11. The conversation dives into the intense, time-sensitive nature of covert operations, highlighting the challenges of exacting surveillances and the unexpected humor that lightens high-pressure situations. Andrew’s insights reflect the quiet yet crucial role of domestic intelligence in maintaining community safety.
Jul 8, 2025 • 45min
True Spies Debriefs: Douglas Waller on Frank Wisner
Content Warning: This episode contains references to suicide.
True Spies producer Morgan Childs sits down with author and journalist Douglas Waller to discuss the complex and controversial legacy at the heart of his latest book, The Determined Spy: The Turbulent Life and Times of CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 36min
Cover of Darkness | CSIS
Neil Bisson, a former operative with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and current director of the Global Intelligence Knowledge Network, shares his insights into the world of human intelligence gathering. He dives deep into how Canada’s intelligence operations function, especially in post-9/11 scenarios. The conversation highlights the art of blending in during covert operations and the challenges of navigating dangerous environments. Bisson also discusses Canada's evolving role in global intelligence, veering from American dependencies towards independent capabilities.
Jun 24, 2025 • 33min
True Spies Debriefs: Jane Bradley and Michael Schwirtz on Russia's Brazilian Illegals
Investigative New York Times journalists Jane Bradley and Michael Schwirtz speak to True Spies producer Frank Palmer about the discovery of a Russian 'spy factory' in Brazil.
This is a free taster of the exclusive content you'll uncover with a Spyscape+ subscription. Sign up at plus.spyscape.com.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Frank Palmer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 17, 2025 • 47min
True Spies Debriefs: Stephen Davis on Flight 149
Journalist Stephen Davis has spent 30 years working to uncover the truth behind one of the most secretive chapters of the Gulf War.
When British Airways Flight 149 landed in Kuwait on the 2nd of August, 1990, Saddam Hussein's invading army took the passengers hostage. Today, some of those passengers allege that they were subjected to horrific treatment - and that the British government could have averted their ordeal.
In this Debrief, True Spies producer Morgan Childs joins Stephen to discuss his research in to the case.
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Morgan Childs.
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Jun 10, 2025 • 54min
Foxtrot in Kandahar, Part 2: Showdown in Takhteh-Pol | CIA
Veteran CIA Officer Duane Evans shares gripping tales from his deployment to Afghanistan following 9/11. He recounts the challenges faced by Team Foxtrot during their perilous journey to Kandahar. Tensions mount as they confront Al-Qaeda while navigating chaotic terrain. Duane vividly describes dramatic airstrikes and the emotional toll of casualties. He reflects on the delicate balance of securing operations amid constant threats. With personal insights, he highlights the fragility of hope amidst the harsh realities of conflict.
Jun 3, 2025 • 51min
Foxtrot in Kandahar, Part 1: Snakes and Lightning | CIA
Duane Evans, a veteran CIA officer and author of "Foxtrot Kandahar," shares gripping tales from his time in Afghanistan post-9/11. He reflects on the chaos following the attacks and his drive for vengeance against Al Qaeda. The conversation dives into the psychological toll on agents, the formation of strategic alliances with local leaders like Hamid Karzai, and the intense training CIA recruits endure. Evans reveals gripping details of deploying into hostile territory, highlighting the unpredictability and danger of espionage in a war-torn landscape.
May 27, 2025 • 54min
True Spies Classic: The Ritchie Boys | WW2
In this True Spies Classic, you'll revisit the story of a true American hero.
It's 1944 - 3 days after D-Day. 22-year old Guy Stern lands in Normandy. Unlike many of his comrades in the US Army, it's not his first time in Europe. Forced to leave Germany in 1937, he returns as part of an elite Military Intelligence unit charged with interrogating German POWs in their native tongue.
Now 99 years old, Guy tells Vanessa Kirby a story of wit and courage in the face of unimaginable pressure. Could YOUR words win a war?
From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producers: Gemma Newby, Joe Foley. Produced by Joe Foley. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 20, 2025 • 32min
True Spies Debriefs: Alexis Papahelas on Greece, Journalism and the CIA
Veteran Greek journalist Alexis Papahelas tells Morgan Childs about the CIA's role in aiding Greece's military junta, which ruled between 1967 and 1974.
From SPYSCAPE, the HQ 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
