
True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics
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.
Latest episodes

Dec 31, 2024 • 43min
Tradecraft, Part 9
The tools in a spy's arsenal are more varied than you might think. But they all come under one name: Tradecraft.In our ninth round of insights from the world of espionage, Rhiannon Neads looks back on lessons drawn from intrepid cyber-cops, nuclear double-dealers, crafty codebreakers and more.From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Alex Burnard. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 24, 2024 • 56min
True Spies Classic: Undercover Jihadi | CSIS
In this True Spies Classic, Hayley Atwell tells the story of Mubin Shaikh, an Islamist extremist turned undercover agent for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. Undercover as a member of the terrorist group that would be known as the Toronto 18, Mubin was told that his cover would be blown. From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Louise Clarke-Rowbotham. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 17, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Debriefs: Mubin Shaikh on the Psyche of an Extremist
What can drive an ordinary person to extremist ideology? Hear from former security intelligence and counter terrorism operative, Mubin Shaikh, on his current work as a Counter Extremism Specialist. He delves into real world cases of those who succumb to extremist ideology, why it happens, and his challenging work trying to bring people back.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

Dec 10, 2024 • 46min
The Spy With No Name | CIA
Zach Dorfman, a national security journalist renowned for his insights into intelligence, dives into the life of a covert CIA operative known only by his alias. He uncovers the enigmatic death of Anthony Lagunas, raising questions about the emotional toll on spies post-9/11. The podcast explores the intense mental strain of infiltrating extremist groups and highlights the ethical dilemmas operatives face. Dorfman also discusses the evolving landscape of espionage and the necessary cultural understanding to combat terrorism effectively.

Dec 3, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Classic: True Narcos | DEA
In this True Spies Classic, Hayley Atwell tells the story of the capture of Pablo Escobar, with the DEA agents who helped bring him down and inspired the TV show 'Narcos'. Steve Murphy and Javier Peña found themselves in Colombia on the trail of the notorious druglord - two "gringos" with a price on their heads. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Gemma Newby. Produced by Gemma Newby. Music by Nick Ryan.https://www.deanarcos.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024 • 56min
True Spies Debriefs: Tim Tate on the Spycatcher Scandal
Tim Tate, a best-selling author and acclaimed documentary filmmaker, shares his fascinating insights on the high-stakes world of espionage. He unravels the connections between KGB mole Mikhail Golianevesky and MI5's Peter Wright. Besides illuminating the repercussions of Tate's 'Spycatcher' work, he candidly reveals his own brush with being labeled a national security threat. The discussion also touches on the transparency battles faced by journalists during the turbulent Thatcher era and the ethical dilemmas within intelligence agencies.

Nov 19, 2024 • 53min
To Catch a Spy | Investigation
Tim Tate, a veteran investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker, delves into the riveting tale of Peter Wright, an MI5 whistleblower who challenged the Thatcher government in the 1980s. They discuss the Spycatcher Affair and its legal battles, shedding light on the tension between government secrecy and transparency. Tate also reveals the moral complexities of MI5's operations, including controversial surveillance tactics and the enigmatic Roger Hollis case, raising questions about trust and betrayal within British intelligence.

Nov 12, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Classic: Shadow Games | Special Forces
James Stejskal, a former Special Forces operative in Cold War Berlin, dives into the covert world of espionage. He shares thrilling tales from the Tehran Hostage Crisis, illuminating the secrecy and peril of elite missions. Listeners hear about the intense dynamics between East and West Berlin, the personal sacrifices of operatives, and the harrowing details of Operation Eagle Claw. Stejskal also reflects on the lasting legacy of Special Forces Berlin and his efforts to document this unique history in his book.

Nov 5, 2024 • 45min
True Spies Debriefs: James Stejskal in Berlin as The Wall fell
James Stejskal, an ex-special forces operative with a rich background in espionage, shares firsthand accounts of the dramatic events as the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. He vividly describes the jubilant chaos and the global scramble for Stasi intelligence amid the historic shift. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of newfound freedom, the frenzied destruction of crucial files, and the implications for international intelligence operations. Stejskal's insights paint a gripping picture of a momentous time in history.

7 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 49min
Special Forces Kinshasa | Green Berets
James Stejskal, an ex-CIA operative and former Green Beret, shares gripping tales from his time in Zaire during political upheaval and the onset of the AIDS crisis. He navigates the chaos as tensions surge under dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, focusing on the critical role of the American embassy amidst violence. Intriguing anecdotes reveal dining under duress, security challenges, and the unexpected romance in a perilous setting. Stejskal paints a vivid picture of personal sacrifice and the complexities of safeguarding a nation in crisis.