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
6 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 45min
True Spies: Debriefs - Eric O'Neill on the frontiers of cyberwarfare
Eric O'Neill, a renowned security expert known for capturing notorious spy Robert Hansen, shares insights on the alarming rise of cyber warfare and espionage. He highlights the projected $20 trillion cost to the global economy by 2026 and explores the dark web's role in facilitating cybercrime. O'Neill emphasizes the importance of personal cybersecurity practices amid increasingly sophisticated threats. He also discusses the necessity for transparency in corporate cybersecurity and the importance of adopting a cybercriminal's mindset to strengthen defenses.
Oct 8, 2024 • 52min
Agent Garbo | WW2
Juan Pujol Garcia, famously known as Agent Garbo, was a Spanish spy whose ingenious deception tactics played a pivotal role in the Allied victory during World War II. He recounts how he impersonated a Nazi super-spy, misled German intelligence, and crafted a complex network of fictitious spies. His thrilling stories reveal the challenges he faced, including the risks of Operation Starkey and the emotional sacrifices made during Operation Overlord. Garcia’s daring strategy not only changed the course of history but also illustrated the high stakes of espionage.
8 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Classic: The Rookie and Bin Laden | CIA
Tracy Walder, a former CIA officer who played a pivotal role during the 9/11 crisis, shares her gripping journey from a college student to a key player in intelligence operations. She recounts the harrowing atmosphere in the CIA's secret bunker as they focused on capturing Osama Bin Laden. Tracy dives into her first day nerves and the intense pressure of post-9/11 operations, revealing how she balanced high-stakes scenarios with emotional resilience. Her transition from espionage to inspiring future generations adds a hopeful dimension to her compelling story.
Sep 24, 2024 • 32min
True Spies Debriefs: Tracy Walder on trauma
Spying is stressful, often traumatic work - how do they cope?Former FBI and CIA employee Tracy Walder speaks to True Spies producer Morgan Childs about the mental health ramifications of intelligence work, and her personal experiences as a woman in the line of duty.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
Sep 17, 2024 • 48min
The Traitor of Arnhem | WW2
In this engaging discussion, author Robert Verkaik reveals hidden facets of Operation Market Garden and the espionage that led to its catastrophic failure. He unveils tales of betrayal, including the mysterious mole known as Josephine, who played a pivotal role in misleading Allied forces. The podcast delves into the moral dilemmas faced by spies, the shadowy figures behind the scenes, and the eerie circumstances surrounding the death of a key intelligence operative. Each revelation highlights the intertwined fates of loyalty and treachery in wartime.
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 2min
True Spies: Classic - The Spycatcher | FBI
In this True Spies Classic episode, spy catcher Robert Booth recounts a mission to capture a Cuban agent who had infiltrated the State Department. Robert managed to identify the traitor, but proving Kendall Myers' treachery was another matter entirely.From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Producer David Waters. Series producer Joe Foley. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 3, 2024 • 41min
True Spies: Debriefs - Robert Booth on underestimating Cuba's spies
Robert Booth, an ex-State Department counterintelligence officer and self-described spycatcher, dives into the underestimated threat posed by Cuban spies in America. He discusses the shocking access that Cuban agents, like Manuel Roca, have to sensitive U.S. information. The conversation explores the evolution of espionage techniques and how Cuba uniquely targets the U.S., especially within the Cuban community in Florida. Booth reflects on his own journey in counterintelligence, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal that shape the intricate world of espionage.
Aug 26, 2024 • 48min
Fringe Diplomacy | Investigation
Mickey Bergman, a political prisoner and hostage advocate, shares his insights as the CEO of Global Reach and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He discusses the complex realm of fringe diplomacy, specifically the ongoing negotiations for American detainees in Russia amid rising tensions. Mickey recounts his personal experiences and the emotional weight of these negotiations. He also highlights cases like Trevor Reed and the intertwined fates of Brittany Griner and Paul Whelan, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and urgent calls for justice in international diplomacy.
Aug 20, 2024 • 53min
True Spies: Classic - Fair Game | CIA
Valerie Plame, a former CIA agent, shares her gripping experiences navigating the treacherous waters of espionage and politics. She recounts the perilous moment when her undercover identity was exposed, endangering her family and contacts. Plame discusses the emotional toll of her career, the intricate relationships built with sources, and the ethical dilemmas faced in espionage. She also reflects on the fallout from the Iraq War's intelligence failures and the personal impact of living in the public eye after her secret life as a spy was revealed.
Aug 13, 2024 • 29min
True Spies: Debriefs - Valerie Plame on the future of nuclear Non-Proliferation
Valerie Plame, a famously outed ex-CIA officer, delves into the critical topic of nuclear non-proliferation and global security. She shares insights on the state of the Doomsday Clock and the implications of the impending expiration of the New START treaty. Valerie emphasizes the need for public awareness of nuclear preparedness, critiques current U.S. nuclear policy, and advocates for a collective approach to global tensions. Ultimately, she encourages optimism and action among younger generations to foster a safer future.
