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
Aug 6, 2024 • 38min
Operation Red Sox | CIA
In this insightful discussion, investigative journalist Casey Michel dives into the troubling saga of Operation Red Sox, a covert 1949 mission aimed at undermining Soviet control in Ukraine. He reveals the harrowing challenges faced by CIA agents parachuting into a hostile environment and the stark contrast between American aspirations and the brutal realities on the ground. Michel highlights significant miscalculations, the expertise of Soviet intelligence, and the implications for Cold War dynamics, offering an intriguing look at espionage's darker corners.
Jul 30, 2024 • 58min
True Spies: Classic - The Illegal | KGB
Jack Barsky, a former KGB agent who lived undercover in the U.S., shares his gripping tale of espionage. He recounts his life as a seemingly ordinary American family man while harboring deep secrets. Barsky elaborates on the rigorous training spies undergo, the psychological toll of living a double life, and his emotional struggle between loyalty to the KGB and his American family. His transformative journey highlights the complexities of identity and the unexpected relationships that developed, including ties with the FBI.
Jul 23, 2024 • 42min
True Spies: Debriefs - Jack Barsky on a career after the KGB
Ex-KGB agent Jack Barsky reflects on his espionage career, transition to American citizenship, and lessons learned. Topics include personal growth, relationships, purpose, and love triumphing over challenges.
Jul 16, 2024 • 44min
The Gathering | FBI
Former FBI undercover agent Dana Ridenour discusses infiltrating eco-terrorists, intense FBI training scenarios, challenges faced by undercover agents, and the blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries in espionage.
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 17min
True Spies: Classic - Team Alpha
Discover the captivating mission of CIA's Team Alpha in Afghanistan post 9/11, facing dangers, negotiations with warlords, and the tragic loss of a team member. Uncover the complexities of espionage, Afghan tribal politics, and American intervention in the aftermath of 9/11.
Jul 2, 2024 • 53min
True Spies: Debriefs - David Tyson on life for Afghans after The Taliban won
New from SPYSCAPE Studios - True Spies: Debriefs. In each of these new episodes, we'll dive back behind the scenes with some of our favourite True Spies, from episodes past.This week, ex-CIA officer David Tyson gives an update on how the return of The Taliban in Afghanistan, and the changing politics of the Middle East more broadly, has affected his work with Badger Six; a charity he runs to help Afghan allies.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
Jun 25, 2024 • 51min
Codename Tinsel Tyrant | FBI
How does a San Francisco born Silicon Valley entrepreneur, "as American as apple-pie", become a vital intelligence asset for the Soviet Bloc?Hear the chilling tale of one James Harper, from national security reporter and the host of Spy Valley: Zach Dorfman. (Hear more from Zach here: https://brazen.fm/podcasts/spy-valley/)From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Justin Trefgarne. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2024 • 41min
True Spies: Classic - Allied with Al-Qaeda
Venture into the True Spies vaults, as we take a look back at the extraordinary story of CIA Operations Officer: Doug London.Doug only has one shot to recruit one of Al-Qaeda's key facilitators. He must find common ground with a man with a vastly different background and belief system. Lives hang in the balance. He has to succeed.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
Jun 11, 2024 • 42min
True Spies: Debriefs - Douglas London on empathy
Brand new from SPYSCAPE Studios - True Spies: Debriefs. In each of these new episodes, we'll dive back behind the scenes with some of our favourite True Spies, from episodes past.This week, ex-CIA operations officer Douglas London discusses how empathy, an undervalued tool in the spy's arsenal, played a crucial role in bringing in active Al Qaeda members. And, how he believes leaders embroiled in the current conflicts in the middle east, could seek to use empathy to bring an end to hostilities.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
Jun 3, 2024 • 47min
PO Box 1142 | WW2
Join Robert K Sutton, author of Nazis on the Potomac, as he uncovers the covert WWII intelligence operation at Fort Hunt. Learn about the mysterious journey of a German submarine, the secretive military base PO Box 1142, espionage collaboration with British spies, interrogation tactics, and secret operations of MIS-X at Fort Hunt.
