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
8 snips
Oct 29, 2024 • 47min
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.
8 snips
Oct 22, 2024 • 51min
True Spies Classic: Gray Suit and The Ghost
Eric O'Neill, a former FBI undercover operative who played a pivotal role in apprehending notorious spy Robert Hanssen, shares his thrilling experiences from the investigation. He recounts the tense moments of trying to lure Hanssen into a rental car, only to encounter unexpected complications. O'Neill also delves into the dual life of Hanssen, revealing how feelings of underappreciation fueled his treachery. With insights into the psychological challenges of undercover work, O'Neill highlights the fine line between loyalty and betrayal in the world of espionage.
6 snips
Oct 15, 2024 • 43min
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 • 50min
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 • 49min
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 • 30min
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 • 46min
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 • 60min
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 • 39min
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 • 46min
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.
