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 20, 2024 • 51min
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 • 27min
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.
Aug 6, 2024 • 36min
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 • 56min
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 • 40min
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 • 42min
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 • 49min
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
