Michael Idov on Spy Fiction, OSINT, and Writing The Collaborators
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Michael Idov, author of The Collaborators, joins Spybrary to discuss the spy novel everyone in our community is raving about. In this in-depth conversation, Michael shares how his Soviet upbringing, real-world intelligence events like the Ryanair Belarus 'hijacking' incident and Moscow taxi hacker chaos, and his love for British espionage fiction shaped his gripping debut spy novel. We also dive into his work on Deutschland 83, Deutschland 89, his admiration for OSINT warriors like Bellingcat, and his love letter to cities like Riga, Berlin, and London. 🎧 Topics include: Real-world...
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What Does a Real Spy Read? Valerie Plame’s Favorite Spy Books
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Ever wonder what spy books former CIA spy Valerie Plame can't put down? Today on Spybrary, host Shane Whaley is joined by none other than —former CIA covert operative, bestselling author, and an iconic voice in the world of intelligence and espionage. For over a decade, Valerie Plame served on the front lines of national security, operating undercover in some of the world’s most complex and volatile environments. Her CIA career—and the controversial public outing that ended it—has been the subject of headlines, books, and a major Hollywood film '' Now, Valerie Plame joins us for...
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A Spy at War: Charles Beaumont Reveals More About His New Spy Thriller
Spybrary Spy Podcast
🔥 In This Episode: He's back. Former MI6 officer turned critically acclaimed novelist, Charles Beaumont returns to the Spybrary podcast on the launch day of his second novel, , the highly anticipated sequel to his bestselling debut, . Recorded on publication day, this conversation delves deep—not only into the plot and characters of the new book, but also into the role of spy fiction in helping us make sense of today’s volatile geopolitical landscape. Join us for a gripping conversation about war, fiction, statecraft, and the moral complexities of modern espionage. A...
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Spies on Stage - Operation Mincemeat and Dakar 2000 Reviewed
Spybrary Spy Podcast
In this Brush Pass episode of Brush Pass, and podcast host Jeff Quest, gives us the lowdown on two spy-related theatrical productions: '' and ''. Operation Mincemeat on Broadway The stunning true story of a scheme every bit as dicey, daring, and ridiculous as opening a new musical on Broadway! The best-reviewed show in West End history is now on Broadway! 74 ★★★★★ Reviews and Counting! (which, according to our calculations, adds up to 370 stars) SYNOPSIS: It’s 1943, and the Allied Forces are on the ropes. Luckily, they’ve got a trick...
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Is From Russia With Love the Greatest Spy Movie Ever Made?
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Welcome to the third episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Podcast track on Spybrary. Our Section F handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favourite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Spybrary's Section F delve into the 1963 movie adaptation of Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery and directed by Terence Young. Host Shane Whaley is joined by Section F's Dr Eric Newsom and Michael Huie, along with special guest film historian Dr. Llewella Chapman, author of the British Film Institute’s book on From Russia With Love. ...
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German Spy Museum Berlin Review – Spy Fans Share Their Verdict
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Is the in Berlin worth your time? In this episode of Brush Pass on Spybrary, we take you inside this fascinating espionage attraction to uncover its best exhibits, hidden gems, and whether it’s a must-visit for spy fans. Spybrary’s on-the-ground team in Berlin – Station C's Matt Batten, David Morgan, and Father Richard Green – share their German Spy Museum Berlin review. Both Matt and David are return visitors to the - how was their experience on a second visit? Tune in to find out. Have you visited the German Spy Museum? What did you think? let us know in the comments or better...
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Ex-CIA Operative Reveals His 5 Must-Read Spy Thrillers!
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Ever wonder what spy novels a real-life Special Forces and CIA operative can't put down? Former Special Forces & CIA Officer James Stejskal reveals his top five spy thrillers on Spybrary's Dead Drop 5. The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler. Today’s guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Army Special Forces and CIA operative, turned military historian and author. James spent 35 years operating in high-stakes locations across...
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The Rest is Classified's David McCloskey on The Seventh Floor with Tim Shipman
Spybrary Spy Podcast
🔎 "Most mole hunts end in an unsatisfying fashion…" – David McCloskey Former CIA analyst-turned-bestselling spy novelist and The Rest is Classified Podcast Host David McCloskey returns to Spybrary for an illuminating conversation with journalist and espionage fan The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman. From Langley’s shadowy corridors to the gator-infested wilds of Florida, McCloskey’s latest thriller, The Seventh Floor, delivers a modern-day mole hunt infused with betrayal, thrills and intrigue. They discuss McCloskey's journey from a promising...
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Is On Her Majesty's Secret Service Fleming's Best James Bond Novel Yet?
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Welcome to our book club episode on , Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond novel and one of the most pivotal in the series. Spybrary host Shane Whaley introduces this James Bond Book club episode from the steps of the in London, a location that plays a significant role in the story as Bond takes on a unique undercover mission. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the book where Bond faces his arch-nemesis Blofeld, but it’s also where we see a rare, deeply emotional side to 007 as he falls in love with the enigmatic Tracy di Vicenzo. Packed with high-stakes action, breathtaking Alpine settings,...
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Her Secret Service and The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence
Spybrary Spy Podcast
Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history. Recognition and Roles: Changing Perceptions The episode also discusses the broader evolution of women's roles in British intelligence, shedding light on figures like Jane Sismore, MI5’s first officer, and Mary Shearer, MI5's first female agent handler....
info_outlineIn this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book In True Face A Woman's Life in the CIA.
Join us for a riveting episode with Jonna Mendez, a former CIA operative with an enthralling tale of espionage, covert operations, and the very human aspect of intelligence work.**
Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna Mendez, who shares her extraordinary experiences from a reputable career in the CIA. Prepare to be captivated as Mendez recounts real-life scenes straight from a spy thriller – from enduring hostile interrogation and utilizing disguise artistry to operational challenges in Moscow and the intricate realm of intelligence gathering.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The seemingly impossible.
How a renowned burglar turned into an invaluable asset within a CIA office.
Surviving the darkness.
Mendez reveals her harrowing experience during a hostile interrogation training course and the mental fortitude it took to overcome her claustrophobia.
The art of disguise.
Dive into the secretive world of masks and how the CIA uses Hollywood-inspired techniques to outmaneuver surveillance teams.
Embracing technology.
As the world grows more complex, Mendez addresses the efficacy of masks against facial recognition and the internet's role in modern espionage.
Escape Through Visualization: Mendez describes her mental escape during a CIA training exercise and how this skill became her personal superpower.
Infrared Intelligence: Learn how Jonna Mendez managed to develop crucial film in a clandestine hotel room operation.
The Babushka Strategy: A daring operation involving disguise and deception on the streets of Moscow.
The Legacy of Secrecy: Mendez reflects on the impact of leading a covert life on personal relationships and the struggle to transition back to normalcy post-CIA.
The spy behind the smile. Mendez opens up about the human dimension of spying, from the emotional toll of secrecy to the reliance on personal connections.