Rephonic
Artwork for Spy Craft
Espionage
CIA
China
United States
North Korea
Russia
World War II
Soviet Union
Cold War
FBI
Ukraine
NATO
Kim Philby
Artificial Intelligence
Room 39
KGB
Cuba
MI6
Situational Awareness
IGA Ninjas

Welcome to “Spy Craft,” the podcast that delves into the gripping world of espionage. Join us as we uncover life-and-death spy stories, dissect covert operations, and explore the news and events that made them possible. Each episode offers a thrilling journey into the clandestine activities of spies, revealing the secrets, strategies, and stakes behind some of the most daring missions in history. ... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes388Founded6 years ago
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Artwork for Spy Craft

Latest Episodes

In an era before satellites and digital surveillance, the Roman Empire developed one of history’s most effective intelligence networks from an unlikely source: soldiers tasked with collecting wheat. The frumentarii began as logistical officers ensuri... more

Espionage isn't just about microchips and safehouses; it’s about surviving the brutal wilderness to watch an adversary unawares. Clark Impastato breaks down the grueling realities of long-range reconnaissance patrols (LRRPs) designed to intercept ene... more

A shocking breach of trust rocked a quiet Connecticut community when police exposed a massive, tech-driven voyeurism operation running right out of a local residence. Samuel Rodriguez's houseguests thought they were in a safe space, entirely obliviou... more

To survive in the world of espionage, an operative must view their surroundings not as a static environment, but as a dynamic chess match where rules constantly shift. This episode dives into the tactical intersection of behavioral psychology and eli... more

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Dr. Carlos Vazquez
Psychology professor and author (as introduced in the episode)
Episode: Shadow State: The Secret History of North Korea’s Room 39
James Lawler
Author of Living Lies; national security consultant; former CIA officer
MDO Group (Senior Partner)
Episode: Spies, Lies, and Centrifuges: A CIA Case Officer’s Hunt for the World’s Most Dangerous Man
Barry Broman
Former CIA case officer and author
Episode: WE CHAT WITH FORMER CIA CASE OFFICER ON HIS TIME IN CAMBODIA AS A RECRUITER
Robert Baer
Former CIA operative and author
Episode: THE 4TH MAN- THE HUNT FOR A KGB SPY AT THE TOP OF THE CIA
Scott Stewart
Former Army Tactical Intelligence Officer and VP of Protective Intelligence at Torchstone Global.
Torchstone Global
Episode: WE CHAT SITUATIONALAWARENESS WITH FRED BURTON AND SCOTT STEWART
Fred Burton
Co-author of The Protective Intelligence Advantage and former police officer and special agent.
Torchstone Global
Episode: WE CHAT SITUATIONALAWARENESS WITH FRED BURTON AND SCOTT STEWART
Dr. Richard Spence
Emeritus Professor of the University of Idaho
University of Idaho
Episode: THE HISTORY OF SECRET SOCIETIES
Dr. Jan Goldman
Professor of intelligence and security studies at the Citadel, expert in ethics and intelligence operations.
The Citadel
Episode: THE ETHICS OF ESPIONAGE
Michael Trott
Former CIA officer and author of 'The Protected'
Episode: FORMER CIA SPECIAL AGENT DISCUSSES HIS TIME IN THE SECURITY DETAIL

Reviews

2.4 out of 5 stars from 58 ratings
  • Oh, to be read to

    It’s not engaging at all, as one of these two guys quickly read a short synopsis of a spy case to you. Spyscape offers much better reports of the same cases. Further, their interviews are chaotic and unprofessional, again subpar compared to those of similar podcast on the same topic. Don’t bother with this one.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Tengu151
    United Statesa year ago
  • Copycat/Stolen Material

    Several of these are just the descriptions from @spycraft101 instagram read almost verbatim

    Go support spycraft101 he’s the guy who did the actual research

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    KmasonNash
    United States3 years ago
  • Plagiarizing SPYCRAFT 101

    Literally just reads his Instagram posts. It’s embarrassing and lazy.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    The Szyb
    United States3 years ago
  • Interesting

    Interesting

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    John John Smith Smith
    United States3 years ago
  • Really wanted to enjoy this podcast

    The host gets really great guests in the show who have fascinating stories to share, but the host’s interviewing style is painful. It shows a real lack in skill. If you made a drinking game out of the number of times he says, “let me ask you this” you’d be drunk by the end of the episode. If the host could spend some time learning to effectively interview and be engaging, this podcast could be great.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Tuulikki720
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High marks for investigative depth and historical context, with room for more contemporary relevance and storytelling finesse.
Strong appeal for readers of security and geopolitics; occasional complaints about production style and pacing.
Listeners appreciate in-depth case studies and clear explanations of complex operations, though some desire smoother interview flow and pacing.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#129
Norway/Government
Apple Podcasts
#171
Singapore/Government
Apple Podcasts
#224
South Africa/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spies, Lies, and Centrifuges: A CIA Case Officer’s Hunt for the World’s Most Dangerous Man
Q: How has social media and modern surveillance changed intelligence work compared to the earlier era of espionage?
Social media and ubiquitous surveillance have increased the amount of public and personal information available, but also the spread of misinformation. This requires spies to adapt—moving faster, leveraging networks, and maintaining source protection amid a flood of data and ubiquitous cameras.
Spies, Lies, and Centrifuges: A CIA Case Officer’s Hunt for the World’s Most Dangerous Man
Q: What are the challenges in distinguishing between peaceful nuclear programs and weapons development, especially in the context of Iran and Libya?
The line is thin and often based on enrichment levels, inventory, and whether enrichment capabilities are kept under strict civilian oversight. The interview emphasizes the need for early warning through penetrations of nuclear establishments and verification mechanisms to prevent covert weaponization while allowing peaceful energy development.
THE 4TH MAN- THE HUNT FOR A KGB SPY AT THE TOP OF THE CIA
Q: Have any of the other individuals, one, two, three, provided any clues to this fourth man?
No, the early spies had no information on the fourth man, and the Russians are compartmentalized, which makes them difficult to identify.
THE 4TH MAN- THE HUNT FOR A KGB SPY AT THE TOP OF THE CIA
Q: Do you think technology has helped him a lot more or is it maybe easier or harder?
Technology helps hide operations in the open; the FBI can't prove anything unless they see direct exchanges between the spy and handlers.
THE 4TH MAN- THE HUNT FOR A KGB SPY AT THE TOP OF THE CIA
Q: How long were you in the CIA? And were you an operative?
I was in the CIA for 21 years, primarily in operations and overseas assignments.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Spy Craft

What is Spy Craft about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show explores high-stakes espionage through narrative-driven episodes that blend historical case studies, contemporary covert operations, and tradecraft analysis. Listeners can expect deep dives into both famous and lesser-known operations, with attention to strategic maneuvering, intelligence agency dynamics, and the human dimensions of undercover work. The series often connects historical events to modern security challenges, shedding light on how covert activities shape geopolitics, technology, and public trust. A standout aspect is the way episodes weave technical concepts with storytelling, offering actionable takeaways for professionals interested in security, risk, and strategic communication while maintaining a gripping, docume... more

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How many episodes of Spy Craft are there?

Spy Craft launched 6 years ago and published 388 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Spy Craft?

Recent guests on Spy Craft include:

1. Dr. Carlos Vazquez
2. James Lawler
3. Barry Broman
4. Robert Baer
5. Scott Stewart
6. Fred Burton
7. Dr. Richard Spence
8. Dr. Jan Goldman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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