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Artwork for Spybrary Spy Podcast

Spybrary Spy Podcast

Shane Whaley
James Bond
Cold War
Ian Fleming
CIA
Espionage
From Russia With Love
Spy Fiction
Berlin
John Le Carré
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
The Quiller Memorandum
World War II
British Intelligence
Margaret Thatcher
Paul Vidich
The Man With the Golden Gun
MI5
Len Deighton
Tim Shipman's List Of Spy Writers
Spycatcher Affair

Spybrary is a podcast for fans of spy books, spy tv and spy movies since 2017. We bring you author interviews and reader discussions on our favorite spy books and novels.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes296Founded9 years ago
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Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Spybrary Spy Podcast

Latest Episodes

If you think you already know the Cambridge Five story, think again. In this episode of Spybrary, Shane Whaley is joined by journalist and author Antonia Senior to discuss her powerful new book, Stalin's Apostles: The Cambridge Five and the Making of... more

YouTube

One of crime fiction's most trusted voices reveals her 5 best spy novels. In our latest Spybrary Dead Drop Five series, crime fiction critic Ayo Onatade makes a passionate case for each one — and her picks may surprise you. Welcome back to the Dead D... more

YouTube

Guest host Matthew Hurst sits down with author Michael Dylan to explore his debut spy thriller The New Spy. Dylan shares his unconventional journey from global advertising creative to full-time novelist, revealing how real-world research, including c... more

We share the sad news that renowned spy novelist Len Deighton has passed away at 97. We pay tribute to his incredible work, discussing why he was considered the greatest spy novelist and his impact on cold war espionage. His contributions to the spy ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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

Recent Guests

Ayo Onatade
Crime fiction critic, commentator, and moderator
Shotsmag Confidential
Episode: She Judges Crime Fiction's Biggest Prizes — Here Are Her 5 Favourite Spy Books!
Michael Dylan
Author of The New Spy, spy thriller writer
Author, The New Spy
Episode: 'He Gave Me Information About Spying That Frightened The Life Out of Me!' (and inspired The New Spy)
Rob Mallows
Head of the Deighton Dossier, Len Deighton enthusiast
Deighton Dossier
Episode: Remembering Len Deighton: The Outsider Who Revolutionised Spy Fiction
Eliot Wilson
Commentator, broadcast journalist and Len Deighton fan
Self-identified contributor and critic
Episode: Remembering Len Deighton: The Outsider Who Revolutionised Spy Fiction
Paul Burke
Author and host at Crime Time FM; involved in Aspects of Crime
Crime Time FM; Aspects of Crime
Episode: Remembering Len Deighton: The Outsider Who Revolutionised Spy Fiction
Michael Frost Beckner
Author of Kaleidoscope and former screenwriter for Spygame
Author, Kaleidoscope series
Episode: He Wrote Spy Game. Now He's Written an Epic CIA Saga | Michael Frost Beckner
James Wolff
Author of Spies and Other Gods
Author
Episode: Former Spy Turned Novelist: James Wolff on Spies and Other Gods with Tim Shipman
Ace Atkins
New York Times bestselling author, known for his Quinn Colson series and the Cold War-themed novel 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World'.
Books
Episode: Everybody Wants to Rule the World: 1980s Nostalgia & Cold War Espionage with Ace Atkins
Michael Idov
Author of The Collaborators and The Cormorant Hunt
Episode: Inside The Cormorant Hunt with Michael Idov (Spoiler Free)

Host

Shane Whaley
Primary host; drives community-driven discussions and author interviews.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 286 ratings
  • Deep Cover Excellence

    If you love spy fiction, Spybrary is the dead drop you didn't know you needed. The host's enthusiasm is infectious and every episode feels like cracking open a fresh dossier on the genre's best authors and books. Whether you're a seasoned operative or a new recruit just discovering Le Carré, this podcast makes you feel like part of the inner circle. My TBR list has never been longer. Five stars, classified of course.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    edub1309
    United States2 months ago
  • A must for Spy fans

    I’ve discovered Spybrary quite recently and it has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. Great content and guests and smart, knowledgeable hosts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wold Newton
    United States2 months ago
  • Tremendous podcast, lots of fun and good book ideas too!

    I found this podcast about a year ago now and enjoy it greatly. Interesting interviews with authors. Insightful discussions with other interested parties about books and movies and how they mesh. The discussion of classic books of the genre is much appreciated and often has me going back to re-read and see what I missed. This past weekend I was on a long drive and listening to a couple of the James Bond podcasts. It was quite entertaining pretending I wasn’t driving my 2024 sedan with a big... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Springer JG
    Canada2 years ago
  • The Best Spy-Related Podcast

    My favorite episodes are “The Dead Drop 5”. But what’s just as impressive is the podcast’s Facebook group… I’ve never been part of an online community where authors and fans interact directly with one another. This is by far my favorite podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BP-58
    United States2 years ago
  • Great for spy fans

    If you’re a fan of spy movies or novels this is the podcast for you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KFred90
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Occasional criticisms note variability in episode depth or guest selection, but overall sentiment remains highly positive.
Many appreciate the wide range of guests, from best-selling authors to in-depth discussions on espionage history and film adaptations.
Listeners praise the show for its engaging interviews, strong production, and active online community.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#44
United Kingdom/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#115
United Kingdom/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#85
Australia/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#224
Australia/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#47
Hong Kong/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#92
Hong Kong/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spies, Snipers, Smugglers & the Shadow War in Northern Ireland
Q: What was the scale of the British surveillance and intelligence operation in South Armagh?
By the end of the troubles, the British did have South Armagh pretty well wired, literally and metaphorically.
Spies, Snipers, Smugglers & the Shadow War in Northern Ireland
Q: How do you get your book reissued after 25 years?
First it has to go out of print, which was not great because given it was selling pretty well, it was an inexplicable decision by Hodder at the time.
Polish Cold War Spy Thriller with Former CIA Analyst Karl Wegener
Q: Did you borrow from your CIA and military experiences in writing the book?
No, the story is grounded in historical truth, and I did significant research, though I try not to let it get in the way of a good story.
Polish Cold War Spy Thriller with Former CIA Analyst Karl Wegener
Q: How did you arrive at the setting for your book?
I became fixated on Poland and wanted to tell the stories of the Polish resistance after World War II due to the historical events that have shaped lives today.
My 5 Favourite Spy Books with new Spybrary Guest Host - Bryan Boling
Q: What can you share with us about the main plot of Odessa?
The story is about Peter Miller, a journalist who discovers a diary from a concentration camp, leading him to hunt down a former SS officer hiding in West Germany.

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 Spybrary Spy Podcast

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

A long-running show for fans of espionage fiction and related media, featuring author interviews, deep-dive discussions of spy novels, films, and real-world intelligence history, plus reader-driven conversations and community engagement. Episodes span classic and contemporary espionage literature, film analyses, and behind-the-scenes looks at publishing, censorship, and how real-world events shape storytelling. A standout is the consistent pairing of passionate hosts with a wide range of guests—from acclaimed novelists to journalists and industry observers—often exploring how history, geopolitics, and popular culture intersect in spy fiction and its adaptations. This mix creates a lively, approachable hub for readers who crave both literary... more

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How many listeners does Spybrary Spy Podcast get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Spybrary Spy Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Spybrary Spy Podcast:

1. Cold War Conversations - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times
2. SpyCast
3. Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs
4. The Rest Is Classified
5. WW2 Pod: We Have Ways of Making You Talk

How many episodes of Spybrary Spy Podcast are there?

Spybrary Spy Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 296 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 Spybrary Spy Podcast?

Recent guests on Spybrary Spy Podcast include:

1. Ayo Onatade
2. Michael Dylan
3. Rob Mallows
4. Eliot Wilson
5. Paul Burke
6. Michael Frost Beckner
7. James Wolff
8. Ace Atkins

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