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SPYCRAFT 101

Justin Black
Vietnam War
Cold War
Espionage
World War II
Communism
CIA
Cambridge Five
Phạm Xuân Ẩn
Soviet Espionage
British Intelligence
Noel Field
Cameron Ortiz
Vietnam
Time Magazine
MI6
Augusto Pinochet
French Resistance
Chile
Orlando Letelier
Washington D.C.

Welcome to your clandestine classroom.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes223Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryGovernment

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for SPYCRAFT 101

Latest Episodes

Today Justin sits down with Aidan Raney. Aidan is the founder of Farnsworth Intelligence, a digital intelligence service, which he founded after unmasking a phishing network online which was harvesting credentials from unwitting Facebook users on a m... more

Today's guest is Peggy Wirgau. Peggy is a graduate of Michigan State University and George Mason University. She's an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, The Historical Novel Society, and The Colorado Authors League. Her debut novel,... more

This week Justin talks with Kati Marton. Kati is an author, journalist, and correspondent who has worked with National Public Radio and later with ABC News where she was the bureau chief in Germany. Her work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Times ... more

Today Justin sits down with Laken Pavan. Laken is a 19-year-old student from Vancouver, Canada. In April, 2024, he left Vancouver and traveled to Eastern Ukraine to join a volunteer group there called InterBrigade. Shortly after arriving, he was conf... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Aidan Raney
Founder of Farnsworth Intelligence, a digital intelligence service
Farnsworth Intelligence
Episode: 219. Digital Intelligence, Phishing Scams, and North Korea with Aidan Raney
Peggy Wirgau
An author known for her historical novels, including 'The Stars in April' and 'To Outwit Them All'.
Self-published author
Episode: 218. Who Was Agent 355? A Revolutionary Spy Story with Peggy Wirgau
Laken Pavan
An 18-year-old student from Vancouver, Canada, who was recruited by Russian intelligence.
Episode: 216. A Canadian Teen Recruited to Spy For Russia with Laken Pavan
Dr. David Tuch
Technology entrepreneur and author uncovering the intersection of organized crime and espionage.
Episode: 215. From World War II Radio Operator to the OG Drug Kingpin with Dr. David Tuch
Reality Winner
Former NSA contractor and whistleblower
Episode: 213. Beyond the Leak: Life, Justice, and Redemption with Reality Winner
Jen Gatien
Filmmaker and producer based in New York City
Episode: 212. Operation Gideon: Inside the Failed Venezuelan Coup with Jen Gatien
Robert Kerbeck
Author of Ruse and experienced corporate spy
Self
Episode: 210. From Hollywood to Corporate Espionage with Robert Kerbeck
Dr. Aviva Guttmann
Visiting researcher in war studies, founder and chair of the Women's Intelligence Network
Aberystwyth University
Episode: 209. Europe, Mossad, and Operation Wrath of God with Dr. Aviva Guttmann
William 'Bill' Ray
Retired Army major and Department of Defense civilian with over 50 years of service as an intelligence and counterintelligence officer.
Department of Defense
Episode: 208. From Cold War Counterintelligence to Project Star Gate with Bill Ray

Host

Justin Black
Host of SPYCRAFT 101, engaging with guests on various espionage topics.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 761 ratings
  • Fascinating.

    The thing I love about this podcast… we live in a very polarized world, with a lot of black and white opinions. Justin’s interviews and topics are a phenomenal reminder that the world is a lot more “gray” than we assume it to be. A fascinating lesson for those interested in espionage history and thinking critically about the world that we live in.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    dtotheweed
    United States2 months ago
  • Brilliant

    Great espionage / clandestine history podcast 🔥👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    VadBol
    Ukraine2 months ago
  • 🕵🏻‍♂️

    Spycraft 101 is absolutely essential listening for anyone fascinated by espionage, tradecraft, and the hidden history behind intelligence operations. Justin Black takes complex, often secretive subjects and makes them accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking. The mix of expert guests, real-world case studies, and deep research creates a perfect balance between education and storytelling. Every episode feels like peeling back a layer of mystery from the shadow world of spies and covert action.... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mikey_2sleeves
    United States2 months ago
  • Sound quality…?

    Sounds like it’s being recorded through a tin can telephone played through an old-timey gramophone.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tech.Turtle
    Canada4 months ago
  • Brilliant show

    The variety of the episodes and depth to which the host and guests go to is special. I look forward to each new episode!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Surfer Spook
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audience feedback indicates a mixed response to the host's delivery style; while many find it engaging, some critique the sound quality and presentation during certain episodes.
Listeners appreciate the podcast's educational content and the quality of guest interviews.
The show is commended for its engaging storytelling and historical insights.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#172
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#169
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#97
Denmark/History
Apple Podcasts
#106
South Africa/History
Apple Podcasts
#121
Switzerland/History
Apple Podcasts
#164
Ukraine/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

218. Who Was Agent 355? A Revolutionary Spy Story with Peggy Wirgau
Q: What was it that drew you to this particular story in the first place?
I ran across a list of important women in American history, and Agent 355 was listed as a member of the Culper Spy Ring who was never identified, sparking my interest.
217. Journalists Imprisoned Behind the Iron Curtain with Kati Marton
Q: Did your parents initially come under surveillance purely for their reporting?
Kati explains the blurred lines between journalism and perceived espionage during a repressive regime.
217. Journalists Imprisoned Behind the Iron Curtain with Kati Marton
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about your life before this began?
Kati discusses her childhood in Budapest, highlighting the impact of her parents' journalism and the oppressive atmosphere under surveillance.
215. From World War II Radio Operator to the OG Drug Kingpin with Dr. David Tuch
Q: What led to his assassination?
He was assassinated shortly before he was due to testify in an SEC investigation due to his involvement in securities fraud linked to his drug trafficking.
215. From World War II Radio Operator to the OG Drug Kingpin with Dr. David Tuch
Q: What was Harold Derber's background?
Harold Derber was a merchant sailor and radio operator during World War II who later became involved in drug trafficking.

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 SPYCRAFT 101

What is SPYCRAFT 101 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show offers an engaging exploration of espionage, with a focus on both historical and contemporary intelligence operations. Episodes are characterized by discussions on notable espionage operations, personal accounts from former intelligence officers, and examinations of significant historical events shaped by covert actions. Topics range from World War II and the Cold War to modern corporate espionage and the ethical dilemmas tied to intelligence work. A standout feature is its diverse guest roster, including experts from various fields who present unique perspectives on the intricate world of spies and intelligence gathering. This makes it a compelling listen for those interested in learning more about the shadowy realm of espionage ... more

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How many episodes of SPYCRAFT 101 are there?

SPYCRAFT 101 launched 4 years ago and published 223 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact SPYCRAFT 101?

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What guests have appeared on SPYCRAFT 101?

Recent guests on SPYCRAFT 101 include:

1. Aidan Raney
2. Peggy Wirgau
3. Laken Pavan
4. Dr. David Tuch
5. Reality Winner
6. Jen Gatien
7. Robert Kerbeck
8. Dr. Aviva Guttmann

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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