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True Spies: Espionage | Investigation | Crime | Murder | Detective | Politics

SPYSCAPE
CIA
Cold War
MI6
Kim Philby
KGB
Russian Troll Farm
Operation Ajax
Social Media
Disinformation
War On Terror
Operation Lance Blade
U.S. Elections 2020
U.S. Elections 2016
Aden Magee
Counterintelligence
Iran
Iranian Revolution
Mohammed Mossadegh
Espionage
Tradecraft

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 i... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes373Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureDocumentaryTrue Crime

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Artwork for True Spies: Espionage

Latest Episodes

a new season of Brief Histories, True Spies producer Joe Foley is your guide to the shadowy side of the world's Espionage capitals.

In New York, we'll visit the Revolutionary Culper Spy Ring, learn about the intelligence contributions of the Big App... more

Former CIA officer Christina Hillsberg is the author of Agents of Change: The Women Who Transformed the CIA. In this conversation with True Spies producer Morgan Childs, Christina reflects on the lesser-known women who helped to build and reform the ... more

Christine Kuehn grew up believing that she was part of an ordinary, patriotic American family. But in 1994, a surprising letter revealed a darker side to her ancestry; a story that began in Nazi Germany.

Christine and her husband, Mark Schiponi, spe... more

A single spy can change the course of history - for better, or for worse.

In this Classic episode of True Spies, you'll meet one of them - Takeo Yoshikawa.

Stationed in Honolulu, Yoshikawa's intelligence was used by the Japanese to launch a deva... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Christine Keown
Author of Family of Spies, investigator seeking truth about her family's past
Family of Spies / Author
Episode: The Family Affair | WW2
Terry Stiastny
Journalist and author of Believable Lies, The Misfits Who Fought Churchill's Secret Propaganda War
Author and journalist
Episode: True Spies Debrief: Terry Stiastny on Britain's WW2 Propaganda Machine
Jeffrey Gettleman
Global correspondent for the New York Times
New York Times
Episode: Cold SNAP | CIA
Thomas Mayer
Award-winning author, journalist, and television producer
Episode: The Importance of Being Ernest | Historical
Jack Devine
Former acting and associate deputy director of CIA with extensive experience in counter-narcotics and covert operations
CIA
Episode: True Spies Classic: The Boiling Frog | CIA
David Tuch
Durber's cousin and chronicler
Episode: The Wireless Operator, Part Two: The Derber Method | Historical
Dr. David Tuch
A historian and researcher examining his cousin's life, Harold Derber.
Episode: The Wireless Operator, Part One: The Trouble With Hyman | Historical
Richard Kerbaj
A journalist and film producer whose recent book, The Defector, chronicles Lyalin's life and times, along with the many turncoats during the Cold War.
Episode: The Drunk in Department V | KGB
Jim Lawler
Former CIA case officer and author
Episode: True Spies - Brief Histories: Spychology

Hosts

Hayley Atwell
Host of True Spies, Spyscape Studios
Rhiannon Neads
Host of True Spies; contributes across episodes

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 5.6k ratings
  • Fictional conversations

    Of imagined meetigs and rumored motivations conveyrd by voice actors.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Bandboxxer
    United States18 days ago
  • Great, but…

    This is a great podcast, but there’s WAY too much paywall if you want to have a good experience with it.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    personofsmartositt
    United States25 days ago
  • Great material

    Spoiled by the narrator's breathless delivery

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Bandboxxer
    United States2 months ago
  • Typical

    Is it any surprise that these British presenters gloss over the many failings of MI5? There are plenty of stories of shady dealings, yet they never seem to focus on any of those and instead they are always portrayed as the ethically superior superhero characters on the side in every story they make an appearance in (laughable).

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Original_Owl
    United States4 months ago
  • Great!

    An excellent podcast! Not stories in and of themselves fascinating, but I have also learned so much about important points in history. Well worth the listen!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SMO80
    Canada5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some criticism centers on perceived political bias and occasional repetition or ads.
Engaging storytelling and strong production are praised by many listeners.
Voices and narration are highlighted as a strong positive by a large portion of fans.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#201
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#86
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#173
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#160
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#170
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#211
Germany/True Crime

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

True Spies Debrief: Robert Hannigan on Work at Bletchley Park
Q: So why would you say that so many neurodiverse candidates ended up working there?
It was about getting the best people for the job regardless of personal eccentricities; they set tests based on puzzle-solving abilities without focusing on conformity.
True Spies Debrief: Robert Hannigan on Work at Bletchley Park
Q: What sort of aptitude are you referring to?
I discovered that actually everyone loves puzzles, which suggests a general aptitude for puzzle-solving work common in intelligence.
True Spies Debrief: Robert Hannigan on Work at Bletchley Park
Q: Can you tell me about that and why you chose to write the book when you did?
The book was inspired by a lack of optimism during the pandemic; I wanted to explore how previous generations solved problems, especially in intelligence.
The Importance of Being Ernest | Historical
Q: What were the tactics employed by the British spies in the United States during this period?
The British spies, particularly through the British Security Coordination, engaged in media manipulation, creating false public sentiments and conducting election interference to promote their agenda of American involvement in the war.
The Importance of Being Ernest | Historical
Q: Can you tell us about the role of Ernest Cunio in the espionage operations leading up to World War II?
Ernest Cunio served as a crucial liaison between the British Security Coordination and various American entities, using his legal background and connections to facilitate the British effort to sway public opinion towards intervention in the war.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About True Spies: Espionage

What is True Spies: Espionage about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A history- and investigation-focused series that explores real espionage, detective work, and political intrigue through detailed storytelling and expert context. Episodes mix archival history, high-stakes operations, and examination of institutions, often featuring former intelligence professionals, journalists, and historians who recount missions, cover stories, and ethical questions. Notable strengths include strong production, compelling narration, and access to insider perspectives, though some listeners perceive politics or repetition in recent episodes. Potential listeners who enjoy richly reported true stories with global stakes and well researched context will likely find it engaging and informative for understanding how espionage ... more

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Which podcasts are similar to True Spies: Espionage?

These podcasts share a similar audience with True Spies: Espionage:

1. SpyCast
2. SPYCRAFT 101
3. The Spy Who
4. Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs
5. Cold War Conversations Podcast

How many episodes of True Spies: Espionage are there?

True Spies: Espionage launched 6 years ago and published 373 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 True Spies: Espionage?

Recent guests on True Spies: Espionage include:

1. Christine Keown
2. Terry Stiastny
3. Jeffrey Gettleman
4. Thomas Mayer
5. Jack Devine
6. David Tuch
7. Dr. David Tuch
8. Richard Kerbaj

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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