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

SPYSCAPE
CIA
Espionage
World War II
Cold War
KGB
FBI
Al-Qaeda
Soviet Union
Nazi Germany
MI6
War On Terror
MI5
Russia
Counterintelligence
Spanish Civil War
D-Day
Osama Bin Laden
Ukraine
British Intelligence
Terrorism

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes378Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentarySociety & CultureTrue Crime

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Artwork for True Spies: Espionage

Latest Episodes

Writer Aaron Tracy joins Morgan Childs to discuss the complexities and controversies around Roald Dahl - a man whose reputation as a children's author leads many to overlook his previous life as a wartime spy for the British Security Coordination in ... more

Content Warning: This episode contains sex references.

Author Robert Verkaik unpicks the complex and fascinating relationship between two giants of the 20th Century - author and screenwriter Graham Greene, and Soviet super-spy, Kim Philby.

When Wor... more

Ryan Hillsberg can be whoever you want him to be. As a CIA case officer, he recruited assets for the Agency by transforming himself into their ideal companion - a confidante par excellence. But maintaining a degree of professional detachment isn't al... more

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

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

Ryan Hillsberg
Former CIA operations officer
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Episode: True Spies Classic: You Me, Same Same | CIA
Christina Hillsberg
Former CIA intelligence officer, author of Agents of Change
CIA
Episode: True Spies Debrief - Christina Hillsberg on the Women of the CIA
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

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 Statesa month 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 Statesa month ago
  • Great material

    Spoiled by the narrator's breathless delivery

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Bandboxxer
    United States3 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 States5 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
#234
United States/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#120
United Kingdom/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#216
Canada/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#113
France/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#188
Australia/True Crime
Apple Podcasts
#51
Indonesia/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.

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

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 - "vivid & compelling" The NY Times

How many episodes of True Spies: Espionage are there?

True Spies: Espionage launched 6 years ago and published 378 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. Ryan Hillsberg
2. Christina Hillsberg
3. Christine Keown
4. Terry Stiastny
5. Jeffrey Gettleman
6. Thomas Mayer
7. Jack Devine
8. David Tuch

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