On this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy podcast, British political journalist Tim Shipman is once again in conversation with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst turned novelist, discussing his fourth and most ambitious book yet, The Persian . Departing from his CIA-rooted earlier work, McCloskey dives into the morally murky waters of the Israeli-Iranian shadow war. The novel, a high-stakes standalone thriller, follows a Mossad operation and an Iranian-born dentist-turned-reluctant-spy. Th...
Jan 22, 2026•46 min•Ep. 288
Guest host Jim Wilton sits down with former U.S. military intelligence professional and author Karl Wegener to discuss his Cold War–era historical spy thriller Operation Nightfall: Web of Spies . Wegener shares his personal background in U.S. Army intelligence and the CIA, how he transitioned into writing, and why he chose lesser‑known Cold War stories—especially those involving Polish resistance movements—for his novel. The conversation highlights the book's unique setting in post‑World War II ...
Jan 21, 2026•26 min•Ep. 287
What if someone else could use your identity as a spy? In this episode of Spybrary, guest host Bryan Boling sits down with author David Goodman to talk about his debut novel, A Reluctant Spy 'Goodman's first book was a very polished high concept spy thriller, which delivered on its premise.' Tim Shipman Buy the Book David Goodman shares his writing background, how his ideas evolved into a published book, and the inspiration behind the story's unique take on espionage. They dive into the novel's ...
Jan 15, 2026•53 min•Ep. 282
In the first Dead Drop Five episode of 2026, Spybrary host Shane Whaley welcomes new Spybrary guest host Bryan Boling for a deep dive into his five favourite spy books, the titles that Brian would request be stashed in the East Berlin Dead Drop. Full links to Brian's selection at https://www.spybrary.com/285 Join the Spybrary Community Today Brian, a history lover and spy book fan from Kentucky, categorizes his selections across nonfiction, classic and modern fiction, and reflects on what makes ...
Jan 08, 2026•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 285
In this episode, we decode On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) — the boldest, most emotionally resonant Bond film of all. Joined by Bond aficionados Ian Douglas (Hildebrand), Andy Onyx (author), and Professor Michael Huie (Friday Night Frights Podcast), we dive into George Lazenby's one-time portrayal of James Bond, Peter Hunt's risky direction, Diana Rigg's unforgettable performance, and why this film has grown from outcast to cult favourite. Full show notes and links Recorded on December 21...
Dec 22, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 281
Was The Quiller Memorandum (1966) a misunderstood spy movie — or a cinematic misfire? In this episode of Spybrary, we go deep into one of the most divisive spy films of the 1960s. From the controversial casting of George Segal as the iconic British spy to Harold Pinter's slow-burning, subtext-heavy script, Quiller has split opinion for decades. But is it time for a reappraisal? Join 4,500+ spy fans talking spy movies and books every day! Welcome to another episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Po...
Dec 17, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 279
Ajay Chowdhury reveals how the new James Bond Locations Atlas Darker Than The Sun maps 007's world like never before, blending real geography with film secrets and behind-the-scenes stories. Shane Whaley is joined by returning guest and leading James Bond authority Ajay Chowdhury. Co-author of the newly released James Bond Locations Guide Darker Than the Sun . This isn't your typical location guide, though. Darker Than the Sun is an immersive, richly visual atlas that blends real geography, fict...
Dec 11, 2025•57 min•Ep. 280
What if spy skills like influence, persuasion, and reading people could transform your life? Ex-British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Spybrary to reveal the 9 essential spycraft skills anyone can learn. In this revealing and thought-provoking episode of Spybrary, former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Shane to discuss the central thesis of his new book, Think Like a Spy : that spy skills can be taught and used in everyday life. From mastering influence and reading peo...
Dec 10, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 278
I've read a lot of thrillers, but the way I realise that something is good is when I envy it, and I think, damn, I wish I could have come up with that! Jeremy Duns on Cover Story In this captivating episode of Spybrary, guest host, the spy thriller writer Jeremy Duns welcomes acclaimed historical fiction author R.N Morris to discuss his latest novel, "Cover Story." Dive into the world of espionage as R N Morris shares insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and ...
Dec 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 277
Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication, as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. In this episode of the James Bond Book Club, the Spybrary hosts discuss Ian Fleming's final Bond novel, "The Man with the Golden Gun." They explore the book's themes, characters, and its place in the Bond series, reflecting on Fleming's legacy and the impact of his work on the spy fiction genre. The conversation t...
Nov 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 273
What happens when a former diplomat turns spy-thriller author? In this episode, Sam Guthrie, ex-Australian trade envoy and senior government official, sits down with award-winning journalist Tim Shipman to discuss The Peak — a gripping, character-driven espionage novel set across Hong Kong, Beijing and Canberra. Join the Spybrary Community Today! 👉 The story begins with a shocking act inside Australia's Parliament House — and unravels a 30-year-old secret from the 1997 Hong Kong handover. A lov...
Nov 02, 2025•46 min
Learn more about the John le Carré Tradecraft exhibition in Oxford revealing John le Carré's meticulous research, unseen manuscripts, and the personal life behind the spy fiction. In Spybrary Ep. 275, we speak with the curators about what they uncovered and what it tells us about the master of espionage fiction. In this episode of Spybrary , Shane Whaley hosts a conversation into Tradecraft , the new exhibition at Oxford's Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell) . His guests ...
Oct 14, 2025•47 min•Ep. 275
Step back into the shadows of Cold War Berlin with this week's episode of Spybrary . My guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Special Forces operator who spent 23 years in clandestine service—much of it in divided Berlin. He's just released his new book, Berlin: A Spy's Guide to it's Cold War History in Story and Image , and joins me to share his tips on the best Berlin Cold War sites to visit. You'll hear about: Why Berlin is the city of spies! What it was really like serving in Berlin during ...
Oct 02, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 274
Shane Whaley and author I.S. Berry ( The Peacock and the Sparrow ) welcome spy thriller author Dan Fesperman to talk about his latest novel, Pariah . What happens when a disgraced stand-up comedian becomes a CIA asset in a fictional Eastern European country? Listen/Watch On. Topics covered include: The real-world politics that inspired Pariah How cancel culture shapes protagonist Hal Knight Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!) Why did Dan Fesperman choose ...
Aug 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 271
In this episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley interviews author Alex Gerlis about his latest novel, The Second Traitor , book 2 in the spy series which is set against the backdrop of World War II and the early Cold War. They discuss the complexities of writing historical fiction, the importance of research, and the intricate character dynamics within the story. Gerlis shares insights into the historical events that inspired his work, including Operation Sea Lion, the Invasion Warning, Sub-Commi...
Aug 14, 2025•51 min•Ep. 272
Dive into Three Days of the Condor with Spybrary. CIA conspiracies, moped escapes, and one of the best assassins in spy cinema. Redford stars in this slow-burn, cerebral classic that still resonates today. Join 4000 other spy fans, chatting spy movies, books and TV. https://www.spybrary.com/community Welcome to another edition of Section F on Spybrary, where spy film enthusiasts gather to dissect classic espionage cinema. In Episode 270, Shane is joined by Michael, Jonathan, and debut guest Pier...
Aug 06, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 270
Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication, as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together. In this time‑travel special, the Spybrary crew—Shane, David Craggs, Andy Onyx, and Ian Douglas—journey back to 1964 to dissect Ian Fleming's latest novel, You Only Live Twice. They kick off by setting the scene: Bond mania is reaching fever pitch, with spy fiction booming, thanks to Ian Fleming, the Bond films are...
Jul 24, 2025•56 min•Ep. 269
Gordon Corera makes his Spybrary debut in this riveting episode of the Spybrary podcast. Host Shane Whaley welcomes the former BBC security correspondent, espionage historian and host of The Rest is Classified podcast, Gordon Corera to discuss his latest book, The Spy in the Archive . The Cold War might be over, but its shadows stretch far into the present. What if one of the Soviet Union's most overlooked insiders — a quiet KGB archivist — decided to turn against the very institution he once se...
Jun 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 268
In this special episode of Spybrary, Shane is joined by fellow spy fan Joe Modzelewski for an in-depth International Spy Museum review. Recorded after their recent visit to the museum in Washington D.C., this episode is packed with honest reflections, surprising discoveries, and plenty of spy geekery. From Virginia Hall's heroic story to rare artifacts like the Enigma machine and a section of the Berlin Tunnel, Shane and Joe cover it all—including the museum's interactive spy games, an exhibit o...
Jun 12, 2025•34 min•Ep. 262
On this episode of Spybrary, I welcome back one of today's finest spy fiction authors, Paul Vidich . We're diving into his gripping new novel, The Poet's Game , a contemporary espionage thriller rooted in the tense geopolitics of modern-day Russia and the United States. Paul joins me to unpack the creative process, real-life inspirations, and the deeply personal conflicts faced by his latest protagonist, Alex Matthews. We explore how Paul's personal family connections to the intelligence world h...
May 29, 2025•50 min•Ep. 267
Fans of George Smiley, John le Carré's legendary spymaster, have reason to celebrate. In a rare double coup for the espionage world, Nick Harkaway—le Carré's son—has announced The Taper Man , a new Smiley novel arriving in 2026, while The Spy Who Came in From the Cold will receive its first-ever stage adaptation in the West End this autumn. The announcement marks a major return of the "Circus," le Carré's iconic fictionalised British intelligence service, and the literary rebirth of one of spy f...
May 21, 2025•6 min•Ep. 266
In this fascinating episode of Spybrary, host Shane Whaley takes us to the espionage heart of London with expert London Spy Tours guide David Harry, also known as The London Spy . From real-life Cold War betrayals to Bond-worthy locations and hidden relics, David shares captivating insights from his acclaimed Westminster and St. James's London spy tours. This episode is a treasure trove for spy fiction lovers and espionage history buffs alike. 🔑 Key Takeaways: 🕵️♂️ The Origins of the London S...
Apr 30, 2025•32 min•Ep. 260
Michael Idov, author of The Collaborators, joins Spybrary to discuss the spy novel everyone in our community is raving about. In this in-depth conversation, Michael shares how his Soviet upbringing, real-world intelligence events like the Ryanair Belarus 'hijacking' incident and Moscow taxi hacker chaos, and his love for British espionage fiction shaped his gripping debut spy novel. We also dive into his work on Deutschland 83, Deutschland 89, his admiration for OSINT warriors like Bellingcat, a...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 261
Ever wonder what spy books former CIA spy Valerie Plame can't put down? Today on Spybrary , host Shane Whaley is joined by none other than Valerie Plame —former CIA covert operative, bestselling author, and an iconic voice in the world of intelligence and espionage. For over a decade, Valerie Plame served on the front lines of national security, operating undercover in some of the world's most complex and volatile environments. Her CIA career—and the controversial public outing that ended it—has...
Apr 03, 2025•40 min•Ep. 263
🔥 In This Episode: He's back. Former MI6 officer turned critically acclaimed novelist , Charles Beaumont returns to the Spybrary podcast on the launch day of his second novel, A Spy at War , the highly anticipated sequel to his bestselling debut, A Spy Alone . Recorded on publication day, this conversation delves deep—not only into the plot and characters of the new book, but also into the role of spy fiction in helping us make sense of today's volatile geopolitical landscape. Join us for a gri...
Mar 28, 2025•58 min•Ep. 265
In this Brush Pass episode of Brush Pass, Le Carre Cast and Barbican Station podcast host Jeff Quest, gives us the lowdown on two spy-related theatrical productions: ' Operation Mincemeat ' and ' Dakar 2000 '. Operation Mincemeat on Broadway John Golden Theatre 252 W. 45th St., New York, NY The stunning true story of a scheme every bit as dicey, daring, and ridiculous as opening a new musical on Broadway! The best-reviewed show in West End history is now on Broadway! 74 ★★★★★ Reviews and Countin...
Mar 26, 2025•10 min•Ep. 264
Welcome to the third episode of Section F - our Spy Movie Podcast track on Spybrary. Our Section F handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favourite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Spybrary's Section F delve into the 1963 movie adaptation of Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love starring Sean Connery and directed by Terence Young. Host Shane Whaley is joined by Section F's Dr Eric Newsom and Michael Huie, along with special guest film historian Dr. Llewella C...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 259
Is the German Spy Museum in Berlin worth your time? In this episode of Brush Pass on Spybrary, we take you inside this fascinating espionage attraction to uncover its best exhibits, hidden gems, and whether it's a must-visit for spy fans. Spybrary's on-the-ground team in Berlin – Station C's Matt Batten, David Morgan, and Father Richard Green – share their German Spy Museum Berlin review. Both Matt and David are return visitors to the German Spy Museum - how was their experience on a second visi...
Mar 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 258
Ever wonder what spy novels a real-life Special Forces and CIA operative can't put down? Former Special Forces & CIA Officer James Stejskal reveals his top five spy thrillers on Spybrary's Dead Drop 5. The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler. Today's guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Army Special Forces and CIA operative, turned milit...
Feb 12, 2025•49 min•Ep. 256
🔎 "Most mole hunts end in an unsatisfying fashion…" – David McCloskey Former CIA analyst-turned-bestselling spy novelist and The Rest is Classified Podcast Host David McCloskey returns to Spybrary for an illuminating conversation with journalist and espionage fan The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman. From Langley's shadowy corridors to the gator-infested wilds of Florida, McCloskey's latest thriller, The Seventh Floor, delivers a modern-day mole hunt infused with betrayal, ...
Jan 29, 2025•56 min•Ep. 257
