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The Spy Who

Wonderywondery.com

These are stories you were never meant to hear. The invisible but vital work of the world’s intelligence services: secret operatives playing to very different rules. The Spy Who, hosted by Indira Varma and Raza Jaffrey, takes you deep inside that shadow world to meet spies who risked everything in the national interest – or, sometimes, their own.

Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. 

Episodes

The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | Ghostbusting | 3

In 2010, the FBI's Operation Ghost Stories faces a tight deadline to arrest Russian spies embedded in America before President Obama's efforts to reset relations with Russia are jeopardized. As the clock ticks down, the team grapples with complications, including a rogue spy and a high-stakes extraction, leading to a tense spy swap between the US and Russia. This episode explores the intricate planning, unexpected twists, and political pressures surrounding the operation.

Mar 11, 202545 minSeason 13Ep. 3

Listen Now: How Do You Cope?

With 1 in 6 people experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it’s never been more important to find out how people are dealing with these challenges. In this podcast, comedian and broadcaster John Robins brings his trademark approach of heart and humour to the conversation, sitting down with guests and experts each week to ask the very simple question - How Do You Cope? Tune in every Monday for new episodes of How Do You Cope? with bonus minisodes landing every Thursday. Listen to How Do Y...

Mar 10, 202513 min

The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | The New Illegals | 2

With the undercover Russian spies making moves to get closer to Hilary Clinton, Moscow sends a new illegal to America: Anna Chapman. And she’s on a mission to wow Manhattan. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 04, 202549 minSeason 13Ep. 2

The Spies Who Invaded Suburbia | Coming To America | 1

It's 1999 and a mole reveals that deep-cover Russian spies are lurking in American suburbia. The FBI finds itself walking a tightrope to keep these spooks in check without exposing its man in Moscow. But the longer the Bureau watches, the more dangerous and numerous the fake Americans become, with one Anna Chapman making moves to get to the West. EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  https://nordvpn.com/spywho Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Feb 25, 202554 minSeason 13Ep. 1

The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz | Pilecki’s Great-Grandson on the Man Behind the Mission | 4

Krzysztof Kosior was thirty when he first felt ready to visit Auschwitz. But since childhood, he had heard stories of his great-grandfather’s time there, and of his journey from unknown soldier to one of Poland’s greatest heroes. Talking to actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson, Krzysztof reflects on his family’s memories of Witold, and on the surprising struggles of those with the Pilecki name. Plus he takes listeners inside what happened when Witold met Tomasz Serafinski, whose identity he use...

Feb 18, 202533 minSeason 12Ep. 4

The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz | No Answers | 3

Witold Pilecki gets dire news from the Polish resistance in Warsaw. After two years desperately trying to expose the horrors of Auschwitz, he’s forced to rethink his mission. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  https://nordvpn.com/spywho Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...

Feb 11, 202554 minSeason 12Ep. 3

The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz | The Message | 2

Witold Pilecki scolds a new arrival for calling him by his real name. But then he realises: this new arrival might know if his messages are reaching the Allies. And if the Allies are going to act. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  https://nordvpn.com/spywho Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art1...

Feb 04, 202542 minSeason 12Ep. 2

Listen Now: Sergei & the Westminster Spy Ring

Journalists Carole Cadwalladr and Peter Jukes – with the help of Conservative party whistleblower Sergei Cristo – expose an alleged secret spy ring operating at the very heart of the British political system. This is the untold story of the most audacious Russian influence operation in British history. It involves honey traps, Russian agents and information warfare. Russian wealth and glamour collide with a wild west of new digital landscapes. And as Sergei tries and fails to raise the alarm, th...

Feb 03, 202512 min

The Spy Who Infiltrated Auschwitz | The Volunteer | 1

Polish soldier Witold Pilecki is heading to Auschwitz. By choice. His mission is to play prisoner so he can expose what’s happening inside the Nazis’ secretive concentration camp. But first, he must survive. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼  https://nordvpn.com/spywho Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Jan 27, 202554 minSeason 12Ep. 1

The Spy Who Betrayed Bin Laden (Encore) | Aimen Dean talks about his time as MI6's Top Spy Inside Al-Qaeda | 5

Aimen Dean talks Raza Jaffrey through the highs and lows of his eight years as an undercover agent and why he chose to spy for the British rather than the Americans. He also describes how he felt after his cover was blown when an American writer disclosed his identity with details that could only be sourced to Dean; and what his life has been like since. And Raza gets his chance to find whether the spy movies and TV series he's been involved in have anything to do with real life. Have you got a ...

Jan 21, 202546 minSeason 11Ep. 5

The Spy Who Betrayed Bin Laden (Encore) | Death Sentence | 4

A deadly plot threatens the New York Subway and Dean is on a mission to thwart it. But when his British spymasters decide to alert the U.S. to the threat, Dean’s deception begins to unravel. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 21, 202540 minSeason 11Ep. 4

The Spy Who Betrayed Bin Laden (Encore) | Twin Towers | 3

Dean is working undercover, posing as a loyal jihadi in Afghanistan, while actually spying for British intelligence. He knows that one mistake is all it will take to wind up dead. But that’s not his only worry because the sense is growing that al-Qaeda has a major plot in the works. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info...

Jan 14, 202539 minSeason 11Ep. 3

The Spy Who Betrayed Bin Laden (Encore) | Londonistan | 2

Aimen Dean is trapped. He wants out of al-Qaeda and Afghanistan, but no one gets to leave the jihadi training camps without permission. So when a missile strike hands him the perfect excuse to leave he seizes the chance to break free. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 07, 202538 minSeason 11Ep. 2

The Spy Who Betrayed Bin Laden (Encore) | Holy War | 1

It’s 1994 and 16-year-old Aimen Dean wants to die. He’s heading to war-torn Bosnia to join the Mujahideen and save fellow Muslims. He hopes to become a martyr so that he can be reunited with his dead parents in paradise. Instead, he’s about to be confronted by a bloody reality. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 31, 202441 minSeason 11Ep. 1

The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Lumumba's Grandson on Legacy, Loss and the Weight of a Name | 5

Amory Lumumba was born long after the 1961 assassination of his grandfather. Yet the impact continues to ripple through his family today. Actor and spy novelist Charlie Higson speaks with Amory about the heavy responsibility of carrying the Lumumba name, and the enduring, inspirational legacy that Patrice Lumumba left behind. Plus, Amory tells Charlie why he's convinced the United States were involved in the killing. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or...

Dec 24, 202424 minSeason 9Ep. 5

The Spy Who Gave London its Christmas Tree | 1

Each Christmas, a giant tree lights up London’s Trafalgar Square. Behind the custom: 007 author Ian Fleming and a secret mission to Norway. This is the story of how wartime espionage gave Britain its most spectacular festive tradition. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.com. Listen to The Spy Who on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or...

Dec 19, 202435 minSeason 10Ep. 1

The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | One Gold Tooth | 4

New Prime Minister Joseph Mobutu’s grip on power is shaky. It’s Patrice Lumumba who has the people’s support. So the CIA and MI6 start plotting to oust him using any means necessary. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to  thespywho@wondery.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...

Dec 17, 202442 minSeason 9Ep. 4

The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Cold Jungle | 3

While Patrice Lumumba battles to control his country, MI6 officer Daphne Park and CIA officer Larry Devlin are secretly battling to stop him turning to the Soviets for help. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to  thespywho@wondery.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...

Dec 10, 202448 minSeason 9Ep. 3

The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Heart of Darkness | 2

Newly independent Congo is spiralling into disorder. Disorder the Communists could be quick to exploit. MI6 officer Daphne Park needs to act, and fast. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to  thespywho@wondery.com . See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art...

Dec 03, 202440 minSeason 9Ep. 2

The Spy Who Killed a Prime Minister | Independence Day | 1

When MI6 sends officer Daphne Park to help stop a communist takeover in Congo, it kickstarts one of the darkest operations in MI6 and CIA history. Because security services either need to win the trust of Congo’s first prime minister, or remove him. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. Have you got a spy story you’d like us to tell? Email your ideas to  thespywho@wondery....

Nov 26, 202445 minSeason 9Ep. 1

The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Uncovering The Truth With Bellingcat | 5

In a groundbreaking investigation into the poisoning of Sergei Skripal, journalism group Bellingcat exposed previously unknown details of the Salisbury Poisonings that blew the case wide open. Journalist and Bellingcat founder Elliot Higgins and host Charlie Higson explore where the responsibility to protect covert operations ends and the public's right to be informed begins. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visitin...

Nov 19, 202433 minSeason 8Ep. 5

The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Bear Traps | 4

As hospital medics battle to save the first victims of the Salisbury poisonings, police hunt the perpetrators. And while they're searching, the spy war between Russia and the West heats up, with an eventful call between Prime Minister Theresa May and President Donald Trump. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...

Nov 12, 202439 minSeason 8Ep. 4

The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | Always a Spy | 3

In a top-secret Russian laboratory, a terrifying chemical weapon called Novichok is about to be hauled out of storage, and will soon reach the streets of British city Salisbury. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Nov 05, 202430 minSeason 8Ep. 3

The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | The Exchange | 2

Sergei Skripal is easing into retirement with a side hustle as a MI6 agent, and enjoying the Spanish seaside. Meanwhile, the KGB’s successor, the FSB, is on the hunt for traitors after a tip-off from a mole inside Spain’s intelligence service. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com...

Oct 29, 202434 minSeason 8Ep. 2

The Spy Who Putin Poisoned | End of an Era | 1

When the USSR falls apart, GRU officer Sergei Skripal finds himself adrift in the new Russia, having never asked for the country's new democracy. So when he meets a shadowy wine dealer, he leaps at the chance to make some money, without a clue how the deal would lead him to Salisbury. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Cali...

Oct 22, 202439 minSeason 8Ep. 1

The Spy Who Started the Cold War | The Most Dangerous In History? | 5

Why did Fuchs take such a huge gamble by sharing US nuclear secrets with the Soviets? Was Oppenheimer's fellow physicist seeking peace - or war? Charlie Higson talks to Frank Close, an author and physicist, about Fuchs' decision and its impact on the course of history. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy N...

Oct 15, 202432 minSeason 7Ep. 5

The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Lost Control | 4

MI5 is closing in on Klaus Fuchs. But they can't seem to catch him in the act of spying. There’s only one option. They need a confession. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 08, 202443 minSeason 7Ep. 4

The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Fallout | 3

Klaus Fuchs is sure his espionage has gone undetected. So when authorities unearth a similar spy ring in Canada’s nuclear project, Fuchs doesn’t consider that he could be next. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Oct 01, 202438 minSeason 7Ep. 3

The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Los Alamos | 2

Fuchs’ plan to feed secrets to the Soviets is in jeopardy. The atomic bomb project is closely guarded. That means little contact with the outside world, especially his handlers. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 24, 202441 minSeason 7Ep. 2

The Spy Who Started the Cold War | Enemy Alien | 1

It’s the 1940s. Robert Oppenheimer is creating plans for the first atomic bomb. And his colleague is stealing them. Klaus Fuchs is a traitor in Oppenheimer's ranks. A German-born physicist secretly working for the Soviet Union. Oppenheimer will change the world with science; Fuchs with espionage. Listen to The Spy Who ad-free on Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-spy-who now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

Sep 17, 202442 minSeason 7Ep. 1