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 vi...
Mar 06, 2025•17 min•Ep 258•Transcript available on Metacast 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 militar...
Feb 12, 2025•49 min•Ep 256•Transcript available on Metacast 🔎 "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•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to our book club episode on On Her Majesty’s Secret Service , Ian Fleming's eleventh James Bond novel and one of the most pivotal in the series. Spybrary host Shane Whaley introduces this James Bond Book club episode from the steps of the College of Arms in London, a location that plays a significant role in the story as Bond takes on a unique undercover mission. On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the book where Bond faces his arch-nemesis Blofeld, but it’s also where we see a rare, deep...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep 255•Transcript available on Metacast Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Claire Hubbard-Hall. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled Her Secret Service - The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history. Recognition and Roles: Changing Perceptions The episode also discusses the broader ...
Nov 23, 2024•42 min•Ep 252•Transcript available on Metacast Wilfred "Biffy" Dunderdale: A Life of Espionage On today's Spybrary, host Shane Whaley sat down with Lt. Col. Tim Spicer OBE, author of A Suspicion of Spies: Risk, Secrets and Shadows – The Biography of Wilfred ‘Biffy’ Dunderdale . The book offers a glimpse into the life of this iconic British spy. Drawing upon years of research, Spicer's biography explores the remarkable life of a man who navigated the treacherous world of espionage, leaving an indelible mark on history. Early Life and Introduc...
Nov 19, 2024•49 min•Ep 253•Transcript available on Metacast ‘Compelling and meticulously researched, the riveting life of a maverick Scottish spy.’ Charles Cumming Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, a Scottish diplomat, spy and writer, led a life filled with adventure and intrigue. While his involvement in the famed Lockhart Plot of 1918 is often cited, there is much more to uncover about Robert Bruce Lockhart's life. Grab Rogue Agent here: https://geni.us/gk3Qv1 Join fellow Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Online Community: https://www.spybrary.com/community Profess...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min•Ep 251•Transcript available on Metacast Karla's Choice sees the return of John le Carré's George Smiley. Today we're joined by his son, the author Nick Harkaway, along with John le Carré fans Steve Ritterman and Matthew Bradford, Our host Shane Whaley hosts this fascinating discussion about Harkaway’s foray into his father John le Carré's iconic universe, particularly his latest novel Karla's Choice. Nick Harkaway shares his unique journey of bridging the narrative gaps between familiar stories like The Spy Who Came In From The Cold a...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep 254•Transcript available on Metacast We have made it to Episode 250! Hear this special message from Spybrary founder Shane Whaley talking about Spybrary's future as well as a fun conversation Spybrarians, I need your intel! Eight years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, asking this question. When I launched the Spybrary Podcast, I had no idea we'd build a community of fellow spy enthusiasts that’s still going strong after 249 episodes of declassified interviews, thrilling brush pass reviews, and deep dives with fellow spy fans. But...
Oct 16, 2024•18 min•Ep 250•Transcript available on Metacast In this fascinating episode of the Spybrary Spy History Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews Barry Werth author of Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey's Cold War . This remarkable true cold war spy story of the longest-held prisoner of war in American history, John Downey , Jr., a CIA officer captured in China during the Korean War and imprisoned for twenty-one years. We invite you to join our host, author and former BBC reporter Adam Brookes, and guest Barry Werth on the Spybrary Spy History Podcast...
Oct 07, 2024•47 min•Ep 249•Transcript available on Metacast 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. Shane Whaley - Spybrary Podcast Host Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond books ? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx , Frieda Toth and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into...
Sep 30, 2024•59 min•Ep 247•Transcript available on Metacast In this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, guest host David Clark is joined by author and investigative journalist Tim Tate to dissect his latest espionage non-fiction book To Catch A Spy which examines the enigmatic and controversial history surrounding Roger Hollis, the former MI5 Director General, Margaret Thatcher, Peter Wright and the explosive Spycatcher affair! ' Researched like an intelligence officer, argued like a barrister, and as engaging and intriguing as a Le Carré , Tat...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 248•Transcript available on Metacast In this captivating episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, join host Shane Whaley as he sits down briefly with the legendary actor Gary Oldman, who portrays the enigmatic Jackson Lamb in the hit TV adaptation of Mick Heron's "Slow Horses." Gary Oldman reveals how Jackson Lamb first appeared on his radar and the differences working with spy authors Mick Herron and John le Carré on Slow Horses and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. A big thank you to Catherine Spillane and Gary 'The Fixer' Dexter for arrang...
Sep 18, 2024•7 min•Ep 246•Transcript available on Metacast A thrilling tick-tock recounting one of the most harrowing hostage situations and daring rescue attempts of our time—from the true-life espionage master and New York Times bestselling author of Operation Mincemeat and The Spy and the Traitor . Today on the Spybrary podcast, we're taking you inside the Iranian Embassy siege. Join us for a gripping episode as our host, Shane Whaley, sits down with renowned historian Ben Macintyre and counterterrorism and intelligence expert Rossa McPhillips. Toget...
Sep 10, 2024•52 min•Ep 245•Transcript available on Metacast On today’s episode, acclaimed spy authors Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich sit down for an intriguing discussion that delves deep into the world of writing spy fiction. As many of you know, I’ve been lucky enough to share drinks, meals, and some unforgettable conversations with some of the best spy authors working today. And every time, I think to myself, "I wish I had brought a bug— or called Roddy Ho for some tech to record this!" Well, today, that wish comes true, well, kind of. We’re bringing yo...
Aug 19, 2024•49 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast Today's episode is a Bond in Motion review and interview in the form of a brief field report submitted by friend of Spybrary and spy author Payne Harrison . Join the Spybrary Community Welcome to the latest episode of the Spybrary, guest hosted by Payne Harrison! Join us as we visit the Bond in Motion exhibit at the incredible Spy Museum in Washington, DC. In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. A...
Jul 30, 2024•17 min•Ep 243•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today's episode is helmed by Spybrary contributor, author and music aficionado Andy Onyx , who interviews John Higgs , the author of Love and Let Die - James Bond, The Beatles and The British Psyche. Join other spy book fans in our online Spybrary commmunity join for free today!...
Jul 23, 2024•45 min•Ep 242•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to another thrilling episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! Today, we have the exceptional Merle Nygate joining us to dive deep into her latest espionage novel, Honour Among Spies, the highly anticipated sequel to The Righteous Spy. Tune in as host Shane Whaley commends Merle's expertise in writing riveting action scenes and her knack for adding delicious touches of realism with food scenes that flesh out the characters and setting. Merle takes us behind the scenes, sharing how her bo...
Jun 11, 2024•46 min•Ep 241•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, your host, Shane Whaley, is joined by special guests Charlie Higson and Mark Ashby to discuss the updated and revised paperback edition of On His Majesty's Secret Service . Charlie Higson, author of the latest James Bond novel On His Majesty's Secret Service shares his unique perspective on modernizing the iconic agent. Higson discusses his journey into writing a James Bond novel for the 60th anniversary of "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," offering insights into updating the c...
May 28, 2024•52 min•Ep 240•Transcript available on Metacast Order! Order! Welcome to Episode 239 of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast! I'm your host, Shane and today Whaley goes to Westminster. But don't worry; I'm not running for office! I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a tea break with Gordon Henderson MP . I am a politics nerd so it was a delight for me to combine both of my passions, espionage and politics. Gordon isn't just a sitting member of Parliament for Sittingbourne and Sheppey in Kent—he's also a passionate writer of spy fiction. We'll div...
May 22, 2024•26 min•Ep 239•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to the second episode of Section F - our Spy Movie track on the Spybrary Spy Podcast. Our handpicked hosts and guests discuss their favorite spy movies both the classics and the hidden gems of spy films. Today Section F delve into the movie adaptation of Len Deighton's Funeral in Berlin, starring Michael Caine as the iconic Harry Palmer. Unlike the suave and debonair James Bond, Harry Palmer brings a gritty, realistic edge to the spy genre, challenging traditional spy representations wit...
May 08, 2024•49 min•Ep 233•Transcript available on Metacast Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond novels? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's Thunderball as if they are in the year of publication. They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's Thunderbal...
Apr 24, 2024•59 min•Ep 237•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book In True Face A Woman's Life in the CIA . Join us for a riveting episode with Jonna Mendez, a former CIA operative with an enthralling tale of espionage, covert operations, and the very human aspect of intelligence work.** Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna Mendez, who shares her extraordinary ex...
Apr 09, 2024•52 min•Ep 238•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Spybrary podcast, the hosts discuss the book ' Four Shots in the Night ' by Henry Hemming. Four Shots In the Night tells the story of the 1986 murder of a British spy inside the IRA and the subsequent investigation that took place 30 years later. It explores the role of Martin McGuinness and British intelligence in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The hosts also discuss the historical context of the conflict and the process of getting Sinn Fein involved in the politic...
Mar 25, 2024•40 min•Ep 236•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley interviews Michael Frost Beckner , the writer of the movie Spy Game . They discuss Michael's Spy Game book series including a new novella called Kaleidoscope and how it fits into his Spy Game trilogy. They also talk about the complexity of the characters in Michael's Spy Game books and the inspiration behind them. Michael shares his thoughts on the spy genre and the attraction it holds for him....
Mar 21, 2024•54 min•Ep 235•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to another riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Book Podcast. I'm your host, Shane Whaley, and today we dive into the thrilling world of spy fiction with our special guest, Tom Fletcher , the former UK ambassador and advisor to three UK Prime Ministers turned espionage thriller writer. Tom Fletcher's new book, " The Assassin ," is creating waves and it's not just because of its gripping scenes; it's a novel that hits the zeitgeist with its daring exploration of climate change and the mor...
Mar 18, 2024•37 min•Ep 234•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx and Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only as if they are in the year of publication. They provide fascinating analysis and insight into this iconic book's plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or just lov...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min•Ep 232•Transcript available on Metacast Join Spybrary Spy Book Podcast host Shane Whaley, author Paul Vidich and Spybrarian David Craggs as we unpack Paul Vidich's latest spy thriller 'Beirut Station: Two Lives of a Spy.' Beirut Station is a novel pulsating with emotional depth and geopolitical intrigue. Set amidst the 2006 Hezbollah-Israeli conflict in Beirut, Lebanon, the story follows the precarious journey of a Lebanese-American protagonist entangled with the UN, CIA, and Mossad in a mission to eliminate a terrorist threat. Specia...
Mar 07, 2024•36 min•Ep 230•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we are thrilled to present a very special 90-minute episode titled "Ian Fleming: The Complete Man" with the esteemed novelist and Iatest Ian Fleming biographer Nicholas Shakespeare . For this interview, Spybrary host and founder Shane Whaley recruited James Bond and Ian Fleming scholars Ajay Chowdhury and Jeremy Duns , to dive deep into the life and works of the legendary creator of James Bond, Mr. Ian Fleming with biographer Nicholas Shakespeare. With unrivaled access to the Fleming fami...
Feb 29, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 231•Transcript available on Metacast Special guest Mark Edlitz, author of "James Bond After Fleming," joins James Bond aficionados Bill Kanas, Brian McKaig, and guest host Matt Raubenheimer on the Spybrary Spy Podcast to dissect the evolution of 007 in print. Together, they unravel the challenges, strategies, and approaches of various continuation 007 authors in the ever-thrilling James Bond literary saga. 🎧 Listen now to uncover fascinating insights into the world Ian Fleming created and how it has been skillfully perpetuated thr...
Feb 22, 2024•47 min•Ep 229•Transcript available on Metacast 
