Spybrary Spy Podcast

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, re...

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 Aust...

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...

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. Y...

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 Buildi...

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 his...

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...

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: Bon...

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 o...

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...

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 prota...

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...

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 f...

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 i...

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 com...

🔥 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 o...

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 musica...

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...

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 M...

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. To...

🔎 "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, Mc...

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 Se...

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 inte...

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 navigat...

'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...