ESPIONAGE: February 2025 podcast playlist
Dive into a world of shadows and espionage with this gripping playlist, exploring captivating spy stories throughout history. From centuries-old cunning operations to Cold War high-stakes missions, each episode reveals the lives of those who navigated danger and deception. Discover thrilling accounts of intelligence agents and undercover operatives, featuring firsthand stories, expert interviews, and an exploration of the strategies and risks they faced in their quest for information.
This playlist was curated by Jules, member of our Chicago Chapter.
Podcast Playlist on ESPIONAGE
Get the full playlist on your podcast player of choice using these platforms:
| This Month’s Podcast Playlist | Running List of PBC Podcast Playlists |
| Listen Notes | Spotify | Listen Notes | Spotify |
Snap Judgement: “The Lion, The Lamb, and The Fox – Snap Classic” (May 2023, 44 min)
Amaryllis was fast on track to become an established journalist when her mentor was kidnapped and killed by a terrorist group. She decided she had to give up the transparency of journalism if she wanted to help curb terror truly, and instead joined the shadow world of the CIA. But the shadow world had its own cost.
Everything Everywhere Daily: “Mata Hari” (July 2022, 14 min)
During World War I, the French recruited a Dutch dancer and courtesan as a spy. However, not long after this, the French turned on her and accused her of being a double agent and spying for Germany. It was a case that rocked the Allied powers and is still being discussed over 100 years after the events. Learn more about Mata Hari and the story that captivated the world on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily.
Criminal: “Ana” (August 2024, 49 min)
For 17 years, Ana Montes quietly shared information with the Cuban government while working as a U.S. defense intelligence analyst.
True Spies: “Her Majesty’s Secret Service | Historical” (May 2021, 51 min)
Protestant England faces an existential threat from Catholic Spain. Queen Elizabeth calls on Sir Francis Walsingham, the Royal spymaster, to undermine the Spanish war effort. Vanessa Kirby tells a story of loyalty, fear, and the terrible lengths to which a good spy will go to protect the Queen and Country. Could YOU sink an Armada? From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Sir Francis Walsingham is voiced by Linus Roache.
I Spy: “The Skeptic” (June 2022, 34 min)
Before Joe Weisberg created the award-winning television show The Americans, he served in the CIA. His brief period in the agency informed storylines in the show and helped shape Weisberg’s views on espionage. Eventually, he came to believe that spying does more harm than good.
Bonus podcast episodes:
- Women and Crime: “Ethel Rosenberg” (July 2022, 49 min)
In the summer of 1949, the FBI learned that secrets regarding the construction of the atomic bomb had been shared with soviet spies. An immediate investigation led to the arrest of several people, including a young mother of two. Was this woman part of a communist plot to sell our secrets, or was she an innocent scapegoat swept up in one of the most sensational trials in U.S. history? This is the Ethel Rosenberg story. - The Atlas Obscura Podcast: “A Daring Story of Freedom with Edda Fields-Black” (May 2024, 26 min)
Historian and author Edda L. Fields-Black tells us the fascinating and action-packed story of one of the most daring spy operations and raids of the entire Civil War – led by Harriet Tubman. - I Spy: “The Master of Disguise” (November 2019, 34 min)
CIA agent Jonna Mendez is sent to a capital city in Asia to help steal a top-secret encryption machine from a Soviet Embassy. Mendez’s job in the operation is to fashion disguises for the team. She would become the chief of disguise at the CIA’s Office of Technical Service.
Conversation Starter Questions:
- Do you think spying does more harm than good?
- Would you consider being a spy if your country recruited you?
- Why do you think people become spies?
- Which is worse, being a spy or a double agent?
- Bonus episode question: In your opinion, was Ethel Rosenberg guilty?
- Bonus episode question: What do you think about the characterization of Harriet Tubman as a spy? Does it enhance or detract from her reputation?
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