Not so secret: 8 podcasts interviewing agents, spies, and special operatives

Intrigue and discretion in the world of covert operations? Au contraire with these podcasts. Welcome to the not-so-secret society of spies and intelligence agencies they surveil on behalf of.

On this list of podcasts, you’ll hear from rogue operatives, CIA agents, and more experts from intelligence agencies spilling stories and sharing their craft.

I Spy

Foreign Policy’s “I Spy” disregards the greatest unspoken rule of the craft to share truths, strong-arming spies to willingly spill their secrets in candid conversations. Hosted by Margo Martindale, this podcast shares insight into spies daily lives and the dangerous lengths they go to complete their missions.

SpyCast

Since 2006, “SpyCast” has broadcasted convos from a variety of top sources like spy chiefs, mole hunters, defectors, covert operators, analysts, cyber-warriors, and researchers around the globe. Tune in for over 560 episodes to learn more about spies’ tradecraft and more.

True Spies

Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby, and Sophia Di Martino chat with spies and detectives on “True Spies,” bringing listeners along for a ride of real-life thrillers, mysteries, and crimes. Guests include experts from the intelligence agencies including the FBI, CIA, MI5, MI6 (SIS), KGB, GRU, Mossad, and more.

Wind of Change

New Yorker journalist Patrick Radden Keefe heard about a conspiracy theory behind The Scorpions’ 1991 song, “Wind of Change.” With charged lyrical content on changing times, Keefe heard it was written by the CIA as a psychological operations campaign to influence society and began researching if there was any truth to this theory. Keefe shares what he learned on Pineapple Street Studios/Crooked/Spotify’s “Wind of Change.

The Agent

Imperative Entertainment presents “The Agent,” a captivating, 12-episode documentary series about Jack Barsky. In the 1980s, Barsky was the longest-known surviving member of the KGB illegals program during the Cold War who lived a double life in America and navigated many identities including a husband, a software developer, bike messenger, and more. On the podcast, listeners will hear from Jack himself, along with narrations from Alden Ehrenreich.

The Langley Files: A CIA Podcast

In episodes averaging less than 30 minutes a pop, “The Langley Files: A CIA Podcast” educates listeners and shares the Agency’s mission, responsibilities, and activity. The series speaks with guests ranging from historians and CIA officers to rogue operatives.

Unfinished

In Witness Docs’ investigative anthology series, “Unfinished,” host and journalist Wesley Lowery (CBS News, Washington Post) explores photographer Ernest Withers’ double life. During the Civil Rights Movement, he captured historical moments on the front lines and gained trust from leaders like James Lawson, Dr. King, and Whitney Young. Little did they know, Ernest was spying on the movement.

Spycraft 101

Justin Black & VN Studios present “Spycraft 101,” your “clandestine classroom” for all things espionage. Hear firsthand stories from intelligence officers, CIA, people who carry out special operations, and more.