Spybrary Spy Podcast

• The Peak - Sam Guthrie In Conversation with Tim Shipman

  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 Australia's Parliament House — and unravels a 30-year-old secret from the 1997 Hong Kong handover. A love triangle, a mysterious mixtape, betrayal, and a looming global crisis all collide in this explosive debut. Sam shares behind-the-scenes insights from his time as Deputy Consul General in Hong Kong, reflects on the growing tensions between China, Australia and the West, and explains why fiction must confront the geopolitical risks of the 21st century. 📌 Topics include: The real risks of espionage in Asia-Pacific Why politicians and business leaders told Sam that this topic is 'too raw' for him to write about. Why Australia is caught between China and the US Why Sam Guthrie is determined to shift the focus of espionage fiction from Europe to Asia Writing flawed characters with emotional depth Using mixtapes and music in spy fiction (Check out Sam Guthrie's Spotify playlist featuring tracks mentioned in The Peak.) Why more thrillers should focus on China and Australia. Why Sam Guthrie loves Spybrary! And Much More!  

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• Inside the John le Carré Tradecraft Exhibition

  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 new exhibition at Oxford's Bodleian Library focusing on John le Carré (David Cornwell). His guests are Professor Federico Varese and Dr Jessica Douthwaite, who co‑curated the exhibition. They explore how the exhibit reveals le Carré's working methods, personal life, and research habits. From manuscript drafts and scribbles on hotel stationery to his mother's abandoned suitcase, the conversation explores how le Carré meticulously researched his books, how he conceives characters like George Smiley, and what the curators hope visitors take away. They also discuss key artifact highlights, the challenge of selecting what to display from over 1,200 archive boxes, and deeper questions: why did he write in fiction rather than non‑fiction, and what question would the curators ask le Carré if they could meet him? Spybrary host Shane Whaley also asked the curators which John le Carré novels they recommend for those new to his work as well as how they selected the nine le Carré books on which the John le Carré exhibition is based. Key Topics / Themes The intersection of fiction, fact and research in le Carré's method Le Carré's meticulous research process (notes, drafts, corrections) The role of Jane Cornwell (his wife) as collaborator and editor The curatorial challenge of selecting from the vast John le Carré archives Personal artifacts as gateways into the life behind the author How le Carré anticipated geopolitical trends (pharma, corruption, security) The emotional impact the Tradecraft exhibition had on the author's family. The question of why he chose fiction rather than non-fiction as his medium And why did he David Cornwell choose the pen name John le Carré. Shane also thanked the curators for making the Tradecraft exhibition accessible to both le Carré scholars and to those who may never have read any John le Carré novels. Join the Spybrary Community Today

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• Essential Cold War Berlin Spy Sites You Must Visit and a few hidden gems!

  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. You'll hear about: Why Berlin is the city of spies! What it was really like serving in Berlin during the Cold War. His picks for the three essential Cold War spy sites every fan must visit. Three hidden, off-the-beaten-track spots in Berlin that most tourists miss. Which spy novelist best captured the city's tense, shadowy atmosphere. My own must-see Berlin recommendations for spy enthusiasts. If Berlin is on your travel list—or if you're fascinated by the city's role in espionage and cold war history—this episode is for yo  

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• Spies, Satire And Chimney cake With Dan Fesperman and I.S.Berry

  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 Building a believable fictional Eastern/Central European setting (Bolrovia!) Why did Dan Fesperman choose to create a fictional country rather than base Pariah in a real country? Humour in serious spy fiction Do spy novels need to have a geopolitical canvas? Food in spy novels. Chimney cake anyone? Why Dan Fesperman's audiobook producer stopped him from singing one of the songs referenced in Pariah. Dan Fesperman also reveals that his next novel will feature Winter Work's Emil Grimm; he also shares his thoughts on what makes a spy novel and the guests give a shoutout to the unsung real-life spies. Dan Fesperman's Pariah is perfect for fans of le Carré, McCloskey, Paul Vidich and for readers craving spy fiction with depth, nuance and laughs. Grab your copy of Pariah now and join the conversation in t

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• The Second Traitor with Alex Gerlis

  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 historical events that inspired his work, including Operation Sea Lion, the Invasion Warning, Sub-Committee and the role of German intelligence (Abwehr). The conversation also touches on the balance between action and intrigue in spy fiction, as well as the challenges of writing sensitive topics and sex scenes. Highlights of our conversation with author Alex Gerlis. The Second Traitor is the second book in a four-part series. Readers can jump into the second book without reading the first. Historical accuracy is crucial in writing spy fiction. Operation Sea Lion was a significant but ultimately failed Nazi plan. Were the Abwehr sending second-rate spies to Britain? Character development is key to engaging storytelling. Gerlis prefers to allude to intimate scenes rather than describe them in detail. Researching real locations adds authenticity to the narrative. The Invasion Warning Subcommittee was a real organization during WWII. Gerlis's writing process is flexible and not overly planned.   If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a rating and review. Your support helps more spy fiction fans discover the show. Don't forget to follow, share, and stay tuned for more tales from the world of espionage. Join us for this enthralling conversation and then connect with your fellow espionage aficionados in our online community to share your thoughts on Alex Gerlis's spy novels

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