Spybrary Spy Podcast

In the first Dead Drop Five episode of 2026, Spybrary host Shane Whaley welcomes new Spybrary guest host Bryan Boling for a deep dive into his five favourite spy books, the titles that Brian would request be stashed in the East Berlin Dead Drop. Full links to Brian's selection at https://www.spybrary.com/285 Join the Spybrary Community Today Brian, a history lover and spy book fan from Kentucky, categorizes his selections across nonfiction, classic and modern fiction, and reflects on what makes each pick significant—from the ingenious real operation at the heart of Operation Mincemeat to the classic The Odessa File and contemporary espionage series Slow Horses. Throughout the lively conversation, Shane and Brian explore not just plot summaries but why these books resonate, how historical context enriches them, and what makes a spy story timeless. The episode closes with Brian's picks for music, a luxury item, and the spy he'd want extracting him from East Berlin. Key Topics & Themes Discussed Music, luxury item, and fictional rescue fantasy Dead Drop Five format and ethos Creative real‑world espionage (Operation Mincemeat) The lasting appeal of Cold War and World War II spy stories Spy fiction from classic to modern Narrative style: writing that reads like thriller vs. traditional history Historical memory and the aftermath of war Reading mediums (audiobook vs. print) and engagement Spy culture, community, and recommendations Strap in—this is going to be a Spybrary episode to remember. 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.  

In this episode, we decode On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) — the boldest, most emotionally resonant Bond film of all. Joined by Bond aficionados Ian Douglas (Hildebrand), Andy Onyx (author), and Professor Michael Huie (Friday Night Frights Podcast), we dive into George Lazenby's one-time portrayal of James Bond, Peter Hunt's risky direction, Diana Rigg's unforgettable performance, and why this film has grown from outcast to cult favourite. Full show notes and links  Recorded on December 21, 2025, just in time for Christmas, Spybrary's Section F explore what makes this film unique within the Bond canon: from George Lazenby's lone turn as 007 and Peter Hunt's bold directorial choices, to the film's emotional depth, narrative risks, and iconic action sequences. Highlights include personal viewing memories, analyses of key scenes (such as the skiing and the tragic final ending), and debates about why this Bond film stands apart from its peers. 00:00 Introduction & Guest Intros 02:25 First Memories of OHSOS 06:19 Evolving Views on the Film 10:25 What Makes Peter Hunt's Approach Unique 14:50 Opening Credits & Gun Barrel Sequence 19:34 Bond's Office & Franchise Nods 22:14 What Sets This Bond Apart 25:23 Vulnerability & Romance in Bond 28:35 Gadgets, or the Lack Thereof 31:05 Tracy's Role in the Action 34:13 Music & Christmas Themes 39:42 George Lazenby: Acting & Persona 46:05 Supporting Characters & Accents 54:40 Cinematography & Skiing Sequences 55:26 Influence on Modern Films 58:10 Holiday Tone & Festive Elements 1:08:20 Standout Movie Moments 1:13:56 Trench Coat Ratings & Final Thoughts 1:18:32 Episode Close & Christmas Wishes  

Was The Quiller Memorandum (1966) a misunderstood spy movie — or a cinematic misfire? In this episode of Spybrary, we go deep into one of the most divisive spy films of the 1960s. From the controversial casting of George Segal as the iconic British spy to Harold Pinter's slow-burning, subtext-heavy script, Quiller has split opinion for decades. But is it time for a reappraisal? Join 4,500+ spy fans talking spy movies and books every day! Welcome to another 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 Section F delve into The Quiller Memorandum starring George Segal, Senta Berger, Max von Sydow, Alec Guinness and directed by Michael Anderson. Screenplay written by Harold Pinter. The Spybrary Section F discuss the film's pacing, casting controversies (especially George Segal as Quiller), narrative strengths and weaknesses, themes of post‑war Germany and neo‑Nazism, comparisons to other '60s spy films like The Ipcress File, The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Funeral in Berlin, and the movie's subtle political subtext that resonates even today. Listeners get character insights, historical context, personal reactions, and a range of trench‑coat style ratings.  

Ajay Chowdhury reveals how the new James Bond Locations Atlas Darker Than The Sun maps 007's world like never before, blending real geography with film secrets and behind-the-scenes stories. Shane Whaley is joined by returning guest and leading James Bond authority Ajay Chowdhury. Co-author of the newly released James Bond Locations Guide Darker Than the Sun. This isn't your typical location guide, though. Darker Than the Sun is an immersive, richly visual atlas that blends real geography, fictional locales, and behind-the-scenes insights into how Bond movies have mapped and redefined the spy film landscape. Buy The Book - https://geni.us/OIdoqSA Grab Tim Shipman's Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked - https://www.spybrary.com/top125 Ajay Chowdhury reveals how Darker Than The Sun distinguishes itself from other James Bond location books, and why it's both a travelogue and a love letter to the artistry of filmmaking. With fascinating anecdotes, deep research, and stunning photography, the book peels back the layers of artifice behind Bond's most iconic locations — from Crab Key and Montenegro to Swindon doubling as Azerbaijan! Whether you're a Bond obsessive or a travel lover, this episode reveals why Darker Than the Sun belongs on your coffee table.

What if spy skills like influence, persuasion, and reading people could transform your life? Ex-British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Spybrary to reveal the 9 essential spycraft skills anyone can learn. In this revealing and thought-provoking episode of Spybrary, former British intelligence officer Julian Fisher joins Shane to discuss the central thesis of his new book, Think Like a Spy: that spy skills can be taught and used in everyday life. From mastering influence and reading people to building trust and understanding motivations, Fisher makes the case that espionage tactics aren't about deception—they're about deeper human connection. Along the way, Fisher shares his personal journey, including his principled resignation over the Iraq War, insights from his time in both public and private intelligence, and his take on what popular spy fiction gets right (and wrong). Whether you're in business, leadership, sales, or just want to understand people better, this episode is packed with wisdom, humour, and insight. Buy the Book - How To Think Like A Spy by Julian Fisher Grab Tim Shipman's Top 125 Spy Authors Ranked!