logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2024
54m 28s

CLASSIC: Step Aside, James Bond: The Str...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

It's no secret that espionage and spycraft are common tools in the murky realm of geopolitics -- but not every spy is some sort of James Bond type character in a bespoke suit with a penchant for martinis. In fact, some spies aren't even human. Join Ben and Noel as they dive -- and fly -- into the strange stories of animal spies and nonhuman government operatives, from crows to dolphins, sea lions, cats and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
CLASSIC: Did the US Mafia actually start in New Orleans?
When we think of the mob today, most Americans think of New York City -- and why not? After all, films, books and TV shows often depict New York as the heart of mob country. Yet, as the guys discover in today's episode, the story of the Italian-American mafia has a surprisingly d ... Show More
28m 2s
Oct 15
The Weird Afterlife of The Zombies
In 1969, the Zombies had a song hit No. 3 on the Billboard charts. There was just one problem: the band had broken up two years earlier, and most people in the US had no idea. In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Max explore how a deeply sketchy promo company created multiple fake ... Show More
41m 30s
Oct 13
The Fascinating History of Fountain Pens
Nowadays, most people take pens for granted. They're always around if a business needs you to sign something, and people accidentally steal or lose them constantly. Yet the humble pen has a backstory thousands of years in the making. In today's episode, Ben, Noel, and Max trace e ... Show More
36m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2011
Decoding the Mystery of Female Spies
<p>When people think of spies, they often picture men like James Bond. Yet throughout history women have also had careers as spies. Listen in to learn more about notable female spies, sex as a espionage tactic, stereotypes and more.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at ... Show More
20m 35s
Mar 2024
CLASSIC: Agent 355: Washington's Secret Spy
Spies aren't just relegated to the Cold War and James Bond -- in fact, spycraft played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War. One of the government's most effective spies was so accomplished that, even in the modern day, their identity remains a mystery. Join the guys as they u ... Show More
45 m
Mar 2021
37. Spies, with Ben MacIntyre
History is littered with stories of espionage and its capacity to change the course of events. But does spying truly matter and has the human operative finally been replaced by the computer? Ben MacIntyre, author of books including Agent Zigzag and The Spy and the Traitor, joins ... Show More
44m 41s
Nov 2021
Espionage history: everything you wanted to know
When did espionage become professionalised? What ingenious gadgets did intelligence agents use in the past? And how have animals been used for spying? Speaking with Elinor Evans, Michael Goodman tackles listener questions and popular search queries on the history of espionage and ... Show More
59m 13s