Best Sasha V Podcasts (2025)

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Agent 202: New secrets emerge on an American who spied for Cuba 32:32

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2d ago32:32

32:32

Codenamed "Agent 202," Kendall Myers went undetected as a spy for Cuba for nearly 30 years. He worked at the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, secretly spying for Cuba out of an earnest love for the island, its people, and their leader Fidel Castro. Myers was caught in 2009, after he retired. State Department Security Specialist and for…

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Agent of Chaos: The Austrian Fugitive Running Russia’s Global Spy Networks 33:24

9d ago33:24

33:24

Today he’s one of the most wanted men in the world, but before Jan Marsalek fled to Russia, he was the COO of payment-processing firm Wirecard. Officials and investigators say Marsalek used the company to finance Moscow’s covert operations and spy networks in Africa and Europe. In 2020, nearly €2 billion vanished from Wirecard, along with Marsalek.…

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V. Castro (Pink Agave Motel, Immortal Pleasures, Rebel Moon) 1:03:45

13d ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Love, Sex, challenge, gratitude ... and vampires!By Steve Becker

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From Intel Officer to White House Adviser: A Chat with The Museum’s Executive Director 35:03

13d ago35:03

35:03

This week we spoke with the International Spy Museum's Executive Director, Colonel Chris Costa. His decades-long career in the intelligence community spanned multiple continents, running sensitive operations in Panama, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he earned two Bronze stars for his human intelligence contributions. Later, Costa advised Navy…

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“America’s Gatekeeper”: A Conversation with DCSA’s Director David Cattler 32:00

20d ago32:00

32:00

Born out of a major Chinese cyberattack that stole personal information from millions of federal government employees, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency calls itself ‘America’s Gatekeeper.’ Now five years into its existence, it’s responsible for overseeing most of the security clearances for government personnel and contractors. D…

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Sasha Rainbow (Grafted) 1:15:16

24d ago1:15:16

1:15:16

Slumber parties, stage fright, and subliminal scares!By Steve Becker

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Russia's Fake Identity Assembly Line in Brazil 33:44

28d ago33:44

33:44

When a Russian spy was arrested in Brazil in 2022, authorities were shocked to discover that he seemed to have a real birth certificate and authentic citizenship documents. The incident sparked a multi-year investigation that uncovered a network of Russian operatives living and working in Brazil – Their false identities supported by genuine documen…

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Breaking the Silence: Coming Out in the CIA 34:42

1M ago34:42

34:42

Emerging alongside Joseph McCarthy’s Red Scare in the 1950s was the Lavender Scare: Widespread panic and paranoia over the inclusion of gay personnel in the federal government. Their perceived dangers led to the terminations and forced resignations of thousands. Fast forward to 1988 – Tracey Ballard, who worked at the CIA, headed in to take a polyg…

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Peter Atkins (Hellraiser 2/3/Bloodline, Nightbreed, Wishmaster 1) 1:20:43

1M ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Operatic horror, shared laughter, and the importance of context and tone. If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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A Conversation with House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman 34:56

1M ago34:56

34:56

What should the US Intelligence Community prioritize domestically and overseas, and how should the work be done? We sat down with Congressman Rick Crawford, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, to learn his perspective on these questions. The conversation emphasized the growing threat of China’s influence in the West, t…

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Ghost Stories: The Hunt for Russian Spies in the US 33:15

2M ago33:15

33:15

In the early 2000s, the FBI uncovered a team of Russian operatives who had been living double lives in the United States. They were posing as professors, journalists, financial planners, real estate and travel agents, all while sending information back to Moscow. Now, 15 years after they were arrested, Alan Kohler, the former Assistant Director of …

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Jason Stein (Dads From The Crypt, How Not to Make a Movie Podcast) 1:09:08

2M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

Jedi training, showering in snakes, and your friendly neighborhood serial killer! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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The Secret Navy and Their Hunt for a Nazi Sub 36:06

2M ago36:06

36:06

How do you catch an enemy’s submarine … and then make it vanish? That’s what the U.S. Navy’s elusive Tenth Fleet planned, as it tracked down Germany’s U-505 submarine. The mission came right before the Allies ran ashore on the beaches of Normandy in World War II. Historian Alexander Rose draws on long classified documents and intercepted transmissi…

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How Are Shifting Priorities Impacting National Security in America? 29:18

2M ago29:18

29:18

Most Americans would agree that the United States should be protected, but from whom … and how? Dr. Donell Harvin, the former Chief of Homeland Security and Intelligence for the District of Columbia, says the U.S. is taking its eye off the ball - focusing its large domestic intelligence apparatus in a direction that is politically expedient, but no…

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Scott Cramton (The Murder Mystery Co., American Immersion Theater) 1:22:53

2M ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Kidnapping, superhero landings, roller coasters, and catacombs - not necessarily in that order. If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Sharing Intelligence: Challenges between US and Ukraine 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

After Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. rushed to create a secret center that set targets for the Ukrainians to destroy. But the counteroffensive of 2023 failed to achieve its goals. So, what went wrong? New York Times reporter Adam Entous spent more than a year reporting on this story. He joins SpyCast host Sasha Ingber to talk abo…

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Stories From the President's Daily Brief 25:34

3M ago25:34

25:34

Conflict has been escalating between two nuclear powers–India and Pakistan. It started in April, after India blamed Pakistan for supporting militants who carried out a massacre in Kashmir. President Trump offered to help defuse the tensions.Throughout history, India and Pakistan’s hostility has been documented in the President's Daily Brief, a high…

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Vincent M Ward (The Walking Dead, True Blood, Cold Blooded Killers, Live Evil, Death House) 1:15:10

3M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

Claustrophobia, unexpected fans, and a beef with Michael Myers! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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The Minions: Putin's Expendable Spies 32:36

3M ago32:36

32:36

They were a spy cell like no other — operating from quiet British suburbs, hailing from Bulgaria, and working on behalf of Russia. Their handler dubbed them “The Minions,” and their plots stretched across Europe and spanned honeytraps, abductions, and murder. At the time of this recording, six have been convicted and await sentencing. To parse out …

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Escalation: Tracking the US-Ukraine Relationship 40:43

3M ago40:43

40:43

The United States and Ukraine have had a long, complicated history that has been defined by just as much partnership and collaboration as hesitation and disagreement. This dynamic is laid bare in the 7-part podcast series ‘Escalation,’ produced by our partners at Goat Rodeo, with the national security publication Lawfare. In April 2025, The Interna…

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SA Bradley (Screaming for Pleasure, Hellbent for Horror) 1:18:04

3M ago1:18:04

1:18:04

The Brady Bunch, bullies, and getting beaten up for all the right reasons! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Where the ‘West V. Russia’ Plot Begins 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

Why does Vladimir Putin often say that the West is conspiring to weaken Russia? Historian James Crossland traces this narrative back to a British intelligence officer and a failed assassination attempt on Vladimir Lenin in 1918. The story is featured in his new book, Rogue Agent, from Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Rober…

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AuthorCon V Panel: Podcasting 101 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Here are links to the other creators/podcasts who were on this panel: Kit Power - The Ultimate Horror Anthology: https://ultimatehorroranthology.podbean.com Lucas Marino - The Suspense is Killing Me: https://www.lucasmarinowrites.com/podcast Rick Hipson - Dark Bites: https://www.youtube.com/@darkbites Viggy Parr Hampton - Horror Humor Hunger: https…

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DOGE Layoffs and the Counterintelligence Threats They Pose 33:22

3M ago33:22

33:22

Government employees were dismissed with startling swiftness and sweeping in the midst of the Trump administration's relentless pursuit to pare down the federal workforce. The sheer number of fired personnel and the manner in which US officials let them go have led to concerns that disillusioned former employees may share what they know with foreig…

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James Ashcroft (The Rule of Jenny Pen, Fresh Meat, Coming Home in the Dark) 1:19:54

4M ago1:19:54

1:19:54

Dusting your pants, benevolent tyrants, and family time at the graveyard! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Taiwan: China’s Testing Ground for Intelligence Operations 32:11

4M ago32:11

32:11

It's no secret that China has recently stepped up political and military pressure on the democratically governed island of Taiwan. But then, there are the Chinese Communist Party's covert efforts: Recruiting from the inside, gathering intelligence, and exerting influence. Executive Director of the Global Taiwan Institute Russell Hsiao breaks down B…

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Introducing Targeted 33:15

4M ago33:15

33:15

Targeted uncovers harrowing stories of people who have been singled out and systematically dismantled—whether for political reasons, personal vendettas, or simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Each episode deep dives into the tactics used against someone, the devastating consequences, and the remarkable lessons they’ve learned in …

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Understanding Chinese Espionage Through 900 Cases 31:43

4M ago31:43

31:43

Nicholas Eftimiades’ 34 year career in government spanned the CIA, State Department and the Defense Intelligence Agency. He's published three books that examine the structure, methodology and operations of China's intelligence services. This, he says, led a Chinese communist newspaper to declare him an enemy of the state in the ‘90s. Now, Nick is r…

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Viidith22 (Voice Actor, Youtube Channel) 1:04:21

4M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

NoSleep, Creepypasta, drinking games, and the dangers of raising children... If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Remembering The CIA’s Mind Games 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

Sidney Gottlieb was one of the CIA’s star chemists during the Cold War. As head of MKUltra, he ran a brazen—and deadly—program aimed at mind control. Gottlieb and fellow scientists tried to keep the work secret by destroying files, but historian John Lisle has new details from the six boxes that remained untouched. He shares insights and reflection…

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From Covert to Overt: Valerie Plame on political retaliation 32:58

4M ago32:58

32:58

Valerie Plame’s clandestine life made headlines in 2003 after her CIA cover was leaked to the press. Her husband, an ambassador, had gone to Niger to investigate whether yellowcake uranium had been transferred to Iraq to make weapons of mass destruction. He publicly challenged the Bush administration on what we now know was false intelligence. Vale…

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John Langan (House of Windows, The Fisherman, Corpsemouth and Other Autobiographies) 1:19:56

5M ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Creativity, anxiety, making mistakes, and staying alive! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Eyes on The Ground: The National Resistance Front in Afghanistan 31:25

5M ago31:25

31:25

After the Taliban took back control of Afghanistan, the National Resistance Front rose up to defy them. We spoke with their leader Ahmad Massoud, who has overseen hundreds of military and intelligence-gathering operations. He’s following the footsteps of his father, who led his own resistance group, the Northern Alliance, until members of Al Qaeda …

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From NFL to Espionage: The Story of Ernest Cuneo 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

He was an American spy before an American spy agency existed. NFL player Ernest Cuneo, a little known first generation Italian American, worked with British intelligence to convince the United States to join World War II, and helped lay the groundwork for modern day espionage. Thomas Maier traces Cuneo’s extraordinary life in his new book, The Invi…

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Jamie Flanagan (Midnight Mass, Doctor Sleep, Haunting of Bly Manor) 1:24:28

5M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

Alligator sheriffs, Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney, and self-actualization!By Steve Becker

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Debriefing from the Ukrainian Front 29:54

5M ago29:54

29:54

A fourth year of war in Ukraine begins. But for Lt. Col. Kyrylo Berkal, who’s been fighting since Russia first invaded in 2014, the battle for his country has raged much longer. Now, he’s second in command of the elite Third Assault Brigade, which has played a major role in critical battles against Russia and continues to develop new technologies t…

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How did Harriet Tubman operate as a spy? 32:33

5M ago32:33

32:33

She’s known for helping to free people through the Underground Railroad, but Harriet Tubman was also a spy during the Civil War. And with the intelligence she collected, the Maryland native became the first woman to lead men into battle on gunboats down the Combahee River in South Carolina. The Combahee River Raid destroyed several vital Confederat…

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Charlene Elsby (Hexis, Psychros, The Devil Thinks I'm Pretty) 1:16:08

6M ago1:16:08

1:16:08

Dostoevsky, interior monologues, and Fucking the Devil! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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What's next for Kim Jong Un? 32:52

6M ago32:52

32:52

North Korea is growing more dangerous, but no U.S. administration has been able to crack the code on its leader Kim Jong Un. Now, there’s even less incentive for Kim to negotiate because of the support he’s getting from Russia. So what will Kim do next, and where is he vulnerable? Jung H. Pak, a former CIA analyst who served as the country’s top di…

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Campus Cloak-and-Dagger: Spies Targeting American Universities 29:47

6M ago29:47

29:47

For decades, colleges and universities have been a destination for espionage. Especially in recent years, the use of international students and faculty as spies on American campuses has been particularly daunting. Why do intelligence services, both foreign and domestic, target colleges and universities? And what is there to gain on these campuses? …

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Lee Murray (Into the Mist, Into the Ashes, Hounds of the Underworld) 1:19:40

6M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

Night terrors, earthquakes, and a nice cuppa!By Steve Becker

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Agent Zo: The woman who defied the Nazis and Communists 30:52

6M ago30:52

30:52

Agent Zo was the only female Polish resistance agent to reach London as a courier during WWII and the only female member of Poland's fabled 'Silent Unseen' paratroopers. Yet despite having researched Poland's wartime resistance movement, many of us have never heard of her. Why? If you liked this episode, check out these links: Agent Zo: The Extraor…

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How will President Trump handle intelligence in his second term? 32:47

6M ago32:47

32:47

Now that President Trump has been inaugurated, what can we expect for the intelligence community? On his first full day in his first term, he visited the CIA to voice support. But he has also displayed deep skepticism and accused spy agencies of undermining him. Beth Sanner is a highly decorated, retired career intelligence officer who briefed Trum…

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Neil McRobert (The Talking Scared Podcast, Good Boy) 1:19:47

6M ago1:19:47

1:19:47

Stephen King, the American Myth, and heartfelt horror. If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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How do you fool Russian Intelligence? 28:13

7M ago28:13

28:13

Former intelligence officer Bryan Stern describes the tradecraft he used on Russian intelligence and military services to rescue an American imprisoned in Russian-occupied Ukraine. If you liked this episode check out these links to more hostage rescue stories: SpyCast - James Foley: Journalist, ISIS Hostage, Son – with His Mother Diane Foley Operac…

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L. Marie Wood (The Realm Trilogy, Crescendo, The Promise Keeper) 1:18:00

7M ago1:18:00

1:18:00

Undead, onryō, and vampires, oh my! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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Introducing the New Host: Sasha Ingber 20:19

7M ago20:19

20:19

Introducing the new host of SpyCast, Sasha Ingber! In this week’s episode, Sasha joined Erin in a conversation about her career and the future of the International Spy Museum’s flagship podcast. Now entering it’s 19th year, SpyCast will relaunch on January 14th with brand new episodes, featuring exciting spy stories and the latest intelligence from…

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Donyae Coles (Midnight Rooms, These Sunken Souls) 1:18:47

7M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

HBO, VHS tapes, and unfinished business - and Oliver! If you're seeing this, please leave us a review!By Steve Becker

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From the Vault: “The 75th Anniversary of the CIA” – with former Director Robert Gates 1:12:55

7M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Summary Robert Gates (Website; Website) joins Andrew (Twitter; LinkedIn) to reflect on the 75th Anniversary of the CIA. He served 8 U.S. presidents. What You’ll Learn Intelligence His reflections on the CIA at 75 How the CIA’s story intersected with his own His take on the organization’s strengths and weaknesses The complex intl. environment the CI…

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“An Imperial History of the CIA” – with Hugh Wilford 1:03:58

8M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Summary Hugh Wilford joins Andrew (X; LinkedIn) to discuss his new book. Hugh is a professor, author, and leading CIA historian. What You’ll Learn Intelligence Imperial influences on American intelligence Key figures in CIA history “Wild” Bill Donovan & British influence Groton School’s impact on CIA leaders Reflections Inherited history Challengin…