Shane Whaley engages in a riveting discussion with historian and author Dr. Claire Hubbard-Hall. Known for her expertise in the history of women in intelligence, Claire brings to light the overlooked yet monumental roles women have played in British Intelligence. Her book titled Her Secret Service - The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence aims to challenge the male-dominated narrative of intelligence history.

Recognition and Roles: Changing Perceptions

The episode also discusses the broader evolution of women's roles in British intelligence, shedding light on figures like Jane Sismore, MI5’s first officer, and Mary Shearer, MI5's first female agent handler. Claire elaborates on how societal changes, particularly during wartime when men were at the front, necessitated the inclusion of women in more substantial roles. However, progress was slow, often hinging on the approval and support of male counterparts.

Winifred Spink, a strikingly attractive woman born into a Plymouth Brethren family, was a rebel and suffragette who defied conventions of her time. Fluent in French and German, she also mastered car mechanics and excelled as a secretary. Shortly before the 1916 revolution, she broke new ground as the first female intelligence officer with the British mission to Petrograd, narrowly escaping execution during her time there. Bold and liberated, she chronicled her numerous romantic liaisons in her diary, referring to them as “another scalp.”

Equally remarkable was Olga Gray, who joined MI5 in 1931 and successfully infiltrated the British Communist Party as secretary to its leader, Harry Pollitt, ultimately exposing a Soviet spy ring. Joan Bright, another inspiration for the character of Miss Moneypenny, was lauded as the "organising genius of the War Office secretariat" during the Second World War. She became the gatekeeper to the War Office’s secrets and a valuable source for historians throughout her life. Despite her significant contributions, Gray received little support and was eventually abandoned by MI5, showcasing the institutional barriers women faced.

Shining a Light on the Forgotten Women of British Intellgence

As Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall continues to uncover these hidden stories, her work is instrumental in revising our understanding of espionage history. By highlighting the indispensable roles women have played, she not only corrects historical oversights but also paves the way for future generations to appreciate and recognize the silent heroines of intelligence. For those interested in delving deeper into these narratives, Claire’s book "Her Secret Service" is available in the UK and will be released in the US as "Secret Servants of the Crown: Women, British Intelligence" in February.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable forgotten women of British Intelligence.

‘Compelling and meticulously researched, the riveting life of a maverick Scottish spy.’ Charles Cumming

Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart, a Scottish diplomat, spy and writer, led a life filled with adventure and intrigue. While his involvement in the famed Lockhart Plot of 1918 is often cited, there is much more to uncover about Robert Bruce Lockhart's life.

Grab Rogue Agent here: https://geni.us/gk3Qv1

Join fellow Spy Book Enthusiasts in our Online Community: https://www.spybrary.com/community

Professor James Crossland, author of the first ever biography on Lockhart, Rogue Agent: From Secret Plots to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart, sheds light on the man behind the myth, exploring his motivations, his complexities, and his lasting impact on the world of espionage.

James Crossland is a Professor of International History at Liverpool John Moores University. He has worked in both the United Kingdom and Australia, combining his passion for writing with an interest in the history of conflict, terrorism, psychological warfare and intelligence. He authored the first history of Britain's humanitarian response to the Second World War, "Britain and the International Committee of the Red Cross, 1939-1945", the story of the men and women who tried to bring rules to modern warfare, "War, Law and Humanity: the Campaign to Control Warfare, 1853-1914" and, most recently, the history of terrorism in the late nineteenth century, "The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism".

James' latest book is a passion project over a decade in the making - "Rogue Agent: From Secret Operations to Psychological Warfare, the Untold Story of Robert Bruce Lockhart". This is the first biography of the man who led a plot to destroy Bolshevism in Russia in 1918 and ran Britain's secret psychological warfare campaign against the Nazis during the Second World War, all whilst becoming a best-selling author and one of the most-well connected political agents in Europe.

Karla's Choice sees the return of John le Carré's George Smiley. Today we're joined by his son, the author Nick Harkaway, along with John le Carré fans Steve Ritterman and Matthew Bradford, Our host Shane Whaley hosts this fascinating discussion about Harkaway’s foray into his father John le Carré's iconic universe, particularly his latest novel Karla's Choice.

Nick Harkaway shares his unique journey of bridging the narrative gaps between familiar stories like The Spy Who Came In From The Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, highlighting his creative freedom and the challenges of inheriting such a revered literary legacy. He explains the pleasure and pressure of developing beloved characters like George Smiley and delving into lesser-explored figures of the Circus and its enemies.

Listeners will enjoy insights into the intricate balancing act of character development.. We also explore the complex relationships within the espionage world, emphasising the human element and emotional depth that drive these spy narratives.

Harkaway's admiration for his father's work is palpable, and his thoughtful approach to writing Karlas Choice within the established George Smiley universe will resonate with both seasoned fans and new readers alike. Don't miss this episode packed with literary reflections, historical intrigue, and the timeless allure of spy fiction. Nick also shares more about life growing up with John le Carrè, the Circus and reveals his favourite John le Carré novels.

Tune in and join the conversation on the latest chapter in the Smiley saga!

Join the free Spybrary Community today and share your opinion on the return of George Smiley.

We have made it to Episode 250! Hear this special message from Spybrary founder Shane Whaley talking about Spybrary's future as well as a fun conversation

Spybrarians, I need your intel!

Eight years ago, I never imagined I'd be here, asking this question. When I launched the Spybrary Podcast, I had no idea we'd build a community of fellow spy enthusiasts that’s still going strong after 249 episodes of declassified interviews, thrilling brush pass reviews, and deep dives with fellow spy fans.

But here's the thing… I’m at a bit of a crossroads.

Do we keep the mission going, digging deeper into the world of espionage, bringing you even more author interviews, book reviews, and spy content? Or has the time come to hang up the trench coat, pull the plug on the dead drop, and fade back into the cold?

That’s where you come in. I need your honest feedback to decide our next move. If you’ve been enjoying the ride with Spybrary, it’s time to let me know what you think.

Please take a few minutes to fill out this listener survey. Your input will steer the future of Spybrary and help us decide if it’s mission on… or mission over.

https://spybrary.com/feedback

Your intel will decide what happens next. Spybrary is more than just a podcast—it’s a community. And this decision isn’t mine to make alone. So, what’s it to be, Spybrarians? One last mission, or time to go back into the cold?

I appreciate each of you for being part of this incredible operation. Now, let’s figure out what comes next—together.

You can have your say - please complete our listener survey.

Prepare to experience Ian Fleming's James Bond novels as if reading them for the first time in the year of publication as we embark on this 007 James Bond literary adventure together.

Shane Whaley - Spybrary Podcast Host

Are you a fan of the Ian Fleming James Bond books? If so, you won't want to miss the latest episode of the James Bond Book Club presented by Spybrary. In this episode, host Shane Whaley and guests David Craggs, Andy Onyx, Frieda Toth and Hildebrand's Ian Douglas dive deep into Ian Fleming's controversial and highly divisive novel The Spy Who Loved Me (1962) as if they are in the year of publication.

This episode is also available to watch on YouTube.

What do you think of The Spy Who Loved Me? Join the conversation in our world famous Spybrary community - https://www.spybrary.com/community

Grab our list of the top 125 spy writers - ranked and with suggestions - https://www.spybrary.com/top125

The Spybrary Spy Podcast panel provide fascinating analysis and insight into The Spy Who Loved Me plot, characters, and writing style. You'll hear their thoughts on how Ian Fleming's latest James Bond novel compares to other James Bond novels and get a glimpse into the success of Ian Fleming's writing. Whether you're a die-hard James Bond fan or love a good book club style discussion, this episode offers a detailed and engaging look at The Spy Who Loved Me and all its elements. Tune in now to join the conversation!

We discuss the artwork, the plot, the villains, the locations, the femme fatale, the allies, and the glamour.

All that and much more on the latest edition of the James Bond Book Club, available on all good podcast apps and at the link in the first comment. Will you join us in 1962?

In this riveting episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, guest host David Clark is joined by author and investigative journalist Tim Tate to dissect his latest espionage non-fiction book To Catch A Spy which examines the enigmatic and controversial history surrounding Roger Hollis, the former MI5 Director General, Margaret Thatcher, Peter Wright and the explosive Spycatcher affair!

'Researched like an intelligence officer, argued like a barrister, and as engaging and intriguing as a Le Carré, Tate presents a critical and compelling analysis which makes for both a fascinating and disturbing portrayal of how a government treated truth, justice, and public accountability with disdain.'

Simon Ball, International Association For Intelligence Education European Chapter

What do you think? Was Hollis maligned or was he indeed a Soviet spy? Share your opinion with other spy history enthusiasts in our Spybrary Community.