One of the best things in the past year has been the appearance of the Spybrary podcast. Spybrary is run by Shane Whaley, an avid spy fan who wanted to create something that gave people a place to learn more about spy fiction and create a community of spy fans.
The podcast has consisted of interviews with authors of spy fiction/non-fiction, discussions with fellow spy fans and book clubs on various famous or forgotten espionage novels.
If you haven’t already added it to your preferred podcast player, I highly recommend you do so.
They’re all great but I’ve highlighted some of my favorite episodes below –
Episode 1 – Shane talks with Rob Mallows about Len Deighton
Episode 2 – Shane talks with author and spy fan Jeffrey Westhoff
Episode 6 – A discussion on Call for the Dead with Matthew Bradford
Episode 007 – The literary James Bond with Tom Cull
Episode 11 – A discussion with Jeremy Duns
Episode 15 – A discussion with Mike Ripley, author of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Episode 29 – An interview with author Tim Stevens
Also, in the interest of transparency, I’ve appeared on the podcast a few times. Here’s a list of shows I’ve been on –
Episode 8 – I talk with Shane about my love of Spy books
Episode 10 – A round table on the first Charlie Muffin books
Episode 14 – I talk with Shane about book collecting tips
Episode 17 – A discussion with fans who went to hear the John le Carré lecture in September 2017
Episode 18 – Shane, Matthew and I discuss A Legacy of Spies by John le Carré
Episode 27 – I offer up an audio review of The Exphoria Code by Antony Johnston
Episode 40 – Shane and I talk about the Spybrary “Shelf of Fame” and how to vote.
Episode 45 – I join Shane to reveal the Spybrary “Shelf of Fame”
Episode 54 – Matthew Bradford of Double O Section and I discuss the Red Sparrow trilogy and the recent film adaption.
Episode 59 – Shane and I talk about the Spy Film Hall of Fame and how to vote.
Episode 64 – Shane and I reveal the top spy movies as voted on by listeners.
Episodes 85 and Episode 86 – A two part look at writer Adam Hall’s superspy Quiller.
Episode 91 – I interviewed Henry Hemming on his book Our Man in New York.
Episode 93 – I joined Shane and Matthew Bradford for a look at John le Carré’s book Agent Running in the Field.
Episode 96 – My son Leo joined me for a review of the animated film SPIES IN DISGUISE.
Episode 100 – I turned the tables on Shane and interviewed him for the 100th episode of Spybrary.
Episode 102 – I spoke with author Jeremy Duns about what makes a good spy book title.
Episode 112 – I interviewed graphic and prose novelist Antony Johnston about his journey into writing about espionage.
Episode 116 – I took a look back at Espionage Magazine with writer Josh Pachter.
In addition, the Spybrary Facebook group always has some very robust discussions on spy novels. Check it out!