Spybrary Spy Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

On today’s episode, acclaimed spy authors Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich sit down for an intriguing discussion that delves deep into the world of writing spy fiction.

As many of you know, I’ve been lucky enough to share drinks, meals, and some unforgettable conversations with some of the best spy authors working today. And every time, I think to myself, "I wish I had brought a bug— or called Roddy Ho for some tech to record this!" Well, today, that wish comes true, well, kind of.

We’re bringing you an intriguing chat with two living legends of spy fiction—Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich. Now, Joseph needs no introduction. If you’re a fan of the genre, you’ve probably read Los Alamos or Defectors, one of my all-time favorites. He’s even ranked number three on Tim Shipman’s list of the best spy authors.

But why stop there? I thought, why not bring another heavyweight into the mix? So I invited Paul Vidich, author of the brilliant Beirut Station, to host this conversation. Paul’s work is always top-notch, and having him on the show alongside Joseph to discuss why they love reading and writing spy fiction is 'premier cru' for us fans of spy novels.

Whether you're an aspiring author or a die-hard fan, you’ll pick up some valuable insights into the craft of writing spy fiction.

Their conversation spans themes of desperation, moral dilemmas, and the unique ways spy novels probe into character development. They highlight the tension of leading double lives and discuss the differences in British and American spy fiction.

Kanon reveals how the setting of a city sparks his storytelling and how he meticulously reconstructs its historical authenticity through detailed research. Both authors underscore the critical role of dialogue in character development.

Check out Joseph Kanon's latest novel Shanghai.

Joseph Kanon also reflects on the dramatic weight of World War Two settings in his novels and the moral imperatives faced by those in desperate circumstances. The spy authors discuss why they enjoy reading and writing spy ficition and compare and contrast the writing of Len Deighton. Graham Greene and John le Carré.

Kanon shares his admiration for Len Deighton's societal observations from an outsider perspective and he reveals some of his own writing habits, which have evolved during the pandemic yet remain rooted at the New York Public Library.


Whether you're a dedicated fan of spy fiction or curious about the intricacies of writing spy fiction, today's episode promises fascinating insights . So, sit back and enjoy as Joseph Kanon and Paul Vidich talk all about writing spy fiction.

Today's episode is a Bond in Motion review and interview in the form of a brief field report submitted by friend of Spybrary and spy author Payne Harrison.

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Welcome to the latest episode of the Spybrary, guest hosted by Payne Harrison!

Join us as we visit the Bond in Motion exhibit at the incredible Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Amanda Ohlke, Director of Adult Education at the International Spy Museum in Washington DC. Amanda takes us on an exclusive tour, shedding light on the astonishing collection of James Bond vehicles and artifacts on display. 🚗🎬🔫

Highlights of the episode:
- Learn about the Herculean effort to assemble this breathtaking exhibition.
- Discover how iconic Bond cars, like the Aston Martin Vanquish and the battered Aston Martin from Quantum of Solace, were transported and showcased.
- Get insights into some of the key exhibits, including the famous submarine from "For Your Eyes Only" and the legendary 1964 Aston Martin DB5 from "Goldfinger."
- Find out how these artifacts are arranged, secured, and even brought into the museum’s third floor! -
See reunited vehicles like the green Jag driven by Zhao and the Vanquish in an icy chase scene from Die Another Day.
- Hear intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, such as the challenges of craning vehicles into the museum amid intense winds.

If you’re a James Bond enthusiast or a fan of spy artifacts, you don't want to miss this in-depth look at one of the most comprehensive Bond exhibits ever. 📽️✨

The International Spy Museum is proud to host this official exhibition of iconic vehicles, all used on-screen by 007 and his many allies and adversaries. While James Bond is a fictional character, he embodies the spirit of many real spies in this museum. These men and women, from around the world, were inspired by over six decades of the Bond film franchise and its enduring cultural influence. 

Bond In Motion is a celebration of six decades of 007 vehicles. The exhibition features 17 iconic pieces from the EON Productions Archive and the Ian Fleming Foundation. Props, scale models and clips from the films are also on show alongside cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage. 

Experience Bond In Motion on display at SPY through April 2025.

Ticket Details
Combo Ticket (Bond In Motion + Spy Museum) - Receive a $2 discount to Bond In Motion when purchased together with admission to the Spy Museum.
Bond In Motion Ticket (Exhibit Only) - $12.00 / person
Bond In Motion Ticket for Spy Museum Members (Exhibit Only) - FREE 

In this episode of the Spybrary Spy Podcast, Shane Whaley interviews Michael Frost Beckner, the writer of the movie Spy Game. They discuss Michael's Spy Game book series including a new novella called Kaleidoscope and how it fits into his Spy Game trilogy.

They also talk about the complexity of the characters in Michael's Spy Game books and the inspiration behind them. Michael shares his thoughts on the spy genre and the attraction it holds for him.

On today's Spybrary Spy Podcast, we turn our attention to Spy TV and the third and sadly final season of the British spy tv series The Sandbaggers starring Roy Marsden and created by Ian Mackintosh.

Our panel are back to run the rule over The Sandbaggers Season 3.We are joined by Spybrary Podcast listeners, Hannah Cooper, Jeffrey Westhoff, and Paul Hodges of The Sandbaggers Facebook Group.

Today we are joined by author Mark Edlitz the author of the Lost Adventures of James Bond: Timothy Dalton’s Third and Fourth Bond Films, James Bond Jr., and Other Unmade or Forgotten 007 Projects. He is expertly interviewed by James Bond Radio contributor Jack Lugo. Since this episode was recorded, Jack has launched his own 007 podcast - Bond and Banter.

The James Bond universe is greater than you might think. Even if you have seen all the movies and devoured Ian Fleming's books, there is much more to discover about 007. There is a fascinating galaxy of Bond adventures that have been "lost" or unmade, out-of-print, or forgotten by even the most dedicated Bond fan.

Through his probing interviews with their creators in THE LOST ADVENTURES OF JAMES BOND, Mark Edlitz uncovers different scenarios for Timothy Dalton's abandoned third and fourth Bond movies, questions Toby Stephens about playing 007 on the radio, delves into the unproduced Casino Royale play, and exposes the secret history of James Bond Jr, the animated series about 007's nephew. Edlitz also solves a long-standing Bond mystery, investigates the cheeky commercial which inserts Daniel Craig into a Roger Moore-style escapade, and reveals the story behind Sean Connery's lost Bond performance.

These and other projects are revealed in this vastly entertaining and enlightening book. Using never-before-seen photographs, Edlitz uncovers a wealth of unexplored lore. THE LOST ADVENTURES OF JAMES BOND is a must for any Bond fan.

New York Times Bestselling Author Mark Greaney joins us today to share more about his latest Gray Man novel 'Relentless.' Mark tells us that Spybrary listeners can read Relentless as the first foray into the Court Gentry series.

Mark Greaney also shares more about the upcoming Gray Man movie, his writing process and his future writing plans. This interview is hosted by Spybrary listener and fan of the Gray Man series, Kashif Hussein.

Spy bloggers Matthew Bradford and Jeff Quest launch a new series called Spy Rewind where they look at classic spy tv episodes and series. Today they take a look at Mission Impossible.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE: THE MIND OF STEFAN MIKLOS Summary - https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=about&p=346&item=T:12497 

Mission: Impossible Blu Rays - https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Impossible-Original-TV-Blu-ray/dp/B08GFSYGNV 

Barbara Bain - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Bain

The Complete Mission: Impossible Dossier - https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Mission-Impossible-Dossier/dp/0380758776 

Matthew’s review of season 7 (which links to previous season reviews) - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/2011/11/dvd-review-mission-impossible-7th-tv.html 

Pluto TV’s Mission: Impossible - https://pluto.tv/live-tv/mission-impossible 

Jeff Quest’s Site - https://spywrite.com 
Matthew Bradford’s Site - https://doubleosection.blogspot.com/

Mick Herron returns to the Spybrary Podcast to discusses his latest novel - Slough House. Mick is joined in conversation with our Man in London - David Craggs

In his best and most ambitious novel yet, Mick Herron, “the le Carré of the future” (BBC), offers an unsparing look at the corrupt web of media, global finance, spycraft, and politics that power our modern world.

“This is a darker, scarier Herron. The gags are still there but the satire's more biting. The privatization of a secret service op and the manipulation of news is relevant and horribly credible.”—Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera Stanhope series

Today we decode a brush pass transmission, a spy book review of Simon Conway's The Agent Runner. Author and Spy Book fan, Stephen England gives us his brush pass spy book review of The Agent Runner by Simon Conway

SPYFLIX is a new spy movie and tv festival focused on secrets presented by our friends at SPYSCAPE. Spybrary host Shane Whaley got together with SPYSCAPE's Marketing Director, Francis Jago to find out more.

The SPYFLIX festival will highlight new voices and stories focused on secrets. The festival is now accepting submissions through 28 February 2021 and will kick off screenings starting 18 April 2021…

What is SPYFLIX? Secrets intrigue us, and they make great stories. Their universal appeal lies deep in our psyche. Inside each secret is a structured who, what, how & why that powers franchises from James Bond to Batman, and from Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes.

Secrets also power factual stories across news and current affairs, history and politics.

Our panel of writers, directors, producers and secret intelligence professionals (spies!) will select new work for awards with major cash prizes, and screening in our online festival. Entries are now open.

We know there are several indy moviemakers who listen to Spybrary and we would love to see you enter and win!

SPYFLIX is presented by SPYSCAPE - the HQ of secrets. SPYSCAPE has millions of fans hungry for great stories of secrets. Selected works may also receive exposure on SPYSCAPE's other channels, including acclaimed podcasts hosted by Hollywood superstars Hayley Atwell, Vanessa Kirby and Jason Isaacs. --