The French Connection

What started as a commission for 12 episodes about Australia’s least qualified spy has morphed into over 150 eps exploring the shadowy world of espionage, terrorism and international intrigue. It has been a thrilling ride but David and Michelle are bringing the journey to a close. David has a house to repair, Michelle has a career to cultivate, and both need time to recharge their podcasting batteries. I Spied will be back in an updated form, but for now, we’d like to extend our sincerest thanks all our listeners for your comments, critiques, tips and support. You’re the best! And remember: just because you're paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With ASIO on the cusp of its 75th anniversary, DG Mike Burgess used the Annual Threat Assessment to drop a bombshell on the nation: a former MP had been working as part of a foreign interference team he called the "A-Team". Who are the A-team? Who might the MP be? And what other threats is the country facing from enemies both foreign and domestic?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tay Tay stormed across Australia in a wave of friendship bracelets and sequinned bonhomie but there are some who believe we’ve all been had as she’s a deep-fake psyop being run by the DoD to destroy Donald Trump. So what are PsyOps? How are they being used to change our minds and attitudes? And who uses them and why? Believe everything and trust nothing this ep!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we conclude our interview with former DGSE clandestine operative and author, Jack Beaumont. How did our cliffhanger resolve itself? What made Jack leave French intelligence, and what inspired him to create his character Alec de Payns? And how are the children of John Le Carre  involved? You'll definitely want to read the books after this!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week David meets his match when we are joined in the studio by author, former fighter pilot and ex-DGSE clandestine ops officer Jack Beaumont. What is life really like working undercover for France's most feared intelligence organisation? How does the life of a spy effect your family? And why has David been banned from ever speaking French when in France? Wet weather gear required for this ep (David goes the full gush!)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Middle East once again heating up, we take a look at one of the least talked about players: the Houthis. From Yemen they have launched missiles at Israel, brought international shipping through the Suez Canal to a virtual stand still, and all while fighting a bitter civil war. So who are the Houthis? What is Iran's role in their activities? And what options does the US have in solving this intractable problem?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back and it seems the intelligence world went crazy over our extended break! Israel and Gaza, Houthis on the high seas, the US getting mired in the Middle East again, Ukraine grinding on, China and Taiwan, even Australia Day, Woollies and Artarmon Nazis. And who had Taylor Swift and an NFL tight end being the next big political conspiracy?! Strap yourselves in. 2024 is starting at full speed!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023 we saw the intelligence world drop the ball on more than one occasion. Before we get back into the swing in 2024, we thought you might like to know how mistakes with such consequences can be made. From groupthink to policy priorities, we have a brief look at how spies can get it so wrong.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you get when you combine a Norwegian spy, a Xmas tree a slap up meal at the Savoy and a bottle of Aquavit? If your answer is a long standing Xmas tradition between two nations, you'd be pretty close.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Santa just an insidious plot to turn the biggest annual retail festival into a mass intelligence sweep? And what to Czech glass decorations have to do with industrial espionage, Soviet communism and a love story involving a milk maid? And why shouldn't David drink whiskey made in Mullumbimby while writing up episode ideas? After this ep, you'll never look at your Xmas decorations the same!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.