I Spy

presented by:

FP + Spyscape

Spies don’t talk—it’s the cardinal rule of the business. But here at Foreign Policy, we get them to open up. On I Spy, we hear from the operations people: the spies who steal secrets, who kill adversaries, who turn agents into double agents. Each episode features one spy telling the story of one operation.

I_Spy-podcast-Margo-Martindale

Hosted by Margo Martindale, the three-time Emmy-award winner famous for her work on The Americans, Justified, August: Osage County, and The Good Wife, among many other television, film, and theatrical roles.

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Season 2

Episode 1

The Survivor

Richard Holm, CIA

Episode 2

The Targeter

Nada Bakos, CIA

Episode 3

The Chaperone

Milt Bearden, CIA

Episode 4

The Whistleblower

Thomas Drake, NSA

Episode 5

The Widow Spy

Martha Peterson, CIA

Episode 6

The Bookseller

Naveed Jamali, FBI informant

Episode 7

The Operative

Mubin Shaikh, Canadian Security Intelligence Service

Episode 8

The Analyst

On this episode of I Spy, Sarah Carlson of the CIA talks about fleeing Libya.

Guy Shield illustrations for Foreign Policy

Listen to Season 1

Richard-Holm-CIA-I-Spy-podcast-Guy-Shield-illustration

Season 2 - Episode 1

The Survivor

Welcome to Season 2 of I Spy. On this episode, CIA officer Richard Holm is sent to Congo in 1965 to organize local agents against an anti-government rebellion. But a fiery plane crash leaves him in hostile territory, fighting for his life.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Survivor, Bonus Episode

Foreign Policy’s Amy Mackinnon and Dan Ephron discuss the episode with Stephen R. Weissman, the author of the book American Foreign Policy in the Congo, 1960-1964 and a former staff director of the U.S. House of Representatives’ foreign affairs subcommittee on Africa.

 

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 1

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 1, focusing on the crash of the T-28 plane carrying CIA agent Richard Holm and his Cuban pilot on a flight over Congo and Holm’s fight for survival in the jungle after the crash.

The crash in progress.

The crash in progress.

The crash landing from above as pilot Juan Peron pulls Holm from the wreckage.

The crash landing from above as pilot Juan Peron pulls Holm from the wreckage.

A ground-level view of the crash site.

A ground-level view of the crash site.

Locals carrying an injured Holm into the jungle.

Locals carrying an injured Holm into the jungle.

Another view of the same scene.

Another view of the same scene.

 

Nada-Bakos-I-Spy-podcast-Guy-Shield-illustration-social

Season 2 - Episode 2

The Targeter

On this episode, CIA targeting officer Nada Bakos leads a two-year hunt for one of the most dangerous militants in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Bakos started her career at the agency as an analyst but moved to the operations side while targeting Zarqawi.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Targeter, Bonus Episode

Foreign Policy’s Dan Ephron and Amy Mackinnon discuss the episode “The Targeter” with Washington Post journalist Joby Warrick, who wrote about Zarqawi in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS.

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The Art of I Spy, Episode 2

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 2, imagining the CIA’s Nada Bakos on her journey to Baghdad and during the hunt for Abu Musab al Zarqawi.

Bakos in front of a research board forming Zarqawi’s face.

Bakos in front of a research board forming Zarqawi’s face.

In the cargo plane during her approach to Baghdad.

In the cargo plane during her approach to Baghdad.

Special operations forces targeting Zarqawi’s white truck.

Special operations forces targeting Zarqawi’s white truck.

 

 

Milton-Bearden-KGB-defector-i-Spy-guy-shield-illustration-social

Season 2 - Episode 3

The Chaperone

On this episode, CIA officer Milt Bearden helps a KGB defector make a new life in the United States. But the Russian, Vitaly Yurchenko, discovers America can be a strange and lonely place.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Chaperone, Bonus Episode

Foreign Policy’s Dan Ephron and Amy Mackinnon discuss the episode “The Chaperone” with Joseph Augustyn, a CIA veteran who headed the agency’s defector resettlement center.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 3

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 3, set inside the suburban townhouse where the CIA’s Milton Bearden is questioning the KGB defector Vitaly Yurchenko.

 

Yurchenko stares out the window of the northern Virginia safehouse, a waving American flag reflected in the glass. Bearden is behind him.

Yurchenko stares out the window of the northern Virginia safehouse, a waving American flag reflected in the glass. Bearden is behind him.

An alternative angle shows the many Chevrolets parked in front of the circular street.

An alternative angle shows the many Chevrolets parked in front of the circular street.

Another view shows the townhouse development.

Another view shows the townhouse development.

Yurchenko sits at the kitchen table of the safehouse as he is questioned by Bearden.

Yurchenko sits at the kitchen table of the safehouse as he is questioned by Bearden.

Yurchenko and Bearden in an open field, as described later in the episode, where Yurchenko is relocated farther out of town onto some acreage.

Yurchenko and Bearden in an open field, as described later in the episode, where Yurchenko is relocated farther out of town onto some acreage.

Thomas-Drake-whisteblower-NSA-I-Spy-Guy-Shield-illustration

Season 2 - Episode 4

The Whistleblower

Thomas Drake joined the NSA in 2001 to help deal with the glut of data created by the huge rise of internet use around the world. But he grew increasingly troubled by something else: the way the U.S. government was targeting its own citizens for surveillance after the 9/11 attacks.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Whistleblower, Bonus Episode

Amy Mackinnon and Dan Ephron discuss the episode “The Whistleblower” with Irvin McCullough, the deputy director of legislation at the Government Accountability Project.

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The Art of I Spy, Episode 4

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 4. All versions show the pivotal moment when federal agents raid the home of the NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake as he straightens his tie preparing to go to work like any other day.

 

Martha-Peterson-I-Spy-podcast-Guy-Shield-illustration-social

Season 2 - Episode 5

The Widow Spy

Martha Peterson handled one of the most valuable Soviet spies of the Cold War, code-named TRIGON—until the KGB got wind of the operation. Peterson was a young undercover officer working at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow in the mid-1970s. She was the first female operations officer to be assigned the Soviet Union for the CIA.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Widow Spy, Bonus Episode

Amy Mackinnon and Dan Ephron discuss the episode “The Widow Spy,” and Mackinnon tours some of the most iconic spy sites of Washington, D.C.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 5

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 5, f­­ollowing CIA operations officer Martha Peterson as she works undercover in Moscow.

Peterson hides in the bushes to observe TRIGON at the dead drop in the park (this anecdote was cut from the final episode).

Peterson hides in the bushes to observe TRIGON at the dead drop in the park. (This anecdote was cut from the final episode.)

Another view of Peterson watching TRIGON from the bushes.

Another view of Peterson watching TRIGON from the bushes.

Peterson realizes that the log she left for TRIGON hasn’t been collected and suspects that something is wrong.

Peterson realizes that the log she left for TRIGON hasn’t been collected and suspects that something is wrong.

A different angle on Peterson’s realization as she stands in the rainy park.

A different angle on Peterson’s realization as she stands in the rainy park.

Naveed-Jamali-I-Spy-podcast-Guy-Shield-illustration-hp

Season 2 - Episode 6

The Bookseller

Naveed Jamali worked at his parents’ specialty book business, a little company that counted among its regular customers one very unusual client: a Russian spy. Jamali hatched a plan to expose the spy—requiring him to work as an FBI informant and pose as a Russian asset.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Bookseller, Bonus Episode

Amy Mackinnon discusses open-source intelligence-gathering with Bellingcat founder Eliot Higgins.

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The Art of I Spy, Episode 6

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 6, imagining the bookstore employee-turned-FBI informant Naveed Jamali.

Jamali removes his hat, drawing in a swarm of FBI agents during a sting in the car park.

Jamali removes his hat, drawing in a swarm of FBI agents during a sting in the car park.

Another view of the car park sting.

Another view of the car park sting.

The initial meeting between Jamali and FBI agents at a neighborhood Dunkin’ Donuts.

The initial meeting between Jamali and FBI agents at a neighborhood Dunkin’ Donuts.

An imagined portrayal of the meeting with a Russian customer in the Jamalis’ bookstore.

An imagined portrayal of the meeting with a Russian customer in the Jamalis’ bookstore.

Another bookstore view.

Another bookstore view.

Mubin-Sheikh-i_Spy-podcast-article

Season 2 - Episode 7

The Operative

Mubin Shaikh posed as a Muslim extremist to nab Canadians who planned to stage large-scale attacks on government targets. The group he infiltrated would come to be known as the Toronto 18.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Art of I Spy, Episode 7

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 7, where counterterrorism operative Mubin Shaikh works undercover in Canada.

In winter, Shaikh leads recruits in a training camp in the Ontario wilderness.

In winter, Shaikh leads recruits in a training camp in the Ontario wilderness.

Another view of Shaikh overseeing the training camp.

Another view of Shaikh overseeing the training camp.

Shaikh remains calm as Zakaria Amara pulls out a loaded gun at the dinner table.

Shaikh remains calm as Zakaria Amara pulls out a loaded gun at the dinner table.

In a nighttime meetup, Amara shows Shaikh a primitive cellphone detonator he built, as well as maps of one target: a nuclear power plant.

In a nighttime meetup, Amara shows Shaikh a primitive cellphone detonator he built, as well as maps of one target: a nuclear power plant.

Another view of the detonator unveiling in the dark of night.

Another view of the detonator unveiling in the dark of night.

The Operative, Bonus Episode

Amy Mackinnon and Dan Ephron discuss the episode with Ann Speckhard, an adjunct associate professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University who specializes in understanding the motivations of terrorists.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

Sarah-Carlson-CIA-I-Spy-podcast-Guy-Shields-illustration-article

Season 2 - Episode 8

The Analyst

CIA analyst Sarah Carlson spent a year at the U.S. Mission in Libya after the attack that killed four Americans in Benghazi. When battles between rival Libyan militias edged closer and closer to the U.S. compound, she and the other personnel there were forced to flee the country in a harrowing overland journey. Carlson’s story wraps up Season 2 of I Spy. We’ll be back soon with more episodes.    

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

The Art of I Spy, Episode 8

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in Season 2 of I Spy. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process for Episode 8, which follows CIA targeting analyst Sarah Carlson’s evacuation of the U.S. mission from Tripoli, Libya.

As they ride past a war zone of explosions, Carlson sits in the passenger seat of a Toyota Hilux with a scarf concealing her M4 carbine rifle.

Riding past a war zone of explosions, Carlson sits in the passenger seat of a Toyota Hilux with a scarf concealing her M4 carbine rifle.

Another view of Carlson leaving in the Toyota.

Another view of Carlson leaving in the Toyota.

While packing her “go bag,” which included her Glock and passport, Carlson oversees the destruction of documents, laptops, and her bow and arrows in a fire.

While packing her “go bag,” which included her Glock and passport, Carlson oversees the destruction of documents, laptops, and her bow and arrows in a fire.

Another view of Carlson’s go-bag packing and the fire.

Another view of Carlson’s go bag-packing and the fire.

The Analyst, Bonus Episode

Amy Mackinnon discusses the episode with Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Borshchevskaya is an expert on Russia’s role in the Middle East.

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Season 1

Episode 1

The Master of Disguise

Jonna Mendez, CIA

Episode 2

The Sleeper Agent

Jack Barsky, KGB

Episode 3

The Man With the Antidote

Mishka Ben-David, Mossad

Episode 4

The Counterspy

James Olson, CIA

Episode 5

The Art Dealer

Amaryllis Fox, CIA

Episode 6

The Jumper

Eugene Hasenfus, Private Contractor

Season 1 - Episode 1

The Master of Disguise

jonna-cia-master-of-disguise-episode1-iSpy-podcast-guy-shield-article
CIA agent Jonna Mendez is sent to a capital city in Asia to help steal a top-secret encryption machine from a Soviet Embassy. Mendez’s job in the operation is to fashion disguises for the team. She would go on to become the chief of disguise at the CIA’s Office of Technical Service.  

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

Jonna Mendez, Bonus Cuts

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to additional excerpts and interviews from I Spy. On today’s bonus episode, Jonna Mendez talks about how she joined the CIA and recounts the most frightening moments of her career.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 1

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in I Spy, starting with the Soviet Embassy heist that Jonna Mendez details in Episode 1. Below are some outtakes from the sketch phase of the art process, incorporating different aspects of the story—the scene at the embassy and the disguise master employing the tricks of her trade to transform a local CIA asset code-named Tugboat.

A security guard, his hand on his pistol, stands at the embassy boom gate as Tugboat hands over a case of money. The CIA van is behind him with a Soviet flag flying overhead.

A security guard, his hand on his pistol, stands at the embassy boom gate as Tugboat hands over a case of money. The CIA van is behind him with a Soviet flag flying overhead.

A disguised Tugboat talks to security at the embassy as a CIA agent, reflected in the side mirror, watches. In the puddle reflection, Tugboat’s undisguised identity is revealed.

A disguised Tugboat talks to security at the embassy as a CIA agent, reflected in the side mirror, watches. In the puddle reflection, Tugboat’s undisguised identity is revealed.

A low-angle office view focuses on the Dr. Scholl’s foot powder that Mendez is using to disguise Tugboat as a colleague—mustachioed for a vintage look—watches. A fan spins above to hint at the hot environment.

A low-angle office view focuses on the Dr. Scholl’s foot powder that Mendez is using to disguise Tugboat as a colleague—mustachioed for a vintage look—watches. A fan spins above to hint at the hot environment.

In a dimly lit office, Mendez applies makeup to Tugboat as he tries on a mask.

In a dimly lit office, Mendez applies makeup to Tugboat as he tries on a mask.

Mendez disguises Tugboat in a van outside the embassy entrance.

Mendez disguises Tugboat in a van outside the embassy entrance.

Agents prepare their disguises while Mendez works on Tugboat’s makeup. Details about the operation are evident on the desk to the left.

Agents prepare their disguises while Mendez works on Tugboat’s makeup. Details about the operation are evident on the desk to the left.

Tugboat exits the van outside the embassy. A split screen or animation shows a glimpse of his real identity beneath his disguise.

Tugboat exits the van outside the embassy. A split screen or animation shows a glimpse of his real identity beneath his disguise.

Mendez and Tugboat are silhouetted in the back of a van as she works on his disguise, a can of Dr. Scholl’s foot powder in her hand. He adjusts his tie as the van approaches the embassy security guard.

Mendez and Tugboat are silhouetted in the back of a van as she works on his disguise, a can of Dr. Scholl’s foot powder in her hand. He adjusts his tie as the van approaches the embassy security guard.

A closer-to-final version of the van scene.

A closer-to-final version of the van scene.

 

Season 1 - Episode 2

The Sleeper Agent

I-Spy-Jack-Barsky-kgb-agent-podcast-guy-shield-article
We hear from Albrecht Dittrich—aka Jack Barsky—who was born in East Germany, recruited by the KGB, and sent to the United States to influence U.S. policymaking. Barsky began his mission in 1978. He was one of hundreds of sleeper agents the Soviets planted in the United States over the years.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

Jack Barsky, Bonus Content

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to additional excerpts and interviews from I Spy. On today’s bonus episode, Joe Reilly, the FBI agent who busted Barsky, describes the years of surveillance and the decision not to indict him.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 2

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in I Spy. For Episode 2, Shield explored various scenes described by Jack Barsky—his entry to the United States, his life in New York City, and the moment when he is ordered to abort his mission.

A view over the shoulder of a U.S. customs agent as Barsky displays a Canadian passport. His bag in the foreground reveals a glimpse of his shortwave radio. The line in the background shows a variety of people in late ’70s attire, perhaps with the suggestion that they’ve just come from Mexico.

A view over the shoulder of a U.S. customs agent as Barsky displays a Canadian passport. His bag in the foreground reveals a glimpse of his shortwave radio. The line in the background shows a variety of people in late ’70s attire, perhaps with the suggestion that they’ve just come from Mexico.

Barsky listens to his shortwave radio, running his spy operation out of half of a typical modest New York apartment while his girlfriend and baby live in the other half of the space.

Barsky listens to his shortwave radio, running his spy operation out of half of a typical modest New York apartment while his girlfriend and baby live in the other half of the space.

A long-distance shot of a train underpass as Barsky spots the fist-sized red dot on the support pillar.

A long-distance shot of a train underpass as Barsky spots the fist-sized red dot on the support pillar.

An alternative take on the scene above.

An alternative take on the scene above.

Season 1 - Episode 3

The Man With the Antidote

mishka-ben-david-mossad-assassination-episode3-guy-shield-article
The Israeli Mossad operative Mishka Ben-David is sent to the Jordanian capital of Amman to help assassinate Khaled Mashal, the political leader of the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas. But the mission doesn’t go quite as planned.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

Miskha Ben-David, Bonus Cuts

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to additional excerpts and interviews from I Spy. On today’s bonus cut, Mishka Ben-David describes the longterm impact of the failed operation on the Mossad, assesses the overall effectiveness of assassinations, and offers his opinion on spy movies.

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The Art of I Spy, Episode 3

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in I Spy. For Episode 3, he explores the chaotic scene during Mossad’s attempted poisoning of Khaled Mashal.

Two Mossad agents frame their target moments after he realized what has happened and is preparing to flee. The driver and Mashal’s daughter stand shocked at the base of the stairs.

Two Mossad agents frame their target moments after he realized what has happened and is preparing to flee. The driver and Mashal’s daughter stand shocked at the base of the stairs.

The little girl is in the foreground as she exits the car. One of the Mossad agents looks back in shock, while the other holds the decoy Coke can in his hand, as Mashal sprints off in the distance.

The little girl is in the foreground as she exits the car. One of the Mossad agents looks back in shock, while the other holds the decoy Coke can in his hand, as Mashal sprints off in the distance.

A low-angle view of Mashal running away as he clutches his ear. The Mossad agents watch as the driver (with Mashal’s daughter) shouts to draw attention to the attack.

A low-angle view of Mashal running away as he clutches his ear. The Mossad agents watch as the driver (with Mashal’s daughter) shouts to draw attention to the attack.

Another version of the scene with the Coke exploding in the foreground as a distraction.

Another version of the scene with the Coke exploding in the foreground as a distraction.

 

Season 1 - Episode 4

The Counterspy

CIA-James-Olson-I-Spy-podcast-cuba-defector-episode4-guy-shield-article
The CIA thought it had thoroughly penetrated Cuban intelligence, with scores of agents and informants in Havana, until one day a Cuban officer walked into the U.S. Embassy in Vienna and broke the news—the agents were actually double agents. James Olson was the CIA station chief in Vienna at the time. He tells the story on this episode of I Spy. Olson would go on to serve as the agency’s head of counterintelligence.  

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

James Olson, Bonus Cuts

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to our bonus cut with David Charney, a psychiatrist who interviewed some high-profile spies in prison, including Robert Hanssen, the FBI agent who sold secrets to Soviet and Russian intelligence for more than two decades.

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Season 1 - Episode 5

The Art Dealer

CIA-amarylis-fox-I-Spy-podcast-episode5-guy-shield-article
Amaryllis Fox spent a decade working as an undercover agent at the CIA, cultivating arms merchants and preventing them from selling fissile material to terrorist groups. On this episode, she describes courting one particular dealer whose ties to terrorist groups in Indonesia and elsewhere raised alarm bells at Langley. Fox has changed some of the details of her story to avoid exposing the agency’s methods and assets.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

Amaryllis Fox, Bonus Cuts

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to our bonus interview with Ramya Krishnan, a staff attorney at the Knight First Amendment Institute, discussing the CIA process of reviewing books written by former agency employees.

Access this content on I Spy Plus

The Art of I Spy, Episode 5

Foreign Policy commissioned the illustrator Guy Shield to help visualize the seldom-seen world described in I Spy. For Episode 5, he explored Amaryllis Fox’s initial meeting with Jakab in  France, her identity crisis while living undercover in Shanghai, and a pivotal meeting in Thailand.

Fox describes meeting Jakab for the first time in the shadows on a street in Lyon, France, his face illuminated as he lights his cigarette. Shield depicts Jakab as a squarish brute of a man, as Fox described him, and places them under a bridge in Lyon for a European feel.

Fox describes meeting Jakab for the first time in the shadows on a street in Lyon, France, his face illuminated as he lights his cigarette. Shield depicts Jakab as a squarish brute of a man, as Fox described him, and places them under a bridge in Lyon for a European feel.

Another take in Lyon, this time with Fox tailing Jakab through the shadowy streets.

Another take in Lyon, this time with Fox tailing Jakab through the shadowy streets.

Fox faces herself in the mirror during a sleepless night in Shanghai, where she knows she’s under surveillance. This scene depicts the moment she questions: “What would I do if I were me?” as her husband sleeps in the next room with a bugged smoke detector above their bed.

Fox faces herself in the mirror during a sleepless night in Shanghai, where she knows she’s under surveillance. This scene depicts the moment she questions: “What would I do if I were me?” as her husband sleeps in the next room with a bugged smoke detector above their bed.

Jakab and Fox meet at a hotel overlooking a tropical beach in Thailand. They weigh the gravity of the moment as she reveals that she’s a CIA operative and they agree to help each other.

Jakab and Fox meet at a hotel overlooking a tropical beach in Thailand. They weigh the gravity of the moment as she reveals that she’s a CIA operative and they agree to help each other.

Season 1 - Episode 6

The Jumper

Spy-Sandinista-Hasenfus-Nicaragua-podcast-article
Eugene Hasenfus was part of a secret U.S. government operation to supply guns and other equipment to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua in the 1980s. When a missile took down his plane, he was caught and interrogated by the Sandinistas, blowing the lid off the Iran-Contra affair.

I Spy Plus Bonus Content

Eugene Hasenfus, Bonus Content

Exclusive for Foreign Policy subscribers: Listen to our bonus interview with Malcolm Byrne, the deputy director and director of research at the National Security Archive in Washington, D.C. Byrne is the author of Iran-Contra: Reagan’s Scandal and the Unchecked Abuse of Presidential Power.

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I Spy Plus Help & Support

About I Spy Plus

I Spy Plus is a subscription from Foreign Policy that allows you to listen to new episodes and new bonus episodes of I Spy right from a podcast app on your mobile device. It also includes access to past seasons in your I Spy Plus feed and additional I Spy and other related espionage content at foreignpolicy.com/ispy.

I Spy Plus is a benefit of FP Premium and FP Insider subscriptions and is also available as a standalone subscription. I Spy Plus is compatible with Apple Podcasts, Overcast, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Castro, Breaker, or Radio Public. I Spy Plus is currently unavailable on Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

If your podcast app is not listed here, but you are able to add a unique RSS feed link directly to your podcast app’s library, you will be able to manually add a unique RSS feed link to your I Spy Plus subscription once you are a subscriber. Please verify this functionality before subscribing or upgrading for I Spy Plus access as we do not offer refunds, and note that Foreign Policy can only help troubleshoot your access via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Castro, Breaker, or Radio Public. Once subscribed, you will need to contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com for your unique RSS feed link.

You can listen to new episodes and past seasons of I Spy without bonus content at these links, or wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Overcast, Stitcher, Radio Public, PocketCasts, iHeartRadio

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If you are a FP Basic subscriber, go to My Account to upgrade your subscription to FP Premium or FP Insider to get access to I Spy Plus. On the My Account page, select the Subscriptions tab and select Upgrade, and choose FP Premium or FP Insider. FP Basic subscribers can also add a separate subscription to I Spy Plus at foreignpolicy.com/ispy.

I Spy Plus is compatible with Apple Podcasts, Overcast, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Castro, Breaker, or Radio Public. I Spy Plus is currently unavailable on Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

If your podcast app is not listed here, but you are able to add a unique RSS feed link directly to your podcast app’s library, you will be able to manually add a unique RSS feed link to your I Spy Plus subscription once you are a subscriber. Please verify this functionality before subscribing or upgrading for I Spy Plus access as we do not offer refunds, and note that Foreign Policy can only help troubleshoot your access via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Castro, Breaker, or Radio Public. Once subscribed, you will need to contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com for your unique RSS feed link.

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Just below the top of the I Spy page, click the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button. (If you have previously activated I Spy Plus on your account, you will not see this button. Just proceed to the next step.) Then, select the podcast player you want to connect to I Spy Plus, which will launch that app on your device. If prompted, tap ADD or SUBSCRIBE, and I Spy Plus will be added to that app’s podcast library.

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Apple Podcasts (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Apple Podcasts icon. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Podcasts app will launch on your device with a Add a show by URL… window pre-populated with your unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link. Tap Subscribe. (You’ll see a checkmark animation to confirm that you are subscribed.)
  4. I Spy Plus will appear in the list of shows under the Library tab of your Podcasts app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Apple Podcasts app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Pocket Casts (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Pocket Casts icon. A window will appear with the message Open in “Pocket Casts”? Tap Open. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Pocket Casts app will launch on your device, and you will see a Loading Podcast… window. (It may take a few seconds for the screen to advance beyond this message, so please be patient.) When the show page for I Spy Plus loads in the Pocket Casts app, tap the Subscribe button near the top right of the screen.
  4. I Spy Plus will appear in the list of shows under the Podcasts tab of your Pocket Casts app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Pocket Casts app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Overcast (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Overcast icon. A window will appear with the message Open in “Overcast”? Tap Open. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Overcast app will launch on your device, and you will see a Subscribe to Podcast? Window. Tap Subscribe. (You may see an Add URL screen at this point, but it will dismiss on its own.)
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of Podcasts on your Overcast home screen and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Overcast app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Downcast (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Downcast icon. A window will appear with the message Open in “Downcast”? Tap Open. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Downcast app will launch on your device, and you will see a Subscribing progress window as the show is being added to your library.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Podcasts tab of your Downcast app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Downcast app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Castro (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Castro icon. A window will appear with the message Open in “Castro”? Tap Open. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Castro app will launch on your device, and the page for I Spy Plus will load. Tap Subscribe to add I Spy Plus to your library.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Library tab of your Castro app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Castro app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Breaker (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Breaker icon. A window will appear with the message Open this page in “Breaker”? Tap Open. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Radio Public app will launch on your device, and the page for I Spy Plus will load. You will see a Subscribing progress window as the show is being added to your library. The I Spy Plus page will load with a Subscribed status.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Subscriptions tab of your Breaker app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Breaker app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Radio Public (iOS)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Radio Public icon. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Radio Public app will launch on your device, and the page for I Spy Plus will load. Tap Follow to add the show to your library.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Home tab of your Radio Public app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Radio Public app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Radio Public (Android)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Radio Public icon. A window will appear with the message Open with RadioPublic. Tap Just Once. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Radio Public app will launch on your device, and the page for I Spy Plus will load. Tap Follow to add the show to your library.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Home tab of your Radio Public app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Radio Public app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Podcast Addict (Android)

  1. Go to foreignpolicy.com/ispy on your mobile device. If you’re not already logged in, log in to your FP account with your email address and password.
  2. In the white I Spy Plus box near the top of the page, tap the Radio Public icon. (If you don’t see the list of podcast app icons, first tap the ACTIVATE I SPY PLUS button, and they will appear.)
  3. The Podcast Addict app will launch on your device. You will see a New Podcast window, and the RSS feed URL field will be populated with your unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link. Tap Add.
  4. I Spy Plus will now appear in the list of shows under the Podcasts section of your Podcast Addict app and will receive new content each week as it is published.

Still having issues adding I Spy Plus to your Podcast Addict app? Contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com.

Your Unique I Spy Plus RSS Feed Link

If you use a podcast app other than those listed above that allows you to manually add a RSS feed link to your library, you may do so using a unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link below. Please contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com for your unique RSS feed link.

Note: Your subscription to I Spy Plus, FP Premium, or FP Insider is intended for one user only. Do not share this link with anyone. If excessive downloads are detected using your unique RSS feed link, your access may be automatically revoked.

Having issues with your I Spy Plus RSS feed link? Contact us at . Note: Foreign Policy can verify that your I Spy Plus RSS feed link is active but can only troubleshoot connections to the following apps: Apple Podcasts, Overcast, PocketCasts, Podcast Addict, Castro, Breaker, or Radio Public. If you’re trying to connect I Spy Plus to a different podcast app via your RSS feed link, most apps that offer this functionality offer guidance on how to add private RSS feed links under the Support or Help sections of their app or website.

Mac users can listen to I Spy Plus via the Podcasts app available on systems running Mac OS Catalina (10.15). You will need to contact us at podcast-support@foreignpolicy.com for your unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link before setting up I Spy Plus in the Podcasts app on your Mac OS Catalina device.

Once you’ve obtained your unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link, launch the Podcasts app on your Mac. Then go to the File menu at the top of the screen, and select Add a Show by URL… Copy your unique I Spy Plus RSS feed link below, and paste it into the Add a show by URL field in the Podcasts app. Click Subscribe, and I Spy Plus will appear in your Library in the Shows list.