Can you do a report on the Berlin station from the Cold War Devil’s Mountain? Also, extend your interviews longer if possible. They are very interesting. - On Watch

Would love for the episodes to last a lot longer and go a bit deeper.

It’s a shame that the interviewer did not ask Plame why she is in the habit of making antisemitic statements on Twitter and elsewhere.

Well done and very interesting stories. Great to listen to.

I have been a listener of this show for many, many years. I have been through all of the show hosts. However this show has always covered interesting topics in entertaining and informative ways over all those years. It has not mattered the host. The show remains high quality and fun throughout. It is a great way to learn more about some of our biggest and smallest events in history and how intelligence or the lack of quality intelligence has impacted and influenced those events.

This was my favorite podcast for many years, across multiple hosts, but no longer. The choice of the new host was a big mistake, as is the change in format. It was particularly disappointing to hear Beth Sanner come on to praise and normalize Trump, who we all know is no friend to the IC, only to receive softball questions and no pushback at all from Sasha. What a shameful development from this once-great institution.

Really enjoying the new season! Love how Sasha brings out the human story and dives deep into each topic. The podcast feels a lot more engaging and approachable, perfect for newcomers and those in the field.

I recently started listening to the podcast after subscribing to the host's intelligence Substack newsletter, HUMINT. I am really enjoying the podcast so far, especially the variety. The first episode felt like the script to a modern-day spy thriller and filled my true-crime-loving heart; the episode with Trump's former debriefer made me feel like a fly on the wall of a confidential room I shouldn't be in; and the Harriet Tubman episode had me choking back tears. The host asks the questions I would want to know and the episodes feel more like fun storytelling, not at all stuffy or dense. From following Sasha’s reporting, it's clear she is definitely entrenched in the national security/intelligence world with lots of sources, scoops, and will go the extra mile for the story (like going to the frontlines in Ukraine). So that makes me even more excited to see what will be covered on the podcast in future episodes. The haters probably just can't handle listening to a woman smarter than them, so go cry about it some more lol.

Went from being the best on the scene to very lightweight- new host has no depth of knowledge, almost painful to listen to the questions now, lost a lost respect for the Spy Museum with this change

I’ve been a listener for a few years now. No matter who the guest is, the interviews have always been so fascinating. Andrew Hamnond’s beautiful Scottish accent and background in military operations (academically and as I understand it as well as practically) made it stand out. (Also, perhaps not coincidentally, Mary Queen of Scots was a spy master with a background in cryptography - so perhaps a legacy!) The new host Sasha has a respectable journalistic background and is bringing a new, American-centric lens to the guests and questions. I can’t imagine how tough it would be to host such a hot topic in such boiling waters right now. She handles it well. I wish both hosts could alternate, as I miss Dr. Hammond’s hosting. But Spycast is great and I continue to appreciate the curation of guests and great information shared. Hope to see the Spy Museum someday!

This was a great podcast, but this new host is not good: aimless, scattered questions, nothing in depth like Andrew or Previous hosts! And why the change to the theme musics that’s been used since the first episode?? 5 star rating previously, but now it’s 2 stars!

They’ve trashed a great podcast

I’ve been listening for a long time and enjoy the range of topics and the different guests. This podcast changes the hosts and they each bring a different style.

Andrew was a terrible host of spycast. Sasha will do a better job…about time!

Lots of very interesting information, and incredibly intelligent people. But for the love of God, please buy a better microphone. I have to turn the volume all the way up just to hear the content. Addendum: thank you for getting better microphones.😁

always interesting guests , but host takes too much time offering observations and asking repetitive questions

Andrew is always fun to listen to and he has an amazing Rolodex. Lots of real-world info about an often sensationalized topic.

The guests are always interesting and refreshingly diverse. Andrew is an exceptional host. I don’t think people realize how exceptional because he is so unassuming. He listens attentively, is intently curious, and has a unusual ability to ask the most penetrating questions. I listen to a lot of podcasts but no one else comes close. Good for even the lay person (like myself). Excited to see where this podcast goes!

Best guests covering wide ranging topics from professionals willing to share thier perspectives, experience, research, and passion. This podcast continues to deliver more than just a history lesson or case study. I often come away inspired professionally in ways I wouldn’t have expected when I hit the play button. Thank you for the thoughtful and constructive discussions that leave the listener intrigued and thirsty to learn more. Along with the number of excellent reading suggestions.

As a third-year law student with a long-time interest in the IC, I’m ashamed to admit I’ve only recently discovered SpyCast… but frankly, I could listen to Andrew read a Betty Crocker Cookbook, that dulcet baritone is worth five stars alone! You don’t need me to tell you to keep up the excellent work, but I’ll keep tuning in! From Wes in Dallas, Texas.

“SpyCast” is one of my favorite podcasts. As part of one of the podcast’s target demographics, I find it is one of the more informative and comprehensive shows out there. Moreover, Andrew is a fantastic host. I can’t recommend this podcast enough.

History can teach us much if we listen. Are you ever going to have J25t3r on? Would love to hear the story behind that laptop!

Absolutely amazing content please don’t ever quit!

Absolutely the best podcast

I know when I click “play” on a SpyCast episode, I will get a fascinating hour of well presented information. Andrew has an interview style that brings out the best of his guests. There are occasional pauses where the listener is brought in on background information that explains all.

Always amazed at the all the great new content with a wide assortment of interesting guests. Always a great listen where I learn something new each episode.

As a writer these stories are incredibly captivating! I’m learning so much about the global intelligence community. And Andrew’s voice is therapy.

Spycast is one of my favorite podcasts. As a former CIA officer, I love the episodes that focus on espionage history, analysis, and of course China. Favorite recent episodes include the interview with Director Panetta, the discussion with Sara Castro about her upcoming book “Mission to Mao,” and todays (April 23) interview with Angie Gad which is a wonderful reminder about the importance of diversity in the IC. Great info from experts, amazing stories that are steeped in history, and no politics. A must-listen.

Andrew Hampton is a boring speaker. Bad call.

I’m a regular listener and always find the episodes intriguing and informative.

Loved the episode this week with Dr. Wilder. What a fascinating role and career. Really enjoyed learning about key leader analysis. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Andrew Hammond has an amazing selection of guests and topics. It’s an amazing resource for all, keep the episodes coming!

I’m finding myself loving every minute of this podcast! Thanks to everyone who works hard to put it together! Keep it up.

There are any one of a number of podcasts devoted to espionage and intelligence and spying. This is the best.

You’d think coming from the international spy museum it have been better. It’s present by a Scottish man with an accent. I’d like to hear true spy stories, not what you’re doing. Just not for me.

I’m always impressed by the depth of knowledge presented, no matter the topic/guest. Thank you

An undersung favorite podcast

I’m deeply saddened our American heroes who have served and protected our country. Is being interviewed and their stories told by a foreigner who has no roots to the US of AMERICA. Other than his studies. What a slap in the face and an insult!! There are so many American PHD’s who would be a better fit. If the roles were reversed there will be no way a foreign country will have an American narrate or tell stories of people who have paved and built their foundation. At a level of this podcast or any level. I’m truly sorry to write this but I thought long and hard before doing so. As I’m multi racial; Caucasian, Pacific Islander and Southeast Asia.

😀

The host’s accent is so thick that it’s difficult to stick with the show. Of course, it can’t be helped, but it very much limits my ability to stick with the show. I’ve yet to get through an entire episode.

I’ve been listening for a while and look forward to every episode. I can’t wait to visit your museum. Thanks so much.

The Navajo Codetalkers episode was amazing!

I absolutely love this podcast and it’s purpose. I love the insights provided by the guests and hosts alike. It’s very interesting understanding the behind the scenes activities of our incredibly present questions that have been burning in our minds. It also helps debunk a lot of conspiracy theories that have been surrounding these major world events for so long. I appreciate the diversity of guests and world events and the unique approach to interviewing as well as some of the off brand questions that humor of the interviewer. Thank you for sharing.

Bootlicking to the tenth degree

My “go to” podcast for learning about the history, culture, key operations, and important personalities involved in the second oldest profession. The podcast is educational and entertaining. Dr. Hammond and his team do not cover just one type of intelligence (I.e. HUMINT) nor do they only stick to only U.S. related cases and people. They truly cast a global net to find the most interesting stories and interview subjects.

Outstanding podcast. Dr Andrew Hammond and his crew do a wonderful job of interviewing key figures from the world of espionage. I highly recommend it!

Isn’t petraeus the guy who leaked intel to a reporter he was sleeping with. Pretty bad look to bring a sleaze bag like that on the podcast. Unsubscribing.

The time Andrew puts into research ahead of the episode is apparent with poignant interview questions. I also really appreciate the explainer breakdowns he does when a topic is either complex or something that might not be common knowledge, it keeps the listener up to speed on the topic at hand and helps prime for deeper understanding of the topics discussed. A fantastic listen and the variety of guests invited to the show means the podcast covers both traditional and the more modern espionage landscape. A great listen, thanks for all the hard work!

You never know what you’re going to get with these but you can bet it’s going to be good. Keep up the good work.

The quality of people they interview is top notch. No other podcast comes close. Easy to listen and enjoy.