In this episode of the Spybrary Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book In True Face A Woman's Life in the CIA.
Join us for a riveting episode with Jonna Mendez, a former CIA operative with an enthralling tale of espionage, covert operations, and the very human aspect of intelligence work.**
Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna Mendez, who shares her extraordinary experiences from a reputable career in the CIA. Prepare to be captivated as Mendez recounts real-life scenes straight from a spy thriller – from enduring hostile interrogation and utilizing disguise artistry to operational challenges in Moscow and the intricate realm of intelligence gathering.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The seemingly impossible.
How a renowned burglar turned into an invaluable asset within a CIA office.
Surviving the darkness.
Mendez reveals her harrowing experience during a hostile interrogation training course and the mental fortitude it took to overcome her claustrophobia.
The art of disguise.
Dive into the secretive world of masks and how the CIA uses Hollywood-inspired techniques to outmaneuver surveillance teams.
Embracing technology.
As the world grows more complex, Mendez addresses the efficacy of masks against facial recognition and the internet's role in modern espionage.
Escape Through Visualization: Mendez describes her mental escape during a CIA training exercise and how this skill became her personal superpower.
Infrared Intelligence: Learn how Jonna Mendez managed to develop crucial film in a clandestine hotel room operation.
The Babushka Strategy: A daring operation involving disguise and deception on the streets of Moscow.
The Legacy of Secrecy: Mendez reflects on the impact of leading a covert life on personal relationships and the struggle to transition back to normalcy post-CIA.
The spy behind the smile. Mendez opens up about the human dimension of spying, from the emotional toll of secrecy to the reliance on personal connections.
Decoding Funeral In Berlin starring Michael Caine with Spybrary's Section F
Ian Fleming's Thunderball- The James Bond Book Club
Spies, Murder and Justice in Northern Ireland with Henry Hemming
The Spy Game Books with Writer Michael Frost Beckner
Tom Fletcher 'The Ultimate Downing Street Operator' and Spy Author in Conversation with Spybrary
Ian Fleming's For Your Eyes Only- The James Bond Book Club
Unpacking Beirut Station with Author Paul Vidich
Ian Fleming The Complete Man with Biographer Nicholas Shakespeare
James Bond After Fleming: The Continuation 007 Novels with Mark Edlitz
The Third Man - Movie Reviewed by Spybrary's Section F (Films) Panel
Dead Drop 5 with Jeff Circle of The Writers Dossier
My Five Best Spy Books With Dr Mark Pack, President of the UK's Liberal Democrats
The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination with Stuart A Reid
My Five Best Spy Books with Martin Paul
A Spy Alone - Interview with Charles Beaumont, Former MI6 Officer Turned Author
Tim Shipman in Conversation with David McCloskey, Author of Moscow X
Moscow X by David McCloskey - Spy Book Review!
Liza Mundy - The Secret History of Women at the CIA
Espionage, WW2, and historical accuracy: A conversation with thriller author Alex Gerlis.
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Lit Society: Books and Drama
Ex Libris
Write The Book: Conversations on Craft
The Turn of the Screw
Pollyanna
Fresh Air
Myths and Legends