26: Influential Secrets pt.2: Shaken, not Stirred

There is more than one way to win the war. This week Grant dishes to Maia the many fun and scandalous ways the British government tried to convince America to support them during WW2. In the process, they helped elevate some of the 20th century's most prodigious writers. Grab a cocktail, we have some wining and dining to get to.

Before James Bond, real British spies were infiltrating American high society, shifting public opinion, and even seducing elites to sway the tide of war. British intelligence launched a secret propaganda campaign in the U.S., planting pro-war sentiment in newspapers and leveraging high-profile influencers to change minds. Even beloved author Roald Dahl played a role in this covert operation, using his charm to get close to key decision-makers. And if that wasn’t wild enough, Britain also trained elite assassins—including some with a shocking twist. This episode dives deep into the untold stories of espionage, manipulation, and real-life tactics that inspired one of the most famous fictional spies in history.

00:00:00 Catch-Up

00:30:32 Shaken, Not Stirred

00:34:40 Seduction

00:42:35 Wartime Contributions

00:55:54 Roald Dahl’s Secret Life

01:17:51 Special Operations Tactics

01:21:03 Final Thoughts