Shows
SpyMastersThe Spy Who Knew Too Much: Vasili Mitrokhin and the KGB's Secret History, with Gordon Corera🎧 Spymasters — The Spy Who Knew Too Much: Vasily Mitrokin and the KGB's Secret History
What happens when the keeper of secrets decides to tell the truth?
This episode uncovers the extraordinary story of Vasili Mitrokhin — the KGB archivist who risked everything to smuggle out the Soviet Union’s deepest intelligence secrets. From a disillusioned believer in communism to one of the West’s most valuable defectors, Mitrokin’s journey is a Cold War thriller rooted in truth. Antonia Senior talks to journalist and author Gordon Corera
We explore:
Mitrokin’s quiet rebellion inside the KGB...2025-07-0352 min
Aspects of HistoryThe Tank with Mark UrbanOn 20 November 1917, after a bombardment of the trenches near the town of Cambrai, German troops prepared for an attack by their British opponents. Out of the gloom emerged steel mechanised vehicles. The tank. Within minutes the Germans were overrun and the Mark IV tank had achieved its first stunning victory, a major milestone for this military innovation.
Mark Urban joins to discuss his latest book, Tank, which selects 10 and includes iconic beasts such as the Tiger and the T-34. We talk about where tank warfare is heading, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the...2025-06-1456 minAspects of HistoryThe Tank with Mark UrbanOn 20 November 1917, after a bombardment of the trenches near the town of Cambrai, German troops prepared for an attack by their British opponents. Out of the gloom emerged steel mechanised vehicles. The tank. Within minutes the Germans were overrun and the Mark IV tank had achieved its first stunning victory, a major milestone for this military innovation.
Mark Urban joins to discuss his latest book, Tank, which selects 10 and includes iconic beasts such as the Tiger and the T-34. We talk about where tank warfare is heading, in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and the...2025-06-1456 min
Aspects of HistoryThe Spy Who Tried to Kill the KGB with Gordon CoreraIn March 1992 in Vilnius, Lithuania, an old man walked into the recently established British Embassy, holding a bag containing sausages. But those sausages were concealing documents liberated from the KGB archives in Moscow, and the old man was Vasili Mitrokhin, chief archivist of Russia’s secret police. His defection provided the West with vast amounts of material that provided information on the Cambridge Spy ring, but also ongoing operations including the Illegals – Soviet moles burrowed deep inside American society.
Gordon Corera joins to discuss his new book The Spy in the Archive. Gordon is speaking to me as p...2025-06-0745 minAspects of HistoryThe Spy Who Tried to Kill the KGB with Gordon CoreraIn March 1992 in Vilnius, Lithuania, an old man walked into the recently established British Embassy, holding a bag containing sausages. But those sausages were concealing documents liberated from the KGB archives in Moscow, and the old man was Vasili Mitrokhin, chief archivist of Russia’s secret police. His defection provided the West with vast amounts of material that provided information on the Cambridge Spy ring, but also ongoing operations including the Illegals – Soviet moles burrowed deep inside American society.
Gordon Corera joins to discuss his new book The Spy in the Archive. Gordon is speaking to me as p...2025-06-0745 min
Aspects of HistoryChurchill, Alanbrooke & Ismay, with John Kiszely & Gordon CorriganOn 25th December 1941, General Alan Brooke (or Alanbrooke) was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the commanding officer of the British Army during the Second World War. His new boss, Winston Spencer Churchill was a hard taskmaster with high standards who had no problem with sacking generals. But, he had a helping hand in the form of General Pug Ismay, soldier, statesman and diplomat.Joining today are two historians, John Kiszely, the author of a biography of Ismay, and Gordon Corrigan, author of a book on Churchill. Today we discuss the dynamics between the three men...2025-04-1653 minAspects of HistoryChurchill, Alanbrooke & Ismay, with John Kiszely & Gordon CorriganOn 25th December 1941, General Alan Brooke (or Alanbrooke) was appointed Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the commanding officer of the British Army during the Second World War. His new boss, Winston Spencer Churchill was a hard taskmaster with high standards who had no problem with sacking generals. But, he had a helping hand in the form of General Pug Ismay, soldier, statesman and diplomat.Joining today are two historians, John Kiszely, the author of a biography of Ismay, and Gordon Corrigan, author of a book on Churchill. Today we discuss the dynamics between the three men...2025-04-1653 min
Aspects of HistoryUkraine with Gordon CorriganA quick bonus episode and discussion on Ukraine with Gordon Corrigan for you as I was keen to get his thoughts in light of his successful Substack writing, and to follow on from Saturday’s episode.Gordon is an acclaimed historian and the author of The Second World War: A Military History. Links are in the show notes.Gordon Corrigan LinksGordon's SubstackThe Second World War: A Military HistoryTessa Dunlop LinksWhere Politics Meets HistoryAspects of History LinksLatest Issue out...2025-03-1236 minAspects of HistoryUkraine with Gordon CorriganA quick bonus episode and discussion on Ukraine with Gordon Corrigan for you as I was keen to get his thoughts in light of his successful Substack writing, and to follow on from Saturday’s episode.Gordon is an acclaimed historian and the author of The Second World War: A Military History. Links are in the show notes.Gordon Corrigan LinksGordon's SubstackThe Second World War: A Military HistoryTessa Dunlop LinksWhere Politics Meets HistoryAspects of History LinksLatest Issue out...2025-03-1236 min
Aspects of HistoryThe Battle of the Bulge Part 2 with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodIn this second and concluding episode of our special on the Battle of the Bulge, it is Christmas Eve 1944 and the German advance has run aground as US troops counter-attack, and the weather cleared to allow the resumption of allied air superiority.Joining to discuss are two acclaimed military historians, Gordon Corrigan, author of The Second World War: A Military History, and Philip Blood, author of War Comes to Aachen as we cover Germans in American uniform, atrocities and murder, and finally the battle's legacy for both NATO and the current conflict in Ukraine.Episode...2024-12-1841 minAspects of HistoryThe Battle of the Bulge Part 2 with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodIn this second and concluding episode of our special on the Battle of the Bulge, it is Christmas Eve 1944 and the German advance has run aground as US troops counter-attack, and the weather cleared to allow the resumption of allied air superiority.Joining to discuss are two acclaimed military historians, Gordon Corrigan, author of The Second World War: A Military History, and Philip Blood, author of War Comes to Aachen as we cover Germans in American uniform, atrocities and murder, and finally the battle's legacy for both NATO and the current conflict in Ukraine.Episode...2024-12-1841 min
Aspects of HistoryThe Battle of the Bulge Part 1 with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodOn the morning of 16th December 1944 , German artillery opened up a massive barrage before Tiger tanks, supported by infantry, began their attack across the front line and into Allied territory. In freezing conditions, US troops struggled to contain the advance, and soon a large bulge in the American defensive line emerged.In this first of a two part special on the Battle of the Bulge, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood join to discuss the last major battle of the Western Front as they chat freezing conditions, the bigger picture, German and US soldiers, Bastogne and nuts. Links...2024-12-1439 minAspects of HistoryThe Battle of the Bulge Part 1 with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodOn the morning of 16th December 1944 , German artillery opened up a massive barrage before Tiger tanks, supported by infantry, began their attack across the front line and into Allied territory. In freezing conditions, US troops struggled to contain the advance, and soon a large bulge in the American defensive line emerged.In this first of a two part special on the Battle of the Bulge, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood join to discuss the last major battle of the Western Front as they chat freezing conditions, the bigger picture, German and US soldiers, Bastogne and nuts. Links...2024-12-1439 min
Network RadioTwo Mikes - The Worst is Yet to Come with Gordon OliverToday, The Two Mikes again welcomed back Gordon Oliver, who is with the non-profit
organization Cambridge Credit Management, which was founded in 1996.
Mr. Oliver said that much of the economy is still in a bad way, and the indications are that the republic’s economy may well get worse. He noted, to for example, that homeowners with adjustable mortgages
have seen their interest rates rise from 4.4-percent to 7.5-percent.
Americans with school-loan debts to pay are also facing a situation where they will have to face the future alone as Biden is focused on getting help government employees working in al...2024-10-2038 min
Network RadioTwo Mikes - Navigating a Tough Economy with Gordon OliverTwo Mikes - Navigating a Tough Economy with Gordon Oliver by2024-10-2028 min
Wunderbar TogetherWie lebt es sich in der Villa Aurora, Claudia Gordon?
"Die Villa Aurora ist eine Zeitkapsel", sagt Claudia Gordon, und in unserem Gespräch mit ihr reisen wir tatsächlich kurz in die Vergangenheit. Denn die Villa Aurora ist nicht einfach nur ein hübsches Haus mit einem klangvollen Namen im Norden von Los Angeles: Es ist ein Ort der internationalen Begegnungen, stein gewordener Zeitzeuge eines Exils am Pazifik und heute auch ein Zuhause auf Zeit für Dutzende Künstler:innen, die dort an ihren Projekten arbeiten und sich dabei immer wieder mit der Geschichte des Hauses beschäftigen.2024-10-151h 14
Aspects of HistoryOperation Market Garden with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodAt 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th September 1944 in Nijmegen, Holland, men of the 504th regiment, US 82nd Airborne embarked in canvas rowing boats and began an amphibious assault that was one of the most heroic in military history. Facing the well defended objective on the north end of the Nijmegen bridge over the river Waal, 134 men were killed or wounded in the crossing, more than half the force, but the attack was a success and the bridge was captured. The road to Arnhem was the final jigsaw in Operation Market Garden. Or was it?2024-09-211h 29Aspects of HistoryOperation Market Garden with Gordon Corrigan & Philip BloodAt 3 o’clock in the afternoon on the 20th September 1944 in Nijmegen, Holland, men of the 504th regiment, US 82nd Airborne embarked in canvas rowing boats and began an amphibious assault that was one of the most heroic in military history. Facing the well defended objective on the north end of the Nijmegen bridge over the river Waal, 134 men were killed or wounded in the crossing, more than half the force, but the attack was a success and the bridge was captured. The road to Arnhem was the final jigsaw in Operation Market Garden. Or was it?2024-09-211h 29
Beyond BlocksBootcamps, Hackathons, Meetups and Drupal with George GordonIn this episode, Oliver speaks with George Gordon - a graduate from the School of Code who was recently employed in their first Junior Developer role - about their move into tech and software development, their experiences at hack days and meetups, and their introduction to Drupal.Links:School of CodeVersantusGeorge on LinkedIn2024-09-0648 min
What We Really Want: Conversations About Connection15 | Gordon Bals: I Don't Think Those Tears Are Just Mine"Send us a message! (questions, feedback, etc.)"Gordon Bals has a bit of a reputation around Birmingham Alabama. Many people have referred to him as "that counselor who cries with you." I can't think of too many higher compliments a person could receive.Gordon founded Daymark Pastoral Counseling in Birmingham AL, and is on faculty at Beeson Divinity School. In the Fall of 2024, under Gordon's direction, Beeson has launched a new program, a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling. This new program provides a context where Gordon can train men and women to show up...2024-09-0350 min
People of NotePeople of Note - Gordan OliverI wonder if you remember the name Gordon Oliver. Among other things he was Mayor of Cape Town from 1989 to 1991 during which he was privileged to welcome Nelson Mandela to the Cape Town City Hall the day he was released from prison. He also took part in the famous September 1989 march in Cape Town. Gordon has written a book called Overcoming Life’s Challengers – a personal memoir of a Cape Town Mayor and I invited him into the People of Note studio to talk about his life which includes being a minister in the Unitarian Church.2024-08-2558 min
Two Mikes with Dr Michael Scheuer and Col MikeThe Worst is Yet to Come with Gordon OliverToday, The Two Mikes again welcomed back Gordon Oliver, who is with the non-profitorganization Cambridge Credit Management, which was founded in 1996. 

Mr. Oliver said that much of the economy is still in a bad way, and the indications are that the republic’s economy may well get worse. He noted, to for example, that homeowners with adjustable mortgages have seen their interest rates rise from 4.4-percent to 7.5-percent. 

Americans with school-loan debts to pay are also facing a situation where they will have to face the future alone as Biden is focused on getting help gover...2024-07-1838 min
Aspects of HistoryThe Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part Three: AgincourtOn the 25th October 1415, the English under Henry V met with the French on the field of Agincourt. The resulting victory, and it was a total victory, has gone down in history alongside Blenheim and Waterloo as the finest by an English or British army.Gordon Corrigan joins to discuss the build up, the internal strife in England and France, the battle itself and the aftermath.Part One: CrécyPart Two: PoitiersGordon Corrigan LinksA Great and Glorious Adventure – A History of the Hundred Years WarA...2024-06-2959 minAspects of HistoryThe Hundred Years War with Gordon Corrigan. Part Three: AgincourtOn the 25th October 1415, the English under Henry V met with the French on the field of Agincourt. The resulting victory, and it was a total victory, has gone down in history alongside Blenheim and Waterloo as the finest by an English or British army.Gordon Corrigan joins to discuss the build up, the internal strife in England and France, the battle itself and the aftermath.Part One: CrécyPart Two: PoitiersGordon Corrigan LinksA Great and Glorious Adventure – A History of the Hundred Years WarA...2024-06-2959 min
Aspects of HistoryD-Day: Operation Overlord with Gordon Corrigan and Philip BloodOn the 6th June 1944 the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy in the battle to free occupied Europe from the Nazi jackboot. Nearly 3 million men took part in the operation, on land, sea and in the air.Joining to discuss are two highly respected and distinguished historians, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood.Do get in touch if you have comments.MapsDDay MapBreakout MapGordon Corrigan LinksThe Second World War: A Military HistoryBlood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of...2024-06-061h 11Aspects of HistoryD-Day: Operation Overlord with Gordon Corrigan and Philip BloodOn the 6th June 1944 the Allies landed on the beaches of Normandy in the battle to free occupied Europe from the Nazi jackboot. Nearly 3 million men took part in the operation, on land, sea and in the air.Joining to discuss are two highly respected and distinguished historians, Gordon Corrigan and Philip Blood.Do get in touch if you have comments.MapsDDay MapBreakout MapGordon Corrigan LinksThe Second World War: A Military HistoryBlood, Sweat and Arrogance: The Myths of...2024-06-061h 11
10 minutes with SamiNvidia Breaks Records, China Launches Socialist Chatbot, Gordon Bell's LegacyIn today's episode of "10 Minutes with Sami", we explore three fascinating stories from the world of technology and the history of computing. We start with the impressive surge of Nvidia, whose shares have surpassed $1,000 thanks to spectacular financial results and an attractive dividend. Then, we discuss the launch of China's new artificial intelligence chatbot, dubbed Chat Xi PT, designed to align with Xi Jinping's political philosophy and ensure content control.
We conclude our episode by paying tribute to Gordon Bell, a pioneer in computer architecture and a key figure in the development of technology from the 1960s...2024-05-2308 min
10 minutos con SamiNvidia bate rĂ©cords, China lanza Chatbot Socialista, Legado de Gordon BellEn el episodio de hoy de "10 Minutos con Sami", exploramos tres noticias fascinantes del mundo de la tecnologĂa y la historia de la computaciĂłn. Empezamos con el impresionante repunte de Nvidia, cuyas acciones han superado los 1,000 dĂłlares gracias a resultados financieros espectaculares y un dividendo atractivo. Luego, discutimos el lanzamiento del nuevo chatbot de inteligencia artificial de China, denominado Chat Xi PT, diseñado para alinearse con la filosofĂa polĂtica de Xi Jinping y asegurar el control de contenido.
Concluimos nuestro episodio rindiendo homenaje a Gordon Bell, un pionero en la arquitectura de com...2024-05-2309 minTwo Mikes with Dr Michael Scheuer and Col MikeNavigating a Tough Economy with Gordon OliverToday, The Two Mikes again spoke to Gordon Oliver from Cambridge Credit Counseling. Mr. Oliver, frank as always, said that the signs of more economic problems for those with debt problems have not wholly abated. The nation's credit card debt has increased to 1.3 trillion and college-loan debts have increased to $1.92 trillion. In addition, in the past year 40-percent of Americans have dipped into their retirement funds to avoid foreclosures. On the school loans, Mr. Oliver noted that the government's new move to "forgive" $11 billion dollars for public employees at all levels of government -- which of cours...2024-04-1028 min
Maintenance PhaseJamie OliverIn the 2000s, Jamie Oliver made a big splash with his work reforming kids’ meals in the UK and US. Was his work wicked slammin’, or just proper rustic?Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreBuy Aubrey's bookListen to Mike's other podcastLinks!BBC Profile - Jamie OliverJamie Oliver Puts America's Diet on a DietAll The Times Jamie Oliver Made Everyone AngryUnpacking School Lunch: Understanding the Hidden Politics of School FoodA brief history of school meals in the UKTurkey Twizzlers: A Complete Hist...2024-04-041h 02
Aspects of HistoryGreat British Commanders: WW1 Also Rans with Gordon CorriganGordon returns to discuss those WW1 Commanders that lost out to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. Plenty of talent here, and some less so, however we start off with Alanbrooke as he was barely discussed in the previous episode.The listAdmiral Jellicoe Admiral BeattyGeneral WilsonGeneral PlumerGeneral ChetwodeGeneral AllenbyMajor TE LawrenceGeneral MaudeField Marshal Robertson (the Editor's favourite)Gordon Corrigan LinksMud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great...2024-03-021h 11Aspects of HistoryGreat British Commanders: WW1 Also Rans with Gordon CorriganGordon returns to discuss those WW1 Commanders that lost out to Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig. Plenty of talent here, and some less so, however we start off with Alanbrooke as he was barely discussed in the previous episode.The listAdmiral Jellicoe Admiral BeattyGeneral WilsonGeneral PlumerGeneral ChetwodeGeneral AllenbyMajor TE LawrenceGeneral MaudeField Marshal Robertson (the Editor's favourite)Gordon Corrigan LinksMud, Blood and Poppycock: Britain and the Great...2024-03-021h 11
Aspects of HistoryGreat British Commanders: WW2 Also Rans with Gordon CorriganGordon Corrigan, the Major, returns as we go through those commanders from the Second World War that missed out when we settled on Bill Slim. The big names from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are here: Montgomery, Alexander, Alanbrooke, Auchinleck, Pound, Cunningham, Harris, Dowding, Parks and Portal. Gordon gives his view, and in particular it's Monty who takes quite a bit of flak. Auchinleck, Harris and Cunningham gain his approval, as does Alexander and Alanbrooke.Episode LinksEarlier Episodes in the series:Great British Commanders: Bill SlimGreat...2024-01-2755 minAspects of HistoryGreat British Commanders: WW2 Also Rans with Gordon CorriganGordon Corrigan, the Major, returns as we go through those commanders from the Second World War that missed out when we settled on Bill Slim. The big names from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are here: Montgomery, Alexander, Alanbrooke, Auchinleck, Pound, Cunningham, Harris, Dowding, Parks and Portal. Gordon gives his view, and in particular it's Monty who takes quite a bit of flak. Auchinleck, Harris and Cunningham gain his approval, as does Alexander and Alanbrooke.Episode LinksEarlier Episodes in the series:Great British Commanders: Bill SlimGreat...2024-01-2755 min
Aspects of HistoryGreat British Commanders: Douglas Haig with Gary Sheffield & Gordon CorriganOn the 29th January 1928 Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig died of a heart attack aged 66. Less than ten years earlier he had led the British Army to their greatest victories in the 100 Day Campaign of 1918. As he lay in state thousands of his soldiers marched past paying homage.Two distinguished historians, Gary Sheffield and Gordon Corrigan, join Ollie to discuss why Haig deserves to be remembered alongside Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington and Slim.Gary Sheffield LinksMilitary History Plus PodcastForgotten Victory: The First World War: Myths and RealitiesDouglas...2023-12-301h 03