Spy Valley: An Engineer's Nuclear Betrayal

16

“The past is never dead. It's not even past.” Silicon Valley is an espionage innovator—it has been since its inception. During the dawn of the high-tech age, an engineer named James Harper begins his industrious climb. But as Silicon Valley blossoms into what it is today, so too does the dark side of all this newfound wealth and ambition—right as the cold war reaches its final crescendo. As Harper works to build his fortune, his ambition endangers his nation’s safety. He sells nuclear secrets to the Soviet Bloc—intelligence that might still help Moscow in a nuclear exchange today. It would become the chase of a lifetime for San Francisco’s FBI spy hunters. In this series, we’ll walk you through a maze. One of nuclear spying, technology theft, and double agents, and the too wild-to-be-believed events that placed James Harper at the center of this story. And you’ll hear that story from James Harper–the Soviet Bloc spy–himself. Spy Valley is a Project Brazen production. For more fearless storytelling, search for the Brazen channel on Apple Podcasts or visit brazen.fm, home to all our podcasts, documentaries and newsletters. At Brazen, we show you how the world really works – from espionage and corruption to deal-making and organised crime, we’ll take you inside stories from hidden worlds. Don’t stay in the dark. Subscribe to Brazen+ on Apple Podcasts or at brazen.fm/plus and get exclusive bonus episodes for Spy Valley and all our shows, as well as ad-free listening and early access to new podcasts. For the latest from Brazen delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to our newsletters at brazen.fm/newsletters.Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/

Recent Episodes
  • Introducing The Illuminator: Art, Conspiracy and Madness
    Nov 7, 2024 – 02:38
  • From SpyCast and Spy Valley: a night at the museum
    Oct 20, 2023 – 01:29:35
  • Listen Now—Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen
    Oct 17, 2023 – 42:15
  • Bonus: Caribou: An American Agent in Communist Warsaw with Hanna Kozlowska
    Sep 5, 2023 – 23:38
  • Episode 6: Crossing the Rubicon
    Aug 28, 2023 – 43:05
  • Live Bonus: Producing Spy Valley
    Aug 22, 2023 – 01:04:05
  • Episode 5: The Doomsday Machine
    Aug 21, 2023 – 34:55
  • Episode 4: Tinkerers, Traders, Solderers, Spies
    Aug 14, 2023 – 34:05
  • Episode 3: Get as Much as You Can
    Aug 7, 2023 – 33:30
  • Episode 2: The Shadow of the Valley of Wealth
    Jul 31, 2023 – 28:00
  • Episode 1: A Wilderness of Mirrors
    Jul 24, 2023 – 28:47
  • Introducing Spy Valley: An Engineer's Nuclear Betrayal
    Jul 17, 2023 – 03:30
Recent Reviews
  • airbnrgr
    BUZZR
    I have listened to this song yet but I very much intend to listen I l often times find myself watching the Buzzr TV reruns, they sure take us all back in time. I hope I will get my fill of dopamine with this wonder .
  • USA Mknitter
    Pretty good
    As one not living too far from Silicon Valley and having a great interest in history I found this interesting, but it happened over 40 years ago — what about something more current? Also, almost all podcasts were free until 3-4 years ago. Too bad that some of the member-only episodes in this season were not released at a later date so that the rest of us listeners could hear ALL episodes. I guess it goes back to the bottom line—profit/$.
  • Penny girl jshfhh
    I spy with my little eye…
    A great story! Super thorough, well structured, compelling. Looking forward to Zach’s next podcast!
  • Old John Hall
    Boooooorrrrinnnngggg
    Podcast? Comes off More like some huge nerd reading aloud his 11th grade research paper, but really trying hard to make it breathy/asmr-ish and sexy cuz he’s so horny for his teacher. Pass
  • Tired9
    Binged!
    See above
  • jraposa
    The best podcast this year
    Completely podcast. Binged. Best of the year
  • Goat Rodeo DC
    Fantastic Series
    There really isn't another show like it. It does an amazing job telling the story of spying in SF. This does a great job placing the listener in the time and place. James Harper is a wild individual.
  • Devine Ms D
    Pronunciation Sir!
    STOP with Silicun!
  • user5921
    Captivating!!!
    Super intriguing, episode one really draws you in! Interested to hear what James Harper has to share next…
  • Bocajr5553
    Spies in Silicon Valley
    Wow! This was like a blast to the past. I used to speak with Rick Smith often in the late 70s/early 80s because we sold medical equipment to the Soviet Union. He and his department really did a good job.
  • Swimfan255587411
    Love this show - can’t wait for more episodes
    I loved the Americans TV series on FX and this is right up my alley! Compelling storytelling.
  • Hoshitoo
    Top
    Engaging narrative and sound design. Joining Brazen+ to binge.
  • Niffler_UK
    Introducing a wild spy story - Can’t wait to hear what happens next!
    I live in Silicon Valley and had no idea that it was a centre for espionage during the Cold War. This story is wild. Really strong sound production too. Can’t wait for the next episode to hear more from Harper - a spy telling his own story - wow.
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