A new podcast titled Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen is set to premiere on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music, revealing the story of Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in FBI history. The eight-episode series, hosted by Major Garrett of CBS News, takes an in-depth look at Hanssen’s life and the impact of his actions.
Garrett describes Hanssen as an unbelievable person who did this unbelievable damage and one of the most contradictory individuals he has ever come across in his 35 years of journalism. The podcast delves into various aspects of the spy tale, including the investigation of CIA agent Brian Kelley prior to Hanssen’s arrest in 2001. According to Garrett, the wrong man story is as instructive as the right man story in understanding the case.
What sets this podcast apart is the inclusion of every single voice involved in the case, with their memories providing precise details. Over the course of two years, Garrett interviewed more than 50 people to gather the information needed for the podcast.
Robert Hanssen, who spied for Russia and the former Soviet Union, was found dead in his prison cell at the age of 79 in June. He had pleaded guilty to 15 counts of espionage in 2001 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Garrett acknowledges that working on this podcast immersed him in the world of spies, but he approached the project with innocence and naiveté. While he is used to dealing with political figures who may shade the truth, the realm of counter-intelligence and spy craft was new to him. The podcast explores the higher stakes and life-and-death consequences associated with espionage.
Agent of Betrayal presents a captivating narrative that highlights the complexity and intrigue of spy stories, which is why spy novels are so popular. The story of Robert Hanssen is a prime example of the intense secrecy, high stakes, and inherent danger involved in the world of intelligence.
With its detailed research, extensive interviews, and Major Garrett’s expertise, Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen promises to provide listeners with a fascinating and insightful exploration of one of the most damaging spies in FBI history. The podcast is set to premiere on Thursday on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.
