Spy Valley: An Engineer's Nuclear Betrayal

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“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/

See All Season 1 (15)

TRAILER

Introducing Spy Valley: An Engineer's Nuclear Betrayal

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. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://brazen.fm/plus/

S1

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4 min

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SOCIETY & CULTURE
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MUSIC
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4.8 (17)

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Hanna Kozlowska

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4.6

out of 5

69 Ratings

BUZZR

Jan 18

airbnrgr

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 .
I spy with my little eye…

09/08/2023

Penny girl jshfhh

A great story! Super thorough, well structured, compelling. Looking forward to Zach’s next podcast!
Pretty good

09/15/2023

USA Mknitter

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/$.
Binged!

09/02/2023

Tired9

See above
Boooooorrrrinnnngggg

09/06/2023

Old John Hall

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
The best podcast this year

09/01/2023

jraposa

Completely podcast. Binged. Best of the year
Fantastic Series

08/30/2023

Goat Rodeo DC

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.
Captivating!!!

08/01/2023

user5921

Super intriguing, episode one really draws you in! Interested to hear what James Harper has to share next…
Pronunciation Sir!

08/05/2023

Devine Ms D

STOP with Silicun!
Spies in Silicon Valley

07/25/2023

Bocajr5553

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.