The Spy Who Became Stalin's Greatest | Playdates And A Glock: The Life of a Mom and Spy | 4
Summary
In this final episode of the Ursula Kuczynski season, host Charlie Hickson interviews former CIA officer Anne E. Butler, author of *Wife, Mother, Spy*. Butler discusses her 30-year career as an undercover case officer while raising five children, revealing how she used family life and pregnancy as effective cover. She shares anecdotes about balancing espionage with motherhood, the unique advantages of female agents, and the challenges of maintaining secrecy from her family until retirement.
Topics discussed
Intro: Agent Sonia and guest Anne E. Butler
Sponsors: Hard Knocks and JBL
Anne's origin story and joining the CIA
Reality of spying vs. movies and CIA recruitment
Dangers of espionage and protecting agents
Marriage, secrecy, and compartmentalization
Case officer duties and carrying a concealed weapon
Using family as cover and keeping kids safe
Working while pregnant and the train ride incident
Kids discovering her job and retirement party
Decision to retire and life as a contractor
Writing the memoir 'Wife, Mother, Spy'
Outro: Host reflections and next episode teaser
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