SPY vs. SPY – How a MAD Magazine Comic Shaped Spy Cinema
Dan and Tom explore how SPY vs. SPY influenced spy movies, shaping Cold War satire, visual storytelling, and iconic espionage themes in modern cinema.
Archives: Podcasts
Podcast Description
Mirror, Mirror: The Villains Who Reflect James Bond
Mirror, Mirror: The Villains Who Reflect James Bond explores one of the most revealing ideas in the entire Bond franchise. James Bond villains are not true opposites of Bond. They are reflections. They are versions of Bond where a single restraint disappears. In this episode of Cracking the Code of Spy Movies, Dan and Tom…
20 Things You Missed In YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE
Discover hidden details, errors, and surprises in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE in this deep‑dive podcast episode exploring 20 things most fans never notice.
License to Change – The Future of Spy Movies
License to Change – The Future of Spy Movies explores how espionage films must evolve in a world of surveillance, AI, moral ambiguity, and fading secrets.
THE MACKINTOSH MAN – A Fresh Look!
Is THE MACKINTOSH MAN a hidden Cold War gem or a slow-burn misfire? Dan and Tom decode its spy movie DNA and James Bond contrast.
Is James Bond a Code Name? The Final Word!
Is James Bond a Code Name? Dan and Tom break down Ian Fleming’s novels and movie canon to finally settle the debate. For them, this is The Final Word.
Licence to Survive: James Bond’s Escapes from Death
James Bond has a Licence to Survive! Join us as we uncover 007’s most death-defying escapes, epic stunts, and plot armor from Dr. No to No Time to Die!
How James Bond Villains of the 1960s shaped the 007 franchise
Dan and Tom decode how James Bond villains of the 1960s shaped the 007 franchise, from Dr. No to Blofeld, and discover their lasting impact on 007’s world.
Pre-Title Sequences – Before James Bond and Beyond
Did James Bond invent pre-title sequences? Join Dan and Tom as they dive into the cinematic history of cold opens and the classic movies that influenced 007.
20 Things You Missed in DR. NO!
Join Dan and Tom as they decode 20 Things You Missed in DR. NO! You’ll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Listen to find out!
Killing James Bond: Bold Move or Betrayal?
Fans clash over the shock of killing James Bond in NO TIME TO DIE. Was it bold storytelling or betrayal of 007’s legacy? Dan and Tom lead the ultimate debate!
10 Things You Did not Know About THE 39 STEPS (1935)
Take a listen with Dan and Tom and discover 10 things you did not know about THE 39 STEPS—the Hitchcock spy thriller that shaped Bond, Bourne, and beyond.
James Bond’s Guns – What’s Real? Walther PPK, Colt, SIG 226
James Bond’s Guns – What’s Real? Dan and Tom decode the truth behind 007’s weapons arsenal with expert Caleb Daniels. Movie myths meet real-world firepower.
SPY BITS: The James Bond Gun Barrel Sequence
Join Dan and Tom for a deep dive into the James Bond gun barrel sequence: origin, evolution, actor variations, and its symbolism in 60+ years of Bond films.
James Bond Movie Posters from the 1970s
Dan and Tom bring in Bill Koenig of The Spy Command blog to help decode the James Bond movie posters from the 1970s. We know you’ll learn something new.
20 Things You Missed in THUNDERBALL
In this episode Dan and Tom decode 20 Things You Missed in THUNDERBALL! You’ll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Watch to find out!
THE FALCON AND THE SNOWMAN – Is it any good?
Join Dan and Tom as they answer this question about THE FALCON AND THE SNOWMAN: Is it any good? What do they think works and what doesn’t. Listen to find out!
10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies You MUST SEE!
Join Dan and Tom as they discuss 10 Classic Non-James Bond Spy Movies that you MUST SEE. These spy movies set the stage for the genre. How many have you seen?
SPY- the movie – A fresh look
Join Dan and Tom as they decode SPY – the movie from 2015. Find out if this spy comedy movie holds up. It has a great cast, but does it work as a comedy?
OPERATION CROSSBOW Decoded! A reality-based spy/war movie
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1965 spy movie, OPERATION CROSSBOW. Find out if this spy movie, based on a real-World War II operation, is worth watching.
AVALANCHE EXPRESS Decoded! Is it worth watching?
Join Dan and Tom as they decode the 1979 spy movie, AVALANCHE EXPRESS. This was Robert Shaw’s last movie. Is it worth watching? Listen to find out!
20 Things You Missed in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE
Join Dan and Tom as they decode 20 Things You Missed in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE! You’ll be surprised by how many of these you missed. Listen to find out!
Steve Begg, Visual Effects Master, CASINO ROYALE, SKYFALL, SPECTRE and more!
Dan and Tom interview Steve Begg, who led the visual effects for CASINO ROYALE, SKYFALL, SPECTRE, KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE, & more! Listen to how his magic transformed these movies! For those who don’t know the name Steve Begg, you have seen his work. And usually, it is there without you knowing that visual effects…
GOLDFINGER – Novel vs Movie and Impact
Dan and Tom compare GOLDFINGER – the novel vs the movie. How close is the movie to the novel, and how did the novel impact the franchise? Listen to find out!
20 Things You Missed in GOLDFINGER
Join Dan and Tom as they decode 20 Things You Missed in GOLDFINGER! How many of these did you miss? You will be surprised. Listen to find out!
James Bond influences from History and Literature
Join Dan and Tom as they decode some James Bond influences from History and Literature. Hint: Proust, Dostoevsky, and others may have played a part.
James Bond Easter Egg Hunt
Join Dan and Tom for their James Bond Easter Egg Hunt. Throughout the 25 Eon Productions James Bond movies, what are the key Easter eggs? Listen to find out!
Die Another Day – Can this James Bond movie be defended?
Dan and Tom are joined by Vicky as they try to answer the question: DIE ANOTHER DAY – Can this James Bond movie be defended? Listen to find out!
Why Amazon Controlling James Bond Might be the Best thing ever
Dan and Tom look at the pluses and minuses of Amazon controlling James Bond. Is it the best thing for the franchise? It just may be! Listen to find out!
THE DOUBLE MAN – The Man Who Wasn’t Himself
Join us as Dan and Tom decode the 1967 movie THE DOUBLE MAN. This movie starring Yul Brynner has a great plot twist. But is it any good? Listen to find out!
