Apr 9, 2024
In this episode of the Spybrary
Podcast, host Adam Brookes interviews the
former CIA Chief of Disguise Jonna Mendez about her latest book
In True Face A Woman's Life in
the CIA.
Join us for a riveting episode with Jonna Mendez, a former CIA
operative with an enthralling tale of espionage, covert operations,
and the very human aspect of intelligence work.**
Spybrarys' Adam Brookes dives deep
into the clandestine world of espionage with the remarkable Jonna
Mendez, who shares her extraordinary experiences from a reputable
career in the CIA. Prepare to be captivated as Mendez recounts
real-life scenes straight from a spy thriller – from enduring
hostile interrogation and utilizing disguise artistry to
operational challenges in Moscow and the intricate realm of
intelligence gathering.
In this episode, you'll discover:
The seemingly
impossible.
How a renowned burglar turned into an invaluable asset within a CIA
office.
Surviving the
darkness.
Mendez reveals her harrowing experience during a hostile
interrogation training course and the mental fortitude it took to
overcome her claustrophobia.
The art of
disguise.
Dive into the secretive world of masks and how the CIA uses
Hollywood-inspired techniques to outmaneuver surveillance
teams.
Embracing
technology.
As the world grows more complex, Mendez addresses the efficacy of
masks against facial recognition and the internet's role in modern
espionage.
Escape Through Visualization: Mendez describes her mental escape during a CIA training exercise and how this skill became her personal superpower.
Infrared Intelligence: Learn how Jonna Mendez managed to develop crucial film in a clandestine hotel room operation.
The Babushka Strategy: A daring operation involving disguise and deception on the streets of Moscow.
The Legacy of Secrecy: Mendez reflects on the impact of leading a covert life on personal relationships and the struggle to transition back to normalcy post-CIA.
The spy behind the smile. Mendez opens up about the human dimension of spying, from the emotional toll of secrecy to the reliance on personal connections.