Chalke Festival Special 5: Shaken, Not Stirred: The Truth Behind Espionage Myths with Paul Beaver

In this electrifying episode of History Rage, host Paul Bavill is joined by aviation and special forces historian Paul Beaver for a special Chalke History Festival edition. Together, they dive into the captivating and often misunderstood world of espionage, taking a critical look at the romanticised image of spies and the realities behind the myths. Shaken, Not Stirred:- Paul and Paul kick off with a spirited debate on the infamous phrase “shaken, not stirred,” exploring how this cocktail culture has infiltrated the public's perception of espionage and its inaccuracies. Chalke History Festival Insights:- Discover the significance of the Chalke History Festival, where history enthusiasts can engage with both established and emerging historians, and learn about the intricate details that often get overlooked in mainstream narratives. Reality vs. Fiction:- The duo tears apart the James Bond mythos, discussing how the portrayal of secret agents in popular culture diverges drastically from the truth, particularly in terms of operational realities and the day-to-day lives of intelligence officers. Defections and Double Agents:- Gain insights into the complex world of defections, examining the motivations behind them and the challenges faced by those who choose to leave their former lives behind, while also addressing the concept of double agents and their intriguing roles. The Human Element:- Paul Beaver emphasises that history is about people, not just events, and highlights how understanding the human element in espionage can reshape our comprehension of historical narratives. Join us as we peel back the layers of espionage, revealing the truths that lie beneath the surface. Don’t miss the chance to see Paul and Nigel West live at the Chalke History Festival, running from 23rd to 29th June. Tickets are available below:Tickets: https://www.chalkefestival.com/ Connect with Paul Beaver:- Follow Paul on X: @beaverwestminst Support History Rage:If you enjoy the show, consider supporting us on Patreon for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug. Subscribe at patreon.com/historyrage. Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Instagram: @historyrage- Facebook: History Rage From all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Om Podcasten

Think you know history? Think again.History Rage is the weekly podcast where professional historians come armed with evidence, fury, and a burning desire to set the record straight. Hosted by Paul Bavill, each episode invites a leading historian to reveal the one historical myth, misconception, or lazy narrative they wish we’d all stop believing — and why it matters.From “Vikings wore horned helmets” to “Britain stood alone in 1940” and “medieval people never bathed,” this is history with attitude, myth-busting with academic rigor, and truth-telling that pulls no punches.Whether you’re a lifelong history buff, a student, or just someone who’s had enough of bad takes on TikTok, History Rage gives you the real story — with all the rage it deserves.📅 New episodes every Monday. 🎧 Follow now and join the resistance against historical nonsense.Follow on all social media @historyrage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.