The Cambridge Five Cold War Spy Ring: Philby, Burgess, Maclean, Blunt & Cairncross (423)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 26 September 2025

⏱️ 66 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

The incredible story of the five most damaging spies in British history, from their recruitment at Cambridge University to their infiltration of the government and the security services, all while successfully eluding prosecution. I speak with Shawnna Morris the author of a new book The Cambridge Spy Ring: The Treachery of the Five Who Got Away. We explore the backgrounds, motivations, and the intricate web of espionage that defined the lives of Kim Philby, Donald McLean, John Cairncross, Guy Burgess, and Anthony Blunt. The Cambridge Five's legacy is one of betrayal, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Their actions had far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but for the intelligence community and the political landscape of the time. Episode extra including video interviews of the Cambridge Five here https://coldwarconversations.com/episode423/ Book Giveaway entry (until 4th Oct 2025) https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway1/ Related episodes Guy Burgess and the Cambridge Spy Ring https://pod.fo/e/a5e38 Charlotte Philby talks about her grandfather Soviet spy Kim Philby & her book “Edith & Kim” https://pod.fo/e/115bd7 An evening with Kim Philby https://pod.fo/e/d8080 The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.3	I will be doing a live podcast at the Imperial War Museum in London on the 1st of November.
0:12.8	Be great to see you there.
0:14.6	More details at cold warconversations.com slash live.
0:19.1	Now on with your episode.
0:22.2	The Monopoly game at McDonald's is back.
0:25.0	There's over two million pounds worth of cash prizes to be won.
0:28.0	And a chance to hit your hands on some epic prizes.
0:31.2	Go on. It's your go.
0:34.6	18 plus UK ends 21st of October.
0:36.9	Selected menu items
0:37.8	At may be required
0:38.6	May depend on winning moment
0:39.8	See macdreoles.co.uky
0:41.5	The Monopoly game at McDonald's is back
0:44.1	Play today with the Philly Cheese Stack
0:46.0	So you can enjoy two beef patties
0:47.7	crispy grilled onions
0:48.9	And a melted cheddar cheese sauce
0:50.6	Go on, it's your go
0:52.3	From 11am until the 21st of October, participating in restaurants, something to availability,
0:57.9	at may be required. 18 plus UK, seem at d rules.co.uk.
	...

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