S9 Ep30: Mission Iran: Behind the Scenes of Operation Eagle Claw with James Stejskal

Guest host and spy thriller writer Stephen England sits down with James Stejskal, a former US Army Special Forces soldier, CIA officer, historian, and author. They discuss Stejskal’s journey from special operations and intelligence work to writing both fiction and nonfiction. The conversation focuses on Mission Iran, his latest book, which uncovers Special Forces Detachment A’s covert role in Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Tehran. Stejskal shares firsthand insights into the mission, the dynamics between Special Forces, the CIA, and the State Department, and how his experience in the field shaped his writing. They also explore his Snake Eater Chronicles thrillers, his research into Cold War Berlin, and his upcoming novel, The Rat Catcher of Berlin. Along the way, Stejskal reflects on the reality of intelligence operations, the challenges of writing both history and fiction, and the enduring influence of special operations forces in modern conflicts.Don’t miss this deep dive into espionage history, real-world spycraft, and how it translates into gripping storytelling.Connect with James on his website: https://jamesstejskal.wordpress.com/Follow James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/James-Stejskal-Writer/100063534272964/Find Mission Iran and James’ other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Stejskal/author/B00NXOQG4YMore about Stephen England: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com/Follow Stephen on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenengland.bsky.socialFollow Stephen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenenglandauthorSupport Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.comConnect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspiesFacebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspiesSpoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesFollow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.socialhttps://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.socialSecrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.Music by Andrew R. BirdSecrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.