Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen

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Amid the nuclear threat of the Cold War, America's prized secrets were falling into the hands of its sworn enemy. The FBI's hunt for the leak led to an astonishing discovery—the mole was one of its own, special agent Robert Hanssen. For two decades, Hanssen masqueraded as a devoted patriot while ruthlessly selling out his country, trading classified intelligence to the Soviet Union and later Russia, in exchange for cash and diamonds. He was a whirlwind of contradictions—a self-proclaimed patriot and a traitor; a family man who sexually betrayed his wife; an ardent man of God and a sinner. Through interviews with Hanssen’s family, friends, and colleagues, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent Major Garrett (Host of “The Takeout”) delves into the double life of Robert Hanssen and unravels the chilling truth about the most damaging spy in FBI history in “Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen”.

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Recent Reviews
  • Kim Prov
    Fabulous podcast
    The best podcast for me since I love anything that shows the true workings of the government!
  • Okay Drey
    Superb.
    This podcast offers unique and psychologically compelling perspectives on the critical Hansenn saga of espionage and betrayal. Superbly done!
  • MarcosMas03
    To Reviewer Kelcey
    This is a great show.
  • WinUtah
    Great podcast
    I am a Christian. I did not find this anti-Christian at all . . .
  • 4896Mercedes
    Riveting and tragic
    Of the best podcasts, I have listened to, and I have listened to many. Totally binge worthy. When I finished the last episode, I had tears in my eyes. Such a tragic tale. Humans are very complex.
  • KelseyS1992
    Boring
    Turned off by the anti-Christian anti-Conservative rhetoric. It’d be nice to listen to a podcast without this.
  • SenaitDasho
    Captivating
    The tone struck the perfect balance between being informative and entertaining, making complex FBI investigation details accessible and fascinating. The narration was well-executed, keeping me engaged from start to finish. Major Garrett, I hope you have more podcasts on the works. 👌
  • Anna Esq.
    Fantastic!
    Gripping and well-paced. It held my interest from beginning to end and left me wanting more in the best way possible.
  • emmteeemm
    Wow!
    A compelling story, well told. Does a good job speculating about the motive to do such damage
  • Beowulf1974
    Excellent
    Great reporting. Chapters are well-organized as it delves into this infamous traitor. Loved the interviews and fact-based reporting with some provocative analysis. My only comment is I would liked to hear more about the failures of the Bureau.
  • Kennybvbb
    My New Favorite
    I hadn’t so looked forward to new episodes of a podcast in a long time. In my opinion, the story was brilliantly told by the host and the people that were interviewed. I wish that I could go back and re-listen for the first time!
  • RegardsRoy
    Complex
    The history and impact of this story continues to affect the morale of the intelligence community. What a complex individual, my thoughts have always been with those affected by his actions especially his family who are left to endure such pain, trauma, and endless doubt.
  • catchristmas
    Hansen
    Excellent! Research was meticulous. Each episode featured someone who had known or worked with Hansen. Interesting into the reasons the FBI did not catch this man sooner. So Hansen proved he was so smart while he destroyed his family and hurt his country. Rather the question “How did that work for you?”
  • N-L9270
    Good story but…
    This is a great story and it is told well. I do hope I am not the only one commenting on the misogyny of Hanssen’s best friend stating he never watched them with out Robert’s permission. It was Bonnie’s permission that was needed.
  • ckeen2112
    Excellent documentary
    Series was to good that I listened to the entire documentary a second time. Very well thought out and put together. I have recommended it to several friends.
  • Bamabeachfamily
    Excellent podcast
    Major and his team did a fantastic job explaining the Robert Hanssen story. I had listened to the FBI case file review of him but always wanted the whole story. The podcast goes in depth to his life. Very well done! Highly recommend!
  • Shaggy3001
    Idealization of grandeur
    These FBI agents feel they are a lot more important than they are. Peter Strzok was an FBI agent…enough said
  • TapirWrangler
    Fascinating!
    The only thing I didn’t like was having to wait a week for each episode to post; but then the FBI had to wait 10 years to catch their spy. Now that all episodes are posted, I’ll go back and properly binge them!
  • L&OLvr
    Great Podcast with New Material
    I thought I knew a lot about this case having lived in the DC area at the time Hanssen was arrested. The story was reported extensively in the Washington Post and on the local news channels. I also read several books about the case. But this well-presented podcast presented new facts and facets of the case which I had not heard or read. For anyone interested in espionage in general or Hanssen in particular, this podcast is a must-listen.
  • RF62385
    Outstanding show
    Great storytelling and reporting. I love this pod.
  • ANDRO_Exec
    Super Engaging
    This one “reads” like a spy novel but is rooted in a disturbing reality - exposing vulnerabilities in our national security infrastructure arising from the human condition. This is certainly one of the best produced and most fascinating podcasts I have ever heard. It resonated with me as an executive leader in the defense research and development industry where we must be sensitive to both insider and outsider threats. This case study on Robert Hanssen couldn’t be more timely and is as relevant today as it was over 20 years ago. It is a teachable moment for all those working in the defense industry and tasked with the responsibility of protecting our national security. Kudos to Major Garret and the CBS News team for an eye- opening, compelling and highly informative podcast. You will be drawn in, captured and totally engaged in this one! Andy D.
  • Kayaksurf4fun
    Superb
    Well documented and narrated. Many new insights into the psyche, tactics techniques and procedures of an traitor.
  • RichG57
    Excellent
    Very good, probing, well organized and presented. So much better than a 1 hour tv show. This format more than makes up for the missing video. What is clear, sadly, is that the FBI did a terrible job of protecting itself from a determined insider. Kudos to CBS
  • Jess A Leigh
    Excellent Podcast!
    This was very well done! One of the best podcasts I have listened to!
  • Houston Holiday
    Excellent podcast.
    One of the best podcasts I’ve followed. Thank you
  • Jesse Gi
    Good until the last episode
    Excellent research and reporting, but why all the “sympathy for the devil” in the last episode? People died because of him. There are innocent people in prison who deserve our compassion and energy. He didn’t.
  • gigascott
    Excellent
    Interesting story, great story telling.
  • Nancy in Fred'bg
    Well done!
    I knew this story at a high level from the news at the time ,,, this podcast was very interesting and well presented! Loved the interviews with people who were there. Hansen was despicable for what he did and the lives lost bc of his betrayal. I’m glad that the intelligence community learned from its mistakes
  • KimmeeSue
    Very interesting!
    This was a very interesting podcast! I knew the story before I listened but didn’t know some of the details told in this podcast. I highly recommend it!
  • Lumpy fire
    Great job
    I thoroughly enjoyed your podcast I couldn’t wait for Thursdays for the new episode great job and thank you
  • Lolo__53
    Loved it.
    Thank you Major and your team. So interesting to learn about this dark man. Does one ever truly know another?
  • a7marshal
    Hands down the best podcast of the year!
    Detailed research, original audio of Hanssen’s conversations, interviews with those close to him—altogether fascinating. The podcast ponders the most significant questions such as, “why did he do it?” It also shows a lack of discipline and procedure at FBI during his tenure. Hanssen is a study in warped psychology and sexuality. Some of the content is inappropriate for younger listeners.
  • Political junkie extradonaire
    Excellent
    This is a riveting podcast. Like the movie about Apollo 13, even though you know the ending, you can’t turn it off.
  • TL3wi$
    Story well done!!!!!
    Familiar with this story however, this gave details into things that are not discussed and people never mentioned in other depictions.
  • Kcmyway
    Really good
    Detailed, full of interesting info. A fun listen. Don’t bypass this one.
  • NotHerAgain
    I love it
    I’ve been curious about Hansen for years! This podcast def has access to the type of info we all look for on podcasts. I really wish he could do a follow up season, there has to be so much more info that couldn’t be included. Keep it up and bring us some more good content like this!
  • Ashhhley🙃
    Don’t miss it
    Not my usual podcast but I was hooked. Loved it!
  • Magalla704
    Outstanding
    Attention journalism students; this is for all of you. A great (& horrifying) listen; well researched and reported. The entire production team should be very proud.
  • Eenafefe
    Incredible series
    All the more impressive when you realize the entire team that produced this did it in addition to their daily news jobs
  • AdTerrorem
    Amazing New Reporting
    Major Garrett and his team are top notch. Even if you know the Robert Hanssen story, there is a ton of new reporting here. Definitely worth your time!
  • homemade oven mitt
    Excellent!
    Major Garrett, who is one of the journalists that I trust the most, provides an intriguing narration on a fascinating subject. I have enjoyed this podcast so much!
  • leslie_will
    Interesting & informative
    Love the host, the way the story is laid out, the different perspectives of people in Hansen’s life, and the behind the scenes look at how espionage works in real life.
  • DrHRH
    Cliff-hanger
    Even though I have read numerous versions of this story, listening to it the way they told it made it a brand new adventure. I was on the edge of my seat!
  • meollito76
    Fascinating and so well produced!
    Love this podcast. This is my second favorite spy story after the TV show the Americans in its 8 seasons. Well done, especially when is told by the people who cracked the case!
  • EmilyHelen
    Essential listening…
    for all Americans. And anyone who has ever said “never” about someone they think they know.
  • Grammy Scheryl
    Agent of Corruption
    Great podcast. I wish my husband were alive. He would have loved your portrayal of the events around the Hansen case and the process of discovery as much as I. May Brian Kelly rest in peace. SL
  • podcast50
    Awesome still waiting 😴🗓️
    I’ve felt like I’ve waited forever I hope the next episode isn’t E so I can actually watch it I’m getting kinda tired of waiting
  • MamaJadeo
    I love a good spy story!
    I don’t know if it’s the kid in me that loves a “international agent” spy story or the fact that it’s about a man who was a spy. This brings the whole spy movies like James Bond to actual life. I’m totally digging this series. I love the journalists, his voice , his mannerisms, the way he interviews, the questions he asks, he’s not rude or pushy. He has now influenced me to go check out that book he references often. I’m hooked and want more. As for the spy and FBI agent Hansen I believe what he did was wrong sells information to Russia however it’s not like other officials are any better. The politicians in office lie/steal/sell out and it all gets covered up in the act of saving face. Ex: Hilary Clinton.
  • Will Stop
    Fantastic
    Great podcast
  • Murr Dubs
    Very well done
    My dad was an FBI agent and retired a few years after Robert Hansson was arrested. When it came to light that he was a traitor, it was pretty shocking. I wish my dad was still alive so I could ask him questions and see what he may have remembered hearing Hansson was caught. All in all, I think this podcast does a really good job, especially with a sensitive as a topic as being a traitor.
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