Podcast Overview
World War II was fought on battlefields all over the globe. But it was also fought in the shadows—in covert operations that didn’t make the headlines, both at home and overseas.
The National WWII Museum presents Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops, a new podcast exploring wartime tales of espionage and intrigue. Hosted by Museum Senior Historian Bradley W. Hart, PhD, tune in to hear from expert historians and listen to the stories of the people who were there to uncover the secret World War II.
Secret WWII: Spies & Special Ops is presented by The Dale E. and Janice Davis Johnston Family Foundation.
Episodes available weekly starting September 18, 2025.
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Part 1: America Goes to War
Learn MoreOn December 7, 1941, a surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor stuns the nation. In this episode, we explore the aftermath of Pearl Harbor and its impact on the American intelligence community, the creation of a new spy organization, and the extent of Nazi espionage in the United States.
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Part 2: Breaking the Midway Code
Learn MoreSix months after Pearl Harbor, America makes a breakthrough in understanding the Japanese naval code, and the Battle of Midway becomes a turning point in the war. In this episode, we explore the significance of the Battle of Midway, the creation of the Office of Strategic Services, and a bold German espionage effort on American soil.
Bradley W. Hart, PhD
Bradley Hart is the Senior Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy. Hart received his PhD in history from Churchill College at the University of Cambridge, and is the author of two books, including Hitler’s American Friends: The Third Reich’s Supporters in the United States (2018). His current research focuses on information warfare in World War II. Before joining the Institute, Hart taught at California State University, Fresno, and worked as an international affairs fellow on Capitol Hill.
Presenting Sponsor
Special thanks to The Dale E. and Janice Davis Johnston Family Foundation for their generous support on this series.