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My Dad the Spy

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My Dad the Spy

By: Stewart Copeland
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About this listen

Are our parents really who we think they are?

Drummer with The Police, Stewart Copeland, sets out to uncover the truth about his father, Miles Axe Copeland ll - musician, raconteur, international businessman... and, it turns out, secret CIA operative.

Going back to the 1940s to trace his father's involvement in the birth of the CIA, Stewart enters a murky world of dictators and dirty tricks. He learns about his dad's role in overthrowing governments, assassination plots, and befriending an infamous Soviet double agent.

Helped by his brother and sister, and those who knew his dad's world of politics and espionage, Stewart investigates the impact his spy father had, both on their family and on the world.

A 7digital production for Audible Originals.

This is an Audible Original Podcast. Free for members. You can download all 9 episodes to your Library now.

©2020 Audible, Ltd. (P)2020 Audible, Ltd. Espionage True Crime
Episodes
  • Ep. 1: At Home With The Copelands

    Ep. 1: At Home With The Copelands
    Jul 27 2020

    Stewart and his sister Lennie remember a culturally rich and pampered upbringing, dragged around the Middle East by an often absent father. It felt like any normal family... until they discovered what dad really did.
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    31 mins
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  • Ep. 2: The Shoot Out

    Ep. 2: The Shoot Out
    Jul 27 2020

    We’re in the company of Miles Axe Copeland II, in a world of lavish parties attended by great writers and mysterious colonels. The dangers of dad’s career become apparent when armed raiders break into the family home in Damascus.
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    28 mins
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  • Ep. 3: Joining Up

    Ep. 3: Joining Up
    Jul 27 2020

    Miles survives the armed raid on his home, but was everything as it seemed? Stewart and his sister Lennie follow dad back to a childhood in Birmingham, Alabama, then into his exploits during the war. Miles meets the man who will eventually recruit him into the CIA, and receives the secret orders which change his life forever.
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    32 mins
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All stars
Most relevant  
the time the future becomes history is too lat
he loved his children his wife and his country he did no one wrong
well worth listening to but put yourself in his shoes though that's the father not the author

que Sera Sera the future not ours to see

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Very enjoyable. Highly personal account, but with an historical sweep. I found Stewart Copeland's narration engaging, especially his interactions with his sister. He seems a likeable character, and they are certainly an interesting family.

Very enjoyable

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Well put together story that covered a lot of years and provided great insight into American influence in the middle east. Made good use of other sources to give other perspectives.

interesting family story and insight into ME

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I recently noticed how shy he is. You never hear the guy even laugh until maybe 2015, let alone cry, you really don’t. I have to listen to 4 hours of ‘My Dad The Spy’ on Audible. I already had an insight about how perhaps laughing or crying was forbidden due to his mother’s distress about daddy’s dangerous CIA occupation. Stewdaddy was like Spock, he would smile and crack jokes but never heard him laugh. I first heard him laugh in an interview he did somewhat recently. Maybe he feels he finally earned the right to laugh and cry again. I love him, period. So adorable he is now that he is more comfortable expressing his emotions and talking about feelings. I love watching him evolve into that handsome prince he always was, is, and always will be. Stewart, we love you to peaches.... 　

Always good to learn more about this Maestro

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Very interesting look at the life of Miles Copeland and his life as a CIA operative in the 1950s.

Fascinating insight into 1950s CIA

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a thoroughly explored perspective from an acknowledged privileged position. an apology without regret but some thoughtful analysis

the title sums it up

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wouldn't everybody love to have have such a cool dad ...it was interesting how it had its pros and cons but he certainly sounded a great character and in those days things were done differently but they did get done👍

fascinating

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Being a longtime fan of The Police, and admiring Stewart Copeland's drumming, in addition to listening to some programmes he's participated, I was curious about this story.
It didn't dissapoint. Well told, interesting background and the participation of his siblings, was a cool additoon to the narrative.
Besides the main idea behind the story, it also explained his musical influence.
For music lovers and those inrerested in modern US history, I recommend this audiobook.

An entertaining revelation

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A most informative and enjoyable rendition of an educated, well-connected, unique man's life by his son and daughter. Miles Copeland was an unusual, charismatic person. I unreservedly recommend the audio book.

Who knew...

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I love Stewart's voice and after 40+ years, still can't say Regatta de Blanc in the way he does.

We think we know about the middle east and the CIA, but this is not from a journalist, historian or former spy - it's from a former spy's kids (the clue was in thr title).

Some of the stories seem far fetched, but Stewart digs to the bottom of them to get closer to the truth and even looks into how memories and recollections impact upon us.

In his discussions with his older siblings, Srewart gets their version of events and we find out what to do when customs impound all the stuff you need for your next show.

An Interesting Look From An Alternative Angle

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