35: Welcome to New York pt.2: Victory Tour

Maia Warner-Langenbahn
Jan 10, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Apr 16

Maia unveils a spy ring that was operating in the US! We laugh and gasp at the true story of Anna Chapman. A Russian spy who was either very good at her job, or was terrible at it. America loves a messy celebrity story, so Welcome to New York! Part two, Victory Tour.

Dive deep into the scandalous, jaw-dropping saga of Anna Chapman—the mysterious Russian spy whose irresistible charm and model-like beauty fooled Manhattan's elite, leaving everyone stunned when her glamorous double life came crashing down. From extravagant parties and posh New York nightclubs to secretive meetings in cozy cafes, this seductive spy had it all under control until the FBI stepped in. Maia and Grant spill the tea on Anna's unbelievable journey from anonymous undercover agent to global celebrity, exposing wild secrets, juicy espionage drama, and how she brilliantly spun failure into fame and fortune. Trust us, you won't believe what happens next—grab your popcorn because this episode is one crazy, scandal-filled ride you do NOT want to miss!

Key takeaways to listen for

[00:00:00] Catch-Up
[00:29:12] Victory Tour
[00:35:29] Straw Hat Riot: How a bizarre fashion trend sparked street violence in 1920s NYC
[00:50:42] Operation Ghost Stories: Inside the decade-long FBI surveillance of Russian spies
[00:56:43] Wi-Fi and Espionage: Anna Chapman’s unusual weekly transmissions at Starbucks
[01:00:07] Undercover Bust: How an FBI agent posing as "Roman" tricked Chapman into blowing her cover
[01:10:05] Not my Spy Neighbors!: A hilarious neighbor’s reaction to a suburban spy arrest
[01:16:27] Instant Fame: Anna’s reaction to seeing her face on the New York Times while in solitary confinement
[01:22:34] Putin’s Favorite Spy: Why Chapman became the face of Russian pride despite her espionage failures
[01:35:12] Spy Swap Drama: The tense international trade that sent Anna Chapman back to Russia as a celebrity

Photos Referenced:

Anna Chapman - courtesy of SIPA Press/Rex Features	Anna Chapman 2010 mugshot
Anna Chapman's Computer in 2010 - courtesy of the FBI	Anna Chapman walking a runway in Antalya Turkey - courtesy of AP

*Anna Chapman Instagram post thanking Russian citizens for their patriotism and also advertising her clothing line - courtesy of Anna's Instagram*

Quotes:

Imagine working for two decades on this case, and the justice you get is another spy that you've never met. - Grant Thomas
She never gets to have an authentic moment that's not investigated or perceived differently. - Grant Thomas
No one seems to know what she did to the US or what she learned that might be damaging to the US. - Maia Warner
Her first mistake got her and 11 other people sent back to Mother Russia. - Maia Warner

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