About this episode

The episode explores the true story of James Bond, an ornithologist whose name was used by Ian Fleming for his fictional spy.

When Ian Fleming needed a name for the secret agent at the center of his new novel, he stole one from the cover of a birdwatching book. The real James Bond wasn’t a martini-drinking spy, but a shy American ornithologist who spent decades exploring the Caribbean. Then one surreal day, he finally tracked down the man who stole his identity. Special thanks to Jim Wright and his excellent book, The Real James Bond: A True Story of Identity Theft, Avian Intrigue, and Ian Fleming .  * Listen to Very Special Episodes wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Wednesday! Hosted by Dana Schwartz, Zaron Burnett, and Jason English Written by Dave Roos Senior Producer is Josh Fisher Editing and Sound Design by Chris Childs Additional Editing by Mary Dooe Mixing and Mastering by Chris Childs Original Music by Elise McCoy Show Logo by Lucy Quintanilla Executive Producer is Jason English Got a very special question? Willing to share your favorite Very Special Episode? You can reach us at veryspecialepisodes@gmail.com . And go pick up Dana's new book ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More episodes of Noble Blood

• The Chloroform Baronet (Part 1) · June 9, 2026 · 23 min
• Napoleon's Forgotten Wife · June 2, 2026 · 36 min
• When the Kennedeys met the Windsors (with Caroline Hallemann) · May 26, 2026 · 32 min
• Kaspar Hauser Came to Town · May 19, 2026 · 35 min
• The Mind of Émilie du Châtelet (Part 2) · May 12, 2026 · 47 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Noble Blood podcast page.