The Swingers - Karl and Hana Koecher (Jonna Mendez)

[@mokobaby6181]

In the arrogance of youth, I would have ignored this old lady. But after listening to her recounting this very fascinating tale , she now strikes me as a very formidable and deadly mind wrapped in grandmotherly wholesomeness as her daily disguise. Enjoyed this thoroughly

[@blueeyes6852]

So cool! I've had similar experiences, when I judged a book by its cover... boy was I wrong. Funny now, but not so much then! Lol!

[@baileyhowe2739]

moko baby- interesting & im sure a nice person but everything she says can be gleaned from news paper clippings, you as well as others are hearing these clippings as the spoken word. theres really nothing new here

[@matthewgrissop9408]

Yeah me too but I have heard her on what she did for the Cia and it's very very interesting. This chic here used disguises to illude kgb agents

[@MR-cp4sj]

She’s the Queen.

[@jorymil]

Every old woman was young once.

[@Jinkun2702]

I absolutely adore this woman. She is an excellent storyteller. I can't get enough of her content.

[@CatherineLambert-fz7pd]

No wonder she did the work she did

[@davedrifter416]

I love her delivery, her cadence and her storytelling ability.

[@sheilapasquini6232]

Jonna Mendez is an excellent speaker and is filled with interesting stories, which, oh yes, just happen to be true. Thank you, Mrs. Mendez.

[@jjjmac2003]

Amazing true stories. Thank you for your brave service by you and your genius husband Tony. 🇺🇲 🇺🇦

[@sheilapasquini6232]

Yes. He was her boss for many years before they hooked up. Tony died of complications of Parkinson's disease. She has stated that his personality portrayed in the movie was not who he was before the onset of Parkinson's. Before that, Jonna said he was a very outgoing man. RIP Tony.

[@Luv2Dnce4]

I first saw Mrs. Mendez in a Wired KZbin video, where she mentioned the rarely-used “L pills.” She briefly stated that she only knew of one operative who actually used it. Thank you for posting this, so that I/we could hear the whole story!

[@krissy7342]

So tragic...

[@sabre22b]

Ww2 resistance fighters trained in Britain were rumoured to have been given them regularly.

[@Davey-Boyd]

She once said that she knew two were issued. The second guy was arrested in his car but the pen with the pill inside was in his office at the time. He was interrogated then executed.

[@stephaniek1076]

@@Davey-Boyd Exactly right.

[@welshpete12]

@@sabre22b NO , they were not , nor did any ask for them , they were very brave !

[@mr19471985]

Of all the spy stuff on U-Tube from the CIA this has been most enjoyable to listen too. This Jonna lady has a wealth of information.

[@laurie3881]

Jonna Mendez is a fascinating woman and excellent speaker. I am sure there will be a movie about her life!

[@JustMe911]

Love listening to you, Jonna. Here i am, doing my make-up, preparing to go to office and listening to your spy stories 😊

[@Prince-pb1vf]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@DanNguyen-xd6wg]

You should’ve used your makeup as a disguise to confuse the heck out of your boss and co-workers. LOL

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Whatever you do, don't let Jonna do your make up or others may not recognize you!

[@margo3367]

I know. We lead such mundane lives by comparison. That’s quite a last name, Marilyn. Would be as hard to guess as Rumplestiltskin.

[@michaelbryant2071]

This video is 8 years old. In regards to if Karl Koecher and Hana are still alive, aged 89, Karl and his wife 79 live in the Czech Republic.

[@kat3400]

This is THE most underrated channel I have ever found.

[@blbkyne]

I am Czech and I thank you for your work. Communism was a terrible era that threw us all back to the stone age. We pay for that idiotic regime every day till today.

[@blbkyne]

@Evan Hodge Oh, such a horrible thing :( It´s like glorifying nazis,... the SAME thing.

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

@@blbkyne you've just exposed yourself with that Nazi sympathiser comment. Heydrich was your unelected boss. Sicko

[@blbkyne]

@@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466 I don´t sympathise with nazis, I hate them, I really don´t understand where did you get this bullshit, anyways, have a great day. Sicko.

[@petekdemircioglu]

@@blbkyne US left would be considered very right in Europe - in places which were never communist. But European left is considered communist in America because they fought communism like in your country. They equate that with today’s European left.

[@abiodun-b9]

@ Evan hodge BLM and glorifying communism? Do you even understand what communism is, or you’re just parroting other uninformed people?

[@coastda]

I had the pleasure of meeting them both a few years before Tony died. My father died of Parkinson’s and I could tell Tony had from watching him speak for five minutes. He and Jonna needed a fast ride to the airport (90 miles away) so I offered to drive them in my company car, equipped with lights and siren). They were absolutely delightful and charming.

[@jaykay1053]

Neat!

[@nicolehood373]

I wish I was in this room. Jonna Mendez is just wonderful!

[@1979hellcat]

Nicole Hood we have family up that way, time to plan a visit into DC’s Spy Museum 😜

[@Prince-pb1vf]

She is so interesting.

[@1979hellcat]

Prince ikr!!

[@bigfakenetwork]

The theme song is top notch. I catch references not just to (obviously) John Barry, but to Lalo Schiffrin's Mission Impossible theme and even the Get Smart theme. Very smartly and humorously done. Cheers!

[@willieboy3011]

The scary thing is that a man from an enemy state was given such a high level clearance knowing that no real background check could be done on him. CIA was suspicious of Karl by 1976 and let him go in 1977--hence losing his access to intel, but he was still passing intel to SOVIETS within the US in 1982, as was his wife, who had become quite dumpy and not attractive by 1984 at the time of her arrest. Presumably, their intel was from pillow talk.

[@jeannemarie3704]

This kgb guy is the classic stereotype.. Love jonna's stories. 🙏

[@markashdown1314]

A great insight. Thanks.

[@phincampbell1886]

Chief of disguise keeps sounding to me like Chief of the Skies, which almost creates an impression of Jonna Mendez which approaches being as awesome and cool as she actually is in reality!

[@billalexander8011]

I am surprised the CIA security would let employees be in swinger clubs. What could possibly go wrong? With so many government employees Washington DC is a weird place.

[@roberrplatt4214]

Back then there was no way to track people. Even these days, government workers in some areas have to waive a lot of freedom from surveillance, because the government is not good at finding stuff out unless it's delivered to them in a nice box.

[@japspeedgirl6216]

I don’t think they asked for permission, you know.

[@JohnDoe-sk6wy]

If a swinger club ever becomes a viable source of critical information, you can bet that CIA operatives will be all up in there fishing for information. Just because it’s taboo, it doesn’t mean CIA is above taking advantage of it. In Karl’s case, he went there to blackmail people and get information for the enemy.

[@Nigelsmith79]

I am not surprised they were in that group .have you met many they swing in different circles than just vanilla

[@petekdemircioglu]

Ahahah

[@NoahDentonVlogs]

My mom kind of complained that Jonna almost always talked about Trigon. I too think she could use some variety in her stories, but at the same time, I don't think she has a lot of choices.

[@roberrplatt4214]

At 1:21 there is a discussion of Dubcek, and the gentleman implies Dubcek did not survive the Prague Spring. Dubcek did not die until 1992.

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

Excellent presentation.

[@denisel265]

Jonna Mendez is my hero!

[@gustavderkits8433]

When I saw the title I thought that “swingers “ was a term of art among spies, like “moles” or “sparrows” or “Moscow rules”

[@Ophiuchus1]

No. Spies are notorious for sexuality deviance. In fact, it's the only way you can be trusted. They have to have blackmail on you. This blackmail usually comes in the form of super duper crepy pornos.

[@tinasam9996]

YeH, I was trying to rationalize it too

[@sperrinwell-beingandyoga9224]

Same here! I thought it was a synonym for double agent.

[@pizzafrenzyman]

the patience to devote years to infiltrating their objective is unbelievable.

[@Noogsie_47245]

Why did the USA allow them Kochers back in our country? Allowing him to become a professor and easily reactivated? Makes no sense...

[@jobri626]

I’m rewatching all the episodes

[@michaelgenetantoco247]

Awesome topic very educational and it reminds me of my basic and advance tradecraft courses

[@Taxiwayaviation28581]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thankyou

[@goredknight3017]

Must be a great to listen to a real heroes who have served and given a lot for his or her country. If your in those circles and have a meal Mrs Mendez would definitely be a great after dinner speaker

[@billdunne5266]

what a great speaker Jonna is,more please when you can.Thanks Bill in Ireland

[@sherirobinson5112]

Really enjoyed this presentation 👍👍

[@elizdonovan5650]

watching this in 2021. Finding out at 38:56 that Rudi Guiliani was prosecutor in the case is interesting. Would like to know Ms Mendez thoughts on former prosecutor Giuliani in the light of current events in 2021. 🌲🌝☘️

[@elmersbalm5219]

You’re seeing the public efflorescence of a strategic argument between two factions of the establishment.

[@nurseae4586]

I am watching 2024😊

[@charlieporch3181]

Listening to the questions? I am sure some were operatives trying to get hindsight of how the agency disseminates information. Clandestine operations are ongoing and information is gold.

[@Nairuulagch]

Is Jonna Mendez, Tony's wife from the Argo operation?!

[@Samo762]

yes

[@1979hellcat]

Nairuulagch yes but I don’t think she was his actual wife during the ‘Argo’ operation. Later on she became his wife.

[@krissy7342]

Saw Argo last night. It became so *Real* to me just how insane and brave the idea Tony had was. Seeing it as “live” was very very mind opening. Tony (and Jonna) are 🇺🇸 USA heroes.

[@ecampbell5837]

The Ambassador took care of them for a month or two. Talk about putting your life on the line. So a lot went on before the escape. The cia and Americans were mad Canadians got credit. So they told the ny times many years later, about the American involvement, against normal practice. Great to discuss your involvement, quite another to seek to collect all the praise by making a Hollywood movie. Typical Americans. Joined wwii for the last 15 minutes and ONLY when they became directly affected. Then make war movies with them as the heroes of it all.

[@PronatorTendon]

@@ecampbell5837 The US entered the war to clean up and seize an empire, not to win a war. The way you've phrased your complaint smacks of prodigious levels of naivete.

[@anandshinde9941]

Start at 6:25

[@Mrclean431]

Under rated comment

[@beeble2003]

Jonna always seems bored by batteries. John Methlie, who she mentions at the end of the Q&A, received the CIA Trailblazer Award and his citation for that refers to him as working on "Power Source Technologies", which sounds slightly sexier. Not much, but slightly. He also worked with NASA on batteries for satellites and advised on the life extension programme for the Hubble telescope.

[@cloudwhite7481]

Poor Ogorodnik, thank you for telling about him.

[@KoolT]

This just breaks your heart about the spy at the end But I guess he was facing prison or death penalty idk. So glad older lady got released. ❤. Thanks so much. Some people are reposting good videos like these but with a new cover photo and opening. Easily done like Dr. RAMANI.

[@Johnysimus]

Great telling of what seems like an exciting story! I am Czech and never heard of Köcher (or Koecher) until today. (So I was sceptical when Jonna said they received a hero's welcome - after all she also later admited that their story was not well known in Cechoslovakia) Anyway... the story led me to a Czech documentary about the story called "RINO - a story of a spy" - have no idea if it's any good or if you can find it with english subs, just want to point it out. Also I don't understand when Jonna said that KGB didn't use women and din't expect the CIA to use women then... what about Hana Köcher? What did Jonna mean they didn't use women?

[@jenniferhill9924]

Máte pravdu.

[@naomisherred166]

Re-read what you said - she said the KGB didn't use women so expected the CIA to not use women when in fact they did 1😊

[@TamadorStoneskin]

The KGB had a policy that discouraged the use of female officers. Though they did rarely use female agents. Because the KGB had deemed women unfit for officer roles they assumed that the CIA had come to similar conclusions. There’s an interesting section on this in Gordevskey’s book “KGB”

[@KidCity1985]

I love her whole outfit, very well accessorized

[@Spook2431NYC]

Thank God America had INCREDIBLE , BRILLIANT, COURAGEOUS , CREATIVE strong woman as Jonna Mendez on our side against evils of communism!🙏🙏🙏❤❤❤😎🍸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@gratefuldead3750]

Go on and cripple yourself in the darwinian distopy of neoliberal capitalism. The masses become even more stupid by such an anti- intellectual society.

[@donarnold8268]

Thank you!

[@OlavSurlandHansen]

1:22:30 "If Dubcek had lived..." But he did! He was ousted from power, but still got a job for the Soviet installed government (Ambassador?) and he was alive quite a few years after 1968. He was not, like the Chilean leader president Allende, killed by the new regime.

[@73dmonty]

Amazing to listen to these stories. Minor observation re: the video.... does anyone else think the English translations for Kryuchkov sounds like the actor Robert Vaughn (Man from Uncle, Hustle)?

[@sgtfifilarue8957]

After watching MFU so many times I thought the same! 😊

[@AidaDelga-ut4bo]

Estimados miembros de la junta directiva del Museo Internacional del Espionaje: Me encantan los libros de Christine Fehan sobre series de sombras, fantasmas y vampiros, así como los libros de juegos, principalmente por el valor educativo que he obtenido de ellos. Ella es una autora maravillosa que ha encontrado una manera clandestina de educar a las personas interesadas en sus investigaciones sobre diversos temas. Realmente quiero leer polvo de espías y otros libros, sin embargo, sería maravilloso si pudieran alentar a los escritores que actualmente pueden hablar sobre sus experiencias a encontrar una manera de ser más clandestinos en los títulos para poder sentarme en una tienda en público y no que todos sepan que estoy interesado en libros sobre este tema. incluso si digo que tengo que leerlo para una clase de historia o algo así, si tengo demasiados que dicen el nombre espía... pensaría que las transacciones con tarjeta de crédito y simplemente que la gente vea mi interés no es la imagen que quiero tener. Por muy sexy que sea ser un espía, si no lo soy, no quiero ser el objetivo de todos los demás espías a nivel internacional.... de todos modos, gracias por todo tu arduo trabajo en la vida y por nuestro país.

[@seditt5146]

"I Recognize most of you immediately.... " " YOU GUYS ARE AWFUL SPIES ALL OF YOU!!!!!"

[@lallen4999]

WTF!No checks on them to have them hired!!!This country is a joke.

[@jennyghosh5615]

That’s true, your country is a complete joke.

[@charleswiener151]

Commenting on the discussion: 1:15:19 lady with a Russian accent mentioned Koechers arrival to the US vs. Dubcek's government. Dubcek took over in January 1968, got overthrown in August. By then the Koechers were already for a while in the US. 1:17:49 to pretend to be anti-Jewish was not too wise. Anti-Communist maybe, but anti-Jewish when the Jews had in the Communist world troubles? 1:18:56 the description of Ms.Mendez is hilarious. They had to register with the US Embassy in Vienna, ask to emigrate to the US. An OK had to received from the States. No one just boards a plane, lands, and says I want to live in the US. 1:20:40 Karel (not Karl which is the German transcription of the name) is a member of the Prague Jewish Community (his mother was Jewish which makes him Jewish according to the Jewish law, the halakha) and can be seen once in a while eating in their restaurant. With a ghost writer he wrote a book on his US spy experiences "Český krtek v CIA" (The Czech mole in the CIA). - see www.martinus.sk/?uItem=214877

[@elmersbalm5219]

It’s a good ruse to attract irrational, hateful bigots. There’s plenty of them. Their hate can be manipulated.

[@TheRoon4660]

I wonder what she would have to say about the activities of the CIA and the FBI in recent years. They have gone rogue in my opinion.

[@synewparadigm]

Yes, completely corrupt with no shame or sense of working for the people.

[@mroberts2738]

So true. Scary.

[@willatwood]

What do you mean they "have" gone rogue? They didn't just go rogue in recent years. They've always been involved in illegal activities from their inception! Do you believe the CIA were one, if not, the biggest supplier of cocaine into the USA at one time in the 80s? Do you really think that's fake? Or how about the agreements between some members of Mexican cartels and the FBI that allow these cartel members to transport, distribute and sell drugs in return for information on their rival cartel members. Think this is fake, too? Just look it up and this has come out in court when they tried prosecuting certain members when they were extradited to the US for trial and even though they were high ranking members that should've easily been sentenced to life, they receive 5 or less years. Documents are public.

[@isaowater]

I'd argue that they are slightly more controlled today, I say that because they were definitely more rogue in the 60s - COINTELRO, Operation CHAOS. MKUltra, Cuba, Lumumba, and maybe even MLK if you want to go there.

[@frankyfrankfurt]

this is fire!!!

[@anng.4542]

So apparently the CIA is all too happy to go after a sitting US President, but they couldn't find the rats in their midst. What do we pay these people for?

[@allangibson2408]

The FBI is supposed to do domestic counter intelligence investigations - it’s not the CIA’s job and they have no authority to file charges. The CIA’s job is to investigate foreign intelligence interventions - like the Trump campaign coordinating advertising with the FSB Facebook black propaganda.

[@krissy7342]

Starts at 6:25. 😏 Your Welcome 🙏🏼

[@slappy8941]

My welcome what?

[@ilirbajrami1072]

Thank you

[@James_Bowie]

Yep, Earnest always talks too much. His replacement is a breath of fresh air.

[@mroberts2738]

That guy is so self important. His addition at the end was ridiculous too. No one cares who you knew. Clueless.

[@michaelmazowiecki9195]

There is an alternative narrative that it was Kalugin who was the real betrayer of Triton, and also of Koecher

[@icarustheother8591]

It's quite a pity the dedicated doesn't mean what it used to mean. Thank you!

[@RichardsWorld]

@27:28 You were wrong. SCI stands for Sensitive Compartmented Information. I was a little surprised when I heard you say that.

[@davidthomas-ot4cl]

I like Jonna but there are discrepancies. If you listen to Martha talk about what happened, she wasn't in jail for 3 days, she was released after hours not days. Also she says people aren't sure if Trigon died straight away or later on. She also says the Moscow Rules (written by Jonna) has lots of mistakes in it.

[@dew7025]

how did they fire him without alerting him? They must of had some reason....

[@joehilner4830]

How can anyone believe a word from someone who lies for a living?

[@Samo762]

the last time that Koecher was in public was on a Czech late night show (Uvolnete se prosim) in 2007

[@kokondel]

ale príliš veľa tam toho nepovedal..

[@romanjancura9651]

Later, he was in DVTV with Drtinová.

[@ninirema4532]

very great dear mam 🌍🌎🌎🌏🌎

[@johnryan2193]

Most of the sleepers are now embedded in Academia .that's why your young have lost the plot

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Also: Trump.

[@synewparadigm]

@@canadiangemstones7636 Trump is a sleeper?

[@marciasloan534]

Curious to know how you were recruited

[@EP-xu1yt]

What role did The Billion Dollar Spy play among all these players?

[@MonteD1]

Her talk begins at 6:30

[@janpierzchala2004]

If they had a welcoming street parade - and not a relatively quiet arrival - British embassy in Prague would notice? Names.

[@rys1968]

The biggest pleasure is to know that people like Koecher etc. have witnessed that the project that they have been working for collapsed and doesn’t exist any more. Thank God! I understood that there is a goring cow, milking cow and mos cow….

[@tatianalyulkin410]

Aunt Jonna, no! At least in Russia proper the Komsomol was mandatory. Party membership was not! Should have been a huge red flag.

[@bellablock5864]

Shows a ridiculous picture of FBI and CIA - how on earth is something like that possible? And I suppose it still does happen... Jonna Mendez is quite some woman.

[@tinasam9996]

They were participants? They've been corrupt for years.

[@worddunlap]

High level intelligence and political figures involved with debauchery, drugs and illicit sex? It's never stopped...

[@johnoh7705]

Who was the US Senator? That is the million dollar question.

[@Ronbo710]

at 1:19:43 he is talking about Operation Able Archer.

[@igor-yp1xv]

Such an interesting story. They were quite the hot couple.

[@cavid8066]

He was a dissident in CSSR to expose idiocies of the government, but then he decided USA was even more idiotic.

[@yugogurl6911]

Perhaps the same batteries are used in the Chinese teapots gifted to diplomats?

[@gregoryambres1897]

Ms. Mendez is a RIVETING speaker. 🏆

[@wannamonslo9626]

Who'll lay money on Teddy K being the Senator?

[@theodoremartin6153]

183 comments from the employees at the CIA . Glowing comments.

[@tatianalyulkin410]

So she was basically a sparrow and he- a raven?

[@DanielFlores-hn9bd]

I need advice

[@zsoltbakos685]

We expect everybody else to speak English? GOD DAMN RIGHT !

[@a.m.armstrong8354]

They caught the Skripals..in Moscow. The Skripals were allowed to leave. The West then thought to recycle the Skripals.

[@Agatharose457]

Right Peter. Simon?

[@dshe8637]

Jonna is a human face on an organisation that has carried out some wicked and shameful acts

[@MrAaronvee]

Does it never occur to the CIA that polygraphs just don't work? Scientists consider them to be pure pseudoscience. Do polygraph operators have a strong union, or are they themselves in the pay of foreign governments?

[@felicitysummers9140]

So Khanyisa causes a tiny issue because of her excitement to see you Adine! But really wonderful how this HERD who are mostly unrelated but have bonded so well to come to the “rescue “ of our lil pink one who they think she is in danger! 🥰❤️👌

[@icarustheother8591]

Thank you Jonah and Tony both. I believe now Tony is expired I'm sorry J

[@victorashkenazy6961]

In Israel new immigrants are not allowed in Intelligence services, exceptions however occur.

[@marciasloan534]

Foulest,meanest,most murderous..... ISN’T THAT THE JOB DESCRIPTION?

[@cinnamonflan1412]

The real Joanna Mendez is in the crowd! 13:43

[@Prince-pb1vf]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@richardcopeland6859]

Hope all is well .05/18/2021

[@alpage8410]

Mrs was probably a freak to, just to clever and clean

[@christiansmith-of7dt]

For me constant awareness of people's desire to kill my family is just the way of life , ive never known any different

[@Malingerer1505]

Squad!!!

[@morriganwitch]

This lady is fab xxx

[@jeffkane221]

I had a dream. You became the best female Back-Gammon player in the world. Studied & skilled. Able to laugh off dice-zasters, knowing that in 1,000 games you get equal dice-miracles. You could do it......

[@pgr3290]

33:37 Ok well I hear the speaker's tone of voice and audience sniggers as if Prague 'today' is some huge step down and 'basic stuff' compared to New York when I assure you it definitely isn't, and I would much rather live in Prague. A beautiful city with original Gothic architecture that was spared destruction in WW2. No American cities ever seem capable of getting into the top 10 or even top 30 best cities to live in the world when consulting firms publish livability rankings. This reinforces the stereotype that average Americans aren't exactly well travelled or cultured. Prague might have been communist and deathly dull in the 1970s and 80s, but 'today' it is not and very few remnants of the iron curtain still exist.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Yes, that was a painful example of American ignorance of the world.

[@miles-thesleeper-monroe8466]

Year your cheap porn beer and prostitution has done wonders for us and only 50 quid on a flight. You're really advanced lol

[@alleeum]

Well, to be fair, she was referring to Prague in the 70s and 80s, when things were very different.

[@a.m.armstrong8354]

There's a lot of contradictions in this narrations. Why would the British employ discarded Soviet spies? Why wouldn't the CIA tip MI6 off? I recall the heightened tensions in the early 80's, with Perle all over the UK GE then, smearing the opposition. There were marches against the strategic weaponry deployed out of Greenham Common US air base. The narrator deliberately misnamed START(Strategic Arms Reductions Talks) as SALT (Strategic Arms Limitations Talks), only she knows why. Perhaps this talk is constructed for an American audience.