1) The Perfect Weapon (REPUBLISH)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "To Die For"
Episode 1: "The Perfect Weapon"
Release Date: July 15, 2025

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Introduction to Sexpionage

In the inaugural episode of To Die For, host Neil Strauss delves into the clandestine world of sexpionage—a covert intelligence strategy where sexual relationships are exploited to extract information or manipulate targets. The episode introduces listeners to Aliya Rosa, a self-proclaimed former Russian intelligence operative trained as a "sex spy." Through her harrowing recount, the podcast explores the psychological and physical toll such operations impose on the operatives themselves.

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Chapter 1: The Meeting

[05:53] Ryan Reynolds (Host):
"Our story begins with the Mafia. I come from a mafia family. It's a real mafia family."

The episode opens with an interview between Ryan Reynolds (portraying Neil Strauss) and Johnny Fratto, also known as the Beverly Hills Gangster. Fratto shares his colorful background, establishing his credibility and setting the stage for the unexpected introduction of Aliya Rosa.

[07:35] Johnny Fratto:
"Stan Lee says I look like a writer. I look like one of them."

The conversation takes a dramatic turn when Fratto introduces his son, Johnny Jr., who recounts meeting Aliya Rosa. Rosa claims to have undergone rigorous training in Russia, including public sexual acts as part of her espionage training.

[08:24] Johnny Fratto:
"She says, to, you know, fucking give the perfect blowjob, to fuck a guy perfectly."

Rosa's claims are initially met with skepticism, but Fratto believes her story, prompting the decision to bring her into the podcast narrative.

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Chapter 2: A Criminal Past

[14:50] Aliya Rosa:
"You made such a bold entrance into a little drama. Who doesn't appreciate the occasional twists?"

As the story unfolds, Neil Strauss investigates the veracity of Rosa's claims. Limited information online makes her story seem like a subplot from a spy thriller. However, a pivotal moment occurs when Strauss recalls his earlier interaction with the FBI, where he was asked to train agents in the art of seduction based on insights from his book, The Game.

[16:06] Robin Dreek (Former FBI Agent):
"The FSB is a dirty organization. They use honey traps and coercion to recruit and manipulate."

Strauss consults Robin Dreek, a former head of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Program, who validates the plausibility of Rosa's story. Dreek explains the Russian intelligence framework and the strategic use of seduction as a cost-effective method for intelligence gathering, highlighting the brutal methods employed by agencies like the FSB.

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Chapter 3: The Target

[21:24] Aliya Rosa:
"To say I'm not scared, I would lie. Yes, of course, I am."

The narrative shifts to a dinner meeting between Strauss, Johnny Fratto, and Aliya Rosa. Rosa's demeanor and interactions are meticulously analyzed, revealing subtle manipulations reminiscent of pickup artist techniques. Her behavior underscores the psychological conditioning she underwent, making her an effective tool in intelligence operations.

[24:26] Ryan Reynolds (Host):
"Why can't my kid learn to ride a bike?"

Strauss juxtaposes the intense discussion on sexpionage with a brief advertisement break, maintaining the episode's pacing while transitioning back to the central narrative.

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Insights and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Strauss intertwines personal anecdotes with expert insights to paint a comprehensive picture of sexpionage. The discussion with Dreek provides a nuanced understanding of the operational methodologies of Russian intelligence, emphasizing the human cost on the operatives like Rosa, who are both perpetrators and victims of the system.

[20:29] Ryan Reynolds (Host):
"Keep in mind that I don't know a lot yet about Aaliyah's story or how she was recruited, and neither does Robin."

This acknowledgment of the unknown elements in Rosa's story adds a layer of suspense, encouraging listeners to ponder the complexities and moral ambiguities inherent in intelligence work.

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Conclusions and Cliffhanger

As the episode draws to a close, Rosa reflects on her traumatic experiences, revealing deep-seated guilt and the psychological scars left by her forced role as a seductress.

[29:31] Aliya Rosa:
"I was a part of this evil system. So, yeah, I guess I am broken. And, yes, I am a toy."

Strauss hints at the continuation of Rosa's story, promising deeper exploration into her training, espionage activities, and eventual escape from the Russian military in subsequent episodes. The unresolved questions surrounding Rosa's true intentions and current affiliations set the stage for an engaging continuation.

[30:53] Aliya Rosa:
"Once you learn it, it's just like a habit. I can tell. This is seduction."

This revelation leaves listeners eager to uncover whether Rosa has fully liberated herself from her past or remains entangled in the manipulative tactics she was trained to employ.

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Final Thoughts

To Die For successfully opens with a gripping narrative that intertwines personal testimonies with expert analysis, offering a compelling glimpse into the shadowy realm of sexpionage. By humanizing both the operatives and the victims, the podcast sets a thought-provoking tone for the series, inviting listeners to explore the ethical and emotional dimensions of espionage.

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Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Fratto [07:35]:
  "Stan Lee says I look like a writer. I look like one of them."

• Robin Dreek [16:06]:
  "The FSB is a dirty organization. They use honey traps and coercion to recruit and manipulate."

• Aliya Rosa [21:24]:
  "To say I'm not scared, I would lie."

• Aliya Rosa [29:31]:
  "I was a part of this evil system. So, yeah, I guess I am broken. And, yes, I am a toy."

---

To Die For promises an enthralling journey through espionage, personal trauma, and the blurred lines between victim and villain. Episode one sets a strong foundation, ensuring listeners are hooked and eager for more revelations in the episodes to come.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Now.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Podcast Host]

Of $45 for a three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gig if network's busy, taxes and fees extra. See mint mobile.com Millions of people have turned to Claude, the AI assistant from Anthropic because it just feels different. Where other AIs often sound a little robotic, Claude has been designed with special research that informs its character, meaning that Claude just gets it when it comes to empathy and emotional intelligence. That's why Claude has become the if you know, you know choice for dating advice, career coaching, gathering your thoughts for those important life decisions, and more. Give Claude a try for free at Claude.com that's C-L-A-U--E.com and let us know how you feel the difference welcome to the W where elite athletes are redefining the game of basketball. From buzzer beating shots, jaw dropping defense and logo threes, the WNBA delivers non stop action and world class talent every game. These athletes don't just play the game, they elevate it. The biggest stars, The Brightest Age AT&T WNBA All Star 2025 comes to Indianapolis July 18th 19th. Tune into the game July 19th at 8:30pm Eastern Time on ABC. Some dresses are for errands, some dresses are for parties, and then there's Hill House for dresses that do both effortlessly. Hill House Home is the brand behind the viral nap dress known for its signature smocking, ultra flattering fit and comfort that makes it a favorite for just about everyone. There has never been a dress that has been more made for me than than the nap dress. You can wear it at home, you can wear it outside, you can wear it anywhere and you can take a nap in it. What more do you need? Get 15% off your first order of $100 or more at Hill House home.com with code murder15. That's murder15 for 15% off at Hill House home.com goodbye.

[Johnny Fratto]

All eight episodes of to Die for.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Are available now to binge absolutely free.

[Johnny Fratto]

But for ad free listening and exclusive.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Bonuses, subscribe to Tenderfoot plus at tenderfootplus.com.

[Johnny Fratto]

Or Apple Podcasts.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Warning.

[Podcast Host]

The following episode contains explicit language and sexual themes. Listener discretion is advised.

[Robin Dreek]

We test your microphone.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Mic test. Mic test.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Cool.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Yeah. Good?

[Robin Dreek]

Yep, we're good.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Okay.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I never said this to anyone. Every woman can seduce a man, and it doesn't matter how does she look. It's all about your skills. What do you say, how do you touch, and how you're good in sex. That's it. The most important thing, not to give him everything at the same moment. So you cannot go to bed and sleep with him the first day. Unless it's a special mission where you have to kill your target.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Some spies use poisons. Others use guns. But for Lea Rosa, who's sitting in front of me right now, her body was made into a weapon by the Russian military. Her mission, to seduce powerful men for their secrets, or sometimes their lives. This type of intelligence work is known as sexpionage, and it's much more dangerous than you think.

[Aliyah Rosa]

What is sexpionage? Actually, this sex becomes like a drug, and your target becomes, like, drug addicted. When a drug dealer wants to put someone on the needle, he gives a little bit. He doesn't give straight away everything. So the same way you do, you give a little bit sex, you give a little bit. Taste and you tease. You tease till you make sure that your target becomes addicted to you because you put so many anchors around him, in his brain, in his body. Basically, the body gets used to you, so he physically cannot be with someone else. I had to kill you. I'm really sorry. I had to do it. Gotta go on my own. You didn't guess that we hide I was loving I got, I got you. I tell you I have to kill you. Was it so much fun?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Episode 1 Chapter 1 the Meeting Our story begins with the Mafia. I come from a mafia family. It's a real mafia family. I mean, not like some of the people that you, you know, that will be safe. I'm connected in all that.

[Robin Dreek]

My father actually did go before Robert Kennedy and McClellan.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The interview you're listening to is me, many years ago, speaking with Johnny Fratto, also known as the Beverly Hills Gangster. His father worked under Al Capone, and his brother was killed in the tragic plane crash that also took the life of boxer Rocky Marciano.

[Johnny Fratto]

I have a question about the mob. Has it changed?

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's all movies.

[Johnny Fratto]

It's all movies. It doesn't exist.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No, never did. I was publishing a book with Johnny about his colorful and controversial life. We'd get together, and he'd tell stories for hours. And I said, judge, I don't belong in here.

[Johnny Fratto]

I'm 24 years old.

[Ryan Reynolds]

My wife is now pregnant with my son Johnny. I don't belong in here. After Fratto moved to Los Angeles, he set his sights more on fame than racketeering and unexpectedly became a recurring guest on the Howard Stern Show. The son he just mentioned grew up and wanted to leave the family business and get into the film business. This is Johnny introducing his son Johnny Jr. To Stan Lee, the legendary Marvel Comics writer.

[Johnny Fratto]

This kid, my son, he thinks he.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Can write a movie.

[Robin Dreek]

Everybody who's written his first movie has never written a movie before.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And why couldn't he do it?

[Johnny Fratto]

Stan Lee says I look like a writer. I look like one of them.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Not long after this, Johnny Fratto died of lung cancer at the age of 61. I didn't talk to his son Johnny Jr. Much after that, but one afternoon, after years of silence, he called with an incredible story.

[Johnny Fratto]

So I have got a weird thing, like, it's gonna sound fucking strange to you, and I don't even really know how to pitch this to you. Where do I begin? Because you wrote the book, the Game, I met this girl that basically says she knows how to seduce men, pick up men, do whatever, you know, like, basically, she can own any man in two fucking seconds.

[Ryan Reynolds]

What Johnny's referring to here is an infamous book I wrote over a decade ago, about two years I spent undercover in a secret society of pickup artists.

[Johnny Fratto]

And here's the crazy part. She says she was a Russian spy at one time. I mean, it's the craziest shit you ever heard. She told me that there's, like, a school that she had to attend in Russia where she had to, like, literally, like, have sex with her teachers in front of the class and have sex with different students in front of the class and learn how to give perfect blowjobs.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And I'm sitting here, I literally never heard of anything like this and frankly, found it hard to believe. I'm sure the crude way Johnny Jr. Was speaking about it wasn't helping anyone. She was trained by the, like, Russian government to seduce men and, like, get their secrets or whatever.

[Johnny Fratto]

Yeah, she was trained by Russia. She says, to, you know, fucking give the perfect blowjob, to fuck a guy perfectly. And I kind of believe her, man. I mean, I really do think she's telling the truth. And it's a little weird, but I thought, you know, if there's any one guy in the fucking world, that it would be up his Alley, it's you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

And can I. Can I ask the obvious question? Which is, how did you meet her?

[Johnny Fratto]

I met her through an Armenian guy named Art. And Art's a dapper. Probably the most dapper little guy I've ever met. And he said, you know, Johnny, there's somebody that you gotta meet. You gotta come over here. It's very special. I said, okay, well, what is it? So I get there. He introduces me. Obviously, she's beautiful. I mean, like, she said she was trained to go in and be with, like, fucking heads of state and shit like that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Wow. And then how would. How would you describe, like, her? Just as a person in general, you.

[Johnny Fratto]

Know, she's very kind of like a cool seductress that looks you straight in the eye all the time and kind of always knows the right thing to say. Every single thing I was saying to her, she just had the perfect retort because I was, you know, I'm not trying to be an asshole, but, you know, look, this town is hard. Couple more questions.

[Ryan Reynolds]

How do we know she's not still working for the Russian government? Johnny said I could ask her that question and any others I had when I met her. I figured if the Russian government wanted to get me, there were probably easier ways. Hey, man.

[Johnny Fratto]

What's going on?

[Ryan Reynolds]

How you been?

[Johnny Fratto]

Yeah, I really miss you, man. I mean, Jesus. Last time I saw you was, what, my dad's funeral or something? What was it?

[Ryan Reynolds]

It was your dad's funeral.

[Johnny Fratto]

Jesus Christ.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Johnny introduced me to the woman standing next to him. She was tall, with dyed blonde hair cut short and stylish and wearing what looked like very expensive designer clothing. This was the reputed former Russian spy, Aliyah Rosa.

[Johnny Fratto]

Neil Strauss. I want you guys to meet each other.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Thank you so much for an introduction, Neil. Thank you. Nice meeting you.

[Johnny Fratto]

I'm telling you, by the end of the night, you guys are going to be best friends.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We sat down for dinner with a few other people I'd invited to get their take on the situation, including a former top ranking agent at the CIA. That's what you had both on the spot. You want to tell a little bit about Aaliyah? And then.

[Johnny Fratto]

I always have to get permission first because her story is kind of crazy. Do I have permission to basically get fucking crazy with it? Tell her what you're really. Okay, fantastic. I'm going to tell the truth, so I'm going to say something. This woman right here, and this is no shit. Went through a fucking training thing that she literally.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Johnny Jr then repeats much of what he told me earlier in the same crass language.

[Johnny Fratto]

I know that sounds bad, but it just.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm just telling the truth.

[Johnny Fratto]

So anyway, that's.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It. Is that. Is that. Is that introduction? Putting thoughts in the introduction. Okay. I'm fine with that.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I mean, it was authentic, right?

[Johnny Fratto]

It's authentic.

[Robin Dreek]

Right.

[Johnny Fratto]

I'm just going by. I'm just saying what. But I. You know.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I know. Yes, I know.

[Johnny Fratto]

But there's much more to the story.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's clear that Aaliyah is a little uncomfortable and that there's a lot more to her story.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Never ever before I shared this story with anyone, including my parents. Nobody knows those people who knew it. They were killed.

[Ryan Reynolds]

After the dinner, I spoke with my source from the CIA who didn't want his name or voice to be used and asked what he thought. She seems credible, he replied. But her story is incredible. Anything but. It was a great dinner. Thank you. It was really cute. Seriously, thank you. It was an odd dinner with basically the CIA, the KGB and the mafia. And I was left with more questions about Alia Rosa than answers. And to me, that's always a good sign to move move forward. We've all heard the stories. Missing persons, double lives, suspicious basements. But here's one mystery you don't need in your life. Why can't my kid learn to ride a bike? For a lot of families, it turns into a sagameltowns in the driveway, scraped knees and frustrated parents googling how to teach a kid to ride a bike without losing your mind. That's where Guardian bikes comes in. The bikes are lightweight, low to the ground and built to help kids find their balance fast. Most are riding confidently in just one day. No training wheels, no tears, just high fives. And I did it. Moments. It's everything. Learning to ride should be simple, smooth and actually fun. So skip the struggle and start with a bike that's made to make it easy. Go to guardianbikes.com you'll save hundreds when comparing Guardian to its competitors. Plus get a free bike lock and pump a $50 value with your first purchase when you join their newsletter. That's guardianbikes.com chapter two a dirty organ after meeting Aaliyah, I decided to look more into her story. There wasn't a lot online, but I did find a few items legitimizing her, a few items delegitimizing her, and a social media page that was very influencery. Then I looked into actual evidence of a seduction program operated by the Russian government and there was no in depth information online. It seemed like something out of a spy movie.

[Aliyah Rosa]

You made such a bold entry, entrance into a little drama. Who doesn't appreciate the occasional twists? Mr.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Bond. James Bond. I probably wouldn't have believed it at all if not for a strange experience I had a decade earlier. I received a call out of the blue from a special agent at the FBI. We are dedicated to national security investigations of the highest order, he told me. He went on to reveal two things that shocked me. The first was that my book, the Game was required reading for his agents. The second was that he'd like me to fly to Washington and train a group of field agents and analysts on the art of seduction. It was an offer I couldn't say no to. Talking. You know, I would say, what do you feel like doing tonight? What feels right for you? You know, because I'm talking in your language as I'm talking to a visual person. I'm like, what do you see yourself doing tonight? How do you see yourself going out to this world? Because I know they're going to be visualizing. And these things are really key for getting rapport. It's called modalities. You want to talk in the primary modality, and this is nlp. So I called Robin Dreek, one of the agents who was present at that session and the former head of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Program, to ask, why was the FBI learning the art of seduction?

[Robin Dreek]

We brought you in. A benefit of what you brought to us was a deep understanding of human psychology. And in our work, where you're developing confidential human sources and recruiting spies, the understanding of how to develop quick rapport and attraction is key and critical, minus going for romantic interactions. A lot of those other techniques were extremely effective. And you brought a vast amount of personal, real life experience to that with the book. And you're coming in and training with us.

[Ryan Reynolds]

It's so interesting. So I'll fill you in and get your. Get your thoughts. At dinner, Aliyah said she'd worked for a Russian intelligence agency called the fsb, which I'd never heard of before. So I asked Robin to give me a little background on how Russian spy programs operate.

[Robin Dreek]

So in general, it mirrors ours pretty closely. And like their SVR is the equivalent of rcia, and their gru, that's the Russian military intelligence, is the equivalent of our DIA Defense Intelligence Agency. Their FSB is the equivalent of our FBI. They see intelligence more as a. As a factory event in the sense of that's an assembly line. I don't remember the exact number, but at the height of the Cold War, before the KGB broke into the SVR and the fsb, I think that the number of employees that were part of the KGB were in the millions compared to a handful of our operatives overseas for, like the CIA and diagnostic. And they are an intelligence machine. They suck it all in and they collect it all.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Why, I asked Robin, does Russia have this evidently deserved reputation as the world capital of spying?

[Robin Dreek]

The gross domestic product and GDP of Russia, it's like Italy's or Texas. I mean, it's not huge. And when you're a country that relies on hydrocarbons for your economy and that can fluctuate as much as it's been fluctuated, fluctuating definitely in the last bunch of years, you don't have. They don't have a huge economy. It's not very strong. And so when you're cash strapped and you're trying to be the big boy on the world stage, if you don't have the military because you can't support it, you're going to do it in another way. And they do it in intelligence, because intelligence collection the way they do it, is a lot cheaper than anything else. And they send their messages, whether they're going to publicly, even though they say it's not public. But, you know, killing people with depleted uranium, there's a lot of other ways to take someone out silently. Those things are made for public statements saying, we can find you anywhere in the world and we'll take you out. And that's intelligence operations. And it's a lot cheaper doing that than anything else. And so that's why they utilize their intelligence organizations to do just that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I fill in Robin, who spent 22 years recruiting Russian spies on Alia's seduction training with the fsb, and ask him what he thinks.

[Robin Dreek]

Anecdotally and totally believable. The fsb, that is a dirty organization. You know, it's an organization that is founded on doing things just like that. I mean, they use honey traps. They use it with Clayton Lone Tree. And I know there's been others that just don't hit the news.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We'll get into the story of Clayton Lone Tree and some of those others later in this podcast. And we'll also talk more about honey traps. The honey in this term is the agent who's seducing a target. And the trap is, now that I have evidence you've slept with me, or now that you've fallen completely in love with me, here's what I want from you.

[Robin Dreek]

No one volunteers to the fsb. That's why they have to use honey traps and train people to do that, because they're dicks. If you're a foreign diplomat over in their country, they're going to harass the living hell out of you, and then they're going to try to trap you and coerce you into cooperation. That is not the way to recruit a human being. That does not make anyone feel safe.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I ask if the United States has seduction spies, and Robin claims that they do not. Even taking a source to a strip club and using government money for that, he says would be a political liability. When she was talking about her experience. You're just there, and you stay there out of fear. There's like, if you leave, your life's going to be destroyed.

[Robin Dreek]

And, I mean, you know this for the world you've been in. That's a broken toy. And broken toys have an unhealthy outlook on the world unless they've realized it. They've been through counseling.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Define what you mean by broken toy.

[Robin Dreek]

First of all, people that are susceptible to being recruited or trafficked, because basically, she's human trafficked is what she is. There was a need in her life that wasn't being fulfilled somewhere else, and the FSB came in and fulfilled that need to be seen, heard, and valued by others, and then they manipulated that against her.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Keep in mind that I don't know a lot yet about Aaliyah's story or how she was recruited, and neither does Robin. He's basing this analysis on his intelligence experience.

[Robin Dreek]

To me, there's no difference between a child predator and what they did to her. Welcome to World of Russian Intelligence.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Chapter three, the Target. Hey, Neil.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Nice to see you. Thank you so much for your time. Really excited to share with you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Awesome. It's a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Malibu, and Aliya Rosa has come over to discuss the podcast. When someone says they've been trained their whole life in the art of seduction, you tend to question everything they say and do and wonder if it's all a manipulation.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I love your shoes. They're so cool. Yes, very. I have never seen anything like this. Really stylish. Like, my son would really love it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

There's a controversial and often hurtful technique that the pickup artists in the game taught, and it's called the neg. You give someone what appears to be a compliment and then say something slightly backhanded so that they're not quite sure if they're being complimented or. Or insulted. And that's exactly what Aliyah just did to Me. Aliyah's brought over a bottle of wine, which doesn't often happen in the meetings I attend. I hand her the corkscrew while I go to check on my son. When I get back, the wine is unopened, and she hands the corkscrew back to me. I get the funny feeling that she's trying to prove to me that she hasn't tampered with the wine.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Okay.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Right. Cheers. First.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Cheers. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Yes, but did you purposely not open the wine just so you knew it was.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I could trust the wine you left to see. To check on your son. I could drop something, you know. You know, like. Yeah, I know that you have this kind of, like, thoughts. It's normal. You and Putin, you are the same type, believe it or not. You protect yourself, your environment, your family. Of course it's a good thing. That's what Putin does. He also protects his country.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'm not sure how to feel about that Putin comment. And that's probably just what Aliyah wants. Another neg. She then shares something else that really messes with my mind, something that just may be true, given what Robyn Dreek from the FBI just shared with me.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Actually, like, you'd be surprised. There are so many agents working in America. Like, so many. Yeah. Even in Malibu. Like, you know, really, seriously, just be aware. Don't say anything about Putin. I mean, yeah, I sound like, like, kind of like, don't say. It's kind of like putting some fears, but, like, it's better not really to. I mean, when Americans discuss, like, Biden or Trump, it's kind of like, yeah, okay, but once. Once they decide discuss about, like, Putin, there are always many ears around.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We've all heard the stories. Missing persons, double lives, suspicious basements. But here's one mystery you don't need in your life. Why can't my kid learn to ride a bike? For a lot of families, it turns into a saga. Meltdowns in the driveway, scraped knees, and frustrated parents Googling how to teach a kid to ride a bike without losing your mind. That's where Guardian bikes comes in. The bikes are lightweight, low to the ground, and built to help kids find their balance fast. Most are riding confidently in just one day. No training wheels, no tears, just high fives and I did it moments. It's everything. Learning to ride should be simple, smooth, and actually fun. So skip the struggle and start with a bike that's made. To make it easy. Go to guardianbikes.com you'll save hundreds when comparing Guardian to its competitors. Plus, get a free bike lock and pump a $50 value with your first purchase when you join their newsletter. That's guardianbikes.com I turn the discussion to the podcast. Even though the period Aliya's talking about was many years ago, I assume Putin still wouldn't be happy about her sharing state secrets. Speaking of that, are there concerns for your safety in speaking out and telling your story and sharing all this information?

[Aliyah Rosa]

To say I'm not scared, I would lie. Yes, of course, I am mother of 13 years old son. I. Yes, of course I'm scared. I don't know what might happen, right, If I will be dead tomorrow, let's say I know that my son, even it would be so hard for him. He will grow up and he will respect me for that. At least I had enough courage and bravery to stand up and speak out against this evil.

[Ryan Reynolds]

That evil, she explains, is more than.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Just Putin sharing that life event is a proof of how corruptive the whole system is and how the male dominance is just so strong there that being a female in Russia, it means that you're almost like you have the same rights, like a dog. And it's, it's just not even like it's not right. But this is, this is anti human.

[Ryan Reynolds]

The other question is, if we're going to go tell the story, are you comfortable just sharing all your experiences, good or bad? And no matter what people may think.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I don't feel comfortable at all, honestly. I don't want people think that I'm like, I can kill people, I'm a murderer. You know, it's bad. Kind of like, you know, you, if she could kill people, then maybe she can do it now, who knows, you know, she doesn't have this stop. Because on the good side, I protected my country, right? And I tried to survive. On the bad side, I'm still a murderer. I still killed some people and I still feel guilty for that.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I'd asked Johnny when I first spoke to him, oh, how do I know she's not still working for Russian intelligence?

[Aliyah Rosa]

You know what, I don't know how to answer this question, really. How do you know if I'm, if I'm like, I may still work for Putin, right? Because I will reveal the real truth, what's going on there and what was happening before. When I heard about the Ukrainian war, I felt that moment that I really want to speak out. I felt like I can't just sit down there and just be silenced like I was all this time.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Looking back on the time you were in Russian intelligence. Do you think you were a hero or a victim?

[Aliyah Rosa]

Definitely victim. But brainwashed that I was a hero.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I play Aaliyah. My interview with Robin Dreek. She pauses and reflects when he calls her a broken toy. I ask her what she's thinking about it.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I mean, for so many years, I didn't feel that I was broken. But it's hard, you know, Neil, it's so hard to accept that because it's such a big guilt, it's such a big pain when you realize and when you accept that you I was a part of this evil system. So, yeah, I guess I am broken. And, yes, I am a toy.

[Ryan Reynolds]

As Aaliyah talks further, I'm reminded of the grim reality that the victims in sexpionage are not just the targets, but the seducers themselves. Thank you. I'm so happy you came over. It's been an intense discussion. And I tell Aliyah afterward that I would like to move forward and share the story of her training, her espionage work, and her escape from the Russian military. I just have one last question. Is she ever able to turn off the role she was forced to play? Her answer confirms one of my deepest fears.

[Aliyah Rosa]

No, I mean, like, seduction is, I think, yeah, it's a lifestyle. It's definitely a lifestyle. Once you learn it, it's just like, habit. You go everywhere with this. You live like that. I wanted to work with you. And you, in this case, case, like, were my target. So I, I, I did it for this goal which we are having right now. And it's, yeah, I can tell. This is seduction. And when I realized that you're my perfect target, I seduced you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

We will continue in episode two, available now along with all eight episodes of To Die For, Volume one. Continue listening for free on Apple Podcasts.

[Podcast Host]

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[Podcast Host]

From the executive Producers of Outlander I.

[Aliyah Rosa]

Know what it is to be parted.

[Podcast Host]

From your true love comes a new Outlander story.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Blood of My Blood I'm Brian Fraser.

[Aliyah Rosa]

My father detested Darius. If you don't go to him, it'll haunt you forever.

[Podcast Host]

Series Premiere August 8th I'll find a way out.

[Aliyah Rosa]

I swear it.

[Podcast Host]

Only on Stars in the Stars app.

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What if you never find her?

[Ryan Reynolds]

I will.

[Podcast Host]

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