Imagine living a double life where your own children have no idea what you actually do for a living. To the world, and to her five kids, Ann E. Butler was a regular State Department diplomat balancing school drop-offs and family dinners. But in reality, she was a deep-cover CIA officer operating in high-stakes clandestine services across the globe. In this episode, we sit down with former CIA officer Ann E. Butler, author of Wife, Mother, Spy, to peel back the curtain on what it truly takes to recruit foreign spies, work under deep-cover aliases while nine months pregnant, and maintain absolute secrecy within your own home. Ann breaks down the psychological chess match of the CIA "recruitment cycle," how undercover officers master the art of "working a room," and the terrifying split-second moments where one wrong move could cost an asset their life. If you’ve ever wondered if anyone in your everyday life, at the local PTA meeting or the grocery store, could be living a secret double life for national security, Ann’s story deeply explores the ultimate balancing act between dangerous espionage and motherhood. -Head to https://FACTORMEALS.com/dharmann50 and use code dharmann50 to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. -Get started with ShipStation today and get 60 days free at https://ShipStation.com, with code dhar. -Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code DHAR for an exclusive 20% off. What Happens Next... The Dhar Mann Podcast is the latest venture produced by Dhar Mann Studios. Hosted by Dhar Mann, the NY Times proclaimed "Moral Philosopher" himself, this podcast will invite the audience in on exclusive conversations between Dhar and his high-profile guests so that they can listen to never before told stories of their shocking journeys on their paths to success. Through their challenges Dhar will reveal unknown twists, setbacks, and turning points that almost derailed them - and how instead these moments led to their success. Each episode will highlight never before heard moments that shaped who they are today - and the lessons we all can learn from them. Subscribe to the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9M5Nh-CftZxJZqfcNnIYw Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/WhatHappensNextwithDharMann Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewhathappensnextpodcast/ Find us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whathappensnextpodcast Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatHappensNextDharMannPodcast #DharMann #AnnEButler #CIA #Espionage #WifeMotherSpy #TrueSpyStories #Storytelling #PodcastInterview #Podcast #WhatHappensNext