A compelling new true-crime podcast is delving into a decades-old mystery that shattered a British family: was a decorated army officer living a secret life as a spy? Codename Badger investigates the astonishing allegations surrounding Major Robbie Mills and the enigmatic figure who surfaced after his death.
The Mysterious Death and a Shocking Claim
British Army Major Robbie Mills died in 1955 in what was recorded as an accident aboard a submarine. His family grieved his loss, believing they knew the man they had loved. However, their world was turned upside down when a man named John Cotell arrived at their home.
Cotell presented himself as a close friend of the late Major and, more startlingly, as a fellow spy. He claimed that Major Mills had been leading a clandestine double life. Journalist Eugene Henderson narrates this troubling tale, detailing how Cotell rapidly and deftly insinuated himself into the Mills family's lives, raising profound and painful questions.
A True-Crime Investigation into Truth and Deception
The central puzzle that Codename Badger seeks to solve is twofold. Was Major Robbie Mills genuinely an operative living a dangerous secret? Or was John Cotell a cunning manipulator, hoodwinking a vulnerable grieving family for his own unknown ends?
The podcast meticulously pieces together this historical case, examining the evidence and the lingering impact on those left behind. It explores a shadowy post-war world where identities could be fluid and the truth exceptionally hard to discern.
This Week's Other Essential Podcast Picks
Alongside Codename Badger, this week's selection features several other standout series covering crime, culture, and current affairs.
The Crimes of Margo Freshwater tells the almost unbelievable story of an 18-year-old sentenced to life for a killing spree in the 1960s. After escaping prison, her family declared her dead, but she lived under a fake identity for three decades until being discovered in 2002.
For parents seeking a moment of reflection, A Moment With Murphy offers a gentle respite. Hosted by Kerri Cunningham of the popular Instagram Murphy's Sketches, it combines poetic musings with acoustic guitar and interviews tackling subjects from child loss to supporting children with special educational needs.
Culture enthusiasts will enjoy Happy to Be Here, the new wholesome podcast from former Nerdette host Greta Johnsen. It is packed with cultural and foodie recommendations, including a recent episode on the best books of 2026 with clever advice on how to read more.
Finally, Autocracy in America returns with Pulitzer winner Anne Applebaum. The Atlantic's excellent podcast examines how US immigration policy has evolved, noting that the number of people held by ICE hit an all-time high in 2025. It draws parallels between the current ruthless stance and the country's earlier 'war on terror'.
All featured podcasts are widely available with new episodes released weekly.
