Memories of Glamour, the South of France and Picasso Plates
In this follow-up episode, Sylvia, Michel, and guests continue their journey through memories of glamour, secrecy, and extraordinary lives on the Riviera. From kitchens lined with Picasso plates, to quiet stories of resistance heroes, concentration camp survivors, and neighbors such as novelist Harold Robbins, the conversation brings the past vividly to life. Alongside tales of champagne-fueled parties at Medy Roc and moonlit walks by the sea, Samantha Haywood shares family memories that connect art, history, and espionage in unexpected ways.
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26:35
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26:35
Elegance, Espionage & The Black Panther
Sylvia and Michel return to New York with comedian/actor Mark Riccadonna and family friend Samantha Haywood. Together they revisit a world of glamour and secrets—from the Hôtel du Cap after World War II to Samantha’s memories of her parents’ ties with Sylvia’s and Hollywood. Along the way come whispered stories of adoption, secret clinics, British resistance fighters, German officers, glittering Riviera parties, and even a panther in the woods.
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23:35
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23:35
Adoption, Anxiety & Unfinished Stories
In the final podcast of their European journey, Sylvia and Michel reflect on their trip's challenges, joys, and discoveries—from endless rain and Sylvia’s frizz-proof hair to emotional revelations about her mother’s mysterious past. They delve into family secrets involving a nobleman, a gangster romance, and conflicting accounts from CIA and Beaverbrook papers. Old photographs and ties to the Thyssen family deepen the intrigue, while the emotional impact of Sylvia’s adoption secrecy looms large. With gratitude for their small but devoted crew, they celebrate cultural contrasts and the beauty of spontaneous moments as they wrap the season, open to wherever the story leads next.
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44:17
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44:17
Medy Roc: Where Power and Espionage Collide
Sylvia and Michel kick off the episode from San Sebastian, Spain, reflecting on their exhausting journey, unexpected Airbnb passport checks, and broader concerns about privacy and surveillance. They dive into their documentary work, recounting a chaotic but revealing interview, a relative who recognized a person in an old photo and mentioned a nobleman named Von Trotha. Later, they speak with “Jura”, a former KGB intelligence officer, who contrasts traditional espionage with modern surveillance. The episode delves into the challenges of filming, language barriers, and high-profile connections, revealing how Medy Roc was more than a social hub—it was a crossroads of power, politics, and espionage.
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30:20
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30:20
The Riviera & The Resistance
The duo revisit Sylvia’s childhood memories while in San Sebastian uncovering new layers of her mother Maria’s mysterious past. From a poignant boat trip to Medy Roc to an eye-opening interview with Pierre Rayon, son of a French Resistance hero, they delve into Maria’s ties to war, espionage, and high society. Unexpected revelations—like monogrammed towels from a former German officer is balanced with humorous nostalgia, indulging in French desserts and lively encounters.
American filmmaker Michel Grey and Swiss artist Sylvia Greif dive into the chaotic world of film and television production with their distinctive, offbeat style. In their first season, they explore their latest project—a documentary and screenplay unraveling Sylvia's family's hidden secrets. As they delve into a tale of international espionage, elite society, and political coups in South America, they expose the raw struggles, triumphs, and compromises behind producing powerful media content.
South Africa