Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs

Hi all, due to essential maintenance works at London HQ, there won't be an Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend. We are very sorry about this. We will have a new podcast out next weekend, so please stay tuned.We hope you all have an excellent weekend and we will catch you on the next episode.All the bestChris & Matt

On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by national security Lawyer Mark S. Zaid. They discuss the legal case for the victims of the Anomalous Health Incidents, more popularly known as Havana Syndrome. Mark discusses the US government's denial and how that affects his clients, who have had their lives disrupted by these alleged attacks. You can find out more about Mark and his work here: https://markzaid.com/You can follow Mark on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsqIf you feel politicians and decision-makers should be doing more to help the victims of these attacks, you can contact Politicians via the links below:Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmContact your MP: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s podcast Chris is joined by Dr James Giordano. Dr Giordano served as the consulting neuroscientist on research into the original cases of Havana Syndrome.Dr. James Giordano is a neuroscientist and neuroethicist, whose work focuses upon mechanisms and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and neuroethical issues arising from the use and misuse of neuroscientific techniques and technologies.Dr Giordano wrote a fantastic article titled “Directed Energy Remains Key Suspect Behind Havana Syndrome” which looks at Dr Giordano’s research on directed energy devices and their potential weaponisation.You can read that article here: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2024/4/4/directed-energy-remains-key-suspect-behind-havana-syndromeYou can find out more about Dr. Giordano’s work at the links below: Georgetown Universityhttps://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014Tm4oAAC/james-giordanoBio Defense Researchhttps://biodefenseresearch.org/the-institute-for-biodefense-research-announces-dr-james-giordano-as-new-executive-director/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by Former US Navy Destroyer Captain Gene Moran to discuss the Houthi Threat in the Red Sea. In this episode, they look at the background of the Houthis, the threat that they pose, and how the US Navy and its allies are dealing with that threat. They then discuss life on a ship during a time of conflict and finish up with Gene explaining what more he thinks could be done to counter this threat. You can find out more about Gene and his work here: https://www.genemoran.com/You can connect with Gene on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genemoranCheck out Gene’s books on his Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gene-Moran/author/B07YW9RLMD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, we are going to look at Putin exploiting the ISIS-K attack for his war on Ukraine, House Republicans holding up US aid to Ukraine, and we will wrap up looking at new revelations on Havana Syndrome.Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot”. On that we will look at Chinese Disinformation efforts targeting the US elections, a Chinese Drone flying over the Sea of Japan, the results of a recent survey that suggests some US gun owners would engage in political violence, and we wrap up looking at Hollywood’s depiction of espionage in Film & TV. You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen to Extra Shot: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-13-04-102258042?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkArticles discussed:https://cepa.org/article/moscow-terror-attack-a-lie-too-good-to-waste/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/us/politics/mike-johnson-ukraine-aid.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/08/mike-johnson-ukraine-aid-congress-republicanshttps://theins.ru/en/politics/270425Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s podcast, we are joined by Ibad Bayramov, and we discuss the imprisonment of his father, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, in Azerbaijan.Dr Ibadoghlu is an economics professor who was a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and a leading figure in the opposition in Azerbaijan. In July 2023, he was arrested and held by Azerbaijan authorities while visiting family. He is facing up to 12 years in prison for the production, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money by an organised group and allegedly possessing extremist material—charges he denies.Find out more about Dr Ibadoghlu at the Gubad Files Website: https://thegubadfiles.com/You can connect with and follow Ibad here: https://twitter.com/BayramovIbadIbad’s sister Zhala is also on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BayramovaZhalaYou can contact Politicians via the links below:Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmContact your MP: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/You can read more on some of the topics Ibad mentions about the political situation in Azerbaijan Detention of Dr Gubad Ibadoghluhttps://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/61412/detention-of-dr-gubad-ibadoghlu-in-azerbaijanhttps://www.bushcenter.org/publications/the-struggle-for-freedom-an-azerbaijani-economist-who-stands-up-to-aliyevs-kleptocracyConcerns about Dr Ibadoghlu’s healthhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/sep/14/health-of-lse-academic-detained-in-azerbaijan-at-risk-say-familyUS could do more to help Dr Ibadoghluhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/11/united-states-must-do-more-help-gubad-ibadoghlu/Doubt about the validity of Azerbaijan’s electionshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68237326Caviar diplomacyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caviar_diplomacyPandora Papershttps://www.rferl.org/a/pandora-papers-tax-havens/31490744.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/queen-crown-estate-bought-property-family-azerbaijan-rulerAzerbaijani Laundromathttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/sep/04/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-azerbaijani-laundromatAzerbaijan adopt harsh tactics against the oppositionhttps://eurasianet.org/azerbaijani-government-adopts-still-harsher-tactics-against-oppositionHuman Rights report on Azerbaijan - Torture and Ill-Treatment in Detentionhttps://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/azerbaijanBP and Azerbijanhttps://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/08/bp-projects-have-helped-fund-azerbaijan-military-aggession-say-campaignersUK Gov Risk Guidance on doing business in Azerbaijan https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-azerbaijan/overseas-business-risk-azerbaijanSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

In today’s episode, we welcome Dr Taras Kuzio, who has just returned from a trip to Ukraine.Dr. Taras Kuzio is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society. Winner of the 2022 Peterson Literary Prize for Russian Nationalism and the Russian-Ukrainian War: Autocracy-Orthodoxy-Nationality (Routledge, 2022).In the first section, we discuss the recent ISIS-K terrorist attack in Moscow and how President Putin is capitalising on that atrocity and attempting to blame Ukraine. We look at new Ukrainian tactics against Russia and an increasingly risk-averse US government to give Ukraine what it needs to defeat Russia.We then shift focus to Dr Kuzio’s trip to Ukraine, in which he shares his observations, and then we look at how President Zelensky is holding up after recent reports that he has been at loggerheads with senior members of the Ukraine military. We also discuss some of the talking points about Ukraine on both sides of the political spectrum in the British and American press. After the break, we’ll shift our focus to the lesser-known realm of the Ukrainian intelligence services and special forces, shedding light on their roles and actions.So, it’s a pretty jam-packed episode, and we end with a few bonus questions about the Nord Stream pipeline attack, a strange conversation I had with a taxi driver in London about Ukraine that left me scratching my head, and a brief chat about Alexi Navalny’s links to the Russian far-right. So pour yourself your favourite drink, make yourself comfortable and immerse yourself in an episode packed with revelations, analysis, and unexpected stories.Lawrence Freedman Substack mentioned: https://substack.com/profile/69709932-lawrence-freedmanNew York Times Article mentioned:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/25/world/europe/cia-ukraine-intelligence-russia-war.htmlConnect with Dr Kuzio: https://twitter.com/TarasKuzioSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

As it's the Easter weekend, Chris and Matt are away. So today, we are going to share a sample episode of "Extra Shot," our Patreon-only show that immediately follows each episode of "Espresso Martini."To get access to future and past episodes of "Extra Shot" please subscribe here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesIn this edition of Extra Shot, we will look at recommendations for a shake-up of British intelligence, the arrest of an alleged member of the Red Army Faction in Germany, we also look at the conviction of a left-wing terrorist in the UK and a cyber-attack against an Iranian spy ship. Links to articles discussed:https://therecord.media/british-former-spy-chiefs-shakeuphttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-68415892https://news.sky.com/story/left-wing-anarchist-guilty-of-terror-offences-after-declaring-he-wanted-to-kill-mps-13072775https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/us-conducted-cyberattack-suspected-iranian-spy-ship-rcna138638NSPCC: “Spotting the signs of radicalisation”https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/reporting-abuse/dedicated-helplines/protecting-children-from-radicalisation/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, we are going to look at how close we got to Russia using nukes in Ukraine, spies wining and dining in Brussels, Russia setting up fake news sites and more.Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at how to run a CIA station abroad, SAS soldiers accused of murder, reports that the King has died and more. Get Patreon access to Extra Shot here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-23rd-100909002?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkArticleshttps://www.cnn.com/2024/03/09/politics/us-prepared-rigorously-potential-russian-nuclear-strike-ukraine?cid=ios_apphttps://www.politico.eu/article/belgian-justice-minister-only-tip-iceberg-brussels-spy-problem-known/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/07/business/media/russia-us-news-sites.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/2024/03/10/antarctica-china-science-geopoliticshttps://nordicmonitor.com/2024/03/turkey-escalates-covert-intelligence-activities-in-europe-and-north-america/Our restaurant recommendation in Brussels: Meet Meat Steak & Wine Househttps://meetmeat.be/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by investigative journalist, bestselling author, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett Graff. His latest book, “UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here—and Out There,” draws from original archival research, declassified documents, and interviews with senior intelligence and military officials to explore America’s obsession with UFOs and the government’s decades-long pursuit of answers to the age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?Purchase UFO on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/UFO-Inside-Governments-Search-Here_and/dp/1982196777/Garrett’s website: https://www.garrettgraff.com/Follow Garrett on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vermontgmgFollow Garrett on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@vermontgmgSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, The Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning intelligence correspondent, Shane Harris, joins Matt to discuss the “Discord Leaks” and the air national guardsman who, earlier this week, pleaded guilty to charges of willful retention and transmission of US national defense information, an act that’s been called the largest disclosure of classified material in years. Shane shares his reporting on who this man is, what he leaked, and his bewildering motivations for doing so.Read Shane’s reporting for The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/shane-harris/Watch the Post and PBS Frontline’s documentary on the leaks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkgkBEuEHwUFollow Shane on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaneharrisFollow Shane on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shanewharrisSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

In today's episode, we are going to look at a leak of Russian documents about their threshold for using nuclear weapons, the assassination of a Russian defector in Spain, details on the cooperation between the CIA and Ukraine intelligence services and more.Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that we will look at recommendations for a shake-up of British intelligence, the arrest of an alleged member of the Red Army Faction in German, we also look at the conviction of a left-wing terrorist in the UK and a cyber-attack against an Iranian spy ship. You can listen to Extra Shot here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-2nd-99562088?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkLinks to articles discussed:https://www.ft.com/content/f18e6e1f-5c3d-4554-aee5-50a730b306b7https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/world/europe/russian-pilot-maksim-kuzminov-spain.htmlhttps://www.sandboxx.us/news/the-man-who-stole-americas-stealth-fighters-for-china/https://dnyuz.com/2024/02/25/the-spy-war-how-the-c-i-a-secretly-helps-ukraine-fight-putin/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/27/world/middleeast/biden-israel-hamas-cease-fire.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShareSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s podcast, I am joined by Edward Lucas to discuss the death of Alexei Navalny and its consequences. Edward is the author of the 2008 book “The New Cold War”. He has been warning us for many years of an increasingly aggressive Russian foreign policy dictated by President Vladimir Putin. When Edwards's book came out in 2008, he was largely ignored, and the recent invasion of Ukraine and countless assassinations abroad have shown us that we cannot ignore or dismiss President Putin and his geopolitical aims.Edward was selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency of Cities of London and Westminster and he will run in the next general election.You can find out more about Edward Lucas here: https://www.edwardlucas.com/aboutSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

In today's episode, we are going to look at a potential new Russian threat in space, then we are going to look at Tucker Carlson’s trip to Russia, then look at Russian efforts to destabilise US politics, and more.Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at the rise of the AFD in Germany, the Cult of AI, the impact of AI on elections in Indonesia, and the return of an old Cold War spymaster. You can listen to Extra Shot here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-17th-98642658?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkLinks to articles discussed:https://www.twz.com/space/alarm-raised-over-destabilizing-new-russian-threat-in-space-reportshttps://carnegieendowment.org/politika/91614https://www.wired.com/story/russia-disinformation-campaign-civil-war-texas-border/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/01/31/levittown-pennsylvania-beheading-justin-mohn-youtube/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt speaks with the veteran foreign policy journalist and Middle East watcher, Laura Rozen. After four months of war between Israel and Hamas, the conflict seems to be entering a new phase with the possibility of another ceasefire on the horizon. Laura joins us to unpack what she’s seeing from her reporting and discuss the delicate ongoing diplomatic talks between the US, Israel, and the Arab states on how a post-war Gaza would be governed and what it might mean for the region.Follow Laura on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lrozenSubscribe to Laura on Substack: https://diplomatic.substack.com/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

Phillip Smyth, a leading researcher of Iranian-backed militia groups, returns to Secrets and Spies to unpack the January 28th drone attack against a US military outpost in Jordan that killed three service members and the resulting round of airstrikes beginning on February 2nd targeting the militias believed to be responsible. He gives his take on the degree of Iranian control over these militias, analyzes the effectiveness of the US response thus far, and tells us what, if anything, can be done to deter future attacks.Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth.Find Phillip’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth.Explore Phillip’s Shia Militia Mapping Project: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/shia-militia-mapping-project.Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt speaks with the global best-selling author Terry Hayes. Following a storied career as a journalist, Hollywood screenwriter, and film producer, his 2014 debut novel, I Am Pilgrim, was a revelation in the spy genre and sold millions of copies worldwide. Ten years later, Terry returns with a long-anticipated follow-up, The Year of the Locust. They talk about his creative inspirations, why the book took a decade to complete, and how contemporary spy fiction can take a page from epic fantasy and science fiction. Every bit as gritty, sweeping, and intricately plotted as I Am Pilgrim, The Year of the Locust’s bold bending of conventions will surely make it one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year.Terry Hayes’ author page: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Terry-Hayes/15705144.Order The Year of the Locust on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668055783.Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today's show, we will be looking at the strikes against Houthi Rebels who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea; we will also look at the hunt for Hamas’s spoke person, Chinese spies recruiting Western politicians, more information on the Chinese spy balloon from last year and we will round off with a worrying story of an Iranian operative who was arrested in connection with a plot to kill Iranian journalists based in London.Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at reports of China rebuilding its nuclear weapons testing facilities, the retirement of MI5’s longest-serving member; celebrities tricked into making propaganda videos, concerns of a former CIA officer about Trump returning to the White House and we will wrap up on the death of Gaston Glock, who created the legendary Glock pistol favoured by people on both sides of the law. You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-26th-97260730?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini:https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/new-airstrikes-target-houthi-forces-in-yemenhttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/why-hasnt-the-u-s-struck-back-after-red-sea-anti-ship-attackshttps://www.thedailybeast.com/israels-fervent-hunt-for-the-mysterious-hamas-spokesman-abu-obaidahttps://www.ft.com/content/601df41f-8393-46ad-9f74-fe64f8ea1a3fhttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/us-intelligence-officials-determined-chinese-spy-balloon-used-us-inter-rcna131150https://news.sky.com/story/man-guilty-of-spying-on-london-based-tv-channel-iran-international-to-help-terror-plotters-13034011For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt speaks with aerospace historian Peter Merlin, whose new book, “Dreamland: The Secret History of Area 51,” is the first authoritative, scholarly history ever published on the infamous top-secret base located deep in the Nevada desert. This isn’t a book about UFOs or conspiracy theories, but instead offers a sweeping, comprehensive study of the REAL Area 51, where for seventy years the US Air Force has developed and tested classified military aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes, the F-117 stealth fighter, and numerous other projects that will remain a secret for decades to come.Purchase Dreamland through Schiffer Publishing: https://schifferbooks.com/products/dreamland.Find Dreamland and Peter’s other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3APeter+W.+Merlin&s=relevancerank&text=Peter+W.+Merlin&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1.If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

With the UK release of "Moscow X", we dive into the vault and revisit Matt’s interview with spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. David is best known for his critically acclaimed debut, Damascus Station; David returns with his latest thriller, Moscow X. Just as detailed, intricate, and vividly written as Damascus Station, Moscow X is set within the enigmatic layers of Putin’s Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine War, where turmoil, intrigue, and betrayal intertwine in a riveting narrative that will keep you turning the pages. For any fans of the spy genre, this is not an interview you want to miss.Moscow X is out now in the UK and available here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/david-mccloskey/moscow-x/9781800753389/For more info on David, check out his website here: https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/Moscow X is also available from the following websites:Amazon - https://a.co/d/6UtkEYC Indiebound - https://bookshop.org/p/books/moscow-x-david-mccloskey/19670054?ean=9781324050759Amazon Pre-Order for UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moscow-X-Novel-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BWLJ4K63Amazon Pre-Order for Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=26R3NQ02RWOFF&keywords=moscow+x&qid=1695673531&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-5Amazon Pre-Order for New Zealand - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=29JF1MD20FY40&keywords=moscow+X&qid=1695673614&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-5If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

What does 2024 have in store for us? Well, on today's podcast, we are joined by Sam Liechtenstein from RANE, and we will discuss their global forecast for the year ahead. 2024 looks like it will be the most influential year yet, and that will set the tone for the rest of this decade. So, Pour yourself a drink, join us for the discussion and find out what to keep an eye on for the year ahead.To find out more about RANE and its annual global forecast, please visit their website here: https://www.ranenetwork.com/If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On todays podcast we are joined by author Alexander Rose and we discuss his epic American Civil War espionage book “The Lion And The Fox”. The book is a tale of two rival American spies in neutral Britain both entrusted with a vital mission.You can now get a paperback copy of “The Lion And The Fox” here:https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-lion-and-the-fox-alexander-rose?variant=41038091616290To find out more about Alexander and his other works visit his website here: https://www.alexrose.com/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today's podcast, we are joined by James Bond director John Glen to discuss his work on the 1980s-era James Bond films, including Chris’s favourite James Bond film, “Licence To Kill”. Agent Scott from the excellent spy movie podcast Spy Hards joins us on this episode. You can get a copy of John Glen’s book “For My Eyes Only” on Amazonhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Eyes-Only-Life-James/dp/1574883690You can listen and find out more about Spy Hards here: https://www.spyhards.com/If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”, now available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On todays podcast we are joined by Lady Jane Reid and we are going to talk about the biography of Romanian artist and World War Two Spy, George Tomaziu. Lady Reid, was the translator of the book and knew Tomaziu personally.You can get a copy of Spy Artist Prisoner here: https://www.nickelbooks.co.uk/product/spy-artist-prisoner-1st-april/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

We have a guest host for today’s show, a first for the podcast. Indie thriller author Stephen England talks with the spy novelist and screenwriter Michael Frost Beckner about his “Spy Game” trilogy, which was adapted into the 2001 film starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. He joins Stephen for a deep-dive into the trilogy, his broader career as a writer, and drops some details on books still to come.Michael Frost Beckner’s website: https://www.michaelfrostbeckner.com/.Stephen England’s website: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On todays episode we will be looking at what the Israeli Intelligence services may have known before the 7th October Hamas terrorist attack. We will then look at reports of traders who may have benefited from the attacks. We have a developing spy scandal involving an alleged Cuban mole within the US State Department, and we will wrap up looking at a developing situation between Venezuela and Guyana over an oil-rich disputed territory. On Extra Shot, our exclusive Patreon show that follows this, we will be looking at the financing of Hamas, the ongoing ideological debate within US universities over the 7th October attacks, aggressive Sonar use by the Chinese navy targeting Australian naval divers, and we will end at reports of Ukrainian action against the main railway between Russia and China. You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-8th-94312976?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkArticles discussed in Espresso MartiniIsrael Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Agohttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-attack-intelligence.htmlUnknown traders appear to have anticipated October 7 Hamas attack, research finds https://edition.cnn.com/2023/12/04/business/some-traders-appear-to-have-anticipated-october-7-hamas-attack-research-finds/index.htmlFormer career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades https://apnews.com/article/cuba-bolivia-former-ambassador-arrested-e30bf2d027e32ac8b66ff051062273dcCuban Spy Service Dazzles Againhttps://open.substack.com/pub/spytalk/p/cuban-spy-service-dazzles-again?r=19kty&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=email‘Despotic’ Maduro accused of risking Venezuela-Guyana conflict over oil-rich region https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/dec/01/venezuela-oil-guyana-essequibo-vote-nicolas-maduroArticles Discussed on Extra ShotHamas’s Main Source of Funding Might Surprise You https://newrepublic.com/article/176962/hamas-finances-funding-sources-palestinian-authority?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=tnr_daily&utm_term=&utm_content=A Tale of Two Ivory Towers https://www.newsweek.com/tale-two-ivory-towers-opinion-1845433Australia says, China navy used sonar pulses against divershttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/67461081Ukraine's Security Service blows up railway linking Russia and Chinahttps://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/11/30/7431023/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Chris is joined again by Dr Taras Kuzio. They discuss the latest developments with Russia’s War on Ukraine and Dr Kuzio’s research on the Anti-Western Axis, which includes Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.Dr Kuzio is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla and a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society. He is the Winner of the Peterson Literary Prize for his book "Russian Nationalism and Russian-Ukrainian War."You can follow Dr Kuzio on Twitter/X here: https://twitter.com/TarasKuzioIf you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt is joined again by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian proxy groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss the spate of attacks by Iranian-backed militias against US forces in the Middle East since the Gaza War began. Phillip tells us who these groups are, what their strategy is, and if he sees potential for the violence to escalate.Phillip’s research at the Washington Institute: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth.Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth.If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners in the US!On today's episode we will be looking at the potential hostage deal with Hamas, we will also be looking at a few articles on how people are still coming to terms with the Hamas attacks, new information on the disastrous deal that led to Ukraine giving up it’s nuclear arsenal, and we will look at how political dysfunction is growing to be the number one threat to the US.On Extra Shot, our exclusive Patreon show that follows this, we will be looking at growing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, a ransomware cyber-attack that has cripple the British Library, Tik Toks latest icon and how to avoid conflict over the thanksgiving holidays in the US. You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-23rd-93392480?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkArticles discussed in Espresso MartiniHamas Hostages dealhttps://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/21/politics/negotiations-israel-hamas-hostages?cid=ios_appFor Years, Two Men Shuttled Messages Between Israel and Hamas. No Longer.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/19/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-back-channel-gershon-hamad.htmlAll My Life, I’ve Watched Violence Fail the Palestinian Causehttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/11/israeli-palestinian-conflict-hope/675917/Political Dysfunction is the greatest threat to UShttps://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/13/america-disruption-superpower-national-security-suicide/Deceit, Dread, and Disbelief: The Story of How Ukraine Lost Its Nuclear Arsenalhttps://nationalinterest.org/feature/deceit-dread-and-disbelief-story-how-ukraine-lost-its-nuclear-arsenal-207076Articles Discussed on Extra ShotNew European Article titled “The west must act to stop Balkans tensions boiling over by Petrit Selimi (Pe-Trit Sel-imi)https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/the-west-must-act-to-stop-balkans-tensions-boiling-over/BBC article titled: “British Library: Employee data leaked in cyber attack” By Yasmin Rufohttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67484639Is Bin Laden the new Che Guevara? https://www.msnbc.com/andrea-mitchell-reports/watch/viral-bin-laden-speech-is-a-failure-of-education-rhetoric-being-celebrated-is-appalling-1981537976196 Tips to navigate a tense Thanksgiving Dinnerhttps://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/22/6-ways-to-handle-a-tense-thanksgiving-according-to-a-family-therapist.htmlIf you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

There won’t be an Espresso Martini today. Instead, Chris is re-sharing the first-ever episode in which he is joined by the author Meredith Tax, and they discuss her book “The Double Bind”, which looks at the problematic relationship between Anglo American left and the Muslim right. Later in the podcast, they also discuss the role of Kurdish women in the fight against ISIS.You can get a copy of the Double Bind here:UKhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZKEJ0U88CK4F&keywords=the+double+bind+meredith+tax&qid=1699649198&sprefix=the+double+bind+meredith+tax%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1UShttps://www.amazon.com/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SGNS9LZ9PFXX&keywords=the+double+bind+meredith+tax&qid=1699649248&sprefix=the+double+bind+meredith+tax%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1AUShttps://www.amazon.com.au/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=238AGSX9HY3UG&keywords=THE+DOUBLE+BIND+MEREDITH+TAX&qid=1699649285&sprefix=the+double+bind+meredith+tax%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today's podcast, Chris is joined by Malcolm Nance, and they discuss the terrible 7th October attacks, the origins of Hamas, the Iranian connection and what may lie ahead for Israel’s war with Hamas.You can read more of Malcolm Nance’s work on his substance here: https://malcolmnance.substack.com/And you can watch his video Podcast “Black Man Spy” here: https://www.youtube.com/@blackmanspy-bo1lk/videosIf you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show by becoming a Patreon subscriber. You will get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot" and directly support the podcast. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”, which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On Espresso Martini, we take a look at the complexity of Gaza hostage rescue efforts and Hamas’s intelligence efforts in preparation for the 7th October Attacks. We also look at Ukraine receiving much-needed ATACMS missiles, Russia’s Unit 29155’s assassination and sabotage operations in Europe, and to finish up, we look at Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw the US from NATO.On Extra Shot, our exclusive bonus Patreon show, we look at how storytelling helps trauma victims and how Elon Musk’s X is now rampant with misinformation. We also look at a surprising number of celebrities who once served as spies and offer our thoughts on Errol Morris’s new John Le Carré documentary, “The Pigeon Tunnel”Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesLinks discussedEspresso Martinihttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/hostage-rescue-experts-on-the-daunting-challenges-israel-faceshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/21/opinion/israel-hamas-hostage.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleSharehttps://www.spytalk.co/p/the-spies-of-hamas?utm_campaign=posthttps://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-form-unit-tasked-with-killing-hamas-commandos-behind-oct-7-assault/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/17/world/europe/ukraine-atacms-attacks-russia.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleSharehttps://theins.ru/en/politics/266039https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/donald-trump-u-s-leave-nato-1234860016/Extra Shothttps://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/10/08/1203975027/what-survivors-of-trauma-have-taught-this-eminent-psychiatrist-about-hope?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-gbhttps://www.adweek.com/media/verified-accounts-x-spread-wartime-misinformation/https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2023/10/22/celebrity-spies-houdini-fleming-baker/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/movies/the-pigeon-tunnel-review.htmlThe Le CarréCast interview with Le Carré biographer Adam Sismanhttps://lecarrecast.com/2023/10/21/adam-sisman-on-the-secret-life-of-john-le-carre/?fbclid=IwAR0EwkLWif1CYbPi3mrUCYTgKaqvjE0pBhkFqxUmKeJbBKkVQ-R9wInOz_0Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today's podcast, Chris is joined by author Aaron Stark, and they discuss Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time”, which looks at the battle between Swiss and American watch companies in the 1870s. You can find out more about Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time” here: https://www.aaronstarkbooks.com/Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4Find out more about Matt Fulton and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, the question of Iran’s involvement, and the potential for the war to expand throughout the Middle East.Content Warning: This episode contains some graphic descriptions of atrocities Hamas committed against Israeli civilians during the October 7th terrorist attack.Phillip’s research at the Washington Institute: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth.Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth.Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today's podcast, we are joined by author Stuart A Reid, and we discuss his fantastic new book “The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination”. The assassination target was the Congo’s first Prime Minister after independence from the Belgians, Patrice Lumumba. You can find out more about Stuart and the book here: https://www.stuartareid.com/the-lumumba-plotYou can buy the book using the following Amazon links below:Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination-ebook/dp/B0BRMMVWBY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10HKJBLFXVOXA&keywords=THE+LUMUMBA+PLOT&qid=1697477974&sprefix=the+lumumba+plot%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1New Zealand: https://www.amazon.com/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination/dp/1524748811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AQMXT0HR88Y0&keywords=the+lumumba+plot+stuart+reid&qid=1697478045&sprefix=the+lumu%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination/dp/1524748811USA: https://www.amazon.com/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination/dp/1524748811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=112OL1W0OJJRB&keywords=the+lumumba+plot+stuart+reid&qid=1697477912&sprefix=THE+LUMUMBA+%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-1Support the podcast and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

On this episode of Espresso Martini, we will focus on the appalling October 7th attack, in which the designated terrorist group Hamas launched a violent and bloody attack focused on Israeli civilians.For the sake of clarity, we have decided our conversation into these areas:* What happened* Who are Hamas* The geopolitics of what happened and the alleged role of outside support for Hamas* The Israeli response and alleged intelligence failures* The online reactions to what happenedLinks to the articles we used for our discussionWhat Happenedhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/10/how-hamas-entered-israel/https://www.timesofisrael.com/death-toll-from-hamas-onslaught-passes-1000-idf-kills-terrorists-in-southern-israel/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/civilians-will-pay-price-for-biggest-challenge-to-israel-since-1973https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67065205Who Are Hamashttps://www.tahir-abbas.com/understanding-hamas-a-qa-on-the-groups-origins-leadership-and-goals/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/hamas-covenant-israel-attack-war-genocide/675602/https://thearabweekly.com/hamas-leaders-seen-living-luxury-while-gazans-sufferGeopoliticshttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/08/hamas-attack-has-abruptly-altered-the-picture-for-middle-east-diplomacyhttps://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2023/10/iran-hamas-israel-gaza-attack/675582/https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/12/bidens-saudi-israel-normalization-plans-distant-as-israel-pounds-gaza.htmlhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-67061453https://thehill-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/thehill.com/opinion/international/4250708-putins-fingerprints-are-on-hamas/amp/https://www.timesofisrael.com/zelensky-accuses-putin-of-backing-hamas-russian-leader-calls-for-palestinian-state/Israeli response and alleged intelligence failureshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-security-failure.html?campaign_id=190&emc=edit_ufn_20231010&instance_id=104895&nl=fhttps://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/source-close-to-hamas-describes-years-long-campaign-to-fool-israel/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/12/israel-hamas-war-egypt-warned-foreign-affairs-gaza#:~:text=Earlier%20this%20week%2C%20the%20country'shttps://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/10/israels-netanyahu-has-little-choice-launch-gaza-ground-operation#ixzz8FxjFz4kdhttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/gaza-neighborhood-turned-to-rubble-rockets-rain-on-tel-avivOnline Reactionshttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/left-jewish-suffering-israel-hamas/675621/https://www.jamesbloodworth.com/p/as-long-as-they-hate-us-they-musthttps://www.opendemocracy.net/en/5050/double-bind-tied-up-in-knots-on-left/Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

In this episode, Matt talks with Kashif Hussain from the blog "Best Thriller Books.” Kashif is a prolific reader in the spy genre and has written hundreds of reviews, including novels from all the famous authors you know and probably some you don’t know yet. They have a light discussion about his perspective on different issues in the genre, including publishing trends, audience tastes, and artificial intelligence.Best Thriller Books main page: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/.Kashif’s review page: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain.Best Thriller Books on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BestThrillBooks.Support the podcast and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”,available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.socialFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies

In today's Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris dive into the assassination of Sikh dissident Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. They look at fresh details about Chinese and Russian spies in the UK. They also explore an interview with Estonia’s outgoing military intelligence, who reflects on his dynamic career; and, after his liberation from a US prison, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout embarks on a second act in local Russian politics.Immediately following this show on Patreon, join Chris & Matt on Extra Shot as they delve into Russell Brand and his 'brand' of disinformation and conspiracy-mongering. They also examine Spy Planes tracking Russian activity in Ukraine, explore the work of the late War Studies Professor Christopher Coker, and critically analyze fresh rumours about the future of the Bond franchise.— Extra Shot — To get listen to Extra Shot, you will need to be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Alleged Indian plot to assassinate Sikh dissident in Canadahttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/us/politics/canada-sikh-leader-killing-intelligence.htmlRussian spies in a London courthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66923824Chinese espionage threat to the UKhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/sep/09/parliamentary-researcher-who-spied-for-china-arrestedhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66779117https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/china-is-spying-on-us-so-what/Exit interview with Estonian intelligence chiefhttps://theins.press/en/politics/265092Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout’s second acthttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/world/europe/russia-bout-arms-dealing-politics.htmlFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. Best known for his critically acclaimed debut, Damascus Station, David returns with his latest thriller, Moscow X. Just as detailed, intricate, and vividly written as Damascus Station, Moscow X is set within the enigmatic layers of Putin’s Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine War, where turmoil, intrigue, and betrayal intertwine in a riveting narrative that will keep you turning the pages. For any fans of the spy genre, this is not an interview you want to miss.David’s website - https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/Amazon - https://a.co/d/6UtkEYC Indiebound - https://bookshop.org/p/books/moscow-x-david-mccloskey/19670054?ean=9781324050759Amazon Pre-Order for UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moscow-X-Novel-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BWLJ4K63Amazon Pre-Order for Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=26R3NQ02RWOFF&keywords=moscow+x&qid=1695673531&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-5Amazon Pre-Order for New Zealand - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=29JF1MD20FY40&keywords=moscow+X&qid=1695673614&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-5Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot."Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

Espresso Martini & Extra returns a little later this month on Saturday, 30th September.Today, we are airing a taster episode of Extra Shot, which was recorded in June. If you enjoy Extra Shot and wish to listen to future episodes, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesOn this episode:Chris & Matt look at the sinking of a boat in Italy with Mossad and Italian intelligence officers aboard. Was it foul play or an accident? Dan Kaszeta joins us to discuss his thoughts on the recent poisonings of Kremlin critics in Berlin & Prague. He also gives us some good cheese recommendations. The final story, Chris & Matt, look at whether Vladimir Putin was involved with Red Army Faction terrorists during his time in Germany in the 1980s.Articles discussed in Extra Shot Mossad boat party deaths in Italy https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/world/europe/spy-deaths-boat-italy.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=curPutin and his alleged connections to the Red Army Faction https://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/were-vladimir-putin-s-years-in-germany-less-thrilling-than-the-stories-a-178de140-b799-472d-83bc-5e3b1adf65b2 With Dan, we discuss Kremlin Critics who believe they were victims of poisonings https://www.agents.media/a-former-us-ambassador-two-journalists-writing-about-russia-and-an-activist-experienced-symptoms-of-poisoning-and-surveillance-two-cases-are-investigated-by-the-fbi/Find out more about Dan Kaszeta's books here:https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/KaszetaYou can connect with Dan on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/DanKaszetaFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today’s Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris look at a coup in Niger and Gabon, Prigozhin’s death, his legacy haunting us from the grave and a Russian pilot involved in a dramatic defection to Ukraine with his Mil Mi-8 helicopter.On "Extra Shot", immediately following this show on Patreon, Chris & Matt take a look at concerns of a NATO collapse if Donald Trump is re-elected as President, a mysterious submarine sinking off the coast of Taiwan, a new security agreement between China and Fiji and an update on the GCHQ stabbing story. Plus some spy entertainment news as legendary documentary filmmaker Erroll Morris has a new film about the life of spy author John Le Carré.— Extra Shot — To listen to "Extra Shot", you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Recent coups in Niger & Gabon https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/what-is-going-on-with-the-coup-in-niger-and-why-it-mattershttps://apnews.com/article/coup-niger-jihadis-extremist-violence-a7ae8b8f3954cdf838692b074f9cd4e8https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-66652015https://theintercept.com/2023/07/27/niger-coup-leader-us-military/Prigozhin’s death and Putin’s ambitions in Africahttps://theconversation.com/russia-in-africa-prigozhins-death-exposes-putins-real-motives-on-the-continent-212707https://kyivindependent.com/prigozhins-death-latest-in-a-series-of-unsolved-murders-in-putins-russia-whats-next/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/prigozhin-wagner-dead-news-disinformationRussian pilot defects with Mil MI8 Helicopterhttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/defected-russian-helicopter-pilot-details-his-flight-to-ukraineLaugo Arms Alien pistolhttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/super-gucci-alien-pistol-in-use-with-zelensky-security-detailFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures.” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today's Summer Special, author and literary agent Andrew Lownie joins us to discuss his excellent book “Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess.”You can find out more about the book here: https://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/authors/andrew-lownie/books/stalins-englishman-the-lives-of-guy-burgessThe podcast will return with a new "Espresso Martini" and "Extra Shot" on Saturday 9th September.— Extra Shot — To listen to "Extra Shot", you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today’s Espresso Martini and season seven finale, Matt & Chris look at the puzzlingly short tenure of the Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang; they unpack some hot gossip surrounding last month’s Wagner mutiny and discuss updates on the war in Ukraine, both at sea and on land. In the last story, they look at AI's potential threat in the 2024 US Elections and the 2025 UK general election.On Extra Shot, immediately following this show on Patreon, Matt & Chris ask Is it time to most expeditiously take a hammer to your smart watch? They also discuss friend of the pod Dan Kaszeta’s legal victory over Downing Street, have a spoiler-free-ish chat about Christopher Nolan’s new Oppenheimer biopic, and then indulge in some flagrantly irresponsible speculation about the next Bond movie.— Extra Shot — To listen to Extra Shot, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesWe want to wish listeners a happy Summer and hope you have a great time. The podcast will return on Saturday, 9th September, unless world events force our hand.Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang removed from post after only 7 monthshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/07/25/china-foreign-minister-qin-gang/Russia’s Spies Say Putin Faces More Coupshttps://theins.ru/en/politics/263596US Navy Backs Away From Ukraine’s Proposal To Protect Grain In NATO Watershttps://gcaptain.com/us-navy-backs-away-from-ukraines-proposal-to-protect-grain-ships-nato-waters/West must focus on preparing Ukraine’s troops – or we will all pay the pricehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/23/west-must-focus-on-preparing-ukraines-troops-or-we-will-all-pay-the-priceIntelligence nominee warns generative AI poses threat to 2024 electionshttps://www.politico.com/news/2023/07/20/intelligence-chief-nominee-warns-of-threats-from-ai-to-2024-elections-00107375—Alphabet Boys Podcast —Alphabet Boys reveals the secret investigations of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other alphabet agencies. Hosted by journalist Trevor Aaronson, Alphabet Boys exposes secret undercover recordings that the government never wanted the public to hear. We explore dangerous and absurd cases to ask this question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals or creating them?Find out more here: https://link.chtbl.com/secretsandspies—Surfshark offer—Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SECRETS for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/SECRETSFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media. TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesTHREADS: https://www.threads.net/@secretsandspiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at cluster munitions being supplied to Ukraine, Putin & Prigozhin’s post-mutiny meeting, and Ukraine’s future membership with NATO.On “Extra Shot” that follows this show on Patreon, we will be looking at Russian spies in Switzerland, a MOSSAD operation in Iran, CIA Director William Burns's keynote speech at the Ditchley Foundation and Vladimir Putin’s secret train.— Extra Shot — To get listen to Extra Shot you will need to be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Giving Ukraine Cluster Munitions is Necessary, Legal and Morally JustifiedBy Dr Jack Watling and Professor Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/giving-ukraine-cluster-munitions-necessary-legal-and-morally-justifiedNato summit: Allies refuse to give Ukraine a timeframe on joiningBBC Reportinghttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66167616Putin and Prigozhin held a meeting in June, their first known contact since themutiny.By Paul Sonne New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/07/10/world/russia-ukraine-news/putin-prigozhin-meeting?smid=url-shareCIA's Burns: armed mutiny shows damage Putin has done to RussiaBy Guy Falconbridge for Yahoo Newshttps://news.yahoo.com/cias-burns-armed-mutiny-shows-154432408.html?guccounter=1—Alphabet Boys Podcast —Alphabet Boys reveals the secret investigations of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other alphabet agencies. Hosted by journalist Trevor Aaronson, Alphabet Boys exposes secret undercover recordings that the government never wanted the public to hear. We explore dangerous and absurd cases to ask this question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals or creating them?Find out more here: https://link.chtbl.com/secretsandspies—Surfshark offer—Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SECRETS for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/SECRETSFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back his friend and fellow indie spy writer, Stephen England, to discuss his new novel, “Soon Dies the Day.” They take a deep-dive into the book's development and unpack some of its more timely geopolitics themes, including the German far-right and infighting in Russian security services. If you’re a fan of realistic, thoroughly researched spy thrillers, this is a conversation for you.Stephen’s website: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.comGet Soon Dies the Day on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1p1O8AOFind out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/--- Alphabet Boys Podcast ---Alphabet Boys reveals the secret investigations of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other alphabet agencies. Hosted by journalist Trevor Aaronson, Alphabet Boys exposes secret undercover recordings that the government never wanted the public to hear. We explore dangerous and absurd cases to ask this question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals or creating them?Find out more here: https://link.chtbl.com/secretsandspies--- Extra Shot ---Don't miss out on our new show, "Extra Shot," available exclusively on the Secrets & Spies Patreon page. Subscribe now to access this thrilling content and delve deeper into the world of espionage and intrigue. www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ ---Connect with us on social media ---TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSupport Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4Secrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On today’s episode, Matt talks with Pate McMichael, a journalist and professor at the University of Arizona, about his book, "Operation Chrysler: Stolen Valor Behind Enemy Lines in World War II”. They explore the gripping true story of Operation Chrysler, an OSS mission deep inside Nazi-occupied Italy, and the decades-long investigation into the murder of its commanding officer, Major William Holohan. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Pate’s book unravels layers of deception, intrigue, espionage, and betrayal that will leave you questioning the very nature of valor and honor in times of war.Get a copy of Operation Chrysler here: https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Chrysler-Stolen-Behind-During/dp/B086G11XSK.Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Additionally, don't miss out on our new show, "Extra Shot," available exclusively on the Secrets & Spies Patreon page. Subscribe now to gain access to this thrilling content and delve deeper into the world of espionage and intrigue. www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSupport Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4Secrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On this special episode of Espresso (Vodka) Martini, join Chris, and Matt as they delve into the recent dramatic events in Russia. Like the rest of the world, they were taken aback when Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries orchestrated an armed convoy headed towards Moscow, seemingly attempting a coup. In this episode, Chris & Matt strive to shed light on what is known so far.If you enjoyed this podcast please support us by becoming a Patreon subscriber and get access to our exclusive show “Extra Shot”. You can subscribe to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini “Band of Brothers: The Wagner Group and the Russian State” by Centre of Strategic Studies https://www.csis.org/blogs/post-soviet-post/band-brothers-wagner-group-and-russian-stateProfessor Phillips O’Brien: “Substack weekend update 34”https://phillipspobrien.substack.com/p/weekend-update-34?sd=pfPutin Caught In His Own Trap By Anne Applebaum for The Atlantichttps://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/06/putin-caught-in-his-own-trap/674524/Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at Former President Trump being accused of illegally retaining classified documents, new evidence suggesting Russian forces are responsible for destroying the Kakhvoka dam, and information on a Chinese spy base in Cuba.On Extra Shot, they look at the German intelligence service seeing more aggressive Russian intelligence efforts, Russian assassins targeting a defector in Miami, and a Cold War traitor deep in the Australian intelligence services finally being unmasked.You can access “Extra Shot” by subscribing to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesSurfshark offerGet an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SECRETS for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/SECRETSLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini & Extra Shot:What Trump indictment tells us about US security risksBy Gordon Corerahttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65878149Chinese Nationals at Mar-a-Lago Raise Questions About Classified DocumentsBy Ewan Palmerhttps://www.newsweek.com/maralago-classified-documents-chinese-nationals-trump-1805890Why the Evidence Suggests Russia Blew Up the Kakhovka DamNew York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/06/16/world/europe/ukraine-kakhovka-dam-collapse.htmlChina to Build Station That Could Spy on U.S from Cuba, Officials SayBy Karoun Demirjian and Edward Wong (Dated 8th June)https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/us/politics/china-spy-cuba-station.htmlGermany sees 'more aggressive' Russian spy activityBy Ben Knight for DW Onlinehttps://www.dw.com/en/germany-sees-more-aggressive-russian-spy-activity/a-65970734Russia Sought to Kill Defector in FloridaBy Ronen Bergman, Adam Goldman and Julian E. Barneshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/19/us/politics/russia-spy-assassination.htmlThe TraitorBy Sally Neighbour and Margot O’Neill for ABC news Australia https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-06-19/russia-spy-mole-in-asio-sold-cold-war-intelligence-four-corners/102469652Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at the death of the Russian spy who was deep in the FBI, Robert Hanssen.Later in the episode, they are joined by Chemical, Biological and Radiological expert Dan Kaszeta who the UK Government Blacklisting has blacklisted for being critical of the government on Twitter. Dan discusses what that experience has been like and what he has since discovered.And lastly, they look at the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and discuss who may be responsible.On Extra Shot (Patreon Exclusive show)Chris & Matt look at the sinking of a boat in Italy with Mossad and Italian intelligence officers aboard. Was it foul play or an accident?Dan joins us to discuss his thoughts on the recent poisonings of Kremlin critics in Berlin & Prague. He also gives us some good cheese recommendations. The final story Chris & Matt look at whether Vladimir Putin was involved with Red Army Faction terrorists during his time in Germany in the 1980s.You can access “Extra Shot” by subscribing to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesSurfshark offerGet an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SECRETS for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/SECRETSLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Robert Hanssen's deathhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-65820220Kakhovka damhttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/06/06/world/russia-ukraine-newsArticles discussed in Extra Shot Mossad boat party deaths in Italyhttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/world/europe/spy-deaths-boat-italy.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=curPutin and his alleged connections to the Red Army Factionhttps://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/were-vladimir-putin-s-years-in-germany-less-thrilling-than-the-stories-a-178de140-b799-472d-83bc-5e3b1adf65b2With Dan, we discussBlacklisted by the UK governmenthttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65675247Kremlin Critics believe they were victims of poisoningshttps://www.agents.media/a-former-us-ambassador-two-journalists-writing-about-russia-and-an-activist-experienced-symptoms-of-poisoning-and-surveillance-two-cases-are-investigated-by-the-fbi/Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect with us on social media TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSecrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/

Today, Chris is joined by Aki J. Peritz, a former CIA officer and author. They dive into the gripping story of the liquid bomb plot and the monumental counterterrorism investigation launched to thwart it. Aki's captivating book, "Disruption," provides an insider's perspective on the plot and sheds light on how it was successfully foiled. Join them as they uncover the secrets behind this high-stakes operation and unravel the reasons behind the stringent restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage aboard planes.Get a copy of “Disruption” here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/disruption-inside-the-largest-counterterrorism-investigation-in-history-aki-j-peritz/16580363?ean=9781640123809Additionally, don't miss out on our new show, "Extra Shot," available exclusively on the Secrets & Spies Patreon page. Subscribe now to delve deeper into espionage and intrigue. www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the Secrets & Spies, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social media. TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpiesSupport Secrets and Spies: * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4Secrets and Spies is part of the Spy Podcast Network. Check out our other excellent spy-related podcasts here: https://www.spypodcasts.com/