
Show overview
The Black Spy Podcast has been publishing since 2021, and across the 5 years since has built a catalogue of 257 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 230 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence, with the show now in its 24th season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 44 min and 1h 4m — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language True Crime show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 4 days ago, with 18 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 60 episodes published. Published by Carlton King.
From the publisher
If you wish to know what it's really like to make the life and death decisions portrayed in the movies by James Bond or on TV by Homeland's, Cary Matherson, then Black Spy Podcast is the show for you. If you're interested in the clandestine world of secret intelligence, espionage, counter-terrorism and national security, then this definitely your must listen Podcast! Every week, along with a different successful or famous guest who's always been interested in the secret services, ex officer, Carlton King, will guide you through this enthralling and exhilarating world, which he inhabited for nearly 30 years. You'll be surprised what you learn.
Latest Episodes
View all 257 episodesTrump a psychological analysis with Dr. Rachel Taylor (Part 1)
Mandelson - Starmer's Downfall?
Trump's Truth Social Dilemma (Part 2)
Trump's True Social dilemma (Part 1)
Who controls the media that controls you?
World Cup Disaster?

S24 Ep 239Has Iran Ended US Economic Dominance
Has Iran Ended US Economic Dominance Black Spy Podcast number 239, Season 24, Episode 0008 This week's Black Spy Podcast is in the main dedicated to analysing the economic consequences of Israel's and USA sneak attack on Iran. So in this episode we explain how the reserve currency works. How the petro-dollar works and how the circular movement of Billions if not trillions of these petroleum export dollars works there way through the Gulf States into the United States continually bolstered the USA economy. Additionally we see how this situation is now being countered via gold sales amongst other monetary policy of counties like China and Russia and how the US has had to concede to Iran, buy allowing oil sales to prevent pressure on the world system presently run by the US as we also explain how the US became the world's guarantor of the global economy post World War Two. This is another must listen episode of the Black Spy Podcast if you seek the truth. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 Ask yourself another question. Is president Trump suffering from the male menopause and what are its symptoms If you are interested to know about the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 238Why the US killed 167 Iranian girls
Why the US killed 167 Iranian girls Black Spy Podcast number 238, Season 24, Episode 0007 This week's Black Spy Podcast is in the main dedicated to answering a question posed to Carlton King by several listeners "who killed the young Iranian School girls (children) during the sneak attack on the first day of the present US/Israeli war against Iran. In order to fully answer this question Carlton has relied on the statements from experts in the fields of US intelligence handling and US military targeting. Carlton has also examined the other question asked of him this week - did Iran pose an immediate threat to the USA? As the mainstream media appears to many not to provide the full picture or even "Fake News" - a famously coined by President Trump. You must listen if you seek the truth! As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 Ask yourself another question. Is president Trump suffering from the male menopause and what are its symptoms If you are interested to know about the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 237TRUMP'S War? (Part 2)
TRUMP'S War? (Part 2) Black Spy Podcast number 237, Season 24, Episode 0006 This week's Black Spy Podcast examines the growing malaise within the United States government during the Trump era and explores the complex web of political, ideological, and financial pressures shaping American decision-making. The programme analyses how competing interests — from domestic political survival to international alliances — have placed Donald Trump at the centre of a series of contentious power struggles. A key focus of the discussion is the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel, including the influence of both Jewish Zionist political movements and the powerful network of Christian Zionists in the United States who interpret Middle Eastern politics through an "End of Days" theological lens. The episode explores how these overlapping ideological and political agendas can influence policy priorities in Washington. The podcast also considers the broader ecosystem of influence surrounding Trump, including wealthy donors, lobbying organisations, and political patrons such as Marion Anderson, alongside the role of business figures and intermediaries operating close to the administration. Particular attention is given to the way personal networks — including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and long-time associate Steve Witkoff — intersect with diplomacy, business interests, and geopolitical strategy. From controversies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein to questions of oil politics and campaign funding, the programme asks whether these pressures help explain the confrontational posture that has defined much of Trump's political trajectory. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 If you are interested in the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 236TRUMP'S War? (Part 1)
TRUMP'S War? (Part 1) Black Spy Podcast number 236, Season 24, Episode 0005 This week's Black Spy Podcast examines the growing malaise within the United States government during the Trump era and explores the complex web of political, ideological, and financial pressures shaping American decision-making. The programme analyses how competing interests — from domestic political survival to international alliances — have placed Donald Trump at the centre of a series of contentious power struggles. A key focus of the discussion is the strategic relationship between the United States and Israel, including the influence of both Jewish Zionist political movements and the powerful network of Christian Zionists in the United States who interpret Middle Eastern politics through an "End of Days" theological lens. The episode explores how these overlapping ideological and political agendas can influence policy priorities in Washington. The podcast also considers the broader ecosystem of influence surrounding Trump, including wealthy donors, lobbying organisations, and political patrons such as Marion Anderson, alongside the role of business figures and intermediaries operating close to the administration. Particular attention is given to the way personal networks — including Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and long-time associate Steve Witkoff — intersect with diplomacy, business interests, and geopolitical strategy. From controversies surrounding Jeffrey Epstein to questions of oil politics and campaign funding, the programme asks whether these pressures help explain the confrontational posture that has defined much of Trump's political trajectory. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 If you are interested in the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 235Can we fix Britain? (Part 2)
Can we fix Britain? (Part 2) Black Spy Podcast number 235, Season 24, Episode 0004 Last week I asked the Can Britain accept its place in the world or will it die under its post colonial pretentions? This week and next week, with my two colleagues, Dr Rachel Taylor from the perspective of the human mind and Fergus Esack from her professional media and spin expertise - we ask can Britain be fixed or is Britain on an inevitable road to real decline turbo charged by an inability to live within its means! Hence, as with last week, the Black Spy Podcast examines one of the most provocative questions in modern British public life: whether the United Kingdom is experiencing terminal decline or simply undergoing a turbulent period of transition. Drawing on his experiences and perspectives from security, economics, geopolitics, and social cohesion, Carlton explores the indicators often cited as evidence of UK national decline — slowing economic growth, pressures on public services, widening inequality, political fragmentation, militaristic solutions often as a side kick of the USA in an effort to retain/regain global influence especially post Brexit. The episode also considers demographic change, actual defence capabilities, energy security, and the resilience of Britain's institutions, asking whether these trends point to structural weakness or cyclical challenge. Rather than accepting headlines at face value, the programme interrogates what "decline" really means. Is national strength measured primarily through economic output and military reach, or through softer power such as diplomatic networks, intelligence capability, legal stability, cultural reach, and financial services dominance? The episode assesses Britain's continuing advantages, including its strategic alliances, intelligence partnerships, global language influence, leading universities, and role as a financial and technological hub. Through balanced analysis and insider-informed commentary, the podcast challenges simplistic narratives of collapse while acknowledging genuine vulnerabilities that could shape Britain's future trajectory. Ultimately, the episode asks whether Britain is fading as a world power, reinventing itself for a new era, or misunderstood in the way its strengths and weaknesses are judged. This ia a timely and thought-provoking exploration, as this instalment invites listeners to reconsider Britain's place in the world — and what the answer means for its future security, prosperity, and above all, its identity. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 If you are interested in the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 234Can we fix Britain? (Part 1)
Can we fix Britain? (Part 1) Black Spy Podcast number 234, Season 24, Episode 0003 Last week I asked the Can Britain accept its place in the world or will it die under its post colonial pretentions? This week and next week, with my two colleagues, Dr Rachel Taylor from the perspective of the human mind and Fergus Esack from her professional media and spin expertise - we ask can Britain be fixed or is Britain on an inevitable road to real decline turbo charged by an inability to live within its means! Hence, as with last week, the Black Spy Podcast examines one of the most provocative questions in modern British public life: whether the United Kingdom is experiencing terminal decline or simply undergoing a turbulent period of transition. Drawing on his experiences and perspectives from security, economics, geopolitics, and social cohesion, Carlton explores the indicators often cited as evidence of UK national decline — slowing economic growth, pressures on public services, widening inequality, political fragmentation, militaristic solutions often as a side kick of the USA in an effort to retain/regain global influence especially post Brexit. The episode also considers demographic change, actual defence capabilities, energy security, and the resilience of Britain's institutions, asking whether these trends point to structural weakness or cyclical challenge. Rather than accepting headlines at face value, the programme interrogates what "decline" really means. Is national strength measured primarily through economic output and military reach, or through softer power such as diplomatic networks, intelligence capability, legal stability, cultural reach, and financial services dominance? The episode assesses Britain's continuing advantages, including its strategic alliances, intelligence partnerships, global language influence, leading universities, and role as a financial and technological hub. Through balanced analysis and insider-informed commentary, the podcast challenges simplistic narratives of collapse while acknowledging genuine vulnerabilities that could shape Britain's future trajectory. Ultimately, the episode asks whether Britain is fading as a world power, reinventing itself for a new era, or misunderstood in the way its strengths and weaknesses are judged. This ia a timely and thought-provoking exploration, as this instalment invites listeners to reconsider Britain's place in the world — and what the answer means for its future security, prosperity, and above all, its identity. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 If you are interested in the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 233Is Britain dying?
Is Britain dying? Black Spy Podcast number 233, Season 24, Episode 0002 Can Britain accept its place in the world or will it die under its post colonial pretentions? In this episode, the Black Spy Podcast examines one of the most provocative questions in modern British public life: whether the United Kingdom is experiencing terminal decline or simply undergoing a turbulent period of transition. Drawing on his experiences and perspectives from security, economics, geopolitics, and social cohesion, Carlton explores the indicators often cited as evidence of UK national decline — slowing economic growth, pressures on public services, widening inequality, political fragmentation, militaristic solutions often as a side kick of the USA in an effort to retain/regain global influence especially post Brexit. The episode also considers demographic change, actual defence capabilities, energy security, and the resilience of Britain's institutions, asking whether these trends point to structural weakness or cyclical challenge. Rather than accepting headlines at face value, the programme interrogates what "decline" really means. Is national strength measured primarily through economic output and military reach, or through softer power such as diplomatic networks, intelligence capability, legal stability, cultural reach, and financial services dominance? The episode assesses Britain's continuing advantages, including its strategic alliances, intelligence partnerships, global language influence, leading universities, and role as a financial and technological hub. Through balanced analysis and insider-informed commentary, the podcast challenges simplistic narratives of collapse while acknowledging genuine vulnerabilities that could shape Britain's future trajectory. Ultimately, the episode asks whether Britain is fading as a world power, reinventing itself for a new era, or misunderstood in the way its strengths and weaknesses are judged. This ia a timely and thought-provoking exploration, as this instalment invites listeners to reconsider Britain's place in the world — and what the answer means for its future security, prosperity, and above all, its identity. As usual please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 If you are interested in the Male Menopause or fear you or a loved one is suffering for unknown reasons please consider reading Dr Rachel's & Carlton's book on the how the Menopause effects men - search Amazon Books for: The Male Menopause - The Hidden Crisis (ASIN: B0G5M78PSZ)

S24 Ep 232The Unspoken Truth About Chinese Cars
The Unspoken Truth About Chinese Cars Black Spy Podcast number 232, Season 24, Episode 0001 Why are Chinese Electric based vehicles taking over the world? Todays Black Spy Podcast aims to answer this question from various angles in addition to the obvious elements of style, build quality and value for money etc. In this critical thinking episode, Carlton King undertakes a full deep dive into what on the surface can appear to be simple individual customer centric economic and astethic choses to reveal the very essence of the new geo-political multi-polar move to a new world order that is exercising the USA in particular and the West in general. So listen, and perhaps see the world from a different lense, via the Black Spy And as usual, please don't be afraid to contact the Black Spy Podcast and put any questions you might have to any of the team regarding this, or any other of our episodes. Moreover, if you want to continue learning whilst being entertained, please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you'll never miss another episode. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/BO1MTV2GDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_WNZ5MT89T9C14CB53651 To read: Male Menopause the hidden crisis By Dr. Rachel Taylor & Carlton King Search Amazon for: ISBN-13 : 979-8276993768

S23 Ep 231IRAN & What they need to know about Trump (Part 2)
IRAN & What they need to know about Trump (Part ) The Black Spy Podcast 230, Season 23, Episode 0010 This week, as last week, Carlton King contends that the US President Trump my well seek to attack Iran in the very near future albeit the reasons for any such attack might be more complicated than one thinks! In highlighting these complications Carlton look back in time, assess president Trumps mental capacity, suggests he maybe suffering form the Andropause, male menopause, assess previous US regime change operations and plays clips from informed US politicians and military personnel. Throughout Carlton assesses many theatres of war and intelligence regime change operations in which the US has been involved. So once again this is a must listen episode that provides listening pleasure whilst simultaneously educating and entertaining, in order to provide listeners with a real understanding to today's world. Please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: of the "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h To read: Male Menopause the hidden crisis By Dr. Rachel Taylor & Carlton King See Amazon Search ISBN-13 : 979-8276993768

S23 Ep 230Iran & What they need to know about Trump (Part 1)
IRAN & What they need to know about Trump (Part 1) The Black Spy Podcast 230, Season 23, Episode 0009 This week Carlton King contends that the US President Trump my well seek to attack Iran in the very near future albeit the reasons for any such attack might be more complicated than one thinks! In highlighting these complications Carlton look back in time, assess president Trumps mental capacity, suggests he maybe suffering form the Andropause, male menopause, assess previous US regime change operations and plays clips from informed US politicians and military personnel. Throughout Carlton assesses many theatres of war and inytelligence regime change operations in which the US has been involved. So once again this is a must listen episode that provides listening pleasure whilst simultaneously educating and entertaining, in order to provide listeners with a real understanding to today's world. Please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: of the "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h To read: Male Menopause the hidden crisis By Dr. Rachel Taylor & Carlton King See Amazon Search ISBN-13 : 979-8276993768

S23 Ep 229US Takeover of Greenland Has Already Begun!
US Takeover of Greenland Has Already Begun! The Black Spy Podcast 229, Season 23, Episode 0008 This week Carlton King contends that the US regime change operation, and hence takeover of Greenland, is already underway! In order to prove this Carlton looks back at US regime operations of the past and asks listeners no to simply believe him but to do their own research utilising Carlton initial arguments, Carlton explains why he believes this self orchestrated this critical thinking is so important and consequently asks listeners to really consider this self education as a form of liberation. So once again this is a must listen episode that provides listening pleasure whilst simultaneously educating and entertaining, in order to provide listeners with a real understanding to today's world. Please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: of the "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

S23 Ep 228The Fake of Democracy
The Fake of Democracy The Black Spy Podcast 228, Season 23, Episode 0007 This week Carlton King asks - is Democracy a con? In this critical thinking episode of the Black Spy Podcast Carlton poses the seldom asked question how could the USA be the leader of the free world from 1945 onward when African American 1/5 of the US population were effectively denied the right to vote, have substantial schooling, suffered extreme discrimination in housing - employment - policing - judicial sentencing - banking & finance (loans not being available to blacks) and indeed any type of social, cultural and national interaction. Moreover, the final nail in the US's democratic credentials is that from the end of the US civil war in 1865 all the way through to the early 1980's, the lynching of African American men and indeed women was not unusual. So I ask, how could the USA be seen as the leader of the Free World - possibly it was because the West: Central & South America the European colonies in Africa and Asia and Settler states in these areas and Oceana treated their African and black and brown subjugated peoples in exactly the same manner. So often, in the modern era, democracy is compared and contrasted as such: At its core, democracy means rule by the people — people participate in choosing leaders and shaping public life through free, fair, and inclusive elections and meaningful civil liberties. It also presumes equal rights and protections for all citizens. Historical contradictions: Today's democracies — including the United States — have often fallen short of this ideal. In U.S. history, Black Americans and other minorities were legally excluded from voting and full citizenship well into the 20th century; segregation restricted basic civil rights long after the U.S. became a global power claiming to champion "freedom." These contradictions reflect democratic backsliding — where institutions and practices don't live up to democratic principles, often due to inequality, exclusion, or political manipulation. Venezuela and democracy: Venezuela's recent elections (e.g., July 2024) have been widely criticized for lacking transparency, fairness, and real competition, with opposition candidates disqualified and results disputed. Many governments, including the U.S. and EU, refused to recognize the outcome. Meanwhile U.S. policy — refusing to recognize Nicolás Maduro's presidency and pushing sanctions or pressure — illustrates how geopolitical interests and claims about "democracy" intersect with power politics. Comparisons with Russia and China: Russia and China hold elections or consultative processes, but these often lack competitiveness, independent media, and checks on power that typify liberal democracy. Critics argue these systems do not meet international standards of democratic legitimacy, even if leaders are formally chosen. Conclusion: Democracy is a normative ideal, not a fixed reality. All political systems, including those that call themselves democratic, have gaps between theory and practice. Assessments of democracy must look beyond elections — at fairness, rights, freedom of expression, rule of law, and equal participation — not merely at who occupies office. So let us see how the Black Spy assess this question. Once again this is a must listen episode that educates whilst entertaining, to provide listeners with a real understanding to today's world. Please don't forget to subscribe to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to Linked In To contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: To donate - Patreon.com/TheBlackSpyPodcast Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h

S23 Ep 2252025's Shocking Disclosures (Part 1)
2025's Shocking Disclosures (Part 1) The Black Spy Podcast 225, Season 23, Episode 0005 This week's Black Spy Podcast sees host Carlton King and regular thrupple contributor Fergus Esack evaluate 2025 and the stories that have occurred during the year. 2025 will be remembered as a year of pressure, polarisation and profound questioning, and the Black Spy Podcast offers a measured yet unflinching evaluation of a world in flux. Across its episodes, the podcast reflects on how debates around gender continued to evolve, often framed by cultural anxiety, political opportunism and generational divides. These conversations were rarely simple, and Black Spy captured that complexity rather than reducing it to slogans. Politically, 2025 exposed deep fractures. From domestic power struggles to shifting alliances, the podcast assesses how trust in institutions was repeatedly tested. The European Union features as a central theme, navigating economic uncertainty, internal disagreements and its changing role on the global stage. War remains a grim constant. Black Spy surveys the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the continuing violence surrounding Israel, not to rehearse daily headlines, but to consider the wider human, political and moral consequences of prolonged conflict. These wars shaped diplomacy, energy policy and public opinion far beyond their borders. The year was also marked by a series of shocking incidents that jolted public consciousness—events that forced uncomfortable questions about security, social cohesion and leadership. In reviewing 2025, the Black Spy Podcast does not offer easy answers, but instead provides context, reflection and a clear-eyed assessment of a year that left few untouched. So, please get informed and don't miss these discussions by subscribing to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to LinkedIn Contact Dr.. Rachel via Substack And contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h To read: Male Menopause the hidden crisis By Dr. Rachel Taylor & Carlton King Search ISBN-13 : 979-8276993768

S23 Ep 224Christmas Must Buy Books
Christmas Must Buy Books The Black Spy Podcast 224, Season 23, Episode 0004 This week's Black Spy Podcast sees host Carlton King step away from headlines and hard geopolitics to offer listeners something more seasonal – a carefully curated list of books he believes make powerful, thought-provoking Christmas stocking fillers, each chosen for its ability to inform, challenge and inspire. At the heart of the episode is Carlton's own memoir, Black Ops – The Incredible True Story of a (Black) British Secret Agent, which he frames not as self-promotion, but as an essential corrective to the narrow way British intelligence history is usually told. From there, the discussion broadens into history, politics, race, psychology and power. Titles such as Der Unvergessene Krieg and Winston Churchill's Young Winston are explored as windows into how wars are remembered, mythologised and used to shape national identity. Carlton places particular emphasis on works that reclaim obscured histories, including Great Men of Colour by Joel Rogers, UNESCO's monumental History of Africa, They Came Before the Mayflower by Dr Ivan Van Sertima, and Black Athena by Martin Bernal. Together, these books challenge Eurocentric narratives and ask listeners to rethink who is written into – and out of – world history. The episode also highlights contemporary relevance through Male Menopause – The Hidden Crisis by Dr Rachel Taylor and Carlton King, linking mental health, masculinity and social silence, while Rupert Alison's The Branch offers insight into the often-misunderstood machinery of British intelligence. To close, Carlton turns to dystopian classics – George Orwell's 1984 and Aldous Huxley's Brave New World – arguing they are no longer warnings about the future, but commentaries on the present. He rounds off by recommending the enduring moral clarity found in the works of Charles Dickens. It's an episode that treats books not as escapism, but as tools for awakening – perfect gifts for curious minds. So, please get informed and don't miss these discussions by subscribing to the Black Spy Podcast for free, so you never miss another fascinating episode. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. To contact Firgas Esack of the DAPS Agency go to LinkedIn Contact Dr.. Rachel via Substack And contact Carlton King by utilising any of the following: Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Black Spy Podcast Facebook: Carlton King Author Twitter@Carlton_King Instagram@carltonkingauthor To read Carlton's Autobiography: "Black Ops – The incredible true story of a (Black) British secret agent" Click the link below: https://amzn.eu/d/fmzzq9h To read: Male Menopause the hidden crisis By Dr. Rachel Taylor & Carlton King Search ISBN-13 : 979-8276993768