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PODCAST

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

Secrets & Spies

Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. Tune in for balanced, critical perspectives that will expand your understanding of our uncertain world, deciphering the most enigmatic

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All Episodes

93:24

S9 Ep21: Espresso Martini | Southport Killer, South...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2025/01/31

In this episode, we look at the horrific Southport murders spark debates on mental health and the nature of terrorism, South Korea plunges deeper into its worst political crisis in decades, and Trump’s new national security team scrambles to save ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon—while his rhetoric stirs fresh controversy. Plus, a Russian spy ship plays cat-and-mouse near UK waters, a daring Dutch gold heist stuns investigators, and why spy thrillers are making a big comeback in an age of

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75:43

S9 Ep20: Espresso Martini | January 6 Pardons,...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2025/01/25

Chris and Matt break down Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th rioters, including violent offenders, and what it means for the rule of law and rising political violence in the US Then, the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has Syria at a crossroads—will it descend into chaos or find a path to stability? Plus, they explore Marc Polymeropoulos’ insights on opportunities for the US in Syria, along with the roles of Iran, Russia, and Turkey. Finally, how the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence quietly

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57:18

S9 Ep19: Will ISIS Make a Comeback in 2025? with...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2025/01/18

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by another leading counterterrorism researcher, Aaron Zelin. Aaron has spent years studying the global jihadi movement, focusing on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. They explore the resurgence of the Islamic State following its territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria in 2017, and the evolving threat the group poses to the United States and other countries—from recent attacks in Iran, Russia, and New Orleans, and the organizational restructuring that’s made them rather

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44:18

S9 Ep18: How to Think Like A Spy with Julian Fisher

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2025/01/11

On this episode, we delve into the world of intelligence with Julian Fisher, a renowned intelligence specialist and author. We explore the covert yet powerful skills of influence and persuasion honed by intelligence officers to elicit cooperation from even the most hardened individuals. Discover how these techniques can be ethically adapted to achieve your personal and professional goals. Julian, the founder of Africa Integrity, a leading private intelligence company, and the face of the Channel 4

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63:08

S9 Ep17: 2025 Global Forcast with Sam Liechtenstein...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2025/01/04

In this episode, Sam Liechtenstein from RANE (Risk Assistance Network + Exchange) joins us to dissect their annual geopolitical forecast. We discussed a range of pressing issues, including:The deteriorating global climate cooperation The evolving conflict in Ukraine The shifting political landscape in Europe The Israeli-Palestinian conflict US-China tensions Political uncertainties in Asia North Korea's military threats Taiwan's strategic position India's rising influence Pakistan's

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51:58

S9 Ep16: Murder of a British Spy in the IRA with...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/28

In this conversation, Chris and author Henry Hemming delve into the intricate world of espionage during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the roles of spies, informants, and key figures like Frank Hegarty and Freddy Scappatici. They discuss the political landscape that led to Operation Banner, the evolution of the IRA, and the cultural stigma surrounding informers. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by intelligence operations and the moral complexities involved in

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0:43

Happy Holidays and Thank You for your support over 2024

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/23

Hi everyone, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year. We also wanted to say a huge thank you to each of you for your support over 2024. We have more episodes to share over the Holidays, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, we hope you have a wonderful holiday period, and we will catch you in 2025 for more. Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop:

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61:53

S9 Ep15: Russian Spy Ships and undersea cables with...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/21

In this episode, we’re joined by Florian Flade, an investigative journalist for Germany’s public broadcaster WDR based in Berlin. In this conversation, Florian discusses the activities of Russian research ships that are suspected of espionage. He explains how these ships, while officially labeled as academic vessels, are equipped with advanced technology for intelligence gathering, mainly focusing on critical underwater infrastructure. The conversation delves into the geopolitical implications of

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103:49

S9 Ep14: The Fall of Assad and What’s Next for Syria...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/14

After a despotic reign of over five decades, marked by 13 years of bloody civil war that killed over half a million people and displaced millions more, the al-Assad dynasty’s rule over Syria has come to a sudden, shocking end. In just under two weeks, rebel groups mounted an offensive that captured a string of major cities, culminating in the fall of Damascus with barely a shot being fired and Bashar al-Assad fleeing into exile in Moscow. It’s difficult to understate what a complete sea change these

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49:56

S9 Ep13: We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/11

In this episode, Matt’s joined by Jack Murphy—former Green Beret, investigative journalist, and host of The Team House podcast. Jack shares insights from his latest book, We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History, which uncovers lesser-known missions that shaped the US special operations community, from Cold War Berlin to nuclear contingencies reminiscent of Dr. Strangelove. Jack delves into the untold stories of units like Special Forces Detachment A and Blue Light, exploring the

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68:02

S9 Ep12: Can a Federation Heal the Divide between...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/12/07

Retired World Bank Director Nigel Roberts tackles the intractable Israel-Palestine conflict. He dissects the shortcomings of the two-state solution and champions a novel approach: a federation acknowledging both identities. Roberts delves into the historical roots and the radicalisation fuelling the conflict. He argues for a new framework built on a constitutional process, acknowledging the trauma on both sides.The discussion explores the challenges of public acceptance amidst deep mistrust

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57:10

S9 Ep11: Far-Right Extremism Under Trump 2.0 with...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/28

In this episode, Matt is joined again by Jacob Ware, a counterterrorism expert with the Council on Foreign Relations and co-author of God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America. They discuss the unsettling question of what far-right extremism, with its proponents feeling emboldened and legitimized by Donald Trump’s election, might look like during his second term in office.Jacob helps unpack how these movements are evolving, the risks they pose to democratic institutions, and what the

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73:19

S9 Ep10: Espresso Martini | Trump’s Coming War on the...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/24

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt examine the potentially seismic shifts for the US and the Western alliance if Trump executes his plans to overhaul the federal workforce. They discuss the risk of a mass exodus of career officials, the politicization of intelligence agencies, and the broader implications for national security. They also explore Garrett Graff’s thought-provoking scenarios for America’s future, comparing the possibility of federal collapse to a fragmented

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0:41

S9: Podcast Update 11/23

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/22

We wanted to drop a quick update about the podcast this weekend. New episodes of Espresso Martini and our Patreon-exclusive show, Extra Shot, are running just a little behind schedule. Listeners in the US and the UK can expect them in their feeds on Sunday. For our friends Down Under, that’ll probably be Monday.Both are still on the way, just not on Saturday, as expected. We thank you for your patience. Enjoy your weekend, everyone.

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69:12

S9 Ep9: Russian mercenaries in Africa with Philip Obaji

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/08

In this conversation, award-winning investigative journalist Philip Obaji discusses the increasing influence of the Russian Wagner Group in Africa, particularly in relation to military coups and economic interests. He shares insights into the motivations behind Russia's actions in the region, the impact of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death on Wagner's operations, and his personal experiences reporting in dangerous environments. Obaji highlights the human rights violations committed by Russian

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1:02

Podcast Update November 2024

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/04

Hi everyone, I hope you are well.There won't be an Espresso Martini this week. Instead, I will be joined by award-winning investigative journalist Philip Obaji, who discusses the increasing influence of the Russian Wagner Group in Africa. That episode will be released on Friday 8th November. Then, the following week, we will be on a podcast break, so there will not be a show on the 16th of November. We will return on Saturday, 23rd November, with a brand-new Espresso Martini and some interesting

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62:04

S9 Ep8: David Bickford, former Legal Director of MI5...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/11/02

In this conversation, David Bickford shares his fascinating journey from a unique childhood to a distinguished career in the intelligence services, specifically as a legal director for MI5 and MI6. He discusses the complexities of balancing national security with legality, the current threats posed by Russia and China, and the evolving landscape of intelligence work. Transitioning into a novelist, Bickford reflects on the inspiration behind his books, the writing process he shares with his wife, and

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75:24

S9 Ep7: Espresso Martini | North Korean Troops to...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/10/25

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt discuss the alarming news that North Korea is sending up to 12,000 troops to bolster Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They explore the implications of North Korea gaining combat experience and modern warfare training and whether these troops are likely to be anything more than cannon fodder for Putin’s war. Next, they unpack the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7th attacks, killed by Israeli forces after a years-long

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47:52

Chris is unwell, so he is resharing The Double Bind...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/10/18

Chris is unwell so there won’t be a new episode this week. 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

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81:29

S9 Ep6: Espresso Martini | Gaza After a Year of War,...

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues... ·

2024/10/12

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt discuss a new public opinion poll revealing a sharp decline in Palestinian support for Hamas after a brutal year of war in Gaza. They also explore Iran’s troubling alliances with criminal organizations to carry out assassinations in the West, and Russia’s use of a remote Norwegian town in the Arctic as a laboratory for hybrid warfare. Lastly, 40 years after The Hunt for Red October, they reflect on the enduring legacy of Tom Clancy, whose work

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