Secrets and Spies - A Spy & Geopolitics Podcast

Secrets & Spies

Secrets & Spies aims to seek out and engage in meaningful discussions with experts and practitioners about espionage, terrorism, geopolitics and intrigue. Not all episodes are directly about espionage as some topics, such as terrorism, are pretty complex and require a look at the underlying ideology behind it to lead to a deeper understanding of the topic. Also, due to the nature of the podcast topics, some episodes delve into the contemporary politics behind an issue. The podcast does its best to remain balanced. However, the show does take a critical view of the MAGA movement, far-left/far-right politics and Trumpism. read less
Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

S8 Ep33: Espresso Martini: Tactical nukes, Spies in Brussels, Turkish spies in the West and more
5d ago
S8 Ep33: Espresso Martini: Tactical nukes, Spies in Brussels, Turkish spies in the West and more
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_link Articles https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/09/politics/us-prepared-rigorously-potential-russian-nuclear-strike-ukraine?cid=ios_app https://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.html https://www.axios.com/2024/03/10/antarctica-china-science-geopolitics https://nordicmonitor.com/2024/03/turkey-escalates-covert-intelligence-activities-in-europe-and-north-america/ Our restaurant recommendation in Brussels: Meet Meat Steak & Wine House https://meetmeat.be/ Support Secrets and Spies:  Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep32: The US government’s search for alien life with Garrett Graff
Mar 15 2024
S8 Ep32: The US government’s search for alien life with Garrett Graff
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/vermontgmg Follow Garrett on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@vermontgmg Support Secrets and Spies:  Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep31: The Discord Leaks with Shane Harris
Mar 9 2024
S8 Ep31: The Discord Leaks with Shane Harris
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=AkgkBEuEHwU Follow Shane on Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaneharris Follow Shane on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shanewharris Support Secrets and Spies:  Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep30: Espresso Martini: Leaked Russian documents, defector shot in Spain, CIA's relationship with Ukrainian intelligence
Mar 1 2024
S8 Ep30: Espresso Martini: Leaked Russian documents, defector shot in Spain, CIA's relationship with Ukrainian intelligence
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_link Links to articles discussed: https://www.ft.com/content/f18e6e1f-5c3d-4554-aee5-50a730b306b7 https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/world/europe/russian-pilot-maksim-kuzminov-spain.html https://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=articleShare Support Secrets and Spies:  Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep29: The death of Alexei Navalny and its consequences with Edward Lucas
Feb 21 2024
S8 Ep29: The death of Alexei Navalny and its consequences with Edward Lucas
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/about Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep28: Espresso Martini: Russian space weapons, Tucker Carlson in Russia and a beheading in Pennsylvania
Feb 17 2024
S8 Ep28: Espresso Martini: Russian space weapons, Tucker Carlson in Russia and a beheading in Pennsylvania
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_link Links to articles discussed: https://www.twz.com/space/alarm-raised-over-destabilizing-new-russian-threat-in-space-reports https://carnegieendowment.org/politika/91614 https://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/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep26: US Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria with Phillip Smyth
Feb 6 2024
S8 Ep26: US Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria with Phillip Smyth
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/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep25: The Year of the Locust with Terry Hayes
Feb 2 2024
S8 Ep25: The Year of the Locust with Terry Hayes
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/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u   Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For 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.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep24: Espresso Martini: Strikes against the Houthi’s, Chinese spies and the hunt for Hamas’s spokesman Abu Obaida.
Jan 26 2024
S8 Ep24: Espresso Martini: Strikes against the Houthi’s, Chinese spies and the hunt for Hamas’s spokesman Abu Obaida.
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_link Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini: https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/new-airstrikes-target-houthi-forces-in-yemen https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/why-hasnt-the-u-s-struck-back-after-red-sea-anti-ship-attacks https://www.thedailybeast.com/israels-fervent-hunt-for-the-mysterious-hamas-spokesman-abu-obaida https://www.ft.com/content/601df41f-8393-46ad-9f74-fe64f8ea1a3f https://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/us-intelligence-officials-determined-chinese-spy-balloon-used-us-inter-rcna131150 https://news.sky.com/story/man-guilty-of-spying-on-london-based-tv-channel-iran-international-to-help-terror-plotters-13034011 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep23: The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin
Jan 20 2024
S8 Ep23: The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin
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/SecretsAndSpies 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep22: UK release of Moscow X with former CIA analyst David McCloskey
Jan 12 2024
S8 Ep22: UK release of Moscow X with former CIA analyst David McCloskey
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=9781324050759 Amazon Pre-Order for UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moscow-X-Novel-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BWLJ4K63 Amazon 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=8-5 Amazon 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=8-5 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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep21: 2024 Global forecast with Sam Lichtenstein from RANE
Jan 5 2024
S8 Ep21: 2024 Global forecast with Sam Lichtenstein from RANE
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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep20: The Lion And The Fox with Alexander Rose
Dec 29 2023
S8 Ep20: The Lion And The Fox with Alexander Rose
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=41038091616290 To 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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep19: Directing James Bond with John Glen
Dec 22 2023
S8 Ep19: Directing James Bond with John Glen
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 Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Eyes-Only-Life-James/dp/1574883690 You 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/SecretsAndSpies Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”, now available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep17: Spy Game Trilogy, with Michael Frost Beckner and guest host Stephen England
Dec 16 2023
S8 Ep17: Spy Game Trilogy, with Michael Frost Beckner and guest host Stephen England
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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep16: Espresso Martini: An alleged Cuban Mole, Traders profiting off 7th October attack and Israeli Intelligence Failures
Dec 8 2023
S8 Ep16: Espresso Martini: An alleged Cuban Mole, Traders profiting off 7th October attack and Israeli Intelligence Failures
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_link Articles discussed in Espresso Martini Israel Knew Hamas’s Attack Plan More Than a Year Ago https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-attack-intelligence.html Unknown 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.html Former career US diplomat charged with secretly spying for Cuban intelligence for decades  https://apnews.com/article/cuba-bolivia-former-ambassador-arrested-e30bf2d027e32ac8b66ff051062273dc Cuban Spy Service Dazzles Again https://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-maduro Articles Discussed on Extra Shot Hamas’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-1845433 Australia says, China navy used sonar pulses against divers https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/67461081 Ukraine's Security Service blows up railway linking Russia and China https://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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep15: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Anti Western Axis with Dr Taras Kuzio
Dec 1 2023
S8 Ep15: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Anti Western Axis with Dr Taras Kuzio
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/TarasKuzio 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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
S8 Ep14: Iranian Militia Attacks on US Forces with Phillip Smyth
Nov 28 2023
S8 Ep14: Iranian Militia Attacks on US Forces with Phillip Smyth
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/SecretsAndSpies 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_KFTJenrz4 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=u Connect with us on social media.  BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies