Episodes
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Russia’s latest covert warfare escalations take center stage in this week’s Espresso Martini. Chris and Matt unpack the emergence of the GRU’s Department of Special Tasks, a new clandestine unit coordinating assassinations, sabotage, and hybrid warfare operations against the West. They also break down an alarming report on a Russia-linked Telegram network inciting terrorism and hate crimes in the UK—just another front in Moscow’s war of destabilization. Plus, listener questions on the dilemmas of counterterrorism, the future of Five Eyes under Trump, and top spy books, both fiction and non-fiction.
Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O_uErvzy13o
Articles discussed in today’s episode"A New Spy Unit Is Leading Russia’s Shadow War Against the West" by Bojan Pancevski | The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/russia-spy-covert-attacks-8199e376
"A Russia-linked Telegram network is inciting terrorism and is behind hate crimes in the UK" by Gregory Davis | Hope Not Hate: https://hopenothate.org.uk/2025/02/10/exclusive-a-russia-linked-telegram-network-is-inciting-terrorism-and-is-behind-hate-crimes-in-the-uk/
Recommended Spy ReadsIn this episode, we share some of our favorite spy books—both fiction and non-fiction. Whether you’re looking for deep dives into real-world espionage or classic spy thrillers, these picks have you covered.
Chris’s Picks: A mix of gripping true stories and classic spy fiction, covering Cold War betrayals, intelligence tradecraft, and covert operations.
Fiction: Agents of Innocence (David Ignatius), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (John le Carré), Ashenden (W. Somerset Maugham), The Deceiver (Frederick Forsyth), Damascus Station (David McCloskey)
Non-Fiction: Next Stop Execution (Oleg Gordievsky), The Art of Intelligence (Henry Crumpton), The Black Banners (Ali Soufan), The Good Spy (Kai Bird), Spy Master (Helen Fry)
Matt’s Picks: Essential reads on espionage, covert ops, and spycraft—plus some of the genre’s best novels.
Fiction: The Cardinal of the Kremlin (Tom Clancy), The Sum of All Fears (Tom Clancy), Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (John le Carré), The Honourable Schoolboy (John le Carré), Smiley’s People (John le Carré), The Quiet American (Graham Greene)
Non-Fiction: Spycraft (H. Keith Melton), Rise and Kill First (Ronen Bergman), Relentless Strike (Sean Naylor), Killer Elite (Michael Smith), The Targeter (Nada Bakos), Dead Drop (Jeremy Duns), The US Intelligence Community (Jeffrey Richelson)
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets & Spies takes you deep inside the world of espionage, terrorism, and international intrigue. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. -
In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt unpack the latest intelligence, national security, and espionage stories shaping current affairs. First, they examine Trump’s push to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, the spike in U.S. surveillance flights over Mexico, and whether covert military action is on the table. Then, they break down the NSA’s sweeping deletion of 27 “banned words,” including “bias” and “inclusion,” raising serious concerns about politicized intelligence failures. They also dig into Trump’s demand for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for U.S. aid and what it signals for Kyiv’s future. Finally, they assess Iran’s unconventional new drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri—a floating experiment in asymmetric warfare or just a high-risk PR stunt?
Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of espionage, geopolitics, and global affairs.
Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/hofbhGOk21o
Articles discussed in today’s episode"How Trump Could Use Military Force Against Cartels In Mexico" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/news-features/how-trump-could-use-military-force-against-cartels-in-mexico
"RC-135 Rivet Joint Surveillance Jet Just Flew Unprecedented Mission Off Mexico" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/air/rc-135-rivet-joint-surveillance-jet-just-flew-unprecedented-mission-off-mexico
"US spy planes hunt for intel on Mexican drug cartels as surveillance flights surge near border" by Avery Schmitz, Katie Bo Lillis, Priscilla Alvarez & Natasha Bertrand | CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/10/politics/us-spy-planes-mexican-drug-cartels/index.html
"The NSA's "Big Delete" by Judd Legum & Rebecca Crosby | Popular Information Substack: https://popular.info/p/the-nsas-big-delete
"Trump says he wants Ukraine’s rare earth elements as a condition of further support" by Zeke Miller | Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/trump-ukraine-europe-rare-earth-russia-war-9af06a9f17dbaa49a05dcba3a3363977
"Iran’s Wacky Aircraft Carrier Has Entered Service" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/sea/irans-wacky-aircraft-carrier-has-entered-service
Good News:Secrets & Spies is no. 3 in Feedspot's top ten spy podcasts!
https://podcast.feedspot.com/spy_podcasts/
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies is an enthralling spy podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Expect insight into the world of news, politics, and current affairs through the lens of espionage & geopolitics. Guests include former spies, authors, and experts. -
A mid-air collision over the Potomac sheds light on secret doomsday evacuation plans for Washington, Trump’s looming FBI purge sparks major internal pushback, and Syria’s new government wants Russia to extradite Assad—but will Putin give him up? Plus, Iran explores a cruder path to a nuclear weapon.
Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/kCOSZCdLbyE
Articles discussed in today’s episode"Mid-Air Collision Shines Light on Doomsday Plans for Nation’s Capital" by Joseph Trevithick | The Warzone: https://www.twz.com/air/mid-air-collision-shines-light-on-doomsday-plans-for-nations-capital
"FBI Agents Are Stunned by the Scale of the Expected Trump Purge" by Shane Harris | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/trump-fbi-revenge-firings/681538/
"Kremlin refuses to comment on report Syria asked for Assad to be extradited" by Ketrin Jochecová | Politico: https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-refuses-comment-report-syria-bashar-assad-extradition/
"Russian spy ship fire exposes poor state of Mediterranean fleet, say experts" by Julian Borger | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/01/russian-spy-ship-fire-exposes-poor-state-of-mediterranean-fleet-say-experts
"Iran Is Developing Plans for Faster, Cruder Weapon, US Concludes" by David Sanger & Julian E. Barnes | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/03/us/politics/iran-nuclear-weapon.html
Secrets & Spies is no 3 in Feedspot's top ten spy podcasts!
https://podcast.feedspot.com/spy_podcasts/
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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 mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies
Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social
Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies is an enthralling spy podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Expect insight into the world of news, politics, and current affairs through the lens of espionage & geopolitics. Guests include former spies, authors, and experts. -
Hello, everyone. We hope you are well.
Matt and I are keen to get listener questions on future Espresso Martini Episodes.
So, if you have a question or topic you would like us to discus email us here: [email protected]
In your email, please include:
Question or Topic with a relevant news or online publication link How you would like us to read out your name & location onlineAdverts
Adverts are essential to keeping Secrets & Spies running. We have received feedback that there have been some repetitive adverts, and we have reached out to our online hosting service to see what can be done about that. We apologise for any irritation caused.
We are now offering our new episodes advert-free on Patreon, so if you do want to get rid of adverts and are happy to directly support the show, please go to www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies And depending on which level you pick, you will get a coffee cup or set of coasters.
Thank you so much for your support.
Keep an eye out for our next Espresso Martini, which will drop on Saturday, 1st Feb.
Have a great weekend.
All the best
Chris & Matt
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Connect with us on social media
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
In this episode, we look at the horrific Southport murders that have sparked debates on mental health and the nature of terrorism, South Korea's plunge 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 distrust.
Listen ad-free on Patreon and directly support the show: http://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/89dfJqAZq4c
Articles discussed in today’s episode"How red flags over Southport killer were repeatedly missed" by Sean Seddon & Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w7nlwz9po
"South Korea’s Impeached Leader is Indicted on Insurrection Charges" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/asia/south-korea-yoon-indicted-martial-law.html
"South Korea’s Leadership Crisis, Explained" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/world/asia/south-korea-impeachment-yoon-explained.html
"Trump team avoids Middle East escalation in first weekend in office" by Barak Ravid | Axios: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/27/trump-middle-east-gaza-lebanon-israel-ceasefires
"UK warns Putin after Russian spy ship seen near British waters" by Becky Morton, Jonathan Beale & Damian Grammaticas | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjv7qgpw28o
"Thieves use explosives to steal gold 'masterpieces' from Dutch museum" by Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxkpnnlpdvo
"'The baddies reflect the worries of today’: How TV spy thrillers are booming in an age of distrust" by Laura Martin | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250124-why-tv-spy-thrillers-are-booming-right-now
Chris's milk frother
https://salter.com/products/aspen-milk-frother-500w.html
Chris's interview with Melissa Leo
https://pod.fo/e/27f01a
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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 mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 forged one of America’s most valuable partnerships.
Watch us on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/n3SCep-l9Y0
You can listen to our final episode of Extra Shot here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-video-120721511
Articles discussed in today’s episode"Trump pardons upend massive Jan. 6 prosecution by freeing rioters and dismissing cases" by Richer, Kunzelman & Khalil | AP News: https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767
"Trump's imminent pardons will green-light another wave of far-right violence" by David Neiwert | The Spyhop: https://davidneiwert.substack.com/p/trumps-imminent-pardons-will-green
"Syria’s New Era & Its Opportunities for the US" by Marc Polymeropoulos | New Lines Magazine: https://newlinesmag.com/argument/syrias-new-era-and-its-opportunities-for-the-us/
"The Syria Fiasco As Seen From Moscow" by Sergei Melkonian | Carnegie Endowment Diwan: https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2024/12/the-syria-fiasco-as-seen-from-moscow
"How the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence secretly forged a deep partnership" by Patrick Reevell | ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/International/cia-helped-rebuild-ukraine-intelligence-russia-invasion/story?id=116909361
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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 mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 resilient. Unpack these critical issues with one of the foremost experts in the field.
Read Aaron’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/aaron-y-zelin
Read Aaron’s Substack, Jihadology+: https://www.jihadologyplus.com
Read Aaron’s past work for Jihadology: https://jihadology.net
"A Globally Integrated Islamic State" by Aaron Zelin | War on the Rocks
"Remaining, Waiting for Expansion (Again): The Islamic State’s Operations in Iraq and Syria" by Aaron Zelin | The Hudson Institute
Follow Aaron on Twitter/X: https://x.com/azelin
Follow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/azelin.bsky.social
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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 mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 TV series 'Spies' in 2017, brings a unique perspective to this fascinating conversation.
Find out more about “Think Like A Spy” here: https://julesfisher.com/book/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JFcgWnwEiqc?si=HnPbNXW0Fs-dgO5c
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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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
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 cooperationThe evolving conflict in UkraineThe shifting political landscape in EuropeThe Israeli-Palestinian conflictUS-China tensionsPolitical uncertainties in AsiaNorth Korea's military threatsTaiwan's strategic positionIndia's rising influencePakistan's instabilityJihadism in Sub-Saharan AfricaSouth Africa's political dynamicsThe implications of a potential Trump presidency
To find out more about RANE and its annual global forecast, please visit their website here: https://www.ranenetwork.com/
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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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
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 espionage.
Get a copy of “Four Shots In The Night” here: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/henry-hemming/four-shots-in-the-night/9781529426786/
Find out more about Henry Hemming and his work here: https://henryhemming.com/
Check out our past interview with Henry about his book “Our Man In New York”: https://pod.fo/e/ca367
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/OWmWkMq3hqM
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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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
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 these activities, the Russian government's official stance, and the role of Chinese ships in potential sabotage operations.
Additionally, the discussion highlights the legal challenges in addressing maritime espionage and the difficulties in investigating incidents at sea. Florian also discusses NATO's evolving strategies in response to Russian spy ships, particularly in the context of the Baltic Sea. He highlights the increasing urgency and coordination among NATO members, the challenges of hybrid warfare, and the implications for defence spending in Germany.
The discussion also touches on public perceptions of security threats and the historical context of espionage activities, culminating in a personal account of encountering spy ships.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ojllHsImbNk
For more information on these suspected Russian Spy Ships, please check out the links below:DW Documentary: “Putin’s Fleet”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br3K93-z6PI
DW News: “What are dozens of Russian ships doing in European waters?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f7Nujs1_yY
HI Sutton
http://www.hisutton.com/
Online TrackersMarine Traffic
https://www.marinetraffic.com/
Global Fishing Watch
https://globalfishingwatch.org/map/index
For more information and to connect with Florian please follow the links below:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/florianflade.bsky.social
Twitter: https://x.com/FlorianFlade
Blog: https://ojihad.wordpress.com/
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 events are for Syria and the Middle East. Today, Phillip Smyth returns to help us make sense of how this all unfolded so quickly, so unexpectedly, and what it means for Iran and its proxies like Lebanese Hezbollah, who propped up the Assad regime and counted on Syria as a hub to exert their influence throughout the region.
Read Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth/
Read Phillip’s past work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth
Follow Phillip on Twitter/X: https://x.com/PhillipSmyth
Relevant articles and reporting"The Backstory Behind the Fall of Aleppo" by Hassan Hassan and Michael Weiss | New Lines Magazine
"Jihadi ‘Counterterrorism:’ Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Versus the Islamic State" by Aaron Y. Zelin | CTC Sentinel
Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Backgrounder | Center for Strategic & International Studies
"Syrian rebels reveal year-long plot that brought down Assad regime" by William Christou | The Guardian
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 ingenuity, adaptability, and sacrifices of the men behind these covert operations, reflecting on the evolving role of special operations in today’s world.
Get We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/We-Defy-Chapters-Special-History-ebook/dp/B0DCGC1N1N/ref=sr_1_1
Listen to Jack on The Team House: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-team-house/id1492797340
Read’s reporting for The High Side on Substack: https://thehighside.substack.com
Follow Jack on Bluesky & X
https://bsky.app/profile/jackmurphyrgr.bsky.social
https://x.com/JackMurphyRGR
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social mediaBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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. Roberts examines the influence of social media and urges international engagement to foster dialogue. Ultimately, he offers a glimmer of hope with the federation model, calling for citizen action and support for initiatives like "A Land for All."
Watch on YouTube
https://youtu.be/Ija7A6Csh3o
Links
Read the full paper - “An Israeli/Palestinian Federation: An Alternative Approach to Peace“ by Riccardo Bocco and Nigel Roberts
https://we.tl/t-sMTakmxHGD
A Land For All
https://www.alandforall.org/english/?d=ltr
Geneva Graduate Institute
https://www.graduateinstitute.ch/war-middle-east
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 next four years might hold for these groups in terms of recruitment, violence, and public visibility of their hateful worldview. It’s a critical conversation we hope you’ll find steers away from hyperbole, focusing instead on historical lessons and current dynamics shaping this moment.
So, grab your coffee—or maybe something stronger—and join us for an in-depth look at the challenges ahead.
Get Jacob’s book God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America:
https://www.cfr.org/book/god-guns-and-sedition
https://www.amazon.com/God-Guns-Sedition-Far-Right-Terrorism/dp/0231211228
Jacob’s work for the Council on Foreign Relations: https://www.cfr.org/expert/jacob-ware
Jacob’s work for Lawfare: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/contributors/jware
Follow Jacob on Bluesky & X
https://bsky.app/profile/jacobware.bsky.social
https://x.com/Jacob_A_Ware
Relevant articles and reporting"Understanding the Threats to US Election Security in 2024" by Kat Duffy & Jacob Ware | Council on Foreign Relations
"The Terrorist Threat from the Fractured Far Right" by Bruce Hoffman & Jacob Ware | Lawfare
"The Proud Boys Love a Winner" by Juliette Kayyem | The Atlantic
"Far-right extremists celebrate, see opportunity in second Trump win" by Hannah Allam | The Washington Post
"Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Pentagon pick, sparks alarm over far-right extremism" by Alice Herman | The Guardian
Support Secrets and SpiesBecome a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social mediaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 state-driven system akin to Europe. In addition, the hosts explore Russia’s alleged GRU-led sabotage of European air cargo hubs, assessing how these operations fit into a broader strategy of hybrid warfare. The episode wraps up with a discussion on satire’s role in media, sparked by The Onion’s satirical purchase of Infowars, an incisive critique of the growing overlap between parody and disinformation in the modern media landscape.
Watch us on YouTube
https://youtu.be/oZ5pv31_60w
Articles discussed in today’s episode
“Trump’s Deep State Revenge” by Shane Harris | The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/intelligence-agencies-trump-loyalists/680625/
“Two scenarios for the years ahead” by Garrett Graff | Doomsday Scenario
https://www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/two-scenarios-for-the-years-ahead
“Mystery fires were Russian 'test runs' to target cargo flights to US” by Paul Kirby | BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c07912lxx33o
“The Onion’s Most Trenchant Headline” by Megan Garber | The Atlantic
https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2024/11/onion-infowars-acquisition-satire/680667/
Click here to tune into our Patreon Show Extra Shot:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-cias-116617245?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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. -
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 paramilitaries, including sexual assaults and massacres, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and reporting on these issues. This conversation delves into the complex and often dark relationship between Russia and various African nations, focusing on the involvement of Russian mercenaries, the exploitation of local populations, and the growing influence of China. Philip Obaji shares insights from his reporting on atrocities committed by Russian forces, including sexual violence and child labor in mining operations. The discussion also touches on local perceptions of Russian influence, the impact of disinformation campaigns, and the need for accountability from the international community.
Find out more about Philips's work here: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/philip-obaji-jr/
Connect with him on X here: https://twitter.com/PhilipObaji
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird -
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 offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and those considering a career in intelligence.
To find out more about David and his latest novel, “Katya The Informer”, please visit his website: https://davidbickford.co.uk/
Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0zPfzbDOrIc
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
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Follow Chris and Matt on Twitter/X:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird - Show more
