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 ...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 15
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. ...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 8Ep. 14
Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners in the US! On today's episode we will be looking at the potential hostage deal with Hamas, we will also be looking at a few articles on how people are still coming to terms with the Hamas attacks, new information on the disastrous deal that led to Ukraine giving up it’s nuclear arsenal, and we will look at how political dysfunction is growing to be the number one threat to the US. On Extra Shot, our exclusive Patreon show that follows this, we will be looking ...
Nov 23, 2023•2 hr 41 min•Season 8Ep. 13
There won’t be an Espresso Martini today. Instead, Chris is re-sharing the first-ever episode in which he is joined by the author Meredith Tax, and they discuss her book “The Double Bind”, which looks at the problematic relationship between Anglo American left and the Muslim right. Later in the podcast, they also discuss the role of Kurdish women in the fight against ISIS. You can get a copy of the Double Bind here: UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/09888...
Nov 10, 2023•49 min•Season 8Ep. 12
On today's podcast, Chris is joined by Malcolm Nance, and they discuss the terrible 7th October attacks, the origins of Hamas, the Iranian connection and what may lie ahead for Israel’s war with Hamas. You can read more of Malcolm Nance’s work on his substance here: https://malcolmnance.substack.com/ And you can watch his video Podcast “Black Man Spy” here: https://www.youtube.com/@blackmanspy-bo1lk/videos If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show by becoming a Patreon subscriber. You ...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 8Ep. 11
On Espresso Martini, we take a look at the complexity of Gaza hostage rescue efforts and Hamas’s intelligence efforts in preparation for the 7th October Attacks. We also look at Ukraine receiving much-needed ATACMS missiles, Russia’s Unit 29155’s assassination and sabotage operations in Europe, and to finish up, we look at Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw the US from NATO. On Extra Shot, our exclusive bonus Patreon show, we look at how storytelling helps trauma victims and how Elon Musk’s X is n...
Oct 28, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Season 8Ep. 10
On today's podcast, Chris is joined by author Aaron Stark, and they discuss Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time”, which looks at the battle between Swiss and American watch companies in the 1870s. You can find out more about Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time” here: https://www.aaronstarkbooks.com/ Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEA...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 8Ep. 9
On today’s episode, Matt is joined by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, the question of Iran’s involvement, and the potential for the war to expand throughout the Middle East. Content Warning: This episode contains some graphic descriptions of atrocities Hamas ...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 8Ep. 8
On today's podcast, we are joined by author Stuart A Reid, and we discuss his fantastic new book “The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination”. The assassination target was the Congo’s first Prime Minister after independence from the Belgians, Patrice Lumumba. You can find out more about Stuart and the book here: https://www.stuartareid.com/the-lumumba-plot You can buy the book using the following Amazon links below: Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lumumba-P...
Oct 16, 2023•53 min•Season 8Ep. 7
On this episode of Espresso Martini, we will focus on the appalling October 7th attack, in which the designated terrorist group Hamas launched a violent and bloody attack focused on Israeli civilians. For the sake of clarity, we have decided our conversation into these areas: * What happened * Who are Hamas * The geopolitics of what happened and the alleged role of outside support for Hamas * The Israeli response and alleged intelligence failures * The online reactions to what happened Links to ...
Oct 14, 2023•2 hr 49 min•Season 8Ep. 6
In this episode, Matt talks with Kashif Hussain from the blog "Best Thriller Books.” Kashif is a prolific reader in the spy genre and has written hundreds of reviews, including novels from all the famous authors you know and probably some you don’t know yet. They have a light discussion about his perspective on different issues in the genre, including publishing trends, audience tastes, and artificial intelligence. Best Thriller Books main page: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/ . Kashif’s revi...
Oct 09, 2023•54 min•Season 8Ep. 5
In today's Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris dive into the assassination of Sikh dissident Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. They look at fresh details about Chinese and Russian spies in the UK. They also explore an interview with Estonia’s outgoing military intelligence, who reflects on his dynamic career; and, after his liberation from a US prison, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout embarks on a second act in local Russian politics. Immediately following this show on Patreon, join Chris & Ma...
Sep 30, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 8Ep. 4
On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. Best known for his critically acclaimed debut, Damascus Station, David returns with his latest thriller, Moscow X. Just as detailed, intricate, and vividly written as Damascus Station, Moscow X is set within the enigmatic layers of Putin’s Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine War, where turmoil, intrigue, and betrayal intertwine in a riveting narrative that will keep you turning the pages. For any fa...
Sep 25, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Espresso Martini & Extra returns a little later this month on Saturday, 30th September. Today, we are airing a taster episode of Extra Shot, which was recorded in June. If you enjoy Extra Shot and wish to listen to future episodes, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies On this episode: Chris & Matt look at the sinking of a boat in Italy with Mossad and Italian intelligence officers a...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 2
On today’s Espresso Martini , Matt & Chris look at a coup in Niger and Gabon, Prigozhin’s death, his legacy haunting us from the grave and a Russian pilot involved in a dramatic defection to Ukraine with his Mil Mi-8 helicopter. On "Extra Shot" , immediately following this show on Patreon, Chris & Matt take a look at concerns of a NATO collapse if Donald Trump is re-elected as President, a mysterious submarine sinking off the coast of Taiwan, a new security agreement between China and Fi...
Sep 09, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 8Ep. 1
On today's Summer Special, author and literary agent Andrew Lownie joins us to discuss his excellent book “Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess.” You can find out more about the book here: https://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/authors/andrew-lownie/books/stalins-englishman-the-lives-of-guy-burgess The podcast will return with a new "Espresso Martini" and "Extra Shot" on Saturday 9th September. — Extra Shot — To listen to "Extra Shot", you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & S...
Aug 27, 2023•40 min•Season 7Ep. 41
On today’s Espresso Martini and season seven finale, Matt & Chris look at the puzzlingly short tenure of the Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang; they unpack some hot gossip surrounding last month’s Wagner mutiny and discuss updates on the war in Ukraine, both at sea and on land. In the last story, they look at AI's potential threat in the 2024 US Elections and the 2025 UK general election. On Extra Shot, immediately following this show on Patreon, Matt & Chris ask Is it time to most exped...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 7Ep. 40
On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at cluster munitions being supplied to Ukraine, Putin & Prigozhin’s post-mutiny meeting, and Ukraine’s future membership with NATO. On “Extra Shot ” that follows this show on Patreon, we will be looking at Russian spies in Switzerland, a MOSSAD operation in Iran, CIA Director William Burns's keynote speech at the Ditchley Foundation and Vladimir Putin’s secret train. — Extra Shot — To get listen to Extra Shot you will need to be a Patr...
Jul 13, 2023•59 min•Season 7Ep. 39
On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back his friend and fellow indie spy writer, Stephen England, to discuss his new novel, “Soon Dies the Day.” They take a deep-dive into the book's development and unpack some of its more timely geopolitics themes, including the German far-right and infighting in Russian security services. If you’re a fan of realistic, thoroughly researched spy thrillers, this is a conversation for you. Stephen’s website: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com Get Soon Dies the Day ...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr•Season 7Ep. 38
On today’s episode, Matt talks with Pate McMichael, a journalist and professor at the University of Arizona, about his book, "Operation Chrysler: Stolen Valor Behind Enemy Lines in World War II”. They explore the gripping true story of Operation Chrysler, an OSS mission deep inside Nazi-occupied Italy, and the decades-long investigation into the murder of its commanding officer, Major William Holohan. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Pate’s book unravels layers of deception...
Jul 01, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Season 7Ep. 37
On this special episode of Espresso (Vodka) Martini, join Chris, and Matt as they delve into the recent dramatic events in Russia. Like the rest of the world, they were taken aback when Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries orchestrated an armed convoy headed towards Moscow, seemingly attempting a coup. In this episode, Chris & Matt strive to shed light on what is known so far. If you enjoyed this podcast please support us by becoming a Patreon subscriber and get access to our exclusi...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 7Ep. 36
On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at Former President Trump being accused of illegally retaining classified documents, new evidence suggesting Russian forces are responsible for destroying the Kakhvoka dam, and information on a Chinese spy base in Cuba. On Extra Shot, they look at the German intelligence service seeing more aggressive Russian intelligence efforts, Russian assassins targeting a defector in Miami, and a Cold War traitor deep in the Australian intelligence se...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 7Ep. 35
On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at the death of the Russian spy who was deep in the FBI, Robert Hanssen. Later in the episode, they are joined by Chemical, Biological and Radiological expert Dan Kaszeta who the UK Government Blacklisting has blacklisted for being critical of the government on Twitter. Dan discusses what that experience has been like and what he has since discovered. And lastly, they look at the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and discuss who may be respo...
Jun 10, 2023•57 min•Season 7Ep. 34
Today, Chris is joined by Aki J. Peritz, a former CIA officer and author. They dive into the gripping story of the liquid bomb plot and the monumental counterterrorism investigation launched to thwart it. Aki's captivating book, "Disruption," provides an insider's perspective on the plot and sheds light on how it was successfully foiled. Join them as they uncover the secrets behind this high-stakes operation and unravel the reasons behind the stringent restrictions on carrying liquids in hand lu...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Season 7Ep. 33
On this episode of Espresso Martini Chris and Matt take a look at Bakhmut means for Putin and Russia, the UK Government Blacklisting chemical weapons export Dan Kaszeta for being critical of the government on Twitter. They also take another look at the Turkish Presidential elections and accusations of Russian interference. Also the new Patreon exclusive show “Extra Shot” launches. You can access it by subscribing to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links...
May 26, 2023•56 min•Season 7Ep. 32
We are launching an extra show that will be a Patreon exclusive and it will follow immediately after each Espresso Martini. The new show is called “Extra Shot” and it will give us an opportunity to talk about stories we didn’t cover but we really wanted to. Also, we may talk about any stories or bits of history that are on our mind at the moment and in time we plan to get on the odd guest and hopefully even some listeners. So to get access to Extra Shot you will need to go to www.patreon.com/Sec...
May 26, 2023•1 min
On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris, Matt and Oliver the cat discuss a little more Jack Teixeira the man arrested over Pentagon files leak. Then we will look at a former FBI Special Agent arrested for his role in the January 6th attack. Then we look at an interesting spy story involving a retired Iranian government member accused of being a spy for MI6. In the last section of the show, we discuss some of the new information on the Nord Stream pipeline attack and look ahead at the Presiden...
May 13, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 7Ep. 31
On this episode of Espresso Martini we discuss the recent Pentagon leaks, a Russian pro-war blogger who is not actually Russian, business men taking money from Chinese spies and Spy Ships off the coast of Scotland. Links to articles discussed: Who is Jack Teixeira, the man arrested over Pentagon files leak? By Peter Beaumont reporting for The Guardian Newspaper https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/apr/13/who-is-jack-teixeira-the-man-arrested-over-pentagon-files-leak What the leaked Pentagon ...
Apr 22, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 7Ep. 30
On todays podcast Chris is joined by Eldad Ben Aharon who is a researcher of Israeli intelligence and geopolitical history. We discuss the challenges of researching intelligence history in Israel and the importance of first person interviews with intelligence community members. You can connect with Eldad on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/EldadBenAharon You can read the following papers by Eldad via the links below Interview with Efraim Halevy https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02684...
Apr 15, 2023•45 min•Season 7Ep. 29
On this episode, Matt sits down with his friend and fellow indie spy writer Stephen England. They talk about Stephen's decade-long career as a novelist, the history and development of his 'Shadow Warriors' series, their inspirations, and the ethics of writing in the spy genre For more information about Stephen and his books, check out his Amazon page: shorturl.at/elFI0 For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Connect with us on social med...
Apr 14, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Season 7Ep. 28
