On today’s show, we are going to look at reports about private messages from the leader of Hamas, criticisms of Europe’s outdated approach to China, a former CIA officer and FBI linguist pleading guilty to spying for China, and a potential plot from ISIS-K foiled in the US. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at Europe on high alert to Russian sabotage, Russian backed online efforts to disrupt the Olympics, a Fugitive sheriff from Florida who has a new career as ...
Jun 15, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Season 8Ep. 48
Hi all, we hope you are well. Sadly, due to work commitments on Chris's side, there will be no show this weekend. We will return next weekend. Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon from £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://secrets...
Jun 08, 2024•25 sec
On todays podcast I am joined be retired detective and author Steven Keogh. Steven investigated murders at Scotland Yard for 12 years, and he joins us to discuss his excellent book “Murder Investigation Team” which gives readers an insight into how British murder investigations are run and what it is like to be a part of a murder investigation. Check out Steven’s website to find out more about Steven, his book and his online course for crime writers: https://stevekeogh.com/ Support Secrets and S...
Jun 01, 2024•58 min•Season 8Ep. 47
On today’s show, we are going to look at the death of the Iranian President, Israel & Iran espionage comparisons, and we finish by looking at secret Hamas files that expose a mass surveillance campaign in Gaza. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at reports of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not taking the work of its intelligence agency CSIS seriously. We also look at Chinese research advances in brain-computer interfaces, then we look at the FBI cutt...
May 25, 2024•58 min•Season 8Ep. 46
On today’s episode, Matt is once again joined by Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups, to discuss the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and several other senior officials in a helicopter crash last weekend. They unpack what this unexpected development means for Iran domestically, the regime’s web of proxy forces, and the wider Middle East. Phillip’s work for The Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 8Ep. 45
On today’s podcast, I am joined by two guests, Dr. Chris Gilbert and Dr. Eric Haseltine, and we discuss Havana Syndrome from a technological and medical perspective. Dr Chris Gilbert is an Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician who has interviewed victims of these so-called Anomalous Health incidents, otherwise known as Havana Syndrome. Dr Haseltine is a neuroscientist and author who worked as the NSA's research director before becoming the director of science and technology for the US inte...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 44
On today's show, we are going to look at a failed plot to kill President Zelensky, fears of Russian sabotage in Europe, spy plots being foiled in Germany, and awkward talks between the US and China about Volt Typhoon, one of China’s hacking operations against the west. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” and we will look at privacy concerns in the age of AI, then we will turn our attention to the plot to discredit democracy, Putin propagandists in Russia left dismayed as the ...
May 10, 2024•59 min•Season 8Ep. 43
Chris is joined by historian and author Bill Mills on today's podcast. They discuss Bill’s research into German sabotage and espionage operations in the United States during World War One and how that led to Bill’s new book “Agent of the Iron Cross.” To find out more about “Agent of the Iron Cross” and to get a copy, visit the publisher's website here: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538182079/Agent-of-the-Iron-Cross-The-Race-to-Capture-German-Saboteur-Assassin-Lothar-Witzke-during-World-War-I Suppo...
May 06, 2024•47 min•Season 8Ep. 42
On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by former MI6 Officer turned best-selling author Charles Beaumont. They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Charle’s debut spy novel, “A Spy Alone”, and a little bit about his career in MI6. Charles also shares his literary influences, his approach to writing fiction and some tips if you are thinking of a career in intelligence. Please note that in this episode we have disguised Charles’s voice. To find out more about “A Spy Alone” and to get a copy visit...
May 04, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 8Ep. 41
On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups in the Middle East. This time, they discuss last month’s exchange of missiles, drones, and airstrikes between Israel and Iran. Phillip helps unpack what triggered this latest cycle of violence, gauge Iran’s intent behind an unprecedented attack against Israel itself, and look ahead at how it may impact the war in Gaza and the wider conflict throughout the region. Phillip’s work f...
May 01, 2024•2 hr 31 min•Season 8Ep. 40
Hi all, due to essential maintenance works at London HQ, there won't be an Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend. We are very sorry about this. We will have a new podcast out next weekend, so please stay tuned. We hope you all have an excellent weekend and we will catch you on the next episode. All the best Chris & Matt
Apr 25, 2024•31 sec
On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by national security Lawyer Mark S. Zaid. They discuss the legal case for the victims of the Anomalous Health Incidents, more popularly known as Havana Syndrome. Mark discusses the US government's denial and how that affects his clients, who have had their lives disrupted by these alleged attacks. You can find out more about Mark and his work here: https://markzaid.com/ You can follow Mark on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsq If you feel politicia...
Apr 22, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 39
On today’s podcast Chris is joined by Dr James Giordano. Dr Giordano served as the consulting neuroscientist on research into the original cases of Havana Syndrome. Dr. James Giordano is a neuroscientist and neuroethicist, whose work focuses upon mechanisms and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and neuroethical issues arising from the use and misuse of neuroscientific techniques and technologies. Dr Giordano wrote a fantastic article titled “Directed Energy Remains Key Suspect Behind Hava...
Apr 20, 2024•58 min•Season 8Ep. 38
On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by Former US Navy Destroyer Captain Gene Moran to discuss the Houthi Threat in the Red Sea. In this episode, they look at the background of the Houthis, the threat that they pose, and how the US Navy and its allies are dealing with that threat. They then discuss life on a ship during a time of conflict and finish up with Gene explaining what more he thinks could be done to counter this threat. You can find out more about Gene and his work here: https://www.gen...
Apr 15, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 37
On today’s episode, we are going to look at Putin exploiting the ISIS-K attack for his war on Ukraine, House Republicans holding up US aid to Ukraine, and we will wrap up looking at new revelations on Havana Syndrome. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot”. On that we will look at Chinese Disinformation efforts targeting the US elections, a Chinese Drone flying over the Sea of Japan, the results of a recent survey that suggests some US gun owners would engage in political violen...
Apr 13, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 8Ep. 36
On today’s podcast, we are joined by Ibad Bayramov, and we discuss the imprisonment of his father, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, in Azerbaijan. Dr Ibadoghlu is an economics professor who was a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and a leading figure in the opposition in Azerbaijan. In July 2023, he was arrested and held by Azerbaijan authorities while visiting family. He is facing up to 12 years in prison for the production, acquisition, or sale of counterfeit money by an organised group ...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 8Ep. 35
In today’s episode, we welcome Dr Taras Kuzio, who has just returned from a trip to Ukraine. Dr. Taras Kuzio is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society. Winner of the 2022 Peterson Literary Prize for Russian Nationalism and the Russian-Ukrainian War: Autocracy-Orthodoxy-Nationality (Routledge, 2022). In the first section, we discuss the recent ISIS-K terrorist attack in Mosc...
Apr 05, 2024•2 hr 11 min•Season 8Ep. 34
As it's the Easter weekend, Chris and Matt are away. So today, we are going to share a sample episode of "Extra Shot," our Patreon-only show that immediately follows each episode of "Espresso Martini." To get access to future and past episodes of "Extra Shot" please subscribe here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies In this edition of Extra Shot, we will look at recommendations for a shake-up of British intelligence, the arrest of an alleged member of the Red Army Faction in Germany, we also look a...
Mar 30, 2024•55 min
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...
Mar 23, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Season 8Ep. 33
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 un...
Mar 15, 2024•51 min•Season 8Ep. 32
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 ...
Mar 09, 2024•46 min•Season 8Ep. 31
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 l...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 8Ep. 30
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 ...
Feb 21, 2024•26 min•Season 8Ep. 29
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/e...
Feb 17, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 8Ep. 28
On today’s episode, Matt speaks with the veteran foreign policy journalist and Middle East watcher, Laura Rozen. After four months of war between Israel and Hamas, the conflict seems to be entering a new phase with the possibility of another ceasefire on the horizon. Laura joins us to unpack what she’s seeing from her reporting and discuss the delicate ongoing diplomatic talks between the US, Israel, and the Arab states on how a post-war Gaza would be governed and what it might mean for the regi...
Feb 14, 2024•44 min•Season 8Ep. 27
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 ...
Feb 06, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 26
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 f...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr•Season 8Ep. 25
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 tha...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 8Ep. 24
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-7...
Jan 20, 2024•55 min•Season 8Ep. 23
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 rivet...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 8Ep. 22
