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•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast 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....
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast 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.alexro...
Dec 29, 2023•49 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast 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 th...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast On todays podcast we are joined by Lady Jane Reid and we are going to talk about the biography of Romanian artist and World War Two Spy, George Tomaziu. Lady Reid, was the translator of the book and knew Tomaziu personally. You can get a copy of Spy Artist Prisoner here: https://www.nickelbooks.co.uk/product/spy-artist-prisoner-1st-april/ 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 su...
Dec 19, 2023•33 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast 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 websi...
Dec 16, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast 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, ...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast 
