S8 Ep35: Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu imprisoned in Azerbaijan
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...
1hr 14m Apr 09, 2024
1hr 14m
S8 Ep34: Moscow ISIS-K attack, Ukriane update and Ukraine Intelligence
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-Na...
2hr 10m Apr 05, 2024
2hr 10m
S8: Easter sample of Extra Shot our Patreon only show
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: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies In this edition of Extra Shot, we will look at recommendations for a sha...
55m Mar 30, 2024
55m
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 Sh...
1hr 17m Mar 23, 2024
1hr 17m
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 UF...
51m Mar 15, 2024
51m
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 share...
46m Mar 09, 2024
46m
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, ...
1hr 13m Mar 01, 2024
1hr 13m
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...
26m Feb 21, 2024
26m
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...
1hr 20m Feb 17, 2024
1hr 20m
S8 Ep27: The Path Ahead For The Middle East with Laura Rozen
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, I...
44m Feb 14, 2024
44m
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 militia...
1hr 4m Feb 06, 2024
1hr 4m
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 i...
1hr Feb 02, 2024
1hr
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 kil...
1hr 5m Jan 26, 2024
1hr 5m
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 sev...
55m Jan 20, 2024
55m
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 Ru...
1hr 23m Jan 12, 2024
1hr 23m
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. ...
1hr Jan 05, 2024
1hr
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=410380...
49m Dec 29, 2023
49m
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/1574...
1hr Dec 22, 2023
1hr
S8 Ep18: Spy Artist Prisoner with Lady Jane Reid
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...
33m Dec 19, 2023
33m
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 t...
1hr 17m Dec 16, 2023
1hr 17m
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 Gu...
1hr 8m Dec 08, 2023
1hr 8m
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 ...
59m Dec 01, 2023
59m
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 u...
1hr 23m Nov 28, 2023
1hr 23m
S8 Ep13: Hamas hostage deal, coming to terms with 7th October, Ukraine nuclear weapons and political dysfunction the greatest threat to the US
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 numbe...
1hr 40m Nov 23, 2023
1hr 40m
S8 Ep12: The Double Bind revisited - No Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this week
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 ...
49m Nov 10, 2023
49m
S8 Ep11: Israel-Hamas War with Malcolm Nance
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/@blackmansp...
1hr 10m Nov 02, 2023
1hr 10m
S8 Ep10: Espresso Martini: Hamas Spies, Russian Sabotage and ATACMS for Ukraine
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 e...
1hr 40m Oct 28, 2023
1hr 40m
S8 Ep9: Disrupting Time, a tale of watches and industrial espionage with Aaron Stark
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 subscrib...
1hr 3m Oct 23, 2023
1hr 3m
S8 Ep8: Inside the Israel-Hamas War with Phillip Smyth
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...
1hr 8m Oct 19, 2023
1hr 8m
S8 Ep7: The Lumumba Plot with Stuart A. Reid
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 Yo...
53m Oct 16, 2023
53m
S8 Ep6: Espresso Martini: Hamas 7th October Attack in Israel
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 *...
1hr 48m Oct 14, 2023
1hr 48m
S8 Ep5: Best Thriller Books with Kashif Hussain
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 art...
54m Oct 09, 2023
54m
S8 Ep4: Espresso Martini: Russian & Chinese Spies in the UK and an Assassination in Canada
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 se...
1hr 10m Sep 30, 2023
1hr 10m
S8 Ep3: Moscow X with former CIA analyst David McCloskey
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, int...
1hr 23m Sep 25, 2023
1hr 23m
S8 Ep2: Extra Shot Teaser -- Espresso Martini & Extra Shot returns 30th September
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...
1hr 4m Sep 22, 2023
1hr 4m
S8 Ep1: Espresso Martini: Coups in Africa, Prigozhin’s death and a Russian pilot defects.
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 myste...
1hr 14m Sep 09, 2023
1hr 14m
S7 Ep41: Summer Special: Stalin’s Englishman with Andrew Lownie
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 Septemb...
40m Aug 27, 2023
40m
S7 Ep40: Espresso Martini 15: Missing Chinese Foreign Minister, another Russian coup predicted and the dangers of AI.
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 E...
1hr 9m Jul 29, 2023
1hr 9m
S7 Ep39: Espresso Martini: Cluster Bombs, Ukraine NATO membership and Prigozhin’s meeting with Putin
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 V...
59m Jul 13, 2023
59m
S7 Ep38: Soon Dies the Day with Stephen England
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 i...
1hr Jul 11, 2023
1hr
S7 Ep37: Operation Chrysler and a Murder Behind Enemy Lines in World War II with Pate McMichael
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 H...
1hr 24m Jul 01, 2023
1hr 24m
S7 Ep36: Espresso Martini: Prigozhin vs Putin and Wagners mutinous weekend in Russia
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 e...
1hr 6m Jun 26, 2023
1hr 6m
S7 Ep35: Espresso Martini: Trump Classified Docs Debacle and a Chinese Spy Base In Cuba
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, Russia...
1hr 3m Jun 23, 2023
1hr 3m
S7 Ep34: Espresso Martini: A Farewell to Robert Hanssen & No 10 Blacklisting with Dan Kaszeta
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 sin...
57m Jun 10, 2023
57m
S7 Ep33: The Liquid Bomb Plot with Aki J. Peritz.
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-st...
1hr 15m Jun 02, 2023
1hr 15m
S7 Ep32: Espresso Martini Episode Ten
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 acce...
56m May 26, 2023
56m
New Patreon exclusive show "Extra Shot" launching tomorrow
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 h...
1m May 26, 2023
1m
S7 Ep31: Espresso Martini Episode Nine
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, w...
1hr 20m May 13, 2023
1hr 20m
S7 Ep30: Espresso Martini Episode Eight
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-...
1hr 21m Apr 22, 2023
1hr 21m
S7 Ep29: Challenges researching Israeli intelligence history with Eldad Ben Aharon
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 ...
45m Apr 15, 2023
45m