
Secrets and Spies Podcast: Current Affairs | Geopolitics | Intelligence
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts. Tune in for balanced, critical perspectives that will expand your understanding of our uncertain world, deciphering the most enigmatic professions, ideologies, and organizations that shape the global landscape.
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Our Hosts
Host Chris Carr, driven by a teenage encounter with former KGB officer Oleg Gordievsky, brings a unique authenticity to the podcast. His deep-seated fascination with espionage is evident in his highly acclaimed short spy film The Dry Cleaner, available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime. Currently developing feature film and television scripts inspired by the podcast's themes, Chris aims to create realistic and compelling spy dramas.
Joining him is Matt Fulton, a novelist and screenwriter who draws inspiration from masters of the spy genre like John Le Carré, Tom Clancy, and Graham Greene. Author of the Active Measures series of globe-trotting geopolitical thrillers, Matt brings his decades of extensive research and narrative prowess to the podcast, offering listeners a front-row seat to the thrilling world of covert operations.
Latest episodes

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 16min
S9 Ep31: Espresso Martini | A Russian Spy Ring in the UK, Ukraine’s Ceasefire Gamble, and AI Warships on the Horizon
Another Russian spy ring in the UK is exposed—what were they up to, and what does it reveal about Moscow’s intelligence operations? Chris and Matt dive into the details of the case, including a botched plot to track Ukrainian soldiers and bizarre honey trap plans. Then, they break down the latest on the Ukraine ceasefire proposal. Will Putin play ball, or is this just a naive delay tactic? Plus, the US Navy’s new autonomous warship raises big questions about the future of naval warfare, and they analyze the claim that “Putin has won.” Has he really? All that and more in this week’s Espresso Martini.
Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.
Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L67zrQSP3Ng
Articles discussed in today’s episode
"'The dumbest thing I’ve ever done': spy trial’s tales of scheming, bluster and a love triangle" by Dan Sabbagh | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/spy-trial-scheming-bluster-tangled-relationships
"Bulgarian trio convicted of conspiring to spy for Russia" | Crown Prosecution Service: https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/bulgarian-trio-convicted-conspiring-spy-russia
"Trump’s Ukraine ceasefire plan: What we know so far" by Tim Ross | Politico Europe: https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ceasefire-plan-ukraine-jeddah-saudi-arabia-russia-fighting/
"Mysterious Naval Vessel Spotted In Washington State Is A New DARPA Drone Ship" by Joseph Trevithick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/sea/mysterious-naval-vessel-spotted-in-washington-state-is-a-new-darpa-drone-ship
"Putin Won" by Franklin Foer | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/03/putin-russia-won/681959/
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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Mar 10, 2025 • 41min
S9 Ep30: Mission Iran: Behind the Scenes of Operation Eagle Claw with James Stejskal
Guest host and spy thriller writer Stephen England sits down with James Stejskal, a former US Army Special Forces soldier, CIA officer, historian, and author. They discuss Stejskal’s journey from special operations and intelligence work to writing both fiction and nonfiction. The conversation focuses on Mission Iran, his latest book, which uncovers Special Forces Detachment A’s covert role in Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Tehran. Stejskal shares firsthand insights into the mission, the dynamics between Special Forces, the CIA, and the State Department, and how his experience in the field shaped his writing. They also explore his Snake Eater Chronicles thrillers, his research into Cold War Berlin, and his upcoming novel, The Rat Catcher of Berlin. Along the way, Stejskal reflects on the reality of intelligence operations, the challenges of writing both history and fiction, and the enduring influence of special operations forces in modern conflicts.
Don’t miss this deep dive into espionage history, real-world spycraft, and how it translates into gripping storytelling.
Connect with James on his website: https://jamesstejskal.wordpress.com/
Follow James on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/James-Stejskal-Writer/100063534272964/
Find Mission Iran and James’ other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/James-Stejskal/author/B00NXOQG4Y
More about Stephen England: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com/
Follow Stephen on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/stephenengland.bsky.social
Follow Stephen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenenglandauthor
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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 F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 26min
S9 Ep29: Espresso Martini | The Oval Office Debacle and a Reckoning for the Western Alliance
This week’s Espresso Martini is unlike any other. Chris and Matt take a deep dive into the future of the transatlantic relationship after the disastrous White House meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy. They unpack the fallout, the shifting US stance on Ukraine, and the broader implications for NATO and European security. A raw, emotional, and unfiltered discussion on a critical moment in world affairs—one where the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DRqFtzQ_orA
Articles discussed in today’s episode
"At Least Now We Know the Truth About Trump and Vance" by David Frum | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/least-now-we-know-truth-about-trump-and-vance/681872/
"How JD Vance emerged as the chief saboteur of the transatlantic alliance" by Andrew Roth | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/jd-vance-volodymyr-zelenskyy
"Trump officials fume at Zelenskyy for disregarding advice before meeting" by Hugo Lowell | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/01/trump-officials-zelenskyy
"Five Dispassionate Ways of Looking at Today's Oval Office Blow-Up" by Dan Drezner | Drezner’s World Substack: https://danieldrezner.substack.com/p/five-dispassionate-ways-of-looking
"Breaking Down the U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal" by Gracelin Baskaran & Meredith Schwartz | Center for Strategic & International Studies: https://www.csis.org/analysis/breaking-down-us-ukraine-minerals-deal
Support Secrets and Spies
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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 Bluesky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h
S9 Ep28: Shane Harris on the US Intelligence Community in Crisis
The Trump administration’s national security team is in place, and the intelligence community is feeling the shock. Elon Musk’s "Department of Government Efficiency" has infiltrated federal agencies, intelligence officials are resigning or being purged, and US allies are questioning how much they can still trust Washington. In this episode, The Atlantic’s Shane Harris joins Matt to assess the state of the US intelligence community one month into Trump’s second term. They discuss the FBI shake-up under Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, Musk’s DOGE operatives posing an unprecedented counterintelligence risk, and whether Five Eyes can survive another four years. Plus, is the intelligence community still a viable career path for those who believe in its mission?
Read Shane’s work at The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/shane-harris/
Follow Shane on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/shaneharris.bsky.social
Follow Shane on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/shaneharris
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G50obIZatz0
Shane’s reporting discussed in the episode:
"Trump’s Military Purge Has Washington Asking 'Who’s Next?'" by Shane Harris & Jonathan Lemire: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/cq-brown-joint-chiefs-chairman-fired/681804/
"This Is What Happens When the DOGE Guys Take Over" by Michael Scherer, Ashley Parker, Matteo Wong & Shane Harris: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/doge-musk-federal-agencies-takeover/681744/
"Elon Musk Is Breaking the National-Security System": https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/02/doge-intelligence-agencies-harm/681667/
"The Spies Are Shown the Door": https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/02/trump-intelligence-agency-buyouts/681589/
"FBI Agents Are Stunned by the Scale of the Expected Trump Purge": https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/trump-fbi-revenge-firings/681538/
"Trump’s First Shot in His War on the 'Deep State'": https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/01/trump-executive-order-security/681423/
"The Rise of John Ratcliffe": https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2025/01/ratcliffe-dni-cia-trump/681197/
"Trump’s 'Deep State' Revenge": https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2024/11/intelligence-agencies-trump-loyalists/680625/
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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
S9 Ep27: Espresso Martini | Trump’s FBI Shake-Up, China’s Military Buildup, and James Bond’s Future
Chris and Matt discuss Dan Bongino’s appointment as FBI deputy director, signaling a dramatic shift in federal law enforcement and raising alarms about political loyalty over experience while Trump’s broader FBI purge faces internal resistance. Meanwhile, as the war in Ukraine enters its third year, polling challenges assumptions about the Global South’s stance on the conflict, revealing a divide between government policies and public sentiment. In the Indo-Pacific, a new report warns that China’s military modernization may be more about political control than combat readiness, despite its growing arsenal. And finally, former CIA officer John Sipher takes aim at Hollywood’s spy fantasies, arguing that real intelligence work is more about trust and tradecraft than rooftop chases—just as Amazon’s billion-dollar takeover of James Bond raises new questions about the franchise’s future.
Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9H2nB56zRwQ
Articles discussed in today’s episode
"How Dan Bongino Went From Infowars to FBI Deputy Director" by David Gilbert | Wired: https://www.wired.com/story/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director-infowars/
"Inside Patel’s first week: Internal upheaval at the FBI – some of his own making" by Even Perez | CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/27/politics/kash-patel-first-week-fbi/index.html
"The Global South’s Views on Ukraine Are More Complex Than You May Think" by Michael Karadjis | New Lines Magazine: https://newlinesmag.com/argument/the-global-souths-views-on-ukraine-are-more-complex-than-you-may-think/
"Is China’s military really built for war? New report questions Beijing’s arms buildup" by Brad Lendon | CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/16/china/china-military-readiness-rand-report-intl-hnk-ml/index.html
"The Chinese Military's Doubtful Combat Readiness" by Timothy R. Heath | RAND Corporation: https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA830-1.html
"The Car Chase to Nowhere: Hollywood & Spies" by John Sipher | Tomorrow’s Affairs: https://tomorrowsaffairs.com/the-car-chase-to-nowhere-hollywood-spies
Support Secrets and Spies
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Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
S9 Ep26: Dr. Taras Kuzio on Ukraine & Trump Peace Negotiations
In this conversation, Dr. Taras Kuzio provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing war in Ukraine, discussing the current military status, the technological innovations being utilized by Ukraine, and the geopolitical implications of the conflict. He emphasizes the challenges faced by the Russian military and the evolving dynamics of international support for Ukraine.
The discussion also touches on the complexities of peace negotiations and the trust issues surrounding the Trump administration's proposals regarding Ukraine's resources. Chris and Taras delve into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding the Ukraine conflict, examining the implications of Trump's statements, NATO membership, and the Biden administration's approach to territorial integrity. They discuss the challenges of negotiating peace with Russia, the dynamics of European defense spending, and the geopolitical landscape involving China and Israel's position in the conflict.
The conversation highlights the intricate interplay of international relations and the historical context shaping current events.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YJ3V8CrBjDI
Connect with Dr Kuzio: https://twitter.com/TarasKuzio
Support Secrets and Spies
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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 Bluesky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 16min
S9 Ep25: David Neiwert on Authoritarianism, Trump, Jan 6, and Antifa
In this episode of Secrets and Spies, David Neiwert discussed his reporting on right-wing extremism, focusing on the MAGA movement's authoritarian tendencies, online influence, and the role of masculinity. He analysed the January 6th insurrection as a result of Trump-fueled extremism and warned about the potential for further political violence, specifically targeting minorities and immigrants, while addressing the mischaracterisation of Antifa. Neiwert emphasised the dangers of extremist infiltration into law enforcement and the military, the importance of community defence, and the need to recognise the real threats posed by far-right ideologies.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CicnpPUexI0
Listen ad-free on Patreon: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Follow David on social media
Substack: https://davidneiwert.substack.com/
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Each episode unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

Feb 22, 2025 • 1h 35min
S9 Ep24: Espresso Martini | The GRU’s New Black Ops Unit, Russian Hybrid Warfare in Britain, and Listener Questions
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 Reads
In 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)
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and 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.

Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 29min
S9 Ep23: Espresso Martini | Trump Targets Cartels, NSA’s Word Purge, and Iran’s Drone Carrier
Dive into the latest on global espionage as discussions heat up over Trump's controversial push to label Mexican drug cartels as terrorists. Explore the implications of increased U.S. surveillance flights and potential military actions. Discover the NSA's alarming decision to delete key terms like 'bias' and 'inclusion' from intelligence discussions. The conversation also tackles Trump’s demands regarding Ukraine's rare earth minerals amid its ongoing conflict, while Iran's new drone carrier sparks debate—is it a game changer or just a PR move?

Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 27min
S9 Ep22: Espresso Martini | The Potomac Air Disaster, Trump’s FBI Purge, and Iran Explores Its Nuclear Options
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/
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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.
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