Secrets and Spies Podcast: Current Affairs | Geopolitics | Intelligence

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?

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/ Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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. 

Hello, everyone. We hope you are well. Matt and I are keen to get listener questions on future Espresso Martini Episodes. So, if you have a question or topic you would like us to discuss, email us here: secretsandspiespodcast@gmail.com In your email, please include:  Question or Topic with a relevant news or online publication link  How you would like us to read out your name & location online Adverts Adverts are essential to keeping Secrets & Spies running. We have received feedback that there have been some repetitive adverts, and we have reached out to our online hosting service to see what can be done about that. We apologise for any irritation caused.  We are now offering our new episodes advert-free on Patreon, so if you do want to get rid of adverts and are happy to directly support the show, please go to www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies And depending on which level you pick, you will get a coffee cup or set of coasters. Thank you so much for your support. Keep an eye out for our next Espresso Martini, which will drop on Saturday, 1st Feb. Have a great weekend! All the best, Chris & Matt Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

In this episode, we look at the horrific Southport murders that have sparked debates on mental health and the nature of terrorism, South Korea's plunge deeper into its worst political crisis in decades, and Trump’s new national security team scrambles to save ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon—while his rhetoric stirs fresh controversy. Plus, a Russian spy ship plays cat-and-mouse near UK waters, a daring Dutch gold heist stuns investigators, and why spy thrillers are making a big comeback in an age of distrust. Listen ad-free on Patreon and directly support the show: http://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/89dfJqAZq4c Articles discussed in today’s episode "How red flags over Southport killer were repeatedly missed" by Sean Seddon & Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w7nlwz9po "South Korea’s Impeached Leader is Indicted on Insurrection Charges" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/asia/south-korea-yoon-indicted-martial-law.html "South Korea’s Leadership Crisis, Explained" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/world/asia/south-korea-impeachment-yoon-explained.html "Trump team avoids Middle East escalation in first weekend in office" by Barak Ravid | Axios: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/27/trump-middle-east-gaza-lebanon-israel-ceasefires "UK warns Putin after Russian spy ship seen near British waters" by Becky Morton, Jonathan Beale & Damian Grammaticas | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjv7qgpw28o "Thieves use explosives to steal gold 'masterpieces' from Dutch museum" by Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxkpnnlpdvo "'The baddies reflect the worries of today’: How TV spy thrillers are booming in an age of distrust" by Laura Martin | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250124-why-tv-spy-thrillers-are-booming-right-now Chris's milk frother: https://salter.com/products/aspen-milk-frother-500w.html Chris's interview with Melissa Leo: https://pod.fo/e/27f01a Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

Chris and Matt break down Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th rioters, including violent offenders, and what it means for the rule of law and rising political violence in the US Then, the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has Syria at a crossroads—will it descend into chaos or find a path to stability? Plus, they explore Marc Polymeropoulos’ insights on opportunities for the US in Syria, along with the roles of Iran, Russia, and Turkey. Finally, how the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence quietly forged one of America’s most valuable partnerships. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n3SCep-l9Y0 You can listen to our final episode of Extra Shot here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-video-120721511 Articles discussed in today’s episode "Trump pardons upend massive Jan. 6 prosecution by freeing rioters and dismissing cases" by Richer, Kunzelman & Khalil | AP News: https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767 "Trump's imminent pardons will green-light another wave of far-right violence" by David Neiwert | The Spyhop: https://davidneiwert.substack.com/p/trumps-imminent-pardons-will-green "Syria’s New Era & Its Opportunities for the US" by Marc Polymeropoulos | New Lines Magazine: https://newlinesmag.com/argument/syrias-new-era-and-its-opportunities-for-the-us/ "The Syria Fiasco As Seen From Moscow" by Sergei Melkonian | Carnegie Endowment Diwan: https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2024/12/the-syria-fiasco-as-seen-from-moscow "How the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence secretly forged a deep partnership" by Patrick Reevell | ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/International/cia-helped-rebuild-ukraine-intelligence-russia-invasion/story?id=116909361 Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by another leading counterterrorism researcher, Aaron Zelin. Aaron has spent years studying the global jihadi movement, focusing on the Islamic State and Al-Qaeda. They explore the resurgence of the Islamic State following its territorial defeat in Iraq and Syria in 2017, and the evolving threat the group poses to the United States and other countries—from recent attacks in Iran, Russia, and New Orleans, and the organizational restructuring that’s made them rather resilient. Unpack these critical issues with one of the foremost experts in the field. Read Aaron’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/aaron-y-zelin Read Aaron’s Substack, Jihadology+: https://www.jihadologyplus.com Read Aaron’s past work for Jihadology: https://jihadology.net "A Globally Integrated Islamic State" by Aaron Zelin | War on the Rocks "Remaining, Waiting for Expansion (Again): The Islamic State’s Operations in Iraq and Syria" by Aaron Zelin | The Hudson Institute Follow Aaron on Twitter/X: https://x.com/azelin Follow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/azelin.bsky.social Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

On this episode, we delve into the world of intelligence with Julian Fisher, a renowned intelligence specialist and author. We explore the covert yet powerful skills of influence and persuasion honed by intelligence officers to elicit cooperation from even the most hardened individuals. Discover how these techniques can be ethically adapted to achieve your personal and professional goals. Julian, the founder of Africa Integrity, a leading private intelligence company, and the face of the Channel 4 TV series 'Spies' in 2017, brings a unique perspective to this fascinating conversation. Find out more about “Think Like A Spy” here: https://julesfisher.com/book/ Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JFcgWnwEiqc?si=HnPbNXW0Fs-dgO5c Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996   Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

In this episode, Sam Liechtenstein from RANE (Risk Assistance Network + Exchange) joins us to dissect their annual geopolitical forecast. We discussed a range of pressing issues, including: The deteriorating global climate cooperation The evolving conflict in Ukraine The shifting political landscape in Europe The Israeli-Palestinian conflict US-China tensions Political uncertainties in Asia North Korea's military threats Taiwan's strategic position India's rising influence Pakistan's instability Jihadism in Sub-Saharan Africa South Africa's political dynamics The implications of a potential Trump presidency To find out more about RANE and its annual global forecast, please visit their website here: https://www.ranenetwork.com/ Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996 Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social 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.

In this conversation, Chris and author Henry Hemming delve into the intricate world of espionage during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the roles of spies, informants, and key figures like Frank Hegarty and Freddy Scappatici. They discuss the political landscape that led to Operation Banner, the evolution of the IRA, and the cultural stigma surrounding informers. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by intelligence operations and the moral complexities involved in espionage. Get a copy of “Four Shots In The Night” here: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/henry-hemming/four-shots-in-the-night/9781529426786/ Find out more about Henry Hemming and his work here: https://henryhemming.com/ Check out our past interview with Henry about his book “Our Man In New York”: https://pod.fo/e/ca367 Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/OWmWkMq3hqM Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996   Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird

Hi everyone, we wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.  We also wanted to say a huge thank you to each of you for your support over 2024. We have more episodes to share over the Holidays, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, we hope you have a wonderful holiday period, and we will catch you in 2025 for more. Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996   Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com Connect with us on social media Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird