193 episodes
Secrets and Spies - A Spy & Geopolitics Podcast Secrets & Spies
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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Secrets and Spies is an enthralling podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode promises riveting conversations with best-selling authors, historians, journalists, and former intelligence professionals.
Secrets and Spies is more than a podcast—it's an intellectual adventure that invites you to join us in deciphering the most enigmatic professions, ideologies, and organizations that shape the global landscape. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and expert insights with balanced yet critical perspectives that will expand your understanding of our uncertain world. Subscribe to Secrets and Spies today on all major podcast streaming platforms.
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.
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Havana Syndrome from a technological and medical perspective.
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 intelligence community. He wrote an excellent book called “The Spy In Moscow Station”, which may well hold the key to what is behind Havana Syndrome.
Dr Chris Gilbert Website
https://drchrisgilbert.com/about/
Dr Chris Gilbert Blog
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/heal-the-mind-heal-the-body
Dr Haseltine Website
https://www.drhaseltine.com/
Dr Haseltine Blog
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/long-fuse-big-bang?page=3
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://secretsandspiespodcast.com/
Connect with us on social media.
BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/
SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies -
Espresso Martini: Plot to kill Zelensky, Russian sabotage plots, and Chinese hacking.
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 US finally passes its aid to Ukraine bill and we will finish up looking at the sad state of the Royal Navy which has become a show of its former self after decades of successive cuts.
To listen to Extra Shot you will need to become a Patreon subscriber. Just go to the link in the show notes and pick the subscription level that works for you, or go to Patreon.co/secretsandspies
You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen to Extra Shot: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-11th-104022410?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link
Articles discussed on the show:
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/europe/ukraine-russia-zelensky-plot.html
https://www.ft.com/content/c88509f9-c9bd-46f4-8a5c-9b2bdd3c3dd3
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/05/04/german-spy-plots-alternative-for-germany-far-right-authorit/
https://therecord.media/china-volt-typhoon-direct-talks-us-china
Support Secrets and Spies:
Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £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://secretsandspiespodcast.com/
Connect with us on social media.
BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/
SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies -
Agent Of The Iron Cross With Bill Mills
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
Support Secrets and Spies:
Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £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://secretsandspiespodcast.com/
Connect with us on social media.
BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/
SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies -
The reality behind “A Spy Alone” with Charles Beaumont
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 the publisher's website here: https://www.canelo.co/books/a-spy-alone-charles-beaumont/
To connect with Charles you can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cb20226
Support Secrets and Spies:
Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £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://secretsandspiespodcast.com/
Connect with us on social media.
BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/
SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies -
Israel and Iran climb (and descend?) the escalation ladder with Phillip Smyth
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 for The Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth
Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth/
Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth
Support Secrets and Spies:
Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £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://secretsandspiespodcast.com/
Connect with us on social media.
BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/
SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies -
No Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend
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