Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs
Secrets & Spies
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.
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 17, 2024 • 1h 5min
S8 Ep44: 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 Websitehttps://drchrisgilbert.com/about/Dr Chris Gilbert Bloghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/heal-the-mind-heal-the-bodyDr Haseltine Websitehttps://www.drhaseltine.com/Dr Haseltine Bloghttps://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/long-fuse-big-bang?page=3Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon from £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
May 10, 2024 • 59min
S8 Ep43: 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/secretsandspiesYou 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_linkArticles discussed on the show:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/europe/ukraine-russia-zelensky-plot.htmlhttps://www.ft.com/content/c88509f9-c9bd-46f4-8a5c-9b2bdd3c3dd3https://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-chinaSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
May 6, 2024 • 47min
S8 Ep42: 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-ISupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
May 4, 2024 • 1h 16min
S8 Ep41: 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/Cb20226Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
May 1, 2024 • 1h 31min
S8 Ep40: 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-smythPhillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth/Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmythSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Apr 25, 2024 • 31sec
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 bestChris & Matt
Apr 22, 2024 • 55min
S8 Ep39: The legal case for the victims of Havana Syndrome with Mark S. Zaid
On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by national security Lawyer Mark S. Zaid. They discuss the legal case for the victims of the Anomalous Health Incidents, more popularly known as Havana Syndrome. Mark discusses the US government's denial and how that affects his clients, who have had their lives disrupted by these alleged attacks. You can find out more about Mark and his work here: https://markzaid.com/You can follow Mark on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/MarkSZaidEsqIf you feel politicians and decision-makers should be doing more to help the victims of these attacks, you can contact Politicians via the links below:Contact your Senator: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htmContact your MP: https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-an-mp-or-lord/contact-your-mp/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Apr 20, 2024 • 58min
S8 Ep38: Directed energy and Havana Syndrome with Dr. James Giordano
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 Havana Syndrome” which looks at Dr Giordano’s research on directed energy devices and their potential weaponisation.You can read that article here: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2024/4/4/directed-energy-remains-key-suspect-behind-havana-syndromeYou can find out more about Dr. Giordano’s work at the links below: Georgetown Universityhttps://gufaculty360.georgetown.edu/s/contact/00336000014Tm4oAAC/james-giordanoBio Defense Researchhttps://biodefenseresearch.org/the-institute-for-biodefense-research-announces-dr-james-giordano-as-new-executive-director/Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Apr 15, 2024 • 55min
S8 Ep37: Former US Navy Captain Gene Moran on the Houthi threat in the Red Sea
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.genemoran.com/You can connect with Gene on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genemoranCheck out Gene’s books on his Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gene-Moran/author/B07YW9RLMD?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueSupport Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Apr 13, 2024 • 1h 7min
S8 Ep36: Espresso Martini: Putin exploits ISIS-K attack, House Republicans hold up US aid to Ukraine, and new Havana Syndrome information.
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 violence, and we wrap up looking at Hollywood’s depiction of espionage in Film & TV. 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-13-04-102258042?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkArticles discussed:https://cepa.org/article/moscow-terror-attack-a-lie-too-good-to-waste/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/01/us/politics/mike-johnson-ukraine-aid.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/08/mike-johnson-ukraine-aid-congress-republicanshttps://theins.ru/en/politics/270425Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesBuy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dgFor 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.socialTWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpiesFACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspiesINSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/SPOUTIBLE https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
