Secrets and Spies Podcast: Espionage | Global Issues | Current Affairs

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 militias, analyzes the effectiveness of the US response thus far, and tells us what, if anything, can be done to deter future attacks.Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth.Find Phillip’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth.Explore Phillip’s Shia Militia Mapping Project: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/shia-militia-mapping-project.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

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 inspirations, why the book took a decade to complete, and how contemporary spy fiction can take a page from epic fantasy and science fiction. Every bit as gritty, sweeping, and intricately plotted as I Am Pilgrim, The Year of the Locust’s bold bending of conventions will surely make it one of the most talked-about thrillers of the year.Terry Hayes’ author page: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Terry-Hayes/15705144.Order The Year of the Locust on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668055783.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

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 kill Iranian journalists based in London.Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at reports of China rebuilding its nuclear weapons testing facilities, the retirement of MI5’s longest-serving member; celebrities tricked into making propaganda videos, concerns of a former CIA officer about Trump returning to the White House and we will wrap up on the death of Gaston Glock, who created the legendary Glock pistol favoured by people on both sides of the law.  You will need to be a Patreon subscriber to get access to Extra Shot. Click here to subscribe and listen: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-26th-97260730?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkLinks to articles discussed in Espresso Martini:https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/new-airstrikes-target-houthi-forces-in-yemenhttps://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/why-hasnt-the-u-s-struck-back-after-red-sea-anti-ship-attackshttps://www.thedailybeast.com/israels-fervent-hunt-for-the-mysterious-hamas-spokesman-abu-obaidahttps://www.ft.com/content/601df41f-8393-46ad-9f74-fe64f8ea1a3fhttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/us-intelligence-officials-determined-chinese-spy-balloon-used-us-inter-rcna131150https://news.sky.com/story/man-guilty-of-spying-on-london-based-tv-channel-iran-international-to-help-terror-plotters-13034011For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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 seventy years the US Air Force has developed and tested classified military aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes, the F-117 stealth fighter, and numerous other projects that will remain a secret for decades to come.Purchase Dreamland through Schiffer Publishing: https://schifferbooks.com/products/dreamland.Find Dreamland and Peter’s other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3APeter+W.+Merlin&s=relevancerank&text=Peter+W.+Merlin&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1.If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesFor more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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 Russia amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine War, where turmoil, intrigue, and betrayal intertwine in a riveting narrative that will keep you turning the pages. For any fans of the spy genre, this is not an interview you want to miss.Moscow X is out now in the UK and available here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/david-mccloskey/moscow-x/9781800753389/For more info on David, check out his website here: https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/Moscow X is also available from the following websites:Amazon - https://a.co/d/6UtkEYC Indiebound - https://bookshop.org/p/books/moscow-x-david-mccloskey/19670054?ean=9781324050759Amazon Pre-Order for UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moscow-X-Novel-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BWLJ4K63Amazon Pre-Order for Australia - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=26R3NQ02RWOFF&keywords=moscow+x&qid=1695673531&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-5Amazon Pre-Order for New Zealand - https://www.amazon.com.au/Moscow-Damascus-Station-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BS24PP9F/ref=sr_1_5?crid=29JF1MD20FY40&keywords=moscow+X&qid=1695673614&sprefix=moscow+x%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-5If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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.To find out more about RANE and its annual global forecast, please visit their website here: https://www.ranenetwork.com/If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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=41038091616290To find out more about Alexander and his other works visit his website here: https://www.alexrose.com/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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 Amazonhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Eyes-Only-Life-James/dp/1574883690You can listen and find out more about Spy Hards here: https://www.spyhards.com/If you enjoyed the podcast, please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”, now available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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 get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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

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 to come.Michael Frost Beckner’s website: https://www.michaelfrostbeckner.com/.Stephen England’s website: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com/If you enjoyed the podcast please support the show and get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpiesCheck out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/j_KFTJenrz4For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ Support Secrets and Spies:  * Subscribe to our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg* Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies* You can buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=uConnect 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