Best Secrets Spies The Dry CleanerCast Podcasts (2025)

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S9 Ep43: Espresso Martini | Hegseth on the Ropes, Putin’s Diplomat Spy, and Listener Questions 1:20:06

12h ago1:20:06

1:20:06

This week, Chris and Matt unpack the deepening chaos at the Pentagon as Pete Hegseth’s tenure as secretary of defense continues to spiral. From more leaked strike plans on Signal to staff purges and his wife sitting in on sensitive meetings, the dysfunction is reaching new lows. Then, a little-known Russian spymaster emerges as a key player in Ukra…

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S9 Ep42: Russia’s Shadow War Against NATO with Florian Flade 1:12:27

22h ago1:12:27

1:12:27

Chris welcomes back national security journalist Florian Flade to unpack Russia’s shadow war against NATO. They examine Moscow’s escalating hybrid attacks across Europe—from sabotage and arson to drone incursions and attempted assassinations—and how Russia recruits low-level agents via Telegram and even AI-driven chatbots. Florian details arson plo…

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S9 Ep41: Body Language and Lie Detection with Gavin Stone 1:01:35

5d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Chris sits down with Gavin Stone—former covert operative, body language expert, and best-selling author—to explore the subtle science of reading people. They delve into the art of lie detection, psychological manipulation, and the power of nonverbal cues in high-risk environments. Drawing on two decades of frontline HUMINT experience, Gavin shares …

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S9 Ep40: God’s Banker, His Death Beneath a London Bridge, and the Vatican’s Cold War Secrets with Nicolo Majnoni 54:08

11d ago54:08

54:08

This week, Matt speaks with Nicolo Majnoni, host of Shadow Kingdom, a gripping new investigative podcast from Crooked Media and Campside Media. The first season explores the mysterious June 1982 death of Roberto Calvi—known as “God’s Banker”—and his ties to the Vatican, organized crime, and secret societies at the height of Italy’s Cold War turmoil…

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S9 Ep39: Espresso Martini | Trump’s Special Economic Operation, NSA Purge, and the FBI in Turmoil 1:01:28

15d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Chris and Matt unpack the surreal ousting of top U.S. national security officials after far-right influencer Laura Loomer walked into the Oval Office with a hit list. They assess the fallout for cyber defenses, the politicization of the FBI, and the broader dismantling of U.S. institutions under Trump’s second term. Then, they turn to Trump’s sweep…

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S9 Ep38: Photographing Area 51 with Michał Rokita 1:00:05

18d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Photographer and field researcher Michał Rokita joins Matt to discuss his rare and meticulous efforts to document one of the world’s most secretive military sites: Area 51. From hiking remote peaks in the Nevada desert to capturing panoramic images from over 20 miles away, Michał shares what it takes to legally photograph Groom Lake from public lan…

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S9 Ep37: Espresso Martini | Signalgate with Shane Harris, Boeing’s F-47, and Remembering Oleg Gordievsky 1:34:09

22d ago1:34:09

1:34:09

The Atlantic’s Shane Harris joins Chris and Matt to unpack Signalgate, the extraordinary national security scandal where top Trump officials coordinated airstrikes over Signal and accidentally included a journalist in the group chat. They discuss the operational fallout, legal implications, and the strain on Five Eyes allies. Then, they dive into t…

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S9 Ep36: Sell Like a Spy: What Business Can Learn from Intelligence Officers with Jeremy Hurewitz 51:22

25d ago51:22

51:22

What can business leaders learn from spies? In this episode, Chris speaks with Jeremy Hurewitz, author of Sell Like a Spy, to explore how intelligence officers build trust, read people, and influence outcomes. Drawing on years spent working alongside former CIA, FBI, and military professionals in the world of corporate security, Jeremy shares real-…

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S9 Ep35: Eric O’Neill on Cybersecurity and Catching One of America’s Most Infamous Spies 1:00:45

30d ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Former FBI counterintelligence specialist Eric O’Neill joins Chris to recount his mission to help capture one of the most damaging spies in American history: Robert Hanssen. They discuss Hanssen’s transformation from a wannabe Bond into a real-life cyber mole, his staggering betrayal of US intelligence, and how O’Neill built trust with a man he kne…

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S9 Ep34: Is China’s Military Ready for War? PLA Readiness, Regime Stability, and Taiwan with Timothy Heath 49:12

1M ago49:12

49:12

Is the Chinese military really ready for war? In this episode, Chris and Matt speak with Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at RAND Corporation, about his provocative new report The Chinese Military’s Doubtful Combat Readiness. Heath argues that the PLA remains deeply shaped by its political mission to preserve CCP rule—and is…

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S9 Ep33: Espresso Martini | Putin’s Dilemma, Moscow’s Play in Africa, and Listener Questions 1:21:37

1M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

Putin hesitates on Ukraine's ceasefire, Trump plays shuttle diplomacy, and the West braces for Russia’s next move. We break down Mark Galeotti’s take on Putin’s indecisiveness and Trump’s latest call with Moscow. Plus, Russia’s ghost ships in Libya—what’s behind Moscow’s growing influence in North Africa? Then, we tackle listener questions: Is the …

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S9 Ep32: Who Will Defend Europe? with Keir Giles 1:00:17

1M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Chris is joined by Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House and author of Who Will Defend Europe?, to discuss the looming threat of Russian aggression and Europe’s unpreparedness for war. They dig into the failure of Western governments to heed repeated warnings about Moscow’s ambitions, the dangerous reliance on outdated post-Cold W…

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S9 Ep31: Espresso Martini | A Russian Spy Ring in the UK, Ukraine’s Ceasefire Gamble, and AI Warships on the Horizon 1:16:18

1M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

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 b…

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S9 Ep30: Mission Iran: Behind the Scenes of Operation Eagle Claw with James Stejskal 41:19

2M ago41:19

41:19

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…

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S9 Ep29: Espresso Martini | The Oval Office Debacle and a Reckoning for the Western Alliance 1:25:38

2M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

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, a…

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S9 Ep28: Shane Harris on the US Intelligence Community in Crisis 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

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 Atl…

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S9 Ep27: Espresso Martini | Trump’s FBI Shake-Up, China’s Military Buildup, and James Bond’s Future 1:29:54

2M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

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 S…

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S9 Ep26: Dr. Taras Kuzio on Ukraine & Trump Peace Negotiations 1:02:36

2M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

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 s…

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S9 Ep25: David Neiwert on Authoritarianism, Trump, Jan 6, and Antifa 1:16:15

2M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

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, sp…

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S9 Ep24: Espresso Martini | The GRU’s New Black Ops Unit, Russian Hybrid Warfare in Britain, and Listener Questions 1:35:26

2M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

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 …

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S9 Ep23: Espresso Martini | Trump Targets Cartels, NSA’s Word Purge, and Iran’s Drone Carrier 1:28:41

2M ago1:28:41

1:28:41

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt unpack the latest intelligence, national security, and espionage stories shaping current affairs. First, they examine Trump’s push to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, the spike in U.S. surveillance flights over Mexico, and whether covert military action is on the table. Th…

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S9 Ep22: Espresso Martini | The Potomac Air Disaster, Trump’s FBI Purge, and Iran Explores Its Nuclear Options 1:27:03

3M ago1:27:03

1:27:03

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 Art…

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Service Announcement - Listener Questions & Adverts 2:13

3M ago2:13

2:13

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: [email protected] In your email, please include: Question or Topic with a relevant news or online publication link How you would lik…

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S9 Ep21: Espresso Martini | Southport Killer, South Korea’s Political Crisis, Trump’s Team Navigates Middle East Ceasefires, and TV’s Spy Thriller Renaissance 1:33:24

3M ago1:33:24

1:33:24

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…

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S9 Ep20: Espresso Martini | January 6 Pardons, Syria’s Crossroads, and the CIA’s Secret Partner 1:15:43

3M ago1:15:43

1:15:43

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…

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S9 Ep19: Will ISIS Make a Comeback in 2025? with Aaron Zelin 57:18

3M ago57:18

57:18

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…

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S9 Ep18: How to Think Like A Spy with Julian Fisher 44:18

4M ago44:18

44:18

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 achi…

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S9 Ep17: 2025 Global Forcast with Sam Liechtenstein from RANE 1:03:08

4M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

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-Chi…

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S9 Ep16: Murder of a British Spy in the IRA with Henry Hemming 51:58

4M ago51:58

51:58

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 …

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Happy Holidays and Thank You for your support over 2024 0:43

4M ago0:43

0:43

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…

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S9 Ep15: Russian Spy Ships and undersea cables with Florian Flade 1:01:53

4M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

In this episode, we’re joined by Florian Flade, an investigative journalist for Germany’s public broadcaster WDR based in Berlin. In this conversation, Florian discusses the activities of Russian research ships that are suspected of espionage. He explains how these ships, while officially labeled as academic vessels, are equipped with advanced tech…

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S9 Ep14: The Fall of Assad and What’s Next for Syria with Phillip Smyth 1:43:49

4M ago1:43:49

1:43:49

After a despotic reign of over five decades, marked by 13 years of bloody civil war that killed over half a million people and displaced millions more, the al-Assad dynasty’s rule over Syria has come to a sudden, shocking end. In just under two weeks, rebel groups mounted an offensive that captured a string of major cities, culminating in the fall …

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S9 Ep13: We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History with Jack Murphy 49:56

5M ago49:56

49:56

In this episode, Matt’s joined by Jack Murphy—former Green Beret, investigative journalist, and host of The Team House podcast. Jack shares insights from his latest book, We Defy: The Lost Chapters of Special Forces History, which uncovers lesser-known missions that shaped the US special operations community, from Cold War Berlin to nuclear conting…

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S9 Ep12: Can a Federation Heal the Divide between Israel and Palestine with Nigel Roberts 1:08:02

5M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Retired World Bank Director Nigel Roberts tackles the intractable Israel-Palestine conflict. He dissects the shortcomings of the two-state solution and champions a novel approach: a federation acknowledging both identities. Roberts delves into the historical roots and the radicalisation fuelling the conflict. He argues for a new framework built on …

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S9 Ep11: Far-Right Extremism Under Trump 2.0 with Jacob Ware 57:10

5M ago57:10

57:10

In this episode, Matt is joined again by Jacob Ware, a counterterrorism expert with the Council on Foreign Relations and co-author of God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America. They discuss the unsettling question of what far-right extremism, with its proponents feeling emboldened and legitimized by Donald Trump’s election, might look…

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S9 Ep10: Espresso Martini | Trump’s Coming War on the Intelligence Community, Russia’s Sabotage Campaign, and America’s Future at a Crossroads 1:13:19

5M ago1:13:19

1:13:19

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt examine the potentially seismic shifts for the US and the Western alliance if Trump executes his plans to overhaul the federal workforce. They discuss the risk of a mass exodus of career officials, the politicization of intelligence agencies, and the broader implications for national security. The…

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S9: Podcast Update 11/23 0:41

5M ago0:41

0:41

We wanted to drop a quick update about the podcast this weekend. New episodes of Espresso Martini and our Patreon-exclusive show, Extra Shot, are running just a little behind schedule. Listeners in the US and the UK can expect them in their feeds on Sunday. For our friends Down Under, that’ll probably be Monday. Both are still on the way, just not …

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S9 Ep9: Russian mercenaries in Africa with Philip Obaji 1:09:12

6M ago1:09:12

1:09:12

In this conversation, award-winning investigative journalist Philip Obaji discusses the increasing influence of the Russian Wagner Group in Africa, particularly in relation to military coups and economic interests. He shares insights into the motivations behind Russia's actions in the region, the impact of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death on Wagner's oper…

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S9 Ep8: David Bickford, former Legal Director of MI5 & MI6 turned author 1:02:04

6M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

In this conversation, David Bickford shares his fascinating journey from a unique childhood to a distinguished career in the intelligence services, specifically as a legal director for MI5 and MI6. He discusses the complexities of balancing national security with legality, the current threats posed by Russia and China, and the evolving landscape of…

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S9 Ep7: Espresso Martini | North Korean Troops to Ukraine, Sinwar’s End, Israel Rolls Up an Iranian Spy Ring, and Conspiracies Drive Threats to FEMA 1:15:24

6M ago1:15:24

1:15:24

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt discuss the alarming news that North Korea is sending up to 12,000 troops to bolster Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They explore the implications of North Korea gaining combat experience and modern warfare training and whether these troops are likely to be anything more than cannon fodder for Putin…

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Chris is unwell, so he is resharing The Double Bind with Meredith Tax 47:52

6M ago47:52

47:52

Chris is unwell so there won’t be a new episode this week. Instead, Chris is re-sharing the first-ever episode in which he is joined by the author Meredith Tax, and they discuss her book “The Double Bind”, which looks at the problematic relationship between Anglo American left and the Muslim right. Later in the podcast, they also discuss the role o…

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S9 Ep6: Espresso Martini | Gaza After a Year of War, Iran’s Criminal Alliances, Russia’s Arctic Intrigues, and Tom Clancy’s Legacy 1:21:29

7M ago1:21:29

1:21:29

In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt discuss a new public opinion poll revealing a sharp decline in Palestinian support for Hamas after a brutal year of war in Gaza. They also explore Iran’s troubling alliances with criminal organizations to carry out assassinations in the West, and Russia’s use of a remote Norwegian town in the Arct…

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S9 Ep5: Who Attacked Nord Stream? Inside the Investigation with Florian Flade 53:35

7M ago53:35

53:35

Today’s episode brings you an in-depth look into one of the most mysterious and controversial sabotage incidents in recent history – the Nord Stream Pipeline attack. Joining both Chris and Matt is investigative journalist Florian Flade, who has been at the forefront of uncovering the truth behind the explosions that shook Europe. Florian, working w…

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S9 Ep4: Hezbollah Decapitated, Israel Invades, and Iran Attacks with Phillip Smyth 1:45:23

7M ago1:45:23

1:45:23

In this special episode, Matt welcomes back Phillip Smyth just days after his last appearance to analyze another major development in the Middle East: the assassination of Hezbollah’s secretary general, Hassan Nasrallah, in a targeted Israeli airstrike. Nasrallah’s death has sent shockwaves across Lebanon, Iran, and the wider network of Iran-backed…

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S9 Ep3: Exploding Pagers and More Airstrikes: Unpacking Hezbollah’s Catastrophic Week with Phillip Smyth 1:24:27

7M ago1:24:27

1:24:27

On today’s episode, Phillip Smyth, the guru for all things related to Iranian proxy groups, returns to chat with Matt about the exploding pagers and radios that maimed thousands of Hezbollah members last week and the following wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting the group’s long-range missile and drone forces. They discuss the implications for Hez…

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S9 Ep2: Extra Shot Preview: The weaponisation of disgust, a peek inside a US Far-Right militia and a globally integrated ISIS 1:01:55

7M ago1:01:55

1:01:55

Hello, everyone. As Chris and Matt are working on new interviews this week, we are sharing a preview of our Extra Shot episode from September 13th. On this episode we look at the weaponisation of disgust, a peek inside a US Far-Right militia and a globally integrated ISIS. Articles discussed in the show: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/h…

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S9 Ep1: Espresso Martini | Teen Terrorism, Telegram Trouble, and Exposing the Kremlin’s American Useful Idiots 1:17:53

8M ago1:17:53

1:17:53

In the Season 9 premiere of the Secrets & Spies podcast, hosts Chris Carr and Matt Fulton reveal exciting new plans for the show, including a transition to video. They dive into breaking stories, starting with the shocking failed ISIS attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna—exposing the growing threat of teenage online radicalization. The episod…

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The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin (Repost) 55:21

8M ago55:21

55:21

On today’s episode (originally aired January 20th, 2024), 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 deep in the Nevada desert. This isn’t a book about UFOs or conspiracy theories but instead…

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Extra Shot Teaser: Privacy vs. national security, threats to democracy, Ukraine aid, and the state of the Royal Navy 1:05:32

8M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

Chris and Matt are enjoying a late-summer break. Please enjoy this episode of Extra Shot, our bonus show for Patreon subscribers, originally aired May 11th, 2024. Secrets and Spies will return for season 9 with a new Espresso Martini on September 14th. Take our anonymous listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSRSSSP Reporting discuss…

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Secrets & Spies Listener Survey 2024 3:12

8M ago3:12

3:12

Hello, everyone. We just wanted to say a huge thank you for your support during season 8. We will be starting Season 9 on the 14th of September. Before we start the new season, we wanted to hear from you about your thoughts on the podcast and if there is anything you would like us to do. Please take part in our anonymous listener survey here: https…

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