Bedste News And Current Affairs-podcasts (2025)

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

22h 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

8d 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…

1
Service Announcement - Listener Questions & Adverts 2:13

16d 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 discus email us here: [email protected] In your email, please include: Question or Topic with a relevant news or online publication link How you would like …

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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

16d 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

22d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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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S8 Ep59: Tim Tate - To Catch A Spy - Peter Wright and the SpyCatcher affair 1:22:16

6M ago1:22:16

1:22:16

Join us on today’s podcast as we sit down with author and investigative journalist Tim Tate to chat about his fascinating new book, To Catch A Spy. Tim takes us behind the scenes of the SpyCatcher affair, where the Thatcher government of the 1980s tried to silence MI5 whistleblower Peter Wright. It’s a gripping tale of cover-ups, deception, and its…

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S8 Ep58: Russian Sleeper Spies in Germany with Florian Flade 1:16:46

6M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

In this episode, we’re joined by Florian Flade, an investigative journalist for Germany’s public broadcaster ARD, based in Berlin. Florian takes us inside the gripping true story of two Russian sleeper spies who lived undercover in Germany for years, posing as an ordinary family. Drawing parallels to the fictional world of The Americans, this real-…

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S8 Ep57: Inside the blockbuster US-Russia prisoner swap with Shane Harris 43:40

6M ago43:40

43:40

On today’s episode, Washington Post national security reporter and friend of the show, Shane Harris, joins Matt to discuss last week's historic prisoner exchange between the US and Russia, securing the release of several prominent journalists and pro-democracy activists. Shane dives into his reporting on the swap, detailing months of delicate negot…

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S8 Ep56: Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah on the brink with Phillip Smyth 1:11:43

6M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

In today’s special episode, Phillip Smyth, a leading expert on Iranian-backed militias, returns to dissect the latest wave of conflict in the Middle East. Recent escalations have claimed the lives of a dozen Israeli civilians and two senior leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Retaliation from Iran and its allies is expected at any moment, leaving the r…

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S8 Ep55: How autocracies try to undermine democracy with Anne Applebaum 42:00

7M ago42:00

42:00

On today’s podcast, we are joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian, and journalist Anne Applebaum. In this episode, we discuss Anne’s latest book, Autocracy Inc., which examines how and why autocracies try to undermine democracy. We also consider what can be done to better protect ourselves from anti-democratic propaganda. Find out more …

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S8 Ep54: Espresso Martini: Russian agents target the Olympics, Trump assassination attempt and President Biden steps out of the Presidential race 1:19:01

7M ago1:19:01

1:19:01

Today, we will look at a Russian operative who was arrested in France, details on the failed assassination of Donald Trump, and a little at President Biden stepping out of the 2024 Presidential race. On Extra Shot we will be looking at a developing spy case in Australia, Tech Broligarch’s courting Trump, influences driving extreme misogyny and a fo…

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S8 Ep53: Unpacking the Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump with Jacob Ware 36:06

7M ago36:06

36:06

On today’s special episode, Matt is joined again by Jacob Ware, a research fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations focusing on domestic and international terrorism. Jacob helps make sense of last weekend’s assassination attempt on Donald Trump, placing it in the larger context of political violence in the United States and the ongoing threat to …

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S8 Ep52: UK & French Elections, UK defence report and Russian information campaign exposed in US 1:26:48

7M ago1:26:48

1:26:48

On today's episode, we will examine who’s who in the new Labour-led UK government, a report on the UK’s armed services, the French elections, and a recently discovered Russian covert information campaign. On Extra Shot, our Patreon only show we will look at NATO’s 75th anniversary, terrorists returning to Afghanistan, a Chinese spy base in Cuba and…

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S8 Ep51: How the KGB and the FSB attempt to subvert Western democracies with Mark Hollingsworth 1:16:36

8M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

On today’s episode, Chris speaks with author and journalist Mark Hollingsworth about his book Agents of Influence, which looks at how the KGB attempted to subvert Western democracies during the Cold War and how its replacement agency, the FSB, attempts to do the same now. Check out Mark’s website for information about him, his book and his other wo…

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S8 Ep50: Conspiracies, Disinformation, and Mission Implausible with John Sipher and Jerry O’Shea 46:44

8M ago46:44

46:44

On today’s episode, Matt speaks to former senior CIA officers and now co-founders of Spycraft Entertainment, John Sipher and Jerry O’Shea, to discuss their podcast, Mission Implausible. In their careers with the clandestine service, John and Jerry, in a sense, created conspiracies, convincing terrorists and hostile foreign governments to believe th…

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S8 Ep49: God, Guns, and Sedition with Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware 54:54

8M ago54:54

54:54

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by terrorism experts Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware to discuss their book, "God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America.” Both are fellows at the Council on Foreign Relations and teach at Georgetown University. Their book examines the far-right’s long embrace of political violence as a tactic, its prolif…

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S8 Ep48: Espresso Martini: Hamas leaders messages, Europe & China, Chinese spies and potential ISIS-K plot foiled in USA 1:14:59

8M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

On today’s show, we are going to look at reports about private messages from the leader of Hamas, criticisms of Europe’s outdated approach to China, a former CIA officer and FBI linguist pleading guilty to spying for China, and a potential plot from ISIS-K foiled in the US. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at Eur…

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No show this weekend, we will return next weekend. 0:25

8M ago0:25

0:25

Hi all, we hope you are well. Sadly, due to work commitments on Chris's side, there will be no show this weekend. We will return next weekend. 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…

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S8 Ep47: London Met Murder Investigation Team with Steven Keogh 57:53

9M ago57:53

57:53

On todays podcast I am joined be retired detective and author Steven Keogh. Steven investigated murders at Scotland Yard for 12 years, and he joins us to discuss his excellent book “Murder Investigation Team” which gives readers an insight into how British murder investigations are run and what it is like to be a part of a murder investigation. Che…

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S8 Ep46: Espresso Martini: Iran’s President is killed, Israel & Iranian espionage comparisons and secret Hamas surveillance files. 58:22

9M ago58:22

58:22

On today’s show, we are going to look at the death of the Iranian President, Israel & Iran espionage comparisons, and we finish by looking at secret Hamas files that expose a mass surveillance campaign in Gaza. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at reports of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not taking the wo…

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S8 Ep45: What President Raisi’s death means for Iran 1:18:18

9M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

On today’s episode, Matt is once again joined by Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups, to discuss the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and several other senior officials in a helicopter crash last weekend. They unpack what this unexpected development means for Iran domestically, the regime’s web of proxy fo…

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S8 Ep44: Havana Syndrome from a technological and medical perspective. 1:04:57

9M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

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 Has…

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S8 Ep43: Espresso Martini: Plot to kill Zelensky, Russian sabotage plots, and Chinese hacking. 59:29

9M ago59:29

59:29

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 priv…

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S8 Ep42: Agent Of The Iron Cross With Bill Mills 47:00

10M ago47:00

47:00

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 h…

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S8 Ep41: The reality behind “A Spy Alone” with Charles Beaumont 1:15:48

10M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

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 ca…

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