Secrets and Spies is an enthralling podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and intern...
S9 Ep20: Espresso Martini | January 6 Pardons, Syria’s Crossroads, and the CIA’s Secret Partner
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’ insights on opportunities for the US in Syria, along with the roles of Iran, Russia, and Turkey. Finally, how the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence quietly forged one of America’s most valuable partnerships.
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Articles discussed in today’s episode
"Trump pardons upend massive Jan. 6 prosecution by freeing rioters and dismissing cases" by Richer, Kunzelman & Khalil | AP News: https://apnews.com/article/capitol-riot-trump-pardons-jan-6-f6e23bcd84eaed672318c88f05286767
"Trump's imminent pardons will green-light another wave of far-right violence" by David Neiwert | The Spyhop: https://davidneiwert.substack.com/p/trumps-imminent-pardons-will-green
"Syria’s New Era & Its Opportunities for the US" by Marc Polymeropoulos | New Lines Magazine: https://newlinesmag.com/argument/syrias-new-era-and-its-opportunities-for-the-us/
"The Syria Fiasco As Seen From Moscow" by Sergei Melkonian | Carnegie Endowment Diwan: https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2024/12/the-syria-fiasco-as-seen-from-moscow
"How the CIA and Ukrainian intelligence secretly forged a deep partnership" by Patrick Reevell | ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/International/cia-helped-rebuild-ukraine-intelligence-russia-invasion/story?id=116909361
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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1:15:43
S9 Ep19: Will ISIS Make a Comeback in 2025? with Aaron Zelin
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 the United States and other countries—from recent attacks in Iran, Russia, and New Orleans, and the organizational restructuring that’s made them rather resilient. Unpack these critical issues with one of the foremost experts in the field.
Read Aaron’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/aaron-y-zelin
Read Aaron’s Substack, Jihadology+: https://www.jihadologyplus.com
Read Aaron’s past work for Jihadology: https://jihadology.net
"A Globally Integrated Islamic State" by Aaron Zelin | War on the Rocks
"Remaining, Waiting for Expansion (Again): The Islamic State’s Operations in Iraq and Syria" by Aaron Zelin | The Hudson Institute
Follow Aaron on Twitter/X: https://x.com/azelin
Follow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/azelin.bsky.social
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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For more information about the podcast, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com
Connect with us on social media
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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57:18
S9 Ep18: How to Think Like A Spy with Julian Fisher
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 achieve your personal and professional goals. Julian, the founder of Africa Integrity, a leading private intelligence company, and the face of the Channel 4 TV series 'Spies' in 2017, brings a unique perspective to this fascinating conversation.
Find out more about “Think Like A Spy” here: https://julesfisher.com/book/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JFcgWnwEiqc?si=HnPbNXW0Fs-dgO5c
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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44:18
S9 Ep17: 2025 Global Forcast with Sam Liechtenstein from RANE
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-China tensions
Political uncertainties in Asia
North Korea's military threats
Taiwan's strategic position
India's rising influence
Pakistan's instability
Jihadism in Sub-Saharan Africa
South Africa's political dynamics
The implications of a potential Trump presidency
To find out more about RANE and its annual global forecast, please visit their website here: https://www.ranenetwork.com/
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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
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Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
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1:03:08
S9 Ep16: Murder of a British Spy in the IRA with Henry Hemming
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 stigma surrounding informers. The conversation also highlights the challenges faced by intelligence operations and the moral complexities involved in espionage.
Get a copy of “Four Shots In The Night” here: https://www.quercusbooks.co.uk/titles/henry-hemming/four-shots-in-the-night/9781529426786/
Find out more about Henry Hemming and his work here: https://henryhemming.com/
Check out our past interview with Henry about his book “Our Man In New York”: https://pod.fo/e/ca367
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/OWmWkMq3hqM
Support Secrets and Spies
Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996
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
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies
Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies
Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social
Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
About Secrets and Spies - A Spy & Geopolitics Podcast
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.
Tune in for thought-provoking discussions and expert insights with balanced yet 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.
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