Drycleanercast: Espionage, Terrorism & Geopolitics

On Espresso Martini, we take a look at the complexity of Gaza hostage rescue efforts and Hamas’s intelligence efforts in preparation for the 7th October Attacks. We also look at Ukraine receiving much-needed ATACMS missiles, Russia’s Unit 29155’s assassination and sabotage operations in Europe, and to finish up, we look at Donald Trump’s plans to withdraw the US from NATO. On Extra Shot, our exclusive bonus Patreon show, we look at how storytelling helps trauma victims and how Elon Musk’s X is now rampant with misinformation. We also look at a surprising number of celebrities who once served as spies and offer our thoughts on Errol Morris’s new John Le Carré documentary, “The Pigeon Tunnel” Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links discussed Espresso Martini https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/hostage-rescue-experts-on-the-daunting-challenges-israel-faces https://w

On today's podcast, Chris is joined by author Aaron Stark, and they discuss Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time”, which looks at the battle between Swiss and American watch companies in the 1870s. You can find out more about Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time” here: https://www.aaronstarkbooks.com/ 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/SecretsAndSpies Check 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_KFTJenrz4 Find out more about Matt Fulton and his book “Active Measures”  https://mattfulton.net/ For 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

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, the question of Iran’s involvement, and the potential for the war to expand throughout the Middle East. Content Warning: This episode contains some graphic descriptions of atrocities Hamas committed against Israeli civilians during the October 7th terrorist attack. Phillip’s research at the Washington Institute: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth. Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth. 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/SecretsAndSpies Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures”  https://mattfulton.net/ Check out Chris’s short sp

On today's podcast, we are joined by author Stuart A Reid, and we discuss his fantastic new book “The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination”. The assassination target was the Congo’s first Prime Minister after independence from the Belgians, Patrice Lumumba. You can find out more about Stuart and the book here: https://www.stuartareid.com/the-lumumba-plot You can buy the book using the following Amazon links below: Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination-ebook/dp/B0BRMMVWBY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10HKJBLFXVOXA&keywords=THE+LUMUMBA+PLOT&qid=1697477974&sprefix=the+lumumba+plot%2Caps%2C228&sr=8-1 New Zealand: https://www.amazon.com/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination/dp/1524748811/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1AQMXT0HR88Y0&keywords=the+lumumba+plot+stuart+reid&qid=1697478045&sprefix=the+lumu%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-1 UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lumumba-Plot-Secret-History-Assassination/dp/1524748811 USA: https://www.amaz

On this episode of Espresso Martini, we will focus on the appalling October 7th attack, in which the designated terrorist group Hamas launched a violent and bloody attack focused on Israeli civilians. For the sake of clarity, we have decided our conversation into these areas: * What happened * Who are Hamas * The geopolitics of what happened and the alleged role of outside support for Hamas * The Israeli response and alleged intelligence failures * The online reactions to what happened Links to the articles we used for our discussion What Happened https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/10/how-hamas-entered-israel/ https://www.timesofisrael.com/death-toll-from-hamas-onslaught-passes-1000-idf-kills-terrorists-in-southern-israel/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/07/civilians-will-pay-price-for-biggest-challenge-to-israel-since-1973 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67065205 Who Are Hamas https://www.tahir-abbas.com/understanding-hamas-a-qa-on-the-groups-origins-leadership-and

In this episode, Matt talks with Kashif Hussain from the blog "Best Thriller Books.” Kashif is a prolific reader in the spy genre and has written hundreds of reviews, including novels from all the famous authors you know and probably some you don’t know yet. They have a light discussion about his perspective on different issues in the genre, including publishing trends, audience tastes, and artificial intelligence. Best Thriller Books main page: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/. Kashif’s review page: https://www.bestthrillerbooks.com/kashif-hussain. Best Thriller Books on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BestThrillBooks. Support the podcast 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/SecretsAndSpies Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures”  https://mattfulton.net/ Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER”,available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here: ht

In today's Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris dive into the assassination of Sikh dissident Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. They look at fresh details about Chinese and Russian spies in the UK. They also explore an interview with Estonia’s outgoing military intelligence, who reflects on his dynamic career; and, after his liberation from a US prison, notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout embarks on a second act in local Russian politics. Immediately following this show on Patreon, join Chris & Matt on Extra Shot as they delve into Russell Brand and his 'brand' of disinformation and conspiracy-mongering. They also examine Spy Planes tracking Russian activity in Ukraine, explore the work of the late War Studies Professor Christopher Coker, and critically analyze fresh rumours about the future of the Bond franchise. — Extra Shot — To get listen to Extra Shot, you will need to be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. 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. David’s website - https://www.davidmccloskeybooks.com/ Amazon - https://a.co/d/6UtkEYC  Indiebound - https://bookshop.org/p/books/moscow-x-david-mccloskey/19670054?ean=9781324050759 Amazon Pre-Order for UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moscow-X-Novel-David-McCloskey-ebook/dp/B0BWLJ4K63 Amazon 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&

Espresso Martini & Extra returns a little later this month on Saturday, 30th September. Today, we are airing a taster episode of Extra Shot, which was recorded in June. If you enjoy Extra Shot and wish to listen to future episodes, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies On this episode: Chris & Matt look at the sinking of a boat in Italy with Mossad and Italian intelligence officers aboard. Was it foul play or an accident? Dan Kaszeta joins us to discuss his thoughts on the recent poisonings of Kremlin critics in Berlin & Prague. He also gives us some good cheese recommendations. The final story, Chris & Matt, look at whether Vladimir Putin was involved with Red Army Faction terrorists during his time in Germany in the 1980s. Articles discussed in Extra Shot Mossad boat party deaths in Italy https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/01/world/europe/spy-deaths-boat-italy.html?smid=tw-nyti

On today’s Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris look at a coup in Niger and Gabon, Prigozhin’s death, his legacy haunting us from the grave and a Russian pilot involved in a dramatic defection to Ukraine with his Mil Mi-8 helicopter. On "Extra Shot", immediately following this show on Patreon, Chris & Matt take a look at concerns of a NATO collapse if Donald Trump is re-elected as President, a mysterious submarine sinking off the coast of Taiwan, a new security agreement between China and Fiji and an update on the GCHQ stabbing story. Plus some spy entertainment news as legendary documentary filmmaker Erroll Morris has a new film about the life of spy author John Le Carré. — Extra Shot — To listen to "Extra Shot", you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Recent coups in Niger & Gabon https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/what-is-going-on-with-th

On today's Summer Special, author and literary agent Andrew Lownie joins us to discuss his excellent book “Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess.” You can find out more about the book here: https://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/authors/andrew-lownie/books/stalins-englishman-the-lives-of-guy-burgess The podcast will return with a new "Espresso Martini" and "Extra Shot" on Saturday 9th September. — Extra Shot — To listen to "Extra Shot", you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies For 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=u Connect with us on social media 

On today’s Espresso Martini and season seven finale, Matt & Chris look at the puzzlingly short tenure of the Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang; they unpack some hot gossip surrounding last month’s Wagner mutiny and discuss updates on the war in Ukraine, both at sea and on land. In the last story, they look at AI's potential threat in the 2024 US Elections and the 2025 UK general election. On Extra Shot, immediately following this show on Patreon, Matt & Chris ask Is it time to most expeditiously take a hammer to your smart watch? They also discuss friend of the pod Dan Kaszeta’s legal victory over Downing Street, have a spoiler-free-ish chat about Christopher Nolan’s new Oppenheimer biopic, and then indulge in some flagrantly irresponsible speculation about the next Bond movie. — Extra Shot — To listen to Extra Shot, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies We want to wish listeners a happy Sum

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at cluster munitions being supplied to Ukraine, Putin & Prigozhin’s post-mutiny meeting, and Ukraine’s future membership with NATO. On “Extra Shot” that follows this show on Patreon, we will be looking at Russian spies in Switzerland, a MOSSAD operation in Iran, CIA Director William Burns's keynote speech at the Ditchley Foundation and Vladimir Putin’s secret train. — Extra Shot — To get listen to Extra Shot you will need to be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini Giving Ukraine Cluster Munitions is Necessary, Legal and Morally Justified By Dr Jack Watling and Professor Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) https://rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/giving-ukraine-cluster-munitions-necessary-legal-and-morally-justified Nato summit: Allies refuse to give Ukraine

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back his friend and fellow indie spy writer, Stephen England, to discuss his new novel, “Soon Dies the Day.” They take a deep-dive into the book's development and unpack some of its more timely geopolitics themes, including the German far-right and infighting in Russian security services. If you’re a fan of realistic, thoroughly researched spy thrillers, this is a conversation for you. Stephen’s website: https://www.stephenenglandbooks.com Get Soon Dies the Day on Amazon: https://a.co/d/1p1O8AO Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures” https://mattfulton.net/ --- Alphabet Boys Podcast --- Alphabet Boys reveals the secret investigations of the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other alphabet agencies. Hosted by journalist Trevor Aaronson, Alphabet Boys exposes secret undercover recordings that the government never wanted the public to hear. We explore dangerous and absurd cases to ask this question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals or creating them? Find out mo

On today’s episode, Matt talks with Pate McMichael, a journalist and professor at the University of Arizona, about his book, "Operation Chrysler: Stolen Valor Behind Enemy Lines in World War II”. They explore the gripping true story of Operation Chrysler, an OSS mission deep inside Nazi-occupied Italy, and the decades-long investigation into the murder of its commanding officer, Major William Holohan. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Pate’s book unravels layers of deception, intrigue, espionage, and betrayal that will leave you questioning the very nature of valor and honor in times of war. Get a copy of Operation Chrysler here: https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Chrysler-Stolen-Behind-During/dp/B086G11XSK. Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures”  https://mattfulton.net/ Additionally, don't miss out on our new show, "Extra Shot," available exclusively on the Secrets & Spies Patreon page. Subscribe now to gain access to this thrilling content and delve deeper into th

On this special episode of Espresso (Vodka) Martini, join Chris, and Matt as they delve into the recent dramatic events in Russia. Like the rest of the world, they were taken aback when Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries orchestrated an armed convoy headed towards Moscow, seemingly attempting a coup. In this episode, Chris & Matt strive to shed light on what is known so far. If you enjoyed this podcast please support us by becoming a Patreon subscriber and get access to our exclusive show “Extra Shot”.  You can subscribe to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini “Band of Brothers: The Wagner Group and the Russian State” by Centre of Strategic Studies https://www.csis.org/blogs/post-soviet-post/band-brothers-wagner-group-and-russian-state Professor Phillips O’Brien: “Substack weekend update 34” https://phillipspobrien.substack.com/p/weekend-update-34?sd=pf Putin Caught In His Own Trap By Anne Applebaum for

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at Former President Trump being accused of illegally retaining classified documents, new evidence suggesting Russian forces are responsible for destroying the Kakhvoka dam, and information on a Chinese spy base in Cuba. On Extra Shot, they look at the German intelligence service seeing more aggressive Russian intelligence efforts, Russian assassins targeting a defector in Miami, and a Cold War traitor deep in the Australian intelligence services finally being unmasked. You can access “Extra Shot” by subscribing to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Surfshark offer Get an exclusive Surfshark deal! Enter promo code SECRETS for an extra 3 months free at https://surfshark.deals/SECRETS Links to articles discussed in Espresso Martini & Extra Shot: What Trump indictment tells us about US security risks By Gordon Corera https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65878149 Chinese Nationals at Mar-a-Lago Raise Questions Abou

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at the death of the Russian spy who was deep in the FBI, Robert Hanssen. Later in the episode, they are joined by Chemical, Biological and Radiological expert Dan Kaszeta who the UK Government Blacklisting has blacklisted for being critical of the government on Twitter. Dan discusses what that experience has been like and what he has since discovered. And lastly, they look at the destruction of the Kakhovka dam and discuss who may be responsible. On Extra Shot (Patreon Exclusive show) Chris & Matt look at the sinking of a boat in Italy with Mossad and Italian intelligence officers aboard. Was it foul play or an accident? Dan joins us to discuss his thoughts on the recent poisonings of Kremlin critics in Berlin & Prague. He also gives us some good cheese recommendations. The final story Chris & Matt look at whether Vladimir Putin was involved with Red Army Faction terrorists during his time in Germany in the 1980s. You can access “Ex

Today, Chris is joined by Aki J. Peritz, a former CIA officer and author. They dive into the gripping story of the liquid bomb plot and the monumental counterterrorism investigation launched to thwart it. Aki's captivating book, "Disruption," provides an insider's perspective on the plot and sheds light on how it was successfully foiled. Join them as they uncover the secrets behind this high-stakes operation and unravel the reasons behind the stringent restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage aboard planes. Get a copy of “Disruption” here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/disruption-inside-the-largest-counterterrorism-investigation-in-history-aki-j-peritz/16580363?ean=9781640123809 Additionally, don't miss out on our new show, "Extra Shot," available exclusively on the Secrets & Spies Patreon page. Subscribe now to delve deeper into espionage and intrigue. www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies For more information about the Secrets & Spies, check out our website: https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/ 

On this episode of Espresso Martini Chris and Matt take a look at Bakhmut means for Putin and Russia, the UK Government Blacklisting chemical weapons export Dan Kaszeta for being critical of the government on Twitter. They also take another look at the Turkish Presidential elections and accusations of Russian interference. Also the new Patreon exclusive show “Extra Shot” launches. You can access it by subscribing to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Links to articles discussed:  Putin & Bakhmut https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/23/putin-is-toast-with-or-without-bakhmut/ Dan Kaszeta blacklisted by UK Gov https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65675247 Turkey https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/12/turkish-opposition-accuses-russia-of-election-interference-days-before-vote  Find out more about Matt and his book “Active Measures.”  https://mattfulton.net/ Check out Chris’s short spy film “THE DRY CLEANER” which is now available to buy on Apple TV