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

<div>David Tuch, author of <em>The Wireless Operator</em>, joins Chris to tell the stranger-than-fiction story of Harold Derber—a wartime wireless operator who later ran blockade-busting weapons to Israel before reinventing marijuana smuggling in the 1970s. David explains how a loophole created by the 1970 Controlled Substances Act briefly made it legal to hold drugs in international waters—and how Derber exploited it with a “mothership” fleet, offloading tons of marijuana at sea. They break down why Deber’s flagship, the <em>Night Train</em>, became law enforcement’s obsession, built on counter-surveillance and tradecraft designed to keep informants out. The conversation then moves into Miami and Wall Street—money laundering, the Gambinos, and First Jersey Securities—alongside Derber’s documented ties to Cuban intelligence.<br> <br> Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.<br> <br> Learn more about David and his work: <a href="https://davidtuch.com">https://davidtuch.com<br> </a><br> Order <em>The Wireless Operator</em>: <a href="https://www.iconbooks.com/ib-title/the-wireless-operator/">https://www.iconbooks.com/ib-title/the-wireless-operator/<br> </a><br> </div> <h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1> <div>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/3681a7">https://pod.fo/e/3681a7</a><br> YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/dIYCKH35Y6s">https://youtu.be/dIYCKH35Y6s</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1> <div>Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> Buy merchandise from our shop: <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996">https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996</a><br> Buy us a coffee: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies">https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Subscribe to our YouTube page: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg</a><br> For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="https://secretsandspiespodcast.com">https://secretsandspiespodcast.com</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1> <div>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/secretsandspies">https://instagram.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/secretsandspies">https://facebook.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Spoutible: <a href="https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies<br> </a><br> Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net">https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net<br> </a><br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br> Music by Andrew R. Bird<br> Photo by David Tuch, Ted Akey, Wolfson Archives &amp; Icon Books<br> <br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.</div>

<div>Former chief technology officer of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Dr. Anthony Vinci, joins Matt to explain why intelligence has broken out of the classified world—and why everyday citizens are now on the front lines. Anthony walks through three past “intelligence revolutions” and argues we’ve entered a fourth, driven by China and AI: intelligence expanding beyond war and politics into economics and tech, a “whole-of-society” competition that pulls in companies and universities, and a shift from targeting governments to targeting entire populations. They discuss “inanity of evil” disinformation operations, China’s push toward a global panopticon, the case for treating economic espionage as tier-one national security, and the coming collision of AI, autonomy, and trust—ending with what it means to “think like an intelligence officer” without becoming the thing we’re fighting.<br> <br> Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.<br> <br> Order <em>The Fourth Intelligence Revolution</em>: <a href="https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250370907/thefourthintelligencerevolution/">https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250370907/thefourthintelligencerevolution/<br> </a><br> Learn more on Anthony’s website: <a href="https://www.anthonyvinci.com/">https://www.anthonyvinci.com/<br> </a><br> Subscribe to Anthony’s Substack: <a href="https://anthonyvinci.substack.com/">https://anthonyvinci.substack.com/<br> </a><br> </div> <h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1> <div>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/365bae">https://pod.fo/e/365bae</a><br> YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/D4ZagwI5Z3o">https://youtu.be/D4ZagwI5Z3o</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1> <div>Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> Buy merchandise from our shop: <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996">https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996</a><br> Buy us a coffee: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies">https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Subscribe to our YouTube page: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg</a><br> For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="https://secretsandspiespodcast.com">https://secretsandspiespodcast.com<br> </a><br> </div> <h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1> <div>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/secretsandspies">https://instagram.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/secretsandspies">https://facebook.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Spoutible: <a href="https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies<br> </a><br> Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net">https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net<br> </a><br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br> Music by Andrew R. Bird<br> Photo by Joy Asico<br> <br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.</div>

<div>In this episode, Chris speaks with Dr Taras Kuzio about the deeper forces shaping Russia’s war against Ukraine and the faltering U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Kuzio explores Vladimir Putin’s obsession with history and identity, the existential stakes the war now holds for the Kremlin, and the political, economic and social pressures that make genuine negotiation nearly impossible. They unpack the Trump administration’s pro-Russian tilt, European hesitation, the resilience and innovation of Ukraine’s defence sector, and the deep divisions within the global Russian diaspora. The conversation also looks ahead to what 2026 may bring, the risks of a post-Putin Russia, and why the West urgently needs a coherent strategy if it hopes to shape the outcome of this conflict.<br> <br> Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.<br> <br> Follow Dr. Kuzio on X: <a href="http://x.com/TarasKuzio">x.com/TarasKuzio<br> </a><br> </div> <h1><strong>Read Dr. Kuzio’s recent reporting on Ukraine</strong></h1> <div> <a href="https://jamestown.org/ukrainian-corruption-investigation-reveals-derkachs-role/">"Ukrainian Corruption Investigation Reveals Derkach’s Role" | The Jamestown Foundation<br> </a><br> <a href="https://jamestown.org/ukraine-aspires-to-become-arsenal-to-the-west/">"Ukraine Aspires to Become Arsenal to the West" | The Jamestown Foundation</a><br> <br> <a href="https://www.realcleardefense.com/articles/2025/10/07/russias_war_transforms_ukraine_into_a_world-leading_military_producer_1139249.html">"Russia’s War Transforms Ukraine into a World-Leading Military Producer" | RealClear Defense</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Order Dr. Kuzio’s books</strong></h1> <div> <a href="https://cup.columbia.edu/book/russia-and-modern-fascism/9783838220154/"><em>Russia and Modern Fascism: New Perspectives on the Kremlin’s War Against Ukraine</em></a><br> <br> <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/russias-war-on-ukraine/B5B11221D6352CF59474C2EC89C6C554"><em>Russia's War on Ukraine: The Four Roots of Putin's Invasion</em></a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1> <div>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/3635f0">https://pod.fo/e/3635f0</a><br> YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/dJYDvmwGLns">https://youtu.be/dJYDvmwGLns</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1> <div>Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: <a href="http://patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies">patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> Buy merchandise from our shop: <a href="http://redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996">redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996</a><br> Buy us a coffee: <a href="http://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies">buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Subscribe to our YouTube page: <a href="http://youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg">youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg<br> </a><br> For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="http://secretsandspiespodcast.com">secretsandspiespodcast.com</a><br> <br> <strong>Connect with us on social media</strong><br> Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/secretsandspies">https://instagram.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/secretsandspies">https://facebook.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Spoutible: <a href="https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies<br> </a><br> Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net">https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net</a><br> <br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br> Music by Andrew R. Bird<br> Photos by Ozan Kose/AFP/Getty Images<br> <br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.</div>

<div>In our final Espresso Martini of the year, Chris and Matt reflect on the DC National Guard shooting, the alleged Afghan CIA-linked gunman, and what the case says about how America treats its wartime partners once the war ends. They then turn to Trump’s latest “final” Ukraine peace offer and growing frustration in Europe as Moscow drags the war out on its own terms. The focus shifts to Venezuela, where Russian advisors, new air defenses, cartel politics, and U.S. forces raise the risk of conflict—and to post-Assad Syria, where ISIS is quietly regrouping amid a tenuous recovery. Finally, listener questions bring them to Pete Hegseth’s alleged no-quarter order, Tom Nichols’s case for accountability, and the long, dark tradition of animal spies—and some reflections on ten years of Secrets &amp; Spies and where the show goes next.<br> <br> Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs<br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1> <div>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/36128f">https://pod.fo/e/36128f</a><br> YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/yr-CKl1Z6Tk">https://youtu.be/yr-CKl1Z6Tk</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1> <div>Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> Buy merchandise from our Redbubble shop: <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996">https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996</a><br> Buy us a coffee: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies">https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Subscribe to our YouTube page: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg</a><br> For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="https://secretsandspiespodcast.com/">https://secretsandspiespodcast.com</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Articles discussed in today’s episode</strong></h1> <div>"Fellow Unit Member Says Alleged D.C. Shooter Felt Abandoned by CIA" by Kevin Mauer | The Rolling Stone: <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/alleged-dc-national-guard-shooter-felt-abandoned-cia-1235474835/">https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-features/alleged-dc-national-guard-shooter-felt-abandoned-cia-1235474835/</a><br> <br> "The Ukraine peace deal has stumbled yet again over an inevitable obstacle: Putin" by Andrew Roth | The Guardian: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/03/the-ukraine-peace-deal-has-stumbled-yet-again-over-an-inevitable-obstacle-putin">https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/03/the-ukraine-peace-deal-has-stumbled-yet-again-over-an-inevitable-obstacle-putin</a><br> <br> "Russian General In Venezuela Leading Advisory Mission: Ukraine’s Intel Chief" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: <a href="https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-general-in-venezuela-leading-advisory-mission-ukraines-intel-chief">https://www.twz.com/news-features/russian-general-in-venezuela-leading-advisory-mission-ukraines-intel-chief<br> </a><br> Islamic State Wages a Guerrilla Insurgency Throughout Eastern Syria | The Soufan Center Intelbrief: <a href="https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2025-october-28/">https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2025-october-28/</a><br> <br> "Pete Hegseth Needs to Go—Now" by Tom Nichols | The Atlantic: <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/12/pete-hegseth-pentagon-department-defense/685098/">https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/12/pete-hegseth-pentagon-department-defense/685098/</a><br> <br> "Russia Launches First Brain-Chipped Bird Drones for Surveillance Over Cities" by Roman Kohanets | United24 Media: <a href="https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-launches-first-brain-chipped-bird-drones-for-surveillance-over-cities-13769">https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-launches-first-brain-chipped-bird-drones-for-surveillance-over-cities-13769</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1> <div>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/secretsandspies">https://instagram.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/secretsandspies">https://facebook.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Spoutible: <a href="https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> <br> Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net">https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net</a><br> <br> Secrets and Spies is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br> Music by Andrew R. Bird<br> Photo by AP &amp; Taylor Crul/USAF<br> <br> Secrets and Spies sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.</div>

<div>Former FBI Special Agent Jim Gaylord joins Matt to discuss <em>Chasing Chi</em>, his inside account of the multi-year hunt for Chi Mak, the low-key Southern California engineer at the center of a major Chinese spy ring inside America’s Navy industrial base. They walk through how a vague tip evolved into a full counterintelligence operation—trash pulls, covert entries, FISA surveillance, and a race to grab the Chi’s conspirators at LAX before stolen submarine and radar secrets left the country—and what the case reveals about China’s modern espionage threat.<br> <br> Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.<br> <br> Learn more about Jim and the Chi Mak case: <a href="http://chasingchibook.com">chasingchibook.com<br> </a><br> Order <em>Chasing Chi</em>: <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chasing-Chi/James-E-Gaylord/9781493091966">https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Chasing-Chi/James-E-Gaylord/9781493091966<br> </a><br> </div> <h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1> <div>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/35c7dc">https://pod.fo/e/35c7dc</a><br> YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/OxzTwaS5W5M">https://youtu.be/OxzTwaS5W5M</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Send in audience questions for the next Espresso Martini by December 4th!</strong></h1> <div>Email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>, or reach out on social media via the links below.<br> Please include your first name and general location if you’re comfortable.<br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1> <div>Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> Buy merchandise from our shop: <a href="https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996">https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996</a><br> Buy us a coffee: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies">https://buymeacoffee.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Subscribe to our YouTube page: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVB23lrHr3KFeXq4VU36dg</a><br> For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="https://secretsandspiespodcast.com">https://secretsandspiespodcast.com</a><br> <br> </div> <h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1> <div>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social</a><br> Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/secretsandspies">https://instagram.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Facebook: <a href="https://facebook.com/secretsandspies">https://facebook.com/secretsandspies</a><br> Spoutible: <a href="https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies">https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies</a><br> <br> Follow Chris and Matt on Bluesky:<br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social</a><br> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net">https://bsky.app/profile/mattfulton.net<br> </a><br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br> Music by Andrew R. Bird<br> Photos by Prometheus Books<br> <br> <em>Secrets and Spies</em> sits at the intersection of intelligence, covert action, real-world espionage, and broader geopolitics in a way that is digestible but serious. Hosted by filmmaker Chris Carr and writer Matt Fulton, each episode examines the very topics that real intelligence officers and analysts consider on a daily basis through the lens of global events and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and journalists.</div>