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

<div> <p>In this conversation, Lizzie Dearden, a journalist specializing in terrorism reporting, shares her journey into the field, the writing of her book Plotters, and insights into the evolving landscape of terrorism in the UK. She discusses the emotional atmosphere of terrorism trials, the shift in threats post-2017, and the complexities of radicalization. Dearden highlights the challenges of public perception, the role of intelligence agencies, and the significance of case studies like Haroon Syed's. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on radicalization and the future of terrorism.</p><p>Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.</p><p>Find more about Lizzie and her work: <a href="https://www.lizziedearden.com">https://www.lizziedearden.com</a></p><p>Buy Plotters: <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/book/plotters/lizzie-dearden/9781805261636">https://www.waterstones.com/book/plotters/lizzie-dearden/9781805261636</a></p></div><h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1><div><p>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/3995a2">https://pod.fo/e/3995a2</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/vyIA9EfStn0">https://youtu.be/vyIA9EfStn0</a></p></div><h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1><div><p>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></p></div><h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1><div> <p>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></p><p>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></p><p>Secrets and Spies is produced by Films &amp; Podcasts LTD: <a href="https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/">https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/</a></p><p>Music by Andrew R. Bird<br>Photo by Guy Corbishley/Alamy</p><p>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.</p></div>

<div> <p>Benjamin Wittes, editor-in-chief of <em>Lawfare</em>, joins Matt and Chris after spending two weeks traveling across Ukraine—from Kyiv to Kharkiv and Odesa—as the war enters its fourth year. What he describes is sobering. Cities that appear functional on the surface are living through freezing temperatures, rolling blackouts, nightly missile strikes, and the constant threat of drone attacks. Families endure shattered infrastructure and relentless uncertainty, while society strains to maintain some semblance of normal life. Ben reflects on the exhaustion and resilience of the Ukrainian people, the rapidly evolving drone war reshaping modern combat, and why Western audiences often misunderstand the reality on the ground. The conversation also examines Zelensky’s standing at home, skepticism around current peace efforts, and why Ukraine’s fight remains central to Europe’s future security.</p><p>This is an unfiltered look at a nation still holding the line.</p><p>Ben's "Project Batteries" has raised over $79,000 to put portable power stations in the hands of Ukrainians enduring the depths of winter without heat, water, or electricity amid Russian bombardment. If you'd like to help keep that number climbing, find his latest updates with Venmo/PayPal links below.</p><p><a href="https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/de-iceing-in-krakow">https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/de-iceing-in-krakow</a></p><p>Ben’s work with <em>Lawfare</em>: <a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org/">https://www.lawfaremedia.org/</a><br>Ben’s Substack, <em>Dog Shirt Daily</em>: <a href="https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/">https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/</a><br>Follow Ben on Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org">https://bsky.app/profile/benjaminwittes.lawfaremedia.org</a></p></div><h1><strong>Ukrainian Aid Charities</strong></h1><div> <a href="https://dignitas.fund/">https://dignitas.fund/</a><br><a href="https://unitedhelpukraine.org/">https://unitedhelpukraine.org/</a><br><a href="https://savelife.in.ua/en/">https://savelife.in.ua/en/<br></a><br></div><h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1><div><p>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/393dbc">https://pod.fo/e/393dbc</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/il-e6y_eJg8">https://youtu.be/il-e6y_eJg8</a></p></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<br></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> <p>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 Films &amp; Podcasts LTD: <a href="https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/">https://filmsandpodcasts.co.uk/</a><br>Music by Andrew R. Bird</p><p><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.</p></div>

<div> <p>In this episode, Chris speaks with German investigative journalist Manuel Bewarder about the Jan Marsalek spy network and the landmark UK trial that exposed it. They unpack how the former Wirecard executive allegedly directed a Bulgarian spy ring from Moscow, targeting journalists, dissidents, and even U.S. military facilities in Germany. Drawing on thousands of Telegram messages revealed in court, Manuel explains how the network operated, how close it came to violence, and what the case reveals about modern Russian espionage—from freelance-style proxy networks to sabotage plots and battlefield intelligence collection. They also explore ongoing investigations in Austria and Germany, and what Marsalek’s continued presence in Russia tells us about his ties to the Kremlin. </p><p>Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.</p><p>Find more about Manuel and his reporting on his website: <a href="https://manuelbewarder.com/">https://manuelbewarder.com/</a></p></div><h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1><div><p>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/38f75c">https://pod.fo/e/38f75c</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/bBx6xsv7YHM">https://youtu.be/bBx6xsv7YHM</a></p></div><h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1><div><p>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></p></div><h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1><div> <p>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></p><p>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></p><p><em>Secrets and Spies</em> is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br>Music by Andrew R. Bird<br>Photo by Nibor/Zuma Press</p><p><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.</p></div>

<div> <p>This week on Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt examine a set of stories pointing to a more volatile intelligence and political landscape. They unpack Poland’s investigation into whether Jeffrey Epstein functioned as a long-running collector of kompromat tied to Russian interests, and what the available evidence does — and does not — tell us about his relationship with Moscow. In Germany, the expulsion of a Russian military attaché and the arrest of an alleged spy accused of mapping defense and drone infrastructure highlight Berlin’s shift toward treating Russian intelligence activity as operational preparation for sabotage on NATO soil. The episode also explores mounting concerns around DNI Tulsi Gabbard, from the delayed handling of a highly sensitive whistleblower complaint to her unusual involvement in election-related investigations, raising questions about politicization and oversight. Chris and Matt then turn to Donald Trump’s Greenland brinkmanship, the role NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte played in defusing an alliance crisis, and why attempts to “sanewash” the episode risk lasting damage to transatlantic trust, before closing on the quiet but symbolic shuttering of the CIA’s World Factbook.</p><p>Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.</p></div><h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1><div><p>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/38a3a8">https://pod.fo/e/38a3a8</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/zMOdqzC-_Js">https://youtu.be/zMOdqzC-_Js</a></p></div><h1><strong>Support Secrets and Spies</strong></h1><div> <p>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></p><p>For more information about the podcast, check out our website: <a href="https://secretsandspiespodcast.com">https://secretsandspiespodcast.com</a></p></div><h1><strong>Articles discussed in today’s episode</strong></h1><div> <p>"Jeffrey Epstein investigated for being a Russian spy" by David Charter | The Times: <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/jeffrey-epstein-investigated-for-being-a-russian-spy-tpcplhvxp">https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/jeffrey-epstein-investigated-for-being-a-russian-spy-tpcplhvxp</a></p><p>"The Cesspool and Chaos: the Russian Connection in the Epstein Affair" by Françoise Thom | Russian Desk: <a href="https://desk-russie.info/2025/07/30/the-cesspool-and-chaos-the-russian-connection-in-the-epstein-affair.html">https://desk-russie.info/2025/07/30/the-cesspool-and-chaos-the-russian-connection-in-the-epstein-affair.html</a></p><p>"Jeffrey Epstein’s Russian Connection: Billionaire's ties with FSB Academy graduate revealed" | Dossier Center: <a href="https://dossier.center/jeffreyepsteinrusconnect-en/">https://dossier.center/jeffreyepsteinrusconnect-en/</a></p><p>"Germany expels Russian diplomat over spying case" by Richard Connor | Deutsche Welle: <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/germany-expels-russian-diplomat-summons-ambassador-over-espionage-case/a-75609339">https://www.dw.com/en/germany-expels-russian-diplomat-summons-ambassador-over-espionage-case/a-75609339</a></p><p>"Germany Arrests Five in Major Scheme to Smuggle Sanctioned Goods to Russia" by Dariia Mykhailenko | United24 Media: <a href="https://united24media.com/latest-news/germany-arrests-five-in-major-scheme-to-smuggle-sanctioned-goods-to-russia-15554">https://united24media.com/latest-news/germany-arrests-five-in-major-scheme-to-smuggle-sanctioned-goods-to-russia-15554</a></p><p>"Classified Whistleblower Complaint About Tulsi Gabbard Stalls Within Her Agency” by Dustin Volz and C. Ryan Barber | The Wall Street Journal: <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/classified-whistleblower-complaint-about-tulsi-gabbard-stalls-within-her-agency-027f5331">https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/classified-whistleblower-complaint-about-tulsi-gabbard-stalls-within-her-agency-027f5331</a></p><p>"Intelligence watchdog shares whistleblower complaint involving Gabbard with Congress after monthslong delay" by Olivia Gazis, Michael Kaplan | CBS News: <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/intelligence-watchdog-sensitive-whistleblower-complaint-congress-monthslong-delay/">https://www.cbsnews.com/news/intelligence-watchdog-sensitive-whistleblower-complaint-congress-monthslong-delay/</a></p><p>"Tulsi Gabbard running solo 2020 election inquiry separate from FBI investigation" by Hugo Lowell | The Guardian: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/tulsi-gabbard-2020-election-investigation-ed">https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/03/tulsi-gabbard-2020-election-investigation-ed</a></p><p>"Behind Trump's Greenland reversal, the crucial role of NATO chief Mark Rutte" by Anne-Françoise Hivert, Philippe Jacqué &amp; Philippe Ricard | Le Monde: <a href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/22/behind-trump-s-greenland-reversal-the-crucial-role-of-nato-chief-mark-rutte_6749681_4.html">https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/22/behind-trump-s-greenland-reversal-the-crucial-role-of-nato-chief-mark-rutte_6749681_4.html</a></p><p>"What follows President Trump’s decision to step back from threatening to use force in Greenland?" by Elaine Kamarck | The Brookings Institution: <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-follows-president-trump-decision-to-step-back-from-threatening-to-use-force-in-greenland/">https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-follows-president-trump-decision-to-step-back-from-threatening-to-use-force-in-greenland/</a></p><p>"Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell" | Central Intelligence Agency: <a href="https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/spotlighting-the-world-factbook-as-we-bid-a-fond-farewell/">https://www.cia.gov/stories/story/spotlighting-the-world-factbook-as-we-bid-a-fond-farewell/</a></p></div><h1><strong>Connect with us on social media</strong></h1><div> <p>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></p><p>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></p><p>Secrets and Spies is produced by F &amp; P LTD.<br>Music by Andrew R. Bird</p></div>

<div> <p>Investigative journalist Florian Flade returns to discuss Russia's Harmony Undersea Surveillance System, a project aimed at protecting its nuclear submarine fleet. Florian and Chris cover the international collaboration involved in Florian’s investigation, the strategic importance of the Harmony system, and the challenges of reporting on sensitive military topics. Florian also highlights the broader implications of Russia's military activities in the Arctic and the ongoing efforts to counteract Russian procurement networks for Western technology.</p><p>Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, global issues, and current affairs.</p></div><h1><strong>Follow Florian’s blog and connect on social media</strong></h1><div>Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/florianflade.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/florianflade.bsky.social</a><br>X: <a href="https://x.com/FlorianFlade">https://x.com/FlorianFlade</a><br>Blog: <a href="https://ojihad.wordpress.com/">https://ojihad.wordpress.com/<br></a><br></div><h1><strong>Florian’s reporting discussed in the episode</strong></h1><div><p><a href="https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/russland-harmonie-unterwasser-spaehsystem-atomwaffen-100.html">https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/russland-harmonie-unterwasser-spaehsystem-atomwaffen-100.html</a><br><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/23/russia-nuclear-subs-western-technology-surevillance/">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/23/russia-nuclear-subs-western-technology-surevillance/</a> <br><a href="https://www.icij.org/investigations/russia-archive/russia-secretly-acquired-western-technology-to-protect-its-nuclear-submarine-fleet/">https://www.icij.org/investigations/russia-archive/russia-secretly-acquired-western-technology-to-protect-its-nuclear-submarine-fleet/</a> </p></div><h1><strong>Please share this episode using these links</strong></h1><div><p>Audio: <a href="https://pod.fo/e/384e23">https://pod.fo/e/384e23</a><br>YouTube: <a href="https://youtu.be/v39OOtkflhI">https://youtu.be/v39OOtkflhI</a></p></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> <p>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</p><p><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.</p></div>