Drycleanercast: Espionage, Terrorism & Geopolitics

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 intelligence work. Transitioning into a novelist, Bickford reflects on the inspiration behind his books, the writing process he shares with his wife, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and those considering a career in intelligence. To find out more about David and his latest novel, “Katya The Informer”, please visit his website: https://davidbickford.co.uk/ Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0zPfzbDOrIc 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: h

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’s war. Next, they unpack the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of the October 7th attacks, killed by Israeli forces after a years-long manhunt. In a twist of fate, it was trainee soldiers who found him. While his final defiance is already being mythologized by supporters, Chris and Matt assess whether his death will weaken Hamas or bolster its extremist factions. They also explore the arrest of seven Israelis accused of spying for Iran and how these betrayals compromised national security. Finally, they examine growing threats against FEMA workers in North Carolina, driven by conspiracy theories that disrupted disaster relief efforts and underscore the

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 of Kurdish women in the fight against ISIS. You can get a copy of the Double Bind here: UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZKEJ0U88CK4F&keywords=the+double+bind+meredith+tax&qid=1699649198&sprefix=the+double+bind+meredith+tax%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-1 US https://www.amazon.com/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SGNS9LZ9PFXX&keywords=the+double+bind+meredith+tax&qid=1699649248&sprefix=the+double+bind+meredith+tax%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1 AUS https://www.amazon.com.au/Double-Bind-Muslim-Anglo-American-Universal/dp/0988830302/ref=sr_1_1?crid=

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 Arctic as a laboratory for hybrid warfare. Lastly, 40 years after The Hunt for Red October, they reflect on the enduring legacy of Tom Clancy, whose work continues to shape military fiction and public perceptions of global conflict. Tune in for a compelling mix of current events, espionage, and cultural reflections on the impact of techno-thrillers. You can now watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Vb4U23bn80s Articles discussed in today’s episode “Hamas Is Monstrous. Most Gazans Agree.” by Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib | The Dispatch “Iran turns to Hells Angels and other criminal gangs to target critics” by Greg Miller, Souad Mekhennet & Cate Brown | The Washington Post

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 with the German public broadcaster Tagesschau, has spent years investigating issues surrounding national security, terrorism, and intelligence. In this episode, we explore the tangled web of geopolitical intrigue surrounding the Nord Stream pipeline bombings, examining who may be responsible and what this attack means for Ukraine’s potential future in the EU and NATO. From questions of Ukrainian involvement to the presence of Russian spy ships in the Baltic, we’ll be unpacking a story filled with uncertainty, strategic sabotage, and high-stakes diplomacy. So, tune in as we dive into the facts, theories, and investigative breakthroughs that shed light on this murky

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 militias, raising pressing questions about Hezbollah’s future and its role in regional power dynamics. Phillip returns to help unpack the key players, their motives, and the potential fallout from this strike. Together, they examine Israel’s strategic objectives, Iran’s retaliatory actions, and the broader implications for the already fragile situation in the Middle East. They also explore the ongoing Israeli ground offensive and Iran’s ballistic missile strikes in response. It’s a rapidly evolving situation, so join Phillip and Matt as they break down the latest developments and consider what might come next. Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism

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 Hezbollah’s communication networks and command structure and the broader impact these events will have on the regional war that’s now consumed the Middle East for a year. Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth/. Phillip’s work at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth Follow Phillip on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth Follow Matt on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/FultonMatt Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: ht

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/how-stochastic-terrorism-uses-disgust-to-incite-violence/ https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-secret-ap3-militia-american-patriots-three-percent https://warontherocks.com/2024/07/a-globally-integrated-islamic-state/ Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon and get access to "Extra Shot" for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Take part in our anonymous listener survey which closes on Monday 24th September: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSRSSSP   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

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 episode also covers the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France for failing to regulate harmful content, and the DOJ’s exposure of ties between American influencers and Russian state media. Finally, they discuss a rare joint interview with CIA Director William Burns and SIS Chief Sir Richard Moore, offering insights into the historic US-UK intelligence collaboration amid rising global tensions. Tune in for expert analysis on terrorism, online extremism, and intelligence from the leaders shaping the global security landscape. Video version available on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/espresso-martini-112014979 Articles discussed in today’s episode

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 offers a sweeping, comprehensive study of the real Area 51, where for 70 years the US Air Force has developed and tested classified military aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes, the F-117 stealth fighter, and some projects that will remain secret for decades to come. Purchase DREAMLAND through Schiffer Publishing: https://schifferbooks.com/products/dreamland Find DREAMLAND and Peter’s other books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peter-W.-Merlin/author/B001JS0GU6 Support Secrets and Spies Take our anonymous listener survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSRSSSP Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4: www.patreon.com/Secrets

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 discussed in the episode "Asio boss says privacy ‘not absolute’ as he urges social media companies to do more on extremism" by Josh Butler | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/apr/24/asio-boss-says-privacy-not-absolute-as-he-urges-social-media-companies-to-do-more-on-extremism "Autocracies Are Winning the Information War" by Tom Nichols | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2024/05/the-plot-to-discredit-democracy/678315/ "Putin’s Propagandists Rage Against the Republican ‘Betrayal’" by Julia Davis | CEPA: https://cepa.org/article/putins-propagandists-rage-against-the-republican-betrayal/ "The Royal Navy is going th

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://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MSRSSSP Thank you for taking the time to participate in our survey and for all your support over the year. Connect with us on social media. BLUE SKY https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social TWITTER twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/secretsandspies INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/secretsandspies/ SPOUTIBLE   https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD. Music by Andrew R. Bird

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 impact on MI5 today. So, grab your favourite drink, get comfortable, and enjoy this intriguing conversation with Tim! To find out more about Tim and To Catch A Spy, visit: https://timtate.co.uk/ Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast”  on Patreon for £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our 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 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies Instagram: https

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-life espionage tale reveals the extraordinary lengths to which Russia will go to spy on foreign nations. Join us as Florian shares insights from his in-depth research and podcast, shedding light on one of the most remarkable espionage operations uncovered in recent history. Please note that this episode was recorded before the historic prisoner swap with Russia in early August. To listen to Florian’s podcast “Die Anschlags – Russlands Spione unter uns”  visit this link: https://www.ardaudiothek.de/sendung/die-anschlags-russlands-spione-unter-uns-wdr-und-ndr/13420611/ For more information and to connect with Florian, please follow the links below. Blog: https://

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 negotiations, who the Russians got in return, and touches on the complicated question of whether these exchanges incentivize autocrats like Putin to take hostage more Westerners and journalists to extract concessions from their governments. Read Shane’s work for The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/shane-harris/ Follow Shane on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/shaneharris Follow Shane on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@shanewharris Reporting and groups discussed in the episode "Inside the deal that led to a blockbuster prisoner swap between US, Russia" by Shane Harris, Yasmeen Abutaleb & Souad Mekhennet: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation

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 region once again on the brink of a potentially more widespread and unrestrained war. Phillip sheds light on who these two men were and what their deaths mean for their organizations, parses the delicate messaging and maneuvering behind the scenes, and offers his insights on what Iran and Hezbollah’s imminent response might entail. Phillip’s work for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth Reporting discussed in the episode "Who Is

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 about “Autocracy Inc” here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/725302/autocracy-inc-by-anne-applebaum Connect with Anne and find out more about her work here: https://www.anneapplebaum.com Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our 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 Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/SecretsAndSpies Instagram: https

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 former US analyst accused of spying for South Korea To get access to Extra Shot you’ll need to become a Patreon subscriber. You can do that by clicking this link here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-27-07-108936531?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Article Discussed on Espresso Martini https://theins.ru/en/politics/273350 https://www.twz.com/news-features/experienced-snipers-break-down-the-trump-assassination-attempt https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/23/us/politics/cheatle-secret-service-director-resigns.html https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/agency-crisis-secret-service-de

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 the presidential election. Read Jacob’s coverage of the Trump assassination attempt and preventing violence in the 2024 election: https://www.cfr.org/expert-brief/trump-assassination-attempt-poses-new-test-us-democracy https://time.com/6998930/the-trump-assassination-attempt-represents-a-dark-new-chapter-in-american-politics/ https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2024-07-15/trump-assassination-attempt-poses-new-test-for-u-s-democracy https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/4411720-assassination-attempts-are-on-the-rise-worldwide-is-the-us-next/ https://www.cfr.org/report/preventing-us-election-violence-2024 Follow Jacob on social media: https://x.com

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 GPS under attack. To get access to Extra Shot you’ll need to become a Patreon subscriber. You can do that by clicking this link here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/extra-shot-13-07-108077378?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link By joining our Patreon, you’ll be directly supporting this podcast. Depending on your level, you'll receive either a set of coasters or a free coffee cup as a thank you. Links to articles https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0veg88g7jyo https://inews.co.uk/news/uk-intelligence-warning-starmer-major-security-threats-election-3152924 https://ukdefencejournal.org.u