Drycleanercast: Espionage, Terrorism & Geopolitics

Candace Rondeaux joins Chris to unpack the dark mythology and hard realities behind the Wagner Group, drawing from her investigative book Putin’s Sledgehammer. They explore Wagner’s roots in post-Soviet chaos, its fusion of state power and criminal underworlds, and its critical role in Russia’s foreign policy ambitions from Syria to Africa to Ukraine. Candace explains how Wagner became a key tool for circumventing sanctions, selling arms, spreading disinformation, and exporting Russia’s influence under the guise of deniability. They discuss the rise and fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner’s shadowy presence in Zelensky’s early presidency, and how the group evolved into today’s “Africa Corps.” Plus: assassination attempts, troll farms, and how a sledgehammer murder became a viral propaganda symbol. Find more on Candace's research on Wagner here: https://uncoveringwagner.org/ Find Putin's Sledgehammer here:  https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/candace-rondeaux/putins-sledgehammer/9781541703087/ Subscribe

In this week’s Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt dig into a wave of elections across the UK, Canada, and Australia, exploring what they signal for populist movements, center-left parties, and Trump-style politics beyond US borders. They break down the rise of Reform UK, growing concerns over Nigel Farage’s influence, and why British voters seem caught in a cycle of backlash politics. Then, a pair of liberal wins in Canada and Australia suggest that even the faintest whiff of Trumpism remains a liability overseas. Finally, they dissect the demotion of Mike Waltz, explain why combining the roles of secretary of state and national security advisor is historically fraught, and ask whether the Trump White House has learned anything—or simply become more ruthless in its chaos. All that, plus Larry the Cat for PM, the specter of Musk in British politics, and an earnest thank-you to recent reviewers. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this

Chris chats with Bruce Talley, a former Russia-based businessman who now helps foreign companies set up operations in Ukraine and matches investors with projects They explore the complex nature of doing business in Russia, including how it’s changed since the 1990s, the red flags Talley missed, and the moment he realized the system was irredeemably corrupt. He shares what it’s like to be surveilled by the FSB, the limits of Western legal remedies, and how Russia’s criminal networks evolved into tools of statecraft. They also discuss the risks facing Western investors, the Kremlin’s strategy of normalized theft, and what Bruce’s work today reveals about the intersection of cybercrime and geopolitical power. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Bruce’s blog: http://brucetalley.com Bruce’s company, Destination Ukraine: https://destination-ukraine.com  Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2d201a YouTube: https://you

This week, Chris and Matt unpack surging tensions between India and Pakistan following a devastating terror attack in Kashmir—will India retaliate, and could it spiral out of control? Then, new evidence links a Saudi national to 9/11, reigniting old questions about the kingdom’s role in the plot and whether a reckoning is overdue. They also explore a malfunctioning Russian military satellite, possibly a testbed for a space-based nuclear weapons program, and what it means for Starlink and future great power conflicts. Finally, a tragic and bizarre story: a CIA deputy director’s son is killed in Ukraine, fighting for Russia. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2d021a YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8uDJz9MDf4 Articles discussed in today’s episode "India-Pakistan Tensions On Verge Of Erupting After Deadly Terror Attack" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/news-featu

This week, Chris is joined by Dr. Taras Kuzio for an on-the-ground look at Ukraine’s evolving war effort and the political battle over peace negotiations. Dr. Kuzio discusses daily life in Kyiv amid ongoing conflict, growing anger toward the Trump administration’s approach, and why Trump’s pressure campaign on Ukraine risks emboldening Russia and destabilizing Europe. They explore myths about Russia’s military power, the tightening Russia-China-North Korea axis, NATO’s future divisions, and Ukraine’s remarkable growth in domestic weapons production. Plus, they examine the dangers of Western illusions about Russia, the strategic importance of Crimea, and how Ukraine’s innovation and resilience could shape the next phase of the war. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Connect with Dr Kuzio on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TarasKuzio Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cedc6 YouTube: https://youtu.be/pj80PFAr-zw

This week, Chris and Matt unpack the deepening chaos at the Pentagon as Pete Hegseth’s tenure as secretary of defense continues to spiral. From more leaked strike plans on Signal to staff purges and his wife sitting in on sensitive meetings, the dysfunction is reaching new lows. Then, a little-known Russian spymaster emerges as a key player in Ukraine peace talks, just as far-right ideologues inside Russia insist on total victory at any cost. Plus, listener questions on Europe’s military independence, Bulgaria’s role in Russian espionage, and the EU’s Orbán problem. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cd1a9 YouTube: https://youtu.be/p2hm0KZYiYk Articles discussed in today’s episode "Info Hegseth shared with wife and brother came from top general's secure messages" by Courtney Kube & Gordon Lubold | NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/info-pete-h

Chris welcomes back national security journalist Florian Flade to unpack Russia’s shadow war against NATO. They examine Moscow’s escalating hybrid attacks across Europe—from sabotage and arson to drone incursions and attempted assassinations—and how Russia recruits low-level agents via Telegram and even AI-driven chatbots. Florian details arson plots, suspicious drone activity near critical infrastructure, infiltration of the German Navy, and a parcel bomb campaign stretching from Lithuania to the UK. They also explore how Russia exploits legal loopholes, overwhelms under-resourced security services, and uses these operations to map NATO’s vulnerabilities. Plus, an alleged assassination plot in Frankfurt, concerns about escalation, and why European security services may still be underprepared for what’s coming. Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cbe95 YouTube: https://youtu.be/1WFUmHSW3NQ Follow Florian’s blog and connect on social media Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profil

Chris sits down with Gavin Stone—former covert operative, body language expert, and best-selling author—to explore the subtle science of reading people. They delve into the art of lie detection, psychological manipulation, and the power of nonverbal cues in high-risk environments. Drawing on two decades of frontline HUMINT experience, Gavin shares insights from a career spent tracking threats, training operatives, and mastering deception detection. From surveillance tradecraft to the fine line between influence and control, this episode offers a fascinating look at how operatives really interpret human behavior—and what the rest of us can learn from it. Find more about Gavin: https://www.convenzis.co.uk/speakers/gavin-stone Gavin’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GavinStoneAuthor Find Gavin’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gavin-Stone/author/B015HWIKGG. Spy Q event: https://spy-q.com/ Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2ca01f YouTube: https://yo

This week, Matt speaks with Nicolo Majnoni, host of Shadow Kingdom, a gripping new investigative podcast from Crooked Media and Campside Media. The first season explores the mysterious June 1982 death of Roberto Calvi—known as “God’s Banker”—and his ties to the Vatican, organized crime, and secret societies at the height of Italy’s Cold War turmoil. They unpack Calvi’s downfall, the shadowy institutions behind it, and what this story reveals about how power operates in the dark. They also discuss the Vatican’s covert influence, how conspiracies blur into history, and what it means to tell stories when the truth remains elusive. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Listen to Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/shadow-kingdom/ Find more about Nicolo: https://www.nicolomajnoni.com Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2c8a6c YouTube: https://youtu.be/cJoiqVwe-qM Support Secrets and Spi

Chris and Matt unpack the surreal ousting of top U.S. national security officials after far-right influencer Laura Loomer walked into the Oval Office with a hit list. They assess the fallout for cyber defenses, the politicization of the FBI, and the broader dismantling of U.S. institutions under Trump’s second term. Then, they turn to Trump’s sweeping trade war, its global blowback, and what Wall Street really thinks. Plus, a respected Chinese-American scientist disappears after an FBI raid, and Japan unveils a new generation of long-range missiles as it prepares for a more dangerous Pacific. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2c6f9e YouTube: https://youtu.be/s4KsMuz1lHY Articles discussed in today’s episode "How Right Wing Influencer Laura Loomer Targeted Top Security Officials" by Dustin Volz, Vera Bergengruen & Alexander Ward | The Wall Street Journal: https://www.ws

Photographer and field researcher Michał Rokita joins Matt to discuss his rare and meticulous efforts to document one of the world’s most secretive military sites: Area 51. From hiking remote peaks in the Nevada desert to capturing panoramic images from over 20 miles away, Michał shares what it takes to legally photograph Groom Lake from public land. They explore the history of the Dreamland Interceptors, the challenges of desert spotting, and the moments he’s witnessed — stealth fighters, unannounced landings, and one night when his presence may have scrubbed a secret test flight. It’s a real-world look at Area 51, far from the conspiracy theories, and the dedicated hobbyists preserving its history from a distance. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Find Michał’s trip reports, photos, and more about Area 51’s history at Dreamland Resort: https://www.dreamlandresort.com/team/michal.html Follow Michał’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@n01_

The Atlantic’s Shane Harris joins Chris and Matt to unpack Signalgate, the extraordinary national security scandal where top Trump officials coordinated airstrikes over Signal and accidentally included a journalist in the group chat. They discuss the operational fallout, legal implications, and the strain on Five Eyes allies. Then, they dive into the reveal of Boeing’s F-47, the U.S. Air Force’s first sixth-generation fighter and potential final manned combat jet. Finally, Chris remembers legendary KGB defector Oleg Gordievsky and his legacy for British intelligence. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links Podfollow: pod.fo/e/2c342b YouTube: youtu.be/SOFfr45cbRw Articles discussed in today’s episode "The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans" by Jeffrey Goldberg | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/03/trump-administration-accidentally-texted-me-its-war-

What can business leaders learn from spies? In this episode, Chris speaks with Jeremy Hurewitz, author of Sell Like a Spy, to explore how intelligence officers build trust, read people, and influence outcomes. Drawing on years spent working alongside former CIA, FBI, and military professionals in the world of corporate security, Jeremy shares real-world techniques—like mirroring, elicitation, and active listening—that can transform how we sell, lead, and connect. They also discuss the ethics of private intelligence, how Hollywood gets espionage wrong, and why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in a tech-driven world. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Find more about Jeremy and Sell Like a Spy: https://www.selllikeaspy.net Follow Jeremy on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/selllikeaspy Please share this episode with the following links: YouTube: https://youtu.be/NZHJ-Eznuro Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/2c1a7f Support Secrets and Spi

Former FBI counterintelligence specialist Eric O’Neill joins Chris to recount his mission to help capture one of the most damaging spies in American history: Robert Hanssen. They discuss Hanssen’s transformation from a wannabe Bond into a real-life cyber mole, his staggering betrayal of US intelligence, and how O’Neill built trust with a man he knew he had to take down. Eric also shares how the Hanssen case shaped his transition into cybersecurity, explores the rise of cybercrime as a $12 trillion black-market economy, and explains why AI deepfakes, ransomware, and social engineering attacks pose growing threats to national security and everyday life. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links YouTube: https://youtu.be/vmViAP6jits Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/2bfdc5 Find more about Eric on his website: https://ericoneill.net Support Secrets and Spies Become a “Friend of the Podcast” on Patreon for £3/$4:

Is the Chinese military really ready for war? In this episode, Chris and Matt speak with Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at RAND Corporation, about his provocative new report The Chinese Military’s Doubtful Combat Readiness. Heath argues that the PLA remains deeply shaped by its political mission to preserve CCP rule—and is poorly optimized for high-end combat. They discuss how China’s military modernization masks enduring political constraints, why in his view war over Taiwan remains unlikely, and what China might do instead to challenge US interests through proxy warfare, cyber, and global coercion. Heath also explores the CCP’s legitimacy crisis, China’s evolving strategic partnerships with Russia and Iran, and why the specter of global systemic war can’t be ruled out. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links YouTube: https://youtu.be/ruZFgM3oLhM Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/2be562

Putin hesitates on Ukraine's ceasefire, Trump plays shuttle diplomacy, and the West braces for Russia’s next move. We break down Mark Galeotti’s take on Putin’s indecisiveness and Trump’s latest call with Moscow. Plus, Russia’s ghost ships in Libya—what’s behind Moscow’s growing influence in North Africa? Then, we tackle listener questions: Is the West retaliating against Russian undersea sabotage? Will NATO stand by Denmark over Greenland? And is Trump trying to pull a “Nixon to China” move with Russia? We wrap up with a former MI6 officer stepping out of the shadows for a very British cause. All that and more in this week’s Espresso Martini. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Please share this episode using these links YouTube: https://youtu.be/9wFN-TxSpss Podfollow: https://pod.fo/e/2bc5e8 Articles discussed in today’s episode "Ukraine talks show that ‘macho’ Putin hates tough decisions" by Mark Galeotti | The Times: https://www.thetimes

Chris is joined by Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House and author of Who Will Defend Europe?, to discuss the looming threat of Russian aggression and Europe’s unpreparedness for war. They dig into the failure of Western governments to heed repeated warnings about Moscow’s ambitions, the dangerous reliance on outdated post-Cold War assumptions, and the consequences of US disengagement from European security. Keir breaks down Russia’s long-range strike capabilities, its military adaptation in Ukraine, and the likelihood of future conflicts—including whether a NATO country could be next. They also examine Trump’s approach to Russia, the vulnerability of Western societies to Russian influence, and how Europe must step up its own defense before it’s too late. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wSWUv-1brdY More about Keir and his work Keir’s analysis for Chatham House’s Russia & Eurasia Programme: https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/keir-giles Read Who Will Def

Another Russian spy ring in the UK is exposed—what were they up to, and what does it reveal about Moscow’s intelligence operations? Chris and Matt dive into the details of the case, including a botched plot to track Ukrainian soldiers and bizarre honey trap plans. Then, they break down the latest on the Ukraine ceasefire proposal. Will Putin play ball, or is this just a naive delay tactic? Plus, the US Navy’s new autonomous warship raises big questions about the future of naval warfare, and they analyze the claim that “Putin has won.” Has he really? All that and more in this week’s Espresso Martini. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L67zrQSP3Ng Articles discussed in today’s episode "'The dumbest thing I’ve ever done': spy trial’s tales of scheming, bluster and a love triangle" by Dan Sabbagh | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/07/spy-trial-scheming-bluster-tangled-relationships "B

Guest host and spy thriller writer Stephen England sits down with James Stejskal, a former US Army Special Forces soldier, CIA officer, historian, and author. They discuss Stejskal’s journey from special operations and intelligence work to writing both fiction and nonfiction. The conversation focuses on Mission Iran, his latest book, which uncovers Special Forces Detachment A’s covert role in Operation Eagle Claw, the 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Tehran. Stejskal shares firsthand insights into the mission, the dynamics between Special Forces, the CIA, and the State Department, and how his experience in the field shaped his writing. They also explore his Snake Eater Chronicles thrillers, his research into Cold War Berlin, and his upcoming novel, The Rat Catcher of Berlin. Along the way, Stejskal reflects on the reality of intelligence operations, the challenges of writing both history and fiction, and the enduring influence of special operations forces in modern conflicts. Don’t miss this deep

This week’s Espresso Martini is unlike any other. Chris and Matt take a deep dive into the future of the transatlantic relationship after the disastrous White House meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy. They unpack the fallout, the shifting US stance on Ukraine, and the broader implications for NATO and European security. A raw, emotional, and unfiltered discussion on a critical moment in world affairs—one where the stakes couldn’t be higher. Subscribe and share to stay ahead in the world of intelligence, geopolitics, and current affairs. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DRqFtzQ_orA Articles discussed in today’s episode "At Least Now We Know the Truth About Trump and Vance" by David Frum | The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/02/least-now-we-know-truth-about-trump-and-vance/681872/ "How JD Vance emerged as the chief saboteur of the transatlantic alliance" by Andrew Roth | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/28/jd-vance-volodymyr-zel