Chris speaks with researcher and author Ross Downing about his book Germanic and Slavic Paganism: Security Threats and Resiliency. Ross, who works with a network of scholars and specialists focused on minority religions and extremism, explores how modern pagan traditions, particularly those rooted in Germanic and Slavic identity, are increasingly weaponized by extremist movements on both sides of the Ukraine War. From the myth of the warrior ideal to the role of neo-paganism in Russian special forces and the Azov movement, Ross unpacks the ideological messiness, spiritual camouflage, and social vulnerabilities that make these belief systems ripe for radicalization. They also discuss the “folkish vs. inclusive” divide, the algorithm’s role in spreading conspiratorial spirituality, and why mainstream institutions need to step up—not just to contain extremism, but to support resilient, non-violent expressions of cultural identity.

Find Ross’s book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/germanic-and-slavic-paganisms-9781350423916/

Watch on YouTube to see Ross talk about Pagan symbols used by Russian and Ukrainian forces: https://youtu.be/IMJ3OH3czMA

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photo by Olga Maltseva/AFP

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.

There will be no show today. Our next show will be on Saturday 24th May, which will be an interview with Ross Downing, looking at Pagan Extremism, Warrior Myths, and the Culture Wars of Russia and Ukraine.

Our next Espresso Martini will be on Saturday 31st May.

 

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

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.

This week, Chris and Matt break down the uneasy truce reached between India and Pakistan after weeks of escalating violence, with the Trump administration stepping in late to help broker a ceasefire and avert a possible nuclear crisis. Then, former NSA and CIA director Gen. Michael Hayden issues a stark warning about the dangers of personal loyalty tests in national security—raising concerns about competence, dissent, and decision-making at the highest levels. Finally, the guys examine President Trump’s controversial plan to accept a former Qatari royal jet as a temporary Air Force One, weighing the security, ethical, and logistical risks of putting the president aboard a previously foreign-owned aircraft.

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"From missiles to ceasefire: how India and Pakistan pulled back from the brink" by Shah Meer Baloch & Hannah Ellis-Petersen | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/12/how-india-and-pakistan-conflict-turned-from-brink-of-war-to-ceasefire-in-days

"As Truce Seems to Hold, India and Pakistan Both Claim Victory" by Anupreeta Das, Salman Masood & Hari Kumar | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/11/world/asia/india-pakistan-kashmir-ceasefire.html

"Vance called Indian prime minister to encourage ceasefire talks after receiving alarming intelligence, sources say" by Alayna Treene | CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/10/politics/vance-modi-india-pakistan-intelligence

"When It Comes to National Security, Loyalty Tests Should Have No Place" by Gen. Michael Hayden | The Cipher Brief: https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/when-it-comes-to-national-security-loyalty-tests-should-have-no-place

"Trump administration poised to accept 'palace in the sky' as a gift for Trump from Qatar" by Jonathan Karl & Katherine Faulders | ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-administration-poised-accept-palace-sky-gift-trump/story?id=121680511

"Corruption and a Security Catastrophe in Plane Sight" by Garrett Graff | Doomsday Scenario on Substack: https://www.doomsdayscenario.co/p/corruption-and-a-security-catastrophe-in-plane-sight-c5cd67a113caf678

"Turning Qatar’s Gifted 747 Into Air Force One Will Be Anything But Free" by Howard Altman & Tyler Rogoway | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/air/turning-qatars-gifted-747-into-air-force-one-will-be-anything-but-free

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photos by Senior Airman Nathan Wingate/USAF

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.

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/

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photo by TASS & Reuters

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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.

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Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2d365f

YouTube: https://youtu.be/fenomGCz6Ys

“Farage claims Reform UK local election gains ‘beginning of the end’ for Tories" by Peter Walker, Eleni Courea, and Kiran Stacey | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/02/farage-reform-uk-local-elections-beginning-of-the-end-for-tories

"Does Farage own the future?" by Andrew Marr | The New Statesman: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2025/05/does-farage-own-the-future

"First Canada, Now Australia: The Trump Factor Boosts Another World Leader in an Election" by Mike Cherney | The Wall Street Journal: https://www.wsj.com/world/first-canada-now-australia-the-trump-factor-boosts-another-world-leader-in-a-close-election-bef1c5a1

“Inside Mike Waltz’s White House Exit" by Isaac Stanley-Becker, Ashley Parker, Jonathan Lemire & Shane Harris | The Atlantic: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/05/03/waltz-trump-israel

"Inside Waltz’s ouster: Before Signalgate, talks with Israel angered Trump" by Michael Birnbaum, John Hudson, Emily Davies, Sarah Ellison & Natalie Allison | The Washington Post: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2025/05/mike-waltz-trump-fired/682660

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photos by Daniel Torok/White House

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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 

Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2d201a

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pzpVi_PQmGM

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photo by Shamil Zhumatov/Reuters & Sergei Guneyev/AP

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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.

Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2d021a

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_8uDJz9MDf4

"India-Pakistan Tensions On Verge Of Erupting After Deadly Terror Attack" by Howard Altman | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/news-features/india-pakistan-tensions-on-verge-of-erupting-after-deadly-terror-attack

"Pakistan warns of an Indian attack, while quietly urging de-escalation" by Shaiq Hussain and Rick Noack | The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/30/pakistan-india-kashmir-pahalgam-conflict/

"What 9/11 evidence unsealed in court reveals years after the attacks" by Cecilia Vega, Aliza Chasan, Richard Bonin, and Mirella Brussani | CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bayoumi-september-11-evidence-60-minutes/

"Russian satellite at centre of nuclear weapons allegations is spinning out of control, analysts say" by Joey Roulette | Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/russian-satellite-linked-nuclear-weapon-program-appears-out-control-us-analysts-2025-04-25/

"Is Russia’s Cosmos 2553 satellite a test for a future orbital nuclear weapon?" by Theresa Hitchens | Breaking Defense: https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/is-russias-cosmos-2553-satellite-a-test-for-a-future-orbital-nuclear-weapon/

"Son of CIA deputy director was killed while fighting for Russia, report says" by Andrew Roth | The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/25/michael-alexander-gloss-cia-russia

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photos by AP & Tauseef Mustafa/AFP

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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

Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cedc6

YouTube: https://youtu.be/pj80PFAr-zw

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photos by OSV News/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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.

Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cd1a9

YouTube: https://youtu.be/p2hm0KZYiYk

"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-hegseth-shared-wife-brother-came-top-generals-secure-message-rcna198838

"Under Hegseth, Chaos Prevails at the Pentagon" by Greg Jaffe & Helene Cooper | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/22/us/politics/hegseth-chaos-pentagon.html

"The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary" by Tom Bowman & Quil Lawrence | NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/21/nx-s1-5371312/trump-white-house-pete-hegseth-defense-department

"Hegseth Said to Have Shared Attack Details in Second Signal Chat" by Greg Jaffe, Eric Schmitt & Maggie Haberman | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/20/us/politics/hegseth-yemen-attack-second-signal-chat.html

"Two top Pentagon officials placed on leave in leak probe" by Daniel Lippman & Jack Detsch | Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/15/caldwell-pentagon-leaks-00291735

"Real reason Pete Hegseth's wife Jennifer Rauchet won't let him out of her sight …and the secret nickname she has earned from Pentagon staffers" by Susan Greene | Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14636555/pete-hegseth-wife-jennifer-rauchet-pentagon-secret-nickname-staffers.html

"Who is Sergey Beseda, Russian spy handler leading talks with US?" by Kateryna Denisova | The Kyiv Independent: https://kyivindependent.com/sergey-beseda-russias-negotiator-in-saudi-arabia-and-his-role-in-ukraines-war/

"The Russian Nationalists Pushing for Ukraine’s Destruction" by Giovanni Pigni | New Lines Magazine: https://newlinesmag.com/reportage/the-russian-nationalists-pushing-for-victory-in-ukraine/

"Sweden’s Bigger Badder Gripen Fighter Packs A Lot Of Punch In An Incredibly Efficient Package" by Jamie Hunter | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/39081/swedens-bigger-badder-gripen-fighter-packs-a-lot-of-punch-in-an-incredibly-efficient-package

"Escalating Trade War Raises Questions Over Canada’s F-35 Future" by Thomas Newdick | The War Zone: https://www.twz.com/air/escalating-trade-war-raises-questions-over-canadas-f-35-future

"A Weak Link in NATO? Bulgaria, Russia, and the Lure of Espionage" by Mark Kramer | Davis Center for Russian & Eurasian Studies: https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/insights/weak-link-nato-bulgaria-russia-and-lure-espionage

Thanks for listener questions from Julie, Sam, and Richard!

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Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

Photos by Eric Lee/NYT and Sgt. 1st Class Marisol Walker/US Army

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.

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.

Audio: https://pod.fo/e/2cbe95

YouTube: https://youtu.be/1WFUmHSW3NQ

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/florianflade.bsky.social

Twitter/X: https://x.com/FlorianFlade

Blog: https://ojihad.wordpress.com/

“Cluster of New Drone Sightings in the North” by lorian Flade, Manuel Bewarder, and Benedikt Strunz: https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/drohnen-ueberfluege-102.html

“Sabotage of Navy Warships” by Manuel Bewarder and Florian Flade: https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/sabotage-marine-ostsee-102.html

“Russian Intelligence Service Suspected Behind Sabotage” by Manuel Bewarder, Florian Flade, and Sebastian Pittelkow: https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/russland-sabotage-106.html

“The Man with Many Identities” by Florian Flade, Antonius Kempmann and Palina Milling: https://www.tagesschau.de/investigativ/ndr-wdr/ukraine-russland-spionage-102.html

“Arrests Including for Espionage Activities and Membership in the Foreign Terrorist Organization ‘Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)’” by the Federal Attorney General’s Office: https://www.generalbundesanwalt.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/DE/2024/Pressemitteilung-vom-18-04-2024.html

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https://bsky.app/profile/fultonmatt.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/chriscarrfilm.bsky.social

Secrets and Spies is produced by F & P LTD.

Music by Andrew R. Bird

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 unpacks global events through the lens of intelligence and geopolitics, featuring expert insights from former spies, authors, and analysts.