Best Spies The Dry Cleanercast Podcasts (2024)

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No Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend 0:31

2h ago0:31

0:31

Hi all, due to essential maintenance works at London HQ, there won't be an Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend. We are very sorry about this. We will have a new podcast out next weekend, so please stay tuned. We hope you all have an excellent weekend and we will catch you on the next episode. All the best Chris & Matt…

1
S8 Ep39: The legal case for the victims of Havana Syndrome with Mark S. Zaid 54:58

2h ago54:58

54:58

On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by national security Lawyer Mark S. Zaid. They discuss the legal case for the victims of the Anomalous Health Incidents, more popularly known as Havana Syndrome. Mark discusses the US government's denial and how that affects his clients, who have had their lives disrupted by these alleged attacks. You can find ou…

1
S8 Ep38: Directed energy and Havana Syndrome with Dr. James Giordano 57:31

25m ago57:31

57:31

On today’s podcast Chris is joined by Dr James Giordano. Dr Giordano served as the consulting neuroscientist on research into the original cases of Havana Syndrome. Dr. James Giordano is a neuroscientist and neuroethicist, whose work focuses upon mechanisms and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and neuroethical issues arising from the use an…

1
S8 Ep37: Former US Navy Captain Gene Moran on the Houthi threat in the Red Sea 55:19

3d ago55:19

55:19

On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by Former US Navy Destroyer Captain Gene Moran to discuss the Houthi Threat in the Red Sea. In this episode, they look at the background of the Houthis, the threat that they pose, and how the US Navy and its allies are dealing with that threat. They then discuss life on a ship during a time of conflict and finish…

1
S8 Ep36: Espresso Martini: Putin exploits ISIS-K attack, House Republicans hold up US aid to Ukraine, and new Havana Syndrome information. 1:06:50

6d ago1:06:50

1:06:50

On today’s episode, we are going to look at Putin exploiting the ISIS-K attack for his war on Ukraine, House Republicans holding up US aid to Ukraine, and we will wrap up looking at new revelations on Havana Syndrome. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot”. On that we will look at Chinese Disinformation efforts targeting the US ele…

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S8 Ep35: Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu imprisoned in Azerbaijan 1:14:13

9d ago1:14:13

1:14:13

On today’s podcast, we are joined by Ibad Bayramov, and we discuss the imprisonment of his father, Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, in Azerbaijan. Dr Ibadoghlu is an economics professor who was a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and a leading figure in the opposition in Azerbaijan. In July 2023, he was arrested and held by Azerbaijan authori…

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S8 Ep34: Moscow ISIS-K attack, Ukriane update and Ukraine Intelligence 2:10:59

13d ago2:10:59

2:10:59

In today’s episode, we welcome Dr Taras Kuzio, who has just returned from a trip to Ukraine. Dr. Taras Kuzio is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and an Associate Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society. Winner of the 2022 Peterson Literary Prize for Russian Nationalism and the…

1
Easter sample of Extra Shot our Patreon only show. 54:56

20d ago54:56

54:56

As it's the Easter weekend, Chris and Matt are away. So today, we are going to share a sample episode of "Extra Shot," our Patreon-only show that immediately follows each episode of "Espresso Martini." To get access to future and past episodes of "Extra Shot" please subscribe here: www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies In this edition of Extra Shot, we w…

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S8 Ep33: Espresso Martini: Tactical nukes, Spies in Brussels, Turkish spies in the West and more 1:17:38

1M ago1:17:38

1:17:38

On today’s episode, we are going to look at how close we got to Russia using nukes in Ukraine, spies wining and dining in Brussels, Russia setting up fake news sites and more. Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at how to run a CIA station abroad, SAS soldiers accused of murder, reports that the King has …

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S8 Ep32: The US government’s search for alien life with Garrett Graff 51:16

1M ago51:16

51:16

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by investigative journalist, bestselling author, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Garrett Graff. His latest book, “UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here—and Out There,” draws from original archival research, declassified documents, and interviews with senior intelligence and military o…

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S8 Ep31: The Discord Leaks with Shane Harris 45:34

2M ago45:34

45:34

On today’s episode, The Washington Post’s Pulitzer Prize-winning intelligence correspondent, Shane Harris, joins Matt to discuss the “Discord Leaks” and the air national guardsman who, earlier this week, pleaded guilty to charges of willful retention and transmission of US national defense information, an act that’s been called the largest disclosu…

1
S8 Ep30: Espresso Martini: Leaked Russian documents, defector shot in Spain, CIA's relationship with Ukrainian intelligence 1:13:09

2M ago1:13:09

1:13:09

In today's episode, we are going to look at a leak of Russian documents about their threshold for using nuclear weapons, the assassination of a Russian defector in Spain, details on the cooperation between the CIA and Ukraine intelligence services and more. Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that we will look at recommenda…

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S8 Ep29: The death of Alexei Navalny and its consequences with Edward Lucas 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

On today’s podcast, I am joined by Edward Lucas to discuss the death of Alexei Navalny and its consequences. Edward is the author of the 2008 book “The New Cold War”. He has been warning us for many years of an increasingly aggressive Russian foreign policy dictated by President Vladimir Putin. When Edwards's book came out in 2008, he was largely i…

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S8 Ep28: Espresso Martini: Russian space weapons, Tucker Carlson in Russia and a beheading in Pennsylvania 1:20:56

2M ago1:20:56

1:20:56

In today's episode, we are going to look at a potential new Russian threat in space, then we are going to look at Tucker Carlson’s trip to Russia, then look at Russian efforts to destabilise US politics, and more. Then we will move to our Patreon-only show, “Extra Shot”. On that, we will look at the rise of the AFD in Germany, the Cult of AI, the i…

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S8 Ep27: The Path Ahead For The Middle East with Laura Rozen 44:03

2M ago44:03

44:03

On today’s episode, Matt speaks with the veteran foreign policy journalist and Middle East watcher, Laura Rozen. After four months of war between Israel and Hamas, the conflict seems to be entering a new phase with the possibility of another ceasefire on the horizon. Laura joins us to unpack what she’s seeing from her reporting and discuss the deli…

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S8 Ep26: US Airstrikes in Iraq & Syria with Phillip Smyth 1:04:48

3M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Phillip Smyth, a leading researcher of Iranian-backed militia groups, returns to Secrets and Spies to unpack the January 28th drone attack against a US military outpost in Jordan that killed three service members and the resulting round of airstrikes beginning on February 2nd targeting the militias believed to be responsible. He gives his take on t…

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S8 Ep25: The Year of the Locust with Terry Hayes 1:00:08

3M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

On today’s episode, Matt speaks with the global best-selling author Terry Hayes. Following a storied career as a journalist, Hollywood screenwriter, and film producer, his 2014 debut novel, I Am Pilgrim, was a revelation in the spy genre and sold millions of copies worldwide. Ten years later, Terry returns with a long-anticipated follow-up, The Yea…

1
S8 Ep24: Espresso Martini: Strikes against the Houthi’s, Chinese spies and the hunt for Hamas’s spokesman Abu Obaida. 1:05:07

3M ago1:05:07

1:05:07

On today's show, we will be looking at the strikes against Houthi Rebels who have been attacking ships in the Red Sea; we will also look at the hunt for Hamas’s spoke person, Chinese spies recruiting Western politicians, more information on the Chinese spy balloon from last year and we will round off with a worrying story of an Iranian operative wh…

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S8 Ep23: The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin 55:05

3M ago55:05

55:05

On today’s episode, 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 located deep in the Nevada desert. This isn’t a book about UFOs or conspiracy theories, but instead offers a sweeping, compreh…

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S8 Ep22: UK release of Moscow X with former CIA analyst David McCloskey 1:23:49

3M ago1:23:49

1:23:49

With the UK release of "Moscow X", we dive into the vault and revisit Matt’s interview with spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. David is best known for his critically acclaimed debut, Damascus Station; David returns with his latest thriller, Moscow X. Just as detailed, intricate, and vividly written as Damascus Station, Moscow X is…

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S8 Ep21: 2024 Global forecast with Sam Lichtenstein from RANE 1:00:00

4M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

What does 2024 have in store for us? Well, on today's podcast, we are joined by Sam Liechtenstein from RANE, and we will discuss their global forecast for the year ahead. 2024 looks like it will be the most influential year yet, and that will set the tone for the rest of this decade. So, Pour yourself a drink, join us for the discussion and find ou…

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S8 Ep20: The Lion And The Fox with Alexander Rose 48:40

4M ago48:40

48:40

On todays podcast we are joined by author Alexander Rose and we discuss his epic American Civil War espionage book “The Lion And The Fox”. The book is a tale of two rival American spies in neutral Britain both entrusted with a vital mission. You can now get a paperback copy of “The Lion And The Fox” here: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-…

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S8 Ep19: Directing James Bond with John Glen 1:00:10

4M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

On today's podcast, we are joined by James Bond director John Glen to discuss his work on the 1980s-era James Bond films, including Chris’s favourite James Bond film, “Licence To Kill”. Agent Scott from the excellent spy movie podcast Spy Hards joins us on this episode. You can get a copy of John Glen’s book “For My Eyes Only” on Amazon https://www…

1
S8 Ep18: Spy Artist Prisoner with Lady Jane Reid 32:50

4M ago32:50

32:50

On todays podcast we are joined by Lady Jane Reid and we are going to talk about the biography of Romanian artist and World War Two Spy, George Tomaziu. Lady Reid, was the translator of the book and knew Tomaziu personally. You can get a copy of Spy Artist Prisoner here: https://www.nickelbooks.co.uk/product/spy-artist-prisoner-1st-april/ If you en…

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S8 Ep17: Spy Game Trilogy, with Michael Frost Beckner and guest host Stephen England 1:17:57

4M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

We have a guest host for today’s show, a first for the podcast. Indie thriller author Stephen England talks with the spy novelist and screenwriter Michael Frost Beckner about his “Spy Game” trilogy, which was adapted into the 2001 film starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. He joins Stephen for a deep-dive into the trilogy, his broader career as a …

1
S8 Ep16: Espresso Martini: An alleged Cuban Mole, Traders profiting off 7th October attack and Israeli Intelligence Failures 1:08:06

5M ago1:08:06

1:08:06

On todays episode we will be looking at what the Israeli Intelligence services may have known before the 7th October Hamas terrorist attack. We will then look at reports of traders who may have benefited from the attacks. We have a developing spy scandal involving an alleged Cuban mole within the US State Department, and we will wrap up looking at …

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S8 Ep15: Russia’s War on Ukraine and the Anti Western Axis with Dr Taras Kuzio 59:36

5M ago59:36

59:36

On today’s episode, Chris is joined again by Dr Taras Kuzio. They discuss the latest developments with Russia’s War on Ukraine and Dr Kuzio’s research on the Anti-Western Axis, which includes Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Dr Kuzio is a professor in the Department of Political Science at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla and a research f…

1
S8 Ep14: Iranian Militia Attacks on US Forces with Phillip Smyth 1:23:25

5M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

On today’s episode, Matt is joined again by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian proxy groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss the spate of attacks by Iranian-backed militias against US forces in the Middle…

1
S8 Ep13: Hamas hostage deal, coming to terms with 7th October, Ukraine nuclear weapons and political dysfunction the greatest threat to the US 1:40:37

5M ago1:40:37

1:40:37

Happy Thanksgiving to our listeners in the US! On today's episode we will be looking at the potential hostage deal with Hamas, we will also be looking at a few articles on how people are still coming to terms with the Hamas attacks, new information on the disastrous deal that led to Ukraine giving up it’s nuclear arsenal, and we will look at how po…

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S8 Ep12: The Double Bind revisited - No Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this week 49:03

6M ago49:03

49:03

There won’t be an Espresso Martini today. 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 i…

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S8 Ep11: Israel-Hamas War with Malcolm Nance 1:10:03

6M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

On today's podcast, Chris is joined by Malcolm Nance, and they discuss the terrible 7th October attacks, the origins of Hamas, the Iranian connection and what may lie ahead for Israel’s war with Hamas. You can read more of Malcolm Nance’s work on his substance here: https://malcolmnance.substack.com/ And you can watch his video Podcast “Black Man S…

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S8 Ep10: Espresso Martini: Hamas Spies, Russian Sabotage and ATACMS for Ukraine 1:40:02

6M ago1:40:02

1:40:02

On Espresso Martini, we take a look at the complexity of Gaza hostage rescue efforts and Hamas’s intelligence efforts in preparation for the 7th October Attacks. We also look at Ukraine receiving much-needed ATACMS missiles, Russia’s Unit 29155’s assassination and sabotage operations in Europe, and to finish up, we look at Donald Trump’s plans to w…

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S8 Ep9: Disrupting Time, a tale of watches and industrial espionage with Aaron Stark 1:03:49

6M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

On today's podcast, Chris is joined by author Aaron Stark, and they discuss Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time”, which looks at the battle between Swiss and American watch companies in the 1870s. You can find out more about Aaron’s book “Disrupting Time” here: https://www.aaronstarkbooks.com/ Get access to our new Patreon-only show, "Extra Shot." Go to …

1
S8 Ep8: Inside the Israel-Hamas War with Phillip Smyth 1:08:43

6M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by Phillip Smyth. Phillip is a leading expert on Iranian-backed terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, and has conducted research at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and the University of Maryland. They discuss Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, the question of Iran’s involvement, and…

1
S8 Ep7: The Lumumba Plot with Stuart A. Reid 52:47

6M ago52:47

52:47

On today's podcast, we are joined by author Stuart A Reid, and we discuss his fantastic new book “The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination”. The assassination target was the Congo’s first Prime Minister after independence from the Belgians, Patrice Lumumba. You can find out more about Stuart and the book here: ht…

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S8 Ep6: Espresso Martini: Hamas 7th October Attack in Israel 1:48:47

6M ago1:48:47

1:48:47

On this episode of Espresso Martini, we will focus on the appalling October 7th attack, in which the designated terrorist group Hamas launched a violent and bloody attack focused on Israeli civilians. For the sake of clarity, we have decided our conversation into these areas: * What happened * Who are Hamas * The geopolitics of what happened and th…

1
S8 Ep5: Best Thriller Books with Kashif Hussain 53:58

7M ago53:58

53:58

In this episode, Matt talks with Kashif Hussain from the blog "Best Thriller Books.” Kashif is a prolific reader in the spy genre and has written hundreds of reviews, including novels from all the famous authors you know and probably some you don’t know yet. They have a light discussion about his perspective on different issues in the genre, includ…

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S8 Ep4: Espresso Martini: Russian & Chinese Spies in the UK and an Assassination in Canada 1:10:35

7M ago1:10:35

1:10:35

In today's Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris dive into the assassination of Sikh dissident Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. They look at fresh details about Chinese and Russian spies in the UK. They also explore an interview with Estonia’s outgoing military intelligence, who reflects on his dynamic career; and, after his liberation from a US prison, no…

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S8 Ep3: Moscow X with former CIA analyst David McCloskey 1:23:47

7M ago1:23:47

1:23:47

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back spy novelist and former CIA analyst David McCloskey. Best known for his critically acclaimed debut, Damascus Station, David returns with his latest thriller, Moscow X. Just as detailed, intricate, and vividly written as Damascus Station, Moscow X is set within the enigmatic layers of Putin’s Russia amidst the …

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S8 Ep2: Extra Shot Taster -- Espresso Martini & Extra Shot return 30th September 1:04:55

7M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Espresso Martini & Extra returns a little later this month on Saturday, 30th September. Today, we are airing a taster episode of Extra Shot, which was recorded in June. If you enjoy Extra Shot and wish to listen to future episodes, you must be a Patreon subscriber. Go to the Secrets & Spies Patreon page and subscribe there to get access: www.patreo…

1
S8 Ep1: Espresso Martini: Coups in Africa, Prigozhin’s death and a Russian pilot defects. 1:14:12

8M ago1:14:12

1:14:12

On today’s Espresso Martini, Matt & Chris look at a coup in Niger and Gabon, Prigozhin’s death, his legacy haunting us from the grave and a Russian pilot involved in a dramatic defection to Ukraine with his Mil Mi-8 helicopter. On "Extra Shot", immediately following this show on Patreon, Chris & Matt take a look at concerns of a NATO collapse if Do…

1
S7 Ep41: Summer Special: Stalin’s Englishman with Andrew Lownie 39:47

8M ago39:47

39:47

On today's Summer Special, author and literary agent Andrew Lownie joins us to discuss his excellent book “Stalin’s Englishman: The Lives of Guy Burgess.” You can find out more about the book here: https://www.andrewlownie.co.uk/authors/andrew-lownie/books/stalins-englishman-the-lives-of-guy-burgess The podcast will return with a new "Espresso Mart…

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S7 Ep40: Espresso Martini 15: Missing Chinese Foreign Minister, another Russian coup predicted and the dangers of AI. 1:09:30

9M ago1:09:30

1:09:30

On today’s Espresso Martini and season seven finale, Matt & Chris look at the puzzlingly short tenure of the Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang; they unpack some hot gossip surrounding last month’s Wagner mutiny and discuss updates on the war in Ukraine, both at sea and on land. In the last story, they look at AI's potential threat in the 2024 US El…

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S7 Ep39: Espresso Martini: Cluster Bombs, Ukraine NATO membership and Prigozhin’s meeting with Putin 58:41

10M ago58:41

58:41

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at cluster munitions being supplied to Ukraine, Putin & Prigozhin’s post-mutiny meeting, and Ukraine’s future membership with NATO. On “Extra Shot” that follows this show on Patreon, we will be looking at Russian spies in Switzerland, a MOSSAD operation in Iran, CIA Director William Burns's k…

1
S7 Ep38: Soon Dies the Day with Stephen England 1:00:24

10M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back his friend and fellow indie spy writer, Stephen England, to discuss his new novel, “Soon Dies the Day.” They take a deep-dive into the book's development and unpack some of its more timely geopolitics themes, including the German far-right and infighting in Russian security services. If you’re a fan of realist…

1
S7 Ep37: Operation Chrysler and a Murder Behind Enemy Lines in World War II with Pate McMichael 1:24:25

10M ago1:24:25

1:24:25

On today’s episode, Matt talks with Pate McMichael, a journalist and professor at the University of Arizona, about his book, "Operation Chrysler: Stolen Valor Behind Enemy Lines in World War II”. They explore the gripping true story of Operation Chrysler, an OSS mission deep inside Nazi-occupied Italy, and the decades-long investigation into the mu…

1
S7 Ep36: Espresso Martini: Prigozhin vs Putin and Wagners mutinous weekend in Russia 1:06:44

10M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

On this special episode of Espresso (Vodka) Martini, join Chris, and Matt as they delve into the recent dramatic events in Russia. Like the rest of the world, they were taken aback when Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries orchestrated an armed convoy headed towards Moscow, seemingly attempting a coup. In this episode, Chris & Matt strive t…

1
S7 Ep35: Espresso Martini: Trump Classified Docs Debacle and a Chinese Spy Base In Cuba 1:03:13

10M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at Former President Trump being accused of illegally retaining classified documents, new evidence suggesting Russian forces are responsible for destroying the Kakhvoka dam, and information on a Chinese spy base in Cuba. On Extra Shot, they look at the German intelligence service seeing more a…

1
S7 Ep34: Espresso Martini: A Farewell to Robert Hanssen & No 10 Blacklisting with Dan Kaszeta 56:41

11M ago56:41

56:41

On this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt look at the death of the Russian spy who was deep in the FBI, Robert Hanssen. Later in the episode, they are joined by Chemical, Biological and Radiological expert Dan Kaszeta who the UK Government Blacklisting has blacklisted for being critical of the government on Twitter. Dan discusses what tha…

1
S7 Ep33: The Liquid Bomb Plot with Aki J. Peritz. 1:15:16

11M ago1:15:16

1:15:16

Today, Chris is joined by Aki J. Peritz, a former CIA officer and author. They dive into the gripping story of the liquid bomb plot and the monumental counterterrorism investigation launched to thwart it. Aki's captivating book, "Disruption," provides an insider's perspective on the plot and sheds light on how it was successfully foiled. Join them …

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