Best Espresso Science Podcasts (2024)

1
Ranking the Fumetti - plus 2 bonus films! 54:57

1d ago54:57

54:57

Wild, Wild Podcast has made it to the end of the season, but which films were favourites, and which were bottom of the pile? Find out in this final episode of 2024's deep dive into the Fumetti-inspired films of Italy as we rank every film. Plus, Rod watched Diabolik (2021) and Adrian watched Super Stooges vs the Wonder Women (1974). Who got the bet…

1
S9 Ep3: Exploding Pagers and More Airstrikes: Unpacking Hezbollah’s Catastrophic Week with Phillip Smyth 1:24:27

3d ago1:24:27

1:24:27

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 Hez…

1
Isabella, Duchess of the Devils (Bruno Corbucci, 1969) 1:11:30

8d ago1:11:30

1:11:30

"En garde!" In this episode we jump back in time to seventeenth century France, where dastardly deeds are afoot and the Duchess Isabella is forced to take revenge against the evil Baron Von Nutter for the murder of her entire family and the theft of her family state. And in this film, revenge is a dish best served sexy. We are now coming towards th…

1
S9 Ep2: Extra Shot Preview: The weaponisation of disgust, a peek inside a US Far-Right militia and a globally integrated ISIS 1:01:55

11d ago1:01:55

1:01:55

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/h…

1
S9 Ep1: Teen Terrorism, Telegram Trouble, and Exposing the Kremlin’s American Useful Idiots | Espresso Martini 1:17:53

17d ago1:17:53

1:17:53

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 episod…

1
Satanik (1968, Piero Vivarelli) 1:05:24

22d ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Skin trouble? Grey hair getting you down? Walking with a stoop? Why not take a drug that has not safely been tested on people yet, will probably make you violent, but will definitely make you young and hot? If that sounds good, you too could become Satanik, the anti-hero of our latest episode. This is one of the few films from this season to have a…

1
The Secret History of Area 51 with Peter Merlin (Repost) 55:21

24d ago55:21

55:21

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…

1
Extra Shot Teaser: Privacy vs. national security, threats to democracy, Ukraine aid, and the state of the Royal Navy 1:05:32

1M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

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 discuss…

1
Secrets & Spies Listener Survey 2024 3:12

1M ago3:12

3:12

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…

1
Bonus Episode: Interview with comic writer Steven Ross 1:10:08

1M ago1:10:08

1:10:08

In this bonus episode Adrian chats with comic writer Steven Ross, who was responsible for encouraging Luigi Cozzi to write a new story in the Starcrash universe, The Midas Star (which we reviewed in a previous episode). Steven is also working on a new translation of the original Yor - the Hunter From the Future comics, so there is plenty to discuss…

1
S8 Ep59: Tim Tate - To Catch A Spy - Peter Wright and the SpyCatcher affair 1:22:16

1M ago1:22:16

1:22:16

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…

1
Mister X (Avenger X, Piero Vivarelli, 1967) 53:28

1M ago53:28

53:28

Bored of winning the golf championships all the time? Is life with your beautiful fiancé just not quite giving you the thrills you need? In that case, why not put on a black mask, stick a big X on your belt and then head out to fight international criminals? That's just what Mister X did, and he's never been happier, whether he's chucking henchmen …

1
S8 Ep58: Russian Sleeper Spies in Germany with Florian Flade 1:16:46

1M ago1:16:46

1:16:46

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-…

1
S8 Ep57: Inside the blockbuster US-Russia prisoner swap with Shane Harris 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

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 negot…

1
S8 Ep56: Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah on the brink with Phillip Smyth 1:11:43

2M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

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 r…

1
S8 Ep55: How autocracies try to undermine democracy with Anne Applebaum 42:00

2M ago42:00

42:00

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 …

1
S8 Ep54: Espresso Martini: Russian agents target the Olympics, Trump assassination attempt and President Biden steps out of the Presidential race 1:19:01

2M ago1:19:01

1:19:01

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 fo…

1
S8 Ep53: Unpacking the Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump with Jacob Ware 36:06

3M ago36:06

36:06

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 …

1
S8 Ep52: UK & French Elections, UK defence report and Russian information campaign exposed in US 1:26:48

3M ago1:26:48

1:26:48

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…

1
Danger: Diabolik (Mario Bava, 1968) 1:21:52

3M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

Dashing home after having stolen a country's entire gold reserve and blown up its tax offices, Rod and Adrian grab their microphones to talk about one of the greatest films to be covered on Wild, Wild Podcast - Danger: Diabolik. In this episode the latest Severin Films announcements are discussed, and Adrian potentially alienates everyone by saying…

1
S8 Ep51: How the KGB and the FSB attempt to subvert Western democracies with Mark Hollingsworth 1:16:36

3M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

On today’s episode, Chris speaks with author and journalist Mark Hollingsworth about his book Agents of Influence, which looks at how the KGB attempted to subvert Western democracies during the Cold War and how its replacement agency, the FSB, attempts to do the same now. Check out Mark’s website for information about him, his book and his other wo…

1
Bonus Episode: Il Cinema Ritrovato 23:59

3M ago23:59

23:59

In this short bonus episode Adrian brings you some coverage of the amazing Il Cinema Ritrovato festival in Bologna, Italy. Please excuse the occasionally poor recording owing to wind or Adrian just not backing off the mic enough. It was hot. He was tired. We would love to hear from you if you have any good film festival experiences. You can contact…

1
S8 Ep50: Conspiracies, Disinformation, and Mission Implausible with John Sipher and Jerry O’Shea 46:44

3M ago46:44

46:44

On today’s episode, Matt speaks to former senior CIA officers and now co-founders of Spycraft Entertainment, John Sipher and Jerry O’Shea, to discuss their podcast, Mission Implausible. In their careers with the clandestine service, John and Jerry, in a sense, created conspiracies, convincing terrorists and hostile foreign governments to believe th…

1
S8 Ep49: God, Guns, and Sedition with Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware 54:54

3M ago54:54

54:54

On today’s episode, Matt is joined by terrorism experts Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware to discuss their book, "God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America.” Both are fellows at the Council on Foreign Relations and teach at Georgetown University. Their book examines the far-right’s long embrace of political violence as a tactic, its prolif…

1
S8 Ep48: Espresso Martini: Hamas leaders messages, Europe & China, Chinese spies and potential ISIS-K plot foiled in USA 1:14:59

4M ago1:14:59

1:14:59

On today’s show, we are going to look at reports about private messages from the leader of Hamas, criticisms of Europe’s outdated approach to China, a former CIA officer and FBI linguist pleading guilty to spying for China, and a potential plot from ISIS-K foiled in the US. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at Eur…

1
Fenomenal and the Treasure of Tutankamen (Ruggero Deodato, 1968) 1:13:20

4M ago1:13:20

1:13:20

In this phenomenally good episode, Rod and Adrian get to grips with a film that makes very little sense whichever language you watch it in. Yes, it's that dastardly master of crime/ vigilante hero (delete as appropriate, we couldn't work it out) Fenomenal: Thrill as he kicks drug dealers into the sea! Gasp as he climbs walls very carefully! Worry i…

1
No show this weekend, we will return next weekend. 0:25

4M ago0:25

0:25

Hi all, we hope you are well. Sadly, due to work commitments on Chris's side, there will be no show this weekend. We will return next weekend. Support Secrets and Spies: Become a “Friend of the podcast” on Patreon from £3 www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies Buy merchandise from our shop: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/60934996?asc=u Subscribe to our…

1
S8 Ep47: London Met Murder Investigation Team with Steven Keogh 57:53

4M ago57:53

57:53

On todays podcast I am joined be retired detective and author Steven Keogh. Steven investigated murders at Scotland Yard for 12 years, and he joins us to discuss his excellent book “Murder Investigation Team” which gives readers an insight into how British murder investigations are run and what it is like to be a part of a murder investigation. Che…

1
Arrriva Dorellik (Steno, 1967) 1:11:20

4M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

Take one of Italy's most popular entertainers, stick him in a moth-eaten supervillain costume, then have him come face to face with a buffonish Terry-Thomas and you have Arrriva Dorellik, a star vehicle for singer, actor and all-round charisma machine Johnny Dorelli. But given this is an Italian comedy, will Rod and Adrian be able to agree on wheth…

1
S8 Ep46: Espresso Martini: Iran’s President is killed, Israel & Iranian espionage comparisons and secret Hamas surveillance files. 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

On today’s show, we are going to look at the death of the Iranian President, Israel & Iran espionage comparisons, and we finish by looking at secret Hamas files that expose a mass surveillance campaign in Gaza. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” we will look at reports of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not taking the wo…

1
S8 Ep45: What President Raisi’s death means for Iran 1:18:18

4M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

On today’s episode, Matt is once again joined by Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups, to discuss the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and several other senior officials in a helicopter crash last weekend. They unpack what this unexpected development means for Iran domestically, the regime’s web of proxy fo…

1
S8 Ep44: Havana Syndrome from a technological and medical perspective. 1:04:57

5M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

On today’s podcast, I am joined by two guests, Dr. Chris Gilbert and Dr. Eric Haseltine, and we discuss Havana Syndrome from a technological and medical perspective. Dr Chris Gilbert is an Integrative and Holistic Medicine physician who has interviewed victims of these so-called Anomalous Health incidents, otherwise known as Havana Syndrome. Dr Has…

1
The Three Fantastic Supermen (I fantastici 3 $upermen, Gianfranco Parolini, 1967) 1:11:49

5M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

What's better than one Superman? That's right, it's three Supermen! Plus Rod and Adrian makes five. Strap on your suction cups, grab your mini-capes and join them in them in this super-exciting, very silly adventure film that combines elements of the Peplum and the Eurospy with Batman and The Green Hornet. The Three Fantastic Supermen is nothing if…

1
S8 Ep43: Espresso Martini: Plot to kill Zelensky, Russian sabotage plots, and Chinese hacking. 59:29

5M ago59:29

59:29

On today's show, we are going to look at a failed plot to kill President Zelensky, fears of Russian sabotage in Europe, spy plots being foiled in Germany, and awkward talks between the US and China about Volt Typhoon, one of China’s hacking operations against the west. Then we will move to our Patreon only show “Extra Shot” and we will look at priv…

1
Freshness and Grinding, Part 2: How grinders work deep inside 47:24

5M ago47:24

47:24

Deep inside your coffee grinder, tiny changes can have massive consequences. This episode takes you deep inside Mahlkönig’s grinders to show you how coffee is ground and the importance of particle sizes on flavour. If you’re a home coffee lover, you could easily spend thousands of dollars on your coffee grinder. But after diving deep into the R&D o…

1
S8 Ep42: Agent Of The Iron Cross With Bill Mills 47:00

5M ago47:00

47:00

Chris is joined by historian and author Bill Mills on today's podcast. They discuss Bill’s research into German sabotage and espionage operations in the United States during World War One and how that led to Bill’s new book “Agent of the Iron Cross.” To find out more about “Agent of the Iron Cross” and to get a copy, visit the publisher's website h…

1
S8 Ep41: The reality behind “A Spy Alone” with Charles Beaumont 1:15:48

5M ago1:15:48

1:15:48

On today’s podcast, Chris is joined by former MI6 Officer turned best-selling author Charles Beaumont. They discuss the real-life inspiration behind Charle’s debut spy novel, “A Spy Alone”, and a little bit about his career in MI6. Charles also shares his literary influences, his approach to writing fiction and some tips if you are thinking of a ca…

1
S8 Ep40: Israel and Iran climb (and descend?) the escalation ladder with Phillip Smyth 1:31:18

5M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups in the Middle East. This time, they discuss last month’s exchange of missiles, drones, and airstrikes between Israel and Iran. Phillip helps unpack what triggered this latest cycle of violence, gauge Iran’s intent behind an unpreced…

1
No Espresso Martini or Extra Shot this weekend 0:31

5M 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
Argoman the Fantastic Superman (Sergio Grieco, 1967) 1:20:17

5M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

Argoman or Psychoman? That's the question posed in this episode as we take a look at the pop art-infused crazy world of Sir Reginald Hoover, noted criminologist, playboy and masked criminal. Other questions raised by this film include "Is ten minutes of pleasure worth losing your powers for six hours?" and "Can you really take over the world by bei…

1
Freshness and Grinding, Part 1: Protecting your coffee's flavours 49:40

5M ago49:40

49:40

For your coffee to taste its best, it’s crucial you buy fresh roasts and grind fresh.… .….Or maybe not. When I began creating this episode, I was convinced that ‘fresh is best’. But, after delving into the science of coffee freshness, I don’t believe that anymore. This episode goes deep into how diffusion and oxidation changes a coffee’s flavours. …

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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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
Luna Diamond by Luigi Cozzi - a mini review! 7:45

6M ago7:45

7:45

Just a quick episode to talk about the new screenplay published by Luigi Cozzi, set in the Starcarsh universe. And who doesn't want to go back there? You can get yourself a copy direct from the man himself at the Profundo Rosso Store, or pick it up on Amazon. The next episode in our Superhero season is coming soon! Please also remember to rate and …

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

1
What Is Good Science? Part 2: How to think like a scientist 55:15

6M ago55:15

55:15

In the last episode, I discovered that rinsing my Chemex filter papers was a waste of time! As a result I’ve managed to claw back over seven days of my life left on earth. But why stop there? The coffee industry is full of elaborate ways of brewing and savouring coffee: fancy drippers, cold metal balls, “slurp-able” cupping spoons. These are very f…

1
S8 Ep34: Moscow ISIS-K attack, Ukriane update and Ukraine Intelligence 2:10:59

6M 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
S8: Easter sample of Extra Shot our Patreon only show 54:56

6M 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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