S9 Ep21: Espresso Martini | Southport Killer, South Korea’s Political Crisis, Trump’s Team Navigates Middle East Ceasefires, and TV’s Spy Thriller Renaissance

Secrets and Spies Podcast: Current Affairs | Geopolitics | Intelligence

In this episode, we look at the horrific Southport murders that have sparked debates on mental health and the nature of terrorism, South Korea's plunge deeper into its worst political crisis in decades, and Trump’s new national security team scrambles to save ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon—while his rhetoric stirs fresh controversy. Plus, a Russian spy ship plays cat-and-mouse near UK waters, a daring Dutch gold heist stuns investigators, and why spy thrillers are making a big comeback in an age of distrust.
Listen ad-free on Patreon and directly support the show: http://www.patreon.com/SecretsAndSpies
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/89dfJqAZq4c

Articles discussed in today’s episode

"How red flags over Southport killer were repeatedly missed" by Sean Seddon & Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78w7nlwz9po
"South Korea’s Impeached Leader is Indicted on Insurrection Charges" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/26/world/asia/south-korea-yoon-indicted-martial-law.html

"South Korea’s Leadership Crisis, Explained" by Choe Sang-Hun | The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/14/world/asia/south-korea-impeachment-yoon-explained.html

"Trump team avoids Middle East escalation in first weekend in office" by Barak Ravid | Axios: https://www.axios.com/2025/01/27/trump-middle-east-gaza-lebanon-israel-ceasefires

"UK warns Putin after Russian spy ship seen near British waters" by Becky Morton, Jonathan Beale & Damian Grammaticas | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqjv7qgpw28o

"Thieves use explosives to steal gold 'masterpieces' from Dutch museum" by Ian Aikman | BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czxkpnnlpdvo

"'The baddies reflect the worries of today’: How TV spy thrillers are booming in an age of distrust" by Laura Martin | BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20250124-why-tv-spy-thrillers-are-booming-right-now

Chris's milk frother: https://salter.com/products/aspen-milk-frother-500w.html
Chris's interview with Melissa Leo: https://pod.fo/e/27f01a

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: 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

Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/secretsandspies.bsky.social
Instagram: https://instagram.com/secretsandspies
Facebook: https://facebook.com/secretsandspies
Spoutible: https://spoutible.com/SecretsAndSpies

Follow Chris and Matt on Blue Sky:
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.