What Just Happened?

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Episodes

What Just Happened is a short-format podcast featuring the intelligence analysts at Sibylline LTD, a strategic risk firm based in London. Hosted by Samuel McVicar, this podcast features brief conversations with the Global Intelligence Teams, providing updates on major geopolitical events as they occur.

Episodes

6 hours ago

What Just Happened? The US Strikes Iran

6 hours ago

In this episode, Sibylline Media's Editor Marco Giannangeli hosts a panel discussion with Principal Middle East & Africa Analyst Megan Sutcliffe and Lead Americas Analyst Lewis Galvin to examine the rapidly unfolding situation in Iran following US and Israeli airstrikes.

They explore the implications of reported strikes on key strategic facilities and the alleged death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, assessing whether these developments signal a broader US push towards regime change. The panel also discusses the potential for popular uprisings inside Iran, the role of Kurdish groups, and the wider regional implications.

Finally, they analyse the potential impact on global energy markets and outline the key uncertainties that could shape the next phase of this highly fluid and unpredictable crisis.

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If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Iran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #USIran

7 days ago

What Just Happened? Cartel Boss 'El Mencho' Killed in Mexico

7 days ago

In this episode, Rafael Saliés is joined by Alex Marciniak, Latin Americas intelligence analyst, to examine the uncertainty surrounding the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) following the death of the former leader, Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes AKA 'El Mencho'.

The discussion unpacks the CJNG’s operational scale, internal factions, and the regions most at risk, including Michoacán and Tamaulipas. They also consider the broader implications for Mexico’s security landscape, global drug trafficking routes, tourism, and regional stability.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

Subscribe to our newsletter to never miss an update: https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/podcastsignup

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Mexico #CJNG #LatinAmerica #SecurityRisk

Wednesday Feb 25, 2026

What Just Happened? Escalating Tensions Between the US and Iran

Wednesday Feb 25, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by regional experts Megan Sutcliffe and Claire Brady to assess rising tensions between the United States and Iran as the region remains on high alert ahead of ongoing negotiations. They examine how military build-ups, political pressures, and fragile negotiations could either trigger wider regional conflict or open a path to de-escalation.

Check out Megan's deep dive on Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KfQRxCJ6bD2ZBOH28i1xG?si=xr-0UQFOSfmg2yBX2qeqPw

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/supreme-leader-ali-khamenei-power-players/id1409741776?i=1000…

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

Subscribe to our mailing list to never miss an episode! https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/podcastsignup

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#USIran #MiddleEast #Geopolitics #StraitOfHormuz

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

What Just Happened? The UK's Vulnerable National Infrastructure

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

In this episode, Marco Giannangeli, Editor for Sibylline Media, sits down with Denise Schipani, Cyber and Geopolitical Intelligence Analyst, to explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats, with a particular focus on the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure in the UK. They discuss how Russian cyber operations are increasingly targeting operational technology — including water systems and other essential services — and what this shift from traditional IT environments means in practice.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.
Never miss an episode by signing up for our mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/sibylline.co.uk/podcastsignup
You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/
Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV
For more information, visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk

#CyberSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #Russia #UKSecurity

Friday Feb 13, 2026

What Just Happened? Mounting Tensions in Tigray

Friday Feb 13, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Lead Middle East and Africa Analyst, Ben Manzin, to examine Ethiopia’s fragile 2022 Pretoria Peace Agreement amid mounting clashes and rising geopolitical tensions in Tigray. They unpack how internal power struggles, shifting regional alliances, and decades-old ethnic disputes threaten to unravel years of diplomacy — and what that could mean for millions of civilians in the region.

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, and leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Ethiopia #Tigray #PretoriaAgreement #Geopolitics

Monday Feb 09, 2026

Russia at War: Drones, Disinformation, and the Increasing Threat to Europe

Monday Feb 09, 2026

In this special Sibylline Podcast, Lead Europe-Eurasia analyst, Alexander Lord, is joined by Elizabeth Bullock, who shares her firsthand experiences of Russia's modern war. Elizabeth discusses her journey from a technology startup background to operating on the front lines in Ukraine for 3 years, offering a rare perspective on how Russia's war unfolded in its early stages and how daily life has been reshaped across Ukraine. She reflects on the initial chaos of the invasion, the rapid adaptation required to survive in war zones, and the stark realities faced by civilians and foreigners alike. The conversation explores the constantly evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly Russia’s use of hybrid tactics.

Elizabeth highlights the threats facing Europe, especially the challenges posed by disinformation campaigns. The episode also examines the broader implications for European security, underlining the need for greater awareness and preparedness across the continent.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9OJIcOkqVf8

If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a like and subscribe for new episodes!
You can also contact us with any questions or feedback: info@sibylline.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/
For more information, visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk

#GeopoliticsPodcast #Ukraine #HybridWarfare #EuropeanSecurity

Thursday Jan 29, 2026

What Just Happened? China, Taiwan, Western Fragmentation and the Looming 'Polycrisis'

Thursday Jan 29, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Sibylline's Chief Analyst, Sam Olsen, to explore the concept of the 'polycrisis' — the convergence of geopolitical, technological, and economic risks threatening global stability in the coming years. Sam Olsen explains China’s growing assertiveness, Taiwan’s strategic vulnerabilities, and the critical importance of semiconductors and AI in shaping future power dynamics. The conversation also addresses the challenges facing NATO and European security, the use of grey-zone operations by Russia and China, the risk of domestic instability in the United States, and the growing need for resilience in an increasingly complex and interconnected threat environment.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sibyllineltd/?hl=en

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sibylline-ltd/

Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

For more information, visit our website: www.sibylline.co.uk

#Polycrisis #Geopolitics #GlobalSecurity #NATO #China #Taiwan #AI

Friday Jan 23, 2026

What Just Happened? Trump's Greenland Deal

Friday Jan 23, 2026

In this episode, Samuel McVicar is joined by Lead Americas analyst Lewis Galvin to unpack President Trump’s recent announcement regarding a potential deal involving Greenland. They explore the military and economic implications of the proposal, assess the fragility of the agreement, and examine sovereignty concerns for both Denmark and Greenland. The discussion also covers NATO’s response, the strategic importance of Greenland in the context of US foreign policy, and the role of the proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system. The episode concludes by identifying key triggers and indicators to watch for future developments in this evolving geopolitical landscape.

What Just Happened is now on YouTube!
https://www.youtube.com/@sibyllineTV

If you enjoyed this episode, let us know by liking, subscribing, or leaving a review.

You can also contact us with any questions or feedback at info@sibylline.co.uk.

For more information, visit our website:
www.sibylline.co.uk

#Greenland #USForeignPolicy #NATO #Geopolitics