#1299 - Annie Jacobsen
NaN minutesEpisode #1299
Annie Jacobsen is an American investigative journalist, author and 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist in history. Her latest book "Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins" is available now.
Episodes with Annie Jacobsen
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Episode Timestamps
Area 51: The Secret Military Basebook
- Discussion about the history of Area 51 and its connection to spy plane programs.
- Exploration of the origin of Area 51 as a base hidden within a base for nuclear weapons.
- Revelation of a black propaganda campaign by Stalin to hoax Americans using aircraft with 'alien' humanoids.
Area 51 and Alien Conspiracy Theories
- Analysis of the mythology surrounding aliens at Area 51 and the desire for hidden information.
- Recounting of incidents involving altered humans resembling aliens, linked to a Soviet plan.
- Exploration of Bob Lazar's involvement, controversial claims, and his insights on alien-like beings at the base.
Interview with Joe Revealing Truths About Alien Experiments
- Joe shares insights on explosive alien-related information and neutral perspective on the existence of aliens
- Discussion on meeting with a source who confessed his involvement in altering handicapped children to look like aliens
- Exploration of ethical dilemmas and journalistic approach towards sensitive information
Stalin's UFO-like Craft and the Dark Secrets of Area 51 Revealed
- Insights on Russian UFO mimicking technology causing diplomatic embarrassment
- Revelations about drone technology and human experimentation at Area 51 linked to military industrial complex
- Controversies surrounding the classified nature of Area 51 and its dark history of human experiments
Orson Welles Scaring Audiences with War of Worlds
- Mass hysteria caused by radio broadcast of War of Worlds in 1938
- Manipulation of perception through disinformation
- Exploration of propaganda and brainwashing during wartime
Stalin's Propaganda and American Countermeasures
- Stalin's use of propaganda as a political tool
- American response through manipulation and covert operations
- Discussion on moral dilemmas and assassination policies
How the CIA's paramilitary operates under Title 50 mentioned by John Rizzo
- John Rizzo, a decades long CIA attorney, explained the presidential finding that authorizes putting individuals on the kill list.
- CIA's paramilitary army carries out operations under Title 50, distinct from the Defense Department's rules under Title 10.
- Detailed insight into how CIA operations, like the mission to kill bin Laden, are carried out in sovereign nations where the military cannot operate.
Exploring the Third Option: CIA's unique role in conflict resolution and warfare
- Understanding the concept of tertia optio, the CIA's paramilitary operation as the third option between diplomacy and war.
- Insights from CIA personnel and direct access sources about the necessity and complexity of the CIA's actions.
- Comparison of specialized trained individuals in CIA operations to soldiers in war scenarios, emphasizing the nature of their missions.
Informative Conversations - Uncovering the Truth
- Importance of informative conversations to challenge preconceptions and biases
- Challenges faced in mainstream media with time constraints on complex topics
- Highlighting the necessity of allowing individuals to express their points without pressure
Billy Wadd: The Legendary Operator
- Overview of Billy Wadd's dangerous missions in Vietnam with MacV Sog
- Details of Billy Wadd's significant contributions with nine purple hearts
- Return to CIA post-war and involvement in international missions
Escape from the Mundane: Pursuing Passion with Determination
- To make a significant change, one must plan meticulously and save enough to transition smoothly.
- Devote every free moment to pursuing the desired passion with relentless dedication.
- Acknowledge mistakes, accept the desperation to break free, and commit to the pursuit as if one's life depends on it.
Fate, Psychic Phenomena, and Extraordinary Beliefs: The Psychological Impact of Moon Exploration
- Exploration of fate and circumstance alongside the discussion on psychic phenomena and personal beliefs.
- Sharing anecdotes including the experiences of astronaut Ed Mitchell on the moon and his subsequent dedication to psychic warfare.
- Reflections on the impact of extraordinary experiences, such as getting lost on the Moon, on one's beliefs and perceptions.
Ed Mitchell's Psychic Experiments and Sadness
- Ed Mitchell conducted ESP experiments on his way back from the moon with a Swedish psychic named Olaf.
- The story was leaked to the press by the Swedish psychic, generating interest and questions about the experiments.
- Despite his belief in psychic powers, Mitchell's experiments did not work, leading to a feeling of sadness and reflection on his Apollo astronaut experiences.
Manipulation and Speculation Around Ed Mitchell
- Ed Mitchell faced ridicule and manipulation from conspiracy theorists exploiting his fame as an Apollo astronaut.
- As he aged, Mitchell's beliefs in extraterrestrial life and claims of UFO sightings became topics of speculation.
- The chapter explores how aging astronauts, like Mitchell, may alter their stories to maintain attention and relevance in their later years.
Operation Paperclip: Recruiting German Scientists Amid Controversy
- Simon Wiesenthal Center's opinion on Warner Von Braun and his role in NASA
- The mission to gather the top German scientists during World War II
- The ethical and strategic considerations behind employing Nazi scientists
Investigating Imported Nazis: Linda Hunt's Story
- Journalist Linda Hunt's groundbreaking exploration of Operation Paperclip
- The government's suppression tactics and financial burden faced by investigators
- The evolving revelations and public awareness of the Nazi imports
Dr. Blum: Uncovering Dark Family Secrets
- Interviewing Dr. Blum, son of a top Nazi involved in biological weapons program
- Revealing Dr. Blum's past involvement in ordering deaths of 6,000 tubercular Jews
- Receiving Nuremberg trial documents from Dr. Blum, risking legal implications
Legacy of Nazism and the Taboo Symbolism
- Discussion about the taboo of swastikas in Germany
- Observations on the power and historical context of the swastika symbol
- Exploring the implications and perceptions of dueling scars associated with Nazis
Fritz Haber: Scientist, Nobel Prize Nominee, and Dark Legacy
- Fritz Haber, a Jewish scientist, developed the Haber method for extracting nitrogen crucial for agriculture.
- Despite Nobel Prize nominations, he was wanted for crimes against humanity due to the use of gas in World War I.
- His legacy is dark, as he contributed to both scientific advancements and the horrors of wartime gas warfare.
Echoes of Evil: Nazi Scientists and World War II Atrocities
- Discusses the malevolence of Nazi scientists and engineers extracted under Operation Paperclip.
- The chapter raises uncomfortable questions about the intersection of scientific innovation and wartime atrocities.
- Explores the unsettling reality of brilliant minds being utilized for malevolent purposes during World War II.
Nazi Experiments on Jews
- Witnessing inhumane experiments on people, moments before and after their deaths
- Horror of Nazi experiments to test human survival limits
- Reflection on the dehumanizing actions and evil psychology behind Nazi atrocities
Rise of Evil Alliances and State Secrets
- Discussion on government alliances driven by interests like oil
- Challenging the perception of allies as root of evil
- Impact of exposing government secrets and the hidden machinations of power struggles
Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in The Pentagon's Brain
- Highlighted the advancements and concerns in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous weapons.
- Discussed the work of DARPA scientist Garrett Kenyon in creating an artificial brain.
- Emphasized the Defense Department's interest in autonomous weapons and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI development.
The Evolution of Biohybrids and DARPA's Morality Studies
- Explored DARPA's biohybrid projects such as RoboRat and brain-chipped moths.
- Investigated research on limb regeneration inspired by nature's abilities.
- Revealed DARPA's research on the 'moral molecule' for soldier-machine trust in AI systems.
John von Neumann: The Father of Computer and Atomic Bomb
- John von Neumann is a key figure in computer science history and atomic research.
- He built the first computer capable of doing calculations, funded by the Atomic Energy Commission.
- Von Neumann's contributions included calculating the optimal height for the atomic bomb explosion over Hiroshima.
Ethical Dilemmas of Drone Strikes vs. Traditional Combat
- Discusses the moral complexities between traditional warfare and drone strikes.
- Highest civilian casualties are seen in drone strikes, raising ethical questions.
- Comparison of the personal aspect of traditional combat versus the impersonal nature of drone strikes.
John Rizzo and September 17th Memorandum of Notification
- After 9-11, the September 17th Memorandum of Notification was created giving unprecedented presidential powers
- Congress approved the use of drones for preemptive neutralization of threats
- The shift towards preemptive strikes continues to present day, impacting civilian lives and creating more terrorists
Billy Waw's Rejected Plan to Assassinate Chavez
- Plan to halo in and assassinate Chavez was rejected despite perceived threat
- The decision to not carry out the assassination avoided potential consequences of blame
- Raises ethical questions about who has the authority to make life and death decisions