7 chapters across the catalog
Columbia SIPA Alumni, Intelligence Recruitment
The hosts examine the alumni list of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), noting its high concentration of intelligence officials and political figures like George Tenet and Karine Jean-Pierre. One host shares an anecdote about journalist Gina Smith being recruited by the CIA in college to act as a "stringer" for the agency.
Todd Moore, a former CIA employee, shares a story about encountering a mysterious office in the basement of CIA headquarters containing boxes labeled "JFK," "Iran Contra," and "Roswell." Moore, who is being knighted, also promotes his non-monetized podcast app, Playapod, which features No Agenda.
Philip Mudd, CNN Reaction and the Shitholder Hashtag
Ex-CIA analyst Philip Mudd delivered an emotional response on CNN, claiming pride in being a "shitholder" and referencing his Greek heritage. Mudd argued that the President's preference for immigrants from Norway over those from black or brown nations is rooted in pure racism. The hosts mock Mudd's attempt to start a viral hashtag and debate whether the comments constitute racism or xenophobia.
Former intelligence official Donald Gregg provided perspective on the CIA torture program, questioning why the agency was directed to perform these acts and who provided the legal authorization. He pointed to Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and lawyer John Yoo as figures who provided legal cover for the Bush administration's policies. Gregg suggests that the failure to prevent 9/11 led to a loss of faith in traditional crisis management.
Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to Colin Powell, accused CIA leadership of systemic lying regarding intelligence leading up to the Iraq War. Wilkerson detailed how officials like George Tenet and John McLaughlin fabricated links between Al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein to influence Powell's UN presentation. He asserts that the torture program was part of a broader pattern of incompetence and deception within the agency's top ranks.
9/11 Warnings, George Tenet, Al-Qaeda Intelligence
John Kiriakou recounts a July 2001 briefing where CIA Director George Tenet warned Arab intelligence officers of an imminent, large-scale attack. The segment discusses the "hair on fire" period leading up to September 11th and the frustration of intelligence officials like Dick Clarke whose warnings were allegedly ignored by the administration.
CIA vs Obama Administration, Seven Former Chiefs Protest
Seven former CIA directors, including George Tenet and Michael Hayden, have urged President Obama to stop Attorney General Eric Holder's investigation into CIA interrogation tactics. The hosts discuss the power struggle between the administration and the intelligence community. Additionally, reports indicate the CIA is significantly expanding its presence in Afghanistan.
