6 chapters across the catalog
State Department Gaffe, Ukraine Strategic Failure Slip
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller twice accidentally referred to the war in Ukraine as a "strategic failure for Ukraine" before correcting himself to say "Russia." The gaffe occurred during a press briefing and was highlighted by veteran reporter Matt Lee. The slip is interpreted by some as a reveal of the internal assessment within the State Department.
Kenneth Bae, Matthew Miller, and David Sugarman
Sports agent David Sugarman claims partial credit for the release of American detainees Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller from North Korea. While the State Department portrays Bae as a missionary, Sugarman's involvement stems from his connection to the Dennis Rodman basketball trips, which Bae helped organize through his travel company.
North Korea Prisoner Release, James Clapper Visit
U.S. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper traveled to North Korea to secure the release of American citizens Matthew Todd Miller and Kenneth Bae. Clapper, who previously faced criticism for misleading Congress, reportedly delivered a personal note from President Obama. Speculation suggests the release may have been negotiated in exchange for future sports diplomacy, specifically involving basketball.
North Korea Detentions and Matthew Miller Asylum Case
A discussion of American citizens detained in North Korea focuses on the case of Matthew Miller, who reportedly tore up his visa to seek asylum and write a book about the regime's injustices. The hosts analyze the motivations of missionaries and travelers who enter the country despite the risks of being labeled as spies. Dvorak expresses a long-standing interest in visiting North Korea, potentially as part of a diplomatic entourage.
Mayors Against Guns, PR Strategy and Matthew Miller
The group Mayors Against Guns is revealed to be using the PR agency Vianovo, employing former DOJ official Matthew Miller to manage their media presence. Miller appears on news programs as an expert without always being disclosed as a paid spokesperson for the gun control advocacy group. The hosts highlight this as an example of "astroturfing" and coordinated media messaging.
Executive Producer Donations, Spreadsheet Software Grievances
Matthew Greensmith from Melbourne and Adam Miller from Perryville are named executive producers after donating identical amounts of $333.33 back-to-back. A discussion ensues regarding the use of spreadsheets for memos, with complaints about the necessity of booting Excel to read simple lists. Adam Miller is noted as being in line for a knighthood by the end of the program.
