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  • In 1913, Albert Schweitzer, a respected theologian and organist left Alsace-Lorraine and made his way to the French colony of Gabon. As a newly qualified doctor, he decided to to use his skills to establish a free hospital in a remote corner of the French Empire. Schweitzer eventually earned a Nobel prize for his humanitarian work and his hospital still stands today.

    Decades later, award winning author Eric Madeen followed in Schweitzer's footsteps and found himself in the now independent Gabon. While there he gained insight into Schweitzer's life and legacy while having extraordinary experiences of his own that have since inspired his writing work.

    In this episode, I talk to Eric about Schweitzer, life in the jungle, his writing, and his more recent experiences in Japan.

    Eric Madeen Official Website

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

  • 30 years ago the US brokered Oslo accords seemed to herald a new era of peaceful coexistence for Israelis and Palestinians. Yasser Arafat -- long demonized as a terrorist in the Tel Aviv, whilst being hailed as a freedom fighter in Palestine -- shared a Nobel Peace Prize with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and politician Shimon Peres.

    30 years later, peace seems further away than ever before after Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants' horrific 7 October attack on Israel provoked a response from Israel that caused South Africa to take Israel to court for allegedly committing genocide.

    In this episode I speak with Middle Eastern policy and strategy expert Dr. Stephen Zunes a Professor at the University of San Francisco. We discuss how the Oslo accords unraveled, the role of the US, the current situation, and prospects for peace.

    Guest:

    Dr. Stephen Zunes Official Website

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

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  • During the last 45 years, Iran has become synonymous with terrorism. While much of its direct, and indirect involvement in these acts is focused on Israel and the Middle East, plots involving Iran and its proxies have been uncovered in nations ranging from Denmark to Thailand.

    In this episode I speak with Matthew Levitt the Fromer-Wexler Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and director of its Jeanette and Eli Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Previously he worked with both the FBI and the US State Department of the Treasury where he tackled financial crimes linked to terrorist financing and sought to expose and disrupt the logistics of terrorist groups.

    For more on Matthew below are select links to his work:

    Matthew Levitt at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy

    Interactive Map of Hezbollah Activities

    Another Path to Martyrdom

    Hamas: Politics, Charity and Terrorism in the Service of Jihad

    Podcast: Breaking Hezbollah's Golden Rule

    If you enjoyed this topic check out these related episodes:

    MAJ Jason Wright: Guantanamo Bay Al-Qaeda Trials

    Eric Maddox: How I Found Saddam Hussein

    Al Shabaab: Al Qaeda in Somalia with Tricia Bacon

    Boko Haram (ISIS) With Vincent Foucher

    Music from Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia.

    عیسی مسیح استيسوع هو المسيح
  • 500 years ago Spanish conquistadors invaded the Incan Empire and slew Atahualpa -- the unfortunate who would prove to be the last Emperor. Due to his vast wealth -- largely in the form of gold -- treasure hunters have spent centuries searching in vain for lost treasure of the Incas.

    Ecuadorian historian Tamara Estupiñán Viteri who among other things studied and then created a dictionary of the dialects spoken within the Incan Empire, also deciphered the "secret language of the Incas." This along with documents from the Spanish colonial period enabled her to piece together a treasure map of sorts.

    Following the leads she discovered Tamara made her way to a remote corner of Ecuador where she discovered the hitherto unknown Incan site at Malqui-Machay. It is here that Tamara explains that the greatest Inca "treasure" now lies.

    Guest: Tamara Estupiñán Viteri is a professional historian with a degree in History from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. She also holds a master’s degree in history, with a specialisation in Andean history, from the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences of Ecuador (FLACSO).

    Read more on Tamara: Academia.Edu

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

    La historiadora ecuatoriana Tamara Estupiñán Viteri, quien entre otras cosas estudió y luego creó un diccionario de los dialectos hablados dentro del Imperio Inca, también descifró la "lengua secreta de los Incas". Esto, junto con documentos del período colonial español, le permitió reconstruir una especie de mapa del tesoro.

  • Wall Street Journal and Financial Times correspondent David Satter was expelled and banned from Russia after exposing corruption in Putin's regime. On 19 March he talks to @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces about the shocking death of #russian politician Alexie #navalny. We also discuss the #wagner group mutiny. The suspicious death of Wagner coup leader #yevgenyprigozhin, the war in #ukraine and #Russian threats to use #nuclearforce. Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в'їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

  • In February 2024, Alexei Navalny a Russian politician died in an Arctic Russian penal colony. At just 47 years old his death would have been surprising were it not for the fact the Russian secret service FSB seemingly at the direction of Vladimir Putin had already tried and failed to kill him using a chemical weapon four years earlier.

    In this episode, I speak with Russian political expert David Satter. Formerly a Moscow correspondent for the Financial Times, and Soviet special correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. He was banned and expelled from Russian in 2013 after uncovering evidence of corruption and FSB links with apparent Chechnyan terrorist atrocities. We discuss the death of Navalny, the Wagner group's failed coup under Prighozin, the war in Ukraine, and the threat of nuclear war.

    Guest: David Satter

    And please, subscribe, follow us on social media, and let your friends know about the podcast. The more exposure we get, the easier it is for people to find the podcast in a world controlled by those pesky big tech companies that prioritize profit above quality content produced as a labor of love.

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

    Корреспондент Wall Street Journal и Financial Times Дэвид Саттер был выслан и запрещен въезд в Россию после разоблачения коррупции в режиме Путина. 19 марта он рассказал @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces о шокирующей смерти российского политика Алексея Навального. Также обсуждаем бунт группы #вагнера. Подозрительная смерть лидера вагнеровского переворота #евгенияпригожина, война на #украине и #российские угрозы применить #ядерную силу. Кореспондент Wall Street Journal і Financial Times Девід Саттер був видворений і заборонений в'їзд до Росії після викриття корупції в режимі Путіна. 19 березня він розповідає @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces про шокуючу смерть #російського політика Олексія #навального. Ми також обговорюємо заколот групи #вагнера. Підозріла смерть лідера путчу Вагнера #євгенапригожина, війна в #україні та #російські погрози застосувати #ядерну силу. Korespondent Wall Street Journal i Financial Times David Satter został wydalony i wyrzucony z Rosji po ujawnieniu korupcji w reżimie Putina. 19 marca rozmawia z @FascinatingPeopleandPlaces o szokującej śmierci #rosyjskiego polityka Aleksieja #nawalnego. Rozmawiamy także o buncie grupy #wagner. Podejrzana śmierć przywódcy zamachu stanu Wagnera Jewgienija Prigożyna, wojna na Ukrainie i groźby użycia przez Rosję sił nuklearnych.

  • Hundreds of years ago, it is believed a group of African migrants made their way South from the Remnants of the collapsing Mali Empire -- once ruled by the wealthiest human in history: Musa Mansa.

    These travelers eventually made their way to the South coast of what is now Ghana in North West Africa. They settled there but not on the land. Instead, they established a community in the middle of a river. Despite the ravages of war, the slave trade, and colonialism, these enterprising individuals didn't just survive they thrived.

    But today, their remarkable community faces new challenges that include tourism and environmental change.

    Ghanaian native Prof. Nana Kesse of Clark University has visited the community and extensively researched their history and culture. In his study titled "Living Waters," he compares both the oral traditions of the people and the documented evidence from other historical sources as he tries to unravel the mysteries of the Nzulezo community.

    In this episode, Nana shares his insights into the origins of this community. He explains how and why they came to live in such a unique location. The challenges they have faced, adaptations they've made, and how they remain an enduring example of the resilience of humanity.

    Ghana Tourism: Nzulezu

    If you enjoy this episode you may enjoy related ones covering some of the topics discussed including: The Songhai Empire, The Hamdullahi Empire, and Dahomey.

    And please, subscribe, follow us on social media, and let your friends know about the podcast. The more exposure we get, the easier it is for people to find the podcast in a world controlled by those pesky big tech companies that prioritize profit above quality content produced as a labor of love.

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

  • On 31 August 1997, Diana Spencer the ex-wife of the now King Charles III of the United Kingdom was tragically killed in a car accident in Paris. Just 36 years old at the time, Diana left behind two young sons: William and Harry.

    Her death sent a nation into mourning. Millions traveled to London in subsequent months to lay wreaths in her honor, and approximately one-third of the world's population watched her funeral on television.

    But while tragic, why were so many people so distraught over the sad passing of an individual that few of them had ever met? In this episode, I speak with Prof. Margaret Schwartz author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses.

    Through her research, Margaret has gained an understanding of the relationships that develop between celebrated individuals like Diana and distant members of the general public.

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

  • Western media reports on North Korea tend to focus on the nation's missile launches, nuclear weapons program, and involvement in illegal activities such as weapon and drug smuggling. The despotic regime of the Kim Family are usually front and center in any reporting. But what about the millions of North Koreans living a dystopian nightmare under the regime?

    In this episode, I speak with Sokeel Park of Liberty in North Korea an organization that assists people wishing to escape the so-called hermit kingdom. The group also helps North Koreans settle abroad, sends information into North Korea, and as its name implies has the ultimate aim of bringing liberty to the nation.

    Resources:

    LiNK website: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/Donate to North Korean freedom: https://libertyinnorthkorea.org/donateSign up as an ally of North Korean people: https://www.withthenorthkoreanpeople.org/Article by Sokeel Park on how to change North Korea: https://www.globalasia.org/v18no2/cover/old-truths-new-tools-bringing-slow-change-to-north-korea_sokeel-parkDocumentary, The Jangmadang Generation: https://www.nkmillennials.com/LiNK youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LibertyinNorthKoreaLiNK instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libertyinnorthkorea/LiNK twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertyinNKLiNK facebook: https://www.facebook.com/libertyinnk/

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

  • MAJ Jason Wright was forced to choose between following military orders and honoring the Constitution when tasked with defending 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed at Guantanamo Bay. The government and media had identified KSM as the culprit and he had freely admitted his guilt. But did his apparent guilt warrant the denial of his rights and the dismissal of elements of the US Constitution? Jason thought not and put his career on the line as he sought to do his duty.

    Aside from representing KSM, Jason also helped gain the release of a seemingly guilty but entirely innocent captive at Guantanamo Bay. We discuss these cases, Jason's powerful stand, and the consequences for him, his clients, and the country.

    Guest:

    Jason Wright is an assistant professor of law with the Department of Law as an Army Reserve officer, a partner at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, and an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown Law.

    Music: Pixabay

    This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

  • Journey back to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration as we recount the epic expedition led by Englishman Robert Falcon Scott, who set his sights on reaching the elusive South Pole. This audacious quest represented not only a personal ambition but a monumental step for humanity in its pursuit of the southernmost point on Earth.

    Join us in this illuminating episode as we converse with Lizzie Meek, Programme Manager of Artefacts for The Antarctic Heritage Trust, a New Zealand-based charitable society. Through her expertise and the painstaking restoration efforts of her team, Lizzie provides unique insights into the final journey of the remarkable explorer.

    Discover the triumphs and challenges of Scott's mission, the historical significance of the artifacts preserved by The Antarctic Heritage Trust, and gain a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of Antarctic exploration. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that takes you on a historical voyage to the icy heart of the Southern continent.

    Credits:

    This episode was produced with kind support from The Antarctic Heritage Trust and spokesperson Lizzie Meek -- Acting Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project Manager.

    Sound Effects and Music: Pixabay

    Scott's Diary: Public Domain

    Photo: 2017-2018 Scott's 'Terra Nova hut, South and West elevations. @AHT/Geoff Cooper. 2017-2018-Cape_Evans_Hut_Exterior_GC_001.JPG

    For more info on the Antarctic Heritage Trust click this link: Antarctic Heritage Trust

  • "In our eye-opening episode, we confront the harsh reality of modern slavery as revealed by a sobering 2022 report from the International Labor Organization. Shockingly, the report estimates that a staggering 50 million people worldwide are ensnared in this web of exploitation, with 28 million enduring the horrors of forced labor.

    While some of the most egregious cases, such as the plight of Uighurs detained in Chinese work camps and North Korean prisoners, have garnered global attention, the insidious issue of forced labor knows no borders. It's a global epidemic, silently lurking even in developed regions like the US, Europe, and Australia.

    Join us as we engage in a crucial conversation with attorney Martina E. Vandenberg, the distinguished founder and President of The Human Trafficking Legal Center. Martina's 20-year career has seen her testify before senators and collaborate with Human Rights Watch, taking her to the frontlines of countries like Bosnia and Ukraine, where she has tirelessly fought against the scourge of enforced labor and human trafficking.

    Martina shares her invaluable insights, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing battles against these grave injustices. This episode serves as a wake-up call to the global community, reminding us of the urgency to address this pressing issue.

    Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that underscores the importance of standing up for the rights and dignity of those trapped in modern slavery.

    Guest: Martina E Vandenburg Human Trafficking Legal Center

    Music: Pixabay

    维吾尔族集中营。북한 강제 수용소김정은 뚱뚱하다
  • In this gripping episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Eric Maddox, the interrogator who played a pivotal role in the capture of Saddam Hussein. In 2003, as part of a Delta Force team operating under the Joint Special Operations Command, Eric embarked on a mission to track down Iraqi fugitives, including the elusive Saddam Hussein.

    Through tireless dedication, daring raids, and conducting interviews with over 300 detainees, Eric's relentless pursuit led to the historic moment when Saddam Hussein was finally located and arrested on December 13, 2003.

    Listen as Eric shares his experiences in Iraq and unveils the innovative interrogation techniques that set him apart from others. His approach, in stark contrast to controversial and ineffective methods, proved highly successful in extracting crucial information.

    Eric's remarkable journey is detailed in his book 'Mission: Black List #1,' offering an in-depth look at the entire investigation. Today, Eric has transitioned to become an inspirational speaker, using the communication skills honed during his interrogations to foster better communication and success in the private sector.

    You can learn more about Eric and contact him through his official Website:

    EricMaddox.com

    Music: Pixabay

  • In this unusual and eye-opening episode, we dive headfirst into a topic that hadn't been on our radar until a surprising encounter with a female brothel owner from Nevada. Her story, which was featured in a previous episode, piqued our curiosity and led us to explore a controversial and often divisive aspect of the modern world.

    While I had initially been working on the long-awaited Piers Gaveston episode, my conversation with "Kiki Smith" sparked a new level of intrigue. Her motivations, business acumen, and the unique dynamics of her industry, where she's in control of production, intrigued me.

    We weren't entirely certain how our listeners would respond to such a bold and polarizing topic, but to our surprise, it became the most-listened-to episode of 2023.

    A quick note: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners.

    In this candid conversation, I sit down with "Kiki Smith" (not her real name), a stay-at-home mom and married woman who leads a financially successful life under the persona KS Wifey on platforms like OnlyFans, ManyVids, and her own website, kswifey.com. What led her into this industry? How does it impact her relationship with her husband? What are the challenges and advantages? Join us for a frank discussion about a rapidly growing yet controversial segment of the sex industry.

    KS Wifey on OnlyfansKS Wifey Official website

  • In October 2023, Hamas terrorists massacred Israeli civilians as well as many foreign tourists in an unprecedented attack. Consequently, the Israeli government under Netanyahu launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza with manifold civilian deaths.

    Over 50 years ago, a similar attack at the Munich Olympics also led to severe repercussions for Palestinian civilians.

    I am rebroadcasting this episode which was among the most listened to during the last two years, with the hope that 10, 15, or 50 years from now this complex and ongoing conflict may find a peaceful and equitable resolution for all parties involved.

    In September 1972, the Olympic Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” became an irrelevance as the world’s greatest sporting event was ravaged by violence and bloodshed as the Palestinian Black September group massacred 11 members of the Israeli delegation. In this episode, I discuss the Munich Massacre. Why it happened, how it happened, and whether it could have been prevented.

    Music by Pixabay

  • This was the most disturbing episode I have ever recorded. Vatican Exorcist Vincent Lampert is one of the most prominent Roman Catholic combatants of demons in the world. I was very anxious when I made this episode as many people -- including a demonologist -- warned me I could provoke demonic forces. Thus far, I seem to have endured so I feel safe to reshare this episode.

    A few years ago, the Barna Group – a market research firm specializing in religious beliefs conducted a survey in which it emerged that more Americans believe Satan is real than believe in God. On a superficial level, the results seem counterintuitive. In a nominally Christian society, God and Satan seem to go hand in hand. But it’s important to remember that the Satan figure of the Bible appears in Islam and Judaism, and that demons whether real or imagined pre-date the Abrahamic religions and can be found in ancient cultures around the world.

    But whatever his origins, Satan and his demons have inspired countless movies and TV shows and there are numerous instances of people arguing that these demons can and do possess people even today. In this episode, I speak with four people, an academic, a Vatican Exorcist, a fundamentalist Christian, and a man who believes demons can be tackled through science rather than religion.

    Music: PixabayImages: Canva

    Guests: Father Vincent LampertShirley Phelps-Roper (Westboro Baptist Church)Kenneth DukofskyLjubo Rubic

    Film footage: Les Tresors De Satan (1902)Public domainThe Devil in a Covent (1899)

  • One of the most enjoyable interviews I have had over the past two years was with Prof. Margaret Schwartz from Fordham University about Eva Peron. Clearly, I wasn't alone as that episode was the most listened to of all episodes released within the last year. Next season, Prof. Schwartz will return with an episode on the late Lady Diana. But, in the meantime here is a chance for new listeners to hear the episode or for long-term listeners to get a refresher.

    In July 1952, some 3 million people gathered in the heart of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. They had come to pay their last respects to Eva Peron the President’s wife. Overcome by emotion, the frenzied crowd poured forward leading to a crush in which 8 people were killed and thousands injured. Despite the huge crowds, Eva Peron or Evita as she was known was a divisive figure and her death was a milestone in rather than the end of her political influence in Argentina. In this episode, I explore the story of Evita.

    Featuring Dr Margaret Schwartz Associate Professor (Phd. University of Iowa) at Fordham University and author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses.

    Music from Pixabay

  • The new series of Fascinating People, Fascinating Places launches on 5 January 2024 with new episodes featuring the man who caught Saddam Hussein, the lawyer for the 9/11 mastermind, and much more.

    But in the interim, I am replaying five episodes that were selected by listeners as the best content over the last few years. If you're new to the show now is the time to catch up. If you're a long-term listener here is a chance to revisit some of the fan favorites.

    Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I had the pleasure of speaking with WSJ veteran David Satter. He was expelled from Moscow due to his investigative work that indicated Vladimir Putin came to power on the back of terrorist atrocities committed by the FSB but blamed on Chechens. In this episode, he shares a compelling story that supports his claims.

    On 13 September 1999 Gennadiy Seleznyov speaker of the Duma announced to the Russian parliament that a terrorist attack had hit the remote and hitherto unremarkable city of Volgodonsk. The bombing did occur but not until 3 days later. But it was this incident in conjunction with other bombings that set in motion a series of events that salvaged the reputation of President Boris Yeltsin and laid the stage for his protege Vladimir Putin to come to power. But Selezynyovs apparent clairvoyance wasn’t the only indication that something more sinister was afoot. And many people believe the second Chechen war was launched on the basis of a false flag attack concocted by Vladimir Putin. In this episode, I talk to the acclaimed journalist David Satter – formerly the Moscow correspondent for The Financial Times, and special correspondent for The Wall Street Journal. He was the first investigative reporter to detail what he believes was a bloody conspiracy to bring Putin to power.

    Aside from his journalistic work, David Satter has written five books about Russia including Age of Delirium: The Decline and Fall of the Soviet Union which was adapted into a documentary film, and more recently he authored The Less You Know, The Better You Sleep: Russia’s Road to Terror and Dictatorship under Yeltsin and Putin. In December 2013, he was expelled from Russia having been accused of violating migration laws. A claim that he denies and has been widely derided. Like many before and since his real crime appears to have been His actual offense appears to have been his efforts to expose the true nature of an opaque and sinister regime.

    Music and Sound: Pixabay

    Guests: David Satter (on Wikipedia)

  • Join us in this fascinating episode as we explore the pioneering work of Brian Hodgson, a true trailblazer in the realm of sound. With a background as a composer and as a member of the renowned BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Brian left an indelible mark on the world of electronic music long before the era of modern computers and Artificial Intelligence.

    Discover the incredible journey of an actor and Royal Air Force veteran who rose to prominence at the BBC, laying the foundation for audio production in a time when technology was limited compared to today's standards. As we anticipate the return of iconic shows like Doctor Who, which has evolved dramatically over its 60-year history, we reflect on the enduring audio innovations introduced by Brian Hodgson six decades ago.

    Despite the ever-changing landscape of Doctor Who, two essential audio features, shaped by Brian's genius, have remained constant. Join us to uncover the pivotal role of sound in this beloved series and to celebrate the remarkable contributions of a visionary ahead of his time.

    Music & Sound from Pixabay