Mission Implausible

Adam is back and is now a bona fide expert on Artificial Intelligence. When it comes to conspiracy theories, it’s both our nemesis and our ally. Plus, a prediction for the upcoming misuse of The Insurrection Act.

We continue with Gareth Gore, author of: Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church. Opus Dei has worked behind the scenes for decades to build up political influence and power in the U.S., bankrolling many right-wing causes.

Opus Dei is a secretive, ultra-conservative Catholic sect. Gareth Gore uncovered how it pushed its radical agenda within the Church and around the globe, using billions of dollars siphoned from one of the world’s largest banks. His book is: Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church.

The New Apostolic Reformation is a growing anti-democratic religious movement that believes that God speaks through modern-day apostles and prophets. How did they become energetic allies of Trump? (ENCORE from Season 4)

Journalist Tom Nichols (The Atlantic) explains how discrediting expertise is used as a weapon in order to control (mis)information. (ENCORE from Season 3)

Jerry and John -- and Adam! -- think about the current hurricanes and the dangerous conspiracy theories that weaponize them. As always, they view the larger context of false weather beliefs.

Comedian Trae Crowder is from a tiny town in Tennessee, so he has a unique point of view on conservative, liberals, MAGA and especially J.D. Vance… what’s the deal with that guy?? Well, Trae knows a thing or two.

Former CIA Head of Counterintelligence (and co-worker with John & Jerry) Susan Miller has recently been targeted by Tulsi Gabbard for her work on a classified report on Russia’s attempts to influence the 2016 election. How is she dealing with this "attention"? Also, now out of CIA, Susan and John and Jerry rehash some of the day-today moments of serving.

Russia, China, MAGA — how social media is weaponized to promote misinformation and conspiracy theories, leading to nefarious calls-to-action.

The expert on how social media spreads disinformation — both unintentionally and by design — explains the power of “communities” and what the Russians are trying to accomplish.

Former astronaut and fighter pilot and current Senatorial candidate from Texas Terry Virts makes a very prescient prediction of the effects of Trump’s cuts to science (this was recorded two weeks ago).  He also recounts his own call to service, his frustration with the current Democratic Party, the disaster of Trump’s immigration manipulations, and Texas’ place in the world.(www.terryvirts.com)

He was a fighter pilot, then an astronaut, and now a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator from Texas. Terry Virts saw Russia attack Ukraine while sitting alongside cosmonauts in the International Space Station. Now he sees the party in charge of America attacking... America. Terry Virts gives his first podcast interview after announcing his candidacy.(www.terryvirts.com)

More of our conversation with CIA analyst turned best-selling spy novelist David McCloskey. He and his old CIA associates, John & Jerry, look at CIA fact vs. fiction and how McCloskey brings their experiences to his stories. Also, some German stuff.

CIA analyst turned best-selling spy novelist David McCloskey visits with old friends John & Jerry where they look at the CIA and their experiences in The Middle East before, during and after The Arab Spring. With a survey of what's happening in The Middle East currently.

We continue our conversation with Will Sommer (The Bullwark, the Flase Flag newsletter) in which he details his experience covering extremist groups and the challenges of engaging with conspiracy believers. John & Jerry have a point of view on the conspiracy theories about CIA. 

For four years, fringe right wing voices have accused the Democrats of all sorts of secret crimes, moaning that the truth is being supressed. Now on the inside, some as high as Cabinet positions, they are expected to provide fireworks. What’s happening now that they can’t deliver the goods? (with Will Sommer of the Bulwark)

 Former CNN Africa correspondent Robyn Curnow tries to explain America to the rest of the world.

Former CNN Africa correspondent Robyn Curnow tries to explain America to the rest of the world.