From Spy to Whistleblower: John Kiriakou's Journey Inside the CIA's Torture Program
03/15/25 • 59 min
John Kiriakou, former CIA intelligence officer turned whistleblower, takes us deep inside the world of American intelligence operations and the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with protecting national security. His decision to expose the CIA's torture program highlights the personal and professional consequences when conscience collides with classified operations.
• Early passion for Middle Eastern affairs sparked by the 1979 Iran hostage crisis
• Natural talent for intelligence recruitment, securing multiple foreign assets where others struggled
• Transition from analyst to operations officer due to his people skills and extroverted personality
• CIA actively seeks individuals with "sociopathic tendencies" who can work in ethical gray areas
• Decision to blow the whistle came after President Bush suggested "rogue CIA officers" were responsible for torture
• Simple surveillance techniques often prove more effective than complicated tradecraft
• Critical shortage of officers fluent in strategic languages like Chinese creates ongoing intelligence gaps
• Current CIA using artificial intelligence to predict which employees might become whistleblowers
If you haven't already, please like and subscribe to the Jack Hopkins Show podcast – the greater my subscriber numbers, the more likely I can feature guests you want to hear from, which is good for all of us.
The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter https://wwwJackHopkinsNow.com
John Kiriakou, former CIA intelligence officer turned whistleblower, takes us deep inside the world of American intelligence operations and the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with protecting national security. His decision to expose the CIA's torture program highlights the personal and professional consequences when conscience collides with classified operations.
• Early passion for Middle Eastern affairs sparked by the 1979 Iran hostage crisis
• Natural talent for intelligence recruitment, securing multiple foreign assets where others struggled
• Transition from analyst to operations officer due to his people skills and extroverted personality
• CIA actively seeks individuals with "sociopathic tendencies" who can work in ethical gray areas
• Decision to blow the whistle came after President Bush suggested "rogue CIA officers" were responsible for torture
• Simple surveillance techniques often prove more effective than complicated tradecraft
• Critical shortage of officers fluent in strategic languages like Chinese creates ongoing intelligence gaps
• Current CIA using artificial intelligence to predict which employees might become whistleblowers
If you haven't already, please like and subscribe to the Jack Hopkins Show podcast – the greater my subscriber numbers, the more likely I can feature guests you want to hear from, which is good for all of us.
The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter https://wwwJackHopkinsNow.com
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Stand Up for Democracy: The Call to Action on 3-14 from Jessica Denson
In a critical conversation about the current challenges facing democracy, this episode focuses on the proactive measures needed to reclaim power from authoritarian influences.
With the march on March 14th on the horizon, the discussion emphasizes the essential role of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment and how it serves as a bulwark against political threats.
Our host and guest delve into personal narratives that not only recount past struggles but also highlight the momentum building behind this upcoming event.
Listeners are encouraged to join the movement as they explore the core reasons why collective action is vital for preserving democratic values. The energy is palpable as our hosts compel citizens from all walks of life—not just political activists—to lend their voices in this fight. This episode functions as both a rallying cry and a guide, outlining how individuals can engage in meaningful ways.
In these tumultuous times, the message is clear: Everyone has a stake in the fight for democracy. Tune in to understand the urgency of action and how you can contribute positively.
The hosts invite you to embrace this vital conversation and prepare to make your voice count—starting with joining the march on March 14th. Make your plans to participate, because your presence matters in the fight for our shared future. Let’s ensure that we stand united, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
Jessica Denson is an Emmy and Murrow award-winning journalist, actress, and communications professional. She has appeared in television series such as "Show Me a Hero" (2015) and "Person of Interest" (2011).
In 2016, Denson worked on Donald Trump's presidential campaign and later sued the campaign for workplace harassment.
She also challenged the campaign's nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), leading to a federal judge invalidating these NDAs in 2023. Denson continues to engage in public discourse, advocating for transparency and accountability in political processes.
The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter https://wwwJackHopkinsNow.com
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Truth Over Party: Why One GOP Congressman Still Supports Ukraine
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Congressman Bacon brings unique credentials to foreign policy debates, with nearly 30 years of military service that included postings throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. He argues passionately that Ukraine represents a clear case of "right versus wrong, an invader versus a victim," and warns that abandoning Ukraine would have catastrophic consequences for global stability.
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The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter https://wwwJackHopkinsNow.com
The Jack Hopkins Show Podcast - From Spy to Whistleblower: John Kiriakou's Journey Inside the CIA's Torture Program
Transcript
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