CIA Whistleblower: They Can See All Your Messages! I Was Under Surveillance In Pakistan!

This episode features John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer known for blowing the whistle on the agency's torture program. Kiriakou discusses the challenges of the CIA's operations, including their methods of recruiting and managing informants, and the ethical dilemmas he faced during his time at the agency. He emphasizes the need for a moral compass in intelligence work, pointing out the inconsistency in U.S. torture policies through history. Kiriakou recounts his journey from a young man interested in espionage to becoming a seasoned operative who eventually took a stand against unethical practices. He also shares his insights on the current global landscape, discussing the roles of various foreign intelligence services, the dangers of surveillance, and the psychological aspects of human behavior in espionage. Throughout, he highlights the complexities of intelligence work, the pressures to conform to immoral directives, and the personal costs of whistleblowing, including his own prison sentence. The episode ends with Kiriakou encouraging listeners to remain vigilant and ethical in their own lives.