TLDR;
This episode features John Kuryaku, a former CIA counterterrorism officer and convicted criminal, discussing his experiences and views on various topics. The conversation covers his whistleblowing on the CIA's torture program, hypothetical scenarios involving violence, his time in prison, and his opinions on the CIA, 9/11, and other sensitive subjects. The discussion also touches on MK Ultra, personal anecdotes, and humorous exchanges.
- John Kuryaku shares his background as a former CIA officer and his conviction for whistleblowing on the CIA's torture program.
- The discussion explores hypothetical scenarios involving violence and moral dilemmas.
- Kuryaku recounts his experiences in prison and his interactions with other inmates.
- The conversation covers his views on the CIA, 9/11, and other sensitive topics, including his time working for Russian state media.
Introduction and Guest Introduction [0:00]
The podcast begins with introductions of the guest, John Kuryaku, a former CIA counterterrorism officer, and the co-host, Mike. John introduces himself, highlighting his past as a CIA officer, his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his conviction as a criminal for violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act after he revealed the CIA's Torture Program.
Torture and Hypothetical Scenarios [0:28]
The discussion shifts to the topic of torture, with John expressing his opposition to it. A hypothetical scenario about torturing children is brought up, leading to a debate about morality and the potential for violence. The conversation takes a dark turn as the hosts joke about violence and hypothetical situations involving killing others, including the president.
Confidential Secrets and Funny Stories [2:38]
John declines to reveal any confidential secrets from his time at the CIA, citing the risk of returning to prison. Instead, he shares a humorous anecdote about a colleague who appeared to have a heart attack while working on a paper for the president, only to be revealed as a false alarm caused by flatulence. The conversation then veers into a discussion about personal experiences, such as a disappointing coffee purchase.
Torture and Personal Experiences [4:50]
The discussion returns to the topic of torture, with John sharing his experiences working with torturers and his views on the subject. The hosts continue to joke about violence and hypothetical situations, including the torture of children. John recounts an experience where he stopped a man from setting himself on fire during a protest in support of Julian Assange and Wikileaks.
Roosters, Wives, and Hypothetical Crimes [11:05]
The conversation takes a bizarre turn as the hosts discuss hypothetical scenarios involving killing a rooster, killing a wife, and potential immunity from prosecution. The discussion becomes increasingly absurd and dark, with jokes about violence and criminal behavior.
Weapons and Stereotypes [12:06]
John describes the weapons he carries for self-protection, including a nine, a 38, and a buck knife. The conversation veers into stereotypes about Jewish people, with the hosts making offensive and inappropriate remarks.
Sponsor Break and Prison Stories [12:44]
The podcast takes a break for a sponsorship message from Chubbies. After the break, the conversation shifts to John's experiences in prison, where he was initially concerned about being labeled a snitch. He recounts how an Italian inmate vouched for him, explaining that the CIA protected them from Muslims. John also shares a story about his interactions with members of the Nation of Islam in prison.
Waterboarding Demonstration [15:56]
The hosts attempt to demonstrate waterboarding, but the attempt is unsuccessful. John explains the proper technique for waterboarding, including the use of a board and a thin cloth. The hosts discuss other torture methods, such as the cold cell and sleep deprivation.
Torture Methods and Music [19:07]
The conversation continues with a discussion of various torture methods, including the cold cell and sleep deprivation. The hosts joke about the effectiveness of these methods and their potential consequences. They then discuss the use of music as a form of torture, mentioning the BeeGees and the Spongebob Squarepants theme song.
Hypothetical Scenarios and MK Ultra [21:22]
The hosts discuss a hypothetical scenario involving a man on a bus who asks for specific coins. The conversation then shifts to MK Ultra, with the hosts speculating about whether the program is still active. John expresses his willingness to reveal secrets if it would lead to the destruction of Israel.
CIA and 9/11 [23:16]
The discussion touches on the demographics of the CIA, with John denying the claim that one must be at least 51% Jewish to work there. He shares a personal anecdote about his mother's maiden name and his 23andMe results. The conversation then turns to 9/11, with John stating that it was a terrorist attack by al-Qaeda, not an inside job. He claims that the Israelis knew about the attack beforehand and didn't warn the US.
Sponsor Break and Trump [26:41]
The podcast takes another break for a sponsorship message from Prize Picks. After the break, the hosts discuss a hypothetical statement by Trump about destroying elementary schools in Iran to get into heaven. John expresses his disagreement with attacking elementary schools.
Pensions, Pay, and Patriotism [28:39]
The conversation shifts to John's pension and pay from his time at the CIA. He reveals that he is not receiving his pension and estimates the total amount he is owed. The hosts discuss the pay and stress of working for the CIA, with John stating that people do it out of patriotism, not for the money.
Terrorism, White Boys, and MK Ultra [29:41]
The hosts debate whether there has been more terrorism since the CIA's torture program. The conversation takes a bizarre turn as they discuss personal preferences and MK Ultra's potential to turn someone gay.
Hypnosis and MK Ultra [31:10]
The discussion continues with the effectiveness of hypnosis and the potential of MK Ultra to achieve lasting results. John shares his experience working with a hypnotist during an operation. The hosts speculate about the reasons for MK Ultra's failure and the increasing number of gay and autistic people.
CIA Joke and Talking Dog [32:57]
John shares a joke that CIA agents are trained to tell, involving a talking dog who claims to have worked for the CIA. The hosts discuss their reactions to the joke and the implications of a talking dog.
Clowns and Capitalism [35:31]
The conversation veers into a discussion about clowns and the high fees they charge for appearances. The hosts debate the merits of capitalism and the value of certain professions.
CIA and Russian State Media [36:33]
The hosts discuss the CIA's purpose and the intelligence of its employees. The conversation then shifts to John's experience working for Russian state media. He reveals that he was allowed to criticize anyone he wanted and that he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on his radio show.
Criticizing the Next Guest [38:22]
The hosts prepare for the next guest, Log, who is running late. John is encouraged to criticize Log, despite not knowing anything about him. After seeing a photo of Log, John makes a disparaging remark about his appearance.
