Behind the Secrets: John Kiriakou’s Untold Story of Courage and Consequence Episode 5

Buckle up for a jaw-dropping episode of DeProgrammed Podcast that pulls no punches! Host Ted Rall dives deep into the electrifying life of John Kiriakou, the CIA whistleblower who risked it all to expose the agency’s dark secrets. From his high-stakes career as a counterterrorism officer to blowing the lid off the CIA’s torture program, John’s story is a rollercoaster of bravery, betrayal, and redemption. In this no-holds-barred conversation, Ted and John unpack the raw truth about government surveillance, the personal toll of standing up to power, and what it’s like to go from CIA insider to federal prison—and come out swinging as a champion for justice.What You’ll Hear:From Small Town to Spy: How a kid from Pennsylvania ended up in the CIA’s inner circle, chasing terrorists across the globe.
The Whistleblower’s Gambit: The moment John decided to reveal the CIA’s use of waterboarding—and why he couldn’t stay silent.
Paying the Price: Facing Espionage Act charges, a guilty plea, and 23 months behind bars—what it’s really like to be punished for telling the truth.
Rising from the Ashes: John’s transformation into a fearless advocate, author, and voice for whistleblower rights in a world that wants to keep secrets buried.
The Big Picture: Shocking insights on government overreach, the state of free speech, and what’s at stake in the fight for transparency today.