S3E1 Whistleblowers & Spies
Summary
John Kiriakou opens Season 3 of *Dead Drop* by detailing his post-prison struggles, including FBI surveillance, job rejections, and financial hardship after whistleblowing on CIA torture. He announces upcoming episodes covering the assassination of Olof Palme, Carlos the Jackal, and an intelligence review of Vladimir Putin. Kiriakou also shares a heartwarming anecdote about meeting Greek singer Konstantinos Argyros, who expressed deep admiration for Kiriakou’s work, highlighting the unexpected support he has found since his release.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Zen Nicotine and HERS Weight Loss
Season 3 intro and personal story
Meeting Greek singer Ariiros and fan encounter
Post-prison struggles and agency vindictiveness
Season 3 focus on whistleblowers and spies
Whistleblower roundtables and safe environment
Assassination of Olof Palme and CIA involvement
Vladimir Putin as a former KGB spy
Comparing Kiriakou's whistleblowing to Snowden
Deloitte permission and initial media reaction
Boss anger and Senator Blunt's threats
HR meeting and refusal to resign
PR director intervention and severance negotiation
Quince Fan Club: Linen trousers segment
Quince Fan Club: Cashmere sweaters and winter gear
Promoting other Costard and Touchstone podcasts
FBI surveillance and post-release monitoring
Whistleblower restrictions and personal anecdotes
Returning home and the difficulty of reintegration
Financial loss and job hunting struggles
Social isolation and selling art collection
Invention patents and think tank job
Writing columns and leaving the think tank
Sponsor: HERS Weight Loss GLP-1 medications
Offer of a radio show from Sputnik News
Mental health struggles and therapy sessions
Loyalty to friends and family support
McGovern story and regaining public following
Writing books and CIA Insider's Guides
Credits and production information
Sponsors: Superhuman and Amazon Music
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