Fascinating People Fascinating Places

MAJ Jason Wright: Protecting the Constitution at personal cost in Guantanamo Bay

MAJ Jason Wright was forced to choose between following military orders and honoring the Constitution when tasked with defending 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed at Guantanamo Bay. The government and media had identified KSM as the culprit and he had freely admitted his guilt. But did his apparent guilt warrant the denial of his rights and the dismissal of elements of the US Constitution? Jason thought not and put his career on the line as he sought to do his duty. 

Aside from representing KSM, Jason also helped gain the release of a seemingly guilty but entirely innocent captive at Guantanamo Bay. We discuss these cases, Jason's powerful stand, and the consequences for him, his clients, and the country.

Guest:

Jason Wright is an assistant professor of law with the Department of Law as an Army Reserve officer, a partner at Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP, and an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown Law.

Music: Pixabay

This episode is sponsored by World History Encyclopedia, one of the top history websites on the internet. I love the fact that they’re not a Wiki: Every article they publish is reviewed by their editorial team, not only for being accurate but also for being interesting to read. The website is run as a non-profit organization, so you won’t be bombarded by annoying ads and it’s completely free. It’s a great site, and don’t just take my word for it they’ve been recommended by many academic institutions including Oxford University. Go check them out at WorldHistory.org or follow this link: World History Encyclopedia

 

Scott of the Antarctic: Lizzie Meek of the Antarctic Hertiage Trust

Journey back to the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration as we recount the epic expedition led by Englishman Robert Falcon Scott, who set his sights on reaching the elusive South Pole. This audacious quest represented not only a personal ambition but a monumental step for humanity in its pursuit of the southernmost point on Earth.

Join us in this illuminating episode as we converse with Lizzie Meek, Programme Manager of Artefacts for The Antarctic Heritage Trust, a New Zealand-based charitable society. Through her expertise and the painstaking restoration efforts of her team, Lizzie provides unique insights into the final journey of the remarkable explorer.

Discover the triumphs and challenges of Scott's mission, the historical significance of the artifacts preserved by The Antarctic Heritage Trust, and gain a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of Antarctic exploration. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that takes you on a historical voyage to the icy heart of the Southern continent.

Credits:

This episode was produced with kind support from The Antarctic Heritage Trust and spokesperson Lizzie Meek -- Acting Ross Sea Heritage Restoration Project Manager.

Sound Effects and Music: Pixabay

Scott's Diary: Public Domain

Photo: 2017-2018 Scott's 'Terra Nova hut, South and West elevations. @AHT/Geoff Cooper. 2017-2018-Cape_Evans_Hut_Exterior_GC_001.JPG

For more info on the Antarctic Heritage Trust click this link: Antarctic Heritage Trust

 

 

The Global Epidemic: Human Trafficking with Martina E. Vandenberg

"In our eye-opening episode, we confront the harsh reality of modern slavery as revealed by a sobering 2022 report from the International Labor Organization. Shockingly, the report estimates that a staggering 50 million people worldwide are ensnared in this web of exploitation, with 28 million enduring the horrors of forced labor.

While some of the most egregious cases, such as the plight of Uighurs detained in Chinese work camps and North Korean prisoners, have garnered global attention, the insidious issue of forced labor knows no borders. It's a global epidemic, silently lurking even in developed regions like the US, Europe, and Australia.

Join us as we engage in a crucial conversation with attorney Martina E. Vandenberg, the distinguished founder and President of The Human Trafficking Legal Center. Martina's 20-year career has seen her testify before senators and collaborate with Human Rights Watch, taking her to the frontlines of countries like Bosnia and Ukraine, where she has tirelessly fought against the scourge of enforced labor and human trafficking.

Martina shares her invaluable insights, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing battles against these grave injustices. This episode serves as a wake-up call to the global community, reminding us of the urgency to address this pressing issue.

Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion that underscores the importance of standing up for the rights and dignity of those trapped in modern slavery.

 

Guest: Martina E Vandenburg Human Trafficking Legal Center

Music: Pixabay

 

维吾尔族集中营。

북한 강제 수용소
김정은 뚱뚱하다

How I found Saddam Hussein: Eric Maddox

In this gripping episode, we delve into the remarkable story of Eric Maddox, the interrogator who played a pivotal role in the capture of Saddam Hussein. In 2003, as part of a Delta Force team operating under the Joint Special Operations Command, Eric embarked on a mission to track down Iraqi fugitives, including the elusive Saddam Hussein.

Through tireless dedication, daring raids, and conducting interviews with over 300 detainees, Eric's relentless pursuit led to the historic moment when Saddam Hussein was finally located and arrested on December 13, 2003.

Listen as Eric shares his experiences in Iraq and unveils the innovative interrogation techniques that set him apart from others. His approach, in stark contrast to controversial and ineffective methods, proved highly successful in extracting crucial information.

Eric's remarkable journey is detailed in his book 'Mission: Black List #1,' offering an in-depth look at the entire investigation. Today, Eric has transitioned to become an inspirational speaker, using the communication skills honed during his interrogations to foster better communication and success in the private sector.

You can learn more about Eric and contact him through his official Website:

EricMaddox.com

Music: Pixabay

 

 

Classics Revisited: The Business of Sex

In this unusual and eye-opening episode, we dive headfirst into a topic that hadn't been on our radar until a surprising encounter with a female brothel owner from Nevada. Her story, which was featured in a previous episode, piqued our curiosity and led us to explore a controversial and often divisive aspect of the modern world.

While I had initially been working on the long-awaited Piers Gaveston episode, my conversation with "Kiki Smith" sparked a new level of intrigue. Her motivations, business acumen, and the unique dynamics of her industry, where she's in control of production, intrigued me.

We weren't entirely certain how our listeners would respond to such a bold and polarizing topic, but to our surprise, it became the most-listened-to episode of 2023.

A quick note: This episode contains adult content and is not suitable for young listeners.

In this candid conversation, I sit down with "Kiki Smith" (not her real name), a stay-at-home mom and married woman who leads a financially successful life under the persona KS Wifey on platforms like OnlyFans, ManyVids, and her own website, kswifey.com. What led her into this industry? How does it impact her relationship with her husband? What are the challenges and advantages? Join us for a frank discussion about a rapidly growing yet controversial segment of the sex industry.

 

KS Wifey on Onlyfans
KS Wifey Official website

Classics Revisited: Munich 1972

In October 2023, Hamas terrorists massacred Israeli civilians as well as many foreign tourists in an unprecedented attack. Consequently, the Israeli government under Netanyahu launched retaliatory strikes on Gaza with manifold civilian deaths.

Over 50 years ago, a similar attack at the Munich Olympics also led to severe repercussions for Palestinian civilians. 

I am rebroadcasting this episode which was among the most listened to during the last two years, with the hope that 10, 15, or 50 years from now this complex and ongoing conflict may find a peaceful and equitable resolution for all parties involved.

In September 1972, the Olympic Motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger,” became an irrelevance as the world’s greatest sporting event was ravaged by violence and bloodshed as the Palestinian Black September group massacred 11 members of the Israeli delegation. In this episode, I discuss the Munich Massacre. Why it happened, how it happened, and whether it could have been prevented.

Music by Pixabay

Classics Revisited: Satan and The Exorcists

This was the most disturbing episode I have ever recorded. Vatican Exorcist Vincent Lampert is one of the most prominent Roman Catholic combatants of demons in the world. I was very anxious when I made this episode as many people -- including a demonologist -- warned me I could provoke demonic forces. Thus far, I seem to have endured so I feel safe to reshare this episode.

A few years ago, the Barna Group – a market research firm specializing in religious beliefs conducted a survey in which it emerged that more Americans believe Satan is real than believe in God. On a superficial level, the results seem counterintuitive. In a nominally Christian society, God and Satan seem to go hand in hand. But it’s important to remember that the Satan figure of the Bible appears in Islam and Judaism, and that demons whether real or imagined pre-date the Abrahamic religions and can be found in ancient cultures around the world.

But whatever his origins, Satan and his demons have inspired countless movies and TV shows and there are numerous instances of people arguing that these demons can and do possess people even today. In this episode, I speak with four people, an academic, a Vatican Exorcist, a fundamentalist Christian, and a man who believes demons can be tackled through science rather than religion.

Music: Pixabay
Images: Canva

Guests: Father Vincent Lampert
Shirley Phelps-Roper (Westboro Baptist Church)
Kenneth Dukofsky
Ljubo Rubic

Film footage: Les Tresors De Satan (1902)
Public domain
The Devil in a Covent (1899)

Classics Revisited: Eva Peron

One of the most enjoyable interviews I have had over the past two years was with Prof. Margaret Schwartz from Fordham University about Eva Peron. Clearly, I wasn't alone as that episode was the most listened to of all episodes released within the last year. Next season, Prof. Schwartz will return with an episode on the late Lady Diana. But, in the meantime here is a chance for new listeners to hear the episode or for long-term listeners to get a refresher.

In July 1952, some 3 million people gathered in the heart of the Argentine capital Buenos Aires. They had come to pay their last respects to Eva Peron the President’s wife. Overcome by emotion, the frenzied crowd poured forward leading to a crush in which 8 people were killed and thousands injured. Despite the huge crowds, Eva Peron or Evita as she was known was a divisive figure and her death was a milestone in rather than the end of her political influence in Argentina. In this episode, I explore the story of Evita.

Featuring Dr Margaret Schwartz Associate Professor (Phd. University of Iowa) at Fordham University and author of Dead Matter: The Meaning of Iconic Corpses.

Music from Pixabay