Skip to main content
Unauthorized Disclosure

Unauthorized Disclosure

By Kevin Gosztola

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://anchor.fm/unauthorized-disclosure/subscribe "Unauthorized Disclosure" is a weekly podcast hosted by Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola. It focuses on issues and topics that are overlooked or pushed aside by the more mainstream media. The hosts champion adversarial journalism. Guests featured are often rarely heard or unheard voices. Or they are voices who we think can benefit from a space to have conversations, which allow for dissent and the unpacking of unpopular ideas. SUBSCRIBE on Spotify for $4.99/month and gain access to full episodes instead of clips or highlights from each week's show.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Justin Podur: Why US Empire Still Perceives Venezuela As An 'Extraordinary Threat'

Unauthorized DisclosureOct 10, 2021

We Are All Cloud Serfs Now: Yanis Varoufakis On The Rise of 'Technofeudalism'
Mar 04, 202454:42
Patrick Winn: Incredible Story Of The Asia Drug Cartel That Survived The CIA

Patrick Winn: Incredible Story Of The Asia Drug Cartel That Survived The CIA

For this week's episode, journalist Patrick Winn, who has lived in Bangkok for 15 years, joined the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss his new book, "Narcotopia: In Search of the Asian Drug Cartel That Survived the CIA."
Patrick is a correspondent for NPR's The World and specializes in reporting on black markets and rebellion in Southeast Asia. He gained special access to the Wa people, who are "among the most vilified people in Asia if not the world." The Wa established a nation state in Myanmar. The nation state exports billions of dollars of heroin and meth every year, and it is controlled by the United Wa State Army (UWSA).
But as Patrick outlines in the interview, the United States has its fingerprints all over this narco-army. "Not only did the CIA create the conditions for its inception, but one of its foremost leaders was also a DEA asset."


*For the full episode, become a subscriber at TheDissenter.org or a patron at Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure

Feb 19, 202454:13
John Kiriakou: The War On Whistleblowers Under Biden—Plus, Assange's Appeal Hearing

John Kiriakou: The War On Whistleblowers Under Biden—Plus, Assange's Appeal Hearing

Former CIA officer and whistleblower John Kiriakou returns to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast to discuss President Joe Biden's administration making an example out of IRS whistleblower Charles Littlejohn, the "terrorism enhancement" applied against "Vault 7" leaker Joshua Schulte, and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's appeal hearing on February 20.


*Full episode available by becoming a subscriber at TheDissenter.org or a patron at Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure

Feb 19, 202444:22
Matthew Hoh: US-Backed Israeli War On Gaza Sparking Wider Violence In Middle East

Matthew Hoh: US-Backed Israeli War On Gaza Sparking Wider Violence In Middle East

FREE PREVIEW OF FULL EPISODE AVAILABLE TO SUBSCRIBERS

We kick the year off with a show regular, Matthew Hoh, who is a former Marine, former State Department official, and the associate director for the Eisenhower Media Network, discusses the US government's attacks on Yemenis and how the Israeli government's war on Gaza is expanding to a wider regional conflict.



Jan 30, 202401:08:35
What Is the 'State of The Free Press' As 2023 Ends?

What Is the 'State of The Free Press' As 2023 Ends?

Each year, Project Censored puts out a yearbook called "State of the Free Press" that contains a list of the top censored stories of the past year. It also assesses prevailing and troubling trends in the United States news media Mickey Huff, the director of Project Censored, and Andy Lee Roth, the associate director, join the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss their latest yearbook, which is available from their website at Project-Censored.org


BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Support the show and get access to exclusive content at patreon.com/unauthorizeddisclosure

Dec 19, 202333:06
Azadeh Shahshahani: The Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism

Azadeh Shahshahani: The Crackdown on Pro-Palestinian Activism

In this free edited version of the weekly "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, Kevin Gosztola speaks with Azadeh Shahshahani. Azadeh is the legal and advocacy director for Project South and a past president of the National Lawyers Guild. In our conversation, Azadeh discusses the deactivation of Palestinian activist or solidarity groups on university campuses, legal scholars and law students facing repercussions for speaking out in support of Palestinians, and the cruel indifference of the Biden administration to violence in Gaza (as well as the West Bank). BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Go to patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure or subscribe at TheDissenter.org

Dec 11, 202338:02
Nearly 8,000 Days Of Torture & Injustice At Gitmo: Interview With Andy Worthington

Nearly 8,000 Days Of Torture & Injustice At Gitmo: Interview With Andy Worthington

Andy Worthington, a journalist known for his work chronicling the inhumane and unjust detention of prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay military prison, returns to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast. He's also involved in the Close Guantanamo campaign, which supports monthly vigils demanding the release of prisoners approved for release and that the United States detention camps be shut down. *For early access to full episodes and exclusive content, subscribe at TheDissenter.org

Aug 28, 202340:20
Fast Food Medicine: New Book Featuring Whistleblowers Exposes Monopolistic Dialysis Companies

Fast Food Medicine: New Book Featuring Whistleblowers Exposes Monopolistic Dialysis Companies

Note: This is not an episode of "Unauthorized Disclosure," but rather an interview that co-host Kevin Gosztola recorded that he is sharing with listeners of this podcast.
Tom Mueller, journalist and author of Crisis of Conscience: Whistleblowing In An Age Of Fraud, continues his work covering whistleblowers with his latest book, How To Make A Killing: Blood, Death, And Dollars In American Medicine.
The book details the monopolistic nature of dialysis corporations and how clinics or treatment centers label individuals “problem patients” when they become whistleblowers and dare to challenge their abuse, fraud, or malpractice.

Aug 18, 202359:56
Micah Herskind: Putting #StopCopCity On The Ballot In Atlanta

Micah Herskind: Putting #StopCopCity On The Ballot In Atlanta

Get early access to episodes by subscribing at TheDissenter.org


Micah Herskind, an organizer and writer who has been based in Atlanta, joined the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss the movement and the efforts by Mayor Andre Dickens and other Democrats to engage in voter suppression and prevent a public vote on "Cop City."

Aug 15, 202344:28
Micah Herskind On The Rise Of Cop Cities

Micah Herskind On The Rise Of Cop Cities

Micah Herskind, an organizer and writer based in Atlanta, joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss the latest with the movement to "Stop Cop City."
During the episode, Micah grapples with the rise of cop cities throughout the United States and describes an effort to put construction of this massive police training compound to a vote through a referendum.
Democratic Mayor Andre Dickens and other city officials have fought to suppress activists who are trying to save forest that will be razed if corporate interests and police groups build a cop city in Atlanta.
Micah responds to the voter suppression from Democrats, who typically speak out (as they should) on voting rights issues when Republicans undermine democracy. And later in the episode, Micah comments on Republican Governor Brian Kemp and state prosecutors that have criminalized organizers as terrorists—and how Democrats have aided and abetted this weaponization of government.

Aug 13, 202346:03
Surveying Climate Catastrophes, US Prisons Deploy Dogs Against Prisoners

Surveying Climate Catastrophes, US Prisons Deploy Dogs Against Prisoners

Rania and Kevin react to the extreme weather occurring globally and respond to those who respond to these discussions with climate denialism. They highlight a report from journalist Hannah Beckler on the deployment of dogs by prison guards. It's similar to what was routine at Abu Ghraib during the Iraq War (2003-2011).
Both CNN and MSNBC are apoplectic when it comes to any candidate challenging President Joe Biden's re-election. Rania and Kevin conclude with some reaction to an MSNBC clip featuring Jen Psaki, where she seized upon Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr's remarks on the war in Ukraine to attack his campaign.

Jul 31, 202346:55
Zoe Alexandra On Guatemala's Election Turmoil, Caribbean and Latin American Countries Vs. The EU
Jul 14, 202341:04
'War Made Invisible': How US Military Industrial-Complex Hides Human Toll Of War
Jul 06, 202359:23
How The US Military Machine Has Made War Invisible

How The US Military Machine Has Made War Invisible

Norman Solomon, co-founder of RootsAction.org, joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to talk about his new bookWar Made Invisible: How America Hides The Human Toll Of Its Military Machine.

Jul 01, 202359:16
What Will Happen To Assange Next? (w/ John Kiriakou)

What Will Happen To Assange Next? (w/ John Kiriakou)

Returning to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast, CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou helps Kevin Gosztola what will happen next to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Many believe extradition to the United States could be imminent.


John also reflects on his mentor and friend Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, who died last week. John shares an incredible story about Ellsberg from 2016. It involves a PEN America awards ceremony in Beverly Hills and acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola.


Kevin and John also highlight a remarkable example of media malpractice from US media pundits David Brooks and Jonathan Capehart, who used the death of Ellsberg to further their attacks on NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. 

Jun 25, 202346:38
Subscriber Show For June 9

Subscriber Show For June 9

For this week's show, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola highlight the unbelievable news that Trump was indicted under the Espionage Act. Then they spend half of the show discussing the marathon public comment session in Atlanta by organizers committed to stopping "Cop City."
The Atlanta City Council voted to approve funding for the police training compound that will lead to deforestation, even though nearly 1,000 people spoke for 15 hours (well over 90 percent were against it).
Rania and Kevin share how shocked they were at the images of smoke or haze over New York and Washington, D.C., and connect the apocalyptic-looking scenes to the struggle to stop Cop City.
Later in the show, they cover the latest cover story being attempted by the U.S. government as they continue to deflect responsibility for the Nord Stream pipeline explosion. And then they conclude with mention of the weaponizing of anti-semitism against Roger Waters

Jun 09, 202329:52
'Silent Coup': Matt Kennard On His New Book Detailing How Corporations Overthrew Democracy

'Silent Coup': Matt Kennard On His New Book Detailing How Corporations Overthrew Democracy

Corporate armies. Corporate cities. Corporate justice. Corporate welfare.


Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola speak with journalist Matt Kennard about the new book that he co-authored, "Silent Coup: How Corporations Overthrew Democracy." Kennard (and co-author Claire Provost) traveled to five different continents and visited several countries to investigate and document the sheer extent to which corporations now influence and control governments.


TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Go to TheDissenter.org and sign up at the lowest tier for $3/month.

Jun 06, 202359:47
Author Interview: New Book 'Palestine Laboratory' Details How Israel Makes A Killing From The Occupation Of Palestinians

Author Interview: New Book 'Palestine Laboratory' Details How Israel Makes A Killing From The Occupation Of Palestinians

Journalist and author Antony Loewenstein joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss his new book, The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World.

The book from Verso Books will be published on May 23, and it comprehensively documents how Israel's military industrial complex uses the occupied Palestinian territories as a testing ground for the development of weapons and surveillance technology.

In our interview, Antony describes the impact Israeli military support and weapons have had on populations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He specifically highlights the alliance Colombia formed with the Israeli military in a brutal war against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia or the FARC.

Social media companies, as Antony details, do not like Palestinians. He tells us about some of the ways in which Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc, censor Palestinians.

May 22, 202337:23
Biden: A More Effective President For The Fossil Fuel Industry Than Trump (w/ Steven Donziger)

Biden: A More Effective President For The Fossil Fuel Industry Than Trump (w/ Steven Donziger)

For this week's episode of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by human rights and environmental attorney Steven Donziger.
Steven was the target of a political case sponsored by Chevron. The super-major oil corporation hijacked the judiciary to stop Steven from standing up for the indigenous people of Ecuador, who had their land destroyed by Chevron.
Rania and Kevin talk with Steven about post-prison life and corruption in the U.S. judicial branch. They discuss how President Joe Biden has allowed the fossil fuel industry to expand more oil drilling projects on federal land than President Donald Trump. And they also call attention to the Willow and Alaska LNG projects that Biden has greenlit.
Later in the episode, Steven addresses the use of a "domestic terrorism" law in Georgia to try and stop the #StopCopCity protest against the construction of a police compound that would destroy forested land. He comments on the case of Manuel "Tortugita" Teran, a forest defender who was executed by police.

May 15, 202345:41
Why The US Government Really Has Labeled Cuba A Terrorist State—Plus, Assange's Letter to King Charles

Why The US Government Really Has Labeled Cuba A Terrorist State—Plus, Assange's Letter to King Charles

In this free clip from the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss how a spokesperson for the US State Department responded when asked why Cuba is designated a state sponsor of terrorism. They also read from WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's letter to King Charles about prison conditions at Her Majesty's Prison Belmarsh, where Assange is detained. **Become a subcriber at TheDissenter.org or join the Shadowproof YouTube channel for access to full episodes.**

May 08, 202320:56
The US Military Industrial Complex's Revolving Door

The US Military Industrial Complex's Revolving Door

In this free clip from the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss a report on the U.S. military industrial-complex, particularly the revolving door between the government and military contractors. As of 2021, 672 former government officials, military officers, members of Congress, and senior legislative staff were working for major military contractors like Boeing, Raytheon, or Lockheed Martin. **Join the Shadowproof YouTube channel as a member to get full access to Unauthorized Disclosure episodes or subscribe at TheDissenter.org.**

May 03, 202313:18
The Bloodshed In Sudan (Guest: Eugene Puryear)

The Bloodshed In Sudan (Guest: Eugene Puryear)

Eugene Puryear, host on BreakThrough News, joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola to discuss the violence that has unfolded this past week in Sudan.
Fighting has escalated between General Abdel Fattah Burhan and Sudan's military and General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo (also known as Hemedti) and a paramilitary force known as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
During the conversation, Eugene describes who the players are and how the people of Sudan are caught in between their jostling for power. He also addresses the widespread claim that somehow Russia must be behind the skirmishes.
Later, Kevin asks Eugene and Rania to comment on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and their partnership with the Sesame Workshop on programming for children in Iraq. Samantha Power, a warmonger and poser for human rights who leads USAID, characterized the project in a very nauseating way.
The show concludes with Eugene reacting to the U.S. Justice Department indicting Chairman Omali Yeshitela of the African People's Socialist Party and at least two other members affiliated with the Black liberation group. In 2022, the FBI targeted them in raids.
Yeshitela spoke at an antiwar rally in Washington, D.C., on the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. The demonstration, which was livestreamed by BreakThrough News, also called for diplomatic negotiations instead of further escalation in the war in Ukraine.

Apr 24, 202355:09
20 Years After The US Invaded Iraq: Reflecting On The Antiwar Movement (w/ Brian Becker)

20 Years After The US Invaded Iraq: Reflecting On The Antiwar Movement (w/ Brian Becker)

Brian Becker, national director for the ANSWER Coalition and host of BreakThrough News' "Socialist Program," joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss the 20th anniversary of the war in Iraq and a major antiwar rally planned for March 18 in Washington, D.C.  

During the episode, Brian reflects on the antiwar movement before and during the Iraq War and what can be learned from organizing in the 2000s as activists struggle for an end to the war in Ukraine.  Brian also comments on the role of the press in helping the US government spread lies that justified the war.

Mar 16, 202354:38
Unauthorized Disclosure: Kari Lydersen Makes The Case For Nationalizing US Railroads

Unauthorized Disclosure: Kari Lydersen Makes The Case For Nationalizing US Railroads

This show was unlocked for all viewers. Become a subscriber at TheDissenter.org to help keep the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast going.  

Kari Lydersen, a Chicago-based reporter, author, and journalist instructor, joins the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast to discuss her feature story for In These Times, "The Case For Nationalizing the Railroads."  

Lydersen has covered labor in Chicago and throughout the United States for many years. In this interview, she shares the experiences of railroad workers who united around a strike to help them win paid sick days in their contract. But President Joe Biden sided with the railroad barons and helped corporate executives stop the strike.  Profit margins for the major railroad companies are staggering.

Later, Lydersen highlights the four corporations that control US railroads. She describes some of the health and safety struggles that railroad workers deal with daily. She talks about why we see around 1,700 train derailments in any given year. She also addresses what nationalization of the US railroad system might look like and also why so many shipments of goods are transported by trucks than trains, even though trains are more efficient.

Mar 01, 202346:20
Unauthorized Disclosure: US-Backed Coup Regime In Peru (w/ Ollie Vargas)

Unauthorized Disclosure: US-Backed Coup Regime In Peru (w/ Ollie Vargas)

This is an edited version. For full episodes, subscribe to the podcast at TheDissenter.org.

Ollie Vargas, a contributor to
Kawsachun News and co-host of Latin America Review, returns to the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast to discuss the latest developments in Peru.

Back in 2022, a right-wing coup removed Peru President Pedro Castillo from power. He was replaced by Dina Boluarte, who had been his vice president. Boluarte has chosen to serve the interests of the oligarchy over indigenous and working class people the country.

As part of our conversation, Ollie provides an overview of the violence and repression that Boluarte's US-backed regime has inflicted upon Peruvians in the past months.

General strikes have unfolded for several weeks. He offers a recap of this resistance. Ollie addresses the US role in propping up the government, and he describes what grassroots groups have learned as they reflect on what they must do when they regain power in order to prevent a coup from happening again.

Feb 20, 202342:07
High Stakes Of Perpetuating War In Ukraine (with Medea Benjamin & Ann Wright)

High Stakes Of Perpetuating War In Ukraine (with Medea Benjamin & Ann Wright)

Medea Benjamin, CODEPINK co-founder and co-author of War In Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict, and Ann Wright, a CODEPINK member, retired Army colonel, and former State Department diplomat, join “Unauthorized Disclosure” hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola to discuss the high stakes of a protracted conflict in Ukraine.

Initially, President Joe Biden said the United States would not ship tank to Ukraine. That line was crossed, and now Ukraine would like fighter jets. Both Medea and Ann address the issue of escalating with more and more weapons and military equipment and crossing red lines that are drawn by officials.

Medea draws from her experience in antiwar organizing to share how difficult it has been to advocate for a diplomatic settlement and mobilize Americans to oppose fueling this war.

Later in the conversation, Ann, who lives in Hawaii, responds to the prevalent idea that the conflict in Ukraine against Russia has been a test run for a war over Taiwan against China. Hawaii is a US military launchpad for Asia-Pacific exercises and actions intended to curtail China’s influence in the region.

The Chinese “spy balloon” incident shows just how rapidly a scenario could develop that resulted in a devastating conflict.

Feb 06, 202354:46
US-Backed 'Hybrid Warfare' Against Peru, Argentina (With Guest Ben Norton)

US-Backed 'Hybrid Warfare' Against Peru, Argentina (With Guest Ben Norton)

Please enjoy free access to a full and uncut episode of the Unauthorized Disclosure weekly podcast typically available for only subscribers.  

Ben Norton, editor for Multipolarista, returns to the podcast to discuss the United States-backed coups and lawfare in Peru and Argentina. Peru President Pedro Castillo, who came from a background as an indigenous peasant, was removed from power by the right-wing legislature and arrested. A show trial was held, and he has been sentenced to 18 months of "preventative detention."  

In Argentina, Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner was barred by the judiciary from running for president again. The political charge against her bears a lot of similarity to the political charge that was leveled by the right-wing in Brazil against President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.  

Ben challenges several misconceptions about Castillo and the coup in Peru while also recounting events that led up to the third impeachment against him that created the conditions for his removal. He also highlights how the US ambassador to Peru was in the CIA. While providing an overview of recent events in Argentina, Ben details the extent to which oligarchs in the country hold influence over the judiciary.

Dec 19, 202201:04:06
Journalist Todd Miller: Trump Border Policy And Wall Construction Didn't Really End With Biden

Journalist Todd Miller: Trump Border Policy And Wall Construction Didn't Really End With Biden

Todd Miller is a journalist and editor for The Border Chronicle, who lives in Tucson, Arizona. He consistently has documented life at the United States-Mexico border. And he returns to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast this week.

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola talk with Todd about how President Joe Biden's Justice Department is fighting for a Trump-era border policy, progress on the "smart" border wall, and "wall sickness"—the psychological impact that people living in communities near the border experience.

Dec 11, 202252:41
Italian Journalist Stefania Maurizi On Her Book, 'Secret Power: WikiLeaks And Its Enemies'

Italian Journalist Stefania Maurizi On Her Book, 'Secret Power: WikiLeaks And Its Enemies'

NOTE: This interview was not produced as part of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, but it is shared here to help give Stefania and her book some additional exposure.

Italian journalist Stefania Maurizi partnered with WikiLeaks and covered military reports on the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars and US diplomatic cables related to Italy and the Vatican. She met WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange multiple times. She saw firsthand how WikiLeaks worked on publications, even as the United States government ramped up its efforts to target and suppress the media organization.   

Now, the English-translation of Stefania's book, "Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies," is out from Pluto Press, and she joins Shadowproof's Kevin Gosztola to discuss this chronicle centered on her time as a media partner. The book also details her efforts to pursue freedom of information lawsuits against the US, United Kingdom, Sweden, and Australia for denying her access to documents related to the prosecution of Assange.  

Stefania kindly endorsed Kevin's forthcoming book on the Assange case, and Kevin is pleased to be able to show his support for Stefania's work and share this interview.

Dec 05, 202248:34
Joshua Frank On His Book About The Toxic Hanford Nuclear Site & The Post-Disaster Economy

Joshua Frank On His Book About The Toxic Hanford Nuclear Site & The Post-Disaster Economy

Joshua Frank, journalist and co-editor of CounterPunch, joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast to discuss his book, Atomic Days: The Untold Story of the Most Toxic Place in America. It examines the Hanford nuclear waste site in Washington state and all the dangers that the site poses to humanity, despite the fact that numerous whistleblowers have risked their lives to warn us of potential catastrophes.  

***ENJOY THE INTERVIEW? Become a subscriber at TheDissenter.org***  

In the interview, Joshua recounts the role that Hanford played in the development of the US atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He describes how Hanford is part of the "permanent disaster economy" and the corruption that surrounds the US Energy Department's contracts for cleanup and maintenance of the nuclear site.

Nov 28, 202247:31
CODEPINK's Medea Benjamin On Missile Strike In Poland, War In Ukraine, COP27, And Support For Cuba

CODEPINK's Medea Benjamin On Missile Strike In Poland, War In Ukraine, COP27, And Support For Cuba

Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK, recently co-authored the book, "War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict," and is touring the United States. She joined the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast to discuss the missile incident in Poland and obstacles to pursuing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.  

***BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Go to TheDissenter.org***

Later in the interview, Medea highlights the work that CODEPINK did on COP27, the climate conference which was held in Egypt. They challenged Egypt's repression and jailing of activists of like Alaa Abd El-Fattah and urged world leaders to pay more attention to how wars fuel climate change. She also addresses how the Biden administration has continued to invoke "state-sponsored terrorism" to strangle Cuba and why that must end.

Nov 20, 202236:39
Suppressing The American Left: The Espionage Act's Early History

Suppressing The American Left: The Espionage Act's Early History

Carey Shenkman is a constitutional lawyer and recognized expert on the United States Espionage Act. He joins the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast this week to discuss the book A Century of Repression: The Espionage Act and Freedom of the Press, which he co-authored with Ralph Engelman.  

***BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Go to TheDissenter.org***

Co-host Kevin Gosztola asks Carey to outline the origins of the Espionage Act and how President Woodrow Wilson's administration developed it as a tool that could suppress antiwar dissent, labor organizers, and socialist and communist groups.

Nov 07, 202248:57
Hadas Thier On How The Left Should Respond To Inflation

Hadas Thier On How The Left Should Respond To Inflation

Hadas Thier is an activist and socialist in New York and the author of A People’s Guide to Capitalism: An Introduction to Marxist Economics. She is a regular contributor to Jacobin Magazine, and Hadas recently wrote a feature story for In These Times magazine called, "A Left Answer To Inflation."

***BECOME A SUBSCRIBER. Go to TheDissenter.org. ***

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcomed Hadas to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss inflation and what working class people should support as a response to rising prices. Hadas outlined the ways that inflation is the site of class conflict and how it is used as a tool by wealthy executives and ruling elites to suppress labor organizing.

Nov 04, 202241:25
Asa Winstanley On "Labour Files" And What Unprecedented Leak Revealed

Asa Winstanley On "Labour Files" And What Unprecedented Leak Revealed

Asa Winstanley, associate editor for Electronic Intifada and co-host of the website's podcast, appeared on "Unauthorized Disclosure" to discuss The Labour Files, a bombshell documentary series from Al Jazeera English based on an unprecedented leak of files from within the UK's Labour Party.

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola pay particular attention to the second part of the series that delves into the manner in which Labour Party officials manufactured an "antisemitism crisis" and weaponized the issue to purge the party of left-leaning members, including Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn and Jewish members who oppose Israeli apartheid against Palestinians.

The documentary series that outlines clear corruption has been virtually ignored by the British establishment media. The Labour Party is hoping the series just fades away. By highlighting a few clips and highlighting some of the damning revelations in the Labour Files, we are doing what little we can do to challenge the media blackout.

For more from Asa, subscribe to his newsletter.

Oct 16, 202259:59
Latin America's Renewed Resistance To US Capitalism—Plus, Brazil Presidential Runoff

Latin America's Renewed Resistance To US Capitalism—Plus, Brazil Presidential Runoff

Zoe Alexandra is a journalist for People's Dispatch, who has been in Brazil covering the elections, including the race between far-right Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist former Brazil President Lula da Silva.  

In this free edition of the show, Zoe shares her insights on the election results in Brazil and other developments in Latin America, including renewed resistance among leaders to US meddling in their countries.

*FOR FULL EPISODES, subscribe at TheDissenter.org

Oct 10, 202234:44
Prison Strike Spreads In Alabama As Incarcerated Individuals Demand DOJ Protect Their Human Rights

Prison Strike Spreads In Alabama As Incarcerated Individuals Demand DOJ Protect Their Human Rights

Jared Ware, journalist and co-host of the "Millennials Are Killing Capitalism" podcast, stops by the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to discuss a major prison strike that unfolded in state facilities throughout Alabama over the past week.  

***For as little as $3/month, get access to all the full episodes and premium content from the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast. Subscribe and get a free trial:
https://thedissenter.org/subscribe-to... ***   

We begin with an overview of the strike, which was on its fifth day when the interview was recorded. Jared describes why the work stoppages were organized now and what the response of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) has been to the organized prisoners.  

Jared outlines the demands of prisoners, including a call to release prisoners who should be eligible for parole but have been denied.  Prison authorities have tried several tactics to break the strike. Meals have been degrading. Lead organizers have been assaulted and thrown in solitary. Prisoners have been moved between facilities to act as scabs and help authorities break the strike. Visitations have been canceled for the weekend.  

Yet the strike pushed onward into the weekend, and you can follow updates on Twitter from Jared @jaybeware

Oct 02, 202254:11
Censorship Is a Bedrock of Incarceration In The United States

Censorship Is a Bedrock of Incarceration In The United States

Brian Nam-Sonenstein, co-host of the "Beyond Prisons" podcast and publishing editor of Shadowproof, appears on "Unauthorized Disclosure" to help the show outline the issue of censorship in United States prisons and jails.  

**BECOME A SUBSCRIBER at TheDissenter.org for as little as $3/month**   

Censorship is not limited to banning books. Nor is it only retaliation against an incarcerated individual who wants to write a letter for publication.  He describes why free speech advocates should absolutely care and how censorship has intensified as facilities move away from physical mail.    

(Note: This is a free version of this week's episode. For the full episode, subscribe to the podcast at TheDissenter.org.)

Sep 19, 202246:28
How We Talk About 'the Left'—Plus, Right-Wing Media Response To Trump Raid

How We Talk About 'the Left'—Plus, Right-Wing Media Response To Trump Raid

This week, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend some time expressing their amusement at the right-wing response to the Justice Department investigation into former President Donald Trump's possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. They laugh at a comment from Trump's attorney that the Espionage Act is some "mundane" statute.   

Rania and Kevin highlight Amazon's harassment of union organizers and cover one recent example involving Amazon whistleblower Christian Smalls, who played an instrumental role in organizing the union at Amazon's Staten Island warehouse.  

Finally, Kevin shares some clips from a recent Callin episode that he recorded, where he explored the question of what we all think is the left. Rania responds and adds her own insights.

Sep 05, 202245:48
Alan MacLeod On The Spies Curating What You See On Social Media
Aug 24, 202250:13
Ben Norton On Fallout From FBI Raid Against Trump And Responses Among The Left

Ben Norton On Fallout From FBI Raid Against Trump And Responses Among The Left

Returning to the show, Ben Norton, journalist and editor of Multipolarista.com, discusses the FBI raiding former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate and some responses from people who are part of the left.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Sign up for the Unauthorized Podcast for $4/month here — https://thedissenter.org/#/portal/signup

Ben also responds to an attack against his reporting by a neoconservative think tank that is funded by several Western governments, and he comments on the backlash among African countries to the US telling them what they can and can't import from Russia, when they are struggling and may have nowhere else to turn for particular goods.

Aug 15, 202246:55
Green Party Candidate Matthew Hoh On Democrats Undermining Democracy, Pelosi's Trip To Taiwan

Green Party Candidate Matthew Hoh On Democrats Undermining Democracy, Pelosi's Trip To Taiwan

In this free edition of the weekly Unauthorized Disclosure podcast, Matthew Hoh returns to the show. He's a former Marine, whistleblower, and Green Party candidate for the US Senate in North Carolina.

Matthew provides an update on his
Senate campaign. The Green Party was certified by the State Board of Elections, which means candidates may appear on the ballot in November. But the Democratic Party filed a lawsuit to stop the Green Party that was condemned by a major local newspaper.

Later in the show, Matthew reacts to Speaker Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan and also comments on the US drone strike against Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and what that signified.

Aug 05, 202248:53
The Fallout From Pelosi's Taiwan Trip, Plus FBI Raids Black Liberation Group

The Fallout From Pelosi's Taiwan Trip, Plus FBI Raids Black Liberation Group

In this week's exclusive content, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola respond to comments from the Biden White House that accused Beijing, not Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of being the provocateur. Kevin also shares details related to FBI raids against a Black liberation group called the African Socialist People's Party and gets Rania's reaction. 

Aug 05, 202230:38
What The Hell Is With Rania's Wikipedia Page?

What The Hell Is With Rania's Wikipedia Page?

Hello, patrons!

In this exclusive episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola sift through the grime and sewage that has been injected and pumped into Rania's Wikipedia page.

You may have seen Rania complain about it before. That is because for at least the past three years there have been editors and volunteers, who have allowed smear merchants to use Wikipedia to further their attacks.

Later in the show, they laugh and comment at neoconservative and former Trump national security adviser John Bolton proudly declaring that he has planned coups and knows better than anyone whether Trump mounted a coup on January 6, 2021.

Jul 18, 202243:07
Post-Roe Organizing For Abortion Decriminalization: Interview With Andrea Ritchie

Post-Roe Organizing For Abortion Decriminalization: Interview With Andrea Ritchie

On this week's episode, Andrea Ritchie joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola for a conversation about organizing for abortion decriminalization in a post-Roe United States.

Andrea is a Black lesbian immigrant, and the author of the book Invisible No More: Police Violence Against Black Women and Women of Color. She is the co-author of the forthcoming book No More Police: A Case For Abolition, as well as the book Queer (In)Justice. And Andrea is the co-founder of
Interrupting Criminalization.

First, Andrea assesses the terrain for abortion decriminalization as it exists now that the US Supreme Court abolished federal rights to reproductive health care. She comments on the brewing threat of prosecutions against women and medical providers.

Planned Parenthood in Montana announced they would no longer provide abortion medication to out-of-state patients. Andrea expresses her disgust and frustration with this decision.

Later in the show, Andrea describes what people can do. Many of the ideas outlined stem from recognizing the connections between struggles for gender justice, migrant justice, economic and racial justice, sex workers’ rights, disability justice, etc.

Jul 10, 202247:37
Kit Klarenberg On UK Intel-Linked Plots Against Journalists, Academics

Kit Klarenberg On UK Intel-Linked Plots Against Journalists, Academics

Kit Klarenberg, a contributor to The Grayzone, joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola to discuss his series of reports that show a right-wing intelligence plot in the UK to target antiwar academics, journalists, politicians, environmentalists, and other figures.   

It all connects to an increasingly popular brand of information warfare by elites to target those who make it more difficult for them to spread their preferred narratives about particular current events free from counterpoints and accountability.  

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure

Jul 04, 202244:29
The Increasingly Illegitimate US Judiciary System

The Increasingly Illegitimate US Judiciary System

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the steady overturning of rights by courts in the United States judiciary system, including the Supreme Court. They spend time talking about a decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a law requiring contractors in Arkansas to pledge their loyalty to Israel if they want to be given a contract.   

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER at Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure for access to the full episode.

Jun 27, 202228:49
Italian Journalist Stefania Maurizi On UK Government Authorizing Assange's Extradition

Italian Journalist Stefania Maurizi On UK Government Authorizing Assange's Extradition

Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Stefania Maurizi, who is an Italian journalist with the daily Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano. She is also the author of the book, Secret Power: WikiLeaks and Its Enemies, which is being translated into an English version.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure


Stefania reacts to the decision by United Kingdom Home Secretary Priti Patel to approve the US government's extradition request against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

Later in the interview, Stefania describes how she was surveilled and had her rights violated by a private security company's spying operation against the Ecuador embassy when she visited Assange. She discusses the criminal case that is pending in a Spanish court. Both the US and UK are obstructing this investigation.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Rokfin.com/UnauthorizedDis

Stefania concludes by describing what happens next in the case and stating why it's important to be clear in our conversations that Assange is a journalist.

Jun 17, 202248:06
Sham Summit Of Americas Outshined By People's Summit For Democracy

Sham Summit Of Americas Outshined By People's Summit For Democracy

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss all the action at the Summit of the Americas this past week. Rania's BreakThrough News team and attendees of a competing grassroots summit, the People's Summit For Democracy, were on the ground protesting and confronting officials, like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

***WANT EPISODES RIGHT WHEN THEY POST? Patrons get access to episodes on Friday. Become a patron at Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure***

Jun 13, 202232:30
Matthew Hoh On His North Carolina Senate Campaign, Gun Violence, And War In Ukraine

Matthew Hoh On His North Carolina Senate Campaign, Gun Violence, And War In Ukraine

Matthew Hoh returns to Unauthorized Disclosure to discuss his campaign for the US Senate in North Carolina. He is running as a Green Party candidate and recently qualified for the ballot after submitting 22,000 signatures.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Patreon.com/UnauthorizedDisclosure

Matthew shares what he experienced while asking voters to sign petitions to get him on the ballot. He lays out his campaign platform and why it is important to give voters a choice outside the two-party system.

Later, Matthew comments on the uptick in shootings that have made headlines over the past weeks. He describes what he thinks should be done to deal with gun violence.

BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: Rokfin.com/UnauthorizedDis

Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola also talk with Matthew about the war in Ukraine, including President Joe Biden sending killer drones to Ukrainians—something that will only draw the US further into a conflict with Russia.

Jun 06, 202251:28
Rania Khalek's Trip To Venezuela—Plus, Former US Intel Officials Defend Big Tech

Rania Khalek's Trip To Venezuela—Plus, Former US Intel Officials Defend Big Tech

Rania Khalek talks about her trip to Venezuela, including how she was called on by Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro to give a comment during a meeting she attended. She describes visiting Hugo Chavez's tomb and then breaks down the many ways you can clearly see that there are two Venezuelas—one for upper class communities, which the US supports, and one for the poor, which don't have that much support from the US.

Then Rania and Kevin go through a letter from former US intelligence officials, who pleaded with Congress to not regulate monopolistic Big Tech companies because it will hamper their ability to help the US counter Russia.

Apr 24, 202246:28