Former CIA Officer John Kiriakou Launches New Podcast

John Kiriakou, a former CIA officer, has launched a new podcast called John Kiriakou’s Briefing Room, which debuted on July 14. Kiriakou, who joined the CIA in 1990, initially served as a Middle East analyst focusing on Iraq before becoming a counter-terrorism officer in Greece. Following the September 11 attacks, he was appointed Chief of Counterterrorist Operations in Pakistan. Kiriakou's career took a significant turn when he was approached to participate in the CIA's controversial "enhanced interrogation program," which he recognized as a torture program and subsequently declined to be involved in, leading to his departure from the agency in 2004.

In 2007, Kiriakou gained national attention when he publicly disclosed details about the CIA's torture practices during an interview with ABC News. He named former colleagues involved in the program, prompting an investigation by the agency that lasted over a year but did not result in prosecution. However, after Barack Obama took office, Kiriakou was charged with espionage and faced a potential 45-year prison sentence. He ultimately accepted a plea deal, serving 23 months in prison.

Kiriakou's podcast aims to provide unfiltered intelligence briefings for listeners who are looking for insights beyond mainstream narratives. He has expressed enthusiasm for sharing his experiences and insights into the workings of the CIA and the deep state. The podcast is available on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, and Kiriakou encourages listeners to engage with his content as he shares his unique perspective on intelligence and national security issues. His recent interviews, including one with activist Jason Jones, have captivated audiences with their candid discussions about military interventions and personal experiences in the intelligence community.