This episode I speak with Paul Moses. Paul is a former Newsday city editor and senior religion writer, as well as a professor of journalism at Brooklyn College and the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He was also the lead writer on a Newsday team that won the Pulitzer Prize. He has also written a new book called The Italian Squad: The True Story of the Immigrant Cops Who Fought the Rise of the Mafia. We discussed the book as well as his experiences as a journalist, what it was like winning a pulitzer prize and where he was on 9/11.

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In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Robert Wittman, a former FBI agent renowned for his expertise in art crime investigation and cultural heritage protection. We delved into his book "Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World's Stolen Treasures," and explored his role in recovering the iconic Bill of Rights, among other captivating topics.

Key Highlights:

Art Crime Expertise: Robert Wittman's extensive experience in the FBI's Art Crime Team has made him a leading authority in the world of art crime investigation and recovery.

Undercover Operations: Wittman's undercover work unveiled the intricate world of art thieves and their motivations. He highlighted the challenges and risks associated with these operations.

Recovering the Bill of Rights: One of the most riveting stories involved the recovery of the Bill of Rights, a national treasure that had been stolen. Wittman's meticulous efforts led to its safe return.

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Spike Edney has numerous links to Queen, to the extent that he was often described as the fifth member. Born on 11 December 1951, he has worked with Ben E King, Edwin Starr, The Boomtown Rats, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Ian Hunter, Manic Street Preachers, Beautiful South, Gary Barlow, Peter Green, Joe Cocker, 10CC, and countless more.

Spike's connections with Queen began in 1984, when he appeared on the European leg of 'The Works' tour, providing additional guitar and keyboards. From then onwards he appeared at almost every show until Queen stopped touring in 1986, appearing on the 'Live In Rio', 'Live In Budapest' and 'Live At Wembley' videos, as well as the 'Live At Wembley 1986' and 'Live Magic' albums. He also appeared on Queen's 1986 studio album, 'A Kind Of Magic'.

Spike can be seen playing keyboards Queen's historic 1985 Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium

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Today, we have a truly extraordinary guest who has spent his life on the frontlines of international intrigue and covert operations. Get ready to dive deep into the world of paramilitary, counter-terrorism, and clandestine activities as we sit down with none other than Ric Prado, a seasoned veteran of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Ric Prado: A Man of Mystery and Expertise

Join us as we unravel the gripping tale of Ric Prado's remarkable twenty-four-year career at the CIA. With an impressive resume spanning six overseas posts, Mr. Prado is a true luminary in the world of intelligence and security. From his role as Deputy Chief of Station in the original Bin Ladin Task Force/Issues Station to his position as Chief of Station in a hostile Muslim country, Mr. Prado's experiences are nothing short of captivating.

On the Frontlines of History: Counterterrorism During 9/11

One of the most gripping segments of our interview delves into Mr. Prado's tenure as Chief of Operations in the CIA's Counterterrorist Center (CTC) during the tragic events of September 11th. Discover how Mr. Prado played a pivotal role in coordinating the CIA/CTC's special operations activities with key stakeholders, including the National Security Council, the FBI, and elite U.S. military units such as Delta Force and SEAL Team Six. Gain insights into the intense collaboration and strategic maneuvers that took place behind the scenes.

From Central America to the Philippines: Adventures in Special Operations

In the early years of his career, Ric Prado served as a paramilitary officer in the Special Operations Group/Special Activities Division (SOG/SAD) at the CIA. Prepare to be enthralled by his riveting accounts of life in the trenches, including his groundbreaking role as the first CIA officer to live in the anti-Sandinista "Contra" camps in Central America. Hear about his high-stakes counter-terrorism and insurgency operations in Peru and the Philippines that pushed the boundaries of courage and dedication.

Pick up his book “Black Ops: The Life Of A CIA Shadow Warrior at https://ricprado.com/

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Join us as we revisit my conversation with Martin Cooper, the visionary engineer who conceived the handheld mobile phone. From concept to groundbreaking call in 1973, we'll take you on a journey through his revolutionary story.

Highlights:

Segment 1: The Visionary Concept
Explore Martin's early background and the spark that ignited the mobile phone idea. Uncover the condensed ten-year process behind this game-changing invention.

Segment 2: Paving The Way
Discover how Martin's vision evolved into the iconic Motorola DynaTAC 8000x. Navigate the challenges overcome on the path to innovation.

Segment 3: A Call That Shaped History
Relive the historic first public cell phone call and its lasting impact.

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Today is the 85th anniversary of one of history's most heartbreaking laws.

In remembrance, we're re-airing part one of our interview with Gene Klein. Mr. Klein is a holocaust survivor who defied the horrors of Auschwitz and emerged as a symbol of unyielding resilience. Liberated by the Soviets, Gene Klein's journey stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Key Highlights:

1. Unveiling Auschwitz's Horrors: Join us as Gene Klein provides a gripping firsthand account of life within the confines of Auschwitz, shedding light on the indomitable spirit that fueled survival amid unimaginable challenges.
2. Early Life: Gene Klein shares what happened to his family.
3. Lessons from History: Gene Klein shares profound insights drawn from personal experience, emphasizing the enduring importance of remembrance, tolerance, and the collective responsibility to prevent the repetition of history's darkest moments.
4. Preserving the Legacy: Explore Gene Klein's perspective on safeguarding the memory of the Holocaust and the vital role of preserving survivors' stories for future generations.

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Joel Thurm was one of the most admired, powerful, and accomplished casting directors in Hollywood. It was during his years as Vice President of Talent and Casting for both Paramount Television and NBC that he discovered the remarkable Phoenix family from which River and Joaquin became A-list movie stars. Here, Thurm tells the stories of his key involvement in such iconic movies and shows as Grease, Airplane!, Cheers, Silver Spoons, and more.

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Randal Kleiser has been an internationally known film director since the release of his first feature, Grease.

Kleiser's directorial portfolio boasts a range of works, such as The Boy in the Plastic Bubble, The Blue Lagoon, Summer Lovers, Flight of the Navigator, White Fang, Honey I Blew up the Kid, Getting It Right, Lovewrecked, and It's My Party, among others.

For decades, Randal Kleiser has engaged in an artistic pursuit beyond filmmaking—capturing his fellow directors through a technique known as blind contour drawing.

In this method, he sketches his subjects without glancing at the paper, resulting in a unique artistic representation. Although challenges arose due to subjects' movements during sketching, Kleiser presents a compilation of successful attempts. Drawing Directors, featuring a foreword by Roger Corman, serves as a tribute by Kleiser to his admired directors. Esteemed names such as Steven Spielberg, John Singleton, Ron Howard, Guillermo del Toro, Robert Wise, and Billy Wilder grace the pages, with Kleiser delving into their professional journeys and sharing insightful anecdotes along with his personal views on their cinematic contributions.

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Annie Machon is a former intelligence officer for MI5, the UK Security Service, who resigned in the late 1990s to help blow the whistle on the spies’ incompetence and crimes.

In 1996, she resigned from MI5 in order to help David Shayler reveal a series of alleged crimes committed by the agency. Afterward, they went on the run around Europe for a month, lived in hiding for a year and in exile for two, before returning voluntarily. Machon was never charged with a crime.

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RIP Vince Speranza (1925 - 2023)

Speranza was drafted into the United States Army on October 25, 1943, and officially entered the service on November 15, 1943. He was sent to Camp Upton in New York where he stayed until he was sent to Fort Benning in Georgia where he trained for the Infantry with the 87th Infantry Division. He volunteered for the Parachute Infantry and was sent back to Fort Benning for training. He was sent overseas with Company H, 3rd Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division from Camp Shanks on board the Queen Mary. His unit arrived in France and would later fight in the Battle of the Bulge.

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