In this episode, we interview author and retired university criminologist James B. Wells about his investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. James recounts learning that his father supposedly died as the only passenger on a civilian plane shot down in Vietnam, then discovering more than 400 letters in 1991 that revealed his father as a truth-driven whistleblower who criticized corruption and war practices. We talk about standing up for marginalized people, speaking truth to power, and the belief that peace requires forgiveness and forgiveness requires truth.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:49 Origin of the Memoir

02:08 Father the Whistleblower

03:40 Investigating the Crash

05:51 Healing Through Story

08:11 Truth and Forgiveness

09:39 Vision for Change

11:32 Whistleblowing as Practice

14:02 New Writing Projects

16:04 Reading Inspiration

17:33 Advice for Impact

19:04 Where to Find James

20:32 Closing and Farewell

James’ Book

Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew

Other Books Mentioned

Precious Freedom by James Bradly 

Flyboys by James Bradly 

Flag of Our Fathers by James Bradly 

Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What's Right by Stephen M. Kohn

Where to Find James

Jamesbwells.com

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