A Paranoid's History of the United States

Joseph L. Flatley
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A Paranoid's History of the United States

A podcast about conspiracies — both real and imagined. Every week, investigative journalist Joseph L. Flatley highlights stories that will make you reassess what you think you know about America.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    Havana Syndrome

    In 2016, American embassy personnel in Cuba began reporting strange sounds followed by debilitating symptoms - ear pain, headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. Quickly labeled as attacks by a mysterious sonic weapon, these incidents led to diplomatic breakdowns and accusations against foreign adversaries.  This episode explores the science of mass psychogenic illness and how normal physiological responses to stress can manifest as real physical symptoms. And it reveals how institutional failures by government agencies, media outlets, and even prestigious medical journals amplified a narrative that fit political agendas despite contradicting scientific evidence.  From the Salem witch trials to modern diplomatic crises, this story demonstrates how our beliefs shape our perception of reality, and how these psychological mechanisms can be exploited to advance geopolitical interests. GUEST: Dr. Robert Bartholomew is a medical sociologist and Lecturer on Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland in New Zealand who has spent over 35 years studying mass psychogenic illness. Co-author of Havana Syndrome: Mass Psychogenic Illness and the Real Story Behind the Embassy Mystery and Hysteria, Bartholomew specializes in how beliefs can manifest as genuine physical symptoms in otherwise healthy individuals. With dozens of published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and part of his PhD focused on this phenomenon, he offers critical insight into how social factors influence our health experiences. Bartholomew approaches these topics with scientific rigor while making complex psychological concepts accessible, helping audiences understand how cultural context shapes our interpretation of ambiguous physical sensations. FURTHER INFORMATION Havana Syndrome Could Have Been Weaponized (NBC News): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDLyswGG4TkSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    32 min

  2. JUN 7

    The Strange Case of Sirhan Sirhan

    On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in the pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles by a 24-year-old Palestinian immigrant named Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. While Sirhan was immediately apprehended and later convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy theories have persisted for over five decades. These theories center on apparent inconsistencies in the official investigation, including FBI reports suggesting more bullet holes than Sirhan's eight-shot revolver could have produced, autopsy evidence indicating Kennedy was shot from behind at point-blank range while witnesses placed Sirhan in front of him, and claims that Sirhan was "hypno-programmed" and has no memory of the shooting. Dan Moldea is an investigative journalist who spent years investigating the case — conducting polygraph tests, prison interviews with Sirhan, and meticulous examination of the evidence that had fueled conspiracy theories for decades. What he discovered about the supposed "extra bullets," the ballistics inconsistencies, and the flawed original investigation would fundamentally change his understanding of what really happened that night at the Ambassador Hotel. For more info, check out Dan’s book The Killing of Robert F. Kennedy: An Investigation of Motive, Means, and Opportunity. SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    30 min

  3. MAY 31

    Project Monarch

    In 1995, a woman named Cathy O'Brien published a book containing some of the most shocking allegations ever made against the American government. She claimed to be a survivor of Project Monarch, a classified CIA mind control program where she was programmed through systematic trauma to serve as a sex slave to presidents, politicians, and global elites. Her accusations included being hunted for sport by Dick Cheney and having occult symbols carved into her body by Hillary Clinton. This episode explores how Project Monarch emerged at the intersection of documented history and conspiracy theory. While the CIA's MK-ULTRA mind control experiments were real and declassified in the 1970s, Project Monarch has never been substantiated by credible evidence. Yet this urban legend has evolved into one of the most persistent conspiracy theories of our time, now encompassing claims about celebrity programming, the Illuminati's control of the entertainment industry, and the use of butterfly imagery as secret signals. Interviews by Tyler Rabbit GUESTS David McGowan (1960-2015) was an independent researcher and author known for exploring the darker corners of American political conspiracies. His work included investigations into government mind control programs, the 1960s counterculture, and political assassinations. McGowan's book Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon examined alleged connections between the CIA and the Laurel Canyon music scene. Though skeptical of supernatural elements in conspiracy theories, McGowan maintained that government agencies had invested significant resources in developing mind control techniques.Tracy Twyman (1978-2019) was an author, researcher, and occult historian whose work explored alternative history, secret societies, and conspiracy theories. Her book Mind-Controlled Sex Slaves and the CIA investigated claims of government mind control experimentation.FURTHER INFORMATION MK-Ultra: The shocking Cold War experiments hidden by the CIA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_-ek5CsTGcSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    29 min

  4. MAY 24

    Siege

    In 1986, experimental musician and provocateur Boyd Rice wrote a fan letter that would have devastating consequences. The recipient wasn't a fellow artist, but James Mason — the author of an obscure neo-Nazi newsletter whose violent ideas would soon become known around the world. This episode traces how Mason's newsletter Siege! evolved from fringe extremist literature into a modern blueprint for terrorism. We explore Mason's journey from teenage American Nazi Party member to Charles Manson devotee, and how his concept of “leaderless resistance” — advocating lone wolf terrorist attacks — became the strategic foundation for contemporary white supremacist violence. GUEST: Spencer Sunshine, antifascist researcher and author of Neo-Nazi Terrorism and Countercultural Fascism: The Origins and Afterlife of James Mason’s Siege FURTHER INFORMATION PBS Frontline: Documenting Hate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFBVAAzXjcSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out: http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    33 min

  5. MAY 17

    The Octopus

    In this episode we look at the death of freelance journalist Danny Casolaro, who was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Martinsburg, West Virginia. This was ruled a suicide, but circumstances surrounding the case raised questions. Casolaro had been investigating what he called “The Octopus,” a sprawling conspiracy that connected intelligence agencies, organized crime, and international arms dealers. The episode also examines the role of Lyndon LaRouche's intelligence network in spreading misinformation (and sometimes, credible information). GUESTS INCLUDE a number of journalists familiar with crimes and conspiracies, including Martin Kilian, Jack Calhoun, and Dan Moldea. We also speak with Casolaro’s cousin, the playwright Dominic Orlando. FURTHER INFORMATION Unsolved Mysteries episode on Danny Casolaro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGclHLNAsCsThe Inslaw Affair (Australian TV news program): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiVIDBDWivYSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out: http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    41 min

  6. MAY 10

    Finding Satan

    In this week’s episode, Joseph L. Flatley investigates the infamous Finders case—a 1987 incident where two well-dressed men and six disheveled children in a Tallahassee park sparked nationwide panic about satanic cults and child trafficking. What began as a routine police call transformed into one of the internet's most persistent conspiracy theories, fueled by leaked government documents claiming evidence of “satanic ceremonies” and an international child trafficking operation. Through exclusive interviews with those directly involved, including two of the children (now adults) who were at the center of the controversy, this episode reveals the shocking truth: the Finders were neither CIA operatives nor satanic cultists, but an unconventional community with an alternative approach to child-rearing that clashed with mainstream values during the height of the Satanic Panic. GUESTS INCLUDE Mary and Max, two of the Finders children, who reflect on their experience growing up in this controversial community. FURTHER INFORMATION Michael Howell interview: https://archive.org/details/unreleased-interview-with-finders-memberSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    24 min

  7. MAY 3

    The Bennewitz Affair

    Dive into the shocking story of Paul Bennewitz, a physicist and military contractor whose innocent observations near Kirtland Air Force Base triggered one of the most elaborate government disinformation campaigns in history.  This episode unravels how Air Force intelligence agents deliberately fed Bennewitz false information about alien bases, cattle mutilations, and government-extraterrestrial treaties—ultimately driving him to mental breakdown, while simultaneously creating the blueprint for modern UFO mythology.  Whether you're a UFO enthusiast or skeptic, this eye-opening investigation reveals the dangerous intersection of government secrecy, psychological manipulation, and belief formation. Discover how the stories first planted in the Bennewitz Affair continue shaping conspiracy culture four decades later—and why we should question even the most compelling "whistleblower" revelations. THIS WEEK’S GUEST: Adam Gorightly is an author, researcher, and self-described “crackpot historian.” His book Saucers, Spooks, and Kooks: UFO Disinformation in the Age of Aquarius explores how government agencies have manipulated UFO mythology. Gorightly's other works include The Prankster and the Conspiracy, Historia Discordia, and Caught in the Crossfire: Kerry Thornley, Lee Oswald and the Garrison Investigation. FURTHER INFORMATION UFO Cover-Up? LIVE! https://youtu.be/JTlGLIbv31w?si=mJnYwpUUYzrjgIuVSOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    26 min

  8. APR 26

    Acid is Groovy!

    From distinguished FBI agent to conspiracy kingpin: Journey inside the mind of Ted Gunderson, whose investigation of the infamous Jeffrey MacDonald murder case launched his transformation from respected law enforcement official to professional conspiracy theorist.  This episode of A Paranoid’s History of the United States follows Gunderson's evolution as he chases phantom cults, promotes tales of government mind control, and claims to expose vast underground child trafficking networks. Through interviews with former colleagues and investigators, we reveal how his FBI credentials lent dangerous credibility to outlandish theories that continue to influence American society today. Whether you're fascinated by true crime, conspiracy culture, or the hidden forces that shape our collective beliefs, this deep dive into Gunderson's "reign of error" illuminates how yesterday's paranoia became today's viral misinformation. GUESTS: Oliver "Buck" Revell. Former FBI Associate Deputy Director who worked with Ted Gunderson during his time at the Bureau. Revell served in various senior roles at FBI Headquarters from 1980 until 1991 and became Associate Deputy Director in 1985.Lucien Greaves. Activist and co-founder of The Satanic Temple who has extensively researched the "satanic panic" phenomenon. Greaves spoke with Gunderson several times in the early 2000s and offers insights into Gunderson's investigative methods and beliefs.Ed Opperman. Private investigator and host of “The Opperman Report,”  Ed knew Ted Gunderson in the 1990s.SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    26 min

  9. APR 19

    Bill Cooper in Waco

    In 1993, the 51-day standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas ended in tragedy with 76 people dead, including 25 children. For William Cooper, former Naval Intelligence officer turned conspiracy broadcaster, this wasn't just another government operation gone wrong—it was the smoking gun that validated everything he had been warning his listeners about. This episode examines how Waco transformed Cooper from a UFO researcher into one of the most influential voices in the American militia movement. We explore how Cooper's military background shaped his worldview, his complex relationship with the UFO community, and how his radio show The Hour of the Time provided the ideological foundation for the modern American conspiracy landscape. The episode also examines Cooper's contentious relationship with a young Alex Jones, revealing how the torch of conspiracy broadcasting passed from one generation to the next. Cooper's story—ending with his death in a shootout with law enforcement in 2001—offers a window into how fringe ideas about government power moved from the margins into the mainstream, and how a single tragedy in Texas became the catalyst for decades of anti-government sentiment that continues to shape America today. GUEST: Mark Jacobson is a veteran journalist and author known for his deep dives into American subcultures and fringe movements. His work has appeared in prestigious publications including New York Magazine, The Village Voice, and Rolling Stone. In Pale Horse Rider, Jacobson delivers the definitive biography of William “Bill” Cooper. FURTHER INFORMATION Bill Cooper’s radio program: https://archive.org/details/BillCooperComplete/SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.tiktok.com/@paranoidhistoryhttps://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryhttps://www.reddit.com/r/paranoidhistoryA PRODUCTION OF AMPHIBIAN MEDIA http://amphibian.media/ HOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    32 min

  10. APR 14

    Introducing A Paranoid's History of the United States

    A Paranoid's History of the United States is a podcast exploring the murky intersection between documented government conspiracies and fantastical theories, examining how real covert operations have fueled paranoid beliefs throughout American history. CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE: https://paranoidhistory.com SOCIAL MEDIA https://www.instagram.com/paranoidhistory/https://twitter.com/paranoidhistoryHOSTED BY JOSEPH L. FLATLEY. For bonus content and to sign up for my newsletter, check out:  http://lennyflatley.substack.com/

    3 min

Trailer

About

A podcast about conspiracies — both real and imagined. Every week, investigative journalist Joseph L. Flatley highlights stories that will make you reassess what you think you know about America.

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