Shows
Whistleblower of the WeekWhistleblower Jonathan Buma: The FBI’s Missed Warnings Part 1Part 1In this episode of Whistleblower of the Week, host Jane Turner talks with former FBI counterintelligence agent Jonathan Buma. Buma became a whistleblower after seeing what he calls a serious breakdown of integrity inside the Bureau, even though its motto is “fidelity, bravery, integrity.”Buma says he tried to hold security briefings to warn that the president’s personal attorney had been compromised, and to let the attorney know the Bureau was watching the threat. However, FBI leaders would not reach out to any high-level people involved. Buma says managers were afraid of looking politi...
2025-12-2958 minWhistleblower of the WeekThomas Drake: Inside the NSA’s Post-9/11 Surveillance Machine (Part 2)In this second part of Whistleblower of the Week, host and former FBI agent Jane Turner continues her conversation with NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake, diving deeper into the aftermath of his disclosures and the personal cost of exposing secret surveillance programs.Drake explains how, after raising concerns through official channels, he was met with retaliation, isolation, and escalating pressure from within the intelligence community. As the government built a criminal case against him, he faced a 2010 Espionage Act indictment that threatened decades in prison. Drake details the emotional toll of the investigation, the raid on his home...
2025-12-2259 minWhistleblower of the WeekHow Thomas Drake Became an NSA Whistleblower (Part 1)In this week’s Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host and FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with NSA whistleblower Thomas Drake in a conversation recorded on July 4th. Turner calls Drake’s journey “a testament to the challenges faced by whistleblowers in the intelligence community,” and says his story shows why stronger protections are needed and stands as a lasting symbol of courage.Drake talks about his early life, growing up in a military family, and being around a national security culture from a young age. Drake recalls joining the Air Force in 1979, where he worked as a crypto...
2025-12-181h 00Whistleblower of the WeekA TSA Whistleblower’s Fight for Accountability: Robert MacLeanThis week on Whistleblower of the Week, former Federal Air Marshal Robert MacLean joins host Jane Turner to share his story of exposing safety risks within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).MacLean recounts how his 2003 disclosure about air marshals being pulled from long-distance flights led to years of retaliation, including termination, legal battles, and attempts to discredit him. Despite the personal toll, he continues to push for transparency and the protection of those who speak out.Listen now to hear how one whistleblower’s pursuit of justice sheds light on the ch...
2025-11-1240 minWhistleblower of the WeekEmily Fertitta: Fighting FBI Retaliation from the InsideIn this episode of Whistleblower of the Week, host Jane Turner speaks with former FBI Special Agent Emily Fertitta, who breaks her silence on the retaliation she and her husband, Valentine “Val” Fertitta—a decorated Marine Corps officer and FBI agent—have endured for exposing misconduct inside the Bureau. From denied promotions and mental health evaluations to “national security” investigations and coerced interrogations, Emily shares their harrowing fight for justice in the face of relentless retaliation. Their story is a powerful warning about what happens when whistleblower protections are ignored, and national security is weaponized tosilence dissent.
2025-10-2952 minWhistleblower of the WeekLeading US Whistleblower Attorney Advocates for Stronger International Whistleblower LawsLeading US whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn joins host Jane Turner on this episode of Whistleblower of the Week. Kohn discusses the National Whistleblower Center’s (NWC) participation in the 11th Conference of States Parties (CoSP) to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering whistleblower laws worldwide. The NWC is advocating for international support of NWC’s proposal to promote whistleblower protection and awards worldwide. Kohn states that the momentum built on the fight against corruption must not be lost with the shift in US enforcement policy.Want to support Stephen and National Whis...
2025-10-2236 minWhistleblower of the WeekTeresa Tumblin: “I Lost Everything for Telling the Truth”When FBI analyst Teresa Tumblin reported misconduct inside the Bureau, she expected accountability—not retaliation. In this episode of Whistleblower of the Week, host Jane Turner speaks with Teresa about her 16-year career, the fallout from speaking up, and the personal cost of standing by her principles. From demotion to dismissal, Teresa’s story is a powerful look at the price of integrity inside one of America’s most powerful institutions. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2025-09-171h 10Whistleblower of the WeekDr. James Wells: Uncovering His Father’s Vietnam War WhistleblowingIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Dr. James Wells retired criminology and criminal justice professorand author of the new book Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Findthe Father He Never Knew.In Because, Wells details his journey to uncover the truth about the death of hisfather, who passed away in Vietnam when Wells was nine years old. In hisresearch, Wells discovers that his father Jack Wells was a wartime whistleblowerwho reported and fought corruption th...
2025-07-101h 07Whistleblower of the WeekRobyn Gritz: Exposing Gender Discrimination at the FBIIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with former FBI agent Robyn Gritz. Gritz had a 16-plus year career at the FBI including serving as a supervisor over Washington Field Office’s elite Extraterritorial Counter Terrorism squad. However, Gritz claims she faced gender discrimination, including numerous sexist comments and less preferential treatment, during her time at the Bureau and was eventually forced out of her job. She has an ongoing lawsuit against the FBI.Turner and Gritz discuss Gritz’s upbringing and how it shaped her commitment towards working at the...
2025-06-261h 18Whistleblower of the WeekWill Kramer: From Whistleblower to Whistleblower AttorneyIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with whistleblower-turned-whistleblower attorney Will Kramer, anassociate in the Litigation Practice Group of Pines Bach.Prior to becoming an attorney, Kramer was an occupational health and safety consultant who blew the whistle on deeply disturbing conditions and improper handling of hazardous waste at several plants in Wisconsin.Turner and Kramer, discuss Kramer’s experiences blowing the whistle and his journey to becoming an attorney representing whistleblowers. They speak about how his first-hand experience as a whistleblower shapes his work today. ...
2025-06-1851 minWhistleblower of the WeekA Landmark Whistleblower Retaliation Case: Dr. Toni Savage and Michael KohnIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Army Corps of Engineers whistleblower Dr. Toni Savage and herattorney Michael Kohn about Dr. Savage’s landmark whistleblower retaliationcase.A former Supervisory Contracting Officer with the Army Corps of Engineers, Dr.Savage blew the whistle on millions of dollars in fraudulent contracts and facedsevere retaliation for speaking out. Kohn, a founding partner of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, represented Dr. Savage in her retaliation case before the MeritSystems Protection Board (MSPB).In a landmark wi...
2025-05-141h 32Whistleblower of the WeekAdvancing Whistleblower Rights in the UK: Kate ReevesIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Kate Reeves about efforts to strengthen whistleblower rights in theUnited Kingdom. Reeves is the International Liaison for the U.S. whistleblower firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto. Currently based in London, Reeves works alongside advocates in the UK, including WhistleblowersUK, to further efforts to reform the country’s whistleblower laws. Turner and Reeves discuss the differences between the U.S. and UK whistleblower systems and highlight the issues with the UK system. Reeves details the current legislative efforts to reform the UK whistleblower la...
2025-04-2357 minWhistleblower of the WeekStrengthening the SEC Whistleblower Program: Andrew FellerIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with whistleblower attorney and former SEC official Andrew Feller. Feller is currently Senior Special Counsel at the leading whistleblower firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, where as co-Chair of the firm’s Securities and Commodities Whistleblower Group, he represents whistleblowers who seek to report fraud and other legal violations to financial regulators including the SEC, CFTC, DOJ, IRS, and FinCEN. Prior to joining Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto, Feller investigated and litigated securities fraud matters as Senior Counsel in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.Turner and Feller disc...
2025-04-1651 minWhistleblower of the WeekExposing Grocery Giants’ Price Gouging: Abdel BadouraIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with whistleblower Abdel Badoura, who exposed the price gouging ofAustralia’s supermarket duopoly, Coles and Woolworths.For over a decade, Badoura worked in the consumer goods sector, directlynegotiating prices with Coles and Woolworths. In a 2024 Senate testimony, heblew the whistle on the supermarket giants’ price gouging and market powerabuse, outlining their tactics and practices which he witnessed first-hand.Turner and Badoura, discuss his whistleblowing at length, including the details ofhis allegations. They also...
2025-04-0956 minWhistleblower of the WeekSuccesses and Flaws of the IRS Whistleblower Program: Dean ZerbeIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with leading tax whistleblower expert and advocate Dean Zerbe, partner at Zerbe, Miller, Fingeret, Frank and Jadav, LLP and Senior Policy Analyst at the National Whistleblower Center.Prior to entering private practice, Zerbe was active in Congressional investigations of government waste, fraud, and abuse for over 25 years. As Senior Counsel and Tax Counsel on the Senate Finance Committee for Senator Charles E. Grassley, Zerbe was the driving force behind the drafting and passage of legislation that created the Whistleblower Office at the IRS...
2025-04-021h 29
Whistleblower of the WeekFighting Corruption in Mexico and Across the Globe: Estefania MedinaIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with anti-corruption advocate and attorney Estefania Medina, co-founderof TOJIL and Vice President of the Anti-Corruption Commission at theInternational Chamber of Commerce-México.TOJIL is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating corruption in Mexicothrough deep investigations, strategic litigation, and the development of publicpolicy.Jane and Estefania discuss Estefania’s background and her inspirations forbecoming a lawyer and advocate dedicated to creating change. They delve intothe problems of corruption plaguing Mexico and how...
2025-03-2743 min
Whistleblower of the WeekForeign Corrupt Practices Act: What Trump’s Order Means for WhistleblowersIn this episode of Whistleblower of the Week, host Jane Turner speaks with Stephen M. Kohn, co-Founder and Board Chairman of National Whistleblower Center and leading whistleblower attorney. On February 10th, President Trump halted enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) in an Executive Order, arguing the move would aid American business abroad. Listen to Kohn and Turner discuss how this decision will impact American business and whistleblowers reporting bribery, corruption, and collusion. On March 13th, Kohn published an article, “Crippling the FCPA is Bad Business for the U.S” in the NYU Compliance and Enforc...
2025-03-1339 minWhistleblower of the WeekPoornima RaoIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Poornima Ramarao, the mother of OpenAI whistleblower SuchirBalaji, who tragically passed away in November.Balaji blew the whistle to the New York Times on alleged copyright violations byOpenAI. He was found dead in his apartment months later.In this episode, Turner and Ramarao discuss Balaji’s upbringing and courageouswhistleblowing, the questions Ramarao has surrounding his death and therelated police investigation, and why Ramarao hopes her son’s passing will helplead to bett...
2025-02-2051 minWhistleblower of the WeekEd PiersonIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Ed Pierson, Boeing whistleblower and the Executive Director of TheFoundation for Aviation Safety.Pierson served as a Senior Manager at Boeing’s Renton, Washington 737 Maxfactory, overseeing the manufacturing of Boeing’s 737 Max airline and leadingthe Industrial Engineering and Shipside teams in final assembly and P-8Poseidon Shipside teams. He blew the whistle on safety issues he witnessed inthe manufacturing of 737 Max’s.At National Whistleblower Day 2024, Pierson revealed that he had uncovered new
2025-02-121h 19Whistleblower of the WeekZachary SchoffstallIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with former FBI special agent Zach Schoffstall. Schoffstall was a supervisory senior resident agent in the FBI’s Salt Lake City Division. He alleges that he was retaliated against by the FBI after refusing to sign a warrant for a white nationalist organization, the Patriot Front, when he believed there was not actionable evidence. During their wide-ranging conversation, Jane and Schoffstall discuss hisupbringing, his career at the FBI and the similarities in their experiences facing retaliation from the Bureau.L...
2025-01-301h 20Whistleblower of the WeekMarcus AllenIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with former FBI official Marcus Allen.Allen was suspended by the FBI for 27 months after making a protecteddisclosure and in 2023 the Bureau revoked his security clearance before hetestified before Congress. In 2024, the FBI reinstated Allen’s security clearanceand reached a settlement agreement with him for backpay for his suspension.During their wide-ranging conversation, Jane and Allen discuss his upbringing,his suspension from the FBI and what changes the Bureau needs to make to
2025-01-1551 minWhistleblower of the WeekJune BellamyIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Samsung whistleblower June Bellamy.In 2017, Bellamy blew the whistle on a director in the Service Division at theJohannesburg Samsung Head Office. She was subsequently fired from Samsungand has been fighting for her whistleblower rights in court ever since.During their wide-ranging conversation, Jane and Bellamy discuss her upbringing,her decision to blow the whistle, and her journey since coming forward.For more information about June, or to her support her in her whistleblowingjourney...
2025-01-0452 minWhistleblower of the WeekJonathan TaylorIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with oil industry whistleblower Jonathan Taylor. While serving as an in-house lawyer at SBM Offshore, a Monaco-based Dutch oil and gas services company, Taylor blew the whistle on a corruption scheme where the company offered bribes in order to obtain lucrative government contracts. His whistleblowing helped bring light to the massive Petrobrasscandal.During their wide-ranging conversation, Jane and Mr. Taylor discuss his upbringing, his decision to blow the whistle, the severe retaliation he faced for doing so (including an arrest in Croatia...
2024-12-181h 06Whistleblower of the WeekDr. Jeffrey Wigand: Part 2In this special episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner continues her talk with legendary Big Tobacco whistleblower Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. Dr. Wigand is the former Vice President of Research and Development at Brown and Williamson, a major tobacco company. He blew the whistle on Brown and Williamson’s deliberate misconduct, strategic cigarette engineering, and research manipulation that aimed to get, and keep, cigarette users addicted while concealing the truth of the product. His whistleblower story was portrayed in the 1999 movie The Insider.In Part II of their conversation, Jane and Dr. Wigand di...
2024-11-2758 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Jeffrey Wigand: Part 1In this special episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with legendary Big Tobacco whistleblower Dr. Jeffrey Wigand. Dr. Wigand is the former Vice President of Research and Development at Brown and Williamson, a major tobacco company. He blew the whistle on Brown and Williamson's deliberate misconduct, strategic cigarette engineering, and research manipulation that aimed to get, and keep, cigarette users addicted while concealing the truth of the product. His whistleblower story was portrayed in the 1999 movie The Insider.In Part I of their conversation, Jane and Dr. Wigand discuss his upbringing...
2024-11-2143 minWhistleblower of the WeekNoel EngelsIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, Jane speaks with Noel Engels. After spending over two decades working for the US government in intelligence, law enforcement, and military combat operations, Engels left his role as a Criminal Analyst at the Department of Homeland Security after filing a whistleblower complaint. Engels claims he was improperly removed from an investigation into human trafficking allegations against Utah County Attorney David O. Leavitt. He and Turner discuss the shocking details of that case and the retaliation he faced for speaking up.Listen to the podcast on WNN or...
2024-07-1748 minWhistleblower of the WeekBillie Winner-Davis & Victoria TurnerIn this special episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host JaneTurner speaks with Billie Winner-Davis and Victoria Turner about the traumaexperienced by family members of whistleblowers who face retaliation.Billie is the mother of Reality Winner, the intelligence community whistleblowerimprisoned for leaking a NSA report on the Russian government’s attempts tointerfere with the 2016 election. Victoria is the daughter of Whistleblower of theWeek’s Jane Turner, who twice blew the whistle on misconduct at the FBI.Billie, Victoria and Jane discuss the ways that whis...
2024-06-191h 03Whistleblower of the WeekReality WinnerIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks withformer intelligence contractor Reality Winner. Motivated to act on a belief that the American public was not getting the full truth.Winner leaked a top-secret NSA report on the Russian government’s attempts to hack a Florida-based voting software supplier ahead of the 2016 election to the news media.Winner and Turner discuss her background, motivations, and how the Espionage Actshould be modified to give it more nuance. They also talk about the harsh sentencehanded down by...
2024-06-131h 16Whistleblower of the WeekAris DanikasIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Aris Danikas, a whistleblower and the founder and CEO of Liberty ofSpeech.Turner and Danikas discuss his journey from whistleblower, he blew the whistleon human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by police in South Africa, towhistleblower advocate.They also speak about the upcoming conference Global Corruption And PublicIntegrity - The Human Factor which features panel discussions on internationalwhistleblowing protection policies with a specific focus on the human toll...
2024-06-0654 minWhistleblower of the WeekJohannah PhenyaIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with Johannah Phenya, the owner of a South African IT company who alongside her husband blew the whistle on alleged corruption and fraud in the awarding of government contracts.Following their whistleblowing, Johannah’s husband, Marumo Phenya, was assassinated. Johannah was honored for her bravery by Blueprint for Free Speech in their 2023 Whistleblowing Awards.She and Turner discuss her whistleblowing journey, her commitment to ensuring her husband’s death was not in vain, and the immense dangers faced by whistleblowers in Sout...
2024-05-2241 minWhistleblower of the WeekSPECIAL ALERT: Stephen Kohn on the New DOJ Whistleblower ProgramIn this special episode of of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with leading whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn, founding partner of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and Chairman of the Board of National Whistleblower Center, about the Department of Justice’s ongoing development of a new whistleblower award program.“We are on the verge of a major whistleblower development, one of the most important over the last twenty years,” explains Kohn. “The Just...
2024-05-0727 minWhistleblower of the WeekMzukisi MakatseIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turnerspeaks with Mzukisi Makatse, who blew the whistle on a corrupt grant awardedby the South African Lottery Commission.Makatse was honored for his bravery by Blueprint for Free Speech in their 2023Whistleblowing Awards. He and Jane discuss his whistleblowing journey,including the immense retaliation he faced, as well as the state of whistleblowingin South Africa.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2024-04-2547 minWhistleblower of the WeekMaría de los Ángeles EstradaIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, Jane speaks with María de los Ángeles Estrada, a lawyer in Mexico specializing in transparency and anti-corruption. She serves as the Executive Director of the Transparency and Anti-Corruption Initiative of the School of Government and Public Transformation of the Tec de Monterrey, one of the most important and renowned universities in Latin America.Turner and Ángeles Estrada discuss her legal and advocacy career as well as the importance of whistleblowers in anti-corruption efforts in Mexico and around the world. They also speak about Tec de Monterrey’s work...
2024-03-2744 minWhistleblower of the WeekStephen Kohn on Landmark Supreme Court Whistleblower CaseIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner speaks with leading whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn, founding partner of Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto and Chairman of the Board of National Whistleblower Center, about the recent landmark ruling in the Supreme Court whistleblower case Murray v. UBS Securities. Kohn gives historical perspective on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) and explains the law. A major aspect o...
2024-03-2044 minWhistleblower of the WeekNikhil DeyIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner talks to Nikhil Dey, the co-founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), a workers and peasant empowerment organization based in Rajasthan, India. MKSS has led transparency and anti-corruption movements across India, including for the Right to Information, minimum wage, protection for gig workers, and more. MKSS pioneered the practice of public audits, in which local officials report to communities how and where they spend the resources, giving citizens the chance to hold officials accountable.Dey has been recognized for his grassroots activism, m...
2024-02-2850 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Jeremiah Johnson In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, host Jane Turner talks to Dr. Jeremiah P. Johnson, founder and director of the Lamplighter Project. Dr. Johnson recognized a need to support law enforcement whistleblowers who reported criminal misconduct in 2016 from experience in his own police department. Jeremiah has served in various sworn and civilian roles across the criminal justice system, including policing, sentencing, and corrections. He began his law enforcement career in 2002 as a patrol officer for a Connecticut municipality, progressing to operational, administrative, and investigative roles. In 2021, Jeremiah was appointed to serve on the Con...
2024-02-2155 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Joan DonovanIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week, Jane speaks with online disinformation specialist Dr. Joan Donovan, the former Technology and Social Change Research Project Director at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Shorenstein Center.Dr. Donovan blew the whistle on alleged improper donor influence at the KennedySchool. She claims Harvard officials took cues and acted on behalf of Meta’sinterest while questioning her research methodologies, specifically regardingFacebook.In this week’s podcast, Joan tells Turner, “I wasn’t going to just sit there andlet this happen around me...
2024-02-011h 13Whistleblower of the WeekConstable Kimberly CadaretteIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner speaks with Ottawa police whistleblower Constable Kimberly Cadarette, who faced retaliation for reporting sexual harassment within the Ottawa Police Department. Turner and Cadarette discuss their shared experience as female law enforcement whistleblowers and the sinister way “Fitness for Duty” exams were leveraged against them in retaliation for whistleblowing. Cadarette’s story of retaliation, including a psychologist who claimed to have not been present for her Fitness for Duty exam, is a must hear.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Sp...
2024-01-0934 minWhistleblower of the WeekPatrick Maduna and John ClarkeHappy Holidays and A Happy New Year from the Whistleblower of the Week Team! In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower JaneTurner speaks with South African whistleblower Patrick Maduna andwhistleblower advocate John Clarke. Turner, Maduna and Clarke discuss Patrick’s whistleblowing: he blew the whistle on alleged financial mismanagement and fraud at his former employer Lociware, alleging that the company is a Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) front for dubious business dealings.They also touch on the life-threatening dangers Maduna and his family havefaced since he...
2023-12-281h 00Whistleblower of the WeekAustin HandleIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner speaks with law enforcement whistleblower Austin Handle, a former police officer in Georgia and the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Lamplighter Project.Handle provides updates on his whistleblower retaliation case since Turner profiled him for Whistleblower of the Week back in 2020. Handle and Turner also discuss the establishment of the Lamplighter Project, which provides support to law enforcement whistleblowers.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2023-11-1631 minWhistleblower of the WeekTed BlickwedalThis week, WOW Host Jane Turner speaks with Ted Blickwedel. Blickwedel is a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel and combat veteran who became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after retiring. He blew the whistle on the VA’s productivity policies that put pressure on counselors who treat combat veterans. Blickwedel asserted the VA’s policies were harmful to counselors and compromised the quality of care for veterans. He describes his whistleblower journey and a blueprint for fellow whistleblowers to use from his lessons learned, which is featured in his book Broken Promises: Marine Combat Veteran Turns Whistleblower Exposing Compromised Ment...
2023-09-2243 minWhistleblower of the WeekAshley Gjovik Part 2In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower JaneTurner continues her conversation with Ashley Gjøvik. A former seniorengineering program manager at Apple, Gjøvik was fired from the tech giant afterraising a series of concerns including environmental concerns, violations ofemployee privacy, harassment, and retaliation.In this second part of a two-part podcast, Gjøvik and Turner discuss the ideals ofwhistleblowing as well as a deeply researched piece on whistleblowing she wrotefor Covert Action Magazine.If you missed it, che...
2023-08-0236 minWhistleblower of the WeekNational Whistleblower Day 2023!In this special episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner records from Washington D.C., where she is in town to celebrate National Whistleblower Day on Capitol Hill.Turner is joined by Whistleblower of the Week producer Victoria Thompson to discuss the Revolutionary War origins of National Whistleblower Day, the past decade of Senate National Whistleblower Day resolutions, and inspiring whistleblower stories.“National Whistleblower Day is a time that allows whistleblowers and advocates to get to...
2023-07-2811 minWhistleblower of the WeekApple Whistleblower Ashley Gjovik Part 1In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower JaneTurner talks with Ashley Gjøvik. A former senior engineering program manager atApple, Gjøvik was fired from the tech giant after raising a series of concernsincluding environmental concerns, violations of employee privacy, harassment,and retaliation.In this first part of two-part podcast, Gjøvik recounts the story of how she blewthe whistle on Apple’s mishandling of an office complex built on a Superfundsite. Gjøvik discusses how her initial whistleblowing led to a long s...
2023-07-2050 minWhistleblower of the WeekAllison Herren Lee, SEC Commissioner Turned Whistleblower LawyerIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower JaneTurner talks with Allison Herren Lee, former Commissioner of the SEC who nowserves as Of Counsel for the whistleblower defense law firm Kohn, Kohn & Colapinto. Turner and Lee discuss Lee’s experience working with whistleblowers at the SEC and how she saw their bravery firsthand. Lee also explains why after leaving the Commission she felt compelled to join a whistleblower defense firm.“I saw firsthand what it meant in a case to have a whistleblower who was willingto help, who...
2023-07-1345 minWhistleblower of the WeekStephen M. Kohn, Author of Rules for Whistleblowers: “An Essential Resource for Potential Whistleblowers”In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower JaneTurner talks with the leading whistleblower attorney Stephen M. Kohn about therelease of his book, Rules for Whistleblowers. In this episode, we learn how whistleblowers have saved lives, stopped frauds, protected their jobs, and earned million-dollar rewards for doing the right thing.Rules for Whistleblowers is Kohn’s seventh book on whistleblowing and is a fullyupdated and expanded revision of The Whistleblower’s Handbook, the first-evercomprehensive consumer guide to exposing workplace wrongdoing.In the book, Kohn lays out...
2023-06-2930 minWhistleblower of the WeekRebekah JonesHow does a scientist’s work lead to being raided by state police and an arrest? In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with scientist and former Florida Department of Health employee Rebekah Jones. Jones tells Turner about what sparked her interest in becoming Geographic Information Systems manager for the Florida Department of Health and details the retaliation and lasting effects of refusing to change COVID-19 data. Her whistleblowing took devastating tolls on her professional and personal life. In this moving episode, hear Jones talk about the consequences not only she but
2023-06-1549 minWhistleblower of the WeekThomas Le Bonniec Follow Up: “Corporation secrets come first and Civil Liberties come second”“How do we make sure the hierarchy of laws is enacted in a different way because if we live in democracies, the interest of a single company or the market at large must not come before the interest of the population at large”In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner has a follow up conversation with Apple whistleblower Thomas Le Bonniec. Le Bonniec explains the legality of Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in the technology industry after blowing the whistle on Apple. Thomas and Jane chat about the NDAs he had to sign and how they are h...
2023-06-0132 minWhistleblower of the WeekThomas Le Bonniac Follow Up: “Corporation secrets come first and Civil Liberties come second”“How do we make sure the hierarchy of laws is enacted in a different way because if we live in democracies, the interest of a single company or the market at large must not come before the interest of the population at large” In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner has a follow up conversation with Apple whistleblower Thomas Le Bonniec. Le Bonniec explains the legality of Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in the technology industry after blowing the whistle on Apple. Thomas and Jane chat about the NDAs he had to sign and how they are hinde...
2023-05-3136 minWhistleblower of the WeekSocial Security Whistleblowers Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith Part Two:“What we’re talking about is a system that’s grossly mismanaged.”In the first part of FBI whistleblower Jane Turner’s interview with Social Security whistleblowers Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith, listeners learned about the two women’s whistleblowing story in their own words. Carver and Griffith detailed how they found out about the over half a billion dollar defrauding of the Social Security system and uncovered corrupt judges, doctors, and attorney Eric Conn’s fraudulent scheme. Now, find out more about the aftermath of their disclosures, the investigations into Conn’s activity, and what “The Big Conn” on AppleTV+ left out. This episode takes a deep dive into the inve...
2023-03-2852 minWhistleblower of the WeekSocial Security Whistleblowers Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith Part One: “I really, really wanted to see accountability.”In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Sarah Carver and Jennifer Griffith, whistleblowers who exposed an over half a billion dollar defrauding of the Social Security system. Carver and Griffith are stars of “The Big Conn,” a four-part docuseries on AppleTV+ that profiles Eric Conn, an eccentric lawyer who worked in Eastern Kentucky and committed massive fraud through a scheme involving disability cases. Carver and Griffith tell the story in their own words, from their start at the Social Security Administration to becoming key whistleblowers in uncovering Conn’s schem...
2023-03-2252 minWhistleblower of the WeekDiscussing the First Whistleblowing Awareness Week with Georgina Halford-Hall and Stephen Kohn: “We want to dispel the stigma.”In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Georgina Halford-Hall, Chief Executive of WhistleblowersUK, and Stephen Kohn, leading whistleblower attorney and founding partner of Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto LLP. The trio discusses the first-ever Whistleblowing Awareness Week, which will take place in the U.K. from March 20-24. Georgina Halford-Hall talks about the impetus for having a week recognizing whistleblowers in the U.K. , who will be involved in the event, and how viewers can access the content. She talks with Kohn and Turner about whistleblowing legislation in the U...
2023-03-1734 minWhistleblower of the WeekWNN Exclusive Interview with Law Enforcement Whistleblower Raymond Hicks: “They told me I should mind my own business."In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with law enforcement whistleblower Raymond Hicks, author of I’m Still Standing. Hicks tells Turner about what sparked his interest in becoming a law enforcement officer and details his beginnings in law enforcement, earning awards and accolades at his job. He then talks about what detailed his career - speaking out about illicit activities in which his colleagues were involved.Hicks and Turner discuss police whistleblowers, accountability in law enforcement, and much more in this moving episode: listen now!WNN also published a video version of this po...
2023-03-0858 minWhistleblower of the WeekSherron Watkins and Jane Turner on the Campaign to Make National Whistleblower Day PermanentIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, Enron whistleblower Sherron Watkins is asking the questions as FBI whistleblower Jane Turner serves as the interviewee.On the podcast, Turner announces an exciting new initiative that is wholly by whistleblowers, for whistleblowers: urging President Biden to sign an Executive Order and permanently recognize National Whistleblower Day. Turner and Watkins talk about the specifics of the campaign: what it looks like, who’s involved, and how fellow whistleblowers and advocates can help! Learn more about the campaign to make National Whistleblower Day permanent on WNN's website, and ch...
2023-03-0235 minWhistleblower of the WeekMatthew Hoh: "I couldn't go along with it any longer."In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Matthew Hoh, who was deployed to Iraq twice as a Marine. He was diagnosed with PTSD and traumatic brain injury after returning to the U.S. In 2009, Hoh sent a letter of resignation to then-Ambassador Nancy Powell outlining his reasons for leaving his post as a Senior Civilian Representative in Zabul Province.During the episode, Hoh begins his interview with Turner about his studies in college and losing his faith and then delves into his military service. He talks about his experiences in Iraq, the destructive impacts of...
2023-02-0251 minWhistleblower of the WeekImmigration Detention Ctr Whistleblowers Lauren Reinhold & Kait Hess: “It was shocking to all of us.”In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Lauren Reinhold and Kait Hess, two federal employees who answered the call to serve as volunteer detailees at an Emergency Intake Site at Fort Bliss, Texas. The site was set up by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement to serve an influx of immigrant children.Lack of proper shoes, socks, and undergarments. Children who hadn’t seen their case managers in weeks. Unqualified individuals working at the site and a wildly unclear management structure. In conversation with Turner, Hess and Reinhold brea...
2023-01-251h 03Whistleblower of the WeekGreg Dillon: “It was death by a thousand cuts.”In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with former FBI agent and law enforcement officer Greg Dillon, author of The Thin Blue Lie: An Honest Cop vs. the FBI.Dillon talks about his upbringing, education, and his path to joining the FBI. He tells Jane about becoming an inspector in the Chief State’s Attorney’s Office in Connecticut, his home state. Dillon then tells the audience how he uncovered misconduct related to warrants, a discovery that set him on his whistleblower journey. WNN has also published a video version of this podcast: you can vi...
2023-01-1152 minWhistleblower of the WeekThomas Le Bonniec: “They don’t really know they’re being spied on.” In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Apple whistleblower Thomas Le Bonniec. Le Bonniec divulges information about Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, and tells listeners about his experience working for an Apple subtractor. How much does Apple’s Siri listen to users? For work, Le Bonniec listened to 1,300 recordings a day from users utilizing Siri on Apple products: in the episode, he talks about disturbing content in the recordings, privacy concerns with Siri, and surveillance capitalism. Le Bonniec talks about the turning point at which he decided to blow the whistle, leave his job, and sound...
2023-01-0558 minWhistleblower of the WeekThe Inside Story of Passing the Most Important Anti-Corruption Law in the Past 25 YearsIt’s a holiday gift! In this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with leading whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn about the passage of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Whistleblower Improvement Act. Get an inside look into how the bill was passed and the lengths to which whistleblowers and advocates went to get the legislation through. Learn about what makes this bill so special and how it will help fight worldwide corruption and empower whistleblowers.WNN published a video version of the podcast on YouTube. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Ama...
2022-12-2222 minWhistleblower of the Week"We just can't wait": Stephen Kohn on the Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Improvement Act"“We just can’t wait. The Ukrainian people can’t wait.” In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with leading whistleblower attorney Stephen Kohn about what he dubs “maybe the most important anti-corruption law in the last 50 years.” Kohn explains the importance of the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Whistleblower Improvement Act. He talks about how the bill would be instrumental in fighting corruption in the U.S. and around the world, how it can help Ukrainians d...
2022-12-1326 minWhistleblower of the WeekPaula Pedene: “The culture needs to change.” In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with veteran and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) whistleblower Paula Pedene. Pedene, author of A Sacred Duty, blew the whistle on misconduct at a VA hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. She talks with Turner about her military service, working for the VA, and the wait time scandal that Pedene says had fatal costs for veterans.View a video version of the interview on WNN's YouTube channel!Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, o...
2022-11-251h 11Whistleblower of the WeekStephen Friend:"Participating in any way was going to be a moral problem." In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Special Agent Steve Friend. Friend‘s allegations about the FBI’s handling of the January 6, 2021, insurrection investigation made waves on Capitol Hill. Listen now, or catch the video version on WNN's YouTube channel!Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2022-10-2658 minWhistleblower of the WeekJames Wasserstrom: “The only one who suffered consequences was me.” In this episode, Jane Turner talks with James Wasserstrom, often hailed as the first UN whistleblower. Wasserstrom worked for the UN for 28 years and talks with Turner about discovering corruption in Kosovo's public utilities. He then describes his unbelievable story of blowing the whistle…a story that includes being arrested and taken to the capital of Kosovo by armed escort. Listen now! Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2022-10-1949 minWhistleblower of the WeekMark WorthIn this episode, FBI whistleblower and host Jane Turner talks with Mark Worth, Executive Director of Whistleblowing International and the European Center for Whistleblower Rights. Worth talks about his work on international whistleblower issues, whistleblowing in Europe, and how he supports whistleblowers every day. Learn more about WNN's international correspondent in this episode!Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2022-09-1550 minWhistleblower of the WeekJackie GarrickIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Jackie Garrick, whistleblower and founder of Whistleblowers of America and the Workplace Promise Institute. Garrick talks about her military service and experience working with veterans, the technique of peer support, and the mission of the Workplace Promise Institute. Enjoy this engaging episode! Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2022-08-2545 minWhistleblower of the WeekJeff Morris: “I would never have believed that this sort of stuff was going on in the banking sector.”In this episode, Jane Turner talks with Australian bank whistleblower Jeff Morris. Morris gives the “reader’s digest” version of his whistleblower case, details what he blew the whistle on, and talks about how he changed the banking industry.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2022-08-121h 00Whistleblower of the WeekDr. Nigel MacLennan: Part II; “Whistleblowers are subject to a wide range of abuses.” In the second installment of this podcast episode, Dr. Nigel MacLennan provides information about the psychology of people who retaliate against whistleblowers. In part I of Dr. MacLennan’s podcast, he talks about the psychology of whistleblowers, provides mental health tips for whistleblowers, and much more. In part II, Dr. MacLennan talks with FBI whistleblower Jane Turner about various kinds of abuses that whistleblowers experience at the hands of retaliators. He discusses topics like double binds, the “toxic triad,” (narcissists, sociopaths, and psychopaths), and what he calls the “spiral of silent complicity,” which provides insight into just how hard it...
2022-07-2839 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Nigel MacLennan: Part IWhat a price the people who save our society from wrongdoing are paying for doing so.” This week's Whistleblower of the Week podcast is a two-part episode: one on whistleblowers and one on people who retaliate against them. In this first part of the episode, Dr. Nigel MacLennan, an author, professor, leadership coach, and Executive Psychotherapist talks with FBI whistleblower Jane Turner about the psychology of whistleblowers and takes a scientific approach to analyzing the struggles many whistleblowers face. The second part of the episode will feature Dr. MacLennan’s reflections on retaliators and people who antagonize whistleblowers. Part II o...
2022-07-2842 minWhistleblower of the WeekSara Thompson: Reform Legislation Follow Up“My sole hope is that other Volunteers don’t have to go through what I went through.” In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner catches up with Peace Corps whistleblower Sara Thompson. Thompson served in the Peace Corps in Burkina Faso and experienced medical complications from taking mefloquine, a controversial anti-malaria medicine that the Corps administered. Since her service, she has been fighting for expanded rights, including whistleblower protections, for Peace Corps Volunteers.In this episode, Thompson catches Jane up on the two pieces of Peace Corps reform legislation, one of...
2022-07-1332 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Allison Gill: “I was a counter-narrative…to something they were trying to spin.”Join FBI whistleblower Jane Turner in conversation with Dr. Allison Gill, VA whistleblower, Founder of MSW Media, and Host of the Mueller, She Wrote and The Daily Beans podcasts. In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, Dr. Gill recounts her time working for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a liaison to the Department of Defense for the VA to TRICARE and tells the story of how she was forced out of her position. She talks with Turner about her reasons for not filing a whistleblower complaint and the specifics behind her removal from her government...
2022-06-2940 minWhistleblower of the WeekNoel McGree: “They saw me as a problem.”In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks to Noel McGree, who blew the whistle on corruption in the Irish prison service. Learn more about whistleblowing law in Ireland as McGree talks about lending his knowledge and advising in the country’s implementation of the EU whistleblowing directive. McGree delves into his whistleblower story: in 2013, he was asked to participate in theft while working in a prison. After refusing to participate in the theft, McGree experienced retaliation and was removed from his catering duties. He made a health and safety report that la...
2022-06-1656 minWhistleblower of the WeekStephen KohnIn this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner speaks with Stephen Kohn, Founding Partner of law firm Kohn, Kohn and Colapinto and Founder and Chairman of the Board of the National Whistleblower Center. Kohn, a whistleblower attorney and expert in the field, discusses what's going on the international world of whistleblowing, having just returned from a trip to London. During his trip, Kohn talked with bank investigators about how they have whistleblower rights under U.S. laws and also explained the unique procedures that investigators and auditors can utilize to obtain protection.
2022-06-0125 minWhistleblower of the WeekNatalie Mayflower Sours Edwards and Jason Leopold“I was not going to be silenced, and the world needed to know.” In their first appearance on a show together, Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, U.S. Treasury Department whistleblower, and Jason Leopold, investigative reporter who helped bring Edwards’ story to the public, discuss their stories. In a conversation with FBI whistleblower Jane Turner, Edwards talks about the wrongdoing she witnessed while working for the Treasury Department’s FinCEN division, her decision to come forward and blow the whistle on the illicit activity, and how she went through all the right reporting channels and still ended up serving time in priso...
2022-05-181h 04Whistleblower of the WeekTrevor Kitchen: The Follow UpIn this episode, FBI whistleblower Jane talks with Trevor Kitchen, who blew the whistle on currency manipulation. Kitchen expressed that he was in a “very serious situation” and that “nowhere in the EU is safe” for him and his wife because of an arrest warrant. These fears would ring true when, on April 21, Kitchen was detained by Dutch officials at Schiphol Airport while he and his wife were attempting to travel. His detention occurred a mere week after this podcast episode was recorded. Fortunately, Kitchen was released on May 4 and told WNN he will be preparing a statement and catching...
2022-05-1259 minWhistleblower of the WeekDr. Yasmine Motarjemi: “I was the living evidence of their negligence.”In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Nestlé whistleblower Dr. Yasmine Motarjemi. Dr. Motarjemi joined Nestlé in 2000 as its corporate food safety manager and was in charge of food safety at the global level, working in the head office based in Switzerland. She talks with Jane about her education and career path to Nestlé and details the food safety issues at the company she soon noticed, telling Turner that in the first 5 or 6 years of her time at Nestlé, it was a “battle to improve food safety.” Some of the things D...
2022-04-281h 03Whistleblower of the WeekStephanie Van de Motter: Part II; “This is about all whistleblowers.” In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner continues her conversation with Stephanie Van de Motter, who blew the whistle on safety concerns at a luxury apartment building in Santa Monica. In the last episode, Van de Motter provided background on her journey to getting a dream job at 1221 Ocean Avenue and excelling at her job and then detailed her whistleblower story and how the situation took a turn for the worst. In this episode, she picks up her story by talking about being constructively discharged from her role at the apartment building, g...
2022-04-1153 minWhistleblower of the WeekStephanie Van de Motter: Part I; “Whistleblowing is a process and not an event.” In this episode of the Whistleblower of the Week podcast, FBI whistleblower Jane Turner talks with Stephanie Van de Motter, who worked and lived in 1221 Ocean Avenue, a luxury apartment building in Santa Monica owned by the Irvine Company. Van de Motter talks about her journey from Michigan to California and the dream job she landed, where she brushed shoulders with the rich and famous and created a community at the apartment building. She details her discovery of a systemic mold and water intrusion problem at the complex. Van de Motter then talks about the ways in which the c...
2022-04-0656 minWhistleblower of the WeekSiri NelsonIn this episode, Jane talks with Siri Nelson, Executive Director of the National Whistleblower Center (NWC). Nelson discusses the ins and outs of information whistleblowers need to know and how they can get help. She talks about the advocacy, education, and policy work NWC does and looks to the future, highlighting her goals for the organization over the next 10 years. Nelson also gives insight into her personal background, career path, and how she became interested in whistleblower issues.They discuss cultural attitudes towards whistleblowers and how these attitudes may have shifted in recent years, shining a light...
2022-03-2452 minWhistleblower of the WeekJudge Alex Ferrer: “I think the world of whistleblowers.”In this episode, Jane talks with Judge Alex Ferrer, a former police officer, Circuit Court Judge, star of the nationally syndicated courtroom TV show “Judge Alex,” and host of the CBS TV show “Whistleblower.” Ferrer discusses his background and start as a promising young police officer in Florida and details his journey of becoming the youngest Circuit Court judge at the time. He talks about his dramatic transition to television and being offered a TV show, being voted the most trustworthy daytime TV host, and how the show “Whistleblower” came about.Take a peek behind the scenes with Ferrer...
2022-03-091h 18Whistleblower of the WeekMichael German Part IIIn the second part of a two-part episode, Jane continues her conversation with Mike German, an FBI whistleblower who blew the whistle on illegal wire-tapping. In the first part of the podcast, German talked about his journey through the FBI and described his whistleblowing experience. German provides more information about his experience going undercover in neo-Nazi and white supremacist circles. He and Jane talk about further misconduct at the FBI and the similarities between different FBI whistleblowers’ stories. German also provides insight on the January 6th attack on the Capitol and white supremacy under the Trump Administration. The two FBI...
2022-03-0355 minWhistleblower of the WeekMike German: Part IIn the first part of a two-part episode, Jane talks with Mike German, an FBI whistleblower. German talks about his journey through the FBI and provides incredible, in-depth insight about going undercover in neo-Nazi and white supremacist circles. He shares his wealth of knowledge about this topic and discusses the illegal wire-tapping on which he blew the whistle. German talks about the retaliation he faced for blowing the whistle, and he and Jane discuss internal whistleblowing at the Bureau.The second part of the Mike German episode will be posted tomorrow: stay tuned! In the second part...
2022-03-021h 00Whistleblower of the WeekScott Davis: “The veteran community needs more than just barbecues.” In this episode, Jane chats with Scott Davis, who blew the whistle while working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Davis talks about his whistleblowing experience, the culture at the VA, and the injustices he has faced on his whistleblower journey. Davis also discusses his future at the VA, support from the veteran community, and how everyone can help elevate veterans’ stories in meaningful ways.Read the Whistleblower of the Week profile on Davis here. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite plat...
2022-02-191h 00Whistleblower of the WeekNatalie Edwards: “I was a whistleblower from day 1.”In this exclusive interview and her first media appearance since being released from prison, FinCEN whistleblower Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards tells her story in her own words. Edwards talks with FBI whistleblower Jane Turner about her career journey through the intelligence community, eventually landing at the Treasury Department. She talks about what she witnessed at Treasury, serving time in prison for exposing information to the public, and the horrific conditions she was subjected to while inside. Finally, Edwards discusses her next steps.The views expressed by podcast guests are their own and not the view of...
2022-02-1558 minWhistleblower of the WeekThank You to All!In this episode, Jane thanks the brave whistleblowers who have appeared on WNN’s Whistleblower of the Week podcast as well as listeners of the podcast. She thanks each of the 13 whistleblowers whose stories have appeared on the podcast and looks forward to continuing sharing stories that deserve to be told in 2022. View the full Whistleblower of the Week podcast archives here. Click here to donate to WNN and support the podcast.Listen to the podcast here on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts. Subscribe on your favo...
2021-12-3103 minWhistleblower of the WeekEnd of The Year Round Table*This will be the last Full Episode of the Year!! We are excited to bring you new stories and interviews in 2022! Until then, everyone stay safe and stay healthy! In this episode, Jane chats with three whistleblower experts to round out 2021: Georgina Halford-Hall, Chief Executive of WhistleblowersUK, Siri Nelson, Executive Director of National Whistleblower Center, and Paul Milata, General Manager of Nemexis. The group talks about the whistleblower and whistleblower advocate community at large, efforts to establish an Office of the Whistleblower in the UK, and the idea of a world whistleblower office and centralized whistleblower programs.
2021-12-2955 minWhistleblower of the WeekTheresa Foley: Part 2; “I soldiered on.”In this episode, Jane Turner and FBI whistleblower Theresa Foley continue their conversation about Foley’s powerful, tragic whistleblower story. Foley talks about the pain and suffering she has gone through due to medical issues stemming from leptospirosis, a disease she contracted while stationed in Guantanamo Bay. Foley describes her fight to obtain some kind of relief from the agency that turned its back on her and the pain she continues to experience on a daily basis. She also talks about what the future holds for her and the support systems that have been important to her over the ye...
2021-12-1044 minWhistleblower of the WeekTheresa Foley: Part 1; “I simply thought I was doing what you should do as an FBI agent.”In the first of a two-part episode, Jane talks with Theresa Foley, an FBI whistleblower and the first female agent to be assigned to Guantanamo Bay full-time. Foley talks about her journey becoming an FBI agent and the horrors she suffered once stationed at Guantanamo Bay, including contracting leptospirosis, an illness she got from rats that infested her deplorable living quarters. The illness has had serious, lasting effects that drained her athleticism and caused severe pain. Foley also discusses the “vicious” retaliation and sexual harassment she was subjected to while stationed at Guantanamo Bay, as well as the moment she...
2021-12-011h 01Whistleblower of the WeekGretchen PetersIn this episode, Jane talks with Gretchen Peters, a journalist, author, and crime expert. Peters is the Executive Director of the Center on Illicit Networks and Transnational Organized Crime (CINTOC) and the Executive Director and Founder of Alliance to Counter Crime Online (ACCO). Peters talks about how wildlife crime and other forms of criminal activity functions on Facebook and discusses developing the legal strategy of filing whistleblower complaints with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about Facebook’s conduct. She also talks about current legislation that addresses online safety and what the future might hold for online pl...
2021-10-2835 minWhistleblower of the WeekJohn ClarkeIn this episode, Jane talks with John Clarke, a social worker, lay theologian, journalist, and whistleblower advocate in South Africa. Clarke discusses his work in South Africa supporting whistleblowers who have faced incredible adversity. He also explains the idea of “state capture” and the brutal ways in which whistleblowers have been treated in South Africa.Interested in Clarke’s work? Visit his website and YouTube channel. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2021-10-071h 02Whistleblower of the WeekJason LeopoldIn this episode, Jane talks with Jason Leopold, a senior investigative reporter at BuzzFeed News whose notable work includes reporting on the FinCEN Files, a project in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists that consisted of thousands of documents pointing to large-scale global financial corruption. The documents were sourced primarily from U.S. Treasury whistleblower Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, who was sentenced to six months in jail for one conspiracy charge. Leopold discusses his approach to working with whistleblowers and sources and talks about his views on how whistleblowers should go about finding reporters to t...
2021-09-231h 06Whistleblower of the WeekRosemary DewIn this episode, Jane talks with Rosemary Dew, one of the first hundred women to join the FBI. Dew discusses her experience moving up the ranks of the FBI, the treatment she received from superiors and fellow agents, and her decision to share her story with the media. Turner and Dew discuss working in the FBI as both women and whistleblowers, and how the Bureau deals with both groups in insidious ways. Dew is the author of “Your FBI: How the FBI Suppresses Whistleblowers to Hide FBI Scandals and Crimes,” which highlights the stories of fifteen FBI whist...
2021-09-0159 minWhistleblower of the WeekJames DavidsonIn this episode, Jane talks with James Davidson, a former FBI agent and President of non-partisan organization Protect the FBI. The organization aims to empower FBI employees to speak up and make whistleblower complaints without fear of retaliation. Davidson talks about the internal culture of the FBI and how he realized that the whistleblowing and disciplinary process at the FBI needed reform. He also discusses Protect the FBI’s plans to empower FBI employees and keep them standing strong in their speaking truth to power. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, App...
2021-08-2556 minWhistleblower of the WeekTrevor KitchenIn this episode, Jane talks with Trevor Kitchen, a whistleblower who brought attention to currency manipulation involving the British pound, U.S. dollar, and Swiss franc. Kitchen discusses the manner in which and to whom he reported the misconduct. He also talks about the intense retaliation he has persevered through to this day for his 2011 whistleblowing and the personal toll that his whistleblower disclosure has taken.Read Jane’s write-up about Kitchen’s case on the Whistleblower Network News website. Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your...
2021-06-161h 06Whistleblower of the WeekGeorgina Halford-HallIn this episode, Jane talks with Georgina Halford-Hall, founding member and Chief Executive of not for profit organization WhistleblowersUK. Halford-Hall discusses her career path and blowing the whistle at a nonprofit she worked at. She talks with Jane about retaliation she endured for speaking up and the state of whistleblowing laws in the UK. Finally, she highlights the work WhistleblowersUK is doing to raise awareness about whistleblowers and shift the paradigm that is currently associated with whistleblowers.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon. Subscribe on your favorite platform!
2021-06-0355 minWhistleblower of the WeekSherron Watkins: Part TwoWith the 20th anniversary of the Enron scandal fast approaching, Enron whistleblower Sherron Watkins continues her conversation with Jane Turner. (This is a two-part episode: be sure to listen to the first part here!) In this part, Watkins talks about sending the anonymous memo to Enron’s then-CEO and Chairman Kenneth Lay. Watkins and Jane dive deeper into the fallout from blowing the whistle, how Watkins was retaliated against at work, and the impact Watkins’ whistleblowing had on legislation in the states. Finally, they discuss the restorative power of faith.Listen to the podcast on WNN or on S...
2021-05-1941 minWhistleblower of the WeekSherron Watkins: Part OneSherron Watkins, Enron whistleblower, sits down with Jane as we approach the 20-year anniversary of the Enron scandal. Watkins worked her way up to Vice President of Corporate Development, and later blew the whistle on financial fraud in an anonymous memo to Enron’s then-CEO. Watkins talks about her upbringing in a small Texas town, being a person of faith, and her journey in accounting and financial services. They discuss the fraud and folly Watkins discovered, sending the infamous memo, and what came next. Be sure to tune in two weeks from now and listen to the second part of...
2021-05-0546 minWhistleblower of the WeekFrederic WhitehurstIn this episode, Jane talks with FBI forensic laboratory whistleblower Frederic Whitehurst. Whitehurst, a veteran and accomplished FBI agent, earned a Ph.D in chemistry and worked at the FBI laboratory as a Supervisory Special Agent. He blew the whistle on misconduct at the lab, noting the outdated and dirty equipment, and bringing attention to instances where lab employees committed perjury and altered records in favor of the prosecution.They discuss Whitehurst’s journey to the FBI lab, the activities on which he blew the whistle, and his navigating through the Bureau as he constantly tried to sp...
2021-04-211h 02Whistleblower of the WeekSara ThompsonIn this episode, Jane talks with Peace Corps whistleblower Sara Thompson. Thompson was a volunteer in Burkina Faso, and came out of her service with medical complications due to mefloquine, a controversial anti-malaria medicine administered by the Corps. Almost a decade later, Thompson still experiences severe side effects from mefloquine toxicity, and has been denied redress by the Corps and the courts. They talk about Thompson’s decision to join the Corps, her experiences in Burkina Faso, and how few options volunteers have when they’ve been wronged. After finishing her service, Thompson became an advocate for w...
2021-04-071h 00Whistleblower of the WeekFrancesco SerpicoIn this episode, Jane talks with famed whistleblower Frank Serpico, who blew the whistle on corruption in the NYPD in the 1960s and 70s. Serpico’s heroic actions inspired a Hollywood adaptation of his experiences and he’s since become a major figure in the whistleblower community. Serpico talks with Jane about the aftermath of his disclosures, his views on blowing the whistle today versus when he did it, and how he’s dealing with the fame from his case. They also talk contemporary law enforcement culture, the ongoing Derek Chauvin murder trial, and the pervasive corruption of the Cuomo...
2021-03-2950 min
Your Career Podcast with Jane JacksonJane Turner - Author MentorLove Your Career Podcast? Let us know!Ep 160 Jane Turner is a mentor to aspiring authors.Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career! Support the showFind out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and lan...
2018-09-3030 min