Shows
Unauthorized DisclosureItalian Journalist Stefania Maurizi On Her Book, 'Secret Power: WikiLeaks And Its Enemies'NOTE: This interview was not produced as part of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, but it is shared here to help give Stefania and her book some additional exposure.
Italian journalist Stefania Maurizi partnered with WikiLeaks and covered military reports on the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars and US diplomatic cables related to Italy and the Vatican. She met WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange multiple times. She saw firsthand how WikiLeaks worked on publications, even as the United States government ramped up its efforts to target and suppress the media organization.
Now, the English-translation of Stefania's book, "Secret Po...2022-12-0548 minUnauthorized DisclosureHow We Talk About 'the Left'—Plus, Right-Wing Media Response To Trump RaidThis week, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend some time expressing their amusement at the right-wing response to the Justice Department investigation into former President Donald Trump's possession of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. They laugh at a comment from Trump's attorney that the Espionage Act is some "mundane" statute.
Rania and Kevin highlight Amazon's harassment of union organizers and cover one recent example involving Amazon whistleblower Christian Smalls, who played an instrumental role in organizing the union at Amazon's Staten Island warehouse.
Finally, Kevin shares some clips from a recent Callin episode that he rec...2022-09-0645 min
Unauthorized DisclosureZoe Alexandra: Left Successes In Colombia's Elections, Former Honduras President To Be ExtraditedZoe Alexandra from The People's Dispatch joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola for this week's episode of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast.
During the show, Zoe breaks down the significance of elections that were held in Colombia, where the left enjoyed some success. She dives into the history of United States involvement in the country.
A judge in Honduras approved the extradition of Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, to the U.S. government for prosecution on drug trafficking charges. As Zoe points out, the approval is made even more remarkable by the f...2022-03-2354 minUnauthorized DisclosureInterview With Australian War Crimes Whistleblower David McBride On Afghanistan (Free Edition)The episode first released to subscribers. This is a cut and edited version. Subscribe for full and uncut episodes of the Unauthorized Disclosure podcast.
David McBride is a former military lawyer in the Royal Australia Regiment and Australia Special Forces. He completed two tours in Afghanistan and submitted an internal complaint against what he witnessed in the war. He immediately faced scrutiny and harassment.
A few years later, David found journalists with the Australia Broadcasting Corporation who were willing to listen to him. They were interested in classified documents that showed the reality of Australia’s...2021-08-3057 minUnauthorized DisclosureWhat's Responsible For The Lebanese Financial Crisis - With EhsaniRania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Ehsani, who has spent his career in the financial industry and economics. He prefers to go by his Twitter handle.
During this episode, Ehsani provides a deep dive into the roots of an intense financial crisis and outlines why the banking industry is largely insolvent. Much of it revolves around a fixed currency rate and the way in which banks acted as brokers for those willing to deposit their funds in the form of U.S. dollars.
Rania and Ehsani offer a brief political history of the...2021-03-281h 13Unauthorized DisclosureDemocrats Are Stewards Of A System Designed To Do Nothing: Interview With Jen PerelmanJen Perelman, the co-host of the podcast JENerational Change and a former congressional candidate in Florida, joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola for the latest episode of "Unauthorized Disclosure."
During the show, Jen discusses the state of Florida's response to the COVID-19 crisis and her views on plans for re-opening cities throughout the United States.
Jen reacts to the mediocre COVID-19 relief bill and the level of inaction that is part of the fabric of government institutions, which clearly serve wealthy and powerful elites.
Later, Kevin plays a game with Jen and Rania. They...2021-03-141h 09Unauthorized DisclosurePrison Horrors In Failed State Of Texas, Ding Dong Rush Is Dead—Plus, 'Judas And The Black Messiah'In this premium episode, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola highlight what has unfolded in prisons and jails in the failed state of Texas, as a result of a winter storm.
Rania and Kevin respond to two clips: one of Yaku Perez, pseudo-left opposition candidate in Ecuador, and one from MSNBC's "Morning Joe," where they suggested President Joe Biden should abandon an agreement to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan.
Finally, they wrap up the show with some discussion of Rush Limbaugh's death and a recommendation to watch "Judas and the Black Messiah," a film about Blac...2021-02-2110 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS8: Episode 3 - Briahna Joy GrayFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Briahna Joy Gray, who is a co-host of the Bad Faith podcast and a former press secretary for Bernie Sanders. Briahna talks with Rania and Kevin about the aftermath of #ForceTheVote and her attempt to have a good faith debate with The Majority Report's Sam Seder. We ask her about the unwillingness of progressive Democrats to challenge the Democratic Party establishment, especially when it comes to third party campaigns outside of the Democratic Party. Later in the episode, Rania and Kevin discuss the unwillingness among many left-leaning pundits to reach...2021-01-311h 14
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 43 - Jamie KilsteinComedian Jamie Kilstein returns to the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast to talk about his new comedy album, "25 Percent Capacity," which was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. He talks about muddling through the political landscape and writing personal and political material for the album. Kilstein moved from California to Arizona this year, and during our discussion, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss what the left gets wrong about COVID. And what is the left? Rania tries to nail down our definition of this amorphous group of people to make it clear just who we're all really frustrated with. Kevin talks with...2020-12-141h 25
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 37 - Aaron MatéOPCW whistleblower Ian Henderson and former OPCW director José Bustani, who testified before the UN Security Council, were attacked by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany during two UN Security Council meetings in which they provided testimony. Bustani was from reading his prepared statement on the OPCW's cover-up of what they uncovered when investigators examined the scene of an alleged chemical attack in Douma, Syria, in April 2018. Henderson was accused of being part of a "disinformation exercise," even though he was personally involved as an investigator, and physicist Ted Postol and journalist Aaron Maté, host of "Pushback" and a...2020-10-1157 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 36 - Richard MedhurstFor this week's show, journalist , who was at the Old Bailey Criminal Courthouse to cover WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition trial, joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola. Richard shares his experience reporting on proceedings and why it was so important to him to be there in person to see what unfolded at the courthouse in September. Since Richard and Kevin committed themselves to following the trial for four weeks (unlike numerous establishment and progressive media journalists), Rania asked them both to provide highlights from the extradition trial. The conversation concludes with a conversation about the actions of United States empire...2020-10-041h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 35 - Daniel EllsbergKevin Gosztola interviewed Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg, who testified during the second week of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition trial. In the interview, a parallel is drawn between Dan's case and the mental health evidence that was presented by the defense in the third week. He has Dan comment on the questions he received from lead prosecutor James Lewis. Later, Dan addresses the U.S. Espionage Act, how far the Trump Justice Department thinks they can go in prosecuting Assange, and how the law was deployed against him nearly 50 years ago. Kevin and Dan conclude with some discussion on the p...2020-09-2759 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 34 - Julian Assange's Extradition TrialRania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend this week's episode discussing some of the latest developments in the extradition trial against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange—primarily because Kevin is covering proceedings every weekday from 4 am to 10 am. It is expected to wrap by the end of September, and each week has been fairly intense with witnesses important to Assange's effort to convince a British court not to approve extradition to the United States for trial on charges of violating the Espionage Act. Kevin describes the testimony CIA torture and rendition survivor Khaled El Masri submitted in support of Assange. Also, there ha...2020-09-2036 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 30 - Lee CampFor this week's episode of "Unauthorized Disclosure," Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Lee Camp to the show. Lee is a stand-up comedian who is the host of "Redacted Tonight." He has a new comedy , "Not Allowed on American TV." He also has a book, Bullet Points & Punch Lines. Stand-up comedy has become near impossible or extraordinarily difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask Lee what the the last months have been like then quickly pivot to a conversation about deterioration of political comedy in the era of President Donald Trump. Lee talks with us about social media platforms that...2020-08-1658 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 27 - Trump's Goon Squads, MIC-Owned Democrats, Michael Brooks TributeFor this week's episode, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola talk about President Donald Trump and Attorney General Bill Barr deploying federal police squads to cities, like Albuquerque, Chicago, and Kansas City. Rania and Kevin also spend some time discussing Democrats in the House and Senate, who voted against a very modest 10 percent cut to the United States military budget. Several showed how they are captives of the military industrial-complex. The final portion of the episode features a tribute to journalist Michael Brooks, who tragically died on July 20. They reflect on the mark that he left on independent media. To...2020-07-2632 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 23 - Prexy Nesbitt & Marissa MoormanFor this week's show, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola present a conversation that was recorded several months ago on Angola history: Portuguese colonialism, Black anti-colonial resistance, United States imperialism, and the way in which this history reverberates during President Donald Trump's administration. "Unauthorized Disclosure" welcomed two guests: Prexy Nesbitt, who is a presidential fellow at the Peace Studies Department at Chapman University in Orange County, California where he teaches Southern African History, and Marissa Moorman, who is the author of the book, Powerful Frequencies: Radio, State Power, and the Cold War in Angola, 1931-2002. Prexy was one of Kevin's professors...2020-06-221h 06
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 21 - Global Movement For Black Lives Grows As Police Crackdowns ContinueHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the protests calling for justice for George Floyd. They highlight some of the positive developments from the past week while offering an overview of attacks from police departments against protesters. During the show, Rania highlights the issue of whether there may be a spike in the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of demonstrations. Both Rania and Kevin consider how the left may be blamed for a second wave. Later in the conversation, Kevin and Rania highlight the federal government's response to the protests. *Note* The first half of the show was recorded for...2020-06-0723 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 17 - Follow-Up To Our Discussion On 'Planet Of The Humans'Last week's episode of "Unauthorized Disclosure" featured filmmaker Josh Fox, and Kevin Gosztola talked with Josh about the "Planet Of The Humans" documentary that Michael Moore posted to his YouTube. Our interview with Josh was scheduled before the documentary stirred controversy among the climate movement, and we did our best to engage in a constructive critique of the film, even as Josh essentially endorsed censorship of the film by demanding Films For Action take the film off of their website. There are a few problems we aim to address with this additional discussion. Rania Khalek had not seen the film...2020-05-0320 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 16 - Josh FoxHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by filmmaker Josh Fox to discuss the coronavirus pandemic in the context of of the climate emergency we all face. Josh is the director of "Gasland," "Gasland: Part II," and "How To Let Go Of the World And Love All the Things Climate Can't Change." He collaborated on a documentary on resistance at Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline that was called "Awake, A Dream From Standing Rock." He currently hosts a show called "Staying Home." In this interview with Josh, he talks about President Donald Trump's administration and the accelerated...2020-04-2649 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 13 - Charles DerberFor this week's "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast, Charles Derber, an activist and sociologist at Boston College, talks with Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola about responses to the coronavirus outbreak and how those responses further expose the nature of the United States' capitalist system. Charles begins by sharing his personal experience with his students, who he is teaching through virtual classes. He describes what he believes younger generations are going through. Rania asks Charles whether the pandemic may significantly alter the structure of the economy in the United States. Later in the conversation, Kevin asks Charles about the frontline workers, who...2020-04-051h 06
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 12 - Unauthorized Disclosure Live!Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola recorded a live broadcast of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast. The global coronavirus pandemic is bringing out the best at the grassroots level while further exposing who is truly the worst among elites. The pandemic is also making it abundantly clear whose lives people in power value and whose lives they don't. Rania and Kevin spent the hour responding to questions and comments from patrons and listeners of the show. They discussed the disaster capitalism at the core of a so-called stimulus bill that passed in Congress, as well as racism stemming from those who...2020-03-291h 07
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 11 - Our New Normal As Global Coronavirus Pandemic IntensifiesHost Rania Khalek left Lebanon and traveled back to the United States while the global coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the U.S. and throughout the world. Host Kevin Gosztola is sheltering in place in Illinois. Both are healthy, fortunately. Rania and Kevin spend the show talking about the impact on them personally. That includes Rania highlighting what a relative who is a medical professional is enduring in this crisis. They contend that the dramatic measures to lockdown the United States are crucial, no matter how much one cares about civil liberties. This has to be done, and anyone who tries...2020-03-221h 15
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 9 - Coronavirus Outbreak Spread, War In Idlib, Democratic Establishment Unites Around BidenIn this week's episode of the weekly podcast, "Unauthorized Disclosure," hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the intensifying spread of the Coronavirus and its impact on countries throughout the world. Rania highlights the latest escalation in the war in Idlib in Syria and why it escalated. Later in the show, Rania and Kevin react to the results from Super Tuesday and the power move the Democratic Party establishment executed against Senator Bernie Sanders, which worked incredibly well for elites. The episode concludes with a debate: Kevin takes the position of an optimistic "Bernie Bro" while Rania articulates the view of...2020-03-081h 14
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 8 - Reporting From London On Julian AssangeFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek interviews Kevin Gosztola, who has been in London reporting on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's extradition proceedings. The world had a first chance to hear much of the case the prosecution, as well as the defense, will be making. Kevin talks about the impact of Chelsea Manning's resistance. He describes what the defense presented in relation to Undercover Global, the Spanish security company that engaged in an espionage operation against Assange on behalf of the CIA. Kevin generally talks about the media that were there (and not there), who the judge is that is presiding...2020-03-011h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 7 - Breaking Down The Democratic DebateRania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola, hosts of the "Unauthorized Disclosure" weekly podcast, discuss what unfolded in the Democratic presidential debate in Las Vegas, Nevada, days before the Nevada Caucuses. This is the show's first video broadcast, and we're excited to be able to do this. We plan to do more videos, particularly for patrons, in the future. During the episode, Rania and Kevin focus attention on the final question of the debate, where Senator Bernie Sanders was the only one who mentioned superdelegates and endorsed democracy—the idea that if a candidate has the most delegates they should be the Demo...2020-02-2158 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 4 - Rigging The Democratic Primary All Over AgainDays away from the Iowa Caucuses, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend this week's episode talking about evidence that indicates elites in the Democratic National Committee are working to rig the primary against Senator Bernie Sanders (again). Kevin for The Grayzone on the corporate lobbyists, Wall Street consultants, regime-change agents, think tank board members, and former campaign staff for Hillary Clinton that were appointed by DNC Chair Tom Perez to convention committees. A from Kevin featured bios on each of the individuals in this cartoonishly neoliberal cast. Only one of the people appointed to committees is a prominent Sanders supporter...2020-02-021h 14
Unauthorized DisclosureS7: Episode 2 - Big Tech's Censorship Against Iran, CNN Versus SandersThis week, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss examples of censorship by major tech companies that occurred over the past week. They are targeting postings that relate to Iran. In The Now, which Rania works for, was censored and penalized with multiple months, where content on Facebook will be demonetized. The Grayzone experienced censorship. Wildly, Hulu took down an episode of Anthony Bourdain's CNN show, "Parts Unknown," where he traveled to Iran. Rania and Kevin highlight a story indicating eleven U.S. troops were injured by Iran's missiles that were fired in response to the assassination of Iran General Qassim...2020-01-1948 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 45 - Year-End Show With Guest Host Katie HalperHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola end the year with this episode featuring Katie Halper, co-host of Rolling Stone's "Useful Idiots" podcast and the host of "The Katie Halper Show." Like previous year-end shows, Katie guest hosts for the full episode as Rania and Kevin highlight several major political developments in 2019. They each offer predictions for 2020 in the latter part of the episode, looking ahead to the Democratic presidential primary and beyond.2019-12-301h 11
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 44 - War On Whistleblowers, Latest In Assange's CaseOur initial plan for this week's episode fell through. We also had limited time in our schedules to record, since Rania Khalek was traveling across the world for work and to get home for the holidays. So, to still give you all something, here is an episode from Kevin Gosztola's new show, the "Dissenter Weekly Update." It covers whistleblower stories as well as the most recent developments with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's case. In this preview, Kevin how the United States government won its lawsuit against NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and can now confiscate proceeds he earned from his book, P...2019-12-2252 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 41 - Margaret KimberleyHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Margaret Kimberley, who is an editor and senior columnist for . One of Kimberley's most recent pieces, which we discuss, is "." Kimberley talks with us about how the United States empire navigates a citizenry that increasingly opposes deploying troops to intervene in countries and how propaganda seeps into our popular culture. She explores how Democrats almost universally support American imperialism, along with Republicans, as well as the limits of liberal opposition to wars launched by the United States. Kimberley comments on Bernie Sanders' foreign policy stances, including his latest comments on the coup in...2019-11-2454 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 40 - Kevin CashmanFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend the full hour on the coup in Bolivia. The military and right-wing opposition forced President Evo Morales to resign after he won a fourth term. The first half of the episode features Kevin Cashman, a senior associate for the Center for Economic Policy and Research (CEPR), who worked on a that analyzed the October 20 election returns and tallies. The analysis concluded there were no irregularities or fraud that affected the outcome. As Cashman describes, the Organization for American States (OAS) put out a preliminary report that Western media relied upon...2019-11-171h 08
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 37 - Rania Khalek Reports On Lebanon ProtestsIn the first half of the show, Rania Khalek reports on the protests in Lebanon. She describes what sparked them and highlights what she has seen in the streets of Beirut. Khalek also addresses the false idea in the press that somehow Hezbollah might turn the protests violent. Later in the show, Kevin Gosztola provides an update on Julian Assange and Rania and Kevin discuss how Hillary Clinton attacked Tulsi Gabbard by labeling her a Russian asset.2019-10-271h 12
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Rania Goes On Reporting Trip To Damascus, Familiar Faction AttacksHost Rania Khalek, along with journalists Max Blumenthal and Anya Parampil, were condemned for traveling to Damascus, Syria, to report on recent developments in the country. Both Rania and Max have been targeted before by these individuals who have forced or attempted to force the cancellation of their speaking events. They have rendered them toxic to publishers so their journalism does not reach a wider audience. Previously, on "Unauthorized Disclosure" we've talked about this relentless unending campaign that Rania must confront. Rania responded, "All the bullying and intimidation is meant to stifle attempts at reporting the reality of the government are...2019-09-1236 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 28 - White Supremacist Violence, Food Shipment To Venezuela SeizedFor this week's show, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the massacres in El Paso and Dayton, and Rania describes how the raids by ICE in Mississippi made her very angry. She also shares the rage she felt when she learned about this terrible story of a man's to Iraq, which resulted in his death. Rania highlights the seizure of a food shipment in the Panama Canal due to the United States' blockade of Venezuela. Kevin provides an update on Chelsea Manning. A federal judge refused to reconsider harsh fines against her, and she remains in jail for refusing to...2019-08-121h 03
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 27 - Katie Halper ReturnsFor this week, we have a crossover episode with "." In our main episode, Katie joins Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola to discuss how the centrist Democrats were encouraged to gang up on Bernie Sanders by CNN. We highlight how Sanders and Elizabeth Warren stood their ground. Katie shares some of media bias against Sanders. Kevin highlights parts of his at Medium, "A Guide To Bad Faith Arguments Against Bernie Sanders." We discuss how questions were addressed to candidates and share some general critiques about how the debate unfolded over the two nights. We also mention how distressed we are that...2019-08-0449 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 23 - Katie Halper On First Democratic Presidential DebateHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Katie Halper of "The Katie Halper Show." She is a writer and contributor to FAIR. Her work has appeared at various outlets like The Nation, New York Magazine, etc. During the show, Katie, Rania, and Kevin cover many of the highlights from the first 2020 Democratic presidential debate—and then some moments that have gone under-reported and have not been discussed. They critique the . format. Katie gets into the media bias on display against Bernie Sanders. They talk about John Hickenlooper and John Delaney and how evident it is that Sanders has pu...2019-06-2956 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 19 - Assange Charged Under Espionage Act, Joe Biden, And Update On SyriaFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola begin the show by covering the superseding indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. He became the first publisher in United States history to be charged with violating the Espionage Act, a development that was met with immediate condemnation from news editors and press freedom groups. The rest of the show is spent to questions and comments submitted by patrons of the show. Rania and Kevin go through many of the reasons why Joe Biden should not be doing so well in Democratic presidential primary polls. They also talk about the latest...2019-05-261h 21
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 18 - Iran Threatened With War, Venezuela Embassy In D.C. RaidedFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss how officials in President Donald Trump's administration are threatening Iran with war. They talk about the raid against the Venezuela embassy in D.C., where four remaining embassy protectors were arrested in flagrant violation of international law. Later in the show, Kevin comments on the latest prosecution of a drone whistleblower, who allegedly released the "Drone Papers" to The Intercept's Jeremy Scahill.2019-05-1954 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 13 - Political Case Against Julian AssangeHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend the full episode going through parts of the indictment against WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Julian Assange. They react to his expulsion from the Ecuador embassy in the United Kingdom and how British police entered the embassy to drag him out to a police van. Kevin, who has covered Chelsea Manning, Julian Assange, and WikiLeaks since 2010, addresses how much of the indictment makes the case that Assange "aided" and "abetted" "espionage," even though what was charged is a computer crime. Contrary to what much of the U.S. establishment press contended, the Justice Department is targeting...2019-04-131h 19
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 12 - Biden, Chelsea Manning, Max Blumenthal CensoredIn one of their more free-ranging episodes of the year, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss censorship against Max Blumenthal by owners of the Politics & Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C. They talk about the latest developments involving Chelsea Manning, who has now been in jail for nearly a month as she continues her resistance against a grand jury investigation into WikiLeaks. Chelsea was in prolonged solitary confinement but released into general population this past week. Rania and Kevin also comment on Joe Biden, including commentary from an Atlantic writer who attacked one of the latest people to accuse...2019-04-071h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Episode 8 - Ilhan Omar Survives Another Round Of Political SmearsIn this discussion episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola react to how the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives singled out Ilhan Omar this past week. Many politicians and commentators spent several days attributing words to Omar that she did not say, all so they could attack her for anti-Semitism and discourage her from speaking out against the influence of AIPAC. Later in the show, Kevin talks about attending Bernie Sanders' kickoff rally in Chicago for his 2020 presidential campaign. Rania asks if the powers that be would ever let someone like Sanders be president.2019-03-1050 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Response To CNN Getting Rania, In The Now CensoredHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola put together this response to CNN's report on a Russia-backed video company, where Rania works. A U.S.-funded think tank in Germany, the German Marshall Fund, went to CNN, and together, they convinced Facebook to suspend video channel pages that are owned by Maffick Media—including Soapbox. (You may have seen Soapbox videos from Rania, such as on Venezuela.) Rania recounts how CNN went digging for dirt on Maffick Media. Management eventually reached out to CNN and informed them that they knew what CNN journalists were doing. They granted CNN access and agreed to...2019-02-1956 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS6: Responding To Week Of Smear Attacks Against RaniaIn a special episode, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola stand up to a slew of smear attacks against Rania for speaking out on the attempted coup in Venezuela. Particularly, journalists like Michael Weiss of The Daily Beast, Yashar Ali of Huffington Post, and Casey Michel of Think Progress attacked members of Congress who interacted with her tweets on Venezuela. They labeled her a "Russian propagandist" to further isolate and make them denounce her. Rania's Wikipedia page was defaced around January 28. It was brought to editors' attention. A slanderous sentence was removed from the top of her page and then...2019-01-3053 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 42 - Year-End Show Featuring Mnar MuhaweshRania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola wrap up this year's season of "Unauthorized Disclosure" with MintPress News founder and editor-in-chief Mnar Muhawesh. During the show, they reflect on some of the more pernicious social and political developments in the past year. Mnar talks about censorship by Facebook, Twitter, and other social media companies, and the impact it is having on independent journalists and alternative media outlets, especially the effect on MintPress News. Later in the show, Mnar and Rania discuss the wars in Yemen and Syria. They take a moment to address the most recent development—President Donald Trump ordering the wi...2018-12-2359 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 41Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss yet another round of blaming Russia for dissent. They highlight the protests in France. Then, Gosztola shares how he was accused of helping Putin undermine faith in the rule of the law and the justice system by a think tank in Washington, D.C. The hosts pay tribute to William Blum. He died at 85 and published work that was essential for anyone interested in fighting U.S. imperialism. Finally, the hosts talk about the successful Yemen war powers resolution vote in the Senate and how Paul Ryan served the war industry by ensuring...2018-12-161h 02
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 33 - Attacks On Max Blumenthal, Chicago Cop Guilty Of MurderFor this week's episode, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss recent attacks on Max Blumenthal and his journalism on Nicaragua. They became especially vicious in the past couple weeks, as The Guardian and Buzzfeed wrongly accused Blumenthal of having a Guardian freelancer Carl David Goette-Luciak deported from the country. Also, former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke was found guilty of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery for killing Laquan McDonald. Gosztola, who is based in Chicago, highlights some of what happened during Van Dyke's trial.2018-10-0751 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 28 - John McCain Died For Our SinsHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola spend most of the episode assessing the media coverage of John McCain's death from brain cancer. They focus on the myth of McCain that was promoted and pretty much adopted across the spectrum from Republicans to progressive Democrats. They read a few examples of the worst hagiography. Like did you know he wasn't only a "war hero" but also a ""? And he was even an "anti-racist hero" too? Toward the end of the episode, Gosztola talks about the national prison strike, and in particular, by the Marshall Project that promoted the organization's bias against...2018-09-021h 09
Unauthorized DisclosureEpisode 26 - Discussion (Israel, Saudi Arabia, Etc)Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the latest bloodshed caused by Israeli military forces and the Saudi Arabia-led coalition backed by the United States, which continues to wage war on Yemen. They wonder if there's some kind of competition. The episode highlights the assassination attempt against Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro, as well as the media coverage of the attempt. Later in the show, the hosts talk about Alex Jones and the several platforms that banned him and the recent round of primaries, which much of the media treated as a signal that socialism was rejected by voters. In the...2018-08-121h 01
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 23 - Aaron Maté On 'Treason Summit'Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Aaron Maté, a host and producer for The Real News. He has regularly covered Russiagate and all the media coverage around President Donald Trump and Russia for well over a year. And he was a guest on the show five months ago. During the show, Maté addresses the reaction to the summit with Trump and Vladimir Putin in Helsinki. He describes what from the summit does matter and then breaks down what led up to the summit and why there is such a frenzy over it now. Later, Khalek and Gosztola re...2018-07-1959 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 21 - Ocasio-Cortez's Victory, Kennedy ResignsHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's incredible victory in New York over a 10-term corporate Democrat, Joe Crowley. They also address the news of Justice Anthony Kennedy's resignation from the Supreme Court. Gosztola provides an update on Reality Winner's case after traveling to Augusta, Georgia, to cover a hearing, where she pled guilty.2018-06-301h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 17 - Israel Massacres Protesters, Milestone For CIA Lady TorturersHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the massacre of dozens of people in Gaza by Israeli military forces. Khalek talks about the reaction to it and why it may have been different than what typically happens after Israeli violence. Gosztola and Khalek also talk about the milestone for women in the CIA who have tortured and are pro-torture. Men have been able to run the agency and be pro-torture. But now, after the help of six Democrats, Gina Haspel is CIA director and women will never have to wonder if they can escape accountability for torture like their male...2018-05-201h 02
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 15 - Rania Is Back In LebanonHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola navigate Rania's travel schedule to continue the show — without taking a break! During this week's episode, Khalek and Gosztola talk about Benjamin Netanyahu's latest propaganda on Iran aimed at sinking the Iran nuclear deal. Later in the show, the hosts take an opportunity to discuss Michelle Wolf and the backlash to it, even though they know full well the news media has moved on from it all. They also highlight a few other stories that have flown under the radar. To become a patron, please and support the show for $3/month or more.2018-05-0647 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 12 - Trump Bombs Syria (Again)Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola address the madness around Syria and President Donald Trump's latest round of military strikes. Gosztola has Khalek provide a context that is sorely missing in the U.S. press. Together they break down all the issues with jumping to the conclusions that there was incontrovertible proof that the Syrian government was behind an alleged chemical attack. The conversation continues with talk about Arab voices shilling for more war, as well as human rights organizations that fuel the climate for military action. Gosztola talks about how Democrats were largely silent in the run-up to the...2018-04-151h 03
Unauthorized DisclosureEpisode 11 - Israel Guns Down Palestinian Protesters, No Justice For Alton SterlingHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the Great Return March by Palestinians and how Israeli forces gunned down more than a dozen demonstrators. They talk about police killing Stephon Clark in Sacramento and how Louisiana refused to charge any officers responsible for killing Alton Sterling. On a much lighter note, Gosztola wraps the show by going through an official Democratic Party survey he filled out.2018-04-0157 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 10 - Discussion (Preview)Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss John Bolton becoming President Donald Trump's national security adviser, the fifteenth anniversary of the Iraq War, and the vote on not taking a vote on withdrawing U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's war on Yemen. Khalek and Gosztola also highlight some comments from patrons who support the show and talk about plans for future patron-exclusive episodes. ***This is a preview. For the full episode, go to and become a Patron of Unauthorized Disclosure.***2018-03-2622 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 7 - Augusta, GeorgiaHost Kevin Gosztola was in Augusta, Georgia, during the past week to cover a hearing in NSA contractor Reality Winner's case. It was his first time in the city, and he describes the setting as an unintentionally appropriate backdrop for the government's prosecution. So, host Rania Khalek interviewed him. The downtown area is an example of what towns look like in late-stage capitalism. There are also several Confederate monuments (Gosztola talks about one that shocks Khalek.) Then, there is a Georgia Cyber Training And Innovation Center that will be a hub of private and public partnerships between security corporations and...2018-03-0539 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 4 - When Will Putin Pay Rania What She's Owed?Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola address a Daily Beast piece claiming to "expose" the Russian-funded Redfish, a grassroots media project where Khalek briefly worked. Khalek talks about the sheer disingenuousness nature of this attack. Later in the show, Khalek and Gosztola discuss recent airstrikes by the United States against pro-government forces in Syria and how the U.S. media went along with the idea that this was "self-defense." They also talk about President Donald Trump's desire to hold a gaudy and lavish military parade, as well as another news story about alleged Russian interference in the 2016 Election.2018-02-1139 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS5: Episode 1 - Mickey Huff (Project Censored)In the season 5 premiere of "Unauthorized Disclosure," hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola interview Mickey Huff, who is the director of Project Censored. He is co-host of "The Project Censored Show" and works on an annual book that includes the Top 25 Censored Stories each year. Huff describes the work of Project Censored for those unfamiliar the effort. He discusses the issue of Facebook, Google, and these massive conglomerates that control technology we depend on to get news and information. He addresses the prevalent issue of "fake news" but notes it has existed for decades as propaganda. We dive deeper into...2018-01-211h 05
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 22 - Rania And Kevin Wade Through Some Pretty Horrible StoriesHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola highlight some pretty awful and horrible stories on this week's show but not before talking about the Democratic Party's latest epic fail with Jon Ossoff's loss in Georgia. After discussing what happened with Ossoff, the show moves on to the United States and a network of torture chambers in Yemen. They cover developments in Syria, a Supreme Court decision against Arab or Muslim immigrants rounded up in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and the video of Officer Jeronimo Yanez killing Philando Castile. The show ends on a lighter note with a look at the...2017-06-251h 06
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 21 - Rania Khalek & Kevin Gosztola (No Guest)Hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the rift between Saudi Arabia and Qatar and tension among the Gulf countries in the Middle East. They talk about the Saudi arms deal, which the Senate would have opposed if five Democrats had not voted against a bill to block the deal. Later in the show, Khalek and Gosztola talk about how Bernie Sanders and the movements he is aligned with ignore ongoing U.S. wars and their impact and contrast that with British political leader Jeremy Corbyn, who frequently makes connections between terrorism and the United Kingdom's support for wars. The...2017-06-181h 08
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 18 - DiscussionOn this week's discussion for the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss President Donald Trump's trip to Saudi Arabia and how ordinary Syrians view the armed opposition in Syria. They celebrate the release of Chelsea Manning. The hosts also talk about the Comey memo scandal that has roiled the Trump administration and a news story published by Gosztola on a development involving Trevor FitzGibbon, the founder of a progressive public relations firm which abruptly shut down as sexual allegations were leveled against him. A U.S. Attorney's Office declined to pursue charges based on three criminal...2017-05-211h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 16 - Azadeh ShahshahaniHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola welcome Azadeh Shahshahani, who is a legal and advocacy director for Project South. She joins the show to talk about a report her organization worked on called "Imprisoned Justice: Inside Two Georgia Immigrant Detention Centers." Shahshahani addresses how asylum seekers and immigrants are denied due process and in some cases even tricked into signing papers for deportation. At Stewart Detention Center and Irwin County Detention Center, solitary confinement is used as punishment against individuals who resist the conditions of their confinement. She talks about the water in these facilities, the rotten food served to...2017-05-141h 08
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 14 - Rania Is In The Middle EastHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss UC Berkeley and Ann Coulter, immigrant prosecutions, President Donald Trump's busy day on April 26, and one of the most recent ominous reports about the Arctic ice melting. With Rania in the Middle East for the next months, she is a bit detached from U.S. current events. She asked Kevin to give her an update on some of what she missed. No guest this week. If you would like to support the show and help keep us going strong, please become a subscriber on .2017-04-3052 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 10 - DiscussionHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss an effort to convince a student group at Oregon State University to disinvite Khalek from an event, where she is scheduled to speak with Mnar Muhawesh, editor of Mintpressnews.com, and journalist Abby Martin. The campaign is also targeting Muhawesh. The students put out a statement refusing to cancel the event or disinvite Khalek. We talk about the stand the students took and then discuss the larger issue of "no platforming" or demanding groups or universities cancel speaking events. In the last part of the discussion, Khalek and Gosztola address the expansion of...2017-04-0249 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 8 - Patrick CockburnHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Patrick Cockburn, a longtime Middle East correspondent well-known for his coverage of Iraq and Syria. He is the author of The Age of Jihad: Islamic State and the Great War for the Middle East. Cockburn discusses the destruction of Mosul, the rise of Sunni fundamentalism, the role of Turkey in Iraq and Syria, and President Donald Trump and his potential plans for aggression toward Iran. During the discussion, Gosztola discusses a trip to New Zealand, and later, Gosztola and Khalek talk about Trump's proposed budget and the GOP's healthcare plan. If...2017-03-191h 15
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 6 - Ben NortonHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Ben Norton, a journalist for AlterNet's "Grayzone Project." Norton provides a brief overview of the terribly under-covered and mostly ignored war in Yemen as well as recent developments involving a CIA-backed warlord in Libya. He sticks around for the latter part of the show, when Khalek and Gosztola discuss the election of Tom Perez to Democratic National Committee chair. If you would like to support the show and help keep us going strong, please become a subscriber on .2017-02-271h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureS4: Episode 3 - Jamil DakwarRania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola are joined by Jamil Dakwar, the director of the ACLU's Human Rights Program. Dakwar addresses how the Muslim ban signed by President Donald Trump has been applied. He highlights the issues involved in arguing the executive order is discriminatory and unconstitutional. He also outlines how dangerous it is that the Trump administration treats Islam as more of a political ideology than a religion. The interview was recorded just before a federal judge in Washington issued a restraining order against the ban, the broadest directive yet. It forced the Homeland Security Department and State Department to...2017-02-051h 18
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Year-End Show Featuring Roqayah ChamseddineIn this year-end show, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola look back at 2016 with deep contempt and look forward to whatever struggles and catastrophes lie ahead for the world. They are joined by Roqayah Chamseddine, co-host of the "Delete Your Account" podcast and a columnist for Shadowproof.com. The show highlights the Flint water crisis, the contentious debate over identity politics among progressives and the left, and the strawman argument that people who focus on class politics are somehow automatically guilty of ignoring structural racism. Khalek, Chamseddine, and Gosztola also comment on a future in need of resistance, where there is...2016-12-271h 03
Unauthorized DisclosureEpisode 27: Jill Stein, Andy WorthingtonKevin Gosztola interviews Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein about what her campaign managed to accomplish with the campaign. She describes several initiatives she intends to be a part of pushing in the months ahead. She also talks about Donald Trump's victory and the denial of Democrats, who seem to blame everyone but themselves for Hillary Clinton's loss. Following that interview, Gosztola interviews journalist Andy Worthington, who is one of the co-founders of the "Close Guantanamo" campaign. He regularly covers Guantanamo, and we discuss the future of Guantanamo now that Trump is the president-elect. He also is a musician, who w...2016-11-131h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureEpisode 25: Rania Khalek & Kevin GosztolaHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the ongoing bloodshed and war in Syria, not limited to Aleppo. They also talk about the latest unsettling development with Chelsea Manning, who the U.S. Army punished with two weeks in solitary confinement. Finally, Kevin reads a piece of election-themed satire he wrote, which many mistakenly thought was a serious column. No guest this week.2016-09-261h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Episode 18 - DiscussionHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola recap what unfolded with the Democratic National Convention Platform Committee, where individuals appointed by Hillary Clinton and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz rejected key progressive policies from inclusion in the platform. Gosztola shares reporting on the New York state meeting, where a Clinton delegate hit a Sanders delegate and young woman of color with his cane. Khalek talks about the latest Republicans and neoconservatives to endorse Clinton.2016-06-261h 09
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Episode 16—Guest Katie HalperHillary Clinton's presidential campaign and identity politics is a recurring topic on the "Unauthorized Disclosure" podcast. This week, in a mega episode, we talk with our guest, Katie Halper, about the media anointing Clinton the nominee before the California primary last week. Halper addresses some of the latest absurd identity politics in the election, such as a New York Times reporter asking if it was sexist for Bernie Sanders to stay in the race. The episode runs quite a bit longer than other shows produced previously. However, the extra 30 minutes is Rania Khalek, Kevin Gosztola, and Katie Halper reading some o...2016-06-131h 30
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Episode 11 - DiscussionIn Part II of Episode 9, hosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola address how a black student group at York University in Toronto attempted to have Khalek's speaking event canceled because they claimed she was "anti-black." Khalek provides an update on some Israel and Palestine news, and Gosztola provides a report from Chicago on the Chicago Teachers Union strike on April 1.2016-04-0346 min
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Episode 7 - Discussion w/ Rania Khalek & Kevin GosztolaHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola break down some of the many social issues raised by the campaigns of Clinton, Sanders, and Donald Trump. This episode includes talk about Black Lives Matter activist Ashley Williams Clinton over her "super-predator" comment in 1996. We spend time on Washington Post Jonathan Capehart, who helped the Clinton campaign do damage control and even went so far as to defend what Clinton said about "super-predators" back in 1996. We also highlight recent developments with the closure of Guantanamo military prison and Rasmea Odeh's .
Throughout March, as the election intensifies even more with primaries, we intend to...2016-02-281h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureS3: Episode 6 - Cluster Bombs in Yemen/Nevada CaucusesHosts Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola discuss the use of U.S.-manufactured cluster bombs in Yemen by the Saudi-led coalition. The conversation also addresses: the case of Palestinian hunger striker Mohammed al-Qeeq, who is close to death in an Israeli prison, the case of Younous Chekkouri, a former Guantanamo prisoner who was released only to find himself imprisoned in a notorious jail in Morocco, and a George Washington University professor who called for Beirut to be "flattened" by explosive weapons. In the second part of the show, Khalek and Gosztola discuss the results of the Nevada Caucuses in the D...2016-02-221h 12
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Guest: Aviva StahlAviva Stahl, an independent journalist, talks about her story for the Gothamist on an NYPD undercover named "Mel," who infiltrated Brooklyn College. The undercover converted to Islam. She befriended students and even was in some of their bridal showers and wedding parties. Then, later, the students realized "Mel" was the undercover, who helped push two Queens women down the path to building a bomb so the FBI could arrest them. We talk about the operation and the NYPD's reaction to this story, which includes a ludicrous rejection of the idea that Muslims have ever before been subject to "blanket surveillance"...2015-11-0854 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Marcy WheelerJournalist Marcy Wheeler joins the show to discuss the surveillance state now that the USA Freedom Act is law. She breaks down what the law does and what it does not do. She highlights how the NSA is targeting "malicious cyber activity" with the warrantless wiretapping program. She also highlights the FBI as one of the government agencies most in need of attention from activists because of its role in mass surveillance.During the discussion portion of the show, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola highlight how the US government declassified some of the torture memories of a former CIA detainee, Ma...2015-06-071h 02
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Guest: Kat CraigKat Craig, legal director for Reprieve, which is an international human rights non-governmental organization, joins the show to talk about Sharif Mobley's case. Mobley is a US citizen who was kidnapped in Yemen and has been detained by authorities for five years. The FBI is known to have interrogated him. His life has been in great danger since the war escalated in Yemen, and this past week the military compound where he has been held was bombed. His family and Reprieve are afraid that he was killed.
During the discussion portion, Rania Khalek and Kevin Gosztola talk about the Obama a...2015-05-311h 01
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 35Hosts Kevin Gosztola and Rania Khalek are joined by Montague Simmons, chair of (OBS). He provides an update on aggressive action by police against protestors. He talks about helping community residents feel they will be secure when they participate in actions and how "jail support" is being handled. He also offers a preview of an upcoming weekend of resistance, "Ferguson October," that will take place October 10-13. During the discussion portion, Gosztola and Khalek talk a bit about Ebola (they don't have it). Then, the war in Syria and Iraq is highlighted, particularly how Obama has abandoned the "near-certainty" standard, wh...2014-10-051h 05
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 34Hosts Kevin Gosztola and Rania Khalek are joined by Peter Hart, the activism director for Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR). Hart discusses some of the myths in media coverage of the escalated war in Iraq and Syria. He talks about Obama being treated as a "reluctant warrior" and the effect that has on news reports. He also highlights fear mongering that has been ongoing.
In the discussion segment, Gosztola talks about Attorney General Eric Holder's resignation and how Holder presided over a Justice Department that is still investigating antiwar activists. He then gets into how an Alabama judge suspended th...2014-09-2855 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 30Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek, who writes for the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog, are joined by Keeanga Yamahtta-Taylor, who is a professor at Princeton University and also works at the Center for African-American Studies. Yamahtta-Taylor talks to us about why Ferguson erupted into anger and protest over the killing of Mike Brown by a white police officer, especially since this happens in cities all over the United States just about every other day. She also discusses issues of class and class position in black communities and how they factor into debates about how to win justice.
Du...2014-08-311h 09
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 28Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek, who publishes to the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog, are the hosts of this podcast.
This week, Gosztola interviews Jesselyn Radack, who is one of the defense lawyers for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden and the director for the Government Accountability Project's National Security and Human Rights Division. She talks about the latest with Snowden, the one-year anniversary of Chelsea Manning's conviction, mass surveillance and its effects on whistleblowing, lawyers and journalists as well as various other stories from the past week that all have some connection to the government's efforts to control i...2014-08-0347 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 27Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and independent journalist Rania Khalek are joined by Hatem Abudayyeh, who is a national coordinating committee member for the US Palestinian Community Network. He has been involved in organizing demonstrations in Chicago in support of Palestinians and against Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. He also had his home raided by the FBI in 2010 (along with 22 other activists) for his engagement in Palestinian solidarity activism and remains under a cloud of investigation that the Justice Department refuses to bring to an end, even though he has not been indicted or charged with any crime.
Abudayyeh discusses...2014-07-2757 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 25Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and independent journalist Rania Khalek are joined by Todd Miller, a journalist who has covered US-Mexico border issues for over 15 years. He is the author of Border Patrol Nation: Dispatches from the Front Lines of Homeland Security. He appears on the show to provide historical context for why tens of thousands of children and their families have fled Central American countries to the US-Mexico border. He also addresses how private corporations stand to benefit from detention centers that the Obama administration plans to develop or build.
During the discussion portion, Khalek provides an update on Isra...2014-07-131h 06
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 21Kevin Gosztola and Rania Khalek are joined by Josmar Trujillo, a writer and activist who organizes with New Yorkers Against Bratton. Trujillo talks about police raids that took place where alleged members of gangs in Harlem were rounded up by the NYPD in a show of force. He discusses organizing for police reform now that Bill Bratton is NYPD chief and Bill de Blasio has been elected New York City mayor.
In the discussion part of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about the crisis of immigrant children crossing the US-Mexico border and the escalating conflict in Iraq. Khalek also r...2014-06-151h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 20Kevin Gosztola and Rania Khalek interview journalist Max Blumenthal about his work covering Israel and the pushback he gets for be willing to report on Israeli military occupation. Blumenthal discusses the American left's reaction to his journalism and how Democrats like Rep. Alan Grayson are terrible on the issue of Palestine and Israel.
In a shorter discussion portion, Gosztola talks about the Left Forum in New York and groups like police reform groups that seem to have given up on struggling now that Bill Bratton is NYPD chief and Bill de Blasio is mayor2014-06-0851 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 19Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Keane Bhatt, a DC-based activist and writer. He talks to us about a letter signed by individuals like two Nobel Peace laureates. The letter was written to pressure Human Rights Watch to close its "revolving door" and be more independent from the US government. Bhatt shares some examples of why those concerned with human rights should raise this issue with this organization, even as the organization is doing some critically important work on human rights.
During the discussion portion of the show, G...2014-06-011h 04
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 18Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Mary Wareham of Human Rights Watch. Wareham is the advocacy director for the arms division of Human Rights Watch and spearheads a global coalition to ban killer robots. She was recently in Geneva for the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) meeting to discuss how countries should respond to the rise of this technology.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss media organizations challenging secrecy around execution drugs for lethal injections, US citizens' support for the death penalty, a gl...2014-05-1859 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 17Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Carlos Garcia, the director of the Puente Arizona, which is part of a global movement for migrant justice and human rights. Garcia joined others from several states to come to Washington, DC, to speak to representatives of Congress about Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) "bed quotas." Every year, 34,000 beds have to be occupied by the bodies of immigrants in the process of deportation.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss US forces sent in to Nigeria to help rescue k...2014-05-111h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 16Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Rachel Meeropol of the Center for Constitutional Rights. Meeropol is a senior staff attorney, who argued in court this week that the FBI should not have rounded up Muslims in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 and former US officials should be held responsible. Meeropol also discusses developments in a CCR lawsuit involving Communications Management Units (CMUs) in two US prisons. The units impose restrictive conditions and disproportionately affect Muslims and prisoners who maintain their political beliefs while imprisoned.
During the discussion portion of t...2014-05-041h 03
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 15Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Rooj Alwazir of the Support Yemen media collective. Alwazir is based in Sanaa, Yemen, and provides an update on the reported drone strikes and air strikes in country of which US and Yemen governments have been involved. She describes the cycle of violence along with what Americans are not hearing about the extent to which the attacks are unfortunately having the negative effect of making Yemenis more sympathetic to al Qaeda.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss...2014-04-271h 03
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 14Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Yousef Al Jamal, a young Palestinian from Gaza who contributed to a collection of stories called "Gaza Writes Back." The collection of stories were all written by young Palestinians and highlight Gaza, Palestine, Israeli occupation, life in Gaza, society, politics, love, hope and everything in between.During the discussion, Gosztola and Khalek talk about Cliven Bundy, the Jewish center shooting by a white supremacist, Edward Snowden asking Putin a question and Vox.com, the new startup media outlet there to patronizingly explain...2014-04-201h 11
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 13Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined by Pardiss Kebriaei, a staff attorney for the Center for Constitutional Rights, to discuss the Awlaki decision. She is the leading attorney on the case which a judge dismissed and addresses what the families of US citizens were seeking from their government after their sons were killed in drone strikes. She also outlines some of the most troubling aspects of the judge's decision.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss FBI agents on JSOC raids in Iraq and Afghanistan, th...2014-04-131h 06
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 11Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Molly Crabapple, an artist and writer who recently published, "Theater of Justice," for Vice, which described how trials she had attended to draw sketches were like performances. She discusses her work and how she chooses what to sketch next.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about ABC News hiring former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly, the White House launching a community channel on Buzzfeed, Mike Rogers leaving Congress to become Glenn Beck and how O...2014-03-3058 min
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclsoure - Episode 10Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Aviva Stahl, a journalist and contributor to The Nation. Kayyali discusses her recent story on how the British government is stripping dual citizens of their citizenship. These individuals are subsequently being attacked or targeted by US drones or, in some cases, they are being subject to rendition. At least one man ended up in a US prison in Manhattan.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about former RT anchor Liz Wahl and the rol...2014-03-231h 08
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 9Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Nadia Kayyali, an activist for the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Kayyali discusses her role in the effort in Oakland to stop the proposed Domain Awareness Center (DAC), a surveillance hub. Activists and resident groups seem to have stopped it from metastasizing into the city. It will only monitor the area in and around the Port of Oakland. Yet, like any surveillance project, it could easily grow.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about the l...2014-03-161h 00
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 8Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Dahr Jamail, a staff reporter for Truthout.org. Jamail discusses his latest reporting on what has happened with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's forces in Fallujah. He also outlines some of the residual effects of the US occupation that Iraq is still experiencing, including the fact that forces are responsible for rape, torture and executions.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about RT anchors, who decided to protest, to varying degrees. They discuss...2014-03-091h 02
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Ep. 7Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Eva Golinger, an American-Venezuelan lawyer and author of The Chavez Code. She puts the recent "crisis" in Venezuela into context by comparing it to the 2002 coup. She also highlights the role of private media in Venezuelan society, who are the leaders of the "opposition" and why the US government and American elites have considered the Bolivarian revolution a threat.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek talk about a spat between Daily Beast reporter Eli La...2014-03-021h 07
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 6Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Raven Rakia, an independent journalist. She discusses the verdict in the Michael Dunn trial, respectability politics that black people are often expected to follow, colorblind prosecutors and racist violence that the justice system has a way of making legitimate.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss a man being shot and killed by a Border Patrol agent after allegedly throwing a rock at the agent, the LAPD's new love affair with drones—in Israel, the...2014-02-231h 01
Unauthorized DisclosureUnauthorized Disclosure - Episode 5Kevin Gosztola of Firedoglake.com and Rania Khalek of the "Dispatches from the Underclass" blog are joined for the interview segment by Nima Shirazi, an analyst of US foreign policy toward the Middle East. Shirazi also an editor for Muftah.org and blogs at "Wide Asleep in America." Shirazi discusses the agreement over Iran's nuclear program, how AIPAC lost in its effort to win more sanctions against Iran and, in general, the charade the US and Israel has played to propagate myths about the country's nuclear program.
During the discussion portion of the show, Gosztola and Khalek discuss the abduction o...2014-02-161h 05