The book tells the story of Dr. Ruja Ignatova, who orchestrated a massive pyramid scheme through the cryptocurrency OneCoin, promising financial freedom and a technical revolution. The scheme, which combined multi-level marketing and cryptocurrency mania, resulted in billions of dollars in losses for investors. The book follows Jamie Bartlett's globe-crossing investigation into the criminal underworlds, corrupt governments, and the super-rich involved in this scam. It highlights the dangers of such schemes and the thorough research that uncovered the inner workings and motives behind OneCoin.
In this book, Chris Whipple provides an in-depth analysis of the White House Chiefs of Staff, their successes and failures, and how they have shaped presidential history. Through extensive interviews with all seventeen living White House Chiefs of Staff and two former presidents, Whipple reveals the critical functions of the Chief of Staff, including controlling access to the Oval Office, creating time and space for the President to think, and serving as an honest broker for presidential decisions. The book also explores how effective Chiefs of Staff could have prevented major political disasters such as Watergate, the Iraq War, and the bungled Obamacare rollout. Whipple’s work offers a vivid and insightful look into the inner workings of the West Wing and the essential role of the Chief of Staff in the success or failure of a presidency.
This event is part of Critical Conversations, a new series on the age of misinformation by Intelligence Squared and Sage & Jester, hosted by Sophia Smith Galer. To see other events in this series, click here.
Where do we draw the line between free speech and dangerous misinformation? Algorithms not only dictate our data feeds but also reinforce our echo chambers, and the stakes have never been higher – both for our individual perspectives and for society at large.
How To Cure Your Algorithm dives headfirst into the pressing issue of digital manipulation. We’ll expose how unchecked algorithms can distort reality and question the balance between free speech and censorship. More than a debate, it’s a call to action: reclaim your digital narrative. In a series of dynamic sessions, you will receive an unprecedented opportunity to transform the way you interact with digital media, as you get the chance to triage and diagnose the issues in your algorithm before we lead you through some cultural therapies and digital medicinal interventions. We invite you to be at the forefront of this vital conversation – help shape the future of online discourse and empower individuals to take control of their own digital truth.
In May 2025 we were live at the Pleasance Theatre with host Sophia Smith Galer and journalist and author Jamie Bartlett for a critical conversation on the age of misinformation and how to take back control.
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