Reality Winner

Reality Winner, a former NSA contractor and Air Force veteran, discusses her decision to leak classified documents on Russian election interference, reflecting on the intense moral dilemmas and the repercussions of her actions. She shares her harrowing experiences during incarceration, particularly the unique struggles faced by women in federal prison. Winner also opens up about navigating life after prison, including the challenges of reintegration and her evolving identity as a whistleblower. Additionally, John Powers reviews the MUBI series exploring Mussolini's rise to power.

Reality Winner, a former NSA contractor who infamously leaked a classified report in 2017, shares her journey in the podcast. She discusses the emotional toll of remote intelligence work and the pressures of secrecy. Winner describes her motivations behind leaking the Russia report and the naive belief that her actions would go unnoticed. With an eye on the future, she raises concerns about the Espionage Act and its implications for whistleblowers, reflecting on how her experience has altered her view of America.