Fiasco
Pushkin Industries
Host Leon Neyfakh transports listeners into the day-to-day reality of our country's most pivotal historical events, bringing to life the forgotten twists and turns of the past while shedding light on the present.
Benghazi unpacks the 2012 attack in Libya that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens—and the ensuing political storm, which raised questions about America’s role in the world, established a playbook to weaponize attention in the social media age, and ultimately changed the course of U.S. history.
Iran-Contra exposes a secret war, a secret deal, and a scandal that threatened to destroy Ronald Reagan’s presidency—until it didn’t.
Bush v. Gore recounts what happened during the contested 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, and the extraordinary legal battle that unfolded in Florida.
Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Iran-Contra, ad-free. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Benghazi unpacks the 2012 attack in Libya that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens—and the ensuing political storm, which raised questions about America’s role in the world, established a playbook to weaponize attention in the social media age, and ultimately changed the course of U.S. history.
Iran-Contra exposes a secret war, a secret deal, and a scandal that threatened to destroy Ronald Reagan’s presidency—until it didn’t.
Bush v. Gore recounts what happened during the contested 2000 election between Al Gore and George W. Bush, and the extraordinary legal battle that unfolded in Florida.
Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Iran-Contra, ad-free. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm.
Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 8, 2025 • 57min
Benghazi: Episode 2 - We Will Stay Here
Brian Linville, a U.S. Army Colonel and diplomatic liaison, shares gripping insights from his time in Tripoli during Libya's revolution. Iman Bougegis, an orthodontist and protest leader, discusses her experiences in the fight against Gaddafi. They delve into the chaotic months leading up to the Benghazi attack, detailing the pivotal roles American diplomats played and the internal conflicts faced by Libyans. Together, they highlight the complex dynamics of loyalty within Gaddafi's regime and the challenges of establishing a new political order amidst unrest.
5 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 48min
Benghazi: Episode 1 - The Dictator
Hussain al-Shafi, a former prisoner at Abu Salim, shares his harrowing experiences of dissent against Muammar Gaddafi's regime. He recounts the brutal realities of imprisonment and the notorious Abu Salim massacre. Gaddafi's oppressive tactics and the atmosphere of fear in Libya are vividly portrayed, connecting the past to the chaotic events surrounding the Benghazi attack. Al-Shafi's story uncovers the human cost of political repression and the struggle for justice amid the tumultuous backdrop of Libyan history.
Aug 25, 2025 • 4min
Introducing Fiasco: Benghazi
Fiasco: Benghazi unpacks the 2012 attack in Libya that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens—and the ensuing political storm, which raised questions about America’s role in the world, established a playbook to weaponize attention in the social media age, and ultimately changed the course of U.S. history. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this season visit: bit.ly/fiascopoliticsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 26, 2025 • 50min
Iran Contra: Episode 8 - Pardon Me
Join John Q. Barrett, a law professor with insider knowledge from the independent counsel's investigation, and Mary Belcher, a seasoned reporter from The Washington Times, as they unravel the complexities of the Iran-Contra scandal. They discuss George H.W. Bush's controversial role in the affair, the impact of the Weinberger indictment, and the political fallout surrounding the pardons issued on Christmas Eve. Dive into the mind of Bush through his diary entries and explore how media scrutiny shaped his legacy during this turbulent time.
May 19, 2025 • 39min
Iran Contra: Episode 7 - Olliewood
Mike Robe, a talented producer and director known for adapting Ben Bradley Jr.'s works into engaging TV movies, dives deep into the intertwining worlds of the Iran-Contra scandal and Hollywood. He explores how Oliver North's testimony captivated the media and sparked Hollywood's interest. The discussion reveals the challenges of portraying North's controversial legacy in docudramas and highlights the production struggles of miniseries about him. Ultimately, Robe examines the shifting public perception of North amidst the chaos and political scrutiny sowed by the scandal.
May 12, 2025 • 45min
Iran Contra: Episode 6 - Fault Lines
Oliver North, a controversial figure and Lieutenant Colonel involved in the Iran-Contra affair, dives into his iconic testimony during the scandal's hearings. He shares insights on the psychological toll of the political crisis and accountability issues that followed. North reflects on Ronald Reagan's strategies to evade blame and contrasts his own deflection of responsibility with John Poindexter's acceptance. The discussion reveals the intense scrutiny Reagan faced and the tension resulting from key testimonies amidst the scandal.
4 snips
May 5, 2025 • 41min
Iran Contra: Episode 5 - All Out
In this engaging discussion, Peter Wollison, former White House counsel, delves into the legal strategies behind the Iran-Contra scandal. Joining him is George Shultz, Reagan's Secretary of State, who openly opposed missile sales to Iran. They dissect the administration's struggle to maintain integrity sans a Watergate repeat, the complex arms trade with Iran, and the internal dissent within Reagan's team. The pressures during key press conferences and the political ramifications of their decisions are juxtaposed against modern accountability challenges, making for a riveting listen.
Apr 28, 2025 • 34min
Iran Contra: Bonus - Bombs, Drugs, and the Contra War
Martha Honey and Tony Avirgan, seasoned journalists who reported on the Contra war, share gripping firsthand accounts from Costa Rica. They discuss the challenges of uncovering U.S. covert operations amid editorial pushback. The chaos of a bombing at a press conference highlights the dangers they faced. The duo reveals disturbing links between the Iran-Contra affair and drug trafficking, shedding light on the shadows of political intrigue that define this tumultuous period in American history.
5 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 47min
Iran Contra: Episode 4 - Diverted
How Oliver North decided to do a little multitasking -- and ended up on a plane to Tehran.For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Iran Contra, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkinSubscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 42min
Iran Contra: Episode 3 - Contra Dance
Discover the chaotic aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Nicaragua and its effect on a nation in turmoil. Unravel the complex web of U.S. intervention against the backdrop of the Contra movement amid rising revolutionary fervor. Dive into the moral dilemmas faced by a new U.S. ambassador managing escalating tensions and covert operations. Explore the challenges posed by the Boland Amendment and the controversial fundraising efforts for the Contras. Examine the seductive allure of political heroism contrasted with harsh realities on the ground.
