Fiasco

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.

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.

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.

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.

A bonus interview with journalists Martha Honey and Tony Avirgan. Honey and Avirgan tell Leon about their time reporting on the Contra war from the southern front in Costa Rica. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this season 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.

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.

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.

Robert Budd McFarlane, former national security advisor to Reagan, shares his firsthand experience navigating the tumultuous waters of the Iran-Contra affair. He unveils the dramatic backdrop of Reagan's inauguration amid the Iranian hostage crisis, shedding light on the complex decisions made during this era. McFarlane reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced, especially the moral quandaries in negotiating arms for hostages, and the personal responsibility he felt for these consequential actions. His insights provide a unique lens on a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy.

Dive into the wild world of amateur spies in the 1980s as they stumble into the Iran-Contra scandal. Meet Kevin Katke, a maintenance engineer caught in Cold War chaos, whose day takes a turn when he receives a call from the White House. Explore the political frustrations of military personnel and grassroots movements during the Grenada crisis. Witness the chaotic coup and the dramatic downfall of a supposed benefactor for the Contras, revealing how personal ambitions intertwine with national interests in a turbulent time.

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. Fiasco: Iran-Contra tells the story of a secret war, a secret deal, and a foreign policy scandal that threatened to destroy Ronald Reagan’s presidency — until it didn’t.For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this season 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.