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
7 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 48min
Iran Contra: Episode 2 - Trade Secrets
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.
7 snips
Apr 7, 2025 • 42min
Iran Contra: Episode 1 - Get Me Kevin Kattke
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.
Apr 7, 2025 • 6min
Iran Contra: A New Introduction from Leon Neyfakh
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.
Apr 3, 2025 • 2min
Introducing Fiasco: Iran-Contra
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 exposes a secret war, a secret deal, and a scandal that threatened to destroy Ronald Reagan’s presidency—until it didn’t. Fiasco: Iran-Contra is available wherever you get your podcasts. Pushkin+ subscribers can hear the entire season, ad-free, 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.
Dec 23, 2024 • 19min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - Legacy.
The late Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens talks about his memories of Bush v. Gore, and why the ruling’s legacy, years after the fact, looks even worse than he thought it would.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 16, 2024 • 33min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - Lawfare
Attorneys David Boies and Ted Olsen, who represented the Gore and Bush sides, respectively, talk about the unique challenges that came with representing their clients before the Supreme Court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 9, 2024 • 24min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - What If…
An interview with Ralph Nader on his role as a “spoiler” in the 2000 election, and historian Mary Frances Berry, who led the 2001 commission looking into the impact that ballot box irregularities involving Black voters may have had on the outcome in Florida.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 2, 2024 • 23min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - Information Wars
Craig Waters, former public information officer for the Florida Supreme Court during the pivotal 2000 recount, shares his unique perspective on navigating chaos. He discusses the intense pressure of transforming from a private citizen to a public figure amid a politically charged atmosphere. The conversation highlights the critical role of communication and trust during the recount, shedding light on how misinformation shaped public perception. Craig also reflects on the emotional toll and media dynamics involved in managing such a historic moment.
Nov 25, 2024 • 39min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - Inside the Florida Secretary of State’s Office During the 2000 Recount
Conversations with Florida’s former Secretary of State Katherine Harris, the Bush supporter who presided over the 2000 recount, and self-described Republican operative and “Bush liege” who embedded in Harris’s office during the recount and helped her bring the election “in for a landing.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2024 • 27min
Bush v. Gore: Bonus - A Mile In Their Shoes
Brian Noyes, a key staffer from the 2000 Bush campaign, shares riveting insights from the chaotic Florida recount. He discusses the emotional rollercoaster of feeling an election was being stolen and the importance of documenting those experiences through oral histories. Noyes highlights how individual narratives from lesser-known campaign members offer vital perspectives on the historical dynamics of Bush v. Gore. His reflections underscore the unpredictability of voter sentiment and the strategic maneuvers employed during this pivotal moment in American politics.
