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: Benghazi, 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: Benghazi, 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
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.
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.
