

Blowback
Blowback
A podcast about the American Empire.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 29, 2025 • 1min
Coming Soon: No Daylight
Get ready for a thrilling sneak peek into what’s coming in 2026! The hosts unveil an exciting new comic book project about Cold War spies in Italy. They also introduce a captivating miniseries that delves into the intricate U.S.–Israel relationship. Plus, find out about a price change for subscriptions starting January 1. Don't miss the chance to lock in the current rate before it goes up!

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
S6 Episode 3 - "The Stand"
Angolan anti-colonial rebels take center stage as they challenge Portuguese rule. Explore Cuba's significant role in supporting African revolutions. The rise of the MPLA and FNLA highlights competing nationalist interests. Tension escalates with Portugal's brutal reprisals and the international community's reactions. Discover the dynamics of U.S., Soviet, and Chinese involvement in the conflict. Plus, delve into South Africa's fears of a nationalist Angola. A thrilling journey through a critical period in African history.

17 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 3min
S6 Episode 2 - "Economy of Terror"
A look into the Portuguese empire in southern Africa and the stirrings of nationalism in Angola. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

45 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 50min
S6 Episode 1 - "The Dead Myth"
Dive into the tangled history of Angola, Cuba, and apartheid South Africa during the Cold War. Discover how Mandela's alliances with Castro played a pivotal role in challenging apartheid. Explore the shadowy world of mercenaries and the nuclear tensions that escalated fears globally. Delve into the story of Jonas Savimbi, whose complex legacy and brutal actions complicate Western narratives. Uncover the colonial roots that led to the fierce nationalism in Angola and the geopolitical chess game that ensued.

Sep 10, 2025 • 30sec
Coming Soon: Blowback Season 6
Delve into the dramatic twist of the Cold War as Cuba intervenes in Angola to defend its newfound independence. Discover the complexities of global politics with apartheid South Africa and the CIA backing a notorious warlord. The narrative promises a gripping exploration of rebellion, rivalry, and the quest for freedom in a pivotal period of history.

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
S5 Episode 10 - "The Terrible But Unfinished Story"
Dive into the complexities of Cambodia's recovery after the Khmer Rouge, navigating its intricate political shifts in the 1990s. Experience vivid personal stories of landmine victims and the haunting legacy of Pol Pot. Explore the challenges of justice through the Cambodian Genocide Tribunal and reflect on the deep impact of historical trauma on modern Khmer life. Uncover the economic divergence between Cambodia and Vietnam post-2009, along with the geopolitical tensions shaping U.S.-China relations.

16 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 11min
S5 Episode 9 - "Le Cercle Rouge"
This discussion dives into the tumultuous end of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the complex geopolitics that followed. It highlights Prince Noradam Sihanouk's desperate attempts for freedom while navigating international diplomacy. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's regime is examined, detailing the struggles of reconstruction and the U.S. tactics supporting a Khmer Rouge resurgence. The podcast also explores the harrowing refugee crisis at the Thai-Cambodian border and the chaotic rise of warlords amid calls for justice.

29 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 17min
S5 Episode 8 - "Third World War"
Chilling discoveries by Vietnamese photojournalists reveal the horrors of war in Phnom Penh. Survivor testimonies shed light on the brutal history of S-21 prison, where countless endured unimaginable torture. The podcast delves into the escalating conflict between the Khmer Rouge and Vietnam, exploring geopolitical strategies and the persecution of ethnic minorities. Additionally, it examines the transformation of S-21’s warden from schoolteacher to tyrant. Ultimately, it recounts Vietnam's military incursion leading to the fall of the Khmer Rouge, forever changing Cambodia.

42 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 11min
S5 Episode 7 - "Less Than Zero"
Explore the grim takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge, marked by chaos and execution. Delve into Mao’s chilling influence over Pol Pot, revealing power dynamics between these leaders. Discover the plight of Cambodians during this dark era, from forced labor to societal collapse. Examine Prince Sihanouk's tragic role, celebrated yet imprisoned, as well as the complex international relations with Vietnam and China that shaped the region's fate. Uncover the political manipulations surrounding American POWs from the Vietnam War, enriching the narrative of survival and despair.

38 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
S5 Episode 6 - "Dream Warriors"
Delve into the chaotic history of the Khmer Republic as political tensions rise in Cambodia. Hear about the impact of U.S. bombing campaigns and the sinister emergence of the Khmer Rouge. Discover the controversial actions during Nixon's impeachment and the murky aftermath of the Paris Agreement. The podcast reveals the stark realities in Phnom Penh as violence escalates, highlighting the divide between suffering citizens and the elite. Uncover the chilling methods employed by the Khmer Rouge as they reshape the nation amidst turmoil.


