

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

112 snips
Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 14min
S4 Episode 2 - "Bleeders and Dealers"
Explore the origins of the conflict in Afghanistan and the rise of the Mujahideen. Learn about Afghanistan's historical significance, its relationships with the Soviet Union and the United States, and the rise of political Islam. Discover the formation of the Safari Club and its outsourcing of CIA operations. Dive into the aftermath of Watergate and the CIA's covert programs. Examine the accusations against the USSR and the revolt in Harat. Get insights into Soviet decision making in regards to sending troops to Afghanistan.

108 snips
Aug 25, 2023 • 47min
S4 Episode 1 - "Snake Eater"
This podcast discusses the chaotic situation in Kabul as the Taliban takes control, the historical context of the war in Afghanistan, the relationship between Islamic fundamentalism and the US, Charlie Wilson's debauched lifestyle, the key players in the Afghan jihad, the rise of the bin Laden family, and the close relationship between the Bush and bin Laden families.

Nov 28, 2022 • 1h 40min
S3 Episode 10 - "The Host"
The armistice in Korea is supposed to be temporary. But a peace treaty never comes. As decades roll on, the war becomes permanent.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 21, 2022 • 1h 17min
S3 Episode 9 - "No More Targets"
The discussion highlights the stalemate in the Korean War and the U.S. military's aggressive tactics against North Korea. The complex interplay between military strategy and political authority is explored, particularly through General MacArthur's dismissal. Tension unfolds as journalists face censorship while covering the war, revealing the psychological strain on troops and the press. The narrative also touches on Truman's controversial steel seizure and its constitutional implications, as well as the geopolitical pressures surrounding the 1953 armistice negotiations.

Nov 14, 2022 • 1h 26min
S3 Episode 8 - "American Caesar"
Dive into the intense standoff between President Truman and General MacArthur during the Korean War. Explore MacArthur's bold proposal to use nuclear weapons and the stark contrasts between aggressive military tactics and cautious political strategy. Uncover the struggles faced by Chinese forces and the shifting perceptions of the conflict in America. Delve into the fraught relationship between the U.S. military and the press, along with chilling stories of POW indoctrination and dark allegations of biological warfare.

Nov 7, 2022 • 1h 8min
S3 Episode 7 - "Mao's Poem"
The podcast delves into the contrasting Thanksgiving experiences of U.S. soldiers and their Chinese counterparts during the Korean War. It highlights China's internal debates and Mao's struggles over intervention, revealing the complexities of their military strategies. The discussion covers Truman's atomic dilemmas and the chilling effects of censorship on wartime reporting. With a critical look at ideology clashes, it captures the intense political climate in both the U.S. and China, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the Cold War.

Oct 31, 2022 • 1h 7min
S3 Episode 6 - "National Smile Week"
Dive into the turbulent tides of the Korean War, where General MacArthur’s bold strategies clash with harsh realities. Discover the challenges faced during the pivotal Incheon Landing and the intricate dance of U.S. defense policy post-war. Insights reveal the media's role in shaping perceptions, alongside troubling racial attitudes among troops. Experience the historic Truman-MacArthur meeting that set the stage for military decisions, while exploring the painful aftermath and international outcry over human rights violations.

Oct 24, 2022 • 1h 22min
S3 Episode 5 - “Train to Busan”
With a rightwing, US-backed klepto-case to his South, Kim Il-Sung bets the house.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 1min
S3 Episode 4 - "Red Island"
The war before the war on a self-reliant island off South Korea.Soundtrack: https://open.spotify.com/album/4e9hkmGdDhycmgcGKe3bF0?si=d97_H1fvS5CV84ZvcEhZqQAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 snips
Oct 10, 2022 • 1h 10min
S3 Episode 3 - "The Blue House"
After a flash of hope post-WWII Korea is divided into North and South.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


