REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana
Wondery | Ballen Studios
Behind the closed doors of government offices and military compounds, are hidden stories and buried secrets from the darkest corners of history. Each week, Luke Lamana, a Marine Corp Reconnaissance Veteran, pulls back the curtain on what once was classified information exposing the secrets and lies behind the world’s most powerful institutions. From the hitmakers at Wondery and Ballen Studios, we bring you REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana. The stories are real, and the secrets are shocking. Follow REDACTED: Declassified Mysteries with Luke Lamana on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting https://wondery.com/links/redacted/?ol=wnd~spot~ap~am now.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 16min
Introducing: American Criminal
Jeremy Schwartz, the host of American Criminal, dives into the minds of notorious serial killers Henry Lee Lucas and Ottis Toole. He examines their chilling claims of a nationwide murder spree alongside their unsettling friendship, rooted in troubled pasts. The discussion highlights the horrific case of Sandra May Dubs, revealing connections between her tragic murder and local fear. With twists and mystery, they explore how the dark side of their lives intertwines with the American experience.
22 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 36min
WikiLeaks: The Hacker Who Exposed America's Darkest Secrets
The podcast dives into the explosive release of classified footage by Julian Assange, sparking global debates about military transparency. It traces the dramatic fallout within WikiLeaks, showcasing personal conflicts among its leaders. Assange's seven-year asylum saga is explored, revealing the consequences of his relentless pursuit for truth. The legacy of WikiLeaks is scrutinized, highlighting the complex perceptions of whistleblowers like Assange and Manning, as it navigates the tricky balance between transparency and national security.
30 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 30min
Castle Bravo: America's Deadliest Nuclear Mistake
Discover the shocking aftermath of the Castle Bravo nuclear test, where a Japanese fishing crew is caught in the deadly fallout. Learn about the devastating health impacts on local islanders and the stark contrast between their reality and the secrecy of U.S. nuclear ambitions. Hear tales of displacement, emotional turmoil, and the chaotic scenes faced by those living nearby. Unravel the complex narrative of accountability and the enduring legacy of this catastrophic event, highlighting both human suffering and the corruption entwined in nuclear history.
12 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 38min
A Redacted Medical Mystery: Weather Warriors/Red Menace
MrBallen, host of the popular MrBallen's Medical Mysteries podcast, dives into two shocking tales of hidden military operations. The first reveals Operation Popeye, where the U.S. Army manipulated weather to disrupt Viet Cong supply lines, raising tough ethical questions about humanity's attempt to control nature. The second story uncovers a medical mystery in San Francisco, where residents suffer from alarming and bizarre symptoms, leading to a frantic race for answers. These tales intertwine the intrigue of warfare and medical anomalies, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.
18 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
Operation Fast & Furious: When Feds Armed Cartels
A tragic tale emerges from a covert U.S. operation gone awry, leading to a Border Patrol agent's death. The reckless strategy of Fast and Furious allowed guns to slip into the hands of criminals, igniting controversy and ethical dilemmas among agents. Amid bureaucratic failures, one brave whistleblower risks everything to expose the truth, facing severe backlash. The podcast also touches on the haunting legacy of forced adoptions, revealing the dark side of past practices and their lingering effects on young mothers.
16 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 41min
Operation Underworld: The Secret WW2 Alliance between The Navy and the Mafia
Discover the astonishing alliance forged between the U.S. Navy and the Mafia during World War II. Charles “Lucky” Luciano leveraged his criminal network to help protect New York's docks from possible sabotage by Nazi spies. Delve into the chaotic atmosphere of wartime sabotage and the Navy's race against time after a devastating fire. Experience the murky waters of corruption as military officials navigated dealings with organized crime. This gripping tale intertwines espionage, tragedy, and unexpected partnerships, revealing a hidden chapter of American history.
18 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 37min
Murder in Mississippi: The Medgar Evers Assassination Case
Explore the shocking assassination of civil rights leader Medgar Evers, a pivotal figure in the fight against racial injustice. Discover how two all-white juries failed to convict his murderer, revealing the deep-seated bias of the era. Witness the emotional courtroom confrontation between Evers' widow and his killer decades later, as new evidence and revelations emerge. The journey for justice intertwines with broader themes of resilience and the ongoing struggle for equality, leaving a lasting legacy in the fight against racism.
36 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 33min
The Dreyfus Affair: France's Anti-Semitic Military Scandal
In 1894, a Jewish French officer, Alfred Dreyfus, faced wrongful conviction for espionage, sparking a national scandal. The gripping narrative dives deep into the sheer anti-Semitism that propelled his public humiliation and the profound betrayal felt by those who supported him. As evidence pointing to his innocence emerged, France grappled with issues of justice and corruption. Renowned writer Émile Zola's fight for Dreyfus highlights the enduring struggle against prejudice and injustice, raising echoes of similar themes in today's world.
18 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 37min
Deep Cover: The ATF Agent Who Became a Hell’s Angel
An undercover ATF agent, Jay Dobyns, infiltrated the notorious Hells Angels, risking everything to gain their trust. His journey involved trafficking weapons and staging violence, blurring the lines of legality. As the operation came to a sudden halt, he became a target, hunted by those he once called brothers. The podcast dives into intense undercover challenges, layered personal stories of loss, and the moral dilemmas faced in a world alive with danger. It’s a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the high stakes of living a double life.
26 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 35min
Cambridge Five: The Spy Scandal That Broke M16
Explore the fascinating tale of the Cambridge Five, a group of charismatic British men who secretly worked for the Soviets. Discover how they infiltrated British intelligence, driven by complex motives. Kim Philby's operations during wartime highlight a shocking betrayal as he passed vital secrets to Moscow. The podcast reveals the intricate web of deception around this espionage scandal and the dramatic consequences for those caught in Philby's double life, shaking intelligence communities to their core.
