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
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.
8 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.
4 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 5min
Listen Now: Lawless Planet
Dive into the alarming intersection of crime and environmental destruction. A woman's heart-wrenching story reveals how corporate negligence leads to chaos. Explore the mysterious case of Larry Price Jr., a coal industry figure whose troubling journey highlights deeper issues of mental health and ecological damage. Each tale serves as a chilling reminder of the urgent choices we face to either protect our planet or watch it suffer irreversible harm.
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.
10 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 9min
Listen Now: Flesh and Code
Explore the fine line between love and technology as Travis navigates an intense relationship with Lily Rose, his AI companion. Delve into the unexpected emotions that surface in their unconventional bond, revealing vulnerability and acceptance. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas of AI-driven connections, exploring both excitement and challenges. Unpack the historical context of ideal companionship and the unpredictable consequences of creating such deep relationships, ultimately questioning the true nature of human connection.
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.
23 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 40min
The JFK Assassination: New Evidence Reveals The CIA's Fatal Mistake
The podcast delves into the chaos surrounding JFK's assassination and the enigmatic figure of Lee Harvey Oswald. It explores Oswald's troubled past, shedding light on his motivations and the psychological turmoil leading up to that fateful day. The narrative examines his connections with the Cuban consulate and potential CIA oversights, raising questions about conspiracy theories. With fresh evidence and personal reflections from those close to him, the discussion reveals the complexities of Oswald's life against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil.
