The CIA’s Most Dangerous Man? Stephen Kinzer on MKUltra, Mind Control, and Sidney Gottlieb

The CIA’s Most Dangerous Man? Stephen Kinzer on MKUltra, Mind Control, and Sidney Gottlieb

What happens when a quiet family man is also the architect of one of the most disturbing programs in American history?   In this fascinating conversation, bestselling author Stephen Kinzer joins The Edlow Podcast to discuss his acclaimed book Poisoner in Chief and the life of Sidney Gottlieb—the CIA chemist who led the infamous MKUltra program.   We explore the shocking history of CIA mind-control experiments, covert operations, assassination plots, and the Cold War fears that drove the U.S. government to pursue some of its darkest projects. Kinzer explains how Gottlieb developed poisons used in attempts to eliminate foreign leaders, oversaw controversial human experimentation, and became one of the most influential yet least-known figures in CIA history.   We also discuss: • MKUltra and government mind-control research • The Cold War fear of Soviet and Chinese brainwashing • CIA intervention around the world • Assassination attempts against foreign leaders • The moral contradictions of Sidney Gottlieb • The influence of Nazi experimentation on postwar intelligence programs • Government secrecy and accountability • What these historical events can teach us about current world affairs   Whether you’re interested in intelligence history, government power, ethics, or hidden chapters of American history, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.   Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with fascinating guests from all walks of life.

Dez NorCal Eatz: Finding Sacramento’s Hidden Gems, Building a Brand, & Raising Great Kids

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build one of Northern California’s most trusted food review pages, this episode is for you.   In this conversation, I sit down with Dez NorCal Eats to talk about far more than just great food. We discuss how he turned his passion for discovering local restaurants into a thriving social media brand, the countless hours that go into creating content, and what it’s really like to review restaurants for a living.   We also dive into growing up in Sacramento, his roots in the Bay Area music scene, balancing content creation with fatherhood, and why bringing his kids along on food adventures has become one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.   Most importantly, Dez shares why he believes customer service often matters more than the food itself, how he approaches the difficult decision to post a negative review, what catches his attention in a restaurant, and some of his favorite places to eat around Sacramento.   Follow Dez NorCal Eats: 📍 YouTube: @DezNorCalEats 📍 Facebook: Dez NorCal Eats 📍 Instagram: @deznorcaleats 📍 TikTok: @deznorcaleats   Whether you’re a foodie, an aspiring content creator, a small business owner, or simply love hearing inspiring stories from interesting people, this episode has something for you.   Topics include: • Sacramento’s best restaurants • How Dez NorCal Eats got started • Building a successful social media brand • The reality of content creation • Why customer service is everything • Giving honest restaurant reviews • Fatherhood and family adventures • Sacramento food culture • His Bay Area music background • Favorite local dining spots   If you enjoyed this conversation, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue bringing you conversations with fascinating people from every walk of life.

Just Me #26: Hard Truths | Trauma, False Accusations, Flat Earth Logic & Your Questions

In this episode of Just Me, I’m tackling some of the toughest questions you’ve sent my way.   What do you do when someone spreads lies about you? Should you fight to clear your name, or is there a point where your actions have to speak louder than your words? How do you know the difference between strength and surrender?   I also respond to a powerful listener email from a woman whose childhood trauma has led to destructive patterns in her marriage. We talk about the difference between understanding why we behave a certain way and actually changing that behavior, why trauma deserves compassion but isn’t a free pass for hurting others, and why empathy has to flow both ways if a relationship is going to survive.   Along the way, I answer your questions about professional wrestling, the biggest misconceptions about the business, my legal career, success, faith, my favorite Sacramento hidden gems, podcast guests who’ve surprised me the most, and much more.   I also revisit the Flat Earth discussion, explain the difference between a contradiction and a hypothetical concession, and break down why those distinctions matter when evaluating arguments.   If you enjoy honest conversations, practical advice, and thoughtful discussion without pulling punches, this episode is for you.   Topics include:   * Defending your reputation vs. letting your character speak   * False accusations and broken friendships   * Trauma, accountability, and empathy in relationships   * Why explanations are not excuses   * Flat Earth arguments and logical reasoning   * Wrestling, law, faith, Sacramento, and listener Q&A   If you enjoy the show, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who might benefit from the conversation.   Available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Robin Stern, Ph.D.: The Truth About Gaslighting, Emotional Manipulation, and Why You Doubt Yourself

Gaslighting has become one of the most talked-about psychological terms of the modern era—but what does it actually mean, and how can you tell the difference between a disagreement, a different perspective, and true emotional manipulation?   In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, I sit down with Robin Stern, Ph.D., psychoanalyst, educator, co-founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, and author of the groundbreaking book The Gaslight Effect. For nearly two decades, Dr. Stern has been one of the leading voices helping people understand the dynamics of gaslighting and how it can slowly erode a person’s confidence, trust in themselves, and sense of reality.   Robin explains why she devoted her career to studying gaslighting, how the phenomenon works, and the powerful concept she calls the “Gaslight Tango”—the dynamic relationship between the gaslighter and the gaslightee that allows manipulation to take hold over time.   We also discuss one of the most common questions people ask: “Am I really the problem, or am I being gaslit?” Robin shares practical insights for recognizing the warning signs, understanding when differing perceptions cross the line into manipulation, and breaking free from unhealthy relational patterns.   The conversation also explores the growing role of gaslighting in our digital world, including Robin’s work with Facebook and Google, and why finding credible, evidence-based information about gaslighting is more important than ever.   Topics Include:   • Why Robin Stern dedicated her career to studying gaslighting • What gaslighting is—and what it is not • Understanding the “Gaslight Tango” • The roles of the gaslighter and the gaslightee • How to tell the difference between disagreement and manipulation • When differing perceptions become gaslighting • The psychological effects of being gaslit • Why victims often feel compelled to prove their gaslighter wrong • Gaslighting in relationships, culture, and social media • Robin’s work with Facebook and Google • Common misconceptions about gaslighting • The best sources for accurate information on the subject • How to begin recovering and rebuilding trust in yourself   Whether you’ve experienced gaslighting firsthand, know someone who has, or simply want a deeper understanding of one of psychology’s most misunderstood concepts, this conversation offers valuable insights from one of the world’s foremost experts on the subject.

Mark Holton: The Art of Character Acting, Hollywood Friendships, and Why Faith & Family Matter Most

Mark Holton’s life and career are proof that sometimes the most memorable people in Hollywood aren’t the leading men—they’re the character actors who leave an unforgettable impression.   In this episode of The Edlow Podcast, Mark shares an incredible journey that took him from Oklahoma to Hollywood, where he became known for iconic roles in films like Teen Wolf, Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, and A League of Their Own. Along the way, he experienced unexpected opportunities, lifelong friendships, professional challenges, and what he believes was divine intervention guiding his path.   Topics Include:   • Growing up in Oklahoma and discovering a love for theater   • Being inspired by the incredible performers he saw on Broadway   • Moving to Los Angeles and working in casting on the Paramount lot   • Breaking into the industry through commercial work   • Behind-the-scenes stories from Pee-wee’s Big Adventure   • Why character actors are often remembered longer than leading men   • The role faith and divine intervention played in his acting career   • Difficult experiences while filming Gacy and choosing not to quit for the sake of the crew   • Running lines with Penny Marshall on her front porch before playing Adult Stillwell in A League of Their Own   • Michael J. Fox advocating for him to receive a larger role in Teen Wolf   • Reconnecting with God and faith later in life   • His genuine friendship with Paul Reubens beyond the spotlight   • Lessons learned from a lifetime in Hollywood   • Why faith and family ultimately matter more than fame   This is a heartfelt conversation filled with Hollywood history, inspiring stories, personal faith, lasting friendships, and the perspective that comes from a life well lived.