If my next podcast is just me reading an old phone book, that's the distress signal.

Act accordingly.

I just finished interviewing Kevin Shipp, a 17-year CIA veteran.

For the second time in my podcasting career, I actually got scared about releasing an episode.

(The first time was Robert F. Kennedy.)

Kevin is one of the few people who's violated his CIA non-disclosure agreement to write a book, Twilight of the Shadow Government.

Knowing the risks, he felt the American public needed to know what he knows.

And, to be clear, he wasn't sharing wild conspiracy theories or making outlandish claims.

I just got scared and when you listen to the episode and read the book you'll see why. (Link below.)

I’ll give you one example.

They Did WHAT?!

Throughout our conversation, Kevin laid out his firsthand experiences within the CIA.

One time, he discovered this massive security breach - anyone could walk into any U.S. Embassy visa section worldwide and identify covert officers.

We're talking station chiefs, undercover operatives, their assets - everything.

He submitted detailed reports. They disappeared from the servers. When he hand-delivered a physical copy to headquarters, they claimed never to receive it. The division chief called and threatened his career if he didn't drop the investigation.

But a high-level officer leaked his report to the State Department's Inspector General. Their investigators spent three months checking embassies worldwide. The verdict? It was "worse than even you thought."

Then - get this - Ted Shackley shows up. The “Blond Ghost”. One of the most decorated CIA officers ever. Guy's supposed to be retired, but there he is, handling this personally.

Then things got dark.

Something happened that made him believe the CIA wanted him dead.

Years later, over drinks with a former CIA Inspector General official, he learned the truth. (More details in the podcast.)

The most chilling part? The way he described how power actually works in Washington.

The Craziest Podcast Ever

Kevin drew clear lines between the CIA's activities and major historical events.

His distinction between the shadow government (CIA's manipulation of elected officials) and the deep state (military-industrial contractors setting foreign policy) wasn't the stuff of internet forums.

It was the analysis of someone who worked inside the system.

Whether you agree with all of Shipp's conclusions or not, his firsthand account of how power really works in Washington is fascinating.

That's why I released the episode, despite my initial fears.

If they get me, there will be signs.

(Especially if my next book is titled The CIA Is Always Right.)

Here’s the link to the full episode. You’re not going to want to miss this one.