Podcasts > Conspiracy Theories

Conspiracy Theories • Spotify Studios

The world’s most controversial events, and the complex beliefs behind them. From Bigfoot sightings to bitcoin takeovers, alien landings to assassinations, who’s shaping the narrative — and why? Conspiracy Theories is a Spotify Original. New episodes Wednesdays.

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Conspiracy Theories • Spotify Studios

Episodes

  • The Short Reign and Mysterious Death of Pope John Paul I

    In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the brief papacy of Pope John Paul I is examined, from his humble beginnings as Albino Luciani to his unexpected death after just 33 days as Pope in 1978. The episode covers his rise through Church ranks to become the Patriarch of Venice, and ultimately, his election as Pope at age 65 despite his initial reluctance to accept the role.

    The circumstances surrounding Pope John Paul I's death are explored, including conflicting accounts of the discovery of his body and questions about the lack of an autopsy. The episode delves into potential connections between his death and Vatican Bank financial scandals, featuring opposing viewpoints from investigators David Yallop and John Cornwell, while also addressing the Vatican's continued position that the Pope died of natural causes.

    May 7, 2025

  • The Assassination of Malcolm X Pt. 2

    In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the details surrounding Malcolm X's assassination reveal a complex web of legal proceedings and potential cover-ups. Three men—Thomas Haleem, Muhammad Aziz, and Khalil Islam—were charged with the murder, but the case against Aziz and Islam relied on questionable evidence while both men maintained strong alibis. Haleem later admitted his involvement while declaring the other two men's innocence.

    The episode explores how both the NYPD and FBI had surveillance on Malcolm X during this period, with evidence suggesting they withheld crucial information that could have prevented wrongful convictions. In 2021, Aziz and Islam were officially exonerated, leading to a $100 million lawsuit filed by Malcolm X's daughters against multiple government agencies, alleging their involvement in both the assassination and subsequent cover-up.

    Apr 30, 2025

  • The Assassination of Malcolm X Pt. 1

    This Conspiracy Theories episode explores the events leading up to Malcolm X's assassination, beginning with his early experiences with racial violence, including the death of his father and his family's separation. The summary covers Malcolm X's transformation in prison, where he joined the Nation of Islam, and his subsequent rise to prominence as the organization's spokesperson, during which time he grew its membership from hundreds to over 25,000.

    The episode also examines the power struggles within the Nation of Islam that preceded Malcolm X's death, including tensions with leader Elijah Muhammad and his sons. It details the circumstances of Malcolm X's assassination at the Audubon Ballroom and the investigation that followed, including questions about security lapses, delayed police response, and the possibility of a broader conspiracy beyond the three Nation of Islam members who were arrested.

    Apr 23, 2025

  • UFOS, Occultists, Murder Schemes: The Deaths of Miguel and Manuel

    The Conspiracy Theories podcast explores one of Brazil's most perplexing unsolved mysteries - the bizarre deaths of two electronics experts on Vintem Hill in 1966. Miguel and Manuel were found suited and masked, lying side by side with no signs of violence. The episode delves into various theories surrounding their demise, including ties to occult practices, an ill-fated attempt to contact aliens, and a sinister robbery and cover-up.

    While police investigated clues like scribbled notes, chemicals, and cryptic directions, the case remains unsolved. Were Miguel and Manuel hapless victims of a criminal act, or did their curiosity about extraterrestrials lead them down a fateful path? The episode examines the evidence, leaving listeners to ponder what really transpired on that fateful night in Niterói.

    Apr 16, 2025

  • The Dark Truth Behind Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

    In this episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the summary delves into the life and activism of Oscar "Zeta" Acosta, a prominent figure in the Chicano civil rights movement. It covers Acosta's involvement in cases like the Eastside 13, his run for LA County Sheriff, and his personal struggles with drug use and mental health issues.

    The summary also explores Acosta's connection to author Hunter S. Thompson, revealing he was the inspiration for Dr. Gonzo in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Additionally, it examines theories surrounding Acosta's mysterious disappearance in 1974, such as potential assassination by the FBI or faking his death as a revolutionary symbol.

    Apr 9, 2025

  • Murder in Antarctica?

    In this episode about life at Antarctica's South Pole base, the brutal living conditions and scientific appeal of the isolated location are explored. Factors contributing to violence there, such as excessive drinking, mental stress from isolation, and lack of support, are discussed. The suspicious death of respected astrophysicist Rodney Marks in 2000 is examined.

    The episode details how a New Zealand police investigation into Marks' suspected methanol poisoning was obstructed by the US Antarctic Program, raising questions about a potential cover-up. Speculation around causes of death, from suicide to foul play, stems from the lack of transparency and evidence mishandling. The episode raises concerns about worker safety and culture at the remote base.

    Apr 2, 2025

  • "My Lady Jane" and the Real Conspiracy to Take the English Throne

    In the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast, an intriguing episode explores the real-life conspiracy surrounding the brief and ill-fated reign of Lady Jane Grey in 16th-century England.

    The summary delves into the key players and their motivations, including the ambitious Duke of Northumberland who schemed to place his family on the throne. It details the conspiracy itself—how the dying King Edward VI named Jane as his heir, and how Jane was married to Northumberland's son as part of the plot.

    The episode also covers Jane's nine-day reign as Queen before her dethroning, the aftermath of executions and varied fates for the conspirators, and Jane's enduring legacy and the mysteries surrounding her involvement.

    Mar 26, 2025

  • Argentina's Death Flights

    During Argentina's military dictatorship, thousands faced arrest and torture in secret detention centers like Esma. This episode centers on Miriam Lewin, a detained activist whose survival and linguistic skills led to an unexpected release after enduring yearlong imprisonment and "death flights."

    The episode also examines Lewin's later efforts with photographer Giancarlo Serrato to investigate these flights — logbooks revealed irregular routes carrying drugged prisoners to their deaths from aircraft. Their work contributed to convictions for crimes against humanity committed under Videla's regime.

    Mar 19, 2025

  • The Great Hunger of Ireland: Natural Disaster or Man-Made Genocide?

    The Conspiracy Theories podcast explores a dark chapter of Irish history in this episode's focus on the Great Hunger of 1845-1852. An over-reliance on potato crops, combined with Britain's misguided economic policies, turned a crop failure into a national catastrophe for the Irish people.

    The summary examines the major factors contributing to mass starvation and disease outbreaks, including the spread of potato blight, export of food from Ireland amid famine conditions, and delayed distribution of relief efforts by British leadership. Controversial details on landlord evictions, forced emigration, and debates over whether British policies legally constituted genocide reveal the harsh realities of a crisis that decimated the Irish population.

    Mar 12, 2025

  • JFK Revisited: FBI Finds 2,000 More Documents

    In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, Jefferson Morley examines the ongoing secrecy surrounding the JFK assassination. He explains how the CIA and FBI continue to withhold documents, undercutting the intended transparency of the JFK Records Act. Morley discusses Kennedy's foreign policy stances, including opposition to escalating Vietnam involvement and support for anti-colonial movements, which clashed with elements within government agencies at the time.

    The discussion also covers public skepticism of the Warren Commission's findings due to perceived conflicts of interest and evidence of CIA withholding information during the investigation. Morley explores how continued redactions and agencies' statements reinforce doubts about the official narrative and government transparency regarding this pivotal historical event.

    Mar 5, 2025

  • The Dead Minister Who Lived

    In this episode of the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast, the mysterious disappearance and resurfacing of Wesley Barrett Cox, known as Barry, is explored. Barry vanished in 1984 after his abandoned car was found, and investigators suspected he staged his own disappearance. Over 15 years later, a man claiming to be Barry reappeared with total amnesia, shocking his family.

    The episode delves into the emotional toll Barry's disappearance and return had on his ex-wife Beth and daughter Talitha. It also examines the legal and social challenges Barry faced reclaiming his identity after his reemergence, including accusations of fraud and inheritance disputes. While many questions remain unanswered, the episode provides an intriguing look at this bizarre case.

    Feb 26, 2025

  • The Fall of the Georgia Guidestones

    In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the history and demolition of Georgia's mysterious Guidestones are examined. Constructed in 1979 under the guidance of the unknown "R.C. Christian," the massive granite monument sparked fascination and suspicion, with theories linking the structure's astronomical features and inscriptions about population and governance to groups like the Rosicrucians or a "New World Order."

    With the Guidestones' explosive destruction in July 2022, their purpose and creators remain a mystery. The episode delves into the key figures involved, theories about the monument's origins, and the community's reckoning as a bizarre landmark central to local lore and conspiracy is erased overnight.

    Feb 19, 2025

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  • The Colossal Reach of the Tartarian Empire

    In the Conspiracy Theories podcast, questions surrounding the mysterious Tartarian Empire come to light. The episode delves into the uncertainties around the geographic boundaries and advanced technological capabilities sometimes attributed to this ancient civilization.

    Theories propose the Tartarians harnessed unlimited free energy and demonstrated architectural marvels. But the host explores counterarguments, questioning the plausibility of perpetual energy systems and suggesting the ornate architecture stemmed from affordable labor costs rather than advanced engineering. The episode navigates the conspiratorial claim that evidence of the Tartarian Empire is being suppressed, leaving listeners to ponder the veracity of this supposed hidden history.

    Feb 12, 2025

  • I Fought the Law: The Death of Bobby Fuller

    Bobby Fuller's sudden death in 1966 remains shrouded in mystery. This episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast explores the timeline and details surrounding Fuller's unexplained demise. Was it an accidental gasoline poisoning, suicide, or murder orchestrated by mobsters and cult leaders with potential ties to his record label?

    The episode dives into the peculiar evidence, including Fuller's romantic entanglements, the police investigation's shortcomings, and whispers of insurance policies pointing to financial motives. Sift through the clues and theories surrounding Bobby Fuller's untimely passing.

    Feb 5, 2025

  • Roswell of Texas: The Aurora UFO

    In this episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the peculiar tale of an alleged UFO crash in Aurora, Texas in 1897 is explored. Eyewitness accounts describe a "giant flying cigar" colliding with a windmill, revealing a small, multi-limbed pilot's body and mysterious debris. The summary details investigations into the site by UFO enthusiasts in the 1970s, where odd metal pieces and high aluminum levels were discovered, though the team was denied permission to exhume a suspected alien body.

    While some historians dismiss the incident as a hoax, the summary examines the ongoing debate fueled by limited documentation and fading firsthand accounts of the crash scene. Long after Aurora's decline, the enduring mystery around the Roswell of Texas continues to captivate truth-seekers mulling the possibility of an extraterrestrial encounter over a century ago.

    Jan 29, 2025

  • The Mysterious Death of the Manson Family Lawyer

    The Conspiracy Theories podcast dives into the disturbing crimes of the Manson Family cult and the lingering mystery surrounding the disappearance and death of Ronald Hughes, their defense lawyer. The episode recounts how the infamous Charles Manson manipulated his followers into committing heinous murders to incite a race war.

    Exploring the unsolved circumstances of Hughes' suspicious death months after he effectively defended Manson Family members at trial, the podcast poses whether Hughes fell victim to the cult's retribution. With no concrete evidence uncovered, Hughes' fate remains an enduring source of speculation for conspiracy theorists.

    Jan 22, 2025

  • Curse of the Crying Boy

    The Conspiracy Theories podcast explores the curious case of the "Crying Boy" painting, a mass-produced 1950s image that gained notoriety for supposedly being cursed and linked to unexplained fires. The blurb delves into the painting's history, from its creation by Italian artist Bruno Amadio to its widespread popularity in British households.

    It then unravels the urban legend that the haunting painting caused dozens of fires, spurring public panic and a media frenzy in 1985 when The Sun newspaper urged readers to destroy their copies. The podcast examines investigations into the painting's origins, the science behind its perceived resilience to flames, and theories surrounding its alleged supernatural qualities.

    Jan 15, 2025

  • The Death of Ned Doheny

    The podcast "Conspiracy Theories" explores the death of Edward "Ned" Doheny Jr., the heir to a powerful American oil dynasty, and the shadowy circumstances surrounding it. The episode dives into Ned's implication in the notorious Teapot Dome scandal and the mysterious deaths at the Doheny mansion in 1929 that were ruled a murder-suicide despite substantial conflicting evidence.

    Further fueling doubts around the official version of events is the Doheny family's wealth and influence, the rapid case closure, and the apparent suppression of evidence — a series of details that raise suspicions of an orchestrated cover-up, according to some historians and detectives. The episode investigates the alternative theories circling Ned's demise, questioning if the truth about what really transpired went to the grave with him.

    Jan 8, 2025

  • Death on Aconcagua

    The climbers on the 1973 expedition up Aconcagua mountain faced extreme environmental dangers. With no modern safety equipment and group tensions stalling decision-making, the attempt turned tragic when two climbers died under mysterious circumstances. In this episode about the fateful trip, hear the details surrounding the puzzling physical evidence connected with Janet Johnson's and John Cooper's deaths.

    Though autopsies pointed to head trauma, the strange injuries with scant other markings sparked theories of foul play rather than falls. Explore the case from all angles, including the debated causes of the wounds, the climbers' fractured group dynamics, and the challenges posed by conditions like low oxygen levels and unforgiving terrain.

    Jan 1, 2025

  • New Episode: The Redpath Family Murders (We're back from our holiday break!)

    In this episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the focus is on the mysterious deaths of Ada and Clifford Redpath, members of one of Montreal's wealthiest and most prominent families in the late 19th century. The summary provides details on Ada's caregiving situation and her children Clifford and Amy's deep involvement in managing her declining health.

    It then delves into the peculiar circumstances surrounding the deaths of Ada and Clifford, questioning the hastily conducted coroner's inquest that concluded Clifford killed his mother and then himself. The summary explores alternative theories, such as Ada committing a murder-suicide or her daughter Amy's potential involvement in a conspiracy with the family doctor. While evidence remains scant, the episode examines the questionable investigation and lack of police oversight that left many unanswered questions.

    Dec 25, 2024

  • The Redpath Family Murders

    In 19th-century Montreal, the wealthy Redpath family achieved prominence and constructed many landmarks, including their luxurious mansion. This episode delves into the mysterious deaths of Redpath matriarch Ada and her son Clifford, who were found with gunshot wounds in 1901.

    The official ruling attributed the deaths to Clifford's supposed epilepsy, but the abrupt investigation raised suspicion. The episode explores alternative theories: whether Ada killed Clifford before herself, if their daughter Amy was involved due to caretaking stress, or if an intruder committed the murders. Listeners will gain insight into the Redpath family's potential cover-up efforts through a private inquest and quick burials, fueling ongoing conspiracy theories around this chilling case from the past.

    Dec 25, 2024

  • Best of 2024: The Death of Harry Houdini [VIDEO]

    In this episode, the life and legacy of legendary magician Harry Houdini are explored, with a focus on his final days and unexpected death. Houdini captivated audiences with his remarkable escape acts and public crusade against the spiritualist movement, debunking mediums who claimed to contact the dead.

    However, the episode also examines conspiracy theories that Houdini's death at age 52 from a ruptured appendix following a punch to the abdomen may have been an intentional poisoning by members of the spiritualist community as revenge for exposing their fraudulent practices. While the theory remains unproven, Houdini's wife's suspicious illness and attempts to have her husband's body exhumed for poison testing lend intrigue to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the magician's demise.

    Dec 18, 2024

  • Best of 2024: Where Are All the Aliens?

    In the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast, a thought-provoking discussion tackles the Fermi Paradox - the seeming contradiction between the vast universe and the absence of evidence for intelligent extraterrestrial life. The episode outlines the paradox's original formulation and explores various proposed explanations, from the possibility that we are alone in the universe to the idea that other civilizations conceal themselves or exist in ways we cannot yet perceive.

    It examines efforts to detect alien signals, including promising leads like the Oumuamua interstellar object and the history of SETI programs. The summary considers the implications of the paradox, such as the Rare Earth Hypothesis, which suggests Earth's suitability for life may require us to safeguard and pursue life beyond our planet. The paradox's potential resolutions also raise intriguing possibilities about the galaxy's colonization and the forms advanced intelligence could take.

    Dec 11, 2024

  • Carter’s Holiday Pick: Otherworld

    Annalise has experienced paranormal phenomena throughout her life, from her childhood home to a harrowing camping trip during the COVID-19 lockdown, where she and her boyfriend were subjected to a terrifying auditory event they believe was an encounter with an unseen entity.

    In this podcast episode, Annalise recounts the details of this frightening incident and discusses her attempts to make sense of it by exploring its connections to her family's own unexplained experiences. She shares how the ordeal has impacted her outlook on nature and her determination to understand its place in her life.

    Dec 4, 2024

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  • Carter’s Holiday Pick: Truthless

    In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, a firsthand account from a former Lehman Brothers employee named Mero reveals how he lied his way into an IT role at the investment bank, despite having no relevant qualifications or experience. Mero shares the strategies he employed to avoid doing actual IT work, including exploiting coworkers' laziness and confiding in those he bribed with weed.

    The summary delves into Mero's observations of the excessive culture at Lehman Brothers prior to the 2008 financial crisis. Mero witnessed rampant mismanagement and a disregard for protocols, which the host suggests exemplified the unsustainable practices that ultimately led to Lehman's collapse and the financial crisis.

    Nov 27, 2024

  • A Dictator, a Commune, and the U.S. Embassy: The Disappearance of Boris Weisfeiler

    In the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the episode explores the mysterious 1984 disappearance of mathematician Boris Weisfeiler while hiking alone in Chile. The summary delves into allegations that Weisfeiler was detained by authorities under Pinochet's oppressive regime and taken to the notorious Colonia Dignidad compound. It examines the involvement of the U.S. government and the State Department in the investigation, along with their potential complicity due to Cold War dynamics.

    The episode also examines the roles of the Chilean government and military under Pinochet in regard to the disappearance. Witness testimonies, declassified documents, and decades-long efforts by Weisfeiler's family to uncover the truth and seek justice are explored, providing insight into the alleged cover-up and lack of closure in this chilling case.

    Nov 20, 2024

  • The Lost City of Atlantis... Found?

    What if remnants of an advanced ancient civilization were recently discovered? This episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast explores the debate over the Yonaguni Monument, a massive underwater rock formation near Japan. Featuring symmetrical terraces and carvings, some scientists argue it could be man-made ruins of the fabled lost continent of Mu over 10,000 years old. Others contend the structures were produced by natural erosion and seismic activity.

    The discussion dives into the profound historical implications if the monument is indeed an artificial construct. Could it rewrite our understanding of early civilizations and push back the timeline of humanity's intellectual and technological development? While theories differ on its origins, the Yonaguni Monument raises compelling questions about gaps in our knowledge of the ancient world.

    Nov 13, 2024

  • The Piri Reis Map

    This podcast episode explores the mysterious Piri Reis Map, an early 16th-century map that depicts surprising details of the South American and Antarctic coastlines. The summary introduces Ottoman cartographer Piri Reis, who compiled the map using ancient and medieval charts, including some allegedly captured from Christopher Columbus.

    The map's depiction of what appears to be an ice-free Antarctica has sparked theories of an advanced ancient civilization that mapped the continent before it froze over. The episode delves into the potential origins of the map, including speculation about the lost city of Atlantis and claims of sophisticated astronomical knowledge needed to create such a precise map.

    While some argue the map provides evidence of a "lost civilization," the episode also presents counterarguments from historians challenging the accuracy of the map's representation of Antarctica. The blurb invites listeners to explore the intriguing debate surrounding this historical artifact's enigmatic details.

    Nov 6, 2024

  • Werewolf or Royal Cover-up? The Beast of Gévaudan Pt. 2

    On the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast, the investigation into the Beast of Gévaudan continues, focusing on doubts surrounding the deaths of two supposed slayers. François Antoine's lupine kill conflicted with witness accounts and preceded the Beast's resumed attacks, casting uncertainty over his role. Conversely, local hero Jean Chastel's slaying of the Beast curried little acclaim. The episode explores various theories—that the Beast was a werewolf linked to Chastel's family, an escaped royal hyena, or even a symbolic foe.

    Despite official historical accounts, lingering questions surround the monster's nature and who—if anyone—truly vanquished it, leaving room for alternative explanations. Listeners are left to ponder what secrets may still lurk behind the notorious beast's rampage and the conflicting narratives left in its deadly wake.

    Oct 30, 2024

  • Werewolf or Royal Cover-up? The Beast of Gévaudan Pt. 1

    In the mid-18th century, a wolf-like creature known as the Beast of Gévaudan terrorized a region of France, savagely attacking villagers in broad daylight. The Conspiracy Theories podcast describes how local authorities struggled to capture or kill the Beast, despite desperate measures like using remains as bait.

    As the rampage continued, media sensationalism fueled wild speculation, with rumors of the Beast's supernatural abilities or divine punishment. The episode culminates with the arrival of the king's trusted marksman Antoine, who wounds the Beast in a final confrontation before hunting it down—though questions remain about precisely what was slain.

    Oct 23, 2024

  • The Haitian Zombie Potion

    Rooted in Haitian Vodou and the experience of enslaved African populations, the zombie myth explores themes of control and loss of autonomy. This episode delves into the cultural origins and evolution of zombie folklore, from its symbolic beginnings to sensationalized portrayals in American media.

    Wade Davis' search for the purported "zombie powder" and the contentious Clervius Narcisse case stoke ongoing debate. While skeptics question the factual basis of zombification claims, such accounts demonstrate the power of legends to transcend their original cultural contexts.

    Oct 16, 2024

  • Vampires Feed on Fear

    In this episode of the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the hosts delve into the enduring appeal and psychological underpinnings of vampire conspiracy theories, past and present. From the tragic "New England Vampire Panic" of the 1800s to the Highgate Vampire frenzy and Anima-Popa panic in more recent times, the summary explores how fear, ignorance, and socioeconomic unrest have fueled the scapegoating of innocent victims through supernatural vampire folklore.

    The podcast examines how vampire theories stem from humanity's universal need to rationalize invisible threats and find tangible adversaries to battle. It highlights how these conspiracy theories offer marginalized groups understandable "villains" and symbolic reclamation of control amid societal crises, despite advancements in scientific knowledge.

    Oct 9, 2024

  • Mummy Murder Cover-Up

    The 1923 discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb sparked a sensational archaeological find and fueled enduring tales of the "Mummy's Curse" — a myth propagated by suspicious deaths surrounding the expedition. This episode of Conspiracy Theories dissects the age-old questions surrounding the tragic boy king's demise.

    From anomalies like the mummy's erect penis and missing heart to signs of deliberate erasure by succeeding rulers seeking power, the podcast explores competing theories regarding Tut's death and the validity of the infamous curse. Was Tut's body tampered with? Was he murdered? Or does evidence point to the more mundane culprit of unsanitary embalming techniques? Journey through the clues and investigations attempting to unravel this ancient mystery.

    Oct 2, 2024

  • D.B. Cooper Pt. 2

    The Conspiracy Theories podcast covers the infamous DB Cooper skyjacking case, where a hijacker using an alias parachuted from a Seattle-bound plane with $200,000 in ransom money in 1971. Sanger-Katz details the FBI's extensive but unsuccessful investigation into potential suspects like Richard McCoy, Kenneth Christiansen, and Robert Rackstraw, whose background and skills drew attention from citizen sleuths.

    The episode also explores how private investigators like Tom Colbert have conducted their own inquiries, identifying suspects like Rackstraw through circumstantial evidence and witness statements. Despite citizen efforts, law enforcement has been unwilling to reopen the case without significant new evidence surfacing, leaving DB Cooper's identity and the fate of the ransom money unresolved to this day.

    Sep 25, 2024

  • D.B. Cooper Pt. 1

    The 1971 hijacking of a Northwest Orient Airlines flight by a mysterious man known as "D.B. Cooper" is one of the most captivating unsolved crimes in American history. In this episode, the story of Cooper's daring heist is explored, from seizing control of the plane and collecting a $200,000 ransom to his brazen parachute escape over southwest Washington.

    Learn about the FBI's fruitless efforts spanning decades to locate Cooper and the ransom money—and the tantalizing 1980 discovery of a portion of the cash that only deepened the mystery. Despite over 50 years passing, Cooper's true identity and ultimate fate remain a compellingly unsolved puzzle that continues to baffle the public.

    Sep 18, 2024

  • Fallout: The Unabomber’s Crimes and Manifesto (with Candice DeLong)

    On the Conspiracy Theories podcast, the episode explores the Unabomber's deadly 17-year campaign against universities and airlines and the FBI's investigation into capturing him. The summary details Ted Kaczynski's increasingly sophisticated and dangerous bombings, culminating in the death of Thomas Mosser in 1995 that made the case the agency's top priority.

    The summary also examines Kaczynski's 35,000-word manifesto criticizing technology's impact on society. Though the manifesto has gained mainstream popularity and appeals to diverse readers, the summary provides insights from agent Candice DeLong, who warns against minimizing Kaczynski's violent actions or idolizing his radical ideas.

    Sep 9, 2024

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  • The Voynich Manuscript Pt. 2

    The Voynich Manuscript remains one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries. In this episode of Conspiracy Theories, the focus centers on this enigmatic 15th-century document adorned with bizarre illustrations and an unreadable language defying decipherment for centuries.

    What secrets lie within its pages? The summary delves into theories surrounding the manuscript's origins and purpose. Discover its provenance tied to figures like Emperor Rudolf II, as well as speculation that it may be a complex hoax or contain a lost language. The content sparks intrigue about whether modern scholars will ever unlock the Voynich's perplexing code of strange symbols and curious drawings.

    Sep 4, 2024

  • Solved: The Somerton Man Mystery

    Tune in to "Conspiracy Theories" as Carter Roy unravels the enigma of the Somerton Man, the unidentified individual discovered dead on an Australian beach over seven decades ago. This episode dives into the plethora of conjectures that have swirled around this man's identity and the cryptic clues he left behind. From speculations about espionage to a possible romantic connection, the show explores the various angles that have captivated conspiracy theorists and amateur detectives alike.

    In their meticulous dissection of one of Australia's most perplexing unsolved cases, the speakers dissect the recent research by Derek Abbott and his team's efforts using DNA analysis to unlock the Somerton Man's identity. They delineate the process which leads to the notion that the mysterious figure could be Carl Webb, a man who vanished a year prior to the beachside discovery. Spanning from the cryptic "Tamam Shud" scrap to potential familial links uncovered in modern times, the podcast stitches together the fragmented history that might finally bring closure to this longstanding mystery.

    Mar 20, 2024

  • The Yuba County Five

    Dive into the perplexing tale of vanished camaraderie on the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast with Carter Roy. This episode scrutinizes the bizarre case of the Yuba County Five, where an ordinary night's leisure turns into an enduring mystery. The narrative begins on a chilly February evening in 1978 when four friends disappear following a routine stop at a grocery store. What starts as a typical post-basketball game outing unfurls into a much darker journey, as the men fail to return home, embroiling their loved ones in a nightmarish saga of loss and unanswered questions.

    The episode weaves through the chilling details of the men's eventual fate—death under mystifying conditions, with one, Gary Mathias, still unaccounted for—raising more riddles than solutions. Carter Roy thoughtfully unpacks the complexities surrounding the incident, considering the group’s intellectual and psychological challenges, alongside the enigmatic circumstances signified by the undisturbed car and supplies. As the discourse traverses through speculations on Mathias's potential involvement, given his mental health history, the episode captivates listeners with the haunting reality that the true narrative of that fateful expedition might remain forever obscure.

    Mar 13, 2024

  • Kryptos: The CIA’s Unsolvable Cipher

    Dive into the coded enigma of the CIA's Cryptos sculpture with Carter Roy in the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast. This episode takes you on a cryptic journey into the heart of the four encoded messages encrypted within the artwork that stands in bold silence at the agency's headquarter. While the first three messages have succumbed to the tenacity of codebreakers, the final section, coined K4, remains a stubborn cipher that appears impervious to the fervent efforts of enthusiasts and the cryptic breadcrumbs left by its creator.

    The discussion unfolds to explore the collaborative efforts involving both humans and computers as they fervently work to unravel K4, only to be continually stumped by its complexity. Beyond the code itself, Roy scrutinizes the sculpture’s potential as a narrative vessel for Cold War espionage tales and raises the provocative notion that it could serve as a deliberate distraction, ensnaring the public's imagination as well as that of the CIA's own masterminds. Through this engaging examination, the podcast peels back the layers of this intelligence agency riddle that continues to stir intrigue and debate.

    Mar 6, 2024

  • Julian Assange

    Dive into the intricate and controversial world of WikiLeaks with the latest episode of "Conspiracy Theories," featuring speakers Carter Roy and Advertiser. Explore the far-reaching effects of Julian Assange's creation, which shook the world with its unparalleled commitment to revealing government secrets. Assange, starting his journey as a combative computer hacker, led WikiLeaks on a path of radical information disclosure, catapulting it into notoriety with the publication of materials ranging from assassination plots to war logs. Learn about WikiLeaks' methodology, its significant impacts on public knowledge, and the ensuing international uproar.

    Grapple with the contentious aftermath as Assange and WikiLeaks endure significant criticism and legal battles due to their extensive and often risky exposures. From financial blacklisting to accusations of endangering lives and diplomatic relations, Assange's pursuit of radical transparency was fraught with consequence, leading him from whistleblower status to seeking asylum and ultimately facing arrest. As the debate between governmental secrecy and the public's right to know intensifies, this episode of "Conspiracy Theories" considers both sides of the argument, weighing the risks to national security against the imperative of an informed society.

    Feb 28, 2024

  • The 2001 Anthrax Attacks

    Join Carter Roy on the "Conspiracy Theories" podcast as he unearths the intricate and contentious details of the FBI's investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks. The narrative begins with the poignant story of Robert Stevens, the first victim of the lethal spores, mapping the grim trail that ensues with various anthrax cases across different states and even penetrating government offices. As listeners grapple with the haunting uncertainty of the early stages, apropos of the horror resonating from September 11th, they are led through a maze of scientific sleuthing and speculative connections.

    The episode then delves into the figure at the center of the investigation, Bruce Ivins - an anthrax expert whose dubious actions and untimely demise cast a long shadow over the pursuit of justice. While shedding light on the myriad of challenges faced by law enforcement, the discussion pivots to the contentious aspects of the scientific evidence against Ivins, as well as the critical views from national agencies. Exploring the limits of forensic science and the complex weight of suspicion, the podcast navigates the murky waters of a case riddled with more questions than answers.

    Feb 21, 2024