Podcasts > Cover Up

Cover Up • Sony Music

Cover Up is a series of investigative stories that take us on a journey into a world of subterfuge and secrecy—a world where the truth is concealed under a blanket of lies. From corrupt individuals to clandestine institutions, Cover Up exposes deceit, deception, and the abuse of power. SEASON 4: The Anthrax Threat In the wake of 9/11, a series of letters laced with a deadly powder called anthrax appeared on the desks of prominent journalists and politicians in New York City and Washington D.C. Five people were killed, and seventeen more were infected. It was the worst case of bioterrorism in American history, setting off a surge of finger pointing, xenophobia, and fear. But what started as an unprecedented case soon turned into an unsettling mystery. Who had sent these letters? And why? On season 4 of Cover Up, we trace the FBI’s costly investigation into the attacks, which was stacked with a seemingly endless series of false leads, damaging leaks, and embarrassing blunders. Through revealing interviews with victims, agents, and suspects, we unpack the case in its messy entirety, all with an eye toward the question that remains today: Did the FBI identify the true killer, or is this case still unresolved? From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. SEASON 3: Body Brokers For eight years, Megan Hess ran Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in the small town of Montrose, Colorado. She promised clients discounts on normally expensive cremations, a seeming kindness in a town where many are poor. But in the back of the funeral home, Megan’s elderly mother Shirley was actually dismembering the dead. And then Megan was selling the body parts – heads, torsos, legs – to companies that claim to do medical research. The families who trusted Megan –- they had no idea what she was really up to. When they came to pick up the ashes of their loved ones, they instead received a mixture of ashes of various people. They had no idea of their betrayal until some received a strange phonecall from the FBI. Megan and Shirley were body brokers, trading on a dark network where people buy and sell bodies. What exactly were the two women after? Who was really buying those stolen bodies, and why? SEASON 2: The Pill Plot Back in the ‘90s, a ragtag group plotted an international drug smuggling scheme and set up a secretive lab to cook up tablets. But they weren’t trafficking narcotics—they were fighting to bring the abortion pill to America. The new season of Cover Up—The Pill Plot—will take you inside the epic struggle facing activists who battled presidents, the Supreme Court, militant anti-abortionists, would-be assassins, and murders. SEASON 1: Ministry of Secrets Season one uncovers the story of The Ministry of Secrets, one of the great unsolved mysteries of the Cold War. At its heart is a missing person — a wartime hero and international celebrity. But that’s just the starting point. It involves the royal family, MI6, the CIA, and the KGB. There are conspiracies. And lies. This story is so sensitive, so secret - that the truth is being withheld for 100 years, until 2057. Presenter Giles Milton and producer Sarah Peters are on a quest to find out why…
Cover Up • Sony Music

Episodes

  • The Tapes, from Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery

    In this episode of Cover Up, the mystery surrounding the death of Karen Silkwood, a whistleblower who exposed unsafe practices at a nuclear plant, is examined. Silkwood gathered evidence of misconduct, planning to share it with the New York Times. But on the night she was driving to meet a reporter, she died in a suspicious car crash.

    Decades later, Silkwood's family and investigators continue searching for answers. They face obstruction and silence from potential witnesses as well as the powerful influence of Silkwood's former employer, Kerr-McGee. New evidence offers potential leads, but many questions still surround the fatal night that silenced a brave whistleblower.

    Nov 12, 2024

  • Introducing Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes

    In this episode of the Cover Up podcast, Journalist Paul Murphy examines John Todd's claims about the Illuminati and a supposed Satanic conspiracy. Todd alleged that a shadowy cabal aimed to take over the world and destroy American values, infiltrating various aspects of society, including government, media, and entertainment.

    After converting to Christianity, Todd toured the country warning about the dangers of Satanism and urging Christians to arm themselves. Murphy analyzes how Todd's fiery teachings influenced later extreme right-wing conspiracy theories and violence, while also revealing Todd's eventual unmasking as a con man.

    Jun 6, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 6. Unmasked

    The Cover Up podcast dives into the twisted tale of John Todd, a prolific sexual predator who concocted a web of conspiracy theories about the Illuminati to manipulate his followers. In the first half, the summary unravels Todd's decades-long history of sexual abuse and exploitation, revealing an alarming pattern of targeting minors and young women.

    The second half exposes Todd's fabricated backstory as a high-ranking Illuminati member and his calculated schemes to spread disinformation and stoke paranoia amongst Christians and occultists. By revealing the disturbing details behind John Todd's pathological lies and crimes, the episode separates fact from fiction in his nefarious legacy.

    Jun 5, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 5. Resurrection

    In this episode about conspiracy theorist John Todd, listeners delve into the complex character of a man obsessed with gaining attention and influence. The summary explores Todd's proclamations of an occult background, his desperate acts for recognition, and the resurgence of his 1970s conspiracy recordings in the digital age.

    Sanger-Katz examines the mystery surrounding Todd's disappearance, fueling theories of his imprisonment or demise at the hands of the "Illuminati." Despite exposés revealing Todd's deceptive nature, his conspiracy theories continue to captivate a new generation, propelled by the enigma of his story and the widespread reach of digital platforms.

    May 29, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 4. Contagion

    This episode explores the rise and fall of John Todd, a self-proclaimed ex-occultist turned Christian evangelist. Todd gained a devoted following by revealing alleged plans of the Illuminati, but his credibility crumbled when it was revealed he had fabricated his past.

    Despite Todd's exposure as a fraud, his conspiracy theories spread widely and inspired armed extremist groups like the Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord. The episode examines how Todd's ideas fueled radicalization, contributing to tragic events like the Ruby Ridge standoff and the Waco siege. The cover up of Todd's deception had far-reaching and violent consequences.

    May 22, 2024

  • White Devil: An Aristocracy Scandal in Belize

    In this episode of the Cover Up podcast, the spotlight falls on a shocking incident in Belize—the mysterious death of Henry Jumot, a high-ranking police official. The details are perplexing: Jumot's body was found floating in waters near a luxury resort, a gunshot wound behind his right ear suggesting an "execution-style" killing. Jasmine Harton, a wealthy socialite with no criminal record, was the sole witness present, covered in blood and holding Jumot's own service weapon.

    The podcast delves into the lives of the two individuals involved and the initial investigation findings. As the community reels from the murder of a respected veteran officer, the case raises questions about potential misuse of power and privilege. The podcast explores the nuances of this high-profile scandal that gripped Belize, leaving listeners to ponder the truth amidst conflicting narratives.

    May 21, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 3. Phenomenon

    In the "Cover Up" podcast, host John Todd shares his background in the occult world and his dramatic conversion to Christianity. He unveils shocking claims about the Illuminati, a secret society he alleges was orchestrating an eight-year plan for world domination through social disruption and even mass killings led by Charles Manson.

    Todd's cassettes found a receptive audience among Christians who saw his tales as confirmation of fears over rising secularization. Some congregations took extreme precautions, stockpiling supplies and even establishing armed patrols in response to Todd's warnings about impending societal collapse. While his assertions faced challenges, the widespread circulation of his recorded talks allowed his conspiracy theories to persist.

    May 15, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 2. Backslide

    This episode delves into the life of John Todd, whose spiritual journey encompassed multiple shifts between the occult and Christianity. It explores Todd's early involvement in the occult, including his time as a minister in the Church of Satan and his writings that garnered recognition in occult circles.

    The blurb details Todd's subsequent conversion to Christianity, his warnings against the occult through Christian media, and his eventual return to the occult world under a different name. It also examines the controversy surrounding Todd's occult bookstore, including claims of police harassment, divisions within the pagan community, and his legal troubles, ultimately leading to his release and renewed embrace of Christianity.

    May 8, 2024

  • The Conspiracy Tapes | 1. The Witch

    In a quest to uncover alleged satanic conspiracies, this episode explores the emergence and spread of John Todd's sensational claims in Christian circles during the 1970s. Once an ex-Grand Druid, Todd reinvented himself as a Christian speaker warning of clandestine occult networks corrupting society—especially targeting youth through rock music and Illuminati influence.

    Todd's outlandish tales found an audience, propagated by Christian leaders publishing his stories and urging followers to share subversive audio recordings. Though Todd vanished, his far-reaching impact reverberates today, often cited by those alleging ritual abuse and sinister elite groups. The episode untangles the rise of these theories and their lasting societal imprint.

    May 1, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 8. Reasonable Doubt

    The FBI's case against Bruce Ivins sparked controversy after he committed suicide before facing trial for the infamous 2001 anthrax attacks. This episode examines the evidence presented against Ivins, including the matched DNA samples and his laboratory access as an anthrax expert at USAMRIID. Victims express their frustration over the lack of accountability, while Ivins' colleagues doubt his capability to produce the sophisticated anthrax powder used in the attacks.

    The investigation faced criticism for relying entirely on circumstantial evidence without direct proof like fingerprints linking Ivins to the crime scene. Moreover, the FBI faced accusations of flawed lab work and mismanagement, overlooking potential leads from undisclosed government anthrax programs. The episode weighs the strengths and weaknesses of the FBI's controversial case against Ivins.

    Apr 19, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 7. The Unraveling

    In the aftermath of the 2001 anthrax attacks, the FBI employs aggressive tactics to pressure Bruce Ivins, a scientist and primary suspect. The summary reveals the escalating psychological pressure Ivins faces from relentless interrogations and accusations, exacerbating his existing mental health issues.

    As Ivins spirals into isolation, paranoia, and behavioral changes, his friends witness his unraveling. The FBI's pursuit continues, even as concerns grow over Ivins' instability and potential for self-harm. The summary explores the grief and anger felt by Ivins' inner circle, who blame the FBI's methods for his tragic demise and question his role as a scapegoat for the botched investigation.

    Apr 12, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 6. The Closers

    On the Cover Up podcast, the investigation into the 2001 anthrax attacks takes a fresh direction as new co-leaders Vince Lisi and Ed Montooth seek to gather more evidence directly from the prime suspect, Bruce Ivins. The investigators uncover disturbing details about Ivins' mental health struggles and long-standing fixation on a particular sorority.

    While circumstantial evidence mounts, including a potential motive related to Ivins' work on an anthrax vaccine program, the FBI launches an undercover operation to get closer to Ivins. This brings the case tantalizingly close to resolution, though key physical evidence remains elusive.

    Apr 5, 2024

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  • The Anthrax Threat I 5. Mr. Anthrax

    The Cover Up podcast dives into the chilling anthrax attacks of 2001 and the investigation's surprising connections to a United States Army biodefense lab. The episode examines the history of bioweapons research that preceded the transition to defensive study at USAMRIID. It details the complex collaboration between the lab's scientists and the FBI, leading to a breakthrough that genetically linked the anthrax used in the attacks to a specific flask from USAMRIID.

    As suspicion grows around one of the lab's top anthrax experts, Bruce Ivins, the episode delves into the tensions between investigators pursuing different leads. It highlights the challenges faced in tracing such a lethal and rare pathogen to its source, raising questions about the investigation's focus on a single suspect.

    Mar 29, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 4. The Scapegoat

    In this episode's summary of the "Cover Up" podcast, the FBI's Amerithrax investigation into the 2001 anthrax letter attacks faces scrutiny. The initial probe was extensive but sluggish, influenced by public pressures, outside voices, and a shift toward focusing on Steven Hatfill as a suspect.

    The FBI's methods, including circumstantial evidence and questionable tactics, led to Hatfill's legal battle and ultimate exoneration. As the investigation faced missteps and setbacks under post-9/11 scrutiny, new leadership aimed for an evidence-driven approach to regain confidence in the probe's competence.

    Mar 22, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 3. Collateral Damage

    This episode of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat delves into the weaponization of the 2001 anthrax attacks by certain U.S. policymakers who sought to link the perpetrators to Iraq and Al-Qaeda, despite a lack of evidence. It examines the challenges faced by the FBI's Amerithrax investigation, including political pressure to prioritize unfounded leads and the use of overzealous tactics that violated civil liberties.

    The collateral damage inflicted on innocent individuals like public health official Irshad Shaikh, who faced harassment and lasting personal impacts, is a sobering example of the consequences of such misguided investigative efforts. The episode sheds light on how the anthrax attacks became entangled with broader geopolitical agendas, clouding the pursuit of justice.

    Mar 15, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 2. A Tale of Two DCs

    In 2001, letters containing deadly anthrax spores targeted the Capitol Hill offices of two U.S. Senators, exposing staffers like Laura Petrou to the deadly substance. While the Capitol was swiftly evacuated and those exposed provided treatment, the same urgency was lacking at a Washington D.C. mail facility that processed the anthrax letters.

    Despite the known risks, management downplayed the threat, leading to tragic consequences. This episode of the "Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat" podcast recounts the stark contrast between the governmental response on Capitol Hill and the delayed action that cost postal workers their lives. Their stories shed light on the troubling institutional failings during the 2001 anthrax attacks.

    Mar 8, 2024

  • The Anthrax Threat I 1. Scramble the Jets

    In this episode of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, the podcast examines the 2001 anthrax attacks that saw deadly spores sent through the mail to major media outlets like NBC, CBS, and the New York Post. The summary recounts how these bioterrorism acts led to fatalities, with investigators tracing the anthrax strain to a sophisticated lab-created sample – evidence of a deliberate attack.

    The FBI soon zeroed in on American scientist Bruce Ivins as the prime suspect behind the mailings. However, Ivins killed himself before trial, leaving doubts over whether he acted alone or was wrongfully accused. The episode delves into the chilling details of this unsolved case and the resulting uncertainty surrounding the anthrax threats against the media.

    Mar 1, 2024

  • Introducing Cover Up Season 4: The Anthrax Threat

    In the wake of 9/11, the U.S. faced another wave of terror: deadly anthrax-laced letters mailed through the postal system. This episode explores the chilling anthrax attacks that killed 5 people and infected 17 others. It recounts the government's intense efforts to identify the perpetrator and the investigation's many missteps, including costly "rabbit holes" and damaging leaks that compromised evidence.

    As the summary reveals, the anthrax attacks left numerous victims physically and psychologically traumatized—and exposed vulnerabilities in public safety, even as officials vowed to restore security. This baffling case of bioterrorism ultimately transformed into an unsettling mystery without resolution, forcing individuals to demonstrate innocence rather than have it presumed.

    Feb 23, 2024

  • Body Brokers I 8. Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

    On the Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat podcast, the episode explores the ethical and unethical practices surrounding body donation programs. The discussion highlights the importance of treating donated bodies with respect, as many medical education programs rely on these donations. However, unethical brokers like Sunset Mesa deceived donors' families, selling bodies for profit without consent and mishandling remains.

    The episode also examines the regulatory gaps that allow such abuses to occur. With little oversight, brokers have operated without scrutiny, leading to cases like Sunset Mesa where Colorado regulators were initially powerless to address the corpse abuse. The betrayal left victims struggling with their arrangements and fearing donating bodies, severely damaging trust in the industry.

    Feb 20, 2024