In this explosive episode of Eric A. Cinotti: Unplugged, CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou joins Eric A. Cinotti for a rare, unfiltered examination of America’s post-9/11 interrogation program, government secrecy, and the personal cost of telling the truth inside the U.S. intelligence system.
John Kiriakou was the first U.S. government official to publicly confirm the CIA’s use of torture, including waterboarding. His disclosures forced a global reckoning on intelligence interrogations, human rights, and constitutional accountability—and led to retaliation, prosecution, and federal imprisonment. This episode goes beyond headlines to explore what really happens when intelligence insiders challenge institutional power.
Eric A. Cinotti—nationally syndicated broadcaster, lawyer, constitutional scholar, military veteran, and intelligence professional—guides a disciplined, intelligence-level conversation covering CIA operations, post-9/11 national security policy, whistleblower retaliation, and the legal and moral consequences of secrecy. This is not partisan commentary. It is a structured examination of power, law, and consequence.
A pivotal segment addresses widely discussed public commentary surrounding survival dynamics inside the federal prison system, including intelligence awareness, informal power structures, and references often made to organized crime networks in the context of inmate safety and institutional realities. These discussions are presented as contextual, publicly reported narratives—not criminal assertions.
Making a powerful debut, Brett Pierce—host of The Public Safety Zone Unplugged—asks a deeply human question that reframes the entire interview, shifting the focus from policy to conscience, moral injury, and long-term impact. Joined by Bianca Sea, co-host of The Hostile Zone, the episode confronts silence, accountability, and the cost of truth in a constitutional republic.
This episode is available globally on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Opening Monologue and Why This Conversation Matters
02:40 – Who John Kiriakou Is and Why His Voice Changed History
07:30 – Inside the CIA’s Post-9/11 Interrogation Program
14:20 – Confirming Torture and the Global Fallout
21:10 – Retaliation, Prosecution, and the Price of Truth
28:45 – Federal Prison Realities and Survival Context
34:50 – Brett Pierce’s Question and a Turning Point
41:30 – Intelligence, Secrecy, and Constitutional Accountability
48:20 – National Security vs Human Rights
54:10 – Final Reflections on Power, Silence, and Consequence
Authoritative public context referenced in this discussion includes the Central Intelligence Agency (https://www.cia.gov), the U.S. Department of Justice (https://www.justice.gov), the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (https://www.intelligence.senate.gov), the American Civil Liberties Union (https://www.aclu.org), and general organized-crime background material (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organized_crime).
When truth is punished and secrecy is protected, democracy weakens. Accountability is not optional. Silence is a choice.
Official sites:
https://EricCinotti.com
https://EricAndrewCinotti.com
https://TheHostileZone.me
Keywords:
Eric A. Cinotti, Eric Andrew Cinotti, Eric Cinotti, John Kiriakou, CIA whistleblower, CIA torture, post-9/11 interrogation, intelligence community, national security podcast, government secrecy, whistleblower retaliation, constitutional law, human rights, federal prison system, organized crime context, investigative interview, iHeart Prime Featured
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/eric-a-cinotti-unplugged--6855442/support.
Eric A. Cinotti: Unplugged is a nationally syndicated long-form interview and commentary program hosted by Eric A. Cinotti, also known as Eric Andrew Cinotti and Eric Cinotti, delivering direct, unfiltered conversation and disciplined insight on law, policy, national affairs, culture, media, and real-world issues shaping the United States.
Eric A. Cinotti is a nationally syndicated broadcaster, journalist, and media host known for fact-based analysis, historical grounding, and independent thought without spin or speculation.
In addition to Eric A. Cinotti: Unplugged, the Cinotti media brand includes The National Report and The Hostile Zone, forming an integrated news and commentary network centered on facts, accountability, and public understanding.
Official site: www.ECinotti.com
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