Operation Morning Light

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"Best Podcasts of 2022" - Financial Times On a January night in 1978, a white light burned through the sub-Arctic sky. It was Cosmos 954, a nuclear-powered Soviet espionage satellite that had malfunctioned and fallen to earth. As the satellite disintegrated, it scattered dangerously radioactive debris across the vast traditional lands of the Dene, Métis, and Inuit in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Operation Morning Light tells the story of the Cosmos 954 disaster, its impact on the land, and the resilience of the communities in the debris field. Operation Morning Light is hosted by Dëneze Nakehk'o, a Denesuline and Dehcho Dene father from Denendeh. It is produced by Aliya Pabani, and written by Michael LaPointe and Dëneze Nakehk'o. Cover art and design by Jeana Sullivan. The story editor is Matt Willis, and Thomas Curry is the managing producer. Scoring and sound-design by Alice Boyd. For Imperative Entertainment, the executive producer is Jason Hoch, and for Vespucci, the executive producers are Daniel Turcan, Johnny Galvin, and Michael LaPointe.

Imperative Entertainment and Vespucci


    • Jan 2, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 35m AVG DURATION
    • 9 EPISODES
    • 1 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Operation Morning Light podcast is a captivating and compelling series that delves into a little-known incident in history. The production quality of the podcast is top-notch, with excellent sound design and engaging storytelling that keeps you hooked from start to finish. It is refreshing to hear native voices in the podcasting space, bringing a unique perspective and shedding light on an important piece of history.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the thorough research and attention to detail that goes into each episode. The hosts have done an incredible job of gathering first-hand accounts and interviews, allowing listeners to hear from those who were directly affected by the incident. It adds a personal touch and brings an emotional depth to the storytelling.

    Additionally, the narrator's voice is soothing and easy to listen to, making it enjoyable for long periods of time. The background noise seamlessly complements the story being told, enhancing the overall experience for listeners.

    On the downside, while the podcast does an excellent job of telling the story and providing historical context, there are moments where additional visuals would be beneficial. For example, using Google Earth or another mapping program to mark the areas where debris fell, towns affected, and rivers impacted could provide a clearer understanding of the vast area affected by this incident.

    In conclusion, The Operation Morning Light podcast is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in untold stories. It sheds light on a tragic event in a manner that captivates listeners while providing valuable insights into how Great Power rivalry can impact pristine environments. With its high production quality and engaging narration, this podcast deserves recognition for its meticulous research and powerful storytelling.



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    Latest episodes from Operation Morning Light

    Bonus Episode: Daydreaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2023 40:09


    Dëneze speaks with Stephanie Poole, Daniel T'seleie, and Paul Andrew to get three different perspectives on the story of the Dené people, the crash of Kosmos 954, and their predictions on how this story might end. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Eagle | Chapter 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 44:24


    The people affected by Cosmos 954 try to hold the authorities accountable for the changes to the land and the people, but answers to how to overcome these challenges will have to be found elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Loved Ones | Chapter 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2022 34:58


    As the operation concludes, and the story of Cosmos 954 fades from public view, those left in the debris-field are forced to confront a new threat that lay hidden. Until now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Acceptable Risk | Chapter 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 43:40


    People living in the Cosmos 954 debris-field begin to notice strange changes in the environment around them. Are they connected to the crashed satellite? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    cosmos acceptable risk
    At Cosmos Lake | Chapter 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2022 36:57


    The operation sets up camp in the tundra and sets out to recover the satellite, but debris from Cosmos 954 has spread far and wide across the landscape, threatening the indigenous trappers who populate the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    In the Line of Duty | Chapter 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2022 41:57


    A massive operation is launched to recover pieces of Cosmos 954. In Snowdrift, a police officer and his partner are tasked with guarding a large chunk discovered in the tundra—an assignment that will change their lives forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    War Game | Chapter 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 36:43


    In 1977, the Soviet Union launches a new espionage satellite—Cosmos 954—but soon after launch, its orbit starts to wobble. The question isn't if it's going to crash, but when. In a top secret laboratory, American scientists rush to find out where the disaster will take place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    White Suits | Chapter 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 38:10


    The people of Snowdrift, a small indigenous settlement, awaken to the sight of people in white suits stalking the streets of their community, scanning the ground with strange instruments. They don't know it yet, but they're now a part of a massive search — the only question is, a search for what? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    white suits
    Teaser: Operation Morning Light - Series Premieres November 14

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 3:14


    On a January night in 1978, a white light burned through the sub-Arctic sky. It was Cosmos 954, a nuclear-powered Soviet espionage satellite that had malfunctioned and fallen to earth. As the satellite disintegrated, it scattered dangerously radioactive debris across the vast traditional lands of the Dene, Métis, and Inuit in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Operation Morning Light tells the story of the Cosmos 954 disaster, its impact on the land, and the resilience of the communities in the debris field. Operation Morning Light is hosted by Dëneze Nakehk'o, a Denesuline and Dehcho Dene father from Denendeh.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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