Podcast appearances and mentions of paul brandus

Paul Brandus of West Wing Reports

Paul Brandus of West Wing Reports joins The Anton Savage Show with the latest from the United States, including protests on the Brooklyn Bridge, Trump's proposed tariffs affecting major retailers like Walmart, and shipping disruptions linked to conflict in the Red Sea.Listen here.

Paul Brandus of West Wing Reports joins The Anton Savage Show to unpack the latest in American politics as President Trump maintains unrest at home and abroad.Listen here.

Paul Brandus explores the implications of President Trump's newly announced tariffs set to roll out on April 2nd, 2025.  The discussion delves into the president's vision for a revitalized American industry and the potential economic impacts, including concerns from economists and business leaders regarding inflation, job losses, and a slowing economy.  We analyze Trump's targets for tariffs, which span a diverse range of countries, and the rationale behind these policies.  The episode also reflects on past promises made during Trump's first campaign regarding trade deficits and national debt, juxtaposed with the reality of an increased national debt during his first term.  Additionally, we address Trump's shifting narrative, linking tariffs to issues of drug trafficking and illegal immigration, particularly concerning China, Canada, and Mexico. Join us as we unpack the complexities of this significant economic strategy and its potential consequences for the future.

Retaliatory tariffs are being implemented by Canada and likely by Mexico and China – the three most significant trading partners for the US - following Donald Trump slapping tariffs on goods coming in from all three of those countries. Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports founder and White House Bureau Chief joins Anton to discuss this, Robert F. Kennedy Jr's confirmation hearings, and more.

Just over a week after Donald Trump won a second-term in the White House, the makeup of his administration is beginning to take shape including the bombshell appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to the position of health secretary. Joining Anton to go through what these appointments might mean for the next four years is Katherine Eban, special correspondent with Vanity Fair focusing on public health and homeland security issues & Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports founder and White House Bureau Chief.

In a time where we are inundated with media, it's difficult to tell which side is up, and more importantly during an extremely polarizing election year we need to ensure we are doing our best to decipher that our sources of information can be trusted. Paul Brandus has been a member of the White House press corps and White House Correspondents Association since 2008. He is a columnist for Dow Jones/MarketWatch, and Washington bureau chief for Evergreen Podcasts. He is a successful author, podcast host, and has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CNN, PBS, CSPAN, the British Broadcasting Corp., Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and others, hosted a Voice of America global affairs program for three years and is a weekly contributor to Washington's all-news WTOP Radio. Previously, Brandus spent five years based in Moscow, including working as a U.S. Embassy staffer and then foreign correspondent, primarily for NBC Radio and the award-winning public radio business/finance program “MarketPlace.” In addition to criss-crossing Russia for many years, he has reported from China, Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and other locales. With his incredibly impressive background Paul joined us to discuss the importance of media literacy and how to responsibly consume the news and navigate it's complexities. Join us for this next episode of our series with The Literacy Cooperative, Donate to this amazing organization here. Key Takeaways [00:00:45] Election Season Overwhelm [00:01:51] Importance of Media Literacy [00:02:58] Misinformation vs. Disinformation [00:10:05] The Challenge of Fact-Checking [00:14:29] Confirmation Bias in Media Consumption [00:17:06] Setting Boundaries Around News Consumption [00:24:00] Politicians and Censorship Claims [00:26:09] Internet's Impact on News Consumption [00:33:24] Importance of Voting This serves as a reminder that voting is not just a civic duty, but a privilege that should be cherished and exercised! Where to Find Paul Website – PaulBrandus.com Instagram – @PaulBrandus Email – pbrandus@gmail.com   How to find us - Visit our website – hardnopodcast.com – for show notes, which include links to books and other helpful resources. Like what you hear? Please subscribe, rate and review so others can find us, and make sure to follow us on social media. We're @hardnopodcast on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn & YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Kamala Harris still leads Donald Trump in the race to win the 2024 US presidential election, the contest remains too close to call in the crucial battleground states. Joining Anton to discuss is Michael Moynihan, an editor and columnist with the Irish Examiner, and Paul Brandus, the founder of West Wing Reports and White House Bureau Chief.

Paul Brandus, West Wing Reports founder and White House Bureau Chief joins Sean Defoe to reflect on the past few months in what has been a tumultuous and fractuous US Presidential campaign.

"These things are as endemic to Russia as vodka, the ballet, and long winters." In this episode, host Paul Brandus discusses the pervasive issue of disinformation, particularly focusing on Russian efforts and the impact on global security. He interviews Nina Jankowicz, founder of the American Sunlight Project, who emphasizes the importance of building societal resilience and promoting information literacy to combat false narratives. The conversation delves into the role of government in addressing disinformation and the upcoming challenges in the 2024 election. Meredith Wilson from Emergent Risk International provides insights on the evolving landscape of disinformation, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and high-quality information sources in business decision-making. [00:01:18] Russian information warfare efforts [00:07:21] American Sunlight Project. [00:12:30] Media literacy education in Finland. [00:18:01] Russian weaponizing societal divisions. [00:26:15] People defending dishonesty from power. [00:33:04] Challenges of disinformation and AI. [00:40:15] Importance of quality information. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Nina Jankowicz, and the NATO-Stratcom Center in Latvia, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Journalism is the only profession that is protected by the First Amendment... but private equity and hedge funds have been involved with disastrous consequences." In this episode, host Paul Brandus delves into the issue of the decline of local print journalism and news deserts, focusing on the impact of hedge funds and private equity firms acquiring newspapers. Guest Margot Susca, an assistant professor of journalism, sheds light on how these financial entities prioritize profit over responsible journalism, leading to the decline of local news coverage. There is also a correlation between news deserts, voter apathy, and susceptibility to disinformation, particularly in marginalized communities. The episode also explores the alarming spread of disinformation and Islamophobia in India, where the government's control over media exacerbates the dissemination of false narratives. Along with insights from Pearl D'Souza on the challenges faced by Indian citizens in accessing unbiased and factual information amidst a landscape dominated by propaganda and disinformation. [00:01:40] Hedge funds and journalism industry. [00:07:06] Hedge fund ownership in journalism. [00:10:38] Hedge funds impact on journalism. [00:13:28] Pink Slime journalism. [00:17:45] Misinformation in immigrant communities. [00:24:12] Crackdown on media and dissent. [00:30:10] Islamophobia in political narratives. [00:32:25] Islamophobia and population growth. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Margot Susca and Pearl D'Souza , our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael Dealoia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"You have a direct pipeline, particularly with social media and with individuals. Essentially, all you're doing is figuring out who you want to target" In this podcast episode, host Paul Brandus discusses the growing concerns surrounding the upcoming presidential election, focusing on the threats posed by disinformation, false narratives, and foreign interference. He interviews Marek Posard, a military sociologist, and Brady Roberts, the COO of Emergent Risk International, to delve into the potential perfect storm of risks facing the election infrastructure. The challenges of combating disinformation, the impact of AI on spreading false narratives, and the need for critical thinking and media literacy education is needed to empower individuals to discern fact from fiction. Brandus underscores the importance of proactive measures, scenario-based planning, and a whole-government approach to safeguard against the influence of disinformation in the upcoming election. [00:02:36] A potential perfect storm. [00:05:06] Election system vulnerabilities. [00:08:56] Adversaries exploiting division in elections. [00:14:09] Impact of artificial intelligence. [00:17:17] Deepfakes and election influence. [00:19:35] Election falsehoods in narrow-margin states. [00:25:54] Education on critical thinking. [00:31:02] Teaching media literacy to youth. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Marek Posard and Brady Roberts, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Open-source intelligence is a critical way of helping not just governments, but the private sector form judgments about critical issues." This episode is the second in a series covering Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). Here, we focus on Bellingcat's investigative work into the 2014 shooting down of a passenger jet in Eastern Ukraine, the interest of the U.S. Department of Defense in OSINT, and the nuances of using investigations over intelligence. Guest Noemi Macero and host Paul Brandus discuss the impact of OSINT on forming judgments for governments and the private sector, and how uncovering open-source methods can enhance traditional journalism and combat disinformation. [00:03:36] Democratization of intelligence analysis. [00:04:39] Open source data investigation. [00:12:03] OSINT-related tools. [00:16:39] Balancing speed and accuracy. [00:19:26] Handling fast-moving incidents. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Noemi Macero , our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The silence in these fields is that of a tomb, like sorrow and loss have isolated it from the war around it." In this episode, host Paul Brandus delves into the world of open source intelligence (OSINT), He discusses its importance in verifying information, especially in the digital era. The episode explores various tools within OSINT, such as social media, geospatial intelligence, and blockchain analytics. Additionally, he discusses the potential risks and pitfalls of over-reliance on OSINT, and the need for careful verification processes. [00:04:09] Open-source intelligence in investigations. [00:10:02] YouTube as Google Street View. [00:19:22] Open source intelligence verification. [00:26:27] Geospatial intelligence. [00:36:16] Disinformation campaigns by nation states. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Noemi Maciero, our Sound Designer and Editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and Executive Producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What was presidential security like before President Kennedy's fatal visit to Dallas? Paul Brandus explores motorcades and more — plus, the attitude that 20th-century presidents had towards their own safety.  Buy the book Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" that Brought John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963 here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This information is polluting the entire ecosystem under which we operate." In this episode of "Disinformation," Paul Brandus delves into the pressing issue of information pollution in the 21st century. With the rise of social media and artificial intelligence, discerning between truth, misinformation, and deliberate falsehoods has become increasingly challenging. We also discuss how information pollution exacerbates existing systemic risks like global conflict and climate change, making it a critical issue to address for progress and solutions in the modern world. [00:01:26] Information pollution. [00:06:08] Disinformation and its elements. [00:09:30] Information pollution and swatting. [00:15:29] Companies navigating information dangers. [00:17:50] Cybersecurity and company vulnerabilities. [00:22:17] Swatting and disinformation. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Alan Jagolinzer, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The problem in America isn't so much what people don't know, the problem is what people think they know that just ain't so" In this episode of Disinformation, Paul Brandus discusses the prevalence of false campaign narratives and disinformation in elections around the world. He highlights the upcoming presidential election in the United States and the numerous elections taking place in other countries, including Taiwan. We delve into China's extensive use of disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwan, with the goal of sowing discontent and mistrust among the Taiwanese people. This episode also explores the effectiveness of these efforts and their potential impact on Taiwan's relationship with the United States. The conversation then shifts to the 2024 U.S. election, the radicalization of the population, the rapid development of technology, and the lack of oversight and regulation in the information environment. [00:03:23] Disinformation in Taiwan. [00:04:48] China's influence in Taiwan. [00:09:25] Misinformation in Taiwan elections. [00:13:35] Oversight of social media platforms. [00:18:27] AI-generated disinformation in elections. [00:22:45] Social media and micro-targeting. [00:26:58] Educating people about media. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Dr. Simona Grano, CEO of Emergent Risk Meredith Wilson, sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The most common threat that the dark web poses for a disinformation point of view, however, is ...the fact that many marketplaces on the dark web host tools which can be used for disinformation. Manufacturing it, spreading it, monitoring it, so on and so forth." On this episode, host Paul Brandus explores the hidden parts of the Internet known as the deep web and the dark web. The deep web refers to the unindexed parts of the Internet, such as databases and private networks, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that requires specific software and authorization to access. The dark web provides anonymity and heavy encryption, making it attractive for those seeking to manufacture and distribute false information, or disinformation. The dark web has been used to spread conspiracy theories and false information during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sale of fake vaccines and forged health certificates. It also facilitates criminal scams, such as pump and dump schemes and ransomware attacks. Tune in to learn about the involvement of state actors like Russia and China in spreading disinformation on the dark web, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating these activities. [00:04:20] Dark web and disinformation. [00:11:28] Russian and Chinese dark web activities. [00:15:55] Policing the dark web. [00:20:18] The dark web and ransomware attacks. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Neil Thompson, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This is an ongoing struggle, and perhaps the struggle of our time." In this episode of Disinformation, Paul Brandus discusses the recent election in the Netherlands and the rise of the islamophobic and anti-immigration Geert Wilders and his Freedom Party. The Russians, known for their active measures, have been supporting Wilders, further highlighting their efforts to influence opinion in the West. Thea Gioe, a former CIA officer, joins the discussion and explains how migration issues are being exploited by various groups, including nationalist groups seeking to regain power. [00:03:28] Migration in Sweden. [00:05:07] Islamic immigration and crime statistics. [00:10:08] Migration in Europe's perception. [00:14:10] Fear of migrants' impact. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Thea Gioe, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brings you Burn the Boats, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas. On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven. Enjoy the first episode here. You can find more episodes of Countdown to Dallas in your favorite listening app, or at Evergreenpodcasts.com.

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you From First Lady to Jackie O, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas, another podcast from Host Paul Brandus.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

"I can filter out four or five star quality hotels and restaurants today. We can't do that with our personal information." In this episode of the award-winning podcast series "Disinformation," host Paul Brandus discusses the need for safety standards in the information we consume. While there are regulations in place for the safety of our food, water, and air, there are none for the content we see just as often. Meredith Wilson, CEO of Emergent Risk International, delves into the challenge of discerning what is real in an era of misinformation. Tune in to this thought-provoking conversation on the need for safety standards in the content we engage with. [00:01:54] Synthetic media and deepfakes. [00:05:20] Regulating information and free speech. [00:08:15] Social media and disinformation. [00:15:07] Trust and information integrity. [00:16:33] Information quality standards. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Meredith Wilson, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brings you Burn the Boats, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas. On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven. Enjoy the first episode here. You can find more episodes of Countdown to Dallas in your favorite listening app, or at Evergreenpodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our partners at Evergreen Podcasts have a great new series that I have no doubt Presidencies listeners will appreciate - Countdown to Dallas. On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories. Check out this first episode then subscribe to Countdown to Dallas wherever you get your podcasts or go to https://evergreenpodcasts.com to learn more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you What's So Funny!, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you Wake Up Call, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you From First Lady to Jackie O, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas, another podcast from Host Paul Brandus.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you Design Everywhere, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you Weddings Unveiled with Leah Haslage, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you Big Audacious Idea, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you Behind the Doc, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that infamous afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

Evergreen Podcasts, the network that brought you West Wing Reports, is pleased to introduce Countdown to Dallas, another podcast from Host Paul Brandus.  On the sixtieth anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.  Enjoy this trailer and subscribe to hear the first episode of Countdown to Dallas today in your favorite listening app or at EvergreenPodcasts.com

Sixty years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, former White House correspondent Paul Brandus takes an in-depth look at the seemingly unconnected events that led to that afternoon in Dallas, Texas. He explores the troubled and broken life of Kennedy's killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, and challenges six decades worth of conspiracy theories––none of which have been proven.. Available October 31st in your favorite podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Living in a post-fact world is a scary place to be, as we learned during the pandemic, right? People don't believe anything." In part 1 of this 3 part series on combating disinformation, we delve into the world of media literacy, critical thinking, and the battle against disinformation in Europe. Join host Paul Brandus as he explores the challenges faced by countries like Slovakia and Bulgaria, where a lack of media literacy leaves populations vulnerable to false narratives. Discover how NATO and European Union initiatives are working to combat disinformation and protect democratic values, and gain valuable insights into the fight against disinformation in today's "post-fact world". [00:02:59] Russia's footprint in Africa. [00:05:08] Media literacy and manipulation. [00:09:27] NATO's disinformation defense. [00:14:01] The impact of disinformation. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Dominika Hadju and Claudio Lusco. Sound designer and editor is Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"... this is a Doom Loop: authorities screw up, people die, trust is eroded." In this podcast episode, host Paul Brandus discusses the dangerous spread of false narratives during natural disasters and crises. He highlights the devastating impact of Hurricane Adelia on Cedar Key, Florida, and the disinformation that followed, causing confusion and undermining trust in authorities. He also discusses the phenomenon of disinformation during other crises, such as wildfires and hurricanes, including Hurricane Katrina. Just as the erosion of our environment during a climate crisis threatens our physical world, the erosion of faith in public institutions during these events can be just as damaging, and sometimes longer lasting. Brandus and his guests explore the breakdown of communication and trust that occurred during Katrina and how it continues to affect public perception. The episode emphasizes the importance of reliable sources of information and the challenges of navigating the flood of information in a crisis. Social media also plays a role in disseminating both accurate and inaccurate information during emergencies. [00:02:43] Fact-checking and disinformation. [00:05:26] Disinformation during crises. [00:12:57] Communications breakdown during Hurricane Katrina. [00:13:24] Erosion of public trust. [00:18:10] Social media in crisis situations. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Ashley Goosman, founder of Disaster Empire, CEO of Emergent Risk International Meredith Wilson, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What kind of company, a publicly traded company, doesn't share its most basic financial information with investors? In this episode of Disinformation, host Paul Brandus delves into the infamous case of Enron, a Houston-based energy company that was once a Wall Street darling. Enron manipulated its financial information, misrepresenting its earnings and altering its balance sheet to deceive investors. The host also discusses other cases of financial disinformation, such as WorldCom, Tyco, and Health South, highlighting the destructive power of such deception. He raises questions about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting and preventing future instances of financial disinformation, particularly in analyzing large amounts of text data, like the 10K filings that companies submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). However, concerns exist about the potential risks and unintended consequences of relying solely on AI in financial decision-making, emphasizing the need for human oversight. The episode concludes by reflecting on the challenges of controlling AI-powered disinformation and the importance of remaining vigilant in the face of evolving threats. [00:01:38] Lack of transparency at Enron. [00:07:00] Financial disinformation. [00:12:22] AI and financial disinformation. [00:16:20] AI trading algorithms and risks. Thanks to Professor Craig Lewis of Vanderbilt University for his insights. Sound from CNBC, ABC and C-SPAN. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"It creates this sort of feedback loop of Disinformation that's happening all the time there." On this episode of Disinformation, hosts Paul Brandus and Meredith Wilson delve into the concerning rise of disinformation in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The episode highlights the protests outside the White House during Modi's visit, where opponents accused him of undermining democracy and suppressing freedoms. The transcript reveals that India's ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted, with the country now ranked 161st out of 180 countries. The hosts discuss how social media and the internet have exacerbated the spread of disinformation, particularly in the context of Hindu-Muslim tensions. They also touch on the alarming prevalence of COVID-19 misinformation in India and the ease with which false narratives can be generated using artificial intelligence. Overall, the episode sheds light on the challenges India faces in combating disinformation and protecting democratic values. [00:01:24] India's declining press freedom [00:05:08] The Indian news "hyper-cycle" [00:12:09] Fake cricket [00:13:43] The ease of generating disinformation in India Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Pearl D'Souza and Kyle Walter. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"What is the line where your ability to say what you want stops and your ability to make up things that harm people starts?" In Elon Musk's recent interview with the BBC, he discussed free speech and his vision for the platform to serve as a "digital town square." However, the challenge arises when determining what constitutes misinformation in a divided society where basic facts are contested. The episode explores the concept of disinformation and the concerns surrounding its potential resurgence on Twitter under Musk's ownership as well as on other social media platforms. Join host Paul Brandus as he delves into the complex issue of disinformation in the digital age. [00:02:08] Peddlers of disinformation return. [00:04:52] First Amendment and social media. [00:10:59] Tackling disinformation upstream. [00:12:11] Public education campaigns. [00:16:26] Extending the Pareto Principle to social media. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Meredith Wilson of Emergent Risk International and Ella Irwin for their insights. Our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Disinformation," host Paul Brandus and analyst Meredith Wilson explore the overwhelming amount of information that bombards us each day. Dr. Daniel Levitin, a cognitive psychologist and author, explains that we are faced with five times more information than ever before, making it difficult to discern what is true and what is not. The rise of social media and tribalism further complicates this issue, as we tend to trust and align with like-minded individuals. [00:00:30] Information overload. [00:06:52] Cyber operations and information operations. [00:09:08] Monitoring social media tools. [00:14:47] Information integrity map. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guests Bret Schafer and Peter Benzoni of the Alliance for Securing Democracy, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "Disinformation," Paul Brandus explores the extent of Russian influence operations and disinformation efforts beyond just elections and social issues. He discusses the role of the Internet Research Agency, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, in spreading false narratives. Meredith Wilson, CEO of Emergent Risk International, provides analysis on how the private sector and business community are also targeted by Russian disinformation. Tune in to gain insights into the insidious craft of disinformation and its impact on various sectors. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Thanks to our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In season two of the Disinformation podcast, Paul Brandus discusses the emergence of avatars and false media outlets created by artificial intelligence, blurring the lines between fact and fiction; truth and untruth. He and Meredith Wilson, CEO of Emergent Risk International, discuss how the rapid growth of AI accelerates the possibility of false narratives spreading faster than ever before, and how these false narratives are forms of disinformation. Paul also interviews Jack Stubbs, VP of Intelligence at Graphika, who discusses the discovery of a fake media outlet called Wolf News, which is part of a Chinese state-aligned political influence operation. Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to paulb@emergentriskinternational.com. Thanks to Jack Stubbs of Graphika, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Year(s) Discussed: 1939-1994 As we've seen in the podcast, certain circumstances coming together at just the right time can change the course of history for good or ill. In this episode, I am joined by author, historian, and White House correspondent Paul Brandus to discuss his new book, Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" That Brought John F Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963. In our conversation, we talk about Oswald's motivation and how his troubled childhood impacted his course in life as well as the impacts of the Kennedy assassination on his loved ones as well as presidential security practices moving forward. We also discuss some of the reasons this event has given birth to so many conspiracy theories, and Paul shares some insight on the experience of being a White House correspondent. Additional information can be found at https://www.presidenciespodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Alyson speaks with the author of "Jackie" and "Countdown to Dallas", Paul Brandus. Paul's Twitter: https://twitter.com/WestWingReport Purchase “Countdown to Dallas”: https://amzn.to/4318ZFD Purchase “Jackie: Her Transformation from First Lady to Jackie O”:  https://amzn.to/4318ZFD Listen to “From First Lady to Jackie O.”: https://evergreenpodcasts.com/from-first-lady-to-jackie-o Visit the White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/visit/ Newsletter: www.kennedydynasty.com/newsletter Shop New Merch: www.kennedydynasty.com/shop Recommendations: www.kennedydynasty.com/recommendations Instagram: www.instagram.com/kennedydynasty Facebook: www.facebook.com/kennedydynastypodcast Patreon: www.patreon.com/kennedydynasty Website: www.kennedydynasty.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John F. Kennedy's fascination with death-particularly his own-and Lee Harvey Oswald's love of violence and desire for fame made November 22, 1963 practically inevitable. With new details from the very latest documents declassified by the CIA and FBI! The so-called "crime of the century"-the assassination of President John F. Kennedy-was almost preordained to happen. Like all presidents from decades before him, JFK played it loose with security-open cars, Secret Service agents at a distance, and a desire to be seen. Yet conspiracy buffs are certain the security setup on November 22, 1963 was unusual and suspicious. It wasn't. And what of Lee Harvey Oswald, the drifter, the vicious wife-beating, fame-seeking narcissist? Everything in his background-dating back to his violent, disturbing grade school years, including his stated desire to murder President Dwight Eisenhower-defines the real Lee Oswald. The Oswald that conspiracists rarely talk about-the Oswald who was perched in the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository as JFK drove by-was headed for this moment of infamy years before he pulled the trigger. In Countdown to Dallas, author Paul Brandus tracks the backgrounds of both Kennedy and Oswald, the very different era in which they lived, and the incredible string of circumstances that brought them together for a few fateful moments in Dallas.

Links from the show:* Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines, and Blind "Luck" that Brought John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963* Connect with Paul* Support the show* Rate the showAbout my guest:A historian and keynote speaker—including at seven presidential libraries—Paul Brandus is a columnist for USA Today and Dow Jones/MarketWatch, and one of the most followed journalists in the White House press corps, with more than 375,000 Twitter followers (@WestWingReport). He is the author of books on the White House and presidency, U.S. military, and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. His podcast, Jackie, has won numerous awards. He lives in the Washington, D.C. area with his family. Get full access to Dispatches from the War Room at dispatchesfromthewarroom.substack.com/subscribe

John F. Kennedy's fascination with death-particularly his own-and Lee Harvey Oswald's love of violence and desire for fame made November 22, 1963 practically inevitable. With new details from the very latest documents declassified by the CIA and FBI! The so-called "crime of the century"-the assassination of President John F. Kennedy-was almost preordained to happen. Like all presidents from decades before him, JFK played it loose with security-open cars, Secret Service agents at a distance, and a desire to be seen. Yet conspiracy buffs are certain the security setup on November 22, 1963 was unusual and suspicious. It wasn't. And what of Lee Harvey Oswald, the drifter, the vicious wife-beating, fame-seeking narcissist? Everything in his background-dating back to his violent, disturbing grade school years, including his stated desire to murder President Dwight Eisenhower-defines the real Lee Oswald. The Oswald that conspiracists rarely talk about-the Oswald who was perched in the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository as JFK drove by-was headed for this moment of infamy years before he pulled the trigger.

The dimwit wants to run again in 2024, but does he even know where he is now? Shaun talks JFK conspiracies with Paul Brandus, veteran journalist and historian, and about his new book Countdown to Dallas: The Incredible Coincidences, Routines and Blind 'Luck' that Brought John F. Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald Together on November 22, 1963. PLUS, EJ Antoni thinks we are well on our way to World War 3 - and the destruction of the dollar will be what sends us over the edge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in 1890, before the Wright Brothers had completed man's first flight, and died just weeks short of man's first steps on the moon. With involvement in multiple wars, from soldier to president - how did 'Ike' as he was known become the giant of history that we know today?In this episode James is joined by award-winning Journalist, and White House press corps member Paul Brandus, who takes us through Eisenhower's remarkable career. Looking at the major conflicts he was involved in, and the political legacy he left - what can Eisenhower's life & legacy teach us about the key moments in American History?For more Warfare content, subscribe to our Warfare newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - enter promo code WARFARE for a free trial, plus 50% off your first three months' subscription. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Woodrow Wilson's wives had a tremendous impact on his presidency. His first wife, Ellen Axson Wilson, died the week World War I broke out in Europe, leaving the president so depressed at a moment of crisis that he told aids he wished someone would shoot him. Less than a year later, he was over it, and instead obsessed with his courtship of Edith Bolling Galt, sometimes writing her three letters a day. When a stroke crippled Wilson in the final years of his presidency, it was Edith who cared for him and maintained the illusion that he was still healthy enough for the office - leading some to dub her the first female president.Join me as I talk with White House correspondent Paul Brandus (@WestWingReports on Twitter), author of several books on the presidency and first ladies, about the relationships and influence of Wilson's Wives.Support the show

Writer and White House Correspondent Paul Brandus comes on the show to cover FDR's brilliant use of the media, before Pearl Harbor. Also, we discuss the significance of the Battle of Midway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices