The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst Former CIA Spy: How To Spot Liars & Manipulators Before They Control You | John Kiriakou
Apr 23, 2026
John Kiriakou, former senior CIA counterterrorism officer turned journalist and author known for exposing the CIA torture program. He discusses spotting liars and manipulators, using analytic tradecraft in everyday life, the costs of whistleblowing, and practical tactics for staying calm and thinking independently in a world full of influence.
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Read Across Ideologies Daily
- Read widely across ideological and international sources to form independent conclusions.
- Kiriakou lists Washington Post, NYT, WSJ, BBC, Al Jazeera and niche outlets as part of his daily diet to avoid echo chambers.
Whistleblowing Sparked By Presidential Dismissal
- John Kiriakou blew the whistle after President George W. Bush denied a CIA torture program and blamed a “rogue” officer.
- He expected a one-day story but it triggered investigations, prolonged media focus, and career-ending consequences.
Using CIA Skills To Stay Safe In Prison
- In prison Kiriakou applied CIA social tactics to survive, making alliances and helping others without charge.
- He befriended Mark Lanzalotti who vouched for him, easing prison social dynamics.
