Stuff They Don't Want You To Know Yes, The CIA Hired Magicians, Chapter Two: The Hidden Hands
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Feb 21, 2025 Uncover the wild connection between the CIA and magicians. Dive into John Mulholland's transformation from a young magician to a key figure in espionage. Explore the secretive oaths of magicians and their surprising ties to Cold War strategies. Discover how magic techniques informed CIA operations, blurring lines between illusion and intelligence. Delve into the impact of magic on soldiers during WWII. Finally, learn about the clandestine lives of magicians involved in covert activities and the intricate balance of deception in high-stakes scenarios.
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Carrot Myth
- The British spread the myth that carrots improve eyesight during WWII.
- This was a propaganda tactic to conceal their radar technology.
Adapting to Unconventional Warfare
- The US felt the need to adapt to the USSR's unconventional warfare tactics during the Cold War.
- A report urged the US to reconsider its "fair play" approach and embrace subversion.
Weaponizing Magic
- The CIA hired Mulholland to write a manual on covert operations, weaponizing magic for espionage.
- He was paid $3,000, equivalent to $35,245 today, for this task.
