Stuff They Don't Want You To Know

Zoë Lescaze, journalist and author who created the Mind Games podcast, explores neuro-linguistic programming, hypnosis, and their cultural afterlives. She traces NLP's 1970s origins, explains techniques like anchoring and double inductions, and recounts scandals from pickup artistry to cult misuse. The conversation also touches on memory controversies, hypnobirthing ties, and surprising ethical questions around persuasion.

Listeners ask about human neurons trained to play Doom on microchips and the ethical questions that raises. A planned deep dive into Missoula’s subterranean tunnel network and its colorful history gets mapped out. A viral tale about a social network of AI agents, invented languages and security failures sparks debate on hype versus real tech progress.

A fast-paced look at a recent US incursion and the capture of Venezuela's president. Discussion covers why Venezuela matters geopolitically and the role of oil, sanctions, and foreign allies. They explore covert recruitment attempts, strikes on military and maritime targets, and the international legal and humanitarian fallout.

They explore a sensational allegation that the music and prison industries conspired to boost gangster rap for profit. The origins and commercialization of hip hop and payola-style industry influence come under scrutiny. The show examines private prison incentives, a mysterious 2012 letter claiming a secret 1991 meeting, and why the claim matters even if it cannot be fully proven.

A mysterious Farsi numbers station starts broadcasting ominous coded sequences that spark conspiracy chatter. A bizarre courtroom saga involving Afroman and a raid goes viral with songs and memes. A retired Major General vanishes with odd clues, prompting searches and speculation about links to classified programs and a missing scientist.

A deep dive into why global hunger is rising and where early warning hotspots are appearing. They outline four main drivers: conflict, climate shocks, economic strain, and displacement. The conversation covers cuts to aid, data suppression around food security, and how disruptions could spill over to affect food access in the U.S.

A deep look at the legal conservatorship that has shaped Britney Spears' life and finances. They trace her rise from child star to global pop icon and the public incidents that led to loss of autonomy. The conversation explores fan theories about coded social media messages and the origins of the Free Britney movement. It also examines legal battles, fees, and cultural questions about fame and control.

They explore how massive military scale and secrecy can hide wrongdoing. They discuss language and branding that shape public perception. They chronicle high-profile cases and family claims of cover-up. They examine systemic culture, auditing gaps, and calls for legal reform.

Seth Nicholas, producer, record store host and indie vinyl shop operator, joins to unpack foreign money flowing into housing. They trace anonymous all-cash buys, shell-company ownership and tax responses. Stories cover investor visas, pandemic capital shifts and why opaque ownership tangles tenants and officials.

Investigative reporting reignites the Havana Syndrome mystery with claims of a miniaturized directed-energy weapon and secret testing. A high-profile restaurant faces a new abuse scandal and industry silence. AI is touted for triaging UFO reports and improving weather models. New twists surface in the Epstein story with possible cover-up details and suspicious payments.