The Secret Poisoner

The Secret Poisoner

Constant Wonder

Unbelievable Spy Stories (originally aired on May 29, 2020)

Episode: Unbelievable Spy Stories (originally aired on May 29, 2020)

  • Dec 29, 2020 8:00 pm
  • 31:11 mins

Sidney Gottlieb was the 20th century's most powerful American you never heard of. A CIA operative who tortured and poisoned for a supposed greater good, no one during his lifetime fully grasped his shocking influence. He is responsible for introducing LSD to America, for example. But in his last years he volunteered in leper colonies, became a speech therapist, and was wracked with guilt. Guest: Stephen Kinzer, author, "Poisoner in Chief: Sidney Gottlieb and the CIA Search for Mind Control"