Conspiracy Theories

Throughout the 1990s, a private equity firm called the Carlyle Group began purchasing and investing in a multitude of private defense contracting and weapons companies. In the months after 9/11, they made millions as the U.S. prepared for war. Some of Carlyle's most prominent investors and associates included the Saudi royal family, the bin Laden family, and the Bush family. Did they profit off 9/...

We trace the path through history to 9/11, then examine how the official 9/11 Commission Report gave conspiracy theorists a foothold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The horrific attacks of September 11th come to an end. In the aftermath, rescuers and volunteers clean up while military and government leaders decide how to respond.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The morning of September 11, 2001 changed the world. Twenty years later, questions still linger about the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history. In this special six-part series, we’re taking a look back at what we do and don’t know about the tragedy that unfolded, starting with a moment-by-moment account of the attacks.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When U.S. forces invaded Iraq in 2003, investors began buying up Iraqi currency. Some expected a massive payup, others were scammed by unethical dealers. And some believe that terrorist cells or an international alliance of government agencies may be manipulating the dinar's value to reshape the global economy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the case of the century, O.J. Simpson was found not guilty of double homicide in 1995, despite a wealth of DNA evidence. Did prosecutors let a cold-blooded killer go free — or was Simpson the innocent victim of a police frame-up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On June 12th, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman were brutally stabbed to death. Today, the homicides remain officially unsolved, but many still have questions about how the prosecution handled the case against Nicole's ex-husband, football Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, Prime Minister Harold Wilson made a daring confession — someone had tried to overthrow him and his cabinet. Was this the work of a media mogul, Wilson's own security forces, or did this have to do with the fact that Wilson himself was a Soviet spy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1976, following an abrupt resignation, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson claimed he was forced out of Parliament. As a socialist, he’d provoked liberals and conservatives alike — but with a conspiracy afoot, everyone became suspect in the alleged coup.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Where there's a group of powerful world leaders, there's whispers of conspiracy and a New World Order. The Bilderberg Group is no exception. Some believe their funding comes from the CIA, others say they may have used the COVID-19 pandemic to their advantage... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Formed after WWII as a way to unite the divided nations, the Bilderberg Group consists of some of the world's most elite politicians, businessmen, and royalty. But its members are secret, its meetings are confidential, and outsiders are unwelcome. Is their stated purpose really their true purpose? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov was accused of doctoring thousands of urine samples for Russian athletes. He claimed he was a pawn in a state-sponsored conspiracy. Still, the allegation shocked the sporting community and sent Dr. Rodchenkov into hiding — but not before he presented his evidence to the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

When the 1984 Summer Olympics generated a massive profit for Los Angeles, cities around the world competed to host the next games. Salt Lake City, Utah was a strong contender for years — but after losing their bid in 1991, they pulled out all the stops to ensure a win. And they weren’t the only place to woo the International Olympic Committee for votes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

In the 1st century B.C.E., competition between Roman senators was stiff — even deadly. When a politician named Catiline learned he'd been knocked out of the running, he organized a coup to overthrow the Roman government entirely. And let's just say, he didn't end up getting his way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the 15th century, the Medicis were the most powerful banking family in Italy. Members of a rival banking family known as the Pazzi attempted to overthrow them but failed. What would the world look like today if the Medici line had ended in 1478? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Remember, remember the 5th of November? You might remember it differently had Guy Fawkes and his team successfully blown up Parliament back in 1605. For two weeks, Conspiracy Theories is examining what happened when secret plots brought the world to the brink of monumental change — then backfired. Don’t miss the rest of this four-part series, running through the end of July! Learn more about your...

In 1944, a group of Adolf Hitler's top-ranking officials devised a plot to kill the Nazi leader and end his reign for good. But things didn't exactly go as planned... For the next two weeks, Conspiracy Theories is examining what happened when secret plots brought the world to the brink of monumental change — then backfired. Don’t miss this four-part series, running through the end of July!  Learn...

During World War II, hidden power stations below Grand Central Station may have been the target of a Nazi attack. A hidden tunnel might still be reserved for U.S. government officials. And reports suggest that police have orchestrated — and covered up — brutal acts of violence within the storied station. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s an American icon, and an important piece of United States history. When Grand Central Station opened its doors in 1913, it stood as an opulent monument to ingenuity. But the glittering surface covered decades of complicated history, and more than a few winding secrets… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Among his many high-profile roles, Franklin still managed to keep some affairs out of the public eye. The figurative and literal skeletons hiding in his closet posed many questions: Was Franklin a serial killer? Did he serve as a double agent during the Revolutionary War? And how far would he go to cover up his sexual escapades? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He’s famous for being a Founding Father and a groundbreaking inventor. But behind his electric experiments, Benjamin Franklin kept dark secrets not taught in the history books — stories marked with adultery, betrayal, manslaughter, and possible treason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years after NASA landed the first rover on Mars, theorists believe there’s more to the Red Planet than reported. Has NASA uncovered hints of an ancient civilization? Did our ancestors receive help from the Martians? Or better yet, is man already colonizing Mars?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the ancient Egyptians to 16th-century scientists to NASA today — fascination with the Red Planet spans thousands of years. But Mars holds endless mysteries. How close are we to finding them out?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Centuries after his death, Nostradamus is still a household name, but his accuracy, methods, and reputation are all up for debate. What do we know about how he made his prophecies, and how does he get connected to modern global crises — including 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deaths of kings. The makings of popes. Famines of entire civilizations. Nostradamus became famous in the 16th century for his predictions of the future. But was he nothing more than a con man?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices