Provoked with Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton

• EP:7 Who Watches the Watchers? Intelligence Agency Overreach

  The intelligence community's role in shaping American foreign policy and domestic politics takes center stage in this eye-opening conversation. Scott and Darryl begin by honoring Ron Paul's 90th birthday, reflecting on his unwavering commitment to non-interventionism and his prescient warnings about blowback from American military adventures abroad. As they discuss his consistent opposition to war—from Lebanon in the 1980s to his accurate COVID-19 predictions—they paint a portrait of a principled statesman whose views have been vindicated time and again. The conversation shifts to Syria, exploring how Western intelligence agencies orchestrated chaos by supporting jihadist groups against Assad's regime. Drawing parallels to William Van Wagenen's new book "Creative Chaos," they examine how the CIA's strategy wasn't simply regime change but the deliberate fragmentation of Syria into warring factions—creating permanent instability that serves regional interests while devastating civilian populations. The hosts don't hold back in describing the human cost of these policies, from displaced families to the rise of ISIS. Most provocatively, Scott and Darryl connect these foreign policy machinations to domestic politics through Russiagate. They meticulously deconstruct how intelligence agencies allegedly fabricated evidence against Trump campaign officials like Carter Page and George Papadopoulos, while destroying the lives of ordinary campaign volunteers through endless interrogations and legal expenses. What emerges is a troubling picture of unelected officials operating beyond democratic oversight to determine which leaders are acceptable both abroad and at home. Whether you're concerned about America's role in the Middle East or the integrity of our democratic institutions, this discussion raises profound questions about accountability in our intelligence services. When agencies that operate in shadows decide they know better than voters, what becomes of representative government? Listen now to explore what happens when the watchers themselves go unchecked. Chapters 0:32Episode Introduction 9:07Ron Paul's 90th Birthday Celebration 17:05Syria's Civil War and Western Intervention 37:26The Oded Yanon Plan and Regional Chaos 53:34Russiagate Origins and CIA Involvement 1:05:39The Framing of Trump Campaign Officials Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• EP:6 When Civilians Become Targets: Blood on the Path to Aid

  The humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza takes center stage as Daryl Cooper and Scott Horton examine damning testimony from a retired US special forces officer about Israeli tactics at food distribution centers. Colonel Coney Aguilera, a veteran of twelve deployments including Iraq and Afghanistan, recently revealed witnessing IDF soldiers deliberately firing on civilians - including children - who were simply seeking food. His firsthand account confirms what media reports and humanitarian organizations have documented for months, adding another layer of credibility to claims that civilians are being deliberately targeted. Beyond the immediate crisis, the conversation weaves through the tangled history of the region, challenging common misconceptions about Palestinian identity and nationhood. Cooper brilliantly dismantles the narrative that Palestinians lack legitimate claim to their homeland, explaining how property rights and generational ties to specific places represent the most fundamental basis for belonging. "These were ordinary people with their lives, families, and livelihoods in this place," Cooper explains, cutting through ideological abstractions to focus on the human reality. Perhaps most revealing is their exploration of Netanyahu's documented support for Hamas - a cynical strategy confirmed by multiple sources including Israeli police interrogations where Netanyahu admitted "controlling the height of the flame." This historical context upends the simplistic framing of the conflict, revealing how Israeli leadership deliberately strengthened Hamas to prevent Palestinian unity and block statehood possibilities. As Horton points out, most Gazans today were either minors or not even born during the 2005 elections, making collective punishment not just morally indefensible but factually nonsensical. The conversation represents a growing shift in American discourse, particularly among conservatives who have traditionally supported Israel unconditionally. With figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens publicly challenging Israeli actions, and polls showing 50% of Republicans now disapproving of Israel, we're witnessing a sea change in public opinion that transcends traditional political divides. Ready to delve deeper into these critical issues? Subscribe to Daryl's Martyr Made podcast for his upcoming series on German soldiers' experiences in WWII, and explore Scott's extensive interview archives at scotthortonshow.com, where you'll find thousands of conversations with experts on foreign policy, war, and peace. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 9:51 The Deep History of Slavery 19:07 Understanding Palestine: Historical Context 34:42 Gaza Humanitarian Crisis: Colonel Aguilera's Testimony 48:55 Resistance Under Occupation: Hamas and Israel 1:06:42 Netanyahu's Role in Supporting Hamas 1:13:58 Closing Thoughts and Show Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• EP:5 - The Mosquito Protocol: When Power Has No Shame: Genocide, Cover-Ups, and Zero Accountability

  Hey folks, welcome back to Provoked. In this episode, we dive into some of the ugliest truths behind a few major global conflicts—most of all, what's happening right now in Gaza. Let’s get this straight right off the bat—it’s not a war. That word gives the impression of two sides in some kind of fair fight. What we’re seeing in Gaza is nothing like that. It’s a one-sided assault. Humanitarian organizations are reporting that Palestinians are literally starving to death—starving—while aid is being blocked. Israel tries to deflect blame by saying Hamas intercepts the aid, but when you dig into it, those claims are massively overblown. At the same time, they’re bombing the actual distribution sites. And then there’s this thing called the “Mosquito Protocol” that came out in Israeli media. It’s horrifying—soldiers using Palestinian civilians, including children and elderly people, as human shields to clear buildings that might be booby-trapped. And they still accuse Hamas of using civilians as shields? It’s a textbook case of projection. It gets darker. Israeli leaders aren’t even pretending anymore. Netanyahu’s telling his people to treat Palestinians like Amalek—that’s a biblical tribe that was ordered to be wiped out entirely. That’s not just some ancient metaphor. That’s a call for genocide. We also dig into the way modern propaganda works. It’s not about censoring everything—it's about overwhelming people. Flood the zone with so much noise, so many stories, that even the most horrific realities—like children dying from hunger—just blend into the background. It becomes another headline people scroll past. That’s the real danger. In the past, regimes at least tried to hide their crimes. Now, they’re bold about it, because they know people are desensitized, distracted, and unsure what’s real. It’s all by design. We also get into the Oklahoma City bombing and the Epstein case—two stories where the official version just doesn’t add up. These are entry points for people to start questioning the system itself. Back in the Cold War, you had a few network anchors telling everyone what to believe. Now it's chaos—millions of voices, total fragmentation—and still, somehow, the truth is just as buried. It’s all managed differently now, through noise instead of silence. We close things out with updates on Ukraine, where Russian forces keep advancing while protests break out in Kyiv, and Syria, where it’s still a tangled mess of shifting alliances and endless war. Across all these conflicts, there’s one thing in common—zero accountability for the people with the most power. It’s a heavy episode, but if you want to understand the world as it really works—not the sanitized version—we’re laying it all out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• EP4: Power, Justice, and the Fragile Nature of TRUTH

  The Jeffrey Epstein story refuses to fade away, despite powerful efforts to suppress it. As Daryl Cooper prepares for his appearance on Tucker Carlson's show, he and Scott Horton discuss breaking news about a major newspaper reportedly set to release an exposé on Trump's relationship with Epstein - potentially explaining the former president's recent characterization of the entire investigation as "another Russiagate hoax." We explore how the Epstein case has transcended its specific horrors to become a litmus test for elite accountability in America. When a convicted sex trafficker with connections to presidents, prime ministers, and other people of power can operate with impunity for decades, it raises profound questions about our institutions. As Cooper notes, "If we can't draw a line in the sand here, then people question whether we can draw it anywhere." The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we examine how modern information ecosystems contribute to our fractured understanding of reality. Algorithmic content curation creates self-reinforcing bubbles that resemble cult dynamics, where consensus within groups diverges dramatically from objective truth. With AI-generated content becoming increasingly convincing, these information silos will only grow more impenetrable - making shared understanding of cases like Epstein's even more difficult to achieve. Our wide-ranging discussion ultimately connects the dots between information manipulation, geopolitical conflicts, and accountability for the powerful. From Trump's evolving position on Ukraine to the devastating situation in Gaza (where a Holocaust studies professor has recently accused Israel of genocide), we confront how those in positions of authority often escape the consequences of their actions while ordinary people suffer. Listen/Watch now for a thought-provoking exploration of power, justice, and the fragile nature of truth in our increasingly complex world. How do we maintain our grip on reality when everything from cell phone location data to historical analysis points to uncomfortable truths about those who lead us? Chapters: 0:00 Intro and Epstein News Developing 9:51 Daryl Cooper's Upcoming Tucker Interview 23:45 Media Accusations and Historical Context 42:35 Echo Chambers and Information Reliability 52:45 Trump's Ukraine Flip-Flop 59:54 Gaza Crisis and Accusations of Genocide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• EP:3 Epstein Files Reveal No Clients: Truth or Coverup?

  The Justice Department's startling claim that Jeffrey Epstein had no clients beyond himself and Ghislaine Maxwell raises disturbing questions about power, accountability, and institutional corruption. Scott Horton and Daryl Cooper meticulously unpack the web of connections surrounding Epstein's operation, revealing a pattern that suggests something far more sinister than a lone predator's crimes. From Alex Acosta's bombshell admission that he was told Epstein "belonged to intelligence," to the bizarre coincidence that he was hired by Donald Barr (former OSS operative and father of William Barr) at the Dalton School, the evidence points toward organized protection at the highest levels. The hosts explore how Epstein's improbable career trajectory – from college dropout to trusted financial advisor for billionaires – makes sense only when viewed through the lens of intelligence operations and money laundering.The conversation takes a particularly dark turn when examining Epstein's connections to Robert Maxwell (known intelligence asset and father of Ghislaine), and the inexplicable decision by billionaire Les Wexner to grant Epstein complete power of attorney over his business empire. These relationships, coupled with the systematic suppression of reporting on Epstein's crimes – including intimidation tactics against journalists – suggest a coordinated effort to protect not just Epstein, but an entire network of powerful interests. What emerges is a compelling case that Epstein operated with institutional backing, possibly as part of larger intelligence operations involving blackmail and influence. The hosts argue that understanding this case is crucial not just for justice for victims, but as a window into how power actually works in our society – a truth that remains relevant long after the headlines fade. Website: ⁠⁠Provoked.show⁠ Video Version: ⁠⁠Provoked YouTube⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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