Endless Thread - podcast cover

Endless Thread

Untold histories, unsolved mysteries, and other jaw-dropping stories online and IRL. Hosted by Ben Brock Johnson & Amory Sivertson.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Madness, Pt. 5: The Unreachable Summit

This Endless Thread episode delves into the controversial legacy of Dr. Ewen Cameron, a psychiatrist known for his CIA-funded mind control experiments. Through an interview with his son, Duncan Cameron, the episode explores the personal side of a man whose methods have had a lasting impact on interrogation techniques and the families of his patients. The hosts discuss the ethical implications of Cameron's work, the destruction of records, and the ongoing struggle for accountability.

May 21, 202035 min

Madness, Pt. 4: Pursuit Of Justice

This episode delves into the legal battles fought by victims of Dr. Ewen Cameron's CIA-funded mind control experiments, focusing on Val Orlico's initial lawsuit and the subsequent challenges in proving CIA negligence and securing justice. It also explores a new class-action lawsuit by SAGA, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acknowledgment, apology, and compensation for the victims and their families. The episode reveals the intergenerational damage and the continuing fight for accountability from both the U.S. and Canadian governments.

May 14, 202036 min

Madness, Pt. 3: Subproject 68

This Endless Thread episode delves into the CIA's MK-ULTRA program, focusing on Subproject 68 and Dr. Ewen Cameron's disturbing experiments. It explores the post-World War II climate of fear that fueled the search for mind control techniques, the ethical breaches within the CIA, and the devastating impact on individuals like Velma Orlico. Investigative journalist John Marks's role in uncovering MKUltra and the long-lasting consequences for victims and their families are also examined.

May 07, 202036 min

Madness, Pt. 2: Brave New World

This episode of Endless Thread delves into the disturbing history of Dr. Ewen Cameron's psychiatric experiments at the Allen Memorial Institute, exploring his methods of depatterning and psychic driving and their devastating effects on patients like Lou Weinstein. It examines Cameron's rise to prominence, his inspiration from Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World," and the troubling connection between his work and the Cold War era's obsession with mind control. The episode also investigates the lack of accountability and the long-lasting trauma inflicted on Cameron's victims and their families.

Apr 30, 202034 min

Madness, Pt. 1: The Sleep Room

In our first episode, we share powerful accounts of abuse at a psychiatric hospital in Montreal, and we introduce the renowned doctor who conducted these disturbing experiments on his unwitting patients. *** "Madness" unravels the shocking history of CIA-funded mind-control experiments. Co-hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, along with producer Josh Swartz, investigate how the stigma around mental illness, combined with government secrecy, can silence the truth. *** Join us for an episo...

Apr 23, 202028 min

Zoom Party This Friday!

This Friday, April 17th, at 7pm EST, Endless Thread is hosting a Zoom party! Join co-hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson and producer Josh Swartz for a little trivia, an exclusive sneak preview of their upcoming series, "Madness," and of course... some surprises. RSVP HERE: https://www.wbur.org/endlessthread

Apr 15, 20202 min

A Parent, A Nurse, And A Patient

Another look at the far-reaching impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode, we hear from a parent who recently had an infant in the NICU, a nurse who fears for his safety, and someone who recently recovered from COVID-19.

Apr 10, 202020 min

Zombies And Preppers

We speak with Max Brooks about the viral PSA he made with his dad, Mel Brooks, and how his zombie apocalypse novel, World War Z, has become eerily relevant during the coronavirus pandemic. Then, we chat with FrugalChef13, a "prepper," to get her advice about how we can each better prepare for crisis situations.

Apr 02, 202027 min

How Reddit's Coronavirus Community Became A Global Lifeline

Redditors share how they're coping with the coronavirus pandemic. We also take an in-depth look at r/coronavirus, which has fast become one of the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and reliable sources of information for this constantly developing global story.

Mar 27, 202025 min

Endless Thread Presents: 'Madness'

Endless Thread presents a special series called "Madness: The secret mission for mind control and the people who paid the price." Get a sneak peek of the series by listening to the trailer now. New episodes coming soon. "Madness" unravels the shocking story of forced brainwashing and the murky history of CIA-funded mind-control experiments. Co-hosts Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, along with producer Josh Swartz, investigate how the stigma around mental illness combined with government se...

Mar 12, 20202 min

Encore: Call of the Void

When you’re in a high place, peering over a ledge, do you ever get that super weird feeling that you should just... jump? This is a real scientific phenomenon that a lot of people experience, and it has a name: the call of the void. This week, we're listening back to an episode that made a lot of people feel less alone.

Feb 28, 202027 min

Snacktime: A Fairy Tale Proposal

In honor of Valentine's Day, Amory tells Ben a snack-size story about a feast-size grand gesture that has left millions of people all over the world wishing they could re-do their marriage proposals.

Feb 13, 202019 min

Double Life

92-year-old Robert Middelmann uncovered a secret about himself when he was very young. Keeping it was a matter of life and death. But, after many years, Robert decided to share that secret, along with the rest of his extraordinary life story, online. It all started in Nazi Germany…

Jan 30, 202038 min

Snacktime: Snektime

Ben and Amory dissscusss sssome facsssinating ssstories about sssnakes.

Jan 23, 20209 min

'I Was Abducted'

Monique has always known she was abducted as a child, but specific details about what happened, and why, have been elusive. It wasn’t until she posted to Reddit that she found real leads and painful memories started flooding back.

Jan 16, 202032 min

Snacktime: Bushfires and Books

Ben and Amory discuss a Reddit deep-dive about the Australian wildfires and one man's very, very long reading list.

Jan 09, 202012 min

Where Are They Now (Updates!)

Ben and Amory get updates from a few previous guests. Then, they invite the hosts of the podcast "Food, We Need To Talk" into the studio for a final debrief on their 2019 New Year's resolutions.

Jan 02, 202017 min

Encore: Dear Anon

What do Bill Gates, finding your soul mate, and charting a new life path have in common? Reddit Gifts! The world's largest anonymous gift exchange has led to some unexpected outcomes.

Dec 26, 201932 min

Nick, Jess, and David

Three autistic Redditors talk to us about their view of the world, their view of autism, and their hopes for greater representation in society.

Dec 20, 201942 min

Snacktime: Feeling Adrift

Ben shares a story about a real-life grand theft auto adventure and Amory tells the story of a dad whose new hobby may only be scratching the surface of something deeper.

Dec 12, 201918 min

Free To Be Childfree

r/childfree is one of the fastest growing communities on Reddit and it's for people who do NOT want children. They don't want to be told why they should have them, how much they'll regret it if they don't, and how "selfish" they are for not "contributing to society." This choice is becoming more common, yet it's still questioned ferociously. We hear from some of these people and explore how this Reddit community offers support when friends and family don't.

Dec 05, 201942 min

Underunderstood: The 9/11 Hoax That Wasn't

While we’re busy stuffing our faces over Thanksgiving, we thought we’d share a story you’ll love from another great podcast: Underunderstood. They look into a photo that frequently goes viral on Reddit to figure out, once and for all, whether or not it’s a hoax. Their conclusion is satisfying and weirdly touching.

Nov 27, 201936 min

To the Max (Headroom)

On November 22nd, 1987, two TV stations in Chicago had their broadcast signals hijacked by someone wearing a Max Headroom mask. In the years since, Redditors have played an integral role in getting to the bottom of this case. Who dunnit? Why? How? We dig into the story.

Nov 21, 201936 min

Bonus: Glitter's Connection To Forensic Science

Get ready for some extra sparkle on the heels of last week’s deep dive into “The Great Glitter Mystery.” Retired Forensic Scientist Ed Jones has one of the world’s largest glitter collections. And his side hobby has served him well over the years – glitter helped him solve a murder case back in 2001.

Nov 14, 20198 min

The Great Glitter Mystery

Endless Thread solves one of the internet’s most compelling unresolved mysteries. Inspired by a New York Times feature about glitter last year, Redditors have obsessed over identifying the mysterious industry buying huge amounts of glitter – information which glitter-makers have now famously refused to divulge. No one has been able to find any answers…until now!

Nov 07, 201940 min

Endless Dread: Imaginary Friend

When Kellie's 3 year-old daughter told her about her new imaginary friend, Kellum, she didn't think too much of it. But gradually, Kellum started to feel less and less... imaginary. Kellie and her daughter, Madison, tell us everything.

Oct 29, 201925 min

Snacktime: Even More Dread

Endless Dread continues with two more spooky stories, one about “The Smiling Man” and one about an unsettling recording from a sleep app.

Oct 24, 201913 min

Endless Dread: Olga of Kiev

Olga of Kiev executed one of the most bone-chilling revenge tours in history after her husband, Igor, was murdered. Then, with a burning city in her wake, she converted to Christianity and became a saint.

Oct 17, 201929 min

Snacktime: Endless Dread

We kick off this year’s series of spooky stories in the lead-up to Halloween with tales about a frightening curse and a memorable first date.

Oct 10, 201915 min

Loot Crates

Loot crates are virtual prize boxes available for purchase in video games, containing mystery items like customizations, powerful weapons, or rare gear. They are also the subject of the most downvoted Reddit comment of all-time, the crux of a debate about the definition of gambling, and a window into the history of human evolution.

Oct 03, 201927 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android