Alphabet Boys
Alphabet Boys is an investigative podcast that explores the secret operations of U.S. federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ATF. Hosted by journalist Trevor Aaronson, the show draws on undercover recordings the government never intended the public to hear. It examines cases that are by turns dangerous and absurd, asking whether America's top cops are catching criminals or creating them. Season two, "Up In Arms," follows an international weapons deal to arm rebels in Colombia that entangles the DEA, CIA, and FBI. The series is a production of Western Sound.
Episodes
Introducing: Alphabet Boys: Season One, Trojan Hearse
Alphabet Boys takes you inside the secret investigations that federal agents never wanted you to know about. At the center of this podcast is one disturbing question: Are America’s top cops catching criminals -- or creating them? https://alphabetboys.xyz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1. Summer of Rage
It’s the summer of 2020. After the brutal killings of unarmed Black Americans by law enforcement, the nation is a tinderbox of anger. The pandemic is raging. Protestors and police are violently going toe-to-toe in cities across America. Denver sees some of the most intense protests. Amid the clashes, a new guy rolls into town. He’s got a cigar dangling from his lips and he’s driving a silver hears
2. All the Way Uptown
Michael Adam Windecker II, or Mickey, returns to Denver after fighting ISIS in the Middle East. Mickey claims he trained real antifa warriors, that he represents the Kurdish government, and that he has diplomatic immunity. He puts himself right in the middle of the Denver protests. Activist Zebb Hall is enthralled with Mickey’s message — that the fight against racism needs to escalate. “If that's
3. Black Identity Extremism
Today, the FBI has more than 15,000 registered informants, and in the summer of 2020, Mickey is one of them. He’s getting paid a lot of money to expose crimes committed by activists. But his official motivation? “To fight terrorists.” The FBI thinks the same way — that racial justice activists are “anti-government extremists.” https://alphabetboys.xyz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor
4. The Punisher
Mickey is obsessed with The Punisher, the Marvel Comics antihero who delivers his own brand of arbitrary, violent justice. In this episode, we talk to Casandra Windecker, Mickey’s ex-wife. Cassie met Mickey through the Denver Hearse Association, a community where Mickey was well known for his participation in zombie apocalypse cosplay events and a bit part in a locally produced grindhouse movie. B
5. Give 'Em Hell
Alongside a couple of activists with the Young Democratic Socialists of America, Mickey infiltrates the Denver protest scene. He also starts spreading rumors that a leader of the demonstrations is a snitch. Meanwhile, the protests in Denver are becoming increasingly violent as Mickey leads the way in his silver hearse. https://alphabetboys.xyz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6. Dumpster Fire
Mickey now has two targets: activist Zebb Hall and a verbal bomb-thrower named Bryce Shelby. Mickey takes Zebb and Bryce out to lunch and tells them both that he’s got a guy who can help them do something big. Really big. Will Zebb and Bryce take the bait? https://alphabetboys.xyz/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7. They Call Me Juice
Another mystery man, nicknamed Red, comes to town. He’s Mickey’s so-called “outlaw biker buddy.” Red takes activist Bryce Shelby for a drive to scope out the home of Colorado’s attorney general as part of a budding assassination plot. But Red lets something slip that makes Bryce suspicious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8. The Springs
The FBI’s investigation into activists spreads beyond Denver. In Colorado Springs, a provocatively dressed woman with pink hair shows up to volunteer at a left-wing nonprofit organization. And just like Mickey, she’s taking orders from the FBI. But after several activists are arrested, the pink-haired woman’s cover is blown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9. I Ain't A Snitch
Mickey takes Zebb to a Bass Pro Shop to buy a gun. Everything seems to be going to plan. But then, Mickey is exposed as an informant by a group in Colorado Springs. With Zebb’s help, Mickey creates a bizarre video railing against the group. Zebb begins to question what’s going on with his friend. But is it too late? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10. America Didn't Send Its Best
When the FBI closes its net, several activists are arrested. And Zebb enters a criminal justice system that’s stacked against him. But has the FBI ignored a much bigger, much more real threat to America? And finally, Trevor tracks down the man in the silver hearse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Lost Hills: The Dark Prince
Lost Hills investigates the dark side of Malibu, California. Beneath a seductive facade, this city of billionaires, celebrities, and surf bums is hiding something menacing. Season 3 takes a deep dive into the surf world to explore the legacy of Malibu’s Dark Prince: Miki Dora. A surfer known for his style, grace and aggression, he ruled Malibu from the 1950s to the 1970s. Celebrated for his rebell
Introducing: Alphabet Boys: Season 2, Up in Arms
Alphabet Boys, Season 2 is “Up In Arms.” An international weapons deal to arm rebels in Colombia tangles up the DEA, the CIA, and the FBI in the same case. But who’s the good guy? And who’s the bad guy? This spy story is not at all what it seems. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
1. I Work for the CIA
Flaviu Georgescu is arrested by DEA agents in Montenegro for brokering an illegal weapons deal on behalf of rebels in Colombia. But there’s a wrinkle the arresting agents didn’t consider: Flaviu claims he’s working for the CIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2. The Calls
After being approached to procure weapons for Colombian rebels, Flaviu calls the CIA. “I have information for you,” Flaviu tells the agent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
3. Codename Cardmember
Is Flaviu a trusted source for the U.S. government? In 2001, while living in Las Vegas, Flaviu became a longtime “friend” to the FBI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
4. Something We Might Look Into
With Flaviu’s help, the FBI busts an organized crime ring in Las Vegas. But a death threat causes him to flee to Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
5. You Guys Are Not Serious
Flaviu is talking to a wide-bellied Colombian named Juan about a deal to sell weapons to the FARC, a paramilitary group. But the arms deal hits a snag in Italy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6. The Ramp Rat
Juan isn’t who he says is. He’s made millions pretending to be someone he’s not.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
7. Let's Make This Happen, Bro
Flaviu recruits Cristian Vintila, a Romanian government official, to help him facilitate the arms deal for Juan. But Cristian has some concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
8. Welcome to the Sh*tshow
The arms deal is taking shape. But Flaviu and Cristian need one more person to bring everything together: a flamboyant Italian politician named Massimo Romagnoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
9. Tomorrow I'm Going to Rob the Bank
After their arrests, Flaviu, Cristian, and Massimo are extradited to New York. Flaviu soon finds that everyone has an agenda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10. See Something, Say Nothing
Flaviu says he tried to be a good American. He wanted to help the United States. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Alphabet Boys, One Year Later
The ACLU is suing the FBI. Zebb Hall has a recording to share. And I found Mickey Windecker. Lots more information coming on Trevor's substack: https://trevoraaronson.substack.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Introducing Pulse: The Untold Story
Pulse: The Untold Story is a new Audible podcast from Western Sound. The Pulse nightclub attack in 2016 is among the deadliest mass shootings in American history. Forty-nine people lost their lives and another 53 were injured. In the aftermath, the FBI and the media embraced a story — that the attacker was a secretly gay Islamist extremist who targeted the LGBTQ+ community. But most of what you k
Introducing: Into the Madness, new from Trevor Aaronson
Into the Madness is a new Audible Original from Trevor Aaronson and Western Sound. On July 4, 2022, a shooter climbed onto a rooftop in Highland Park, Illinois, and opened fire on a Fourth of July parade below, killing seven people and wounding dozens more. Prosecutors charged Robert “Bobby” Crimo III with the mass shooting. But this attack was part of something even more insidious. Bo
Introducing - The Burden: Get the Money and Run
“Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and his path was bank robbery. Joe was one of California’s most daring bank robbers. He used disguises, body doubles, speeding getaway cars…and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, even as the FBI was closing in. Joe was also a soul searcher, driven by a dark rage he se
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