The Carlos Watson Podcast
Carlos Watson
The Carlos Watson Podcast, hosted by Carlos Watson, is built for the conversations people avoid in public and replay in private. Presidents, rebels, icons, outcasts, critics, and original thinkers sit down for honest dialogue that does not flinch. Smart, soulful, sometimes spicy, always human. If you care about ideas that matter and conversations that go deeper than headlines, this is your seat at the table. New episode drops every Monday.
The Carlos Watson Podcast, hosted by Carlos Watson, is built for the conversations people avoid in public and replay in private. Presidents, rebels, icons, outcasts, critics, and original thinkers sit down for honest dialogue that does not flinch. Smart, soulful, sometimes spicy, always human. If you care about ideas that matter and conversations that go deeper than headlines, this is your seat at the table. New episode drops every Monday.
Fame Is A 200-Pound Saint Bernard. Eriq La Salle On Training It Before It Runs You Over
Episodes
This episode is sponsored by Dose. 🥤 Dose: Give your daily wellness routine a boost and enjoy an exclusive 35% off! Visit https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS and use code CARLOS at checkout. Some links below are affiliate links. We may earn a commission. #ad ❄️ Plunge: Ready to take the plunge? Upgrade your recovery routine with a Plunge Chill cold plunge. Explore your options at https://thecarlospodcast.com/plunge. ✈️ JetBlue: Planning your next getaway? Explore JetBlue and make your next trip happen. Visit https://thecarlospodcast.com/jetblue. 🌐 NordVPN: Protect your online privacy and browse with greater peace of mind. Get started at https://thecarlospodcast.com/nordvpn. What does it take to keep believing in yourself when the world keeps telling you no? Carlos sits down with actor, director, and bestselling author Eric La Salle for an inspiring conversation about ambition, rejection, faith, and the power of perseverance. Eric takes us back to his childhood in Hartford, Connecticut, growing up with a hardworking single mother, finding his way to Juilliard, and building a career that eventually led to Coming to America and ER. He also shares how a mentor changed his life, why he never let rejection define him, and how writing became his creative salvation. From working on a novel for three and a half years to reflecting on fame, love, patience, and his friendship with George Clooney and Noah Wyle, Eric opens up about the lessons that shaped his journey—and why sometimes the journey matters more than the destination. 👉 Have you ever been rejected from something that eventually led you to something better? Share your story in the comments! Timestamps [00:00] Eric La Salle: Rejection, Faith & Finding His Way [01:11] Growing Up in Hartford, Connecticut [01:28] Lessons From a Hardworking Single Mother [02:01] The Work Ethic That Shaped His Career [02:28] Learning to Bounce Back From Rejection [03:01] From Hartford to Juilliard [03:41] Why He Wasn't Afraid to Dream Big [04:39] The Power of Having a Mentor [05:05] Why He Chose a Different Path [05:43] How Kobe Bryant Inspired Him [06:20] Kobe's Obsession With Excellence [06:38] Treating Every Opportunity Like a Championship [06:47] NordVPN Sponsor Message [06:38] Why Mentorship Requires Commitment [07:45] Talent Isn't Enough: The Power of Hard Work [08:23] Landing His Breakthrough Role in Coming to America [09:31] The Director Who Changed His Perspective [10:02] The Emotional Rollercoaster of Auditions [10:21] Dose Sponsor Message [11:15] How Writing Became His Creative Salvation [12:21] The Vulnerability of Sharing Your Art [12:57] Rejected Again and Again: His Journey as a Novelist [13:26] Finally Landing a Publishing Deal [14:05] The Stories Behind His Book Series [14:43] Eric's Early-Morning Writing Routine [14:55] Carlos Takes on the Cold: Plunge Sponsor Message [15:33] The One Sentence He's Perfected for 3.5 Years [16:17] What It Means to Be a Black Man in America in 2026 [17:16] Rapid Fire: Food, Authors & Favorite Athletes [17:55] His Fondest Memories From ER [18:20] The Spain Trip With George Clooney & Noah Wyle [19:07] JetBlue Sponsor Message [19:33] The Most Important Lesson He's Learned About Love [20:20] The Surprising Reality of Fame [20:45] His Biggest Mistake: Letting Ego & Impatience Lead [21:48] Knowing When to Take the Local Train [22:29] Why the Journey Matters More Than the Destination
Need more online privacy? NordVPN has you covered. Grab up to 78% off + 3 extra months and browse with greater peace of mind: https://thecarlospodcast.com/nordvpn Ready to take the plunge? Upgrade your recovery routine with Plunge Chill cold plunges and save up to 50%: https://thecarlospodcast.com/plunge Dreaming of your next getaway? Stock up on Marriott Bonvoy points and get up to a 55% bonus toward your next travel adventure: https://thecarlospodcast.com/marriott Your next trip could be closer than you think! Buy JetBlue TrueBlue points and score up to a 120% bonus for your travel plans: https://thecarlospodcast.com/jetblue What happens when speaking your truth costs you millions, your career, and your place in mainstream media—but you refuse to back down? Carlos sits down with New York Times bestselling author, professor, and political commentator Mark Lamont Hill for a powerful conversation about ambition, resilience, and the price of speaking truth to power. Mark takes us back to his childhood in working-class Philadelphia, his unexpected journey from dropping out of Morehouse and experiencing homelessness to earning a PhD, and the lessons he learned from watching Kobe Bryant's relentless commitment to excellence. He also opens up about losing his CNN job, the financial and emotional toll of his outspoken views on Palestine and other controversial issues, and the depression and shame he experienced after his very public fall. Mark explains why he believes his calling is to challenge the powerful, spotlight suffering, and keep fighting for justice—even when it comes at a personal cost. 👉 Would you risk your career to stand up for what you believe is right? Tell us in the comments. Timestamps [00:00] Mark Lamont Hill: His Moment Is Now [00:44] Growing Up in Working-Class Philadelphia [01:11] The Reader, Writer & Wrestling Fan [01:36] Why He Dropped Out of Morehouse [02:05] Spending His Tuition Refund on a Car [02:42] From Homelessness to Finding His Way [03:03] The Sacrifices Behind His Comeback [03:23] Working His Way Through College [04:36] Finding His Calling at Penn [05:20] Why He Finished His PhD Too Quickly [05:39] Playing Basketball With Kobe Bryant [06:20] Kobe's Obsession With Excellence [06:56] Mark Lamont Hill Was Ahead of the Palestine Debate [07:38] The Price He Paid for Speaking Out [08:03] From CNN to Losing Millions in Opportunities [08:33] Why His Job Is to Speak Truth to Power [09:11] Following the Legacy of MLK & Malcolm X [09:33] Why He Expected to Be Fired [10:07] The Shame of a Public Fall [10:40] "I Was on the Right Side of History" [11:04] Depression, Therapy & Finding a Way Forward [11:21] Will Mark Lamont Hill Ever Run for Office? [11:33] Why He Supports Zohran Mamdani's Work [11:41] Finding His Vocation
This episode is sponsored by Ethos. Get your free life insurance quote at https://ethos.com/carlos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. What does the CIA really know about global conflicts, presidential decisions, and the secrets that never make the headlines? Carlos sits down with David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst who helped write the President's Daily Brief for George W. Bush and Barack Obama. David shares what surprised him most about working inside the intelligence community, from high-level surveillance operations to counterterrorism missions in Iraq. They also dive into Trump's foreign policy, Russia's influence operations, the war in Ukraine, and whether the CIA has become too political. David offers his perspective on the Kennedy assassination, the agency's controversial history—including MKUltra—and the intelligence failures surrounding 9/11. Plus, why are so many senior CIA leaders Black women, and could a Black woman one day lead the agency? 👉 Which revelation surprised you most? Share your thoughts in the comments. Timestamps [00:00] David McCloskey on the CIA, Israel & Zelensky [00:31] Meet Emmy-Winning Journalist Carlos Watson [00:44] David's Childhood & Early Influences [01:13] How David Got Into the CIA [02:28] Was the CIA Like Jason Bourne or James Bond? [03:45] Inside a Top-Secret Surveillance Program [04:35] Tracking Terrorist Networks in Iraq [05:33] Writing the President's Daily Brief [06:14] David's Take on the Last Five Presidents [07:21] Trump's Foreign Policy Record [07:59] Is Trump Compromised by Russia? [08:34] Is the CIA Politically Biased? [09:32] Russia's Strategy of "Active Measures" [10:40] Did the U.S. Use Its Own Disinformation Tactics? [11:34] CIA Covert Operations That Backfired [13:07] Would Trump Have Won Without Russian Help? [13:40] Ethos Sponsor Message [15:04] Did the CIA Know More About JFK's Assassination? [16:06] Inside the CIA's MKUltra Experiments [17:11] The Intelligence Failures Behind 9/11 [18:02] Accountability & Oversight of Intelligence Agencies [18:19] Why Are So Many CIA Leaders Black Women? [18:38] Could a Black Woman Become CIA Director? [18:56] Three Surprising Things About the CIA [19:28] David McCloskey on His Forthcoming Book
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS This episode is also sponsored by the Black Business School. Get 35% off their Prime Course and take control of your financial future. https://b1stockoptions.com/watsons ______ "I'm yelling because I'm a soprano." That's how my guest fights with her husband of nearly 40 years. And honestly, it tells you everything about why this couple has lasted in an industry that eats marriages for breakfast. In this episode, I sit down with David and Tamela Mann, the award-winning gospel singers, actors, and comedians you've loved from "Meet the Browns" (150 episodes deep) and Tamela's anthem "You Deserve My Praise." We get into how they found their gifts. Tamela singing as a kid in church choirs, writing in her senior yearbook that her hope was "to travel and sing." David discovered in fourth grade that he could make a furious teacher laugh in spite of herself, and being bitten by the bug ever since. They open up about how they met as teenage singers in the same scene that produced Kirk Franklin and Daryl Blair, how their friendship turned into something neither of them quite saw coming, and the lessons they've actually learned over nearly four decades of marriage. The hard ones, like learning not to say "piercing" things you can't take back, and the funny ones, like the night an argument turned into a debate about her vocal range. We talk about why they're hitting the road with their Love and Relationship Tour to celebrate Black love in an industry known for divorce, and David's two mottos that have carried them through: "Don't panic, pivot," and "Nothing's the end of the world but the end of the world." We also get into the smartest money move they ever made, what discipline and parenting actually looked like in their house, and the quiet moment Tamela built David back up when she could have torn him down, and how that single choice shaped everything that came after. This one is funny, it's wise, and it's full of the kind of marriage advice you actually want to write down. Thanks for being here. I think you're going to love them as much as I did. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast 00:00 Welcome & Meet David and Tamela Mann 00:32 Their Favorite Roles: "Meet the Browns" & "You Deserve My Praise" 01:17 How They Found Their Gifts as Kids 02:32 Comedy, Singing & Why They Prefer Different Lanes 03:44 How They Met as Teenage Singers (and Married) 05:13 The Love & Relationship Tour: Celebrating Black Love 06:02 Marriage Lessons They Learned the Hard Way 07:06 New Love vs Old Love: David's Hilarious Take 07:37 Fighting Fair, Piercing Words & Forgiveness 08:45 Why Grace Beats Anger Every Time 11:00 What If They'd Never Met? 11:24 David's Wild Hair Salon Stories 12:10 Sponsor Break: Dose Supplement 14:17 Planning, Money & Investing in Yourself 15:04 Faith Foundations & Honest Doubts 16:30 Parenting, Boundaries & Discipline 17:13 The Moment She Built Him Up Instead 18:10 Closing Thanks
🎙️ This Episode is Sponsored by Ethos — Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. 👉 Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/carlos ✅ Application times may vary. Rates may vary. What happens when a young man is recruited into the secret world of apartheid-era South Africa and ultimately risks his life to help stop an assassination plot against Nelson Mandela? Carlos sits down with former spy and intelligence operative Bradley Steyn for an extraordinary conversation about violence, transformation, espionage, and the fight for a new South Africa. Bradley recounts witnessing a shocking act of violence as a teenager, joining the military, and eventually being recruited into an apartheid-era security operation. But everything changes when Bradley is involved in capturing an ANC operative who challenges his beliefs and forces him to confront the difference between right and wrong. He eventually becomes a double agent, infiltrating far-right extremists at a moment when South Africa is on the brink of civil war. Bradley reveals how he and others helped uncover a plot to assassinate Nelson Mandela during his inauguration, including a custom-made sniper rifle and an elaborate plan to derail South Africa's transition to democracy. He also shares what happened after his cover was threatened and how he ultimately escaped the country. 👉 What would you have done if you were in Bradley's position? Tell us what you think in the comments. Timestamps [00:00] The Plot to Assassinate Nelson Mandela [00:46] Meet Bradley Steyn [01:23] From Ballet to Special Forces [01:41] The Shooting That Changed His Life [03:47] "Kind Eyes" Saves Him [04:08] When His White Skin Saved His Life [05:13] Living With the Trauma [05:48] The Man He Thought Had Died Survived [06:07] Anger, Violence & Joining the Navy [06:45] Entering the World of Intelligence [07:34] Protecting a Trans Woman From Attack [09:02] "We Need That Guy on Our Side" [09:17] The Secret Security Operation [10:00] The Dirty Tricks of Apartheid-Era Intelligence [11:15] The Mission to Capture an ANC Operative [12:18] The Midnight Raid [13:02] How Lethal Was Bradley? [13:45] The Secret Safe House [14:00] The Freedom Charter Changes Everything [15:05] Bradley's "Come to Jesus" Moment [15:38] Realizing He Was on the Wrong Side [16:53] Becoming a Double Agent [17:17] The Risk of Being Discovered [18:32] Was the Capture a Setup? [21:30] The Road to Mandela's Presidency [21:46] The Assassination of Chris Hani [22:20] Infiltrating the Far Right [22:57] South Africa on the Brink of Civil War [23:05] Nelson Mandela Appears on a Hit List [23:47] The Plot to Kill Mandela [24:25] The Hidden Sniper Rifle [25:00] The Plan to Kill Mandela at His Inauguration [25:35] Did Mandela Know About the Plot? [26:20] How the Assassination Was Prevented [26:27] When Bradley's Cover Was Blown [27:18] The Attempt on Bradley's Life [27:38] Escaping South Africa [28:14] Living With PTSD [28:42] Protecting the Rich & Famous [29:22] Working Security for Julia Roberts [29:48] Bradley's CIA Connection
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS This episode is also sponsored by the Black Business School. Get 35% off their Prime Course and take control of your financial future. https://b1stockoptions.com/watsons What happens when trauma, survival, and faith shape the person you become? Carlos sits down with Sam Sparks for a deeply personal conversation about growing up without knowing his biological father, childhood trauma, becoming a father at a young age, homelessness, and the anger that shaped much of his early life. Sam opens up about how his past influenced his relationships and decisions, and how faith, appearance, and one unexpected encounter with Steve Harvey changed the direction of his life. He shares the story behind becoming Steve Harvey's stylist and mentee—and the dream he believes prepared him for it. Today, Sam is focused on creating opportunities for young people through The Brew in Chicago, using business, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and generational wealth to help reshape his community. 👉 What part of Sam's journey resonated with you most? Tell us in the comments.
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS This episode is also sponsored by the Black Business School. Get 35% off their Prime Course and take control of your financial future. https://b1stockoptions.com/watsons --- What if you stopped waiting for permission to live your life? Carlos sits down with actress and wellness entrepreneur AJ Johnson for a candid conversation about travel, purpose, relationships, spirituality, aging, and living life on her own terms. AJ talks about how Ghana became her introduction to Africa, why she stopped waiting for Hollywood to take her around the world, and how her New Year, New You retreats helped her create a life built around exploration and transformation. She also gets personal about relationships, polyamory, dating younger men, and why she refuses to put her life on hold waiting for the "right" person. From mortality and friendship to the powerful name she received in West Africa, AJ shares what it means to embrace reinvention, fearlessness, and purpose at every stage of life. 👉 What are you still waiting for permission to do? Tell us in the comments. Timestamps 00:00 Intro: AJ Johnson 00:44 Where Is AJ's Happy Place? 00:50 Why Ghana Changed Everything 01:26 Stop Waiting for Work to Take You Around the World 02:07 New Year, New You Retreat 02:45 Is There More to Life? 03:00 Living Without Permission 04:00 Relationships & Finding Love 06:30 AJ on Polyamory 07:52 Stop Waiting for Someone Else 08:18 Dating Younger Men 09:41 The Life She Almost Lived 10:43 Loss, Aging & Mortality 12:05 AJ's Dream Superhero Role 12:38 The Name That Changed Her Perspective 13:16 Becoming a Fearless Pioneer 13:46 Final Reflections
🎙️ This Episode is Sponsored by Ethos — Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. 👉 Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/carlos ✅ Application times may vary. Rates may vary. "I don't think the president of the United States should be a woman." Ann Coulter is back with Carlos Watson for another conversation that goes places you probably won't expect. They talk about Donald Trump, the Epstein files, the 2028 election, gender and presidential leadership, immigration, and the political forces shaping America. Coulter reflects on getting Trump's 2016 victory right, why she believes his prosecutions helped fuel his comeback, and why she thinks his handling of the Epstein controversy raises questions. She also tells Carlos the bizarre story of meeting Jeffrey Epstein long before the scandal became public—including the time he picked her up in a limousine and invited her into his home. The conversation gets even more provocative as Coulter explains why she doesn't support a woman as president, who she thinks could shape the next election, and what she believes America needs most right now. It's funny, uncomfortable, controversial, and completely unfiltered. 👉 Do you agree with Ann Coulter's prediction for America's political future—or do you see things differently? Tell us in the comments. Timestamps 00:00 Ann Coulter's Controversial Opening 00:37 Carlos Meets Ann Coulter 01:01 Trump & Getting the 2016 Election Right 01:28 The Poll That Got It Wrong 02:19 Why Coulter Thinks Trump Won 02:48 Trump's Policies vs. His Personality 03:10 Trump & the Epstein Files 04:11 Why Trump Doesn't Like Criticism 04:47 Who Could Be Behind Epstein? 05:44 Coulter's Prediction for 2026 06:26 Ann Coulter's Epstein Story 06:45 The Day She Met Jeffrey Epstein 07:38 Inside Epstein's House 08:51 Coulter's 2028 Presidential Pick 09:08 Why She Doesn't Want a Woman President 09:30 Gender, Power & Leadership 26:34 Quick-Fire Questions 27:43 Coulter's Favorite Political Speeches 28:27 Final Thoughts The political and Epstein-related claims discussed in this episode reflect the speakers' views and recollections and should not be taken as independently established facts
🎙️ This Episode is Sponsored by Ethos — Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. 👉 Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/carlos ✅ Application times may vary. Rates may vary. And a big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS — In this episode, I sit down with former CIA intelligence officer Keith Mahoney, whose decades in intelligence, private security, and global risk management have given him a unique perspective on espionage, leadership, geopolitics, and the hidden forces shaping world events. This conversation goes far beyond spy movies. Keith shares what it was really like working in intelligence, why he believes leadership is learned—not born—and the lessons his father taught him about resilience, failure, and pushing forward even when life knocks you down. He also explains how intelligence agencies think, why disinformation is one of the most powerful tools in modern warfare, and what separates the world's top intelligence services. We also explore some of today's biggest geopolitical questions, including U.S.-China relations, Russia, Israel, cyber espionage, economic warfare, artificial intelligence, and the future of global conflict. Keith offers his personal views on topics ranging from Jeffrey Epstein and international intelligence operations to why he believes tomorrow's wars will be fought as much through economics and technology as with traditional weapons. Whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a fascinating look into a world that most people never get to see. At its core, The CARLOS WATSON Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and the conversations we're often told not to have. If an episode makes you think, challenges your perspective, or encourages meaningful discussion, we'd love for you to be part of the community. Here's how you can support the show: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content. 👉 Check out our shop and represent the community wherever you go. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you! Sharing this episode with one friend is one of the best ways to help us grow. Join the community: Patreon: https://patreon.com/thecarlospodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecarlospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast Follow Keith Mahoney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-mahoney-5178bb
🎙️ This Episode is Sponsored by Ethos — Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. 👉 Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/carlos ✅ Application times may vary. Rates may vary. And a big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS — In this episode, I sit down with former CIA intelligence officer Keith Mahoney, whose decades in intelligence, private security, and global risk management have given him a unique perspective on espionage, leadership, geopolitics, and the hidden forces shaping world events. This conversation goes far beyond spy movies. Keith shares what it was really like working in intelligence, why he believes leadership is learned—not born—and the lessons his father taught him about resilience, failure, and pushing forward even when life knocks you down. He also explains how intelligence agencies think, why disinformation is one of the most powerful tools in modern warfare, and what separates the world's top intelligence services. We also explore some of today's biggest geopolitical questions, including U.S.-China relations, Russia, Israel, cyber espionage, economic warfare, artificial intelligence, and the future of global conflict. Keith offers his personal views on topics ranging from Jeffrey Epstein and international intelligence operations to why he believes tomorrow's wars will be fought as much through economics and technology as with traditional weapons. Whether you agree or disagree with his conclusions, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a fascinating look into a world that most people never get to see. At its core, The CARLOS WATSON Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and the conversations we're often told not to have. If an episode makes you think, challenges your perspective, or encourages meaningful discussion, we'd love for you to be part of the community. 00:00 Cold Open 00:20 Service Above Self 01:19 Overcoming Fear & Becoming a Leader 02:22 Lessons from a Career in Intelligence 03:05 Which Country Has the Best Intelligence Agency? 04:54 Disinformation & Controlling the Narrative 05:41 China, Espionage & Intelligence Operations 07:33 Private Intelligence Around the World 09:12 Corporate Espionage & Global Risk 10:15 Intelligence, Assassinations & Moral Dilemmas 12:00 Sponsor Break: Ethos Life Insurance 13:19 Sponsor Break: Dose for Cholesterol 14:25 Would He Return to Intelligence? 15:00 Keith's Perspective on Jeffrey Epstein 16:20 The Future of U.S.-China Relations 17:31 AI, Robotics & The Future of Warfare 18:01 Why Intelligence Veterans Are Speaking Out Here's how you can support the show: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and exclusive content. 👉 Check out our shop and represent the community wherever you go. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you! Sharing this episode with one friend is one of the best ways to help us grow. Join the community: Patreon: https://patreon.com/thecarlospodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecarlospodcast Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast Follow Keith Mahoney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-mahoney-5178bb #CarlosWatson #KeithMahoney #CIA #Intelligence #Espionage #NationalSecurity #Geopolitics #China #Israel #Russia #JeffreyEpstein #Leadership #Podcast #TheCarlosPodcast
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS "My husband tried to kill me." That moment forced Joi Lin Hunt to rebuild her entire life from the ground up—and today she's one of the country's most successful entrepreneurs. In this episode, I sit down with Joi Lin Hunt, an attorney turned serial entrepreneur often called the "female Mark Cuban." Raised by strict parents in Southern California, Joi was taught she had to be ten times better than everyone else to succeed. After earning her law degree and landing a six-figure career, she realized she wanted more—and took the leap into entrepreneurship. We talk about how she built businesses across law, taxes, beauty, and consulting, why she's obsessed with creating multiple streams of income, and the mindset that helped her turn setbacks into opportunities. But this conversation goes much deeper than business. Joi opens up about surviving a toxic marriage that nearly cost her life, walking away with nothing, rebuilding from scratch, and how her faith carried her through one of the darkest seasons imaginable. She shares why rejection isn't the end, why being unapologetically yourself is your greatest advantage, and why every setback is preparing you for something bigger. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, entrepreneurship, faith, and refusing to let your circumstances define your future. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you—share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast **Follow Joi Lin Hunt:** Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joihunt_esq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joilin.h/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joihunt_esq YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoiHunt Timestamps 00:00 Cold Open 00:34 Growing Up with Strict Parents & Racial Expectations 01:46 Dreaming of College, Marriage & Finding Community 03:07 The Fight That Got Her Kicked Out of an HBCU 04:18 Quitting Nursing School & Losing Her Father 06:27 From a 2.0 GPA to Law School Success 07:43 Why Her Mom Sent Her to an HBCU for Law School 09:02 Leaving a Six-Figure Legal Career to Build a Business 10:11 Building Multiple Income Streams Through Entrepreneurship 10:51 Sponsor Break: Dose for Cholesterol 11:54 Discovering Her True Entrepreneurial Calling 12:37 Why Online Consulting Is Her Best Business Yet 13:15 The People She Loves Helping Most 14:27 Three Life Lessons That Changed Everything 15:45 "My Husband Tried to Kill Me" 17:20 Marrying the Wrong Person & Ignoring the Red Flags 19:18 Escaping an Abusive Marriage 20:56 Rebuilding Her Life Through Faith 21:37 Her Mission to Help Others Win Again 22:18 The Best Gift She's Ever Received 22:35 Closing Remarks
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Try Dose today and get 35% off with code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS ______ "They told me to my face: you can't play straight people." And then he played a heterosexual plantation owner in one of the most talked-about films of the decade. In this episode I sit down with actor and comedian Jason Stuart, who grew up in Los Angeles surrounded by the business, knew he was an actor before he was anything else, and spent years being told to stay in his lane. We get into his Jewish identity and what it meant to him to watch Barbra Streisand refuse to hide who she was, the weight he carries as the son of a Holocaust survivor like the man in "The Pianist," and how comedy became his way through it all, from a kid doing Lucille Ball impressions in a play to the Star Search stage. Jason opens up about the decision that changed everything: coming out as gay publicly in 1993 on Geraldo, in an episode called "Unconventional Comedians," what it cost him in an industry that wasn't ready, and the relentless work ethic his father taught him that kept him going when the doors stayed shut. We talk about the role that rewrote his career, playing a white heterosexual plantation owner in Nate Parker's "The Birth of a Nation," the meeting in a Savannah parking lot that he'll never forget, and how that experience moved him so deeply it inspired his own film, "Redlining," a story about generational wealth, segregation, and the communities America walled off from one another. This one is funny, it's raw, and it goes places I genuinely didn't expect. Thanks for being here, I think you're going to love him as much as I did. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast 00:00 The Wild Cold Open 00:54 Jason on Ann Coulter & Rage-Baiting 02:16 "I'm an Actor First": Streisand & Identity 03:06 Son of a Holocaust Survivor 04:06 Comedy Origins: Lucille Ball & a Parks Play 04:51 The Best Actors of All Time 05:35 Sponsor Break: Health Supplement 06:29 Growing Up in Hollywood's Fairfax District 07:33 Star Search & "You Can't Play Straight People" 08:11 Coming Out on Geraldo in 1993 09:50 The "Birth of a Nation" Breakthrough 13:27 Becoming a Plantation Owner On Screen 14:18 "Redlining": Generational Wealth & Segregation 16:49 Closing Reflections & Redlining's Festival Run
In this episode, I sit down with comedian **Daphnique Springs**, one of the sharpest and funniest voices in stand-up today. Known for her fearless comedy, entrepreneurial mindset, and viral sketches, Daphnique opens up about the hustle, heartbreak, and relentless drive that built her career long before millions of people knew her name. This conversation is as hilarious as it is inspiring. Daphnique shares how selling fish with her father, running her grandmother's hot dog stand, and finding creative ways to make money as a teenager shaped her belief that some people are simply born with an entrepreneurial spirit. She explains why she left college to chase comedy in Los Angeles, the career-changing advice she received from Dave Chappelle, and how years of performing in New York helped sharpen her craft. We also dive into the realities of today's entertainment industry, including social media algorithms, why viral success doesn't always translate into higher income, and how creators have had to adapt as platforms continue to evolve. Daphnique also opens up about relationships, gratitude, ambition, finding happiness in the present, and what she's learned about unconditional love after reconnecting with her longtime boyfriend. Of course, it wouldn't be a Daphnique Springs interview without plenty of outrageous stories and unforgettable laughs. From childhood hustles and comedy clubs to dating, family, and the jokes that got people talking, this episode is packed with the humor and honesty that have made her one of today's fastest-rising comedians. At its core, *The CARLOS WATSON Podcast* is about resilience, fearlessness, and the conversations we're often told not to have. If an episode makes you laugh, challenges your perspective, or inspires you to chase your own dreams, we'd love for you to be part of the community. 🎙️ This Episode is Sponsored by Ethos — Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. 👉 Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/carlos ✅ Application times may vary. Rates may vary. *00:00* Cold Open *01:03* Meet Daphnique Springs *01:35* Growing Up in Florida & Learning Comedy from Her Dad *02:15* Selling Fish Door-to-Door as a Kid *03:02* "I Was Born to Make Money" *04:03* Teenage Hustles & Moving to Los Angeles *05:53* Family, Fighting & Finding Confidence *06:33* Sponsor Break: Dose for Cholesterol *07:27* Dating, Relationships & Brutal Honesty *07:45* Why She Left College for Comedy *09:49* Dave Chappelle's Career Advice *11:07* Touring with Martin Lawrence & Kevin Hart's Influence *12:53* How Social Media Changed Everything *14:03* Going Viral vs. Making Money *16:15* Life with 169 Million Monthly Views *17:08* Sponsor Break: Ethos *19:35* Success, Gratitude & Staying Hungry *22:05* Spirituality, Faith & Raising Future Children *23:21* Lessons on Love & Relationships *28:34* Her Most Controversial Joke
"I need some opportunity so that when I graduate, I want to be on the stage with the honor students." That prayer, whispered alone in a boys' bathroom after getting jumped by a football player, ended up changing the entire course of his life. In this episode I sit down with Pastor Hurmon Hamilton of New Beginnings Community Church (NBCC), a congregation so radically diverse across race, class, and politics that people call it a miracle just to witness. We start there Silicon Valley millionaires worshipping next to people coming out of halfway houses before going back to where it all began. Pastor Hamilton opens up about a childhood medical accident that left him permanently disfigured, the years of psychological weight that came with it, and the white special-needs teacher who saw something in him that the system didn't. We talk about the fight, the prayer, and the two teachers on the same day who set his entire future in motion one who kicked him out of her class, and one who threatened to kill him if he acted up, then became the reason he made honor roll. We get into his years organizing across faith lines in Boston, the "miracle" partnership between a small Black church and a white congregation that helped it grow from 200 to over 2,000 members, and the ideas behind his book, "America's Last Best Hope." He's brutally honest about nearly sabotaging his own marriage for a decade out of a belief he didn't deserve to be loved, and what his wife said to him that finally broke it open. And he tells me the truth about what surprises people most about being a pastor: the pain nobody sees. This one is honest, it's moving, and it'll make you think differently about the relationships you've let go of. Thanks for being here, I think you're going to love him as much as I did. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. — 🔥 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DOSE 🔥 Get 35% OFF your first order with code CARLOS 👉 https://dosedaily.co/carlos Dose makes daily cholesterol & liver support simple. Use code CARLOS at checkout for 35% off: https://dosedaily.co/carlos Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast Pastor Hurmon Hamilton Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pastorhurmon/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/PastorHurmon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pastorhurmon | https://www.facebook.com/PastorHurmon1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hurmon-hamilton-31536031/ New Beginnings Community Church (NBCC) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NBCCmessages Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbccbayarea/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/NBCCBayArea Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nbccba TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nbccbayarea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-beginnings-community-church/ Timestamps 00:00 Cold Open 01:20 Three Prayers That Can Change Your Life 02:09 Healing Fractured Family Relationships 03:04 NBCC's Radical Diversity, Explained 04:12 Born in San Francisco: A Childhood Accident 05:43 The Teacher Who Saw Him First 06:25 The Fight, the Bathroom, the Prayer 09:40 Boston & Interfaith Organizing 10:11 Finding Abundant Life in California 11:24 The Book: "America's Last Best Hope" 14:44 Almost Sabotaging His Own Marriage 17:52 Life Without the Pulpit 18:09 Sponsor Break: Health Supplement 19:13 What Pastors Never Tell You About Their Pain
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Give Dose a try today and get 35% off when you use code CARLOS. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS What does it take to disappear into another country so completely that even your closest friends have no idea who you really are? In this episode, I sit down with former undercover KGB agent Jack Barsky, a man who spent nearly 20 years living in the United States under a false identity. Jack tells me how he taught himself to "be American," not through a manual, but by watching, listening, adapting, and learning the rhythms of everyday life. He talks about the early fear of being discovered, the social situations he avoided, and the moments when luck may have been the only thing standing between him and capture, including one unforgettable passport scare. We also get into the darker side of Cold War espionage, from KGB capture instructions to prisoner exchanges, kompromat tactics, and the brutal logic of "dirty intelligence," where morality often gets pushed out of the room. Jack breaks down why he believes the KGB was unmatched in reach and power, and how some of its biggest Cold War wins came not from glamorous spycraft, but from insiders like Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen. He explains the classic MICE framework, money, ideology, coercion, and ego, while adding one more powerful motivator: love. Then there's the moment everything changed. Jack walks me through how smuggled archive notes helped identify him, how the FBI began watching him, and why he ultimately chose to cooperate, a decision that changed the course of his life and led him toward legal status in America. We also talk about sleeper agents, undercover operatives, why American culture had such a powerful pull, how AI could reshape intelligence work through artificial personas, and why Jack's favourite spy movie is still Spies Like Us. This is a conversation about identity, survival, loyalty, reinvention, and what happens when the life you built on a lie becomes the life you cannot easily walk away from. __________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast 00:00 Former KGB Spy Lived Undetected in America for 20 Years 01:39 How Jack Barsky Learned to Pass as American 03:34 The Passport Office Mistake That Nearly Exposed Him 06:01 What Would Happen If the FBI Caught a KGB Agent 07:29 How Cold War Prisoner Swaps Really Worked 08:59 Dirty Intelligence, Kompromat, and Spy Tactics Explained 10:20 Why Jack Barsky Says the KGB Was So Powerful 11:04 Sponsor Break - Dose 11:58 Aldrich Ames, Robert Hanssen, and the MICE Spy Motives 14:40 Why Love Made Jack Barsky Walk Away From the KGB 16:20 How the Mitrokhin Archive Helped Expose KGB Agents 18:57 Jack Barsky's FBI Approach, Cooperation, and Debrief 22:02 Sponsor Skit Break - Dose 24:08 From Communist Spy to American Tech Executive 26:49 Are Chinese Sleeper Agents Operating Today? 29:25 How AI Could Change Espionage and Spycraft 32:08 Jack Barsky's Favourite Spy Movies and Final Thoughts
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Use the code CARLOS for 35% off your next purchase. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS What if the biggest conversations we're having right now… are missing the point? There is a reason I sat down with Malcolm Gladwell—author of Blink and The Tipping Point—for the seventh time. He is one of the most influential thinkers of our time and this conversation goes places most people aren't ready for. We talk about AI, but not the way you've heard it before. Malcolm argues the real revolution may not be happening in Silicon Valley at all—but in parts of the world most people overlook. If he's right, everything we think about the future of power, access, and opportunity could change. Then we go deeper. We unpack the political cycles that gave us Obama… and then Trump. We talk about whether America still works the way it used to—and who it actually works for now. And Malcolm doesn't hold back on housing. A champion of new urbanism, he calls zoning something most people don't have the courage to say out loud—and explains why owning a home feels further out of reach than ever. But this isn't just about systems. It's about what it means to make sense of a world that's shifting faster than we can process. This one will challenge how you see everything. (Plus why Steph Curry belongs in the top five greatest basketball players of all time.) ___________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
*BRAND NEW EPISODE* Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Use the code CARLOS for 35% off your next purchase. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS What happens when a CIA officer refuses to participate in one of the most controversial and morally questionable programs in modern history? Let me tell you—this is the story of a man who put everything on the line, from his career to his freedom, just to stand by his moral compass. I sat down with a former CIA officer, John Kiriakou, who's lived through some of the most dangerous and high-stakes moments of modern history. He told me about working in Athens, right in the heart of terrorism threats, facing off with multiple terrorist groups. In just two years, he recruited five valuable assets, a feat that earned him major praise from his superiors. One of the most intense moments of his career came in 1990, just hours after Iraq invaded Kuwait. He was sent straight to the White House, where he briefed President George H.W. Bush himself. He identified Iraq's occupation governor as Dr. Ahmed Hathi, co-founder of the PFLP—this was huge. He walked me through some of the cover tactics they used and gave an insider's look at the CIA's mindset post-9/11, especially their turn toward "enhanced interrogation" methods. Here's where it gets even more intense: When the CIA started embracing torture, he was the only one out of 14 agents who refused to go through training. Why? Because he believed it was not only illegal but ineffective. He compared it to the FBI's much more effective approach: rapport-building, not brutality. It was a stand that would cost him. After he went public with ABC News, claiming the CIA had a torture program approved by the president, his world completely shifted. He was investigated, arrested, and pressured into a plea deal. He ended up in prison, facing the consequences of standing by his moral compass. That's not where the story ends though—he also faced PTSD, a divorce, and a career that came crashing down. But what he had to say about the CIA's leadership decisions, JFK documents, Epstein, and even Gaza really struck me. He gave some powerful advice: always trust your moral instincts, no matter the cost. This conversation isn't just about espionage—it's about integrity, the truth behind the headlines, and the human toll of doing the right thing. ___________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
Big thanks to our partner, Dose. Use the code CARLOS for 35% off your next purchase. https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS Before the sold-out shows, the viral moments, and the rise of a comedy star who knows exactly how to own a room, Daphnique Springs was hustling, grinding, and turning raw talent into becoming one of the biggest comedians in the game. From the second I sat down with actress, writer, and stand-up comedian Daphnique Springs, I knew it was going to be a hilarious ride. She is wildly funny, fearless, and completely herself—and I'd put her in a class with names like Chelsea Handler, Tiffany Haddish, and Dave Chappelle for mixing smart social commentary with sharp wit and unapologetic humor. In this conversation, Daphnique walks me through her journey from South Florida—where she learned to hustle early by selling fish with her dad—to saving $10,000 as a casino cocktail waitress to fund her move to Los Angeles and break into the comedy scene. We get into it all—from the best advice she got from Chappelle, touring with major comics like Martin Lawrence, the reality of social media for comedians, how she "out-Karens Karens," what she won't do for her boyfriend—and even her plastic surgery. HILARIOUS!! Go ahead—put your feet up for a few minutes and laugh with me and with Daphnique Springs. You won't regret it. Trust me—you're about to see her everywhere. ___________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Shop Dose: https://dosedaily.co/CARLOS (code CARLOS for 35% off) Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast
In this episode, sit down with the incredibly talented Taja Abitbol, who you might know from Netflix's Members Only. Taja shares the inspiring journey that led her to the screen, including years of persistence, pitching sizzle reels, and how a serendipitous casting connection finally made her dream come true. Taja opens up about her unique background, a North African father and a Brooklyn-born Eastern European Jewish mother who met on a kibbutz in Israel. She gives us a glimpse into her life in Palm Beach, where country club culture, small-town gossip, and relationship drama exist alongside a thriving philanthropic community. We also dive into her latest ventures, including the launch of her song "Everything is Better in the Palm Beach Weather," and her entrepreneurial journey across wellness, nightlife, and longevity with her Taja Drip and Taja Method brands. She shares her vision for building wellness-centered homes and her aspirations to create hotels that foster health and well-being. Taja opens up about her approach to biological age testing, raising her 14-year-old son, her openness to adoption, and her thoughts on cosmetic surgery. She even lets us in on her ambitious goal of becoming a billionaire. This is a conversation filled with insight, inspiration, and a whole lot of heart. You won't want to miss it. Watch or listen now! _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
In this episode, I sit down with former CIA officer John Kiriakou. John opens up about his upbringing near Pittsburgh, his career in the CIA, and the personal turmoil he faced while stationed in Athens in 2000. He shares a powerful story about a violent confrontation following a car accident, and how his use of diplomatic immunity played a role in the incident. We dive into CIA culture, where mental health breakdowns, strict rules, and financial pressures create vulnerabilities for officers, often leading to betrayals, as seen with Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen. John reflects on how, after 9/11, the agency became reckless with law and morality, and why he believes the intelligence community has done more harm than good. We also discuss his views on Venezuela's Maduro, Israel's actions in Gaza, and much more. Don't miss this raw conversation. For behind-the-scenes moments and more exclusive content, join us on Patreon. _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
In this episode Jack Barsky shares what it was really like living as a KGB "illegal" in America, and why his most dangerous move had nothing to do with guns, gadgets, or car chases. Jack breaks down how he communicated through secret writing, shortwave radio, and Morse code, why his role was more "intellectual spy" than assassin, and what the KGB actually valued about having operatives planted inside the U.S. We get into the stolen identity that became his real life, the moment someone almost sniffed him out, and the years-later encounter that finally brought the FBI to his door. Then the conversation takes a hard left into the part of his story that changes everything — falling in love, becoming a father, and defying Moscow when they ordered him home. The risk was real, and the cover story he used to disappear is one of the most shocking twists you'll hear. Some highlights we explore: How secret letters and shortwave Morse code worked Why "being there" mattered more than intel Spotting and profiling people for recruitment The moment a coworker sensed something was off His take on Mossad, CIA missteps, and Putin's myth Interracial relationships in the 70s and 80s The lie he used to vanish from the KGB Why he believes love beats fear every time _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
In this episode, I sit down to interview former CIA officer John Kiriakou. John discloses startling details about the CIA's operations, including the agency's high divorce rates, its involvement in torture practices, and the moral conflicts that arise from such duties. He recounts his personal journey from aspiring to be a spy, his experiences in Middle Eastern studies, and his rapid rise within the CIA ranks. John also shares his key roles in significant historical events, like briefing President George H. W. Bush about Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. The conversation delivers in-depth commentary on torture's ineffectiveness, the ethical dilemmas faced by intelligence officers, and John's three-year investigation and imprisonment for exposing the CIA's torture program. Lastly, John discusses controversial topics such as the mysterious death of Jeffrey Epstein and the JFK assassination. This episode promises to be one of the most important and eye-opening conversations about government and intelligence. _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
Known as "The Kingmaker", Ann Coulter calls it like she sees it – and in this episode of CARLOS, she doesn't hold back. In an unfiltered conversation, Coulter weighs in on Trump's transformation, being picked up by Epstein, why she believes women shouldn't be president, and so much more. Carlos Watson presses her on power, prejudice, loyalty, and contradiction – challenging her views while letting them breathe. The result is a rare and deeply human conversation with one of America's most polarizing voices, revealing not just what Ann Coulter believes, but why she believes it. _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
Alan Dershowitz has spent a lifetime defending the indefensible – and paying the price for it. In this episode of CARLOS, one of America's most famous legal minds reflects on Israel, a Trump 3rd term, and the case that changed everything: Jeffrey Epstein. In a raw and wide-ranging conversation, Dershowitz confronts accusations, conspiracy theories, and a justice system he believes is fundamentally broken. Carlos Watson challenges him on guilt, loyalty, and moral limits – revealing a portrait of a man who insists that defending the rule of law matters most when it's hardest to do. You may disagree with him. You may be unsettled by him. But you won't forget this conversation. _____________ At its core, The CARLOS Podcast is about resilience, fearlessness, and real truths we're not supposed to say out loud. If we've made you pause, rethink, or feel a little more connected, become part of what we're building. Here's what you can do: 👉 Join our membership community for early access, bonus episodes, and extra moments. 👉 Grab something from the online shop to represent the community wherever you are. 👉 If you're already a member, thank you, share this post with one person who loves real conversations. Join the community: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheCarlosPodcast Shop: https://thecarlospodcast.com/collections/the-carlos-podcast-merch IG: https://www.instagram.com/thecarlospodcast/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/thecarlospodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecarlospodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarlospodcast X: https://x.com/carlospodcast
The Carlos Podcast is a ROSE Media original hosted by Carlos Watson After building a billion-dollar media company – and surviving a wrongful prosecution – Carlos returns wiser and unfiltered. Presidents, rebels, icons, outcasts, critics, and thinkers sit for the conversations they won't have anywhere else. This trailer introduces ROSE Media and the network's mission to create bold, colorful, and impactful storytelling, including The Carlos Podcast. New episodes coming soon.
