Operation Midnight Climax: Drugs, Hookers & The CIA

In this gripping episode of Unexplained History, host Tom McKenzie explores one of the CIA's most bizarre and ethically questionable experiments called Operation Midnight Climax. Part of the infamous MK-Ultra program, this covert operation saw unsuspecting individuals lured to CIA-run safe houses and secretly dosed with LSD, all under the watchful eyes of agents hidden behind two-way mirrors.

Tom unravels the unsettling details of these experiments, including the use of sex workers to recruit participants and the agency's goal to crack the code of mind control. With a backdrop of Cold War paranoia and a desire to outmatch perceived Soviet psychological advancements, the operation pushed the boundaries of morality in the name of national security.

Listeners will hear the startling claims of deeper conspiracies, unaccounted victims, and government cover-ups, followed by a hard look at the evidence that separates fact from fiction. Was Operation Midnight Climax a misguided attempt at scientific progress, or does it hide a more sinister agenda? Tune in as Tom examines the historical, ethical, and conspiratorial dimensions of this chilling chapter in U.S. history.

In this debut episode of Dark: True Crime Investigations, we unravel the mysterious death of investigative journalist Danny Casolaro, whose relentless pursuit of a shadowy conspiracy he called "The Octopus" led him into a web of danger and deceit. From uncovering corruption in the Inslaw PROMIS software scandal to exposing alleged connections between government operatives, organized crime, and international espionage, Casolaro believed he was on the verge of exposing a vast, interconnected network of power.

But before he could share his findings, Danny was found dead in a hotel bathtub under suspicious circumstances, his notes and manuscript missing. Officially ruled a suicide, his death raised more questions than answers. Was he silenced for getting too close to the truth? Or was the pressure of his investigation too much to bear?

Join us as we delve into the facts of Casolaro’s case, explore the enigmatic “Octopus” conspiracy, and examine the chilling aftermath of his untimely demise. A story of ambition, intrigue, and the perilous cost of chasing the truth, this episode will leave you questioning how far the reach of secrecy and corruption truly extends.

The next chapter of Strange Tales of the Unexplained sees Ace Handley fleeing Hydra’s relentless pursuit, only to encounter the Null Seekers. Together, they embark on a harrowing journey to Canada’s boreal forest, pursued by Hydra’s advanced technology. Along the way, the group discovers both hope and danger in humanity’s fractured resistance. As Hydra grows increasingly powerful, the group must face the unthinkable: Ace’s decision to sacrifice himself to protect his newfound allies.