MKUltra - the CIA’s mind control project & the mysterious death of Frank Olson (202)

Frank Olson was an American bacteriologist, biological warfare scientist, and employee of the United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories. In 1953 at a meeting in rural Maryland, he was covertly dosed with LSD by his boss Sidney Gottlieb, who was the head of the CIA's MKUltra mind control program. Nine days later, Olson plunged to his death from the window of the Hotel Statler. The U.S. government first described his death as a suicide, and then as misadventure, while others allege murder. The story was made into the Netflix film "Wormwood". I speak with Paul Vidich, the acclaimed author of The Coldest Warrior, An Honorable Man, The Good Assassin and The Mercenary. He is also the nephew of Frank Olson. UK link to Paul Vidich Books US link to Paul Vidich Books This podcast relies on listener support to enable me to continue to capture these incredible stories and make them available for free. You can support my work and help to preserve Cold War history via one-off or monthly donations Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ for more details. If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. I am delighted to welcome Paul Vidich to our Cold War conversation… Further information on this episode https://coldwarconversations.com/episode202/ If you can’t wait for next week’s episode do visit our Facebook discussion group where guests and listeners continue the Cold War Conversation. Just search Cold War Conversations in Facebook. Thank you very much for listening. It is really appreciated – goodbye. Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction and background of Frank Olsen 2:22 Introduction to guest, Paul Vidich and his book, "The Coldest Warrior" 5:29 Frank's involvement in the Artichoke Committee and MK Ultra 18:40 Frank's psychological turmoil and the lead up to his mysterious death 24:55 Investigation into Sydney Gottlieb's motives and the aftermath of Frank's death 33:02 The Olsen family's pursuit for truth and meeting with President Ford 38:04 Political implications of the Olsen case for President Ford's administration 42:42 Connection between the Olsen case and harsh interrogation programs 45:48 Meetings with key figures from the MK Ultra project 50:38 Exhumation and examination of Frank Olsen's body 57:01 Thanks to patrons, episode notes, Facebook group, and store Table of contents powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices