Fitzdog Radio – Episode 1094: Tom O'Neill

Host: Greg Fitzsimmons
Guest: Tom O'Neill
Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 1094 of Fitzdog Radio, host Greg Fitzsimmons welcomes his longtime friend and esteemed author Tom O'Neill. Their enduring friendship spans over two decades, originating from their days as neighbors in Little Italy, New York, before both relocating to Los Angeles. Greg sets the stage by highlighting Tom's significant achievement: his book "Chaos," which has remained on the New York Times bestseller list for an impressive 33 weeks.

Notable Quote:
Greg Fitzsimmons ([02:11]): "My guest today is one of my dearest friends for the last 25 years, maybe more, maybe 30 years."

2. The Genesis of "Chaos"

Tom O'Neill delves into the comprehensive research and dedication that culminated in his groundbreaking book, "Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties." The book challenges established narratives surrounding the JFK assassination and Charles Manson, positing that covert CIA operations played a pivotal role in these historical events.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([24:11]): "Tom is the author of Chaos. What is it? His book took him 20 years to write."

3. Unveiling the Deep State and CIA Involvement

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the intricate ties between the CIA and notorious historical events. Tom contends that the CIA, originating from the OSS after World War II, maintained clandestine operations that extended into the Cold War era. He asserts that these operations were instrumental in shaping pivotal moments, including the JFK assassination.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([25:15]): "He [Bugliosi] ended up as much of a boogeyman in my book as Manson."

4. Personal Risks and Retaliation

Tom candidly shares the personal risks he faced during his investigative journey. From threats by prosecutor Bugliosi to violent confrontations with individuals like Vince Slater, Tom recounts instances where his pursuit of truth put him in genuine danger. These experiences underscore the lengths to which certain figures went to suppress alternative narratives.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([26:28]): "The moments I was most afraid of retaliation were from Bugliosi and the direct threats he made against me."

5. Challenges in Adapting "Chaos" to Film

The conversation shifts to the arduous process of adapting "Chaos" into a visual medium. Initial attempts to create a feature film proved unsuccessful due to the book's depth and complexity. Tom emphasizes that the material is better suited for a documentary series that can adequately explore the multifaceted stories within.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([64:57]): "The poor guy who was hired to adapt the book for a script... 'I have to do it. But I don't know how to make it a feature film.'"

6. Success and Recognition

Despite the hurdles, "Chaos" achieved remarkable success, particularly after being featured on high-profile platforms like Joe Rogan's podcast. This exposure significantly boosted book sales and expanded Tom's reach, though challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic affected distribution.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([50:45]): "The right wing has embraced it... It's been really kind of elevating it and, and telling everybody to read it."

7. Personal Anecdotes and Friendship

Greg and Tom reminisce about their shared history, recounting stories from their days in New York and Los Angeles. They discuss mutual friends, memorable parties, and personal milestones, providing a heartfelt glimpse into their enduring friendship.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([73:09]): "Now you can move back to Venice."
Greg Fitzsimmons ([73:16]): "You got this. You got. You finally got big checks rolling in from the book."

8. Fastballs Segment

The episode concludes with the "Fastballs with Fitz" segment, where Tom engages in a rapid-fire Q&A. Questions range from personal relationships to hypothetical scenarios, showcasing Tom's wit and candid nature.

Sample Exchanges:

• Best Female Friendship:
  Tom O'Neill: "I have a few great stories, but I'm not gonna get all my women friends to hate me for talking about them publicly."

• Eulogy Selection:
  Tom O'Neill: "Patti Smith. I wanted to do a southern cross for them, bringing the casket in and dedicate an elegy when I'm coming out."

• Recent Apology:
  Tom O'Neill: "I was going to say I don't think I apologize to people. I would apologize if it were necessary."

9. Conclusion and Future Endeavors

Before wrapping up, Tom discusses upcoming projects, including potential sequels to "Chaos" and collaborations with notable figures like Errol Morris and Rick Rubin. He underscores his commitment to thorough and uncompromised storytelling, ensuring that future works maintain the integrity and depth of his initial research.

Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([75:35]): "The second one is in progress, but I haven't committed to it yet because I said, unlike the first one, I'm not releasing a book that doesn't have all the loose ends at the end."

Greg affirms the significance of Tom's work, encouraging listeners to engage with both the book and its documentary adaptations, while also promoting Tom's social platforms for further updates.

Closing Remarks

Episode 1094 of Fitzdog Radio offers an in-depth exploration of Tom O'Neill's investigative journey, personal experiences, and the profound impact of his work on historical narratives. Through candid conversations and shared anecdotes, Greg Fitzsimmons and Tom O'Neill provide listeners with a compelling understanding of "Chaos" and its broader implications.

Final Notable Quote:
Tom O'Neill ([88:54]): "Get the book."
Greg Fitzsimmons ([88:55]): "Alright. Thanks, Tom."