Last Podcast on the Left - Episode 620: The Miseducation of Ed Larson - JFK & Government Conspiracies

Release Date: May 16, 2025

Hosts: Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, Ed Larson

1. Introduction to Conspiracies

The episode kicks off with a spirited discussion about sliders—small sandwiches—and a humorous conspiracy theory suggesting that their scarcity is a result of government interference.

Ed Larson muses, "[...] why are the sliders everywhere?" (02:41), sparking a light-hearted debate among the hosts about the possibility of a government conspiracy to suppress this beloved food item.

2. The JFK Assassination Conspiracy

Transitioning into the heart of the episode, the hosts delve deep into one of the most enduring conspiracy theories in American history: the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Marcus Parks introduces the topic, stating, "We think JFK was killed in the world's most infamous workplace accident" (05:46). The trio explores an alternative theory that suggests Kennedy did not die from the shots fired by Lee Harvey Oswald alone but was also accidentally shot by an inexperienced Secret Service agent who mishandled his weapon.

Henry Zebrowski elaborates, "If the Secret Service agent behind him got scared, he messed up and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing JFK" (09:54). This theory posits that the second bullet, which fatally struck JFK, was a result of this accidental discharge, thereby questioning the lone gunman narrative.

3. CIA Involvement and Operation Mongoose

The conversation shifts to possible CIA involvement in JFK's assassination. Ed Larson discusses members linked to Operation Mongoose, a covert CIA operation aimed at eliminating Fidel Castro. He mentions individuals like Hermanillo Diaz Garcia and John Siltra, suggesting that these operatives might have had roles in the assassination plot (19:03).

Marcus Parks adds, "If anybody did it, it would have been the CIA" (33:43), highlighting the agency's historical dissatisfaction with Kennedy's policies and his attempts to curtail their power.

4. Jack Ruby and MK Ultra Connections

The hosts then examine the role of Jack Ruby, the nightclub owner who killed Oswald, and his potential ties to MK Ultra, the CIA's mind control program.

Marcus Parks shares a compelling anecdote: "Jack Ruby was supposedly going to spill the beans about his connections to MK Ultra before he was silenced by an MK Ultra operative" (28:37). This segment raises questions about Ruby's motives and whether his actions were influenced or orchestrated by governmental forces.

5. Charles Manson and Government Manipulation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Charles Manson, exploring theories that suggest his actions were a byproduct of MK Ultra experiments.

Ed Larson theorizes, "They used Charles Manson to effectively kill the '60s counterculture, making it look like the movement imploded from within" (46:42). The discussion delves into how MK Ultra's manipulation techniques may have contributed to Manson's ability to control and influence his followers, leading to the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders.

6. The Nature of Conspiracies and Human Behavior

The hosts reflect on the feasibility of large-scale conspiracies, emphasizing human unpredictability and the inherent flaws in maintaining secrecy among numerous conspirators.

Henry Zebrowski asserts, "There's just not one of them that's gonna wanna spill the beans with the receipts" (24:24), underscoring the improbability of a vast, unbroken conspiracy chain.

Marcus Parks concurs, noting, "It's too many people involved for these conspiracies to stay a secret this long" (24:45). They argue that while manipulation and psychological tactics are effective, orchestrating events like assassinations on a massive scale is fraught with challenges.

7. Marilyn Monroe and Government Influence

Towards the end of the episode, the discussion briefly touches upon Marilyn Monroe, exploring theories about her untimely death and possible government involvement.

Ed Larson comments, "I think that being involved with the Kennedys automatically ruined her life" (60:36), suggesting that Monroe's associations with powerful figures may have led to her downfall, whether through direct intervention or societal pressures.

8. Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their theories on JFK's assassination, with Marcus Parks stating, "This is the one that has actually the most evidence behind it" (65:09), favoring the theory that an accidental shooting by a Secret Service agent played a pivotal role.

They tease upcoming episodes focusing on other significant conspiracies, including 9/11 and COVID-19, promising in-depth analyses and engaging discussions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ed Larson: "Why are the sliders everywhere?" (02:41)
• Marcus Parks: "We think JFK was killed in the world's most infamous workplace accident." (05:46)
• Henry Zebrowski: "If the Secret Service agent behind him got scared, he messed up and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing JFK." (09:54)
• Marcus Parks: "If anybody did it, it would have been the CIA." (33:43)
• Marcus Parks: "Jack Ruby was supposedly going to spill the beans about his connections to MK Ultra before he was silenced by an MK Ultra operative." (28:37)
• Ed Larson: "They used Charles Manson to effectively kill the '60s counterculture, making it look like the movement imploded from within." (46:42)
• Henry Zebrowski: "There's just not one of them that's gonna wanna spill the beans with the receipts." (24:24)
• Ed Larson: "I think that being involved with the Kennedys automatically ruined her life." (60:36)
• Marcus Parks: "This is the one that has actually the most evidence behind it." (65:09)

Conclusion

Episode 620 of Last Podcast on the Left offers a comprehensive exploration of JFK's assassination theories, intertwining discussions on government conspiracies, MK Ultra, and influential figures like Jack Ruby and Charles Manson. The hosts provide a blend of skepticism and intrigue, encouraging listeners to question historical narratives while acknowledging the complexities of conspiracy theories.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights, presenting a thought-provoking analysis of one of America's most debated historical events.