In this episode, we interview author and retired university criminologist James B. Wells about his investigative memoir, Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew. James recounts learning that his father supposedly died as the only passenger on a civilian plane shot down in Vietnam, then discovering more than 400 letters in 1991 that revealed his father as a truth-driven whistleblower who criticized corruption and war practices. We talk about standing up for marginalized people, speaking truth to power, and the belief that peace requires forgiveness and forgiveness requires truth.
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:49 Origin of the Memoir
02:08 Father the Whistleblower
03:40 Investigating the Crash
05:51 Healing Through Story
08:11 Truth and Forgiveness
09:39 Vision for Change
11:32 Whistleblowing as Practice
14:02 New Writing Projects
16:04 Reading Inspiration
17:33 Advice for Impact
19:04 Where to Find James
20:32 Closing and Farewell
James’ Book
Because: A CIA Coverup and a Son’s Odyssey to Find the Father He Never Knew
Other Books Mentioned
Precious Freedom by James Bradly
Flyboys by James Bradly
Flag of Our Fathers by James Bradly
Rules for Whistleblowers: A Handbook for Doing What's Right by Stephen M. Kohn
