Podcast Revisits the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy for 60th Anniversary
November 22, 2023 - Today marks the solemn 60th Anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. To reexamine this historic event, renowned host and author Paul Brandus is collaborating with Evergreen Podcasts to transform his new book, Countdown To Dallas, into an accompanying podcast. Paul Brandus is a veteran member of the White House press corps and presidential historian.
In a white Lincoln Continental Convertible, on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated while parading down Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Accompanied by his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Governor Connally, President Kennedy embarked on a seven-mile motorcade from Forth Worth to Carswell Air Force Base. Described by Kennedy Aide Dave Powers as “Mr. and Mrs. America,” President Kennedy, like many political figures in a more innocent era, preferred to be in the open, connecting with the public he aimed to serve. This pivotal moment in history changed the lives of millions and ushered in an era of conspiracy theories that continue to captivate.
In Countdown To Dallas, Brandus seamlessly weaves together insights gleaned from FBI files, quotes sourced from the assailant's wife and family members, notes from Soviet officials, photographs, weapon receipts, interviews conducted by the Warren Commission, and a wealth of additional materials. This comprehensive approach plunges listeners into the years, days, hours, and minutes leading up to the tragic assassination of President Kennedy. Both the podcast series and the book focus on the troubled and broken life of Kennedy’s killer and challenge six decades' worth of conspiracy theories—none of which have been proven.
"We were immediately captivated by the prospect of collaborating with Paul Brandus on such a historically significant project," expresses Gerardo Orlando, Chief Content Officer at Evergreen Podcasts. “Brandus is a meticulous, thorough, and honest storyteller, and Countdown To Dallas stands as yet another stellar example of his narrative acumen,” he added.
Accomplishments of President John F. Kennedy
According to the White House Historical Association, President John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, left a lasting legacy during his brief tenure from 1961 to 1963. His economic programs sparked the longest sustained expansion since World War II. Committed to the principles of equal rights, Kennedy took decisive action, calling for new civil rights legislation and advocating for the central role of the arts in American society. Kennedy's commitment to global progress was evident through initiatives like the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps, where American idealism aided developing nations. In navigating the Cuban Missile Crisis, he skillfully averted nuclear conflict and later pushed for a test ban treaty in 1963, signaling a commitment to global peace. Kennedy's presidency was characterized by a vision for a world of law, free choice, and peace, leaving an indelible impact on both domestic and global fronts.
Episode One - what Happened in Dealey Plaza?
The premiere episode of the Countdown to Dallas podcast series explores the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Host Paul Brandus starts by explaining the need for a fresh perspective on the assassination despite the abundance of existing literature on the topic. Brandes highlights the release of new government documents since the 50th anniversary and promises to analyze these documents in future episodes. He also discusses the importance of understanding overlooked aspects such as presidential security, the influence of conspiracy theories, and the Warren Commission's role in investigating the assassination.
Episode Two - A Violent and Unstable Childhood
In this episode of the podcast, the focus is on Lee Harvey Oswald's early life and upbringing. Born in 1939, Oswald experienced a childhood marked by instability and frequent moves, living in 21 different homes and attending a dozen schools before the age of 17. This resulted in social deprivation and a lack of stable relationships, leading Oswald to engage in solitary activities like reading comic books and watching TV. The podcast also explores the troubled relationship between Oswald and his mother, who often expressed discontent and even called him a burden.
Episode Three - Sharpshoot: Oswald in the Marines
This episode details the background and training of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. We examine Oswald's unstable childhood and his decision to join the United States Marine Corps, where he sought stability and discipline. The podcast discusses how Oswald's training in boot camp focused on obedience to authority and learning to shoot a high-powered rifle. Oswald excelled in his rifle training and qualified as a sharpshooter. The podcast also addresses the testimony of marine marksmanship experts during the Warren Commission, who confirmed Oswald's shooting skills.
Defector: Oswald in the Soviet Union, Part 1
In episode four, Brandus focuses on Lee Harvey Oswald's arrival in Moscow in 1959. We hear about Oswald's background as a U.S. Marine in Southern California and his decision to leave the country and travel through Europe. The episode reveals Oswald's intentions to defect to the Soviet Union and his meeting with a guide from Intourist, a travel agency that was actually an arm of the KGB. The host explores Oswald's political views as a communist and his unsuccessful attempt to obtain asylum in the Soviet Union. Brandus also addresses conspiracy theories surrounding Oswald's trip, emphasizing their lack of credibility.
Episodes of Countdown To Dallas are available now on Evergreen’s website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you find podcasts.
The book, Countdown To Dallas by Paul Brandus is out now in bookstores near you. Also pick up Paul’s Amazon best-seller, Jackie—a colorful biography of Jacqueline Kennedy in the years between her two marriages—and listen to its companion podcast, From First Lady to Jackie O, which has already received over 100,000 downloads.
For more amazing stories about how false information turns our world inside out, listen to Paul’s podcast, Disinformation.
Connect with Paul on Twitter/X at WestWingReport or via his LinkedIn profile.
Press inquiries: If you’d like to interview Paul Brandus about his new book, recent books, or podcast, please contact Evergreen Podcasts.
About Evergreen Podcasts
Evergreen Podcasts is an established podcast production network with a catalog of entertaining and thought-provoking shows rooted in high production quality and artistic integrity. With a diverse range of podcasts spanning genres such as true crime, pop culture, comedy, and beyond, Evergreen Podcasts connects listeners with engaging content that informs, entertains, and inspires. For more information, visit evergreenpodcasts.com.
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