America's Book of Secrets - Season 3

First aired: 3/29/2014 10 episodes

Episodes

1. Scientology

Aired: 3/29/2014

It is one of the most secret organizations in America. A religion–based on the cosmic revelations of an inspired genius–that boasts more than 100,000 faithful followers throughout the world. We'll reveal the hidden origins, strict doctrine, secret language and celebrity allure of the wealthy and influential institution. Former Scientologists disclose the reasons they were drawn to the church–and why they left. Jenna Miscavige Hill, niece of Scientology's current leader, David Miscavige, describes her difficult experiences inside the organization. Former church executive, Mark Rathbun, demonstrates Scientology's most revered spiritual technology–the "E-Meter." And watchdog Tony Ortega explains the appeal of Scientology that draws in new members. Find out why some consider Scientology a spiritual choice and others consider it a road to ruin.

2. Big Brother

Aired: 4/5/2014

This episode uncovers the secret surveillance methods the government and big business use to watch, monitor and record our every move. Government whistleblowers, Thomas Drake and Jesselyn Radack, reveal how the NSA decided to aggressively monitor Americans' correspondence after 9/11. Documentarian Cullen Hoback explains how the government has partnered with Silicon Valley high-tech companies like Facebook and Yahoo to gather data on every American citizen. And former computer hacker Sammy Kamkar explains how someone could watch you from inside your own home. Buzzing drones overhead. Emails monitored and stored. Cell phone records tracked and analyzed. In today's digital age, is the concept of privacy now extinct? There are those who believe Big Brother is already here–and that the secret monitoring of American citizens has only just begun.

3. American Terrorists

Aired: 4/12/2014

Political dissidents… armed to kill. Sociopathic outsiders… harboring hatred. Religious zealots… plotting mass destruction. And all of them hiding in plain sight. But just who are these killers in our midst and is there any way to stop them? This episode delves into the world of terrorism on American soil and reveals how authorities are working to stop these radical groups. Deputy Chief of LAPD Counter Terrorism Michael Downing reveals terrorists recruiting tactics in American prisons. Former Sergeant of the Massachusetts State Police Sean Murphy recounts the manhunt for the Boston Marathon Bombers. And journalist Laura Sullivan describes how today's new terrorists may be as close as your next-door neighbor. With an estimated tens of thousands of terrorists operating in the United States, can Americans ever reclaim the peace and security that was once taken for granted? Is there any chance of winning the so-called "war on terror?"

4. The Gold Conspiracy

Aired: 4/19/2014

Gold. It is one of the most precious metals in the world. A glittering commodity so rare that people will go to great lengths to obtain it. But who sets the price? And what are the secret methods to control its value?Uncover the clandestine world surrounding the highly prized precious metal. How much gold does the United States really have–and where is it locked away? Is the American government overstating the amount of gold in its reserves to create the mystique of financial superiority? Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich discusses the gold standard and the possible manipulation of the commodities markets. Chairman of Euro Pacific Precious Metals Peter Schiff describes how gold could replace credit cards. And author Matthew Hart details how the U.S. is storing gold that belongs to other countries–but may now be missing from the Federal Reserve's vaults.

5. America's Secret Army

Aired: 4/26/2014

They operate in the shadows… Men trained to kill… without leaving a trace. But who are these secret forces? What are their covert methods? And, can they be trusted to protect the interests of the American people? Delve into the clandestine operations of the United States most expertly trained secret weapons. But what exactly are these surreptitious services designed to do–and whom do these stealth-like soldiers ultimately report to? Are the strategies of these covert armies effective in keeping the United States one step ahead of its power hungry enemies? National Security Attorney Mark Zaid reveals details about the prestigious Delta Force unit that have remained a well-kept secret–until now. Former Attorney General John Ashcroft discusses the concept of asymmetrical warfare and how our government employs it today. And author Peter Singer describes the underground war being waged over the internet.

6. Secret Prisons

Aired: 5/3/2014

Go inside the maximum-security world of America's "secret prisons" and unveil their hidden agendas and covert operations. With about one in every one hundred and seven Americans serving time, why are there more people incarcerated in the United States than anywhere else in the world? Bob Hood, the former Warden at the United States Administrative Maximum Facility reveals what life is like for prisoners inside the gates of what is considered the most secure prison in America. Former inmate Andrew Stepanian reveals details of his lock-up at the Communication Management Unit, a prison that holds some of the country's greatest security threats. Director of the ACLU National Prison Project David Fathi describes the "Kids for Cash" scandal and the under-the-radar Debtors' Prisons. And former Warden Daniel Vasquez explains the big-business surrounding private prisons and FEMA Camps.

7. The Billionaire Agenda

Aired: 5/10/2014

This episode reveals the underground world of America's wealthiest citizens and the depths at which their power and influence take root. Do billionaires think they know better than the majority? Are the American masses just objects to control? Forbes Editor Luisa Kroll talks about the growing wealth of the super-rich and the exclusive billionaire communities that are forming around them. Former United States Secretary of Labor Robert Reich divulges how billionaires' "dark money" influences American politics in ways that are off-limits to public scrutiny. And Author Mark Dice discusses the Bilderberg Group, the world's most secretive society of billionaires and the extreme measures they take to ensure that what happens behind closed doors stays behind closed doors.

8. Secret Underground

Aired: 5/17/2014

Americans may be aware of what's above ground, but do they know what's concealed beneath? And could subterranean facilities on U.S. soil house secrets so dangerous, our government would stop at nothing to keep them hidden? We examine the tunnels, cities, and fortresses covertly constructed beneath the feet of the American public. Author, Nick Redfern, reveals the secret government fortress used in times of crisis to house high-ranking officials. Former CIA contractor, John Lear, discusses secret underground rail systems connecting America's major military installations. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California Laura Duffy describes the Super Tunnel; the latest discovered passage in an advanced network of drug smuggling tunnels beneath the US and Mexican border. Author, Terry Kirkpatrick, discusses the possibility of terrorists teaming with drug cartels to use underground tunnels as a means to attack the United States.

9. The Secret Service

Aired: 5/24/2014

They are an elite force of brave men and women who put their lives on the line. Their mission: to guard the most powerful person in the world. But just who are these American heroes? And what secrets are they protecting? This episode goes inside one of the most top-secret law enforcement agencies in the United States.

10. America's Doomsday Plan

Aired: 5/31/2014

An atomic attack... cyber warfare... a deadly airborne virus... the list of doomsday scenarios facing the United States has shaken the American psyche. But what is the government doing to protect the nation from ultimate disaster? This episode takes an in-depth look at the impending threats facing our world today. With the Doomsday Clock set to 5 minutes before midnight, is the end of the world looming just around the corner? And could our lack of preparation force us to make the ultimate choice: who will live and who will die? Survivalist Tim Ralston talks about the ...