PODCAST

RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine (a Project Brazen Original)

Project Brazen Originals

What happens when war lands on your doorstep? Ordinary Ukrainians are rising up and fighting back in every way they can.

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“RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country during the Russia-Ukraine war, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines.

For more news, visit: http://www.projectbrazen.com/resistance

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Project Brazen is a global journalism studio based in London and Singapore investigating some of the biggest scandals and stories of our time. Project Brazen Originals features those stories, told without fear or favor. Stay subscribed.

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Previous Season: “Fat Leonard” — Under arrest and battling cancer, Leonard Francis, aka FAT LEONARD, is angry, and he’s talking for the first time. His explosive story will change the way you look at the U.S. Navy forever.

Play Trailer
Introducing Project Brazen Originals
Introducing Project Brazen Originals
May 3 2022
1 min
Kharkiv Under Attack, Part 2
Kharkiv Under Attack, Part 2
Escaping a city so close to the Russian border – and the stories of those who choose to stay. In Ukraine's second largest city, Kharkiv, a community fights to survive devastating Russian shelling. Laurel continues following the journey of Larisa, a disabled woman being evacuated from her apartment in one of Kharkiv’s most dangerous neighborhoods. Volunteers race Larisa to the train station for her onward journey to Poland, in hope of refuge and a better future. In a surgical hospital in Kharkiv, Laurel meets civilians recovering from injuries inflicted by shelling. Sheltering in a metro station deep under the city, Violeta, a new mother, explains to Laurel why she stays in the city. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more news, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
3d ago
27 mins
Kharkiv Under Attack, Part 1
Kharkiv Under Attack, Part 1
Under devastating Russian shelling in Ukraine's second largest city, a community fights to survive. Explosions from weapons that could range from Grad rockets and artillery shells to phosphorus and thermobaric bombs have destroyed much of Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine. It’s only 30 miles from the Russian border. Laurel meets with the locals surviving these attacks. In one apartment complex, a family clears broken glass after the windows are blown out by a recent blast. Downtown, a youth pastor shelters parishioners in the basement of his church. And in one of the worst-hit neighborhoods in the city, volunteers rush to evacuate a disabled woman who has been unable to leave her apartment even as the shelling collapses buildings around her. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more news, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
5d ago
22 mins
Arts, Crafts and War
Arts, Crafts and War
Underground artists fueling Ukraine’s wartime production in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine war. Laurel meets seamstresses sewing bulletproof vests, artists welding anti-tank obstacles in Kyiv and even advertising executives using online targeted ads to break through Russian propaganda. Some work alone, in their kitchens or home studios. Others are more organized, building production lines in community halls and co-working spaces. All over the country, people are contributing whatever skills they have to offer to fight back. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more news, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 19 2022
21 mins
Defending Borodyanka
Defending Borodyanka
War stories from four neighbors who fought the Russian occupation despite being impossibly outnumbered and outgunned. The adrenaline from the explosions of battle has barely worn off and this is the first time they share what they lived through. With the war still raging, most people fighting in Ukraine haven’t had the chance to tell their stories yet. But Russian forces have retreated from the small town of Borodyanka, along with nearby Bucha and Irpin, so we hear from four of this town’s defenders. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more news, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 17 2022
26 mins
"Thank God You Survived This Hell"
"Thank God You Survived This Hell"
A new film puts a face to the devastation and resilience of everyday Ukranians finding life in the midst of war. Announcing “RESISTANCE: Returning Home”, a documentary film that gives a visual connection to the gripping stories we’ve been hearing across this podcast series. In the film, Laurel Chor travels to the liberated towns outside Kyiv in the days following Russia's withdrawal. It was a raw, difficult time. We witness the heartrending images of Bucha, travel with a couple from Irpin as they return home to their neighborhood for the first time, and we see the absolute destruction caused by the aerial bombardment of Borodyanka. To see the full film, visit: www.projectbrazen.com/resistance ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines.
May 12 2022
2 mins
Mother Tongue
Mother Tongue
Voices of those resisting Russia’s invasion through the very ways they think, speak, and sing. In Kyiv, songwriter and producer Denis Musaev makes music to inspire his country’s victory, and Olga, a linguist and English teacher, has abandoned her first language of Russian to embrace Ukrainian instead. Elsewhere in the capital, we meet with Yarmak, a rapper-turned-soldier who has gone from fighting Russian aggression with his lyrics to taking up arms with the Ukrainian military. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more reporting, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 10 2022
22 mins
There’s a Weapon in Your Pocket
There’s a Weapon in Your Pocket
Fighting back with the weapons we all carry in our pockets…our smart phones. We begin in Kyiv with Anastasiya at the country’s largest children’s hospital and Andriy Dubchak from @Donbas.Frontliner. Both Anastasiya and Andriy use their phones to capture different aspects of the Russia-Ukraine war. Anastasiya shares images of civilians wounded by the war, while Andriy is on the frontlines capturing the conflict up close and gathering the news. In Lviv, we meet with young hackers bringing the experiences of war to everyday Russians through cyberspace…and dick pics. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more reporting, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 5 2022
25 mins
"I Am a Soldier Now"
"I Am a Soldier Now"
Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to the suburbs of Kyiv to meet ordinary Ukrainians who have joined the war effort by becoming soldiers. Journalist Artem and lawyer Oleksandr guard a military checkpoint. PE teacher and two-time war vet Vladimir finds his farm completely destroyed by Russian forces as payback. Ecologist, beekeeper and drag queen Arthur recalls being stationed in Bucha and witnesses the horrific aftermath of senseless killings. ~ “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. For more reporting, and a complete transcript of this episode, please visit: https://projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 5 2022
20 mins
Introducing Project Brazen Originals
Introducing Project Brazen Originals
Project Brazen, a global journalism studio based in London and Singapore, is investigating some of the biggest scandals and stories of our time. This feed, called Project Brazen Originals, will feature those stories, told without fear or favor. Stay subscribed. Latest Series — “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” What happens when war lands on your doorstep? Ordinary Ukrainians are rising up and fighting back in every way they can. “RESISTANCE: Stories from Ukraine” is a harrowing and inspirational journey across Ukraine in the first weeks of Russia’s invasion. While the military wages war on the frontlines, everyday citizens are picking up whatever weapons they can, including their smartphones, computers, sewing needles, and guitars. Photojournalist Laurel Chor travels to cities across the country, finding extraordinary stories that go beyond the headlines. http://www.projectbrazen.com/resistance
May 3 2022
1 min
FAT LEONARD - #10: Subpoenas, Laws and Audiotape: Fat Leonard Updates on the Eve of The Trial
FAT LEONARD - #10: Subpoenas, Laws and Audiotape: Fat Leonard Updates on the Eve of The Trial
A lot has happened since we wrapped up the first season of the "Fat Leonard" podcast, and host Tom Wright is back with all the updates - the good, the bad and the unexpected. Includes new interviews with whistleblower Marcy Misiewicz, David Loy (Legal Director of the First Amendment Coalition) and Don Christensen (President, Protect Our Defenders). Stay tuned for updates from the trial in the coming weeks.
Feb 28 2022
17 mins
FAT LEONARD - #9: Different Spanks
FAT LEONARD - #9: Different Spanks
With Leonard in jail, the Navy investigates hundreds of officers. But they spare top admirals. Tom’s relationship with Leonard reaches breaking point. A major trial of U.S. Navy officers is set to start in February. Watch out for bonus episodes.
Nov 23 2021
38 mins
FAT LEONARD - #8: The Sting
FAT LEONARD - #8: The Sting
Beaten and angry, Marcy Misiewicz makes a decision that will bring down Leonard, and her husband along with him.
Nov 16 2021
35 mins
FAT LEONARD - #7: Suppos
FAT LEONARD - #7: Suppos
A cocksure Navy officer called David Schaus takes on Leonard. He’s joined by a principled Navy supply official called Teresa Kelly. Finally, they force Navy admirals, who for years have given him cover, to take Leonard’s fraud seriously.
Nov 8 2021
33 mins
FAT LEONARD - #6: Morena
FAT LEONARD - #6: Morena
Leonard’s cruel treatment of his Filipina girlfriend, Morena De Jesus, and their children together, exposes his dark side. A fraught relationship with his own father could hold the key to understanding Leonard.
Nov 2 2021
28 mins
FAT LEONARD - #5: Marcy
FAT LEONARD - #5: Marcy
Michael Misiewicz was a rising star in the Navy before Leonard corrupts him with prostitutes, cash and free travel. We see the descent of one officer into graft and violence through the voice of his wife, Marcy Misiewicz.
Oct 26 2021
33 mins
FAT LEONARD - #4: The Braveheart
FAT LEONARD - #4: The Braveheart
How Leonard buys his own warship, the Braveheart, complete with a mercenary army, and deploys it to help fight Al Qaeda. He secretly records orgies with Navy officers, causing one of the U.S.’s worst ever national security breaches.
Oct 19 2021
27 mins
FAT LEONARD - #3: Paula
FAT LEONARD - #3: Paula
We look back at the Tailhook sexual assault scandal of 1991 through the voice of Navy whistleblower Paula Coughlin. The Navy’s problem with misogyny is deep seated and it set the stage for Leonard’s rise.
Oct 12 2021
32 mins
FAT LEONARD - #2: Ring of Steel
FAT LEONARD - #2: Ring of Steel
Out of jail, aged 21, Leonard begins his career as a defense contractor, just as the U.S. embarks on its Forever Wars. Through skill, bribes and luck, we chart the Wolf of Wall Street-like rise of Leonard, on the back of a product called the Ring of Steel.
Oct 5 2021
30 mins
FAT LEONARD - #1: Paper Ships
FAT LEONARD - #1: Paper Ships
Leonard Francis became the most powerful military contractor in the Pacific, running a mafia organization at the heart of the U.S. Navy. He’s over 300 pounds, and charming. We meet him in jail, and explore why he’s talking exclusively to our host, author and journalist Tom Wright. We explore Leonard’s troubled childhood. It turns out this isn’t his first time in prison.
Oct 5 2021
35 mins
Introducing Fat Leonard
Introducing Fat Leonard
​​Leonard Francis, AKA Fat Leonard, is angry, and he’s talking for the first time. His explosive story will change the way you look at the U.S. Navy forever.
Sep 27 2021
2 mins