Investigative Fire: Greg Palast on Truth, Poetry, and Vigilantes Inc.

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I’m your host, James Navé. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my longtime friend, the indefatigable investigative journalist and poet, Greg Palast. Greg and I first crossed paths back in the early ‘90s at the Asheville Poetry Festival, and I was instantly drawn to his fiery passion for truth, a trait that has defined his entire career. Greg’s no stranger to hard-hitting journalism; his investigations have exposed some of the biggest stories of our time for The Guardian, BBC Television, and Rolling Stone. His relentless pursuit of truth has led him to uncover corruption across five continents, all fueled by the same fire he had back when we met. In today’s episode, we explore Greg’s lesser-known side—his poetry. While his voice has often roared through reports like The Best Democracy Money Can Buy and Billionaires & Ballot Bandits, poetry has been a quiet companion along his journey. Greg has a gritty, beat-inspired style, shaped by his early mentorship under Ginsberg and Bukowski. Our conversation veers between verse and the political landscape, diving into the essence of his latest film, Vigilantes, Inc., which investigates the dark underbelly of voter suppression tactics in Georgia, a disturbing echo of Jim Crow-era restrictions. As always, Greg brings an acute sense of humor to even the harshest realities, a quality I’ve cherished in our exchanges. He’s not only a witness to history but a catalyst, embodying the role of the poet-journalist in times of turmoil. With Vigilantes, Inc., narrated by Rosario Dawson and backed by Martin Sheen and George DiCaprio, Greg is once again challenging the powers that be. Today, we share stories, laughter, and insights into how poetry and investigative journalism intersect—two art forms that compel us to ask: if we don’t speak out, who will? So join us as we reflect, laugh, and explore the mind of one of journalism’s fearless voices.