PODCAST · science
Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files
by 1058 Studios
For 30 years during the Cold War, Ken Johnson worked at Lockheed with top-level security clearance on projects like Polaris missiles, stealth aircraft, and more. Decades later, his grandson discovers a box of his personal files and belongings. Each episode investigates one item to uncover hidden stories of innovation, secrecy, and the Cold War’s mysterious legacy.
Episodes
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The Red Phone: Where Nuclear War Began
Beneath the plains of Nebraska, a hidden command post stood ready to end the world. In this episode of Archive Unknown, Nick Johnson takes you inside Strategic Air Command—the Cold War organization designed to launch America’s nuclear response in minutes. From underground bunkers and airborne...
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How the Polaris Missile Made Mutually Assured Destruction Real
The Cold War’s deadliest idea wasn’t just a theory — it was built, tested, and launched from beneath the ocean. In this episode of Archive Unknown, Nick Johnson traces the origins of the Polaris missile program, uncovering how America’s first submarine-launched nuclear weapon turned the concept…
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The Jet That Flew Faster Than a Speeding Bullet - SR71 & A12
How do you build a plane faster than a bullet? In this episode of Archive Unknown, Nick Johnson traces the secret history of the SR-71 Blackbird — the spy jet born from Cold War fear and engineered to outrun every missile on Earth — and follows the hidden connections that link his grandfather’s...
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Archive Unknown Trailer
For 30 years during the Cold War, Ken Johnson worked at Lockheed with top-level security clearance on projects like Polaris missiles, stealth aircraft, and more. Decades later, his grandson discovers a box of his personal files and belongings. Each episode investigates one item to uncover hidden...
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The Birth of Area 51
In 1955, Lockheed’s Skunk Works built a secret runway in Nevada’s Groom Lake to test the U-2 spy plane. It would become Area 51, birthplace of the Blackbird and decades of classified innovation. Host Nick Johnson uncovers the true origins of America’s most mysterious base—linking his…
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The World’s First Top-Secret Spy Satellites
In 1960, a small orange parachute drifted from orbit carrying the first film ever returned from space. Its mission was classified — part of Project CORONA, America’s first spy-satellite program. From Sputnik to Discoverer XIII, this episode uncovers how the U.S., Lockheed, and the CIA built…
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Operation Plumbbob Nuclear Weapons Tests
Archive Unknown begins in the Nevada desert with Operation Plumbbob—the 1957 nuclear weapons tests that defined the Cold War. Through my grandfather’s classified work and the documents he left behind, we uncover the hidden history of America’s atomic age.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
For 30 years during the Cold War, Ken Johnson worked at Lockheed with top-level security clearance on projects like Polaris missiles, stealth aircraft, and more. Decades later, his grandson discovers a box of his personal files and belongings. Each episode investigates one item to uncover hidden stories of innovation, secrecy, and the Cold War’s mysterious legacy.
HOSTED BY
1058 Studios
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files have?
Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files currently has 7 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files about?
For 30 years during the Cold War, Ken Johnson worked at Lockheed with top-level security clearance on projects like Polaris missiles, stealth aircraft, and more. Decades later, his grandson discovers a box of his personal files and belongings. Each episode investigates one item to uncover hidden...
How often does Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files release new episodes?
Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files has 7 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files?
You can listen to Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files?
Archive Unknown: The Johnson Files is created and hosted by 1058 Studios.
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