Bloomberg Launches ‘Disclosure’ Podcast to Expose Secrets Hidden in U.S. Government Records
Bloomberg has officially stepped into deeper investigative territory with its brand-new podcast series, “Disclosure.” Created in partnership with No Smiling, the show takes listeners behind the bureaucratic curtain of U.S. government transparency — exposing the real stories that lie buried in official records.
This hard-hitting series aims to redefine how the public understands freedom of information, accountability, and the ongoing fight for transparency in government.
Hosted by Jason Leopold, a renowned investigative reporter from Bloomberg News, and Matt Topic, a prominent First Amendment attorney, Disclosure explores the gritty realities of obtaining and analyzing government documents.
Together, they bring decades of expertise — one from the newsroom trenches, the other from the legal front lines — to show how persistence, strategy, and sometimes luck can turn paperwork into powerful public stories.
Inside the World of Public Records Laws
At the core of the series is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) — a landmark law designed to give citizens the right to access federal government records. However, as Leopold and Topic reveal, invoking FOIA is rarely simple.
Listeners are guided through:
The complex legal processes behind filing records requests
The roadblocks and delays that journalists face in accessing documents
The occasional absurdities — from misplaced files to heavily redacted pages that reveal almost nothing
Each episode of Disclosure peels back another layer of this intricate world, illustrating the tension between public accountability and government secrecy.
Transparency in Action: When Records Tell the Untold Stories
What makes Disclosure particularly compelling is its mix of real-life examples and astonishing revelations.
From humorous to harrowing, the podcast dives into true stories unearthed through public records — including:
Russian pranksters tricking a high-level U.S. official, exposing embarrassing lapses in vetting and communication
Reports of official documents allegedly flushed down White House toilets, raising serious questions about record preservation and compliance
These moments showcase the strange, unpredictable, and sometimes shocking outcomes of transparency laws in action.
Meet the Hosts: Jason Leopold & Matt Topic
Jason Leopold – The FOIA Trailblazer
Nicknamed by peers as a “FOIA warrior,” Jason Leopold has built a reputation for relentless pursuit of government transparency. His investigative work has uncovered:
Secret government surveillance programs
Hidden financial ties in federal contracting
Confidential communications from top political figures
Leopold’s persistence has led to thousands of declassified pages — many of which have sparked policy debates and official inquiries.
Matt Topic – The Legal Voice for Transparency
As a First Amendment attorney and partner at No Smiling, Matt Topic has spent years fighting for access to public records in court. He’s represented journalists and advocacy groups in landmark transparency cases, including those involving police accountability, government spending, and public corruption.
Together, Leopold and Topic form a dynamic duo that bridges journalism and law — offering listeners an insider’s view of how information is uncovered, challenged, and sometimes buried.
Why Transparency Still Matters in 2025
In an era of disinformation, selective leaks, and algorithmic echo chambers, access to credible public data has never been more vital. Disclosure underscores how transparency laws remain one of the last lines of defense in maintaining democracy and trust in institutions.
By highlighting the practical impact of FOIA and similar state-level statutes, the podcast reminds audiences that information is power — and power must be accountable.
Behind the Scenes: Making ‘Disclosure’
Bloomberg’s collaboration with No Smiling is a natural fit. The production house, known for its sharp, socially conscious storytelling, complements Bloomberg’s reputation for accuracy and depth.
Each episode is crafted using a blend of:
Archival audio and official recordings
In-depth interviews with journalists, legal experts, and whistleblowers
Narrative storytelling that transforms dry documents into gripping revelations
This approach ensures that every installment is both educational and entertaining, appealing to curious citizens, journalism students, policy watchers, and lovers of investigative storytelling alike.
Not Just a Podcast — A Call for Civic Engagement
Disclosure does more than recount investigative victories — it encourages listeners to use transparency tools themselves. By demystifying how public records requests work, the show empowers ordinary citizens to hold institutions accountable.
The message is clear:
“You don’t need a press badge to demand transparency. You just need persistence — and the right form.”
This democratization of information access could inspire a new wave of civic participation, particularly among younger audiences seeking tangible ways to influence change.
Launch Details and Release Schedule
Launch Date: 28 October 2025
Release Schedule: New episodes drop every Tuesday
Where to Listen: Available on all major podcast platforms — including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts
Exclusive Access: Bloomberg subscribers receive early access to each new episode
This staggered release model not only rewards loyal Bloomberg subscribers but also helps maintain engagement across multiple platforms.
Why ‘Disclosure’ Could Become 2025’s Must-Listen Investigative Podcast
With its combination of journalistic grit, legal insight, and real-world storytelling, Disclosure is poised to resonate with audiences who crave truth over spin. It taps into the zeitgeist of growing skepticism toward institutions and the hunger for verifiable facts.
In a time when misinformation spreads faster than news, Disclosure stands as a beacon for accountability, evidence, and integrity.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Open Records
The launch of Disclosure isn’t just another podcast announcement — it’s a reminder of why transparency remains the cornerstone of democracy. By bringing the hidden mechanisms of government into public light, Bloomberg and its partners reaffirm the essential role of investigative journalism in modern society.
Whether you’re a journalist, a policymaker, or simply a curious citizen, this series offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the tug-of-war between secrecy and truth.
Where to Tune In
Listen to Disclosure starting October 28, 2025, on all major podcast platforms. Subscribers to Bloomberg’s digital service can access episodes early via the official Bloomberg app and website.
