Straight from the Shoulder

Latest Episodes:

Venezuela, What Happens Now? Feb 13, 2026

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On this timely episode, Nico Sabogal of The Arkin Group shares an update on the latest happenings in Venezuela and the country's political outlook.

Investing in the Gulf: Insights from Andrew Frank Jan 30, 2026

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On this special episode, we are joined by Andrew Frank, the Founder and President of KARV, a global strategic advisory firm based in New York City. Andrew's a seasoned expert in communications strategy, including crisis management, and he has longstanding experience operating in the Gulf region of the Middle East. Listen in to hear his insightful take on how the Gulf has evolved and exactly how, and why, it’s worth investing in this unique region right now.

Fueling Change in Venezuela Jan 09, 2026

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How do we understand what just happened in Venezuela in the greater context of coups and regime change efforts? Will fresh US investment and the revitalization of Venezuela's oil industry be enough to propel the nation forward towards becoming a vibrant democracy once again? And what kind of intelligence will be required along the way?

Join us for a discussion of this momentous event.

The Business of Peace Dec 05, 2025

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Recent peace plans and talks in Moscow are building more momentum towards a deal, but are we there yet? This week, we discuss the current state of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, including the implications of territorial concessions, the role of Europe in the conflict, and the influence of President Trump. We also explore the challenges facing Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and what it might take to ensure a successful future for Ukraine--and for the broader region.

Striking at the Status Quo Oct 31, 2025

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The Trump administration has been building up an immense U.S. military presence in the Caribbean and steadily ramping-up attacks on alleged narco-trafficking vessels. But do these strikes aim to tackle the drug trade or to dismantle the Venezuelan regime--or both? Join us as we discuss what's behind the latest U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean and the implications of what might happen next.

An Intelligence Approach to AI Oct 29, 2025

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With partisan-laden media takes and AI slop now flooding the internet, it's more difficult than ever to know what to believe. But time-tested frameworks used by intelligence officers can offer some guidance. On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, special guest Rollie Flynn—former CIA Executive and President of The Arkin Group—shares her tips from the field on how to best differentiate truth from lies.

Downsizing Up Oct 03, 2025

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This week, Jack and Julia unpack the latest U.S. government shutdown and the difference between "essential" and "non-essential" governance functions. How have these definitions evolved, what's the right size for our current government, and are we entering an era where institutions are losing their luster?

Down with the Ship: Evolving US Counternarcotics Policy Sep 19, 2025

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Tensions are erupting between the United States and Venezuela, and in the first few weeks of September alone, the US military conducted multiple deadly strikes on narcotrafficking-linked boats off the Venezuelan coast. But questions abound pertaining to both the legality and political implications of the strikes, and what the latest developments might mean for national security moving forward. On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, Jack and Julia discuss the trajectory of Venezuela's turn towards organized crime and why Jack thinks it's the right time to take firm and definitive action against narcotraffickers south of the border.

Cartel Attack Aug 29, 2025

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Join us as we discuss Jack Devine’s recent USA Today Op-ed on the narcotrafficking threat, where he argues that Washington should collaborate with Mexico to take down the drug cartels. Jack’s opinion is informed by his time as the CIA Chief of the Latin America Division and Head of the Counter Narcotics Center back in the early 1990s- during which time he was even involved in a collaborative effort to take down Pablo Escobar- the so-called “King of Cocaine.” Listen to what Jack thinks should happen next in Mexico, and why drones and intelligence might play an essential role in mitigating this collective security threat.

Uncovering Deep Cover Jun 13, 2025

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In late May, a New York Times investigation revealed that Russia was churning out deep cover operatives from Brazil for years until a CIA tip and sharp Brazilian policework led to their capture and escape.

But what exactly is “deep cover” and when and how is it best used?

On this episode of Straight from the Shoulder, Jack and Julia chat to uncover:

The historic and contemporary motivations and methods behind the latest Russian effort
The pros and cons of operating under deep cover
How and if other nations are using deep cover
The implications for human intelligence (HUMINT) moving forward

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