On today’s episode, Andy welcomes back Stefano Ritondale from @AllSourceNews to discuss the dramatic rise in U.S. cocaine consumption and its impact on Mexican cartels. Cocaine use has surged by 154% in western states since 2019, fueling the power of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), led by Nemesio Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.

Despite the Trump administration’s efforts to curb cartel influence through sanctions and the designation of these groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, demand for cocaine remains strong, making it the second most trafficked drug into the U.S. after fentanyl. Andy and Stefano explore whether these policy measures truly weaken criminal networks or risk escalating violence and instability across the border.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

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On today’s episode, Andy sits down with investigative journalist Stefano Ritondale (@AllSourceNews) to discuss recent U.S. military strikes on drug boats off Venezuela’s coast. Intelligence for these operations reportedly came from Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who recently cooperated with U.S. authorities. Stefano, who covers Latin American organized crime and U.S. foreign policy, explains the implications of relying on cartel sources for critical intelligence and the connections between Venezuelan and Mexican drug networks.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

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AmmoSquared

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On today’s episode, Andy sits down with former FBI agent Dan Brunner to discuss ICE’s reactivated access to Graphite, an Israeli-made spyware capable of infiltrating phones, reading encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Signal, and even activating microphones. Originally signed under Biden but paused for review, the $2 million contract has raised concern among civil liberties advocates. Critics warn that similar tools have been abused by authoritarian regimes against journalists and activists, highlighting potential threats to democratic freedoms, privacy, and national security. Brunner and Andy explore the risks of such technology and the safeguards that would be necessary to prevent the U.S. from repeating the same mistakes.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

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On today’s episode, Andy sits down with former FBI agent Dan Brunner to discuss the Pentagon’s suspension of a Microsoft program that allowed Chinese coders, under limited U.S. oversight, to work on Defense Department cloud systems. Secretary Pete Hegseth called it a “major security risk” and a “breach of trust.” The DoD is auditing all code written by Chinese nationals, issuing formal concerns to Microsoft, and enforcing new rules to eliminate foreign involvement in critical software. Even if no classified information was exposed, this case highlights the ways foreign actors might gain indirect access to sensitive U.S. infrastructure—and what it means for national security.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

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AmmoSquared

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On today’s episode, Andy talks with Dan Brunner, a former FBI Special Agent with experience in counterintelligence, counter-narcotics, and international investigations.

They break down the U.S. naval buildup in the Southern Caribbean, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s accusations of regime change, and Washington’s reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. 

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

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On today’s episode, Andy and Sarah Adams look at the arrest of Private First Class Taylor Adam Lee, a 22-year-old soldier at Fort Bliss charged with attempting to pass sensitive U.S. military information to individuals he believed were Russian officials. They discuss the risks insider threats pose to military security and how intelligence and counterintelligence agencies work to detect and prevent the leakage of classified information.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout.

AmmoSquared

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On today’s episode, Andy and CIA targeter Sarah Adams discuss Australia’s decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly this September. They explore the conditions tied to recognition, Israel’s sharp response, and the domestic political calculations driving Canberra’s move. The conversation then turns to the bigger question of how growing international momentum toward Palestinian statehood could reshape U.S. policy in the Middle East, challenging Washington to balance its historic support for Israel with mounting global calls for a two-state solution.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

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On today’s episode, Andy and CIA targeter Sarah Adams discuss Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s statement that U.S. troops will “never set foot” on Mexican soil. They break down the political context of her remarks, how they relate to reports of a secret U.S. directive authorizing potential military action against cartels, and the possibility of behind-the-scenes cooperation between the two countries. The conversation also covers the broader implications for security, migration, and trade in U.S.-Mexico relations.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

Marek Health

Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout.

AmmoSquared 

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On today’s episode, Andy and former Green Beret and CIA operative Scott Mann break down reports that the Trump administration is working with Palantir to build a centralized citizen database. With critics from all sides warning of authoritarian overreach, they explore what this means for privacy, national security, and the future of civil liberties in America.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original

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Marek Health

Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout.

AmmoSquared 

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On today’s episode of Focal Point, Andy is joined by retired Green Beret and former U.S. Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Scott Mann to discuss NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s recent warning: that a global conflict could erupt if China invades Taiwan while Russia attacks NATO’s eastern flank. Drawing on his two decades of experience in unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency, Scott examines the growing China-Russia alliance, the possibility of a coordinated two-front war, and what it would mean for U.S. and NATO readiness.

Focal Point is an IRONCLAD Original 

Sponsors: 

Marek Health

Take control of your health today! Head to https://www.MarekHealth.com and use code FOCALPOINT for 10% off at checkout.

AmmoSquared 

Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission.

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