Fortress On A Hill (FOH) Podcast

Medea Benjamin of CodePINK joins Jovanni to reflect on 25 years since 9/11 and the U.S. response fueling “forever wars” that caused mass death, displacement, and destabilization while enriching the war industry. Topics covered include how grief was leveraged to expand U.S. power through the Iraq invasion, the Patriot Act, DHS, surveillance, Guantanamo detentions, torture, the normalization of drone strikes, and Israeli influence pushing the Iraq war.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

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A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni previews a republished report from Detroit organizer and podcaster Shay (Radicals for Good), who traveled with the 19th International May Day Brigade to deliver medical and school supplies and document Cuban and international perspectives on sovereignty, imperialism, and solidarity. Shay shares interviews and a historical timeline of U.S.-Cuba relations, argues the blockade is “economic warfare,” highlights Cuba’s healthcare, education, unions, and food and energy sovereignty efforts, draws parallels to Detroit, describes May Day participation in Havana, and closes with suggested actions and resources to support Cuba and oppose war.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni and Monisha are joined by Leonardo Flores, a Code Pink Land American campaign spokesperson and coalition organizer, a Venezuela American political analyst and activist with a degree in philosophy. Leonardo has was born in Venezuela and maintains close ties to the social movements that have transformed the country over the past 27 years. He served as a media analyst and later policy advisor at the Venezuela Embassy in Washington, DC before joining Code Pink as Latin American Campaign coordinator from 2019 to 2022. He's a founding member of the Venezuelan Solidarity Network and has worked as a consultant with the Alliance for Cuba engagement and respect.

The discussion covers the January 3 US “shock and awe” attack on Venezuela, including bombings, over 100 deaths, and the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores to New York for a show trial after key “Cartel de los Soles” charges were dropped. Leonardo argues the US won militarily but failed to spark a coup, with Venezuelan movements backing acting president Delcy Rodríguez and mobilizing for Maduro’s return. The conversation covers US escalation tactics (airstrikes on boats, oil blockade, attempted no-fly zone), shifting justifications from “narco-terror” to Iran/Hezbollah rhetoric, sanctions’ impact on oil production, and Venezuela’s new hydrocarbon law to attract investment. They discuss sidelined US-backed opposition figures, an amnesty and reconciliation dynamic, diaspora polarization, and concerns about a “Shield of the Americas” as Plan Condor 2.0.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni is joined by Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink and other advocacy coalitions, to discuss the third week of what he calls the US–Israel war of aggression against Iran, sparked after the killing of Ayatollah Khomeini and the collapse of reportedly positive US–Iran negotiations, with the conflict expanding beyond what the Trump administration claimed would be a four-day incursion. Guest , argues the US entered a quagmire with no strategy or exit plan, notes reports of a 2,500-Marine deployment tied to the mined Strait of Hormuz, and warns against a ground invasion. They discuss why protests are smaller than pre-Iraq war mobilizations, the roles of AIPAC and biblical pro-Israel politics in Congress, differing US versus Israeli goals (including regime change and regional chaos), Gulf monarchies’ alignment with the US, and the need to translate anti-war polling into public action and congressional pressure.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni, Keagan, and Monisha are joined by returning guest Jake Tucker, an Iraq War veteran and organizer, to discuss the Feb. 28, 2026 US–Israel offensive against Iran, following a June 2025 12-day war that began with assassinations and escalated through Israeli strikes and Iranian missile/drone retaliation. They touch on reported attacks on civilian infrastructure, fears of a Gaza-style campaign, and uncertainty amid “fog of war,” while noting signs the war is lasting longer than promised, Israel’s defenses and munitions being strained, the Strait of Hormuz closure, and US scrambling for new strategies. Topics discussed include critiques propaganda and Islamophobia, “pink-washing,” diaspora-driven regime-change narratives, and balkanization aims, linking the conflict to oil/energy control and broader US strategy against China, alongside diminished protest compared to Iraq, possible nuclear escalation, supply-chain and cost-of-living impacts, and the need for organizing beyond protests.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni and Monisha dive into the rich history and complex current issues surrounding Puerto Rico's colonial status with guest Alexis Colon de Jesus, a Puerto Rican activist and Marxist theorist, shares his political journey and thoughts on the island's shifting political consciousness, the impact of neoliberal policies, and the island's role as a U.S. military asset. They also explores international solidarity, the intersection of nationalism and class consciousness, and the importance of education in the ongoing struggle for Puerto Rican independence.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni joins William Camacaro, a Venezuelan-American activist and scholar, for an in-depth discussion about the U.S. military attack on Venezuela on January 3rd, 2020, which led to the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. They cover U.S. foreign policy, explores the legacy of the Bolivarian Revolution, and discusses the broader impact on Latin America. Furthermore, William highlights the historical instances of U.S. intervention and the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and justice in the Americas.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni and Keagan sit down with guest KJ Noh, a journalist and political analyst, explore the complex web of US foreign policy and its attempts to contain China, covering the intricate dynamics of localized conflicts such as the Cambodia-Thailand border tension and the role of US proxy states in the Pacific. They delve into China's abstention on the Gaza Trump plan at the UN Security Council, and dissect what the latest US National Security Strategy reveals about Washington's long-term priorities. Also, they break down the interplay between international law, sovereignty, and the strategy of hybrid warfare, ultimately questioning how secure any state can feel outside the sphere of Western control.

K.J. Noh is a peace activist and journalist and scholar specializing in the geopolitics of the Asian continent. He writes for Counterpunch and Dissident Voice. He is special correspondent for KPFA Flashpoints on the Pivot to Asia, the Koreas, and the Pacific.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni and returning guest Matthew Ho, a former US Marine officer and associate director of the Eisenhower Media Network, discusses the recent UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which sets forth a new US-led plan for the governance, security, and reconstruction of Gaza. The resolution, which involves the establishment of an international transitional authority called the Board of Peace chaired by Donald Trump, aims to demilitarize Gaza and shifts humanitarian coordination away from the United Nations. They delve into the resolution's implications for Gaza's future, drawing parallels to historical colonial patterns and external control over the region. They also explore the broader geopolitical context, including the attitudes of major global players like Russia and China, and the potential erosion of international law and institutions like the United Nations.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

Jovanni and Shiloh are joined by special guest Meital Yaniv to discuss the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Israeli state ideology, and the U.S.'s crucial role in supporting Israeli military actions. They delve into the assimilation and erasure of cultures within Israel, the parallels between Israeli and U.S. militarization, and the vital need for solidarity and systemic change.

Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com

Let me guess. You’re enjoying the show so much, you’d like to leave us a review?! https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill

Email us at [email protected]

Check out our online store on Spreadshirt.com. T-shirts, cell phone covers, mugs, etc.: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW

Not a contributor on Patreon? Sign up to be one of our patrons today! – https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill

A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers – Fahim’s Everyone Dream, Eric Phillips, Paul Appel, Julie Dupree, Thomas Benson, Janet Hanson, Ren jacob, and Helge Berg. You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast. Thank you so much!!!

Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?! Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!!

Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris ‘Henri’ Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, Keagan Miller, Jovanni Reyes, Shiloh Emelein, Monisha Rios, and MIke James. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9

Intro / outro music “Fortress on a hill” written and performed by Clifton Hicks. Click here for Clifton’s Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z

Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn

Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.