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.

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. 

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? 

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.

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. 

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

In this episode, Jack and Julia discuss the US officials' Signal chat group debacle and why Jack thinks that there’s value in formality when it comes to government decision-making. Tune in for unique insights on:

• How government decisions of import typically get made, and what, if anything, is different about this Signal conversation.
• The evolution of secure communications and what’s lost - and gained - when technology makes communicating easier than ever.
• If the speed of technology is translating into the speed of decision-making at the highest levels, and if this is putting us at risk.

Join us for a history-informed, non-partisan conversation on this critical and timely topic!

2025 began with a tragic, ISIS-inspired terrorist attack in New Orleans that serves as a disturbing reminder of the enduring terrorism threat both at home and abroad. Join Jack and Julia as we discuss the evolution of terrorism over the past several decades, and what we should be watching out for today. On this episode, we’ll consider:

• How the threat to the homeland has evolved since 9/11, and the role of US agencies and citizens in advancing our collective security
• The rise and threat of ISIS-K-- the ISIS affiliate group based in Afghanistan that was responsible for the most significant terrorist attacks of 2024
• The differences between lone wolf and coordinated attacks and how the two are connected through global events and borderless ideologies

In the immediate aftermath of the 2024 US elections, global leaders are recalibrating their political strategies and vying for President Trump’s good favor. But what can we expect over the course of the next two months before Trump takes office, and what’s the broader outlook for global stability?

Join Jack and Julia for a discussion about how President Trump’s second term is already resonating and impacting policy decisions on both the domestic and international fronts. On this episode, we’ll consider:

• The new US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and what, if anything, government leaders can learn from business leaders
• If “America First” implies “America Alone” and if Washington will be able to reestablish a bipartisan approach to foreign policy
• Implications for China as a global economic powerhouse, and the possibility of ceasefire agreements in Eastern Europe and throughout the Middle East

Devine, J. (2024, October 11). Opinion: Trump or Harris? Whoever wins will lose wars without bipartisan consensus. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2024/10/11/trump-harris-china-russia-iran-monitor-election/75555336007/
*Mentioned 0:07:34:70

On the cusp of the 2024 US presidential election, only one thing looks certain: the next US president is going to inherit two major ongoing wars in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. And right now, these wars appear to be expanding, not shrinking.

Join Jack and Julia for a thoughtful discussion about these ongoing conflicts and what their outcome might mean for the future of global security. On this episode, we’ll consider:

• The latest status of the fight between Russia and Ukraine
• How the politics of regional states and global alliances are evolving and impacting the battle
• The role of diplomacy and what it might take to have an upcoming period of peace in both Ukraine and the Middle East