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.

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.

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