Straight from the Shoulder Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:40:00 -0500 https://thearkingroup.com en-us © 2026 Straight from the Shoulder yes 1334af6f-fc33-5066-8685-4a6b28ed0ce1 it@thearkingroup.com The Arkin Group episodic false How might someone who worked at the CIA view what’s happening around the world? What can we learn about politics and risk from the intelligence vantage point- past and present? Straight from the Shoulder strives to analyze geopolitical events through the apolitical lens of intelligence officers. The podcast features commentary by Jack Devine, former Acting Deputy Director of Operations at the CIA and President of The Arkin Group in conversation with Julia Stone, former government Intelligence Analyst and Managing Director at The Arkin Group. Listeners can expect non-partisan and lively discussions that seek to cut through the noise and bring clarity to the most pressing global issues we face today.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) The Arkin Group it@thearkingroup.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/n0hnqp80hxr36pf2xeftu9qu9mon?.jpg Straight from the Shoulder https://thearkingroup.com Venezuela, What Happens Now? Venezuela, What Happens Now? 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.

]]> 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.

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18676888 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 525 full false Investing in the Gulf: Insights from Andrew Frank Investing in the Gulf: Insights from Andrew Frank 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.

]]> 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.

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18595576 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 1519 full false Fueling Change in Venezuela Fueling Change in Venezuela 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.

]]> 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 Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18480098 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 1019 full false The Business of Peace The Business of Peace 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.

]]> 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 Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18304431 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 713 full false Striking at the Status Quo Striking at the Status Quo 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.

]]> 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.

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18110504 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 634 full false An Intelligence Approach to AI An Intelligence Approach to AI 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-18096939 Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 698 full false Downsizing Up Downsizing Up 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? 

]]> 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? 

]]> Buzzsprout-17947020 Fri, 03 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400 930 full false Down with the Ship: Evolving US Counternarcotics Policy Down with the Ship: Evolving US Counternarcotics Policy 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.

]]> 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.

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-17872031 Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400 739 full false Cartel Attack Cartel Attack 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. 

]]> 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. 

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-17752921 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400 1063 full false Uncovering Deep Cover Uncovering Deep Cover 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 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


]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-17330635 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 876 full false Warning Signals Warning Signals 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!

]]> 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!

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-16866332 Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:00:00 -0400 898 9 full false Terrorism: Then and Now/Home and Abroad Terrorism: Then and Now/Home and Abroad 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
]]> 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
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-16483170 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 2199 8 full false Before the Handoff: What to Expect Leading Up to the Presidential Inauguration Before the Handoff: What to Expect Leading Up to the Presidential Inauguration 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

]]> 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

]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-16152098 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500 1794 2024, Presidential Election 7 full false A Sprawling Web of War and Peace A Sprawling Web of War and Peace 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
]]> 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
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-16047009 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 14:00:00 -0500 1200 6 full false Acts of Betrayal, Part One: Hearts and Minds Acts of Betrayal, Part One: Hearts and Minds Betrayal is a complicated act of “deliberate disloyalty” that can shock and unravel the fabric of any relationship. But when an intelligence officer is caught working for the other side, the damage is amplified - shattering the hard-won trust among colleagues and spy agencies that’s essential to doing effective intelligence work. The reasons why an officer might defect, however, can vary widely and have implications of their own.

Join Jack and Julia for a colorful conversation about what motivated historic double agents like Kim Philby and Aldrich “Rick Ames” to defect, and the consequences of their betrayal.

On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • Why the famous British intelligence officer Kim Philby chose to defect and how he managed to get away with it for so long
  • Jack’s take on the motivations of fellow CIA officer Rick Ames – including personal insights as to why Ames defected
  • The dangerous impact of high-level intelligence betrayals on both individual lives and global operations
]]> Betrayal is a complicated act of “deliberate disloyalty” that can shock and unravel the fabric of any relationship. But when an intelligence officer is caught working for the other side, the damage is amplified - shattering the hard-won trust among colleagues and spy agencies that’s essential to doing effective intelligence work. The reasons why an officer might defect, however, can vary widely and have implications of their own.

Join Jack and Julia for a colorful conversation about what motivated historic double agents like Kim Philby and Aldrich “Rick Ames” to defect, and the consequences of their betrayal.

On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • Why the famous British intelligence officer Kim Philby chose to defect and how he managed to get away with it for so long
  • Jack’s take on the motivations of fellow CIA officer Rick Ames – including personal insights as to why Ames defected
  • The dangerous impact of high-level intelligence betrayals on both individual lives and global operations
]]> Buzzsprout-15316529 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2161 1 5 full false Screen of Spies Screen of Spies Hollywood serves as a powerful recruiting mechanism for spy agencies like the CIA- using the screen to glamorize the work of intelligence operatives worldwide- but it also contributes to some of the biggest misunderstandings of what spies do and how they operate. Join Jack and Julia for a fun and enlightening conversation about what Hollywood gets right- and what it gets wrong- in its portrayal of the spy-world.

 On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • What’s real and fake about James Bond and other famous spy movies – replete with anecdotes of Jack’s fame-studded encounters.
  • The essential but unglamourous aspect of teamwork in accomplishing real-world intelligence operations.
  • How Hollywood’s ideas for seemingly unrealistic spy technology can inspire what happens off-screen.
  • If Hollywood’s portrayal of the spy-world ultimately helps or hurts the work of clandestine organizations.
]]> Hollywood serves as a powerful recruiting mechanism for spy agencies like the CIA- using the screen to glamorize the work of intelligence operatives worldwide- but it also contributes to some of the biggest misunderstandings of what spies do and how they operate. Join Jack and Julia for a fun and enlightening conversation about what Hollywood gets right- and what it gets wrong- in its portrayal of the spy-world.

 On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • What’s real and fake about James Bond and other famous spy movies – replete with anecdotes of Jack’s fame-studded encounters.
  • The essential but unglamourous aspect of teamwork in accomplishing real-world intelligence operations.
  • How Hollywood’s ideas for seemingly unrealistic spy technology can inspire what happens off-screen.
  • If Hollywood’s portrayal of the spy-world ultimately helps or hurts the work of clandestine organizations.
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-14772145 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400 1548 1 4 full false Disinformed Disinformed Many Americans now consider disinformation to be a key national security threat, and disinformation topped the World Economic Forum’s list of short-term global risks for 2024. But what’s the history of disinformation and how is it increasingly interfering in international relations and eroding the trust of civilian populations? Are democratic nations simply more susceptible to disinformation? Whose responsibility is it to limit the influence of disinformation and can we mitigate the threat moving forward?

Join Jack and Julia as we examine the role and challenge of disinformation. On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • What counts as disinformation and its historic role in intelligence operations 
  • Examples of what makes an effective disinformation campaign and when it might backfire
  • Personal and political strategies for uncovering disinformation and moving closer to a true understanding of what’s happening in the world
]]> Many Americans now consider disinformation to be a key national security threat, and disinformation topped the World Economic Forum’s list of short-term global risks for 2024. But what’s the history of disinformation and how is it increasingly interfering in international relations and eroding the trust of civilian populations? Are democratic nations simply more susceptible to disinformation? Whose responsibility is it to limit the influence of disinformation and can we mitigate the threat moving forward?

Join Jack and Julia as we examine the role and challenge of disinformation. On this episode we’ll discuss:

  • What counts as disinformation and its historic role in intelligence operations 
  • Examples of what makes an effective disinformation campaign and when it might backfire
  • Personal and political strategies for uncovering disinformation and moving closer to a true understanding of what’s happening in the world
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-14666329 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400 1353 1 3 full false Held Hostage Held Hostage Given that hostage taking is again in the spotlight after the October 7 Hamas attacks, what is the latest status of Washington’s hostage policy? What can we learn from a review of the past several decades of hostage crises worldwide? And is it possible for Americans to avoid hostage situations in the coming years, even while tensions between democratic and non-democratic countries appear to be on the rise? 

Join Jack and Julia for a thoughtful discussion about the recent history of hostage taking, where we grapple with the question of how to best respond to the threat, and what the future might hold. On this episode, we’ll consider:

  • The evolution of hostage threats to US citizens- from Latin America to the Middle East
  • How and why the United States has historically decided to respond to hostage takers, and the use of both policy and force in deterrence
  • Why democratic societies are more susceptible to hostage crises in the first place, and what this means for our collective future
]]> Given that hostage taking is again in the spotlight after the October 7 Hamas attacks, what is the latest status of Washington’s hostage policy? What can we learn from a review of the past several decades of hostage crises worldwide? And is it possible for Americans to avoid hostage situations in the coming years, even while tensions between democratic and non-democratic countries appear to be on the rise? 

Join Jack and Julia for a thoughtful discussion about the recent history of hostage taking, where we grapple with the question of how to best respond to the threat, and what the future might hold. On this episode, we’ll consider:

  • The evolution of hostage threats to US citizens- from Latin America to the Middle East
  • How and why the United States has historically decided to respond to hostage takers, and the use of both policy and force in deterrence
  • Why democratic societies are more susceptible to hostage crises in the first place, and what this means for our collective future
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-14365142 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 18:00:00 -0500 1552 1 2 full false Straight from the Shoulder, Episode 1 Straight from the Shoulder, Episode 1 “How is the world being reshaped by two active wars involving US allies in Europe and the Middle East? And what will the outcome of these conflicts mean in terms of the world we want to live in? Join us for a thoughtful discussion about these destabilizing global conflicts, where we grapple with the question of what’s really at stake. On this episode, we’ll consider:

  • The broader implications of supporting Ukraine and what’s currently happening in Washington
  • Parallels between the wars in Ukraine and Israel
  • The role of intelligence in mitigating violent outbreaks and how and why intelligence failures have an outsized impact on global stability
]]> “How is the world being reshaped by two active wars involving US allies in Europe and the Middle East? And what will the outcome of these conflicts mean in terms of the world we want to live in? Join us for a thoughtful discussion about these destabilizing global conflicts, where we grapple with the question of what’s really at stake. On this episode, we’ll consider:

  • The broader implications of supporting Ukraine and what’s currently happening in Washington
  • Parallels between the wars in Ukraine and Israel
  • The role of intelligence in mitigating violent outbreaks and how and why intelligence failures have an outsized impact on global stability
]]> The Arkin Group Buzzsprout-14162877 Sun, 17 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500 1093 1 1 full false