Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

CIA, Cartels & Captured Leaders: A Story From Noriega to Venezuela

Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

Show Notes

NOTE: This interview was recorded a week prior to the U.S. operation to capture the president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

Cillian Dunne is an author whose work looks at hidden worlds, from the political landscape of Central America to the streets of South Central Los Angeles. His latest book is called “The Right Hand Man: Noriega, Castro, CIA, DEA, MOSSAD: They Held the Power, He Held the Secrets.

It tells the story of how Manuel Noriega rose to power in Panama while secretly working as a U.S. intelligence asset during the Cold War.

. Sponsors:

Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/

DeleteMe Go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

Oct 21, 2026

Today's guest is Zachary Levi. He famously played the title role in the NBC action series Chuck, and has been in films including Shazam!, Tangled, Harold and the Purple Crayon, American Underdog, and others. His most recent movie is a remake of the John Wayne western, Angel and the Badman, and co-stars Neal McDonough and Tommy Lee Jones. Levi is also spearheading a new film studio and artist community in Texas called Wyldwood Studios.

Oct 14, 2026

Mariana van Zeller is an award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker renowned for her investigative reporting on global crime and black-market networks. She was the host and executive producer of National Geographic’s Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller, which explores illicit trafficking networks worldwide. She hosted the podcast “The Hidden Third”, which looks at grey markets and stories from “the hidden third of the world.”

Oct 7, 2026

Brittany Butler is a novelist and former CIA targeting officer. Her latest book, The Patriot’s Daughter, is out now.

Oct 5, 2026

This interview was recorded in July. In the interview, she said, “There is a science-based history of Russia trying to develop a pneumonic plague super-weapon.” This weekend, that exact scenario may have unfolded.

Sep 30, 2026

Shane Smith the is the editor in chief of VICE News and co-founder VICE. He has spent his life reporting from some of the most dangerous places on earth, including, recently Iran.

See all episodes →