The untold tale of the woman who broke one of the biggest scandals in U.S. history. The true story of Courtney “Cookie†Hood, former model and ex-wife of a Colombian drug cartel kingpin, hired to manage the CBS/60 Minutes field office in Managua, Nicaragua during the civil war in the ‘80s.  What starts as another big party for her, ends up being the history making adventure of a lifetime, blowing the lid off the Iran-Contra scandal and almost taking down the Reagan presidency. Award winning filmmaker, Steven Esteb, takes us into the dangerous and improbable lives of Cookie and her team of courageous wartime journalists covering the civil wars, revolutions, and US missteps in Central America.  JOURNALISTA is dangerous, irreverent, insatiable, and hilarious.  An inside look at the insane world of combat journalism.  They worked hard, and they partied harder. Stephen Kinzer (former bureau chief of the New York Times) writes: “During the 1980s and 1990s, Cookie Hood was the driving force behind the most successful television coverage of Central America that appeared anywhere in the United States.†Cookie uses her unique mix of charm, balls, and passion for social justice, to get through checkpoints, into jungle military camps, and the highest levels of government.  She's also a clear and present danger to the shadow U.S. government that is using Central America as a right-wing terror experiment in their fight against communism. Cookie and her cohorts are brilliant trainwrecks speeding down a path to self- destruction. At the same time, they might just change the world. Hosted and Created by Steven Esteb Produced by Sean J. Donnelly  Executive Producers: Jason Waggenspack, Ellen K & Roy Laughlin
The Journalista podcast is an incredibly captivating and well-produced show that delves into the life of journalist Cookie, her experiences during the Contra-Iran affair, and the war in Nicaragua. It is truly one of the best podcasts I have listened to in a long time, providing an easy and enjoyable listening experience. The background information on the contra-Iran affair and Cookie's personal life during that time is incredibly informative and engaging.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is Cookie herself. Her story is truly one-of-a-kind and she tells it with such authenticity and charisma. Her storytelling leaves you hanging on every word, craving for more details about her fascinating life. The rapport between Cookie and the interviewer is perfect, adding another layer to the already captivating narrative.
Another great aspect of The Journalista podcast is its ability to educate listeners about the war in Nicaragua and its connection to Cold War superpowers. For those who are unfamiliar with this historical event, it provides a context that enhances the overall understanding and appreciation of Cookie's experiences as a journalist during this tumultuous time.
In terms of drawbacks, there really aren't many to be found in The Journalista podcast. Some listeners may find certain episodes to be NSFW due to explicit content or language used by Cookie. However, this can also be seen as a positive for those who appreciate unfiltered storytelling.
In conclusion, The Journalista podcast is an absolute must-listen for anyone interested in journalism, history, or simply compelling storytelling. With its charismatic protagonist, intriguing subject matter, and excellent production quality, it stands out as one of the best podcasts currently available.
A CIA plane is shot down over Nicaragua, and the rush is on to get the biggest story of the decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The wild life catches up with Cookie, and she finally faces her own revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the peak of her powers, Cookie is taking flak from every direction, including an ambush from her biggest rival...the U.S government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cookie saves the world from a nuclear holocaust, then saves her boys from their own personal disasters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cookie leads a news team into the most remote parts of Nicaragua, in search of terror.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cookie's son talks about growing up in a war zone, then his mom faces her own death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cookie heads into the jungle looking for the war. Unfortunately…she finds it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cookie's early life as Mrs. Scarface. She parties her way into a job with CBS News bureau in Nicaragua.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We meet Cookie for the first time as she faces a firing squad. The murder of a respected journalist lights the fuse of revolution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Journalista is about the dangerous and improbable life of party girl, Cookie Hood, who is hired by CBS NEWS in Nicaragua for a weekend gig, and ends up breaking the IRAN- CONTRA scandal, and almost takes down the Reagan administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.