Cookie Hood played a role in exposing the Iran-Contra scandal during her time as a war correspondent in Nicaragua.
The killing of journalist Bill Stewart was a turning point in Nicaragua's revolution, leading to international attention and the rise of the Sandinistas.
Cookie Hood survived a helicopter crash and defused a potentially threatening situation while working as a war correspondent in Nicaragua.
Deep dives
Journalista Podcast: Unveiling the Life Story of Cookie Hood
In the Journalista podcast episode, the host interviews Cookie Hood, a former war correspondent for CBS News. Cookie shares her remarkable journey from being a model in New York City to marrying a cartel member and eventually becoming a war correspondent in Nicaragua during the 1980s revolution. She emphasizes that the podcast is not just about war, but also about the wild and chaotic experiences she had while working for CBS. Cookie reveals that during her time as a journalist, she played a part in breaking the Iran-Contra scandal, a key point in the podcast where she discusses her involvement and the various people who contributed to exposing the scandal. Overall, the episode sheds light on the tumultuous events and personal experiences Cookie Hood encountered during her time as a war correspondent.
The Impact of Bill Stewart's Killing on Nicaragua's Revolution
The killing of Bill Stewart, an ABC journalist, marked a turning point in Nicaragua's revolution. It occurred when the Sandinistas were attempting to overthrow the Somoza dictatorship. Bill Stewart and his camera crew were reporting on the conflict and encountered a group of Somoza guardsmen. Unfortunately, they mistakenly believed that Stewart's translator was a Sandinista sympathizer, leading them to execute him. This incident drew international attention and changed the public's perception of the conflict. It caused journalists to boycott the dictatorship and ultimately led to the rise of the Sandinistas. The episode delves into the historical significance of this event and its impact on the trajectory of the revolution.
Surviving a Helicopter Crash and the Trials of Being a War Correspondent
Cookie Hood, the podcast guest, shares harrowing tales of her experiences as a war correspondent in Nicaragua. She recounts a near-death experience when she and her crew were shot down while flying in a Russian helicopter. Miraculously, they survived the crash and were subsequently surrounded by soldiers. Despite the tense situation, Cookie's quick thinking and ability to communicate in Spanish helped defuse the potential threat. Throughout the episode, she also discusses her role as a journalist, embracing the dangers of the profession, and coping with the senseless violence she witnessed on a daily basis.
From Revolution to Dictatorship: Ortega's Rule in Nicaragua
The podcast episode delves into the trajectory of Nicaragua's revolution, highlighting the eventual rise of Daniel Ortega, who became president and has held onto power for decades. Initially part of the Sandinista movement, Ortega played a prominent role in overthrowing the Somoza dictatorship. However, over time, he consolidated his power and created a regime with dictatorial tendencies. The episode explores the ironies and contradictions surrounding Ortega's leadership, as well as the transformation of the Sandinista movement from a force fighting for rights and equality to a regime accused of human rights abuses and corruption.
Summary of Podcast Episode
The podcast episode features a woman named Cookie who shares various stories from her life associated with drugs, parties, and connections to powerful individuals. She mentions her involvement with the CIA, the Iran-Contra scandal, and her association with iconic figures like Pablo Escobar and Rick Ross. She recounts encounters with Mother Teresa and shares how her life has always been full of excitement and risks. Throughout the episode, Cookie emphasizes her ability to navigate dangerous situations and maintain the trust of those around her.
Cookie's Relationship with Sandinistas
Cookie reveals an intriguing encounter with a member of the Nicaraguan state security who acknowledges her partying lifestyle and assures her that as long as she remains discreet, he will provide her with government-sanctioned party favors. This exchange highlights the culture of corruption and indulgence that Cookie experienced during her time in Nicaragua. She also suggests that she had connections to drug traffickers and powerful individuals who trusted and respected her.
Cookie Hood grew up in the center of Nicaragua's revolution & helped break the Iran-Contra affair. Support on Patreon: https://patreon.com/dannyjones SPONSORS https://ketobrainz.com/pages/djp - Use code "DANNY20" at checkout. Visit https://betterhelp.com/dannyjones today to get 10% off your first month. EPISODE LINKS https://journalistapodcast.com FOLLOW DANNY JONES https://www.instagram.com/jonesdanny https://twitter.com/jonesdanny OUTLINE 00:00 - Why doesn't Cookie Hood exist on the internet? 05:26 - Reporting on Contra revolution 10:48 - Mindset of the rebel fighters in Nicaragua 12:51 - Becoming numb to death 15:58 - Who paid the Contra rebels? 20:24 - How the US created the problem of the Sandinistas 24:01 - Why no US journalists died with the Sandinistas 25:06 - Surviving a helicopter shoot down 34:30 - Marrying a Medellín Cartel boss 43:45 - Pablo Escobar at Cookies wedding 45:40 - Murder of American ABC journalist 58:14 - Did Samosa kill a Nicaraguan Journalist? 01:03:16 - Mistaken for William Randolph Hearst daughter 01:10:13 - Interviewing Eugene Hasenfus after the crash 01:14:30 - Cookie blew up Iran-Contra 01:17:57 - Iran hostage / weapons exchange 01:24:32 - Barry Seal & Roger Reaves 01:29:15 - Cookie's relationship with Pablo Escobar 01:32:50 - Interviewing Mother Theresa 01:39:45 - Is it safe for Americans to visit Nicaragua?