Journalista

47
Society & Culture #220, Documentary #23

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

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Recent Reviews
  • Philly P's
    Very good
    Very good an easy listen is there a season 2?
  • Beetles mimi
    A little gross
    This podcast was interesting from a historical perspective. However, the way the host and Cookie glorify “partying” was disturbing. You don’t find out until the end that she sought treatment for substance abuse and you wouldn’t know she had any regrets. Even when she talked about doing drugs all through her pregnancy, there was no talk about remorse. Both Cookie and the host laughed at all the cocaine bought, used, and sold throughout the podcast. Cookie spoke so highly about herself as good-looking, brilliant, and being able to get out of any situation. There was no humility whatsoever and the host was practically panting over her. As another reviewer mentioned, the host’s use of f-bombs makes you feel like you’re sitting at a high school lunch table. And finally, can you really be concerned about Social Justice when you’re part of the cocaine drug trade? No, because the drug trade preys on disadvantaged, vulnerable people and destroys lives. It’s the opposite of Justice. Hence, my use of the word gross.
  • KVM1317
    Cookie!!!
    This is the best podcast I have heard in a long time. Such an easy listen. They give you great background on the contra-Iran affair and her life during that time. Can’t wait for the movie! 😉
  • chu2018
    Journalista
    Cookie is so real..Her story is one of a kind..I love the way she told her story..She left us hanging I want more!! Thank you ..
  • Oh, just stop it
    The smartest girl in our high school class
    I have loved every minute of Cookie’s unique, well lived life in this podcast. The constant is her heart through all of her choices and world challenges. She is the real deal. We need someone this authentic at this time even if there is a little pirate thrown in. Cookie is uniquely New Orleans and all the words that would never explain what that really means. Well done cast and crew!
  • NoNameBlaine
    History books will have to be rewritten!!
    This is a wild ride that will require a new knowledge of what happened in Nicaragua. We have nothing short of a new superhero and their name is Cookie!! Marvel and DC should create a character after her.
  • Lilredslt
    What would Cookie do is my new mantra!
    I loved listening to this podcast. I was young when Iran/Contra deal occurred so it was helpful to have a context. The best part was obviously the one of a kind protagonist, Cookie. I appreciate learning about journalists and their absolute steel resolve to report. They endanger themselves to hold our government to account. I appreciate the commentary from Jane regarding how misogynistic Mike wallace was to females.
  • Pattymae1
    Captivating
    I’ll think about this story for a long time. Cookie is so genuine and an expert story teller. I wish there were more episodes.
  • Vetgirl0405
    Standout podcast
    I don’t write podcast reviews often, but this is one of the best podcasts I’ve ever listened to. The best part of it, of course, is Cookie and her life story. She’s incredible and the rapport between her and the interviewer is perfect. Her story is insane. Equally good is how the story of the war in Nicaragua is told, with its roots in family histories and class struggles, and the human suffering that was made so much worse by the interference of Cold War superpowers.
  • Honest Abel
    Every week I look forward to the next episode
    Really enjoying the stories and adventures of Cookie. Definitely worth your time spent listening. NSFW.
  • charlie smirk
    One of one
    Cookie is one-of-a-kind. Her story is fascinating, and she tells it so well. Side bar: I’d love to party with her
  • Dellly del
    Nail biter for sure!
    Absolutely a nail biter! If you like hearing stories that keep you at the edge of your seat? This is one for you. I’ll wake up in the morning put my AirPods and start my day with a dose of Journalista. It’s not just the amazing stories it’s how Cookie explains them and transports you there. Just fantastic!
  • Sneakers SF
    Great podcast - hard to put it down !!
    Engaging, smart and at times very funny - sheds an important light on the US in Central America. Cookie is an amazing woman. Thanks for sharing your life story.
  • Cease A
    Left leaning all the way
    The contras did more good than bad. Also she should have included the murderous crimes Daniel Ortega and his “Sandinistas”, instead of making him some kind of revolutionary hero which he is not at all. Ortega is a rapist, bank robber, property stealing thief. And once he got his second chance at power, he will not let that go. QUE VIVA SANDINO, QUE VIVA 6 PIES DEBAJO DE LA TIERRA #FSLN are murderous thief who have ruin the great country of Nicaragua.
  • Hydraulics6
    Absolutely obsessed with this show
    I am a podcaster myself and have listened to hundreds of shows, but this one is my favorite! I studied journalism in college and worked as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor. This podcast opens the door to a world of war reporting that I never knew. The stories are heartbreaking, hilarious, unbelievable … I could listen to Cookie tell stories all day long. I have learned more about the civil war in Nicaragua from this podcast, then I ever learned from my classes. The production quality of the show is magnificent. I can’t wait until the next episode!
  • Glimmermama
    Listen Now!!
    You won’t regret it. This is the most interesting podcast I’ve listened to…maybe ever?
  • GromScott
    Fascinating and provocative
    One of my favorites aspects of this podcast other than Cookie’s joie de vivre and Steven’s thorough and entertaining dive into history is that it generates very passionate responses from Trump supporting Dunning-Krugerists who make ridiculously idiotic claims about Steven’s politics or style that are full of blind sound and fury, signifying nothing.
  • H60ACE
    Interesting, but filled with left-wing drivel.
    The communist that narrated this podcast should have kept his bias out of it. He even trumpeted the Trump-Russia lie as fact. No mention of the Biden crime family scandal. Overall, he tainted a good series with his NPR-like liberal smugness.
  • Muzzles heresy
    best podcast ever!
    most interesting stories hosted by the coolest people i know!! you won’t be disappointed :)
  • MarileeJ
    Important history!
    Thank you for sharing this amazing story. Such an important window into the ways U.S. administrations have helped crush/shape Central America. Can’t wait for the rest.
  • lazylinguis
    Cookie is a legend
    Jake Tapper is pretty good too.
  • Snikibar
    Phenomenal!
    What an unbelievably well told memoir of one of the craziest times in world history! Cookie is a rockstar!
  • KulaFoodie
    Mesmerizing! Cant get enough!
    If this really is a true story, wow! Cookie is one tough cookie. Great listen!
  • Sonofashoe
    Disconcerting Host Style
    It’s an interesting story, but the host makes it too much about himself. The subject, Cookie is an edgy person with an edgy story who doesn’t sound out of place using profanity. I expect documentary hosts to sound like legit journalists, reporting a story. Instead this host drops f-bombs and throws in confusing asides like “He was shot TWICE. Think about THAT!” Perhaps I’m being too harsh, and perhaps it wasn’t a great idea to release this so soon after Fifty Cent and Charlie Webster’s Surviving El Chapo.
  • sissygunner
    Journalista
    After years of devoted podcast listening, I now can say truthfully this is my favorite podcast so far. A fantastic mix of historic journalism and great production. Once again, Life is stranger than fiction. Thank you again and again! I have already sent at least 10 people links to this site! Kudos!
  • JBobrad
    Everyone should be listening to this podcast
    Cookie is unbelievable, in the best way possible. Finally a NOT a boring podcast
  • amfm450
    Incredible!!!
    Love this podcast so much!
  • ~Jtont~
    Page turner
    Can Tuesday arrive already I need more! Also a tv doc/movie doc? @netflix @hbo??
  • Wendell Perry
    Got through 6 minutes
    Swearing for the sake of swearing doesn’t make good writing, or storytelling. It’s only effective when used sparingly. That’s first year writing.
  • silkewinter
    My first review
    Hi, I listen to podcasts for hours every day and that for years… this is my first review because I LOVE IT so much .
  • Garp5858
    This is a must listen
    A gripping tale of a time glossed over in our history books. Cookie gives a first person account of her incredible life and artfully guides us through her journey with courage and grit. Astoundingly captured in audio clips and interviews, these stories had yet to be told. After listening to the first four episodes, I cannot wait to hear more of Cookie’s amazing life. #cookiesabadass
  • GMR GMR
    Journalista
    Fascinating story! Wow Cookie!!!
  • KDBernhardt
    You couldn’t make this up
    A perfect thrill ride through Nicaragua’s crazy history. And who better to take it with than somebody named ‘Cookie’ - who went from party girl there, to big time drug dealer - before realizing it had all been training to report on the insurrection. How she navigated those worlds (and what those worlds WERE) is expertly laid out by Esteb - who manages to organize this in something that is entertaining in every respect.
  • jcompose
    Wow!
    This is a story that is only believable because it’s true! Cookie’s story makes you realize how remarkable a life can be. I’m three episodes on and can’t wait for the next one.
  • Susan Matthews
    Cookie Doesn’t Crumble
    Buckle up. This podcast grabs you at go. It’s a trifecta of a truth-is-stranger-than-fiction story told perfectly, fantastic production, and Cookie. What a character! Pure podcast gold.
  • aceserve
    Excellent
    This is a great podcast. What a life! I know Cookie and so I can say that she is a total pro as a journalist and also a really nice person. I just listened to episode 3 and am looking forward to E4!
  • Italian Gem
    Interesting!
    This story kept my attention the entire time. I can’t wait to hear the rest.
  • BryTy1987
    It’s Gonna Be a Wild Ride
    I’m two episodes in and so excited to know more! She sounds like a legend!
  • Lindsel03
    Amazing Story!!!
    Love this. Can’t wait to hear the rest.
  • Chase B.H.
    Amazing Story
    Only two episodes in but loving this pod!! Great mix of history and politics with an incredible story. So many twists and turns already. It also feels so, so, so relevant in our current political climate. Can’t wait to hear the rest!!
  • ttttttttttfcg dad sss(()(
    Amazing
    Absolutely insane. I think this is the most fun I’ve had with a Podcasts in a while.
  • bremelino
    Drugs, History and Comedy, oh my!
    Crass and humorous peak into the life of a journalist in Nicaragua during the 1980’s. Great storytelling and insane life story - it’s wild and crazy!
  • JackieOhPlease
    Riveting!
    Riveting! I can't wait to see where Cookie's journey takes me next. It's like an amazing "aside" to history!
  • Badgerbethy
    Riveting… doesn’t seem real.
    I listen to a lot of true crime podcasts. The best ones are the stories that don’t seem real be are. Journalista strikes that chord. I am so hooked!
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