Change Agents with Andy Stumpf

4.9 (619)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

-New Episodes Every Wednesday- Find out what takes to solve some of the world's seemingly impossible problems. In each episode, SEAL Team 6 veteran and "Cleared Hot" podcast host Andy Stumpf interviews a new "agent of change" who is enacting real change to understand the scope of their work, how it can be replicated, and the unimaginable stakes of their everyday lives. An IRONCLAD Original.

8H AGO

Shield of the Americas: U.S. Special Forces Move Now to Stop Los Lobos in Ecuador

Chris Dalby is a journalist and an expert in transnational organized crime. He’s also the director of the “World of Crime” think tank and a Senior Analyst for Dyami Security Intelligence. Today on Change Agents, he joins Andy Stumpf to discuss the Shield of the Americas operation, and how U.S. Special Forces plan to stop the violent Los Lobos gang from taking over more of Ecuador. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original (00:00) Preview & Guest Intro: Chris Dalby (01:06) US Military Operations in Ecuador (03:38) How Ecuador Became a Narco Dream Destination (06:58) Deep Dive: The Rise of Los Lobos (14:17) Why 70% of the World's Cocaine Flows Through Ecuador (18:25) Analyzing the "Shield of the Americas" Doctrine (25:38) US Surveillance: AI, Radar, and GPS Spoofing (31:12) The "Red Line": US Military Raids into Mexico? (41:26) High-Tech Smuggling: Remote Subs & Liquid Coke (47:20) Why Seizures Won't Solve the Drug Crisis (50:57) Final Thoughts: The Human Cost Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55 min
MAR 11

Inside Cartel Operations in Arizona with Former SWAT Commander Matthew Thomas

On this episode of Change Agents, Andy Stumpf talks with Matthew Thomas about cartel operations in Arizona, how cartels recruit members in the U.S., the brutality of cartel operations and more. Matthew Thomas is a retired Chief Deputy at the Pinal County Sheriff's Office in Arizona, where he led the regional SWAT team for 18 years. He frequently went undercover during anti-cartel operations. He is the author of “Interceptors: The Untold Fight Against the Mexican Cartels.” Chapters: (01:29) The Operation to Take Out El Mencho (06:37) Pinal County’s Role in the Cartel Wars (12:02) The State of Border Security (16:43) Tunnel Systems Run by Cartels (22:38) Going Undercover to Fight Cartels (32:37) U.S. Citizens Working for Cartels (36:06) Sicario vs. Rip Team Battles (47:41) Cartel Members Getting Military Training (52:06) Cartel Human Trafficking Operations Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 7m
MAR 4

The Corrupt Incentives Inside America’s Healthcare System (with Brigham Buhler)

On today's episode, Andy travels to Austin to visit with Ways2Well founder Brigham Buhler at his Longevity Lab lab to discuss the search for the genetics secrets to eliminating chronic disease and how some species seem to live forever. They dig into why how the field is practiced today often leave patients without real answers, and why Buhler believes a more preventative, patient-focused approach could change that. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Intro (02:08) Redesigning the Clinic: Making Healthcare Fun (07:10) How Insurance & PBMs Broke the Medical System (14:42) Big Pharma’s War on Compounding & Telemedicine (18:22) Why Your Doctor Is Trapped in a Broken System (21:18) Ways2Well Tour: 80s Nostalgia & UV Murals (30:52) The Opioid Crisis & Brigham’s Origin Story (38:25) Fighting the FDA & The Illusion of Surgical Safety (43:47) What Are Peptides & Why Pharma Wants Them (48:22) ALLEN: The Ways2Well AI Health Assistant (52:14) Debunking Medical Myths: Testosterone & HRT (58:16) Wearables & The Future of Proactive Health (01:10:57) Inside the Lab: Stem Cells, Red Light, & Hyperbaric Oxygen (01:17:48) Next-Level Detox: Blood Filtration (IBU) & Ozone Saunas (01:20:25) Gene Editing & The Future of Human Evolution Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-agents-with-andy-stumpf/id1677415740 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SKmtN55V2AGbzHDo34DHI?si=5aefbba9abc844ed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 27m
FEB 25

Rocky Mountain Cartels: How Mercenaries Fuel CJNG & Sinaloa Operations

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Jonathan Pullen, Assistant Chief of Operations for the South Central Region of the DEA. They discuss the logistics of the modern drug trade, the international supply chain of fentanyl precursor chemicals, and cartel operations along both the northern and southern U.S. borders. Chapters: (00:00) Cold Open & Introduction (01:16) What is the DEA's True Role? (03:05) China's Involvement in the Fentanyl Crisis (08:15) Smuggling Rings Beyond the Major Cartels (11:31) The Northern Border Threat & Montana Pipelines (17:02) How Drugs Move Across the U.S. (The Denver Hub) (20:32) Cartel Smuggling Tactics & Forced Labor (24:43) Money Laundering: Cash, Crypto, & MSBs (29:07) The Epidemic on Native American Reservations (34:59) Why Fentanyl is Deadlier Than Previous Drug Crises (42:05) Raiding an Underground TdA Nightclub in Denver (50:49) The DEA's Biggest Hurdle Right Now (55:03) A Final Warning to Parents Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
FEB 18

Inside the Epstein Document Dump: What It Means and What Comes Next

On today's episode, Andy welcomes back Nick Bryant, investigative journalist and Director of the Organization Epstein Justice, which seeks justice for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. They discuss the latest document releases related to Jeffrey Epstein, the political battles over transparency, and the unanswered questions surrounding Epstein’s network and influence. To find out more about Epstein Justice, visit: https://epsteinjustice.com/ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (01:10) Why were so many documents released at once? (03:41) The legal battle to force disclosure (06:18) FBI and DOJ position on Epstein network (08:26) Was Epstein connected to intelligence operations? (10:18) The theory of Epstein as an intelligence asset (13:05) Media silence and institutional protection questions (16:40) Victims, credibility, and public perception (20:12) Power structures surrounding Epstein’s network (24:30) Why accountability has been so limited (29:10) The politics behind document withholding (34:45) What the remaining files could reveal (40:20) Names, reputations, and legal risk of disclosure (45:55) What happens next in the Epstein case (52:10) Final thoughts on transparency and justice Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/IRONCLAD and use code IRONCLAD for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
FEB 11

DARPA, Drone Warfare & AI: How the U.S. Military Is Preparing for the Next War

Bill Thompson is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 4. He is also a former Cyber Network Operations advisor and program evaluator at DARPA with experience in the fields of AI, Signals, and Human Intelligence. He is also the founder of the Spartan Forge hunting app: https://spartanforge.ai/ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (01:03) What Is DARPA? (05:58) Drone Warfare Ukraine (13:20) The Dangers of Terrorists Using Drones (16:50) Smartphone Surveillance in the Maduro Raid (26:00) Using the Internet in Authoritarian Countries (31:50) Spying on Cell Phones and Stealing Data (36:50) Choosing Targeted People to Spy On (39:35) The Vulnerability of Infrastructure to Cyberattacks (46:35) How Can You Protect Your Data? Subscribe: Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-agents-with-andy-stumpf/id1677415740 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SKmtN55V2AGbzHDo34DHI?si=5aefbba9abc844ed Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/CHANGEAGENTS and use code CHANGEAGENTS for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54 min
FEB 4

The Truth About Witness Protection, Dark Conspiracies & More (Writer Brad Meltzer)

Brad Meltzer is an author, TV personality, and comic book writer. He is known for his deep research into global issues and intelligence, and has even been part of a work group with the CIA, the FBI, and Department of Homeland Security officials to brainstorm new ways that terrorists might strike the U.S. In addition to creating shows for the History channel, Brad has written for the Batman/Superman, Green Lantern, Justice League and other hit comic book series. His non-fiction books include “The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington,” “The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy—and Why It Failed” biographies of Albert Einstein, Jackie Robinson and many others His latest novel, THE VIPER is out now Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters (01:14) How Conspiracy Theories Are Formed (07:26) Theories About the Death of Charlie Kirk (12:43) The Next Civil War? (19:46) Do Aliens Exists? (21:30) The Truth About the Witness Protection Program (34:19) Secret Tunnels Under the White House (38:58) George Washington’s Oath of Service (41:20) What Happens at Dover Air Force Base (49:16) Perspectives on PTSD (52:49) Treating People with Respects and Gratitude Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/CHANGEAGENTS and use code CHANGEAGENTS for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 3m
JAN 28

Jesse James: The Inside Story Behind the West Coast Choppers Legend

Recently, Andy Stumpf visited Jesse James’ Austin shop, for a tour of where he custom makes award-winning motorcycles, muscle cars, firearms, and more. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Custom Bikes Tour (07:18) -Working as Concert Security (13:39) - The Decision to Start Building Bikes (16:00) - Custom Cars Tour (19:19) - Firearm Shop Tour (23:04) - Family Influence, Football, Work Ethic (28:30 )- First Job Building Bikes (29:40) - Custom Firearm Tour (38:48) - Working Through Anger Issues Growing Up (46:30) - Custom Engraving Craftsmanship (47:42) - Thoughts on Jesse's New Book (50:45) - Elon Musks's Custom Firearm/Custom Engraved Firearms (58:51) - Philosophy on Success Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ GHOSTBED: Go to https://www.GhostBed.com/CHANGEAGENTS and use code CHANGEAGENTS for an extra 15% off sitewide. Norwood Sawmills: Learn more about Norwood Sawmills and how you can start milling your own lumber at https://norwoodsawmills.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 7m

See All (169)

Andy Stumpf

Host
Brad Meltzer

Guest
Jesse James

Guest
Sarah Adams

Guest
Peter Zeihan

Guest

4.9

out of 5

619 Ratings

Peter Zeihan is a bad guest

Jan 17

Your S1

He sounds intelligent, but as soon as you know about the topic he’s discussing, you realize he makes wild conclusions. For example, his understanding of NATO “Supreme Commander” is just incorrect. I’ll add his random accusations people are under Russian control.
My years in China

09/19/2025

Amdyfyn

My 4.5 years in China (2016-21) was enlightening. The people (PRC) is the best I’ve been treated. However, the CCP? A dangerous entity and these gentlemen are exactly right on much. But, the people are deeply patriotic whether they agree with their government or not. I envy their patriotism. With a couple of my colleagues there are married to PLA staff officers and although they never directly revealed much, they indirectly did so. Intentionally so or not, I don’t know. It’s a safe country because execution is frequent and expedient, however. I adored the people and my experience there was fantastic. Yet, I was always cognizant that the proverbial ‘knock at the door’ was always a possibility.
Great Episode with Roggio

06/21/2025

Meridianchaos

More content like this! I like when people are experts in the field, are offering solutions. I hope this reaches the right ears. Love both your shows.
Andy is a clown

08/27/2025

223534553

This is what propaganda looks like

-New Episodes Every Wednesday- Find out what takes to solve some of the world's seemingly impossible problems. In each episode, SEAL Team 6 veteran and "Cleared Hot" podcast host Andy Stumpf interviews a new "agent of change" who is enacting real change to understand the scope of their work, how it can be replicated, and the unimaginable stakes of their everyday lives. An IRONCLAD Original.