Drilled: The Propagandist Drilled: The Propagandist

Episode 2: The Real Outside Agitators of Iowa

Sep 1, 2026 · 43m

Summary

This episode details how Energy Transfer’s private security firm, TigerSwan, waged a propaganda war against Water Protectors at Iowa’s Little Creek camp. Operatives Robert Rice and Joel McCullough used fake Facebook pages, infiltration, and bribes to sow division and discredit activists. The narrative explores the psychological toll on protesters and locals, revealing how coordinated misinformation fractured community trust and aided the pipeline company’s broader legal and public relations victory.

Topics discussed

Intro, sponsors, and episode setup Little Creek camp as a healing space Defend Iowa page and TigerSwan connections Infiltrator Joel and propagandist Robert's chats TigerSwan's 9/11 analogy and sabotage claims Targeting locals and landowner harassment Lance Schaefer and militia involvement Recycled propaganda videos and local reactions Neighbor Darren's experience and reconciliation Sponsors: Optum and PayPal Hacking plots and fear of exposure Rumors, bribes, and sowing distrust Fake news sites and Chris's interview Impact on trust and community healing Energy Transfer's influence and fractured truth Credits and closing sponsors
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