🎙️ Today’s Conversation
Today I’m on campus at the University of Indianapolis to chat with Dr. Douglas Woodwell about just what the f*ck is going on in Venezuela. Dr. Woodwell walks me through the historical context—from Hugo Chávez to Nicolás Maduro—before we start digging into oil, immigration, China’s role, and what this moment could mean for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.
I wanted to have this conversation to slow me down, to better understand the timeline, and to ask what the real risks and stakes are, especially for everyday Hoosiers trying to make sense of global headlines that might feel really unimportant because WHY IS MY HEALTH INSURANCE AND CHILD CARE SO EXPENSIVE?!
🪴 Mentioned in This Episode
* The rise of Hugo Chávez and long-term impacts of oil nationalization in Venezuela
* China’s relationship with Venezuela and broader U.S.–China tensions
* Greenland, climate change, and emerging strategic interests in the Arctic
🔎 Why This Matters
Even when global conflicts feel far removed from daily life in Indiana, they shape immigration, energy prices, trade, and long-term security. This episode is a reminder that paying attention isn’t about panic—it’s about perspective, ethics, and understanding the role the U.S. chooses to play in the world.
