Podcasts about Panama Canal

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Thursday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan leads with good news as President Trump's Five Bucket Strategy gains momentum, including a major international minerals pact designed to break China's grip on critical resources and early signs of a new rent-to-own housing pathway for young and middle-income Americans. He then explains why the AI Revolution is rattling markets and jobs alike, as new tools automate white-collar work faster than expected, raising hard questions about wages, employment, and who benefits from the coming productivity boom. Back at the border, Bryan details a quieter shift in Minnesota as local law enforcement begins cooperating more closely with ICE, allowing federal agents to pull back from street arrests and reduce risk, even as Democrats and judges escalate rhetoric and legal resistance. The episode pivots global with updates on cartel expansion into illegal vape trafficking in Mexico, a dramatic political turn in Bolivia as Chinese-backed projects are canceled and a former Marxist president vanishes, fresh evidence that China is massively expanding coal power despite climate promises, rising tensions over the Panama Canal, deepening financial strain on Russia as India weighs oil cuts, and renewed maneuvering with Iran that could set the stage for another major U.S. strike.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: February 5 2026 Wright Report, Five Bucket Strategy minerals pact China, rare earth price floor Western mining, Argentina lithium copper Rubio, rent-to-own housing builders plan, AI Revolution market volatility Anthropic Claude, OpenClaw personalized AI risk, Minnesota ICE cooperation Tom Homan lighter touch, Democrats judges resist ICE, Rio Grande buoy wall Operation River Wall, Mexico cartel vape pens, Bolivia cancels China zinc project Morales missing, China coal expansion climate hypocrisy, Panama Canal cyber threat China, Russia oil revenue drop India decision, Iran nuclear talks Operation Midnight Hammer II

A review of a Hawaii cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America.  Richard has cruise news on:  Carnival Hikes Gratuities & Drink Package – Starting April 2, gratuities rise to $17/day in standard rooms and $19/day in suites. Bottomless Bubbles soda package also increases to $11.99/day. Trevi Fountain Adds Entry Fee – Visitors must now pay $2.40 to get close to Rome's iconic fountain; locals and kids under 6 exempt. Jazz Cruise Tragedy – Renowned jazz musician Ken Peplowski passed away onboard Celebrity Summit during the annual Jazz Cruise. Drug Bust at PortMiami – Five passengers arrested with narcotics before boarding Symphony of the Seas for a themed Atlantis cruise. MSC Guests Left Behind – MSC Orchestra couldn't dock in Marseille due to port protests, forcing guests to rejoin in Genoa. MSC Adding Yacht Club – MSC Musica and Orchestra will receive the Yacht Club luxury enclave during upcoming refurbishments. Disney Adventure Breaks Record – Becomes the largest passenger ship to transit the Panama Canal on its way to Singapore homeport. Sponsor Cruise line protection is designed to help if you can't take your cruise. Third-party travel insurance helps protect you during the trip. Including medical care, delays, and unexpected issues. Compare plans and save up to 30% at TripInsurance.com. About Cruise Radio: Cruise Radio has been delivering cruise news, ship reviews, and money-saving tips weekly since 2009.

This episode begins by uncovering a⁠ tragic collision in Indiana⁠ that exposed a network of "chameleon carriers" hiding in plain sight. We explore how these operators⁠ ⁠dodge safety regulations by constantly shapeshifting their corporate identities to evade federal oversight. Next, we examine the financial landscape as⁠ Old Dominion Freight Line⁠ prepares for a potential market recovery in 2026. Their leadership believes the⁠ ⁠stars are finally aligning for an uptick in manufacturing and freight volumes later this year. The conversation then turns to a⁠ massive legal blow against Sysco⁠, where a jury awarded $52 million to drivers who faced retaliation for reporting safety issues. This verdict highlights the⁠ ⁠severe cost of ignoring whistleblower complaints regarding hazardous working conditions and regulatory violations. Finally, we look at rising geopolitical tensions as a ⁠Chinese operator fights to retain control⁠ over critical ports at the Panama Canal. This⁠ ⁠arbitration filing introduces new uncertainty into a vital global trade chokepoint that could impact East Coast shipping volumes. ⁠Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast⁠ ⁠Other FreightWaves Shows⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Panama's Supreme Court kicks China-linked CK Hutchison out of key canal ports, shaking global trade and geopolitics. The panel explains why the Panama Canal is a top national security issue, how China plays the long game, and why this is a huge win for US leverage.

Is Goofy a dog? Is the NFL going to replace Bad Bunny for the Halftime Show? SBA loans for US Citizens only. Admission: Elected officials are on Signal chats with Antifa and others attacking ICE. Census favors the GOP. Indiana schools should be better than this Tanya Terry sworn in as new police chief of the IMPD. Ed Clere leaves the Indiana Republican Party. Today’s Popcorn Moment: Don Lemon on Kimmel. Today on the Marketplace: Koken Presidential Vintage Barber Chair. ICE to get body cameras Schumer fighting the SAVE Act. China kicked out of the Panama Canal. India to stop buying Russian oil. Trump undercuts GOP push to attach SAVE Act to shutdown bill as conservatives threaten mutiny. TV Theme Song: Monday Night Football. Film Friday's debuting this Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schumer fighting the SAVE Act. China kicked out of the Panama Canal. India to stop buying Russian oil. Trump undercuts GOP push to attach SAVE Act to shutdown bill as conservatives threaten mutiny. TV Theme Song: Monday Night Football. Film Friday's debuting this Friday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

[00:30] Peace, Jesus and Nukes (45 minutes) While the U.S. celebrates world peace and Christian revival, Germany is openly discussing getting its own nuclear weapons. False Christianity provides no real answers to man's problems. [45:00] Prophecy in Panama (10 minutes) Panama's highest court has annulled the contract that allowed China to control two ports at either end of the Panama Canal. Will the U.S. temporarily regain control of this essential sea gate?

From the BBC World Service: Panama's Supreme Court has annulled a contract allowing for a Hong Kong company to operate two ports on the major shipping route. The canal handles 5% of all shipping traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific, and the news comes as the Trump administration seeks to curb Chinese influence in the region. Then, Madagascar recently opened its first-ever stretch of highway. Can it speed up trade and spur economic development in the country?

From the BBC World Service: Panama's Supreme Court has annulled a contract allowing for a Hong Kong company to operate two ports on the major shipping route. The canal handles 5% of all shipping traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific, and the news comes as the Trump administration seeks to curb Chinese influence in the region. Then, Madagascar recently opened its first-ever stretch of highway. Can it speed up trade and spur economic development in the country?

A deal is in place to avoid a government shutdown but lawmakers still need to clear the final hurdle. President Donald Trump says there will be no federal law enforcement drawdown in Minnesota. Venezuela has made it easier for oil companies to operate there. A Panama Supreme Court ruling could curb China's influence over the Panama Canal. Plus, why President Trump is suing the IRS in a personal capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In today's episode, we discuss the Panama Supreme Court's ruling that forces a Hong Kong-based firm to give up its concessions at the Panama Canal ports. This legal decision comes as the U.S. president continues to assert the necessity of American influence over the strategic waterway. Next, we look at Maersk Air Cargo's strategic pivot to cancel its flying partnership with Amerijet in favor of utilizing its own larger, more efficient jets. This transition reportedly includes selling aircraft to Amazon and has triggered upcoming layoffs for roughly 20% of Amerijet's pilot workforce. Finally, federal regulators are doubling down on plans to enforce restrictions on foreign truck drivers despite facing fierce legal challenges from California and 18 other jurisdictions. The FMCSA argues that collecting historical data on non-domiciled CDL holders is essential for safety, even as the rules remain temporarily frozen by the courts. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump says he needs Greenland. He's suggested he could buy it and he threatened tariffs on nations that didn't support his quest to take it. Now he's dropped the tariff threat after negotiations and he's ruled out using military force. The US president's approach to Greenland might be erratic but it's all in line with his foreign policy aim to reorder the world. Today, Monica Duffy Toft from the Fletcher School at Tufts University on Trump's bid to control the Western Hemisphere.Featured: Monica Duffy Toft, Professor of International Politics and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University in Boston

SEGMENT 9: COSTA RICA ELECTION AND PANAMA CANAL TENSIONS Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis examines Costa Rica's upcoming election amid concerns over giant prison construction projects. Discussion turns to unresolved Panama Canal disputes where Chinese interference continues challenging American interests. Regional dynamics shift as nations balance between Washington's demands and Beijing's economic inducements throughout Central America.1898 BRUSSELS

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-22-20251954 BRUSSELSSEGMENT 1: GREENLAND, NATO, AND TRUMP'S REVERSALS Guest: Anatol Lieven, Co-Host: Jim McTague Lieven examines Trump's shifting positions on Greenland and NATO, unsettling European allies who question American reliability. Discussion covers the proposed Board of Peace concept and how Trump's unpredictable rhetoric complicates alliance management, leaving partners uncertain whether commitments will hold or dissolve without warning.SEGMENT 2: GAZA AND TRUMP'S SELF-ENRICHMENT CONCERNS Guest: Anatol Lieven, Co-Host: Jim McTague Lieven analyzes Gaza ceasefire dynamics and raises questions about Trump administration officials potentially mixing policy with personal financial interests. Discussion examines how self-enrichment concerns shadow diplomatic initiatives and whether conflicts of interest undermine credibility in Middle East negotiations and broader foreign policy.SEGMENT 3: GEN Z JOB STRUGGLES AND THE TRADES REVIVAL Guest: Chris Riegel, Co-Host: Jim McTague Riegel explains how artificial intelligence eliminates entry-level white-collar positions, leaving Gen Z struggling to launch careers in traditional professions. Meanwhile, skilled trades offer prosperity since AI cannot replicate physical work. Young people working with their hands find better opportunities than peers pursuing displaced office jobs.SEGMENT 4: MAGA EMBRACES BIG GOVERNMENT LIKE NEW DEALERS Guest: Veronique de Rugy De Rugy argues MAGA policies mirror New Deal-era big government activism through state industrial policy and massive spending programs. Traditional Republican principles of limited government appear obsolete or abandoned, with the RINO label now applied to anyone advocating fiscal restraint or free market economics.SEGMENT 5: PREPARING FOR IRAN BOMBING CAMPAIGN Guest: General Blaine Holt (USAF, Ret.) Holt describes military preparations for potential strikes against Iran, including warplane and warship deployments. The KC-135 tanker buildup signals offensive capability, providing aerial refueling that enables sustained bombing campaigns. This logistics infrastructure converts fuel into striking power against Tehran's nuclear and military installations.SEGMENT 6: ESCALATION TOWARD IRANIAN LEADERSHIP Guest: General Blaine Holt (USAF, Ret.) Holt outlines concentric circles of escalation targeting Iranian leadership if conflict erupts. Discussion covers strike planning that moves progressively toward regime centers of power. China's evacuation planes positioning near Iran suggest Beijing anticipates potential conflict and prepares to extract its nationals from the region.SEGMENT 7: MODI'S TIMID REFORM AGENDA Guest: Sadanand Dhume (Wall Street Journal) Dhume assesses Prime Minister Modi as a timid reformer constrained by political realities and socialist-era institutions. India's growth potential remains unrealized as legacy regulations protect inefficient industries. Modi raised some thresholds but fundamental transformation of labor laws and state enterprises remains politically impossible.SEGMENT 8: VENEZUELA'S UNFINISHED TRANSITION Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady (Wall Street Journal) O'Grady reports Venezuela's democratic transition stalled with the same regime intact. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Delcy Rodriguez control state security gunmen and prisons. No real handover to President-elect Edmundo Gonzalez has occurred, leaving the authoritarian apparatus firmly in power despite American pressure.SEGMENT 9: COSTA RICA ELECTION AND PANAMA CANAL TENSIONS Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis examines Costa Rica's upcoming election amid concerns over giant prison construction projects. Discussion turns to unresolved Panama Canal disputes where Chinese interference continues challenging American interests. Regional dynamics shift as nations balance between Washington's demands and Beijing's economic inducements throughout Central America.SEGMENT 10: PERU AND CHINESE INFLUENCE Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis analyzes China's growing investment and influence in Peru while the US offers military partnership as counterweight. Discussion covers political turmoil in Lima, economic promise from mineral wealth, and the competition between great powers for access to South American resources and strategic positioning.SEGMENT 11: TRUMP SEEKS CUBAN REGIME CHANGE Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis examines the Trump administration's push for regime change in Havana. Dictator Díaz-Canel faces collapsing conditions with no oil, no power, and a broken economy driving mass emigration. The Obama administration's engagement offered false hope; now Washington applies maximum pressure on the desperate regime.SEGMENT 12: MERCOSUR AGREEMENT FINALLY REACHED Guest: Professor Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Ellis reports good news as the Mercosur trade agreement concludes after 27 years of negotiations. The deal now faces court challenges while promising affordable food imports for Europe. EU farmers mount roadblock protests opposing competition from South American agriculture despite consumer benefits from the historic accord.SEGMENT 13: AL QAEDA IN DAMASCUS GOVERNMENT Guest: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi (FDD)Roggio and Sharawi examine Al Qaeda presence within Syria's new government under clever, effective President al-Sharaa. US forces struck an Al Qaeda commander responsible for killing Iowa National Guard soldiers, but ISIS elements remain unaddressed. The jihadi connections within Damascus leadership raise serious counterterrorism concerns.SEGMENT 14: SYRIAN NATIONAL ARMY DRIVES OUT KURDISH ALLIES Guest: Bill Roggio and Ahmed Sharawi (FDD) Roggio and Sharawi report the Syrian National Army increasingly resembles Al Qaeda while attacking Kurdish forces who remain US allies. The Kurds retreat under pressure from Turkish-backed militias with extremist ties. American partners face abandonment as Washington's attention focuses elsewhere in the chaotic Syrian landscape.SEGMENT 15: MUSK, CARLSON, AND VANCE DIVERGE FROM REPUBLICAN ORTHODOXY Guest: Peter Berkowitz Berkowitz discusses Michael Doran's Tablet article examining three Trump celebrities—Elon Musk, Tucker Carlson, and Vice President J.D. Vance—whose views diverge from traditional Republican policies. Musk favors government subsidies and China partnership, Carlson platforms hate speakers, and Vance promotes isolationism over American global leadership.SEGMENT 16: ABANDONING SMALL GOVERNMENT AND FREE TRADE Guest: Peter Berkowitz Berkowitz argues neither Musk, Carlson, nor Vance champions traditional conservative principles of small government, free trade, and private enterprise without government interference. The Republican Party's philosophical foundation erodes as prominent voices embrace statism, protectionism, and industrial policy once associated with the political left.

Janet Bava, chief commercial officer for Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report in PortMiami just before the christening of Star Seeker, her line's newest small ship. Bava details how you should sell this new vessel, which is starting in the Caribbean before heading through the Panama Canal and up to Alaska and then on to Japan over the next year. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.

The 15-Minute History Podcast team welcomes you back to another Sketches in History. This segment, just for kids, shows that history isn't just a story; it's an adventure. Join Lottie Archer as she dives into her extraordinary notebook, where sketches from history come to life.In this episode, she travels to 1907 to witness one of humanity's greatest engineering challenges: the construction of the Panama Canal. Standing alongside Chief Engineer John Stevens in the sweltering jungle heat, Lottie watches as 75,000 workers from 97 countries battle tropical diseases, devastating landslides, and a mountain that seems determined not to be moved. In this episode, your kids will learn about resilience, discover how the impossible became possible, and witness the moment when thousands of determined workers proved that together, they really could move mountains!Listen and subscribe to the 15-Minute History podcast to hear Sketches in History every other Thursday. Got a favorite historical moment? Share it with us at 15minutehistory@gmail.com, and it might just make its way into the notebook!

Former US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley joins guest co-host Sabrina Singh and Sir Richard Dearlove to discuss the Trump administration's turn toward Latin America. Ambassador Feeley served as US Ambassador to Panama from 2015-2018 and resigned under the first Trump administration. He offers an insider's perspective on Venezuela's transition of power to Delcy Rodríguez, China's influence on the Panama Canal, and the collapse of traditional American diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Prelog, president of Windstar Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the day the brand's new Star Seeker was christened in Miami. Prelog describes the 224-guest ship, the first newbuild for his line, giving it a fleet of seven ships with an eighth on the way. Sun Seeker is beginning with cruises to the Caribbean and will sail through the Panama Canal before heading up to Alaska and then Japan. For more information, visit www.windstarcruises.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox. 

In this essential episode of Unleashing Intuition Secrets, Michael Jaco sits down with Sheila Holm for a powerful and revealing conversation that connects past conflicts with present-day global events. What begins as a discussion about Cuba quickly expands into a much larger examination of history, power, and the forces shaping today's geopolitical landscape. Sheila breaks down the historical roots of Cuba's strategic importance, tracing key developments back to the Spanish-American War and forward through decades of influence affecting Mexico, Venezuela, and the broader Western Hemisphere. The conversation explores how long-standing policies, misinformation, and unresolved power struggles continue to echo into modern politics — and why recent signals surrounding Cuba deserve serious attention. Together, Michael and Sheila examine the roles played by pivotal figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, the strategic importance of the Panama Canal, and the lasting impact of the Rough Riders. They also challenge commonly accepted narratives, revealing how history is often reshaped to obscure deeper strategic motives. The discussion expands into modern geopolitical maneuvering, the restructuring taking place across global power centers, and the leadership challenges that come with confronting entrenched systems. Sheila reflects on the idea of “the man in the arena” — the reality faced by those who step forward to lead, take responsibility, and endure criticism for the sake of the greater good. This episode delivers historical context, geopolitical insight, and a deeper understanding of how past decisions continue to shape today's world. It's an important listen for anyone seeking clarity on where we are — and where things may be headed next.

In this week's discussion, we cover more detail about the building of the canal and the herculean medical and engineering feats American and Panamanian workers achieved. (Joe even gets to put on his doctor's hat and tell us about yellow fever.) We then get into some of the current-day events and what the future might hold for America and its southern neighbors.Join us every Monday for discussions and episodes as well as our Thursday pop quizzes and Sketches in History. Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

203 years ago, President James Monroe declared the Western Hemisphere off limits to powerful countries in Europe. Fast forward, and President Trump is reviving the Monroe Doctrine to justify intervening in places like Venezuela, and threatening further action in other parts of Latin America and Greenland. On today's show, how is Trump redefining the Monroe Doctrine and what does it mean for the world?Related episodes: Add to cart: GreenlandIs the Panama Canal a rip-off?Venezuela didn't steal U.S. oil. Here's what happened  Can Europe stand without the U.S. For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Vito Emanuel. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.  Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Trump's Venezuela move is sparking global shockwaves. Patrick Bet-David breaks down the Monroe Doctrine, China's influence, oil power, Greenland, the Panama Canal, and whether America is entering a new era of expansion, strategy, and long-term national security thinking.

On this unscripted Wednesday morning edition of Right On Radio Live (Jan 14, 2026), host Jeff is joined by returning guest John Brisson for a wide-ranging conversation that mixes scripture, geopolitics, and spiritual counsel. The episode opens with "Word on Word," comparing 1 John 4:20–21 and Proverbs 22:4 and setting a theme of love, humility, and Christian conduct for the show. Jeff and John review listener reactions, then pivot into foreign policy: an extended discussion about U.S. pressure on Cuba, Iran, and Canada—arguing that tariffs and economic choke points can be used to "starve" populations into uprisings. They debate the ethics and pragmatics of regime change, express anti-war reservations, and weigh whether nonmilitary methods (à la recent actions in Venezuela) could remove oppressive regimes without bloodshed. The hosts analyze Donald Trump's current strategy and influence: Panama Canal and Venezuelan actions, pressure on global choke points, the prospect of Greenland and missile-defense priorities, Space Force and satellite-to-satellite warfare, and the upcoming Davos address. They discuss signals suggesting a bold 2026 for Trump (including talk of a “golden age”), market manipulations, cabinet and policy moves (credit-card rules, housing and tariff plans), and possible legal and political flashpoints such as contempt or Supreme Court rulings. Another major strand: evidence of pro-Trump messaging inside government accounts. Jeff and John point to Q-style posts allegedly appearing in the Department of Labor, USPS, and other places, and reflect on the psychological and information-warfare environment—bots, paid influencers, and rapid false narratives that make discernment difficult. They connect these developments to biblical prophecy concerns (Antichrist language, Daniel references) and the idea that some political solutions may pave the way for darker systems disguised as peace. Throughout the episode the hosts return to pastoral counsel: spiritual warfare is real, believers must pray for discernment, and Christian virtues—love, humility, and fear of the Lord—remain the anchor amid political chaos. They encourage listeners to join a corporate prayer call, read scripture, and approach current events with both sober vigilance and hope rooted in eternal promises. Guest: John Brisson. Key takeaways include the two guiding scriptures for daily life, the contested morality of economic pressure as foreign policy, signs to watch in 2026 (political boldness, legal battles, and global maneuvers), the rise of coordinated pro‑Trump messaging inside institutions, and repeated exhortations to prayer, community, and Scripture as the primary resources for believers facing turbulent times. Want to Understand and Explain Everything Biblically?  Click Here: Decoding the Power of Three: Understand and Explain Everything or go to www.rightonu.com and click learn more.  Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more... https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith

This week we talk about Venezuela, Maduro, and international law.We also discuss sour crude, extrajudicial killings, and Greenland.Recommended Book: The Keep by F. Paul WilsonTranscriptBack in mid-November of 2025, I did an episode on extrajudicial killings, focusing on the targeting of speedboats, mostly from Venezuela headed toward the United States, by the US military. These boats were allegedly carrying drugs meant for the US market, and the US government justified these strikes by saying, basically, we have a right to protect ourselves, protect our citizens from the harm caused by these illegal substances, and if we have to keep taking out these boats and killing these people to do that, we will.There's been a lot of back-and-forthing about the legitimacy of this approach, both in the sense that not all of these boats have been shown to be carrying drugs, some just seemed to be fishing boats in the wrong place at the wrong time, and in the sense that launching strikes without the go-ahead of Congress in the US is a legally dubious business. There was also the matter of some alleged follow-up strikes, which seemed to be intended to kill people who survived the initial taking-out of the boats, which is a big international human rights no no, to the point of potentially being a war crime.All of this happened within the context of a war of words between US President Trump's second administration and the increasingly authoritarian regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who followed the previous president Hugo Chávez as his hand-picked successor, and has more or less completed the authoritarian process of dissolving, coopting, or diminishing all aspects of the Venezuelan government that might ever check his power, which allowed him, in 2024, to bar the very popular, now Nobel Peace Prize winning candidate María Corina Machado from running, and her sub-in candidate, like previous Maduro opponent Juan Guaido, seems to have won the election by a fair bit, and in an internationally provable way, but Maduro's government faked results that made it look like he won, and his single-party rule has since continued unabated.Or rather, it continued unabated until the early morning of January 3, 2026, around 2am, when US Operation Absolute Resolve kicked into action, leading to the—depending on who you ask—justified captured or illegal kidnapping—of Maduro and his wife from a stronghold in his country.And that's what I'd like to talk about today: the operation itself, but also the consequences and potential meaning of it within the context of other important things happening in the world right now.—Maduro is immensely popular with about a fifth of the Venezuelan population, but essentially everyone else is strongly opposes him and his iron-fisted rule.It's estimated that between 2017 and 2025, just shy of 8 million people, which is more than 20% of Venezuela's 2017 population, has fled the country in order to escape a tyrannical government and its failed policies, which have collapsed the economy, made getting working and feeding oneself and one's family difficult, and made crime, conflict, and the state-sanctioned oppression of anyone who doesn't kowtow to the ruling party a commonplace thing.Trump speculated about the possibility of invading Venezuela even in his first administration, and part of the overt rationale was that it's run by a failed government that most of the locals hate, so it would be an easy win. That justification shifted to orient around immigration and drugs by his second administration, and then more recently, Trump has said publicly that the real issue here is that Venezuela stole a bunch of US company-owned oil assets when it nationalized the industry back in the day, and those assets should be recaptured, given back to the US.Operation Absolute Resolve took months to plan and only about two and a half hours to complete. By most objective measures it was a spectacular military and intelligence success, especially considering all the moving parts and thus, all the things that could have gone wrong.The operation apparently involved at least 150 aircraft of various sorts, a spy within Maduro's government, and months of surveillance, which helped them establish Maduro's habits and routines, and that allowed them to map out where he would be, when, and what to expect going in to get him. All of these patterns changed in September of 2025 when US warships started massing in Caribbean, as Maduro started to get a little paranoid—justifiably, as it turns out—and he started moving between eight different locations, seldom sleeping in the same place more than one night in a row.He was eventually grabbed from a military base in Caracas, Venezuela's capitol, and to make that happen the US military assets in the area had to take out local aviation and air defenses so that US Delta Force troops could be carried in by helicopter. Several air bases and communications centers were taken out by missiles, and fighter jets were bombed on air base tarmacs. Trump alluded that a cyberattack of some kind might have also been used to take out power in the area, though satellite imagery suggests bombs might have been used against a power station to make that happen.The operation apparently went almost exactly as planned, though a helicopter was damaged and the Delta Force team killed a large part of Maduro's security team when he refused to surrender. A few US soldiers were wounded, but none were killed, and Venezuelan officials said, in the aftermath, that lat least 40 Venezuelans were killed throughout the country during the operation. Maduro and his wife were swept from the base before they could lock themselves in their safe room, and they were tucked into the helicopters which headed out to sea, landing them on the USS Iwo Jima, which is an assault ship.All of this took a matter of hours and, again, is generally considered to be an objective success, in terms of precision, outcome, and other such metrics. Morally, legally, and politically, however, the operation is receiving a far more mixed response, and that response is continuing to play out as Maduro works his way through a bizarre version of the US justice system where he's being sent to court for drug dealing.In the US, Trump supporters have generally said all of this was a good, smart move, though some maintain that US involvement in any kind of international conflict is a waste of time, effort, and resources, and they worry about getting bogged down in another Iraq or Afghanistan-style conflict.Everyone else is generally against the effort, even those who admit that Maduro was a tyrant who needed to go—it's good that he's gone, but the way in which it was done is not just questionable, but worrying because of what it says about Trump's capacity to unilaterally launch kidnapping missions against the leaders of other countries. Not a good look, but also kind of scary.Internationally the response is generally aligned with the latter opinion, especially in other countries that Trump has at some point threatened, which is most of them.Governments in South and Central America have been especially concerned, however, because one of Trump's newer messaging efforts has revolved around the concept of a Western Hemisphere basically owned and protected by the US. Do whatever you want in the rest of the world, basically, but everything over here is ours. This has raised the possibility that an emboldened Trump might attempt similar maneuvers soon, including possibly claiming the Panama Canal for the US again, or grabbing the leaders of other Latin American countries he doesn't think are kowtowing enthusiastically enough; toeing the new international line that he's drawing, basically.He's also renewed messaging around the possible purchase or capture of Greenland, which has been raising alarm bells across Europe in particular. Greenland is considered to be a vital strategic base for US security, and it would grant potential access to an abundance of also strategically and economically important minerals, both on land and underwater, but Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and most European leaders have said something along the lines of “if the US takes action to militarily claim Greenland, that'll be the end of NATO,” an organization that was originally founded to help protect the world, and Europe especially, from military conquest from the Soviet Union, but which, at that point, might be recalibrated to protect against incursions from the US, as well.NATO has been mostly funded and perpetuated by the US until recently, however, so there's a chance that something else would need to replace it, if the US is no longer providing nuclear deterrence as the ultimate whammy against a potential Russian invasion of its European neighbors.The UN has also indicated that they consider this operation to be a violation of international law, and have called it a dangerous precedent—because one nation capturing the leader of another nation, unilaterally, kind of negates the purpose of negotiations and the whole concept of international law. That kind of use of force is meant to be granted by the UN, not attempted secretively and outside the bounds of international processes for such things.All that said, the Trump administration seems to be leaning into the victory, gleefully talking about next-step potential targets, the most likely of which seem to be in Iran, a long-time US opponent, and a target of this administration last year, when the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel.There are ongoing, very large and seemingly significant protests happening across Iran right now, so the US could see this as another opportunity to topple another unpopular authoritarian regime while also getting the chance to flex its military and intelligence capabilities at a moment in which another big-name player in that space, Russia, is generally flailing; it's failed to protect several of its allies, including Venezuela, over the past few years, and its intended few-day invasion of Ukraine has now stretched into years.That contrast is considered to be meaningful by most analysts, and though a lot of the PR about the capture of Maduro has focused on the oil, most US-based oil executives have said it's a red herring—the hundreds of billions of dollars required to get more of Venezuela's thick, dirty, expensive to process oil pumping and back on the market wouldn't be worth it—and it's more likely that this is partly a means of keeping the press and US public focused on something other than the Epstein files, which is a major scandal for Trump and his administration, while also allowing Trump to test the boundaries of his power; what the public and government will let him get away with currently, and what he can do to expand the range of what he can do without any outside buy-in or significant personal consequences, in the future.Show Noteshttps://theconversation.com/how-maduros-capture-went-down-a-military-strategist-explains-what-goes-into-a-successful-special-op-272671https://archive.is/20260105035543/https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/01/trump-nicolas-maduro-venezuela/685493/https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/chevron-charts-a-new-path-in-venezuela-to-unlock-vast-oil-reserves-0369ce1bhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/tactical-surprise-and-air-dominance-how-the-us-snatched-maduro-in-two-and-a-half-hourshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/politics/trump-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/nyregion/nicolas-maduro-lawyers.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/business/dealbook/oil-executives-trump-venezuela.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-oil-tanker-us.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/trump-iran-protest-options-death-tollhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/03/maduro-capture-trump-venezuela-operationhttps://www.axios.com/2025/05/11/trump-maga-western-civilizationhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/venezuela-war-powers-senate-aumf-time-kainehttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-russia-oil-tanker-seize-bella-venzuelahttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/trumps-donroe-doctrine-sets-us-on-great-power-collision-coursehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/un-security-council-trump-attack-venezuelahttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-power-morality.html This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

The seizure of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by military force. Promises to "take back" the Panama Canal. Massive tariffs on Brazil. Threats to take action against cartels in Mexico.Donald Trump's foreign policy in Latin America in recent months has been chaotic, even contradictory at times. But it all seems to be part of what Trump has referred to as the "Donroe Doctrine": a reinvention of the Monroe Doctrine that saw America looking to exert hegemonic dominance across the entire western hemisphere.John Feeley worked as a diplomat for the American government for nearly 30 years, including serving as ambassador to Panama. He breaks down the current geopolitical situation and lays out the Trump administration's goals for the region — and beyond.

Robin Toozs-Hobson is a long-time sailor and delivery skipper based in St. Lucia. He and I have sailed together a few times and had some great adventures. He recently did a delivery of an Excess catamaran from St. Lucia to Japan.  We talk about living in St. Lucia, living abroad and dealing with the passport and banking and mail, monohull sailing vs catamaran sailing, favorite boats, Excess catamarans, sailing from St Lucia to Japan, favorite stops along the way, the Panama Canal, diving with hamerhead sharks in Galapagos, locations in Japan, the Japanese people and culture, dealing with heavy weather in a catamaran, where the friendliest people are, anchoring a catamaran, lightning, the importance of sailing lessons, stepping outside your comfort zone, and more. Photos and links are on the podcast shownotes page Support the show through Patreon

Over a century ago, the United States blasted its way through a continent in one of the largest engineering projects in world history. The Panama Canal's construction brought with it decades of American involvement in Latin America--the effects of which are still felt today.Join us every Monday as we explore topics in American history leading to our 250th birthday in July and for pop quizzes and "Sketches in History" episodes every Thursday. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

War correspondent and former special forces operator Michael Yon returns to the program to dissect the operation in Venezuela. Yon has spent extensive time in the region covering the geopolitical significance of the Panama Canal—an area closely linked to Venezuela with major global implications. Having been on the front lines of the world's most complex and chaotic conflicts, Yon brings unparalleled insight into the realities of war, special operations, and power dynamics on the ground. His firsthand experience provides rare perspective on what is unfolding in the region and why it matters.You can support Michael Yon's work and follow his reporting on Substack at https://substack.com/@michaelyon

Venezuela's collapse is about way more than socialism and oil. Ryan McBeth breaks down how a resource-rich nation became a cautionary tale on our doorstep.Welcome to what we're calling our "Out of the Loop" episodes, where we dig a little deeper into fascinating current events that may only register as a blip on the media's news cycle and have conversations with the people who find themselves immersed in them.Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1269On This Episode of Out of the Loop:Venezuela's collapse wasn't caused by a single villain or policy — it happened because oil money replaced accountability. Institutions were hollowed out, competence was swapped for loyalty, and when the cash dried up, the regime compensated with control instead of reform.Hugo Chavez's "Bolivarian Revolution" brought real benefits early on — redistributing oil wealth and challenging entrenched elites. But the gains depended entirely on high oil prices, and when those collapsed around 2010, hyperinflation, shortages, and mass migration followed.Venezuela matters strategically to the US because it sits near the Panama Canal and Gulf Coast refineries — making it a pressure point for energy markets, migration flows, and criminal networks. China and Russia have both moved in, treating the instability like an open house.Nicolás Maduro wasn't so much a supreme leader as a traffic cop managing competing mafias. The country's power structure fractured into factions — military, political, criminal — each with its own incentives, making any clean transition extremely difficult.Venezuela's story is a reminder that resource wealth without strong institutions becomes a trap — but it also shows that populations who've experienced democracy and prosperity tend to push back. That memory of better times can become the foundation for rebuilding.And much more!Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on an Out of the Loop episode, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!Connect with Ryan McBeth at his website, Twitter, Instagram, and on YouTube. If you'd like to stay on top of what's happening in the world, subscribe to Ryan's Substack!And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: Tonal: $200 off: tonal.com, code JORDANQuince: Free shipping & 365-day returns: quince.com/jordanSimpliSafe: 50% off + 1st month free: simplisafe.com/jordanProgressive: Free online quote: progressive.comHomes.com: Find your home: homes.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025Today, Judge Aileen Cannon has blocked the release of Jack Smith's final report; the Republican controlled North Carolina Supreme Court has blocked the state from certifying the Democrat as the winner of the high court election; Senator Elizabeth Warren is sounding the alarm bells about Pete Hegseth; Zuckerberg says Meta will end fact checking in favor of community notes; an appeals court has denied Trump's attempt to postpone his sentencing this Friday; Trump says he's willing to use military force to obtain Greenland and the Panama Canal; the Pentagon agrees to settle a historic lawsuit with LGBTQ+ veterans over discharge status; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Have some good news; a confession; or a correction to share?Good News & Confessions - The Daily Beanshttps://www.dailybeanspod.com/good/Something to dohttps://www.justice.gov/doj/webform/your-message-department-justiceChoose “Message to the Attorney General” from the drop down. Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special bonus episode, Eric speaks with Kaiser Kuo, host of the popular Sinica Podcast, about China's response to the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. Many U.S. and European analysts have framed Maduro's downfall as a "setback" or even an "embarrassment" for Beijing, but while that may be true, Eric argues that it's also premature to make such declarations less than a week after Maduro's downfall. After all, U.S.-led military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya all started well but ended up being very costly failures for Washington.

On today's show Andrew and Bill return from the holidays and begin with the PRC's reaction to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Topics include: PRC outrage and embarrassment, the propaganda value of the U.S. disregard for international law, oil questions, why most of the Taiwan takes were misplaced, looming tension at the Panama Canal, and Iran as a wildcard. From there: A Ministry of Commerce directive on rare earths for Japan, and questions about how this standoff might end. At the end: A report that PRC companies have been asked to pause purchases of the H200 chips, thoughts on the Manus-Meta deal and a review in Beijing, and a recorded recruiting call offers a window into how CCP propaganda works in the modern era.

War correspondent and former special forces operator Michael Yon returns to the program to dissect the operation in Venezuela. Yon has spent extensive time in the region covering the geopolitical significance of the Panama Canal—an area closely linked to Venezuela with major global implications.Having been on the front lines of the world's most complex and chaotic conflicts, Yon brings unparalleled insight into the realities of war, special operations, and power dynamics on the ground. His firsthand experience provides rare perspective on what is unfolding in the region and why it matters.You can support Michael Yon's work and follow his reporting on Substack at https://substack.com/@michaelyonSign up for my newsletter, see exclusives and more at SarahWestall.Substack.comLinks and Offers Mentioned in the show:Native Path Collagen - Superb quality collagen peptide below retail prices in this special offer: explorenativepath.com/SarahBuy quality at Quince.com/BusinessGame - get free shipping and 365-day returns! Now available in Canada too!Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.Disclaimer: "As a journalist, I report what significant newsmakers are claiming. I do not have the resources or time to fully investigate all claims. Stories and people interviewed are selected based on relevance, listener requests, and by suggestions of those I highly respect. It is the responsibility of each viewer to evaluate the facts presented and then research each story furtherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dave Collum is a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Cornell University. He joins Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University and Distinguished Senior Scholar at the Mises Institute Steve H. Hanke to discuss Maduro being removed in Venezuela, why regime changes rarely work, who stole the Panama Canal, what happens to Cuba, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!    Watch Show Rumble- https://rumble.com/v73yx8w-venezuela-regime-changes-rarely-work-dave-collum-and-steve-hanke.html YouTube- https://youtu.be/nEOINSVIzmI?si=5j46y2sZj8TQkzbQ   Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me   Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998   Follow Dave X- https://x.com/DavidBCollum   Follow Professor Hanke X- https://x.com/steve_hanke?s=20 Website- https://mises.org/profile/steve-h-hanke Email- hanke@jhu.edu   Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/ Independence Ark Natural Farming- https://www.independenceark.com/  

Although geographically distant from Chinese shores, Latin America and the Caribbean occupy an important place in Chinese foreign policy. In the past decade, China has significantly expanded its influence in the region. The main vector of Chinese involvement has been economic, including securing access to commodities such as soybeans, copper, oil, and lithium, creating markets for Chinese companies, and deepening financial ties through trade, lending, and infrastructure investment.  On December 10, China released a new white paper on its relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean, the third such document following earlier editions in 2008 and 2016. The White Paper characterizes the region as “an essential force in the process toward a multipolar world and economic globalization.” Its release came on the heels of the Trump Administration's release of its National Security Strategy, which places unprecedented emphasis on the Western Hemisphere and asserts that the US seeks a region “free of hostile foreign incursion or ownership of key assets,” highlighting the growing strategic salience of Latin America and the Caribbean in US-China competition.  To discuss the new White Paper and the implications of China's policies in the LAC for the United States and US-China relations, we are joined by Dr. Evan Ellis. Dr. Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. He previously served on the Secretary of State's policy planning staff with responsibility for Latin America and the Caribbean as well as international narcotics and law enforcement issues.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[02:07] US and China on a Collision Course? [04:50] Chinese Priorities in Latin America [08:33] U.S. Security Risks from Chinese Port Investments[11:45] How China Uses CELAC to Advance Its Agenda[14:27] How Latin Americans View China's Growing Presence[17:22] Honduras and the Republic of China[21:22] How Beijing Might Address U.S. Concerns [25:09] China's Reaction to US and Venezuela  

This week's show features stories from NHK Japan, France 24, Radio Deutsche-Welle, and Radio Havana Cuba. http://youthspeaksout.net/swr260102.mp3 (29:00) From JAPAN- China conducted major military drills around Taiwan- they lasted 3 days and were a counter measure to the US approval of $11 billion in arms sales to Taiwan, whose current president who is seen as pro-independence. China condemned the demolition of a monument honoring the Chinese contribution to building the Panama Canal. The US government pledged $2 billion in humanitarian aid to the UN in 2026, down from $17 billion in 2022. It was reported thatr the CIA launched a drone strike on port facility in Venezuela. Israel says it will bar 37 aid groups from Palestine including Doctors Without Borders, the International Rescue Committee, CARE, and Oxfam. From FRANCE- A press review on French President Macrons New Year speech which included proposed plans to follow the Australian ban on social media access for teenagers under 15. Last Friday Israel recognized Somaliland which is the only country to do so, with widespread opposition- Anwar Bashir of the East African Institute for peace says the hidden agenda is for Israel to use the area to attack Iran and the Yemen, and to relocate Palestinians to the region. From GERMANY- Russia claims it shot down 91 drones from Ukraine intended to attack Russian President Putins residence- Zelensky denies the event happened while Russia showed videos,- analysis by Anna Matveeva, a research fellow at Kings College London. Then an excerpt about the proliferation of AI deepfake videos making up to 50% of reels on social media and the danger. From CUBA- Cuba covered the top 10 news stories of the year 2025- here are 3- Israel attacks Iran and there is retaliation, the US launches a war on Venezuela, and electoral victories of the right in Bolivia and the far-right in Chile marked a turn from increasing socialism in South America. Available in 3 forms- (new) HIGHEST QUALITY (160kb)(33MB), broadcast quality (13MB), and quickdownload or streaming form (6MB) (28:59) Links at outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml PODCAST!!!- https://feed.podbean.com/outFarpress/feed.xml (160kb Highest Quality) Website Page- < http://www.outfarpress.com/shortwave.shtml ¡FurthuR! Dan Roberts "History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." --Maya Angelou Dan Roberts Shortwave Report- www.outfarpress.com YouthSpeaksOut!- www.youthspeaksout.net

It's our Best of 2025 part 2 show. We'll hear interesting interviews, features, and songs from the last year, including the labor system that built the Panama Canal, how an independent labor union is succeeding in the current anti-labor environment, and a catchy tune about Jimmy Hoffa.

This week we talk about hosting Thanksgiving , Stranger Things, and Panama https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City/Visit-to-Embera-Indigenous-Village-and-River-with-Waterfall-All-Inclusive/d950-468590P1 https://www.viator.com/tours/Panama-City/Tour-in-the-Panama-Canal-and-Monkey-Islands/d950-71405P2

America's strategic focus is shifting back to its own neighborhood. In this episode of STRAT with retired Marine Intelligence Officer Hal Kempfer, we examine how U.S. policy in the Western Hemisphere is evolving into what many call “Monroe Doctrine 2.0.” Drawing on history, current events, and hard geopolitical realities, the discussion explores renewed American assertiveness toward Greenland, Canada, the Panama Canal, and Venezuela. The episode traces the origins of U.S. hemispheric dominance, the legal and political legacy of past territorial ambitions, and how those precedents collide with today's post-colonial world. It also assesses mounting military pressure near Venezuela, the risks of escalation, and the humanitarian consequences of regional conflict. With China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba all shaping the strategic environment, the United States faces difficult choices between action and restraint. This conversation highlights the dangers of unintended consequences and asks whether renewed hemispheric engagement can succeed where recent overseas nation-building efforts have failed.Takeaways:The Monroe Doctrine remains central to U.S. strategic thinking“Monroe 2.0” reflects renewed hemispheric assertivenessGreenland has long been considered strategically valuable to the U.S.Annexation rhetoric carries serious diplomatic consequencesPanama Canal treaties reshaped American power projectionVenezuela poses military, political, and humanitarian risksEscalation could destabilize the entire region through refugee flowsGreat-power competition heightens stakes in the Western Hemisphere#STRATPodcast #HalKempfer #MutualBroadcastingSystem #StrategicRiskAnalysis #MonroeDoctrine #WesternHemisphere #USForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #LatinAmerica #Venezuela #PanamaCanal #Greenland #ChinaRussiaIran #MilitaryStrategy #NationalSecurity #GlobalStability #PowerPolitics #UnintendedConsequences #HemisphericSecurity #ForeignAffairs

In this final Nicaragua episode, Laura travels to Granada the way so many locals do—by chicken bus. These colorful, chaotic former U.S. school buses are an experience in themselves, and the journey from Ometepe to Granada is filled with market noise, snack vendors, seat strategy, and a healthy dose of travel nostalgia.Once in Granada, Laura wanders the relaxed colonial streets of one of the oldest cities in the Americas, founded in 1524 and shaped by its proximity to Lake Nicaragua. Along the way, we dive into the city's layered history—from Spanish colonization to ambitious canal plans that never fully materialized, including the long-debated alternative to the Panama Canal. This episode blends solo travel moments with big-picture history, all set against the backdrop of one of Nicaragua's most beautiful cities.Musical Credits:Momentos by MusicBox and Hello Love by Jasmine J Walker provided by: Slipstream Music Support the showWant to support the podcast? Go to Laura's Patreon site to see photos from the episode, maps of places she talks about and you can become a patron too!Follow the show on instagram or facebook. Buy any of these products that I fully stand behind- and I'll earn a commission. Buy cute sustainable bags at: https://torrain.org/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off. Buy matcha at: https://mantramatcha.com/ Use Promo code: TRAVELALONG to get 15% off. Buy sustainably produced coffee: https://www.afueracoffee.com/ Enter promo code: TRAVELALONG for 15% off. Flowers by Cedric Galke x Fachhochschule Dortmund is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

The Golden Crew is down to its core trio this week — Trevor, Tom, and Jenn — and we're officially looking ahead.

SHOW 12-17-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE US CONFLICT WITH VENEZUELA... 1926 USS OMAHA IN THE PANAMA CANAL. Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses the US "blockade" of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and the potential for escalation into a regional conflict involving Colombia. He also analyzes the Pentagon's refusal to release videos of destroyed drug boats, suggesting possible war crime concerns, and notes stalled Ukraine negotiations. Colonel McCausland reports on NATO's eastern flank "digging in," with Baltic states building defensive bunkers and Germany significantly increasing military spending. He highlights a divergence where European allies prepare for existential Russian threats while US leadership may prioritize "strategic stability" and economic cooperation with Moscow. General Blaine Holt warns that integrating Artificial Intelligence into military command increases the risks of deliberate, inadvertent, and accidental escalation. He argues that while AI accelerates decision-making, it lacks human judgment, potentially leading to catastrophic miscalculations if adversaries rely on algorithms during crises. General Holt explains that AI models in war games demonstrate a bias toward violent escalation, often prioritizing "winning" over negotiation, which leads to nuclear conflict. He emphasizes the necessity of keeping humans in the loop and maintaining direct communications between rival nations to prevent automated catastrophe. Simon Constable reports from France on high copper prices and slowing European energy demand. He describes protests by French farmers burning hay to oppose government orders to cull cattle exposed to disease and notes a significant rise in electric vehicle sales across the European Union. Simon Constable discusses the political troubles of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the suspension of a US-UK tech deal due to clashes over AI regulation. He explains that Britain's "Online Safety Act" aims to tax and regulate tech giants, which threatens to stifle American AI companies operating there. Bob Zimmerman highlights a record-breaking year with over 300 global rocket launches, driven largely by private enterprise competition. He notes that Amazon was forced to contract SpaceX for satellite launches due to delays from rivals like Blue Origin and reports on safety concerns involving Russian launch pad negligence. Bob Zimmerman reports on the success of commercial space station company Vast and orbital tug tests that outperformed government efforts. Conversely, he details problems with NASA's Maven orbiter at Mars, which has lost communication, potentially jeopardizing data relays for surface rovers. David Shedd critiques the bipartisan failure of allowing China into the World Trade Organization in 2001, which was based on the false assumption that economic engagement would lead to democratization. Instead, this decision facilitated a massive transfer of intellectual property, fueling China's rise as a predatory economic rival. David Shedd explains how China's Ministry of State Security operates as a massive intelligence entity combining the functions of the CIA, FBI, and NSA. He traces this economic espionage to Deng Xiaoping's 1984 strategy, noting that Chinese officers view theft as repayment for past Western oppression. David Shedd details espionage cases, including an Apple engineer stealing "Project Titan" car schematics for a Chinese competitor. He also describes a Google employee who stole AI data while secretly working for a Chinese firm, highlighting how corporate greed and weak internal security enable intellectual property theft. David Shedd outlines strategies to counter Chinese espionage, advocating for "partial decoupling" to protect critical technologies like semiconductors and AI. He argues for modernizing legal deterrence to prosecute theft effectively and warns that Chinese platforms like DeepSeek harvest user data to advance their "Great Heist" of American wealth. Nury Turkel discusses the plight of Guan Hang, a whistleblower facing deportation from the US despite documenting Uyghur concentration camps. Turkel criticizes the inconsistent enforcement of forced labor laws and highlights new evidence linking Uyghur slave labor to the excavation and processing of critical minerals. Rebecca Grant argues against the planned retirement of the USS Nimitz in 2026, suggesting it should be kept in reserve given delays in new Ford-class carriers. Despite the ship's age, Grant asserts that retaining the carrier offers crucial strategic depth against threats like China's PLA Navy. Rick Fisher analyzes the emerging race to build AI data centers in low Earth orbit, noting advantages like natural cooling and zero real estate costs. While Elon Musk's Starlink positions the US well, Fisher warns that China has detailed plans to use space-based data centers to support expansion into the solar system. Alan Tonelson evaluates China's economic strengths, acknowledging their dominance in rare earth processing and solar panels, often achieved through subsidies. He argues that China's heavy investment in industrial robots attempts to offset a looming demographic crash, while questioning the true market demand for their subsidized electric vehicles.

In this episode of The Daily, we explore the historic downturn in the trucking market where compliant carriers are struggling against rates that have fallen well below operating costs. We examine claims that labor arbitrage and CDL fraud are tilting the playing field by allowing non-compliant fleets to undercut the market. We also investigate a potential regulatory ticking time bomb as the administration considers rescheduling marijuana, a move that could inadvertently strip the DOT of its authority to test drivers. With marijuana accounting for nearly 60% of positive drug tests, the industry is urgently pushing for a safety carve-out to prevent liability risks. Global operations are facing their own chaos, illustrated by FedEx struggling to manage pilot accommodations after grounding its MD-11 fleet during peak season. On the ocean side, carriers like Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are dropping Baltimore from key services, citing the risks associated with the long transit up the Chesapeake Bay. Geopolitical tensions are also rising as a massive sale of global port assets has stalled because China is demanding a controlling interest in Panama Canal facilities. This move highlights the growing struggle for control over critical trade choke points in the global supply chain. Finally, we look at how technology is stepping in to help fleets build resilience, from Nirvana Insurance raising $100M to create an AI-driven operating system for risk management. We also discuss a new partnership between OTR Solutions and SONAR that embeds real-time rate intelligence directly into carrier workflows to help them negotiate with confidence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#196 - What does it really take to walk away from a peak career, point your bow into headwinds, and chase a goal so big it scares you? I sat down with Malaysian sailor Fabian Fernandez, who circumnavigated the globe on his own terms—eschewing the easy “milk run” to round the Cape of Good Hope and steer straight into the kind of weather that makes legends and humbles egos.Fabian's story isn't a montage of perfect beaches. It's a masterclass in planning, patience, and purpose. He breaks down how years of engineering and manufacturing shaped his voyage like a mega-project: route windows, finances, maintenance, and timing all choreographed to create momentum without gambling safety. He shares why he stopped often, how he used seasons to his advantage, and why the planning was harder than the sailing. You'll hear a frank take on destinations—why French Polynesia felt overrated, why the Cook Islands and South Africa stole his heart, and why he scouted the Beagle Channel only to choose the Panama Canal after weighing joy against endurance in subpolar cold.At the core is a spiritual journey. Thirty-two days alone across the Pacific stripped away the “white noise” of modern life and surfaced a simple truth: meaning grows when you give back. Fabian talks about faith, the courage to quit a prescribed path, and the cruising community's radical kindness that ignores borders, race, and creed. He also honors the ocean's cost, recounting the loss of a careful solo sailor friend—a reminder that respect and preparation are nonnegotiable.We wrap with what comes next: talks on mental resilience, a short documentary, and a book that reframes adventure as an inner stretch, not a postcard. If you need a push to set your own big, hairy, audacious goal—and the practical playbook to make it real—this conversation will nudge you from someday to start. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who's ready to trade comfort for courage.To learn more about Fabian check out his website www.destinydawnsailing.com and give him a follow on Instagram @destinytwelve.Be sure and check out my Instagram for clips from the show and some snippets into my personal journey @journeywithjakepodcast. Want to be a guest on Journey with Jake? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/journeywithjake Visit LandPirate.com to get your gear that has you, the adventurer, in mind. Use the code "Journey with Jake" to get an additional 15% off at check out. Visit geneticinsights.co and use the code "DISCOVER25" to enjoy a sweet 25% off your first purchase.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) President Trump prepares to address the nation tonight, fueling speculation about what he may announce. Bryan walks through the most likely possibilities, from the economy and falling inflation to explosive new revelations showing the Biden DOJ pushed ahead with the Mar-a-Lago raid despite FBI warnings that no probable cause existed. Trump may also signal major changes on marijuana policy or escalate pressure on Venezuela, as the White House orders a blockade of oil tankers that could trigger cascading unrest in Caracas and Havana. Abroad, China hardens its grip on the Panama Canal by blocking US-led efforts to reclaim port operations, raising the stakes for American naval access. Trump counters Beijing's influence by naming Peru a major non-NATO ally, part of a broader strategy to lock down South America's Pacific coast alongside new conservative governments in Chile and Ecuador. In Europe, the Green Revolution falters as Brussels backs away from banning combustion engines and Ford writes down nearly $20 billion after abandoning its electric truck push. The episode closes with remarkable scientific news from Japan, where researchers discovered a bacteria found in the Japanese tree frog that eradicated tumors in mice with a 100 percent success rate, offering new hope for future cancer treatments.    "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: Trump national address, US economy data, Mar-a-Lago FBI raid documents, DOJ lawfare, marijuana reclassification, Venezuela oil blockade, Panama Canal China, Peru non-NATO ally, South America strategy, EV collapse Europe, Ford EV losses, combustion engine reversal, Japanese tree frog cancer research

Allie Bailey is an ultrarunner, coach, speaker, podcaster and the author of There is No Wall. She has run in some of the most extreme places in the world, such as running 100 miles across frozen Lake Khövsgöl in Mongolia and the full length of the Panama Canal. She has finished over 200 marathons and ultramarathons all over the world, but the most remarkable thing about all of these achievements is that she accomplished most of them while battling depression and alcoholism. In 2022, she was named as one of the most inspiring female adventurers in the UK by The Guardian, and she has appeared on numerous mainstream TV programmes including The One Show and Lorraine. She lives in Yorkshire with her rescue dog, Pickle.  Here she faces questions from a live audience over Zoom. Podcast host Adharanand Finn is the author of three award-winning books, Running with the Kenyans (2012), The Way of the Runner (2014), and the Rise of the Ultra Runners (2019). Follow The Way of the Runner podcast on Instagram: @thewayoftherunner or find it at thewayoftherunner.com The podcast is supported by Adharanand's Patreon page, which is full of original and exclusive material: patreon.com/adharanandfinn Music by Starfrosch

A fast, high-clarity breakdown of the Caribbean chessboard — and why Venezuela, Cuba, and Panama now sit at the center of a global power reset. Kerry Lutz maps out how Venezuela becomes the spark, Cuba the real prize, and Panama the strategic pivot point as China quietly expands influence and the U.S. recalibrates policy ahead of a new commodity supercycle. Kerry walks through how shifting alliances, failing media narratives, and a narrowing geopolitical window are setting up dramatic moves in energy, metals, and trade routes. From Trump's emerging doctrine to emergency oil stabilization, this briefing lays out why crude may calm while gold, silver, and copper prepare for their next surge. You'll hear why Cuba's vulnerability matters more than headlines suggest, how the Panama Canal factors into long-term U.S.–China friction, and where asymmetric opportunities may emerge — including overlooked plays in distressed Cuban debt. A sharp, 6-minute macro briefing for investors watching the next big shift in geopolitics, energy, and hard assets. Find Kerry here :https://khlfsn.substack.com and here: https://inflation.cafe    Kerry's New Book "The Armstrong Economic Code: The 5 Truths Investors Must Never Forget" is out now on Amazon!  Get your copy here:   https://a.co/d/bvYbZOz  "The World According to Martin Armstrong – Conversations with the Master Forecaster" is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. . Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/4kuC5p5

In this episode, I sit down with Michael and Anne Hartshorn, special friends with whom my family and I have been cruising for nearly the past two years. They departed the UK in 2008, and since they have sailed across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, up the west coast of the US to Canada and Alaska, up and down the Sea of Cortez, across the Pacific to French Polynesia, Fiji and on to New Zealand. I spoke with Michael and Anne while anchor alongside Nimue in Fakarava, an island in the Tuamotu Archipelago.

In this critical national security briefing, Dr. Jerome Corsi is joined by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Tony Shaffer, former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Newsmax contributor, and national security expert, to expose why a deep-water port in Chile has become a major strategic flashpoint in the escalating U.S.–China global power struggle.China is moving aggressively to secure control over a strategically placed Pacific port in South America, cutting shipping time to Asia by over two weeks and giving Beijing direct access to rare earth minerals, lithium, agriculture, and energy resources. Dr. Corsi and Tony Shaffer warn this move is not commercial — it is geopolitical warfare disguised as trade. 

Panama is best known as the location of the Panama Canal, the waterway that revolutionized international sea transportation. However, there is a lot more to the country. Its history is unlike any other nation in the Americas, and its path to independence was unusual to say the least.  Given its location, it also has a geography unlike any other country in the world.  Learn about the history of Panama on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Sponsors Quince Go to quince.com/daily for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Mint Mobile Get your 3-month Unlimited wireless plan for just 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/eed Chubbies Get 20% off your purchase at Chubbies with the promo code DAILY at checkout! Aura Frames Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/DAILY. Promo Code DAILY DripDrop Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code EVERYTHING for 20% off your first order. Uncommon Goods Go to uncommongoods.com/DAILY for 15% off! Subscribe to the podcast!  https://everything-everywhere.com/everything-everywhere-daily-podcast/ -------------------------------- Executive Producer: Charles Daniel Associate Producers: Austin Oetken & Cameron Kieffer   Become a supporter on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/everythingeverywhere Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UkRUJFh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythingeverywhere/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/everythingeverywheredaily Twitter: https://twitter.com/everywheretrip Website: https://everything-everywhere.com/  Disce aliquid novi cotidie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices