Podcast Summary: 'She's going to return to Venezuela,' says daughter of Maria Corina Machado

Podcast: Consider This from NPR
Air Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Miles Parks
Guest: Ana Carina Sosa (Daughter of Maria Corina Machado)

Main Theme

This episode focuses on the dramatic escape and ongoing struggle of Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader, who recently fled Venezuela in disguise to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. The core discussion revolves around her commitment to democracy, her family's emotional journey, and the prospects for political change in Venezuela. The episode features an in-depth interview with Machado’s daughter, Ana Carina Sosa, following their reunion in Oslo.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Maria Corina Machado’s Escape and Nobel Peace Prize

• Background Recap:
  • Machado used a disguise to escape military checkpoints and leave Venezuela, missing the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, where her daughter accepted the award on her behalf.
  • Her return to public view marks her first appearance since January, after spending a year in hiding following the opposition's electoral victory, which was not recognized by incumbent President Nicolás Maduro.
  • The episode contextualizes her international campaign to pressure the Maduro regime and her ongoing advocacy for democracy.
  • [00:00–01:49]

2. Personal Reflections from Ana Carina Sosa

• First Reunion in Two Years:
  • Ana Carina describes the emotional intensity of reuniting with her mother after two years, emphasizing the personal cost borne by her family in the struggle for Venezuela’s freedom.
  • Quote: “For us, it was truly just a moment to embrace our mother after what it felt a very long time.” – Ana Carina Sosa [04:14]
• Childhood Memory of Realizing the Danger:
  • She recalls a pivotal moment from 2004, when, aged 12, her mother was accused of treason.
  • Quote: “It was the first time in my life that she could not guarantee that things were going to be okay.” – Ana Carina Sosa [05:03]
  • Despite wanting her mother to be safe, Ana Carina felt compelled to support her mother’s convictions.
• The Promise of Return:
  • Ana Carina expresses total confidence that her mother will return to Venezuela, despite the personal risks and potential for arrest.
  • Quote: “My mother has never broken a promise... she has so much conviction and so much courage. But she will do it. There is absolutely no doubt.” – Ana Carina Sosa [06:49]

3. The Struggle for Venezuela’s Future

• Necessity of International Support:
  • Ana Carina underlines that despite relentless civic action, outside pressure is required because the regime receives backing from “the most criminal states and organizations.”
  • Quote: “Venezuelans have done everything there is in our power… but of course we need pressure from abroad.” – Ana Carina Sosa [07:46]
• Signs of Hope and Transition:
  • She expresses optimism, stating that the movement for change is already underway, citing the opposition’s electoral victory and the regime’s loss of legitimacy.
  • Quote: “The transition has already been set in motion. This is not a matter of if, but when… Venezuela will be free really soon. It's already happening.” – Ana Carina Sosa [09:11]
  • She elaborates on the “motion” as the people's clear electoral will and unprecedented international recognition.
  • Quote: “The people have spoken, because the world knows that they have lost power, that the Venezuelan people does not want them and they have lost all legitimacy and credibility.” – Ana Carina Sosa [10:16]

4. US Intervention and Regime Narratives

• Perspectives on US Involvement:
  • Ana Carina rebuffs Venezuelan regime’s narrative that external intervention equates to undesired “regime change,” arguing instead that regime change is the will of the Venezuelan people.
  • Quote: “I urge the American people to listen to us, to Venezuelans, and not to the narrative… spread out by the regime and the different interest groups that support them.” – Ana Carina Sosa [11:15]
• Self-Determination Emphasized:
  • She insists the focus should be on the determined efforts of Venezuelans for their own future, rather than external agendas.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On personal cost:
  • “All I wanted to do was beg her to be normal, to not do it, to just be my mother. Something inside of me just lit up and realized I had to at least tell myself that I supported her and let her know that we were going to be okay and that she should continue.” – Ana Carina Sosa [06:19]
• On the struggle for freedom:
  • “This has been a society has been starved, has been humiliated, and we still stand unbroken, unshaken.” – Ana Carina Sosa [07:46]
• On hope for the future:
  • “I really hope and believe and have faith that it'll be not long before it does.” – Ana Carina Sosa [09:11]
• On the international community:
  • “Of course we need the democratic governments of the world to stand united and stand with the people of Venezuela.” – Ana Carina Sosa [08:20]

Key Timestamps

• [00:00–01:49] – Recap of Machado’s escape, Nobel award, and context
• [04:14] – Ana Carina on reuniting with her mother
• [05:03] – Childhood memory of mother’s first life-threatening danger
• [06:49] – Confidence in Machado’s return
• [07:46] – The need for international support and the suffering of Venezuelans
• [09:11] – Hopes for soon reunion, “transition has already been set in motion”
• [10:16] – Explanation of political momentum in Venezuela
• [11:15] – View on US intervention and regime propaganda

Conclusion

This episode presents a powerful blend of the personal and political as Ana Carina Sosa shares insights into her mother Maria Corina Machado’s bravery, the ongoing fight for democracy, and the price their family—and the Venezuelan people—have paid. The conversation underscores both resilience and hope, placing Venezuela’s crisis in a broader international context, while centering on the voices of those living through it.