The Find Out Podcast

Episode: "What Are We Doing In Venezuela?"

Date: January 6, 2026
Hosts: A, B, C, D (left-wing commentators, first names not specified; informal group discussion)

Episode Overview

This episode opens 2026 by digging into the recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela — specifically, President Trump’s late-night order to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, now in American custody. The panel untangles the motives, incoherence, and implications of Trump’s action, explores the wider right-wing response, draws historical parallels, and discusses how such interventions play into both global politics and U.S. domestic narratives. The conversation covers the roles of Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth, oil interests, MAGA reaction, and what this means for American democracy, while also reflecting on broader issues like democratic socialism, government PR, and the ever-present threat of right-wing misinformation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Surprise Venezuela Operation

[00:16-01:54] Trump ordered the "arrest or kidnapping" (depending on perspective) of President Maduro and his wife, who are now allegedly in New York.
The move sets off international shock and speculation, with Trump also making new threats against other countries and reviving "the ridiculous Greenland stuff."
Joke speculation: Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth to "run Venezuela," with Rubio’s surprise visible at the announcement.

“What is going on? What was the goal? ... Is Marco Rubio the new president of Venezuela?”
— B, [01:09]

2. Incoherence and Absurdity in Trump’s Foreign Policy

[01:54-04:00] The panel underscores the strange break from Trump’s past anti-interventionist branding.
Only outlier GOP critics are mentioned (Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tom Massey).
Trump’s approach is painted as improvisational and contradictory, favoring transparency over strategic cunning.

“Trump got so much popularity on the right for going against this old neocon, ‘we’re going to regime change’—and all of a sudden, he’s like, no, fuck that, we’re going.”
— A, [03:47]

3. Double Standards and Pardons

[04:29-08:22] Recent Trump pardons (notably the former Honduran president convicted for high-volume cocaine trafficking) reveal contradictions: Trump claims ignorance but grants clemency when “good people around me told me he was wronged.”
Comparison draws out hypocrisy: Drugs are the cited cause for detaining Maduro, but ignored for allies.

“It’s never 3D chess or 4D chess or whatever they call it.”
— D, [06:53]

4. The Oil and Oligarch Factor

[08:41-10:21] Trump’s transparency is noted: admitting to consulting oil companies about the Venezuela operation, but not Congress.
The hosts highlight how oil is explicitly prioritized (“He said oil 21 times during that press conference. He said democracy zero.” — C, [10:10]), and question whether oil is even the real goal, given the poor quality of Venezuelan crude and the lack of industry interest in returning.

5. Wider Threats and the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ Throwback

[11:55-12:19] Trump threatened six countries in 30 minutes, brought up Cuba, and revived Greenland acquisition plans (appointing the Louisiana governor as “special envoy to Greenland”).
U.S. foreign policy looks increasingly arbitrary and aggressive.

6. Is It About More Than Oil? Minerals and China

[12:19-12:56] Discussion that Venezuela’s minerals — and not just oil — may motivate Trump, as a gambit to offset disastrous tariffs with China.
Dubbed a "better plan" than actual administration policy.

7. Military, Regime Change, and No-Win Scenarios

[13:31-14:31] History lesson: Venezuela’s power is maintained by its military and police, not figureheads. Removing Maduro creates chaos — “behead the beast, but then six other beasts pop up."
Full invasion or nation-building would be farfetched and reminiscent of U.S. failures elsewhere.

8. Multiple Layers of Irony and Confusion

[14:31-16:27] Trump’s move paradoxically props up Venezuela’s socialist vice president over the exiled right-winger (who once dedicated a Nobel Prize to Trump).
“It’s like a kidnapping. So it’s a ransom.” — D, [16:17]

9. The MAGA and Public Reaction

[16:36-19:08] Panelists disassemble online pro-Trump discourse: most just support the action as “owning the libs," displaying little principle or consistency.
Death tolls (initially “40,” later “80,” including civilians and possibly military) and collateral damage acknowledged as underreported.

"There is no logical justification other than 'Trump is the best, and everything he does is great, and you just need to trust the process.' Well, that’s their answer. And shut up liberal."
— B, [18:16]
[21:21-22:29] Polling suggests most Americans — including Republicans — don’t want U.S. control of Venezuela; 91% of GOP respondents agreed Venezuelans should decide their leadership.

10. Migration Crisis and Domestic Militarization

[22:48-24:14] Destabilization of Venezuela triggered mass migration, which Trump and advisor Stephen Miller might exploit domestically to justify further ICE militarization and anti-immigrant action.
Stephen Miller’s original plan allegedly targeted Mexico’s cartels — even more dangerous but “same playbook.”

11. Echoes of Past U.S. Interventions

[19:58-22:16] Hosts draw parallels with Panama (Noriega), Afghanistan (Bin Laden), Iraq (leading to ISIS), and Kosovo (a rare "successful" intervention noted, under Clinton). They caution Republicans “conveniently forget that these incursions never actually work out.”

12. Socialism, Collectivism, and U.S. Political Rhetoric

[27:31-36:25] Long digression about domestic debates: “democratic socialism” vs. “statism,” the myth of “rugged individualism,” and the effectiveness of collectivist policies like social security and Medicare.
Hosts opine that American life would improve (citing Norway, Sweden, Denmark) with more “collectivist” systems and universal healthcare.
Strong economic argument: Universal healthcare benefits business as well as individuals; “If you want a small business boom in America, pass universal healthcare.”

"Medicare and Medicaid have about a 2–3% overhead. Insurance companies, 20–25% overhead. The government is far more efficient at delivering healthcare than these insurance companies."
— B, [36:25]

13. Democratic Messaging & Missed Opportunities

[38:43-40:21] Panelists argue Democrats should pitch universal healthcare as a business win, not just a human right, to attract independents and Republicans, suggesting Trump — were he not so vindictive — could implement such policies with enough rebranding.

14. Endgames, Power, and Political Fight

[41:22-44:19] Looking ahead: As Trump loses power post-midterms, will he lash out at GOP rivals or cut deals with Democrats for legacy? Panels shares doubts and speculates on congressional makeups after '26.

15. Right-Wing Misinformation and Democratic Accountability

[49:15-53:16] Switches to a local controversy: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz opting not to seek re-election, after being targeted by a right-wing “fraud” narrative and personal harassment campaigns.
Decries the lack of a robust, progressive counter-media apparatus, and outlines the panel’s commitment to building one.

16. Collectivism, Disinformation, and Grassroots Organizing

[53:16–end] The group riffs on right-wing attacks around “collectivism” and ends with a plug for their merch and fundraising to build progressive infrastructure and fight the info war.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"None of those words together make sense contextually together.... we have the right to ask that and to fixate on it." — D, on Rubio’s press answers [03:01]
"Speaking of which. Oh, Elon posted a nice picture of him and the presidential couple, I guess... He’s the one who fucking kicked this shit off with the Epstein files tweet." — C/B, on Elon Musk’s hypocrisy [08:41]
"He said oil 21 times during that press conference. He said democracy zero." — C, on Trump’s priorities [10:10]
"It’s a landmark pivot. It’s pretty exciting." — D [05:37]
"We just went in there and we fucking got him.... 80 people did die... originally, this was projected as a smash and grab, right? Oh, no big deal." — B, on MAGA reactions and casualties [18:17]
"There’s always libs. Like, it’s just... There’s nothing to justify. Right. No, he did one thing here." — B [17:56]
"If you want a small business boom in America, pass universal healthcare." — B [36:25]
"Rugged individualism is what built this country. First of all, no, it’s not. That is a Republican myth... It was built off of cheap Chinese labor, slavery..." — B [31:13]
"Statism is generally bad. Authoritarianism is what we’re talking about, is generally bad." — D [30:43]
"He will give a shit about nothing except someone coming in and trying to be number 48." — C, on Trump’s likely post-term priorities [41:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:16 — Episode open, context: Venezuela operation
01:54 — Rubio & Hegseth: Trump’s presidential appointments for Venezuela
03:47 — Trump’s contradictory interventionist stance
04:29 — Double standards on pardons and narco-trafficking
08:41 — Elon Musk, AI, and oil companies’ role in U.S. foreign policy
10:10–10:18 — Trump’s press conference: "Oil" vs "Democracy"
13:31 — Power structures in Venezuela (military & police)
16:27 — U.S. policy as "kidnapping" and "[giving] a list of demands"
17:56–18:24 — MAGA Base justification and death toll
19:58–22:16 — U.S. intervention history and failures
22:48 — Migration crisis as both effect and political lever
27:31 — Socialism discourse, democratic socialism vs. statism
36:25 — Universal healthcare as pro-business
41:22-44:19 — Future scenarios: Trump, Congress, and shifting power
49:15–53:16 — Right-wing media, Tim Walz, and building progressive counter-power

Conclusion

This episode delivers the Find Out Podcast’s trademark blend of irreverence, wonkery, and real talk. Through sharp analysis and dark humor, they poke holes in Trump’s Venezuela gambit, highlight the MAGA world’s contradictions, raise alarms about right-wing media power, and make the case for smarter left messaging, especially around socialist policies. The hosts blend cynicism with hope, reminding listeners that good outcomes require not just righteous ideas, but skilled, organized counter-narratives — and they want to build that megaphone.

For more:

Check out their live YouTube discussions
Visit findoutpodcast.com for merch that supports charity (“get f*cked, for charity”)
Subscribe to their Substack for updates on new projects

The Find Out Podcast

Episode: "What Are We Doing In Venezuela?"

Date: January 6, 2026
Hosts: A, B, C, D (left-wing commentators, first names not specified; informal group discussion)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Surprise Venezuela Operation

[00:16-01:54] Trump ordered the "arrest or kidnapping" (depending on perspective) of President Maduro and his wife, who are now allegedly in New York.
The move sets off international shock and speculation, with Trump also making new threats against other countries and reviving "the ridiculous Greenland stuff."
Joke speculation: Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth to "run Venezuela," with Rubio’s surprise visible at the announcement.

“What is going on? What was the goal? ... Is Marco Rubio the new president of Venezuela?”
— B, [01:09]

2. Incoherence and Absurdity in Trump’s Foreign Policy

[01:54-04:00] The panel underscores the strange break from Trump’s past anti-interventionist branding.
Only outlier GOP critics are mentioned (Marjorie Taylor Greene, Tom Massey).
Trump’s approach is painted as improvisational and contradictory, favoring transparency over strategic cunning.

“Trump got so much popularity on the right for going against this old neocon, ‘we’re going to regime change’—and all of a sudden, he’s like, no, fuck that, we’re going.”
— A, [03:47]

3. Double Standards and Pardons

[04:29-08:22] Recent Trump pardons (notably the former Honduran president convicted for high-volume cocaine trafficking) reveal contradictions: Trump claims ignorance but grants clemency when “good people around me told me he was wronged.”
Comparison draws out hypocrisy: Drugs are the cited cause for detaining Maduro, but ignored for allies.

“It’s never 3D chess or 4D chess or whatever they call it.”
— D, [06:53]

4. The Oil and Oligarch Factor

[08:41-10:21] Trump’s transparency is noted: admitting to consulting oil companies about the Venezuela operation, but not Congress.
The hosts highlight how oil is explicitly prioritized (“He said oil 21 times during that press conference. He said democracy zero.” — C, [10:10]), and question whether oil is even the real goal, given the poor quality of Venezuelan crude and the lack of industry interest in returning.

5. Wider Threats and the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ Throwback

[11:55-12:19] Trump threatened six countries in 30 minutes, brought up Cuba, and revived Greenland acquisition plans (appointing the Louisiana governor as “special envoy to Greenland”).
U.S. foreign policy looks increasingly arbitrary and aggressive.

6. Is It About More Than Oil? Minerals and China

[12:19-12:56] Discussion that Venezuela’s minerals — and not just oil — may motivate Trump, as a gambit to offset disastrous tariffs with China.
Dubbed a "better plan" than actual administration policy.

7. Military, Regime Change, and No-Win Scenarios

[13:31-14:31] History lesson: Venezuela’s power is maintained by its military and police, not figureheads. Removing Maduro creates chaos — “behead the beast, but then six other beasts pop up."
Full invasion or nation-building would be farfetched and reminiscent of U.S. failures elsewhere.

8. Multiple Layers of Irony and Confusion

[14:31-16:27] Trump’s move paradoxically props up Venezuela’s socialist vice president over the exiled right-winger (who once dedicated a Nobel Prize to Trump).
“It’s like a kidnapping. So it’s a ransom.” — D, [16:17]

9. The MAGA and Public Reaction

[16:36-19:08] Panelists disassemble online pro-Trump discourse: most just support the action as “owning the libs," displaying little principle or consistency.
Death tolls (initially “40,” later “80,” including civilians and possibly military) and collateral damage acknowledged as underreported.

"There is no logical justification other than 'Trump is the best, and everything he does is great, and you just need to trust the process.' Well, that’s their answer. And shut up liberal."
— B, [18:16]
[21:21-22:29] Polling suggests most Americans — including Republicans — don’t want U.S. control of Venezuela; 91% of GOP respondents agreed Venezuelans should decide their leadership.

10. Migration Crisis and Domestic Militarization

[22:48-24:14] Destabilization of Venezuela triggered mass migration, which Trump and advisor Stephen Miller might exploit domestically to justify further ICE militarization and anti-immigrant action.
Stephen Miller’s original plan allegedly targeted Mexico’s cartels — even more dangerous but “same playbook.”

11. Echoes of Past U.S. Interventions

[19:58-22:16] Hosts draw parallels with Panama (Noriega), Afghanistan (Bin Laden), Iraq (leading to ISIS), and Kosovo (a rare "successful" intervention noted, under Clinton). They caution Republicans “conveniently forget that these incursions never actually work out.”

12. Socialism, Collectivism, and U.S. Political Rhetoric

[27:31-36:25] Long digression about domestic debates: “democratic socialism” vs. “statism,” the myth of “rugged individualism,” and the effectiveness of collectivist policies like social security and Medicare.
Hosts opine that American life would improve (citing Norway, Sweden, Denmark) with more “collectivist” systems and universal healthcare.
Strong economic argument: Universal healthcare benefits business as well as individuals; “If you want a small business boom in America, pass universal healthcare.”

"Medicare and Medicaid have about a 2–3% overhead. Insurance companies, 20–25% overhead. The government is far more efficient at delivering healthcare than these insurance companies."
— B, [36:25]

13. Democratic Messaging & Missed Opportunities

[38:43-40:21] Panelists argue Democrats should pitch universal healthcare as a business win, not just a human right, to attract independents and Republicans, suggesting Trump — were he not so vindictive — could implement such policies with enough rebranding.

14. Endgames, Power, and Political Fight

[41:22-44:19] Looking ahead: As Trump loses power post-midterms, will he lash out at GOP rivals or cut deals with Democrats for legacy? Panels shares doubts and speculates on congressional makeups after '26.

15. Right-Wing Misinformation and Democratic Accountability

[49:15-53:16] Switches to a local controversy: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz opting not to seek re-election, after being targeted by a right-wing “fraud” narrative and personal harassment campaigns.
Decries the lack of a robust, progressive counter-media apparatus, and outlines the panel’s commitment to building one.

16. Collectivism, Disinformation, and Grassroots Organizing

[53:16–end] The group riffs on right-wing attacks around “collectivism” and ends with a plug for their merch and fundraising to build progressive infrastructure and fight the info war.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"None of those words together make sense contextually together.... we have the right to ask that and to fixate on it." — D, on Rubio’s press answers [03:01]
"Speaking of which. Oh, Elon posted a nice picture of him and the presidential couple, I guess... He’s the one who fucking kicked this shit off with the Epstein files tweet." — C/B, on Elon Musk’s hypocrisy [08:41]
"He said oil 21 times during that press conference. He said democracy zero." — C, on Trump’s priorities [10:10]
"It’s a landmark pivot. It’s pretty exciting." — D [05:37]
"We just went in there and we fucking got him.... 80 people did die... originally, this was projected as a smash and grab, right? Oh, no big deal." — B, on MAGA reactions and casualties [18:17]
"There’s always libs. Like, it’s just... There’s nothing to justify. Right. No, he did one thing here." — B [17:56]
"If you want a small business boom in America, pass universal healthcare." — B [36:25]
"Rugged individualism is what built this country. First of all, no, it’s not. That is a Republican myth... It was built off of cheap Chinese labor, slavery..." — B [31:13]
"Statism is generally bad. Authoritarianism is what we’re talking about, is generally bad." — D [30:43]
"He will give a shit about nothing except someone coming in and trying to be number 48." — C, on Trump’s likely post-term priorities [41:30]

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:16 — Episode open, context: Venezuela operation
01:54 — Rubio & Hegseth: Trump’s presidential appointments for Venezuela
03:47 — Trump’s contradictory interventionist stance
04:29 — Double standards on pardons and narco-trafficking
08:41 — Elon Musk, AI, and oil companies’ role in U.S. foreign policy
10:10–10:18 — Trump’s press conference: "Oil" vs "Democracy"
13:31 — Power structures in Venezuela (military & police)
16:27 — U.S. policy as "kidnapping" and "[giving] a list of demands"
17:56–18:24 — MAGA Base justification and death toll
19:58–22:16 — U.S. intervention history and failures
22:48 — Migration crisis as both effect and political lever
27:31 — Socialism discourse, democratic socialism vs. statism
36:25 — Universal healthcare as pro-business
41:22-44:19 — Future scenarios: Trump, Congress, and shifting power
49:15–53:16 — Right-wing media, Tim Walz, and building progressive counter-power

Conclusion

For more:

Check out their live YouTube discussions
Visit findoutpodcast.com for merch that supports charity (“get f*cked, for charity”)
Subscribe to their Substack for updates on new projects

What Are We Doing In Venezuela?

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Summary

The Find Out Podcast

Episode: "What Are We Doing In Venezuela?"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Surprise Venezuela Operation

2. Incoherence and Absurdity in Trump’s Foreign Policy

3. Double Standards and Pardons

4. The Oil and Oligarch Factor

5. Wider Threats and the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ Throwback

6. Is It About More Than Oil? Minerals and China

7. Military, Regime Change, and No-Win Scenarios

8. Multiple Layers of Irony and Confusion

9. The MAGA and Public Reaction

10. Migration Crisis and Domestic Militarization

11. Echoes of Past U.S. Interventions

12. Socialism, Collectivism, and U.S. Political Rhetoric

13. Democratic Messaging & Missed Opportunities

14. Endgames, Power, and Political Fight

15. Right-Wing Misinformation and Democratic Accountability

16. Collectivism, Disinformation, and Grassroots Organizing

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Conclusion

Summary

The Find Out Podcast

Episode: "What Are We Doing In Venezuela?"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Surprise Venezuela Operation

2. Incoherence and Absurdity in Trump’s Foreign Policy

3. Double Standards and Pardons

4. The Oil and Oligarch Factor

5. Wider Threats and the ‘Monroe Doctrine’ Throwback

6. Is It About More Than Oil? Minerals and China

7. Military, Regime Change, and No-Win Scenarios

8. Multiple Layers of Irony and Confusion

9. The MAGA and Public Reaction

10. Migration Crisis and Domestic Militarization

11. Echoes of Past U.S. Interventions

12. Socialism, Collectivism, and U.S. Political Rhetoric

13. Democratic Messaging & Missed Opportunities

14. Endgames, Power, and Political Fight

15. Right-Wing Misinformation and Democratic Accountability

16. Collectivism, Disinformation, and Grassroots Organizing

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Conclusion