This American Life – "The View from My Window" (January 12, 2026)

Host: Ira Glass
Featured Reporters: Nancy Updike, Anianci Diaz Cortez
Main Interviewee: "Teresa" (name changed for safety), grassroots Venezuelan democracy activist

Episode Overview

This urgent bonus episode departs from This American Life's usual story structure to offer a firsthand look at the seismic recent events in Venezuela: the U.S. military capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Through a gripping live translation and interview, listeners experience these tumultuous days from the literal window of a veteran activist—her surprise, joy, fear, and, ultimately, her sense of betrayal and uncertainty over the aftermath.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Venezuela on the Brink

• Context ([01:00]): Ira Glass introduces the remarkable events in Venezuela: after disputed elections and international recognition of the opposition victory, the U.S. finally intervenes militarily, ousting Maduro but refusing to install the recognized opposition.
• Election Background: Massive, well-organized volunteer efforts sought to prove the opposition's 2024 victory. Despite clear evidence and international support, Maduro retained power until the U.S. assault.

2. Teresa’s Firsthand Experience: The Night of the Attack

• Living Through the Attack ([04:32]): Teresa recounts the surreal hours as U.S. helicopters descended on Caracas. Her family, up late, rushed to their windows to witness the unfolding military operation illuminated by a full moon.
  • "It was almost like a live action situation... what we're seeing outside our window and the information we're getting is totally communicating with each other." – Teresa ([05:20])
• Mixed Emotions: Joy at seeing change, fear from the violence, worry for the innocent and friends affected, such as one whose house was destroyed.
  • "I felt both invaded and also like they were going after the bad guys." – Teresa ([06:08])
• Immediate Aftermath with Family ([08:28]): Her son "jumping up and down" in excitement; her daughter scouring the news and Twitter for confirmation of Maduro's capture.
  • "We were just trying to understand what was happening... we knew that something big was coming." – Teresa ([09:00])

3. The Moment of Truth: Confirmation and Elation

• Verification ([09:46]): The family's disbelief turned to jubilation when Trump's tweet confirmed Maduro's extraction.
  • "The only thing I felt was: verify, verify, verify... But what am I going to tell you, Nancy? We were happy. We were filled with joy." – Teresa ([09:49])
• Raw Satisfaction and Vindication: Teresa admits to flashes of wanting Maduro to "suffer" as her people had, yet acknowledges the irrationality of vengeance and her overwhelming sense of relief.

4. Unexpected Consequences: U.S. Plans & Political Despair

• Shifting Realities after U.S. Announcement ([10:59]): Trump declares vice president Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro loyalist, as Venezuela's new leader, sidelining beloved opposition figure Maria Corinna Machado.
  • "Trump dismissed Machado as, quote, a very nice woman." – Nancy Updike ([11:22])
• Revelation of U.S. Priorities ([11:55]): Teresa recognizes painfully that U.S. interests do not align with ordinary Venezuelans.
  • "Trump is... his interests are of his country and of his party... his interests aren't of our people. And that is very, very clear." – Teresa ([12:06])
• Emotional Fallout: Sinking dread among opposition supporters; sense of betrayal as the Maduro regime, minus Maduro himself, remains in power.
  • "We started to just feel this sinking feeling and just feel very, very bad, you know..." – Teresa ([12:55])

5. Media and Misinformation

• Government Media Reaction ([13:49]): Official coverage avoids reality, focusing instead on "circus" and entertainment.
  • "The news says nothing. They do circus. They do music. They don't do anything." – Teresa ([13:52])
• Safety and Surveillance: Teresa reflects on months of anxiety, warning her grown children not to go outside during fear-filled times.

6. An Uncertain Path Forward

• Analyzing U.S. Motives and Risks ([15:49]): Teresa expresses deep worry about the U.S. engaging with members of the previous regime and delaying true democracy.
  • "Whether you give him three weeks or three months, you know, they're not stopping. They're only solidifying their power." – Teresa ([16:02])
• Ongoing Repression: Despite Maduro’s removal, political prisoners remain, journalists are arrested, and daily life is unchanged.
• Optimism Rekindled (by Necessity) ([17:15]): Despite dashed hopes and "political dizziness," Teresa clings to her belief in an eventual democratic path.
  • "Yes, yes, yes. I believe we are on a path to democracy. Why do I believe this? Because. Because I have to. Because this fight can't be in vain." – Teresa ([17:18])

7. What Needs to Happen Next

• A Call for Action ([18:10]): Release of political prisoners and real elections are, for Teresa, the only true measure of progress.
  • "If you hold elections, I guarantee that there will be a new government in place. But that's what has to happen." – Teresa ([18:15])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It was almost like a live action situation... what we're seeing outside our window and the information we're getting is totally communicating with each other... it was just... Yeah, it was a live event, basically."
  Teresa, recounting the night of the attack ([05:20])
• "I felt both invaded and also like they were going after the bad guys."
  Teresa, on her complex emotions ([06:08])
• "We were happy. We were filled with joy. We were... We were jumping around."
  Teresa, describing her family's euphoria once Maduro’s removal was confirmed ([09:53])
• "Trump is... his interests are of his country and of his party... his interests aren't of our people. And that is very, very clear."
  Teresa ([12:06])
• "We started to just feel this sinking feeling and just feel very, very bad, you know..."
  Teresa, describing the emotional fallout after realizing the opposition was shut out ([12:55])
• "The news says nothing. They do circus. They do music. They don't do anything."
  Teresa commenting on official Venezuelan media ([13:52])
• "We are on a path to democracy. Why do I believe this? Because. Because I have to. Because this fight can't be in vain."
  Teresa, about her continued hope ([17:18])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:15–03:48] – Ira Glass’ prologue and background on the Venezuelan crisis and the episode’s purpose.
• [03:48–08:14] – Teresa’s account of the attack as seen from her window and her family's reaction.
• [08:28–09:46] – Family’s immediate emotional response and efforts to verify Maduro’s removal.
• [09:46–10:59] – Emotional high point—joy at confirmation of regime change.
• [10:59–13:35] – Aftermath, U.S. press conference, and realization of power remaining in regime hands.
• [13:35–15:49] – Media distortion, personal safety, and Teresa’s fears for her children's future.
• [15:49–17:15] – Reflections on U.S. motives, ongoing repression, and personal fears.
• [17:15–18:37] – Teresa embraces hope for democracy, despite the “political dizziness.”
• [18:37–19:30] – Closing notes and context updates from Ira Glass/Nancy Updike.

Summary & Takeaways

This episode provides an emotional, on-the-ground chronicle from a Venezuelan democracy activist, mapping her journey from elation to disillusionment and, finally, to grim resolve. Despite the chaos, uncertainty, and a sense of betrayal by foreign powers, Teresa’s voice—filled with anguish, gratitude, and determination—encapsulates the complexity and resilience of ordinary Venezuelans during historic change.

For listeners: If you’re looking to understand the personal stakes and raw immediacy behind the headlines, this episode’s intimate window offers exactly that—both literally and figuratively.