Truth in the Barrel: Episode Summary

Title: Devil's Cut | Greenland Is Not For Sale!
Hosts: Amy McGrath & Denver Riggleman
Release Date: May 20, 2025
Podcast Website: www.TruthintheBarrel.com

Introduction

In the "Devil's Cut | Greenland Is Not For Sale!" episode of Truth in the Barrel, hosts Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman delve into the intriguing and timely subject of Greenland's strategic significance and the United States' expressed interest in the island. As military veterans and political enthusiasts, Amy and Denver bring a unique perspective to the discussion, enriched by their shared love of bourbon and commitment to the Constitution.

Hosts' Discussion on Greenland's Strategic Importance

The episode opens with a casual conversation about their favorite bourbons, setting a relaxed tone before diving into the main topic. Denver proudly shares his bottle of Willett Distillery's 13-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon (00:42), highlighting its rarity and high proof, which serves as an allegory for the intensity of their forthcoming discussion on Greenland.

Amy introduces the topic by referencing former President Donald Trump's repeated statements about acquiring Greenland, portraying it as a serious national security consideration rather than a mere political bluster. She asserts, "When Trump says that Greenland is very much vital to US national security interests, he's not wrong about that" (03:24).

Personal Military Experiences Related to Greenland

Denver brings a personal touch to the conversation by recounting his military experience related to Greenland. He shares his role in 1993 as an avionics and radar specialist on C-141 airlifters, emphasizing the strategic importance of Thule Air Base (04:40). This firsthand experience underscores the longstanding relationship between the United States and Greenland, particularly in terms of defense and logistics.

Climate Change and Arctic Geopolitics

The hosts transition to discussing the broader geopolitical landscape, focusing on climate change's impact on the Arctic region. Amy explains how melting ice is opening new waterways, potentially altering global trade routes: "merchant ships... could go right over through the waterways that are now opening up" (09:20). She also highlights the disparity in icebreaker fleets, noting that the U.S. has only two compared to Russia's forty, stressing the urgent need for enhanced Arctic capabilities (10:04).

Denver draws parallels to other geopolitical tensions, mentioning Ukraine, Iran, and Yemen, and criticizes the notion of the U.S. attempting to militarily seize territory from an ally: "It's against international law... How dare us as Americans who tout our constitutional values" (12:08).

Interview with Sari Paulson

To provide a grounded perspective, Amy and Denver welcome Sari Paulson, a Greenlandic sound designer and expert, into the conversation (21:25). Sari offers invaluable insights into Greenland's stance on U.S. interest and independence.

a. Greenlandic Perspectives on U.S. Interest

Sari addresses the poll indicating that only 6% of Greenlanders are interested in joining the United States (22:34). She emphasizes the strong desire for self-determination among Greenlanders: "I really hope that the message gets through, that we are our own people and we don't want anything to do with Trump. Open for business, not for sale" (45:18).

b. Independence and Relationship with Denmark

Discussing Greenland's political status, Sari explains the historical context of its relationship with Denmark and the challenges of achieving full independence: "It is quite expensive... We have been struggling to just make ends meet financially for our country" (31:16). She also touches upon the cultural differences that make independence a complex goal (30:37).

c. Culture and Society in Greenland

Sari provides a heartfelt description of Greenlandic culture, highlighting the communal values that contrast sharply with individualistic American ideals: "We're not individualists... we always consider our community before we make choices on behalf of our people" (42:57).

d. Sari's Favorite Places in Greenland

To offer listeners a glimpse of Greenland's beauty, Sari shares her favorite locales, such as Mugedl in Nuuk, known for its colorful houses and stunning mountain views (36:35). She also mentions Qarotokh, Ialiku, and Kanak, painting a vivid picture of Greenland's diverse landscapes (37:39).

e. Final Statements on Greenland's Sovereignty

Sari concludes with a powerful declaration of Greenland's autonomy and resistance to external control: "We are our own people and we don't want anything to do with Trump. Open for business, not for sale" (45:18). This statement reinforces the episode's central theme of self-determination.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt appreciation for Sari's participation and a reaffirmation of the hosts' stance against the notion of the U.S. taking over Greenland. Denver encourages listeners to engage with the podcast's content for more enlightening discussions, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

Notable Quotes:

• Denver Riggleman [00:42]: "I have a Willett and this is a very rare... this is a single barrel Willett... 13-year bourbon... 125.6 proof."

• Amy McGrath [03:24]: "When Trump says that Greenland is very much vital to US national security interests, he's not wrong about that."

• Denver Riggleman [12:08]: "It's against international law... How dare us as Americans who tout our constitutional values."

• Sari Paulson [45:18]: "We are our own people and we don't want anything to do with Trump. Open for business, not for sale."

This episode of Truth in the Barrel masterfully blends personal anecdotes, geopolitical analysis, and firsthand accounts to shed light on the complex issue of Greenland's sovereignty and its significance on the global stage. Through engaging dialogue and expert insights, Amy and Denver provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of why "Greenland Is Not For Sale."