Social Venture Podcast with Joe Mkhitaryan

The world is facing escalating tensions, political uncertainty, and economic pressure. From deadly attacks on Saudi Arabia to stalled US–Iran negotiations, a proposed Russia–Ukraine energy ceasefire, and global debt approaching 100% of GDP, we're breaking down the biggest stories you need to know.On this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, we cover international conflicts, political developments, economic warning signs, and stories making headlines around the world.IN THIS EPISODESAUDI ARABIA: DEADLY HOUTHI ATTACKS HIT RIYADH AIRPORTAttacks attributed to Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi movement hit Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, leaving people dead and hundreds injured. We examine who the Houthis are, why Saudi Arabia is being targeted, and what further escalation could mean for regional security and global energy markets.IRAN–US TALKS: TEHRAN REJECTS WASHINGTON'S RESPONSEIran says the US response to its proposal for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is insufficient. We break down the conditions being discussed, why the waterway matters to global oil supplies, and how continued tensions could affect fuel prices, shipping costs, and inflation.RUSSIA–UKRAINE WAR: TRUMP ANNOUNCES AN ENERGY CEASEFIREPresident Donald Trump announces an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but questions remain over the details and whether both sides have agreed to stop attacks on energy infrastructure. We examine what the proposed arrangement could mean for oil refineries, power stations, fuel supplies, and the wider war.GLOBAL ECONOMY: PUBLIC DEBT APPROACHES 100% OF GDPThe International Monetary Fund projects that global public debt could approach 100% of global GDP by 2029. What does that actually mean? We explain why government debt is rising, how interest payments affect public budgets, and what the consequences could be for taxes, public services, and economic growth.POPE LEO CONDEMNS THE DEATH PENALTYPope Leo XIV reaffirms the Catholic Church's opposition to capital punishment, arguing that public safety can be protected without executions. We examine his message on human dignity, justice, redemption, and the controversy surrounding a reported planned US military execution.UAE RESCUES 22 CREW MEMBERS AFTER OIL TANKER FIREEmergency crews in the United Arab Emirates rescue all 22 crew members aboard an oil tanker after a fire breaks out. We explain what officials have confirmed, what remains unknown about the cause, and why maritime safety matters amid heightened tensions around key energy shipping routes.What story do you think will have the biggest impact? Join the conversation in the comments.👍 Like the video, subscribe to the Social Venture Podcast, and turn on notifications so you don't miss our latest interviews, political discussions, business stories, and global news breakdowns.

Trump says Iran could “take out” Los Angeles and San Diego — and says it could be a “small price” to pay if it means stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons. The comments have sparked outrage in California and opened up a much bigger debate over Trump's approach to the war, Iran, and the potential consequences for American cities.Then things get even crazier.Sunny Hostin is calling for consideration of the 25th Amendment, Quebec separatists are back in power and talking about another independence referendum, and LL Cool J is diving into AI bias and the possibility of ancient civilizations hidden beneath today's ice.We also get into Gene Simmons telling celebrities to “do your art and shut up,” a Texas man driving an SUV through a Kroger because he needed to use the bathroom, and Tom Cruise's $125 million movie bombing at the box office.And yes — Lionel Messi gets an emotional farewell from Argentina, with the game stopped in the 10th minute for his No. 10 jersey, while fans, fireworks and even the opposing players joined in the tribute.Plus, McDonald's is using machine-learning pricing technology, with two Fresno locations just two miles apart listing the same Big Mac at $5.69 vs. $6.89 — a 21% difference.War. Politics. AI. Hollywood. Sports. Money. And one guy who really, really needed to use the bathroom.

Global energy chaos, election-year controversy, alleged Chinese espionage in California, and America’s race to dominate AI — we break down the biggest stories shaping the world right now.In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, we dive into the return of $100 oil and why experts warn prices could surge even higher if key shipping routes in the Middle East remain under threat. What does that mean for inflation, gas prices, groceries, and your wallet? We connect the dots.We also cover the escalating conflict in the Red Sea, reports of a major Saudi-backed offensive against Houthi forces, and how disruptions to global trade could create ripple effects across the world economy.Then we examine the Trump administration’s $90 Medicare payments to millions of seniors and ask the question many Americans are debating: economic relief, politics, or both?Plus:• Alleged Chinese espionage operations uncovered in California targeting Taiwan’s leadership.• The White House and Pentagon’s new “Super Intelligence Force” and the future of AI warfare.• Breaking headlines, geopolitical tensions, economics, technology, and the stories that matter most.The Social Venture Podcast brings together news, business, politics, culture, and big ideas to help you understand what’s happening — and what it means for your future.#SocialVenturePodcast #OilPrices #MiddleEast #Trump #Medicare #China #Taiwan #AI #Economy #Politics

From rising tensions around Cuba and a terror investigation near a major U.S. bomber base in the U.K. to mass shootings in South Africa, the economy, Ukraine, and some heated political debate — we break down the biggest stories making headlines.On this episode:CUBA ON ALERT?New reporting says the U.S. Army Reserve is examining what support it could provide to U.S. Southern Command for a possible operation involving Cuba. No deployment orders have been issued, but the report comes as tensions between Washington and Havana continue to rise.TERROR PROBE AT RAF FAIRFORD — Five men have been arrested after suspicious vehicles were discovered near the British air base that has hosted U.S. bombers. Authorities are investigating possible terrorist activity, while questions remain about the suspects' target and motive.THE U.S. ECONOMY — Trump claimed the country has the "best poverty numbers ever." We look at what the latest Census data actually shows, including the lowest recorded poverty rate and record-high median household income — while examining why Americans can still feel squeezed by everyday costs.THE TAXPAYER-FUNDED TRUMP AD — A government-funded ad featuring President Trump is airing on Fox News and Newsmax, prompting Democrats to question whether it crosses the line into political propaganda. The White House says it's a legitimate public-service announcement.THE TASIA FORTUNE CASE— Investigators say the Mississippi woman's death was staged to look like a hanging. Three men now face murder charges as authorities continue investigating what happened.BILL MAHER VS. ROSEANNE BARR — The longtime friends get into a heated discussion about the Democratic Party, the political left and whether Americans are becoming politically homeless.POPE LEO XIV — The Pope meets with survivors of clergy sexual abuse in France while also speaking out against assisted dying.2026 MTV VMAs — Madonna, Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Charli XCX and more take the stage as the VMAs return to Los Angeles.#News #Podcast #Cuba #Trump #Ukraine #SouthAfrica #Politics #VMAs #BillMaher #RoseanneBarr

In this episode, we break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in America and around the world — from a bizarre viral moment at the United Nations to record fuel prices, Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping, the war with Iran, the stock market, Hollywood’s biggest potential merger, and a major legal fight over White House press access.The Viral Haiti Water MomentHaiti’s president goes straight for the water pitcher during a formal United Nations session — and the internet immediately notices.Trump & the Diesel Price CrisisDiesel prices have climbed to record levels, and President Trump says he supports the idea of restricting or banning U.S. diesel exports. The administration is examining whether a full or partial ban could work, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright says an export ban would not solve the problem and could have other consequences.Trump & Xi Jinping MeetChinese President Xi Jinping is visiting Washington for talks with Trump. Trade, technology, AI, tariffs and the future of the U.S.-China trade truce are all on the table.Trump's U.N. Speech & IranTrump used his U.N. address to defend the U.S. position on Iran and warned that he could “annihilate” the country if negotiations fail, while also saying a deal remains possible. Iran's president has rejected the threat while saying Tehran remains open to diplomacy.The Stock Market & AI BoomTechnology and artificial-intelligence enthusiasm continues to drive major market activity even as investors deal with high energy prices and geopolitical uncertainty.Paramount & Warner Bros. DiscoveryWe break down the proposed $81 billion entertainment deal, the regulatory settlement and what the combination could mean for Hollywood, employees and major media brands.CNN, MS NOW & Politico Sue the White HouseThree major news organizations are challenging their exclusion from the White House in federal court, arguing that the restrictions violate First Amendment protections. A federal hearing on restoring their access is scheduled for Wednesday.Judge Judy on America, Patriotism & ExcellenceJudge Judy recently gave a blunt take on what she believes it means to be American, discussing patriotism, capitalism, innovation and American achievements ranging from the polio vaccine to artificial intelligence.🎙️ **PLUS:** We break down what these stories mean, the arguments on both sides, and the questions you should be watching as these stories develop.#News #Podcast #Trump #Politics #UnitedNations #Iran #China #XiJinping #Diesel #Economy #AI #StockMarket #CNN #Politico #MSNOW #JudgeJudy