In this episode of pplpod, we explore the dramatic history and current crisis of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. We break down the historic events of January 2026, when United States airstrikes led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, leaving Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the acting head of state.

Join us as we examine how a megadiverse country holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves suffered a total economic collapse. We discuss the legacy of Hugo Chávez’s Bolivarian Revolution, the hyperinflation that reached 130,060% in 2018, and the exodus of nearly 8 million refugees.

Topics covered:

• The 2026 Intervention: The US military strike and the disputed leadership between Maduro and Rodríguez.
• Economic Freefall: How GDP dropped 80% in a decade  ...