Social Venture Podcast with Joe Mkhitaryan

In this episode of Social Venture Podcast, we sit down with Chad Bianco, the current front-runner in the California governor’s race, for an unfiltered conversation about the state of California — and why he believes it’s headed in the wrong direction. Bianco breaks down what he sees as deep corruption inside California’s government, the moral decay driving bad policy, and how crime, homelessness,...

This week on the pod, we’re breaking down the global freak-show that’s unfolding right now:🔥 Venezuela exploded onto the world stage when U.S. forces executed Operation Absolute Resolve — a massive military strike in Caracas that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, flew them to the U.S., and put them in federal custody on narcotics and cartel-linked charges. This wasn’t some minor law-enforceme...

Lori “ICE” Fetrick pulls back the curtain on one of the most iconic shows in television history — American Gladiators — and the reality behind the fame. In this episode, ICE reveals how Gladiators were paid just $350 per episode, despite massive ratings, sold-out arenas, and becoming household names. She breaks down what life was really like behind the scenes: the contracts, injuries, lack of long...

Hollywood sells perfection. Maurice Lamont tells the truth. In this episode, we sit down with Maurice Lamont, actor & former TMZ Paparazzi, our Hollywood insider, to pull back the curtain on how the industry actually works — not the red-carpet version, not the PR-approved version, but the behind-the-scenes reality few people ever hear about. Maurice dives into the unspoken rules of Hollywood,...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Pastor Che Ahn for a powerful conversation about his vision for California. From his decision to run for governor to his belief in a spiritual awakening across the state, Che shares why he thinks California is ready for bold leadership rooted in faith, courage, and transformation. We dive into policy, purpose, and what it means to bring Christ-centered valu...

In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the country:immigration, cultural identity, and what it means to assimilate into American life. We discuss:• Why cultural clashes happen• What “being American” means in a multicultural society• The balance between preserving your heritage and adapting to a new country• How traditions, language, and values shape national identi...

This week on the podcast, the guys dive into one of the wildest news cycles yet. They start with the shocking shooting at Chicago’s annual tree-lighting ceremony — how it unfolded, what the media isn’t saying, and why the city’s “holiday kickoff” turned into another headline about violence. From there, they break down New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s viral comments calling Trump a fascist and...

This week the guys dive into a WILD lineup of stories shaking up the news cycle. We break down the Saudi prince’s secretive trip to the U.S. to meet with Donald Trump, what it could mean, and why everyone’s suddenly paying attention. Then we get into the upcoming release of the long-buried Epstein files and the political storm building around them. And finally, we look at the drama in Texas, where...

This week’s episode dives straight into one of the wildest internet debates of the month — the Gold’s Gym situation that’s set off a storm online. We break down what actually happened, how it spiraled into a viral controversy, and what it reveals about gym culture, identity, and how social media twists stories for outrage clicks. From influencer reactions to the brand’s public response, we unpack...

Join us on this week’s episode as we dive into a whirlwind of pressing policy, pop-culture, and sports stories:We start off by unpacking the impacts of the potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—what it means for working families, how Congress is reacting, and the human stories behind the statistics. Then we shift into celeb territory with Taylor Swift and...

From the next-level evolution of Sora 2 to the downfall of Banana Republic’s reputation (at least in Rob’s mind), this episode blends chaos and culture like only SVP can. We dive into just how advanced Sora’s new tech has become, what it means for filmmakers and artists, and whether AI-created media will even feel human anymore. We also unpack why nearly every WWII movie centers around the same na...

Welcome back to Social Venture Podcast EP #036 — where chaos meets commentary. This week, the crew breaks down three stories that had the internet arguing all week: Gavin Newsom’s new Glock law, Kim Kardashian’s “pube thong” launch, and why LA might just have the worst drivers in the country. We start with California’s controversial new gun legislation, which targets Glock sales and so-called “con...

This week, California politics is on fire — literally and figuratively. We start with Congresswoman Katie Porter, whose explosive TV appearances and recent interviews have sparked controversy across the political spectrum. Once seen as one of the Democratic Party’s most disciplined communicators, Porter’s fiery exchanges and emotional outbursts have left supporters wondering what’s really going on...

In this episode, we sit down with Jose Ugarte, one of Los Angeles’ most outspoken and driven political voices. From his roots in the community to his fight for affordable housing, mental health funding, and safer neighborhoods, Ugarte shares what really motivates him — and what needs to change in LA politics. Topics we cover:The reality of running for office in Los AngelesBlack-Brown coalition-bui...

This episode takes on three huge cultural flashpoints you won’t want to miss: the NFL, the military, and identity politics. We go unfiltered on what everyone’s thinking but afraid to say. Bad Bunny & The Super Bowl Halftime ShowRumors are swirling that Bad Bunny could headline the next Super Bowl halftime show — but is the NFL making a massive mistake? While he’s a global star with record-brea...

In this rare and unguarded conversation, former CIA officer John Kiriakou takes us behind the curtain of a world few have ever seen and even fewer dare to talk about. The discussion weaves through art, war, and the complex moral landscape of espionage, revealing how creativity, deception, and human psychology shape intelligence work. John shares riveting stories of covert operations—how terrorists...

In this episode, we sit down with Pattie Ehsaei , known widely as The Duchess of Decorum . With a career dedicated to the art of etiquette, refined communication, and cultural diplomacy, Pattie has become a trusted guide for professionals, leaders, and changemakers who want to bring elegance, respect, and confidence into their personal and professional lives. We explore her journey into the world...

In this episode, we dive deep into the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk — what we know so far, what remains unclear, and the implications of this tragedy for American politics and public safety.🎙️ What We Cover:The timeline: how Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Details from the event: the “P...

This episode dives into one of the wildest weekends of news we’ve seen in a while. Chicago was rocked by another wave of violence with nearly 60 people shot in just a few days, highlighting the city’s ongoing struggles with crime, gun control, and community safety. Meanwhile, off the coast of Venezuela, authorities reportedly bombed a drug trafficking boat in dramatic fashion — raising questions a...

In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, we break down a series of major stories shaping the U.S. and the world right now. From political debates to shocking crimes and international espionage, no topic is off the table. Here’s what we cover in detail:🔴 Catholic Church Shooting in MinneapolisWe discuss the heartbreaking mass shooting that took place inside a Catholic church in Minneapolis....

In this episode, Joe and Rob dive into three wild but strangely connected conversations. First, they unpack the staggering $50 million bounty placed on Venezuela’s president , exploring what it means for global politics, power, and the U.S. role in it all. Then, they shift gears into the fascinating history of beards as symbols of strength, rebellion, and identity —from kings and warriors to hipst...

From banned books in America’s prisons to the loss of neighborly love, and the gangs growing control over Venice Beach’s boardwalk — Joe and Rob pull no punches in this deep dive into the realities shaping the United States today. In this episode:📚 Prison Book Bans – Why inmates are losing access to literature, and what it says about freedom and rehabilitation in America.🏘 The Death of Community...

Stephen Colbert is out. Late night is collapsing. And the billion-dollar heiress of In-N-Out is leaving California. Joe and Rob break it all down in this sharp, wide-ranging episode that tackles media, culture, power, and pride. First up, we dig into the slow death of American late-night television. Stephen Colbert’s exit marks another major shift in an industry that once defined nightly entertain...

Jack Barsky was no ordinary immigrant. Recruited by the KGB during the Cold War, he was trained as a deep-cover spy and sent to infiltrate American society. In this exclusive interview, Jack reveals how he was recruited, the intense training he underwent, and how he lived a double life as an undercover agent in the United States. He shares chilling stories about Soviet espionage tactics, his perso...

Big News, Bigger QuestionsIn this episode, we break down some of the most shocking, underreported, and controversial stories making headlines right now:🧾 One Big Beautiful Bill – What’s in the new legislation everyone’s talking about? Is it as “beautiful” as it sounds, or another smokescreen?🧸 Elmo’s Twitter Storm – Racist tweets and viral backlash: What’s going on with Elmo’s X account, and wha...