Social Venture Podcast with Joe Mkhitaryan

In this week’s episode, we dive into the groundbreaking AI Apex trailer and what it could mean for the future of storytelling — from reshaping how movies are made to possibly rewriting the rulebook for Hollywood as we know it. We also pay tribute to the legendary civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, who passed away at 84, reflecting on his enduring impact on American history and justice. Next,...

This week on the podcast, we dig into one of the biggest cultural touchpoints of the year — the Super Bowl. We break down the ratings numbers, the social media backlash, and why a game meant to unite the country sparked unexpected controversy, from halftime show criticisms to polarized viewer reactions. But that’s just the kickoff. We also turn our attention to the political arena, where Attorney...

In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, Esther Kim Varet joins us for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about one of the most controversial moments from her public commentary — her comparison of the Trump administration to authoritarian regimes, and why she believes that historical parallels still matter in today’s political climate. Esther also addresses the online conspiracies and pe...

In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, we sit down with Chip Conley — legendary hotelier, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of both Joie de Vivre Hospitality and Modern Elder Academy (MEA Wisdom) — to explore what it truly takes to lead, grow, and find purpose in business and in life. Chip shares the full journey — from transforming boutique hotels and building one of America’...

In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, we take a deeper, more grounded look at two stories that—on the surface—feel completely unrelated, but are colliding in the same media moment: renewed attention around the Jeffrey Epstein files and online speculation surrounding so-called “JMail” references, alongside a noticeable shift in how major artists are using the Grammy stage to engage directl...

In this episode of the Social Venture Podcast, Dr. Peter McCullough delivers a sobering message that frames the entire conversation: the one who controls the antidote controls the world. We take a deep dive into how COVID reshaped modern medicine, public trust, and global power structures — and who was truly steering the response behind the scenes. Dr. McCullough breaks down how control replaced c...

In this episode, we break down how modern political tribes create their heroes, villains, and martyrs. We look at why Alex Pretti has become a symbolic figure for the left — and how Nicki Minaj has emerged as an unlikely icon for the right. This isn’t about defending or attacking either figure. It’s about understanding how culture wars work, why movements need symbols, and how outrage, identity, a...

In this episode, we take on some of the most controversial political and cultural debates shaping America right now — and nothing is off the table. We break down whether NATO actually benefits the United States, or if American taxpayers are carrying the burden for everyone else while getting little in return. We also debate Gavin Newsom’s leadership, questioning whether his actions represent bold...

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...