The Middle Ground Mic
The MiddleGround Mic is a top-ranked news commentary and politics podcast built on one principle: No Left. No Right. Forward. Hosted by Joseph Steagall, the show cuts through partisan noise and dives deep into the issues shaping America and the world. From elections and foreign policy to local community challenges, every episode seeks common ground where real solutions live.
Ranked in the top #15 U.S. News Commentary podcasts, The MiddleGround Mic features influential guests — from thought leaders and journalists to everyday voices making an impact. With balanced perspectives, raw conversations, and a centrist outlook, we give listeners what’s missing in today’s media: honesty, clarity, and a way forward.
Subscribe now to join the conversation that’s moving beyond division and shaping the future of politics, culture, and community.
The Middle Ground Mic
Venezuela Was the Test Case: How China and Russia Played the Long Game
China and Russia didn’t need an invasion to expand influence in the Western Hemisphere — they used debt, intelligence networks, surveillance technology, and state collapse instead.
In this episode of The Middle Ground Mic, we break down how Venezuela became the testing ground for Chinese and Russian leverage, why former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal matters, and how narco-finance, foreign intelligence cooperation, and digital authoritarianism reshaped the region.
This isn’t left vs right.
It’s systems vs reality.
Chapters:
00:00 The Hidden Threats in Our Hemisphere
03:10 The Role of Hugo Carvajal
06:05 The Shadow Economy of Venezuela
09:07 China and Russia's Strategic Interests
12:10 The Consequences of Ignoring Authoritarianism
15:05 The Call to Awareness and Action
No slogans. No party talking points.
Just uncomfortable facts and historical context.
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No left. No right. Just forward.
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