Épisodes

  • Tiny Blunders, Big Consequences: How Small Mistakes Shape History and the World We Live In - With Jared Knott Part 2

    Tiny Blunders, Big Consequences: How Small Mistakes Shape History and the World We Live In - With Jared Knott Part 2
    Jan 16 2026
    In the final segment of America’s NewsHour, Bill Bernardoni is joined by historian and author Jared Knott for a wide-ranging conversation on how seemingly insignificant decisions can alter the course of history. Knott explains the origins of his Tiny Blunders, Big Disasters books, walking through gripping examples—from a misplaced piece of tape at Watergate to post–World War I decisions that helped steer China toward communism. Drawing on the concept of the butterfly effect, the discussion explores how tiny errors multiply over time, reshaping nations, ideologies, and global power structures. It’s a reminder that history often turns not on grand designs, but on small moments almost no one notices at the time.

    What small decision in history do you think had the biggest unintended consequences—and are we missing similar warning signs today?
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    11 min
  • Are We Watching History Rhyme? Iran, Cuba, and the Warning Signs of Regime Collapse - with Jared Knott Part 1

    Are We Watching History Rhyme? Iran, Cuba, and the Warning Signs of Regime Collapse - with Jared Knott Part 1
    Jan 16 2026
    As unrest intensifies across Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, and beyond, Bill Bernardoni is joined by historian and author Jared Knott to examine whether today’s global crises are isolated flashpoints or part of a broader historical pattern. Drawing on lessons from the collapse of the Soviet Union, the French Revolution, and other pivotal moments, Knott explains why socialist systems repeatedly fail, how economic pressure and internal stress weaken regimes, and why history often looks obvious only in hindsight. The conversation connects current events in Iran and Cuba to past collapses, highlighting inflation, scarcity, and desperation as key indicators that a regime may be nearing the end. It’s a timely, big-picture discussion of how small missteps, structural failures, and ignored warning signs can reshape the world faster than anyone expects.

    Do you think the unrest we’re seeing in Iran and Cuba signals the beginning of a larger global realignment—or are these still separate, isolated crises?
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    10 min
  • What Comes After Maduro: Trust in Machado, Legitimate Elections, and Venezuela’s Next Test - with Marcos Falcone Part 2

    What Comes After Maduro: Trust in Machado, Legitimate Elections, and Venezuela’s Next Test - with Marcos Falcone Part 2
    Jan 16 2026
    In the second half of America’s NewsHour, Bill Bernardoni continues the conversation with Marcos Falcone of the Cato Institute, digging into whether opposition leader María Corina Machado truly has the public support needed to govern—and what happens next if Venezuela moves beyond Nicolás Maduro. Falcone explains why Machado enjoys unusually high trust among Venezuelans, how fraudulent institutions remain entrenched even after Maduro’s removal, and why internationally recognized elections are the critical next step. The discussion also examines internal power struggles within the remnants of the regime, the risks of violence during a transition, and the difficult choices facing the Donald Trump administration as pressure builds for a legitimate democratic handover. Most importantly, Falcone outlines why Machado’s team may be more prepared for governing than the world realizes—and why that preparation could determine whether Venezuela finally restores liberty and democracy.

    Should the U.S. push immediately for new elections in Venezuela, even if it risks short-term instability during the transition?
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    9 min
  • Venezuela at a Turning Point: Opposition Momentum, Oil Privatization, and Global Stakes - with Marcos Falcone Part 1

    Venezuela at a Turning Point: Opposition Momentum, Oil Privatization, and Global Stakes - with Marcos Falcone Part 1
    Jan 16 2026
    In the first half of this episode of America’s NewsHour, Bill Bernardoni is joined by Marcos Falcone of the Cato Institute to break down the rapidly shifting political landscape in Venezuela. They explore why this moment is different from past failed transitions, focusing on the rise of opposition leader María Corina Machado, the legitimacy of the 2024 election results, and what real regime change could mean for democracy and free markets. The conversation also dives deep into the potential privatization of Venezuela’s oil industry and how a recovery in production could reshape not just Venezuela’s economy, but global energy markets, U.S. interests, and geopolitical dynamics involving Russia, China, and Cuba. In the second half of the show, historian and author Jared Knott provides a broader historical lens, connecting today’s global flashpoints to the small mistakes and miscalculations that have changed the course of history before.

    If Venezuela truly transitions away from the Maduro regime, should oil privatization be a top priority—even if it reshapes global energy prices and alliances?
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    10 min
  • From Law to the Lens: Salvador Litvak on Storytelling and Saving Lincoln - Part 2

    From Law to the Lens: Salvador Litvak on Storytelling and Saving Lincoln - Part 2
    Jan 9 2026
    Bill Bernardoni is joined by filmmaker, author, and cultural voice Salvador Litvak for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity, risk, and the unexpected paths that lead to meaningful work. Litvak shares how he pivoted from Harvard and NYU Law to filmmaking, what drew him to Abraham Lincoln’s story, and how he pioneered the CineCollage visual style to bring Saving Lincoln to life using historic Civil War photography. A thoughtful look at art, history, perseverance, and refusing to accept “impossible” as an answer.

    Do you think unconventional storytelling approaches make history more engaging — or risk losing authenticity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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    11 min
  • Antisemitism, Resilience, and the Power of Humor - with Salvador Litvak Part 1

    Antisemitism, Resilience, and the Power of Humor - with Salvador Litvak Part 1
    Jan 9 2026
    Bill Bernardoni is joined by filmmaker, author, and cultural commentator Salvador Litvak for a deeply personal and timely conversation on the surge of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. Drawing on family history, Jewish tradition, and his own work, Litvak explains why this hatred never truly disappears — and how vigilance, community, and humor have helped Jewish culture survive across generations. The discussion also explores why humor has long been a tool of resilience, reflection, and resistance in the face of persecution.

    Can humor and culture still be effective tools for confronting hatred — or has the moment grown more dangerous? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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    10 min
  • Iran’s Future Must Come From Within - with Lisa Daftari Part 2

    Iran’s Future Must Come From Within - with Lisa Daftari Part 2
    Jan 9 2026
    Bill Bernardoni continues his conversation with foreign policy analyst Lisa Daftari of Foreign Desk News, focusing on why any lasting change in Iran must come from inside the country — not from externally backed opposition groups. The discussion examines Iran’s weakened regime, internal protest movements, and the controversial role of the MEK, including why it lacks legitimacy among Iranians despite support from some Western political figures. A grounded look at who truly represents the Iranian people — and who does not.

    Should the U.S. support regime change in Iran only if it is clearly driven by the Iranian people themselves? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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    9 min
  • Iran, Regime Change, and What’s at Stake Globally - with Lisa Daftari Part 1

    Iran, Regime Change, and What’s at Stake Globally - with Lisa Daftari Part 1
    Jan 9 2026
    Bill Bernardoni is joined by foreign policy analyst and Iran expert Lisa Daftari of The Foreign Desk for an in-depth discussion on the growing unrest inside Iran and whether regime change there would fundamentally differ from Iraq or Afghanistan. The conversation explores nationwide protests, economic collapse, generational opposition to the regime, and the role of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi — including whether his leadership could prevent a political vacuum and regional instability. A clear-eyed look at Iran, its people, and the global consequences of what happens next.

    Do you believe regime change in Iran could occur without the chaos and instability seen in past Middle East conflicts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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    10 min