Shane Smith Has Questions

What happens when America never learns the lessons of its longest wars? Former Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction John Sopko joins Shane Smith for a brutally honest conversation about Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Ukraine, corruption, contractors, the military-industrial complex, and the trillion-dollar cycle of endless war. After overseeing more than 700 investigations into waste, fraud, and abuse during the 20-year war in Afghanistan, Sopko explains how America spent trillions, empowered corruption, radicalized populations, and repeated the same mistakes over and over again — while contractors, bureaucracies, and political interests kept the machine running. The conversation dives into: The real legacy of Afghanistan Why “nation building” failed How war spending fuels the contractor economy Why Iran could become another endless conflict The “Iron Triangle” between Congress, the Pentagon, and defense contractors Ukraine, Gaza, AI warfare, and drones Why America struggles to stop wars once they begin The dangerous consequences of weak oversight and bad advisors Sopko also warns that future wars will look nothing like Iraq or Afghanistan — and says the U.S. government is dangerously unprepared for the realities of drone warfare and artificial intelligence. This is one of the clearest insider accounts yet of how modern wars actually work — and who benefits from them. Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News Check out VICE News for more: http://vicenews.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Mahan, mayor of San Jose and tech-startup alum running for higher office. He talks about city wins on homelessness using prefab cabins and services. He covers housing reform, cutting red tape and fees, public safety, and AI upskilling for workers. He outlines accountability through data dashboards and pragmatic approaches to balance innovation with regulation.

Scott Galloway sits down with Shane Smith to talk through why the system feels off right now and why more people are starting to notice. They get into how wealth keeps concentrating at the top, why the middle class isn’t growing the way it used to, and how big tech and corporate power quietly shape the rules. Galloway lays out why capitalism only works when the middle class is strong and what happens when it isn’t. The conversation moves through monopolies, tax policy, and the incentives driving both business and politics, all pointing to the same question: what actually changes this trajectory? They also touch on global instability, market fragility, and how close we might be to a real economic reset. It’s a blunt look at where things stand and what could come next if nothing shifts. Learn more at https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/ Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/shane Go to https://www.surfshark.com/shanesmith and use code shanesmith at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Subscribe to VICE News here: http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Bremmer, political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group and GZERO Media. He frames Iran as a looming global crisis and explains why regime change was unrealistic. He warns of shocks from the Strait of Hormuz and rising energy and supply-chain risks. He maps asymmetric warfare, drone and cyber threats, and compares global hotspots to show fragile U.S. credibility.

Amos Hochstein, energy and geopolitical expert who served in senior US energy diplomacy roles, explains the Strait of Hormuz crisis and massive oil shortfall. He describes immediate economic ripple effects on gas, food, and shipping. He connects energy shocks to AI, data centers, and the US‑China tech race, and outlines possible geopolitical winners and war outcomes.

Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator from Vermont known for fighting income inequality and healthcare reform, warns about AI reshaping work and society. He highlights concentrated billionaire power driving rapid automation. He raises alarms about environmental costs of data centers and calls for slowing development and stronger democratic safeguards.

Shane Smith travels to Venezuela for a special episode of Shane Smith Has Questions, on the ground for the first meeting between U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez — the Trump administration’s first official visit since the regime change.Reporting from Caracas, Shane gets rare access as U.S. officials engage Venezuela’s new leadership and begin shaping what comes next for the country — and its vast oil reserves.He also sits down with Venezuelan journalist María de los Ángeles Graterol and Wall Street Journal South America Bureau Chief Juan Manuel Ferero to unpack the power shift, the stakes for Washington, and whether Venezuela is entering a new chapter — or a new uncertainty. A firsthand look at a country at a turning point. Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at https://www.shopify.com/shane Subscribe to VICE News here: ⁠http://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-VICE-News Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Andrew Yang, entrepreneur and founder of the Forward Party, as he dives into the collision of AI with America's outdated political landscape. Yang reflects on his 2020 presidential run, where he warned about automation's impact on jobs. He discusses UBI and the need for a revised 'Freedom Dividend' that values care and creativity beyond mere dollars. Highlighting the necessity of human-centered policies, Yang envisions a future with independent leadership and the potential of new economic models amidst rising automation.

Lawrence Lessig, a Harvard Law professor and democracy reform advocate, discusses the troubling effects of money in American politics. He highlights a little-known lower-court ruling that exacerbated super PAC influence and introduces Maine's groundbreaking initiative aiming to limit such spending. The conversation explores the Supreme Court's expanding power, the impact of crypto and AI on policy, and the urgency to tackle dark money before 2028. Lessig argues campaign finance reform might be our best hope for restoring democracy.

Maverick Carter, CEO of SpringHill Company and longtime partner of LeBron James, shares his fascinating journey from Akron’s underground club scene to redefining sports media. He recounts how sweeping floors taught him valuable lessons in capitalism. Maverick reveals why LeBron turned down a $10 million check from Reebok, choosing Nike instead, and discusses the evolution of their business empire. The conversation dives into the psychology of money, the meaning of earning one's name, and the future of media in a changing landscape.