US planning for post-Castro Cuba transition to democracy
Impact of US embargo on Cuban economy and population
Deep dives
Introduction of Black and Bold Coffee Company on Shopify
Black and Bold, a premium coffee and tea company founded by Rod Johnson, shares their humble beginnings from an online Shopify store in a garage. Leveraging Shopify's customizable and user-friendly platform, they encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to start selling on Shopify to grow their businesses.
US Government's Commission for a Free Cuba
In 2003, a United States government commission was established to plan for a post-Castro Cuba, aiming for a transition to democracy. Secretaries Collen Pal and Mal Martinas were appointed to lead this initiative, emphasizing the need for experts to facilitate a shift from a totalitarian regime to an open society.
Concerns about Cuba's Biological Weapons Capability
In a congressional subcommittee meeting in 2002, discussions revolved around Cuba's alleged capacity for manufacturing and exporting biological weapons. Under Secretary John Bolton's claims of Cuba's biological research capability sparked debates, with Secretary Powell's reluctance to address these assertions to the Senate stirring further scrutiny.
Criticism and Impact of US Embargo on Cuba
The podcast delves into the long-standing US embargo on Cuba, highlighting its detrimental impact on the Cuban economy and populace. Despite attempts to intensify the embargo, including during the Trump administration, the punitive measures have strained relations and provoked global debate on the humanitarian consequences of the embargo.