Over 6 million Venezuelan refugees are currently seeking asylum around the world. In September, between 1400 and 1600 fled PER DAY. Today we’ll hear the story of an anonymous guest, who gained asylum in the US 4 years ago. She is speaking anonymously because the government there is so repressive - so controlling (you’ll hear how she was threatened to lose all access to food if she didn’t vote for the incumbent) - that her family could be punished as retaliation for her words. 

But why is she choosing to speak at all? First, because we have a very fundamental need to share our stories. And second, because our guest today wants to give a voice to these millions of refugees - to remind all of us where they came from, why they left, and what they’ve risked (everything) to leave. There are lessons for us in all of my guest’s story: political lessons in the way the current government came to power, then consolidated that power; lessons of compassion and empathy for individuals within a massive migration; lessons of courage, bravery, and sacrifice when we consider what so many risk for their families to have a better life, lessons of gratitude when we are reminded to savor the little moments (like sorting beans for her Storied Recipe) that we would miss if suddenly forced to leave our homes, and finally - lessons of friendship and kindness that we can learn from 3 immigrants that came together - one Venezuelan, one Nepalese, and one Iranian Jew - in a NYC apartment to help one another launch new lives. 

This is one of the most important episodes I’ve ever released and today I’m asking you - specifically, you, anyone listening - to share this story. I think all of us believe that we should be a voice for the voiceless and today, as this guest literally cannot risk her family’s stability by sharing her story with a name attached, we can share it for her. Would you please think of someone right now and send this along to them? Thank you so much!!!

Highlights

The three types of crises happening concurrently in Venezuela

How this nightmare began with hope

What happened in Venezuela when the private sector was dismantled

How a simple decision spiraled to a point where she was forced to vote for the incumbent in order to eat

The amazing story of how a Venezuelan, Iranian Jew, and Nepalese came to live and care for one together in a NYC apartment 

Repairing the country will take years

Listen to Guest Now

This Episode's Storied Recipe

https://thestoriedrecipe.com/pabellon-criollo-authentic-venezuelan-rice-beans/

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