Roman Popadiuk was born in Austria to Ukranian parents who emigrated to the United States in the 1950s. He went on to build a successful career, with a speciality in foreign service relations for the U.S. government. After the fall of the USSR, he was appointed America’s first ambassador to the Ukraine. In his conversation with Mac, Popadiuk estimates why Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, and forecasts a bad ending for Putin.
Also, because it’s Christmas time, Mac gives a shoutout to all of the moms and dads who bring Santa Claus to life.