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On the Fringe
by Dave and Gavin
The media glosses over AI usage and geopolitics. We dive into how both go hand-in-hand, speak with up-and-coming major players, and shed light on groundbreaking events in our wheelhouses: Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. onthefringepodcast.substack.com Reach out to us with any questions, comments, or if you'd like to be a guest at [email protected]
Episodes
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Bonus: World Maps in Chinese are Fascinating! (and great tools to learn a foreign language!)
Join us on a wild language adventure on this quick bonus episode! I (Dave) have been studying Mandarin Chinese for about 6 weeks now. One of my first go-to’s when learning a new language is to utilize information I already know to better understand another language's sentence structure and...
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Russia in the Rearview Mirror? Author Joe Barnes's Travelogue through the Former Soviet Union
(00:00:00) Russia in the Rearview Mirror? Author Joe Barnes's Travelogue through the Former Soviet Union (00:00:55) Behind the scenes: technical difficulties (00:01:43) Introduction to Joe Barnes and his new book Farewell to Russia: A Journey Through the Former USSR (00:07:39) Exploring...
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Single? The Algorithm Knows Who is Right for You
In this short bonus episode, Dave + Gav conduct a brief and succinct analysis on a recent Singaporean goverment policy to help Singleporeans...ahem Singaporeans find a partner and start a family. Singapore has one of the lowest birth rates in the world. (Sorry, I made a mistake 15 seconds in!)…
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The Ongoing and Pivotal War that Everyone's Forgotten
This a quick bonus episode/update about the current war between Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Pakistan has signed on to the Makkah Accord, along with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye to come to one another’s mutual defense. Will this agreement do anything to resolve the tit-for-tat conflict?...
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Why Saudi Arabia is facing a shock to its system
In recent weeks, the Houthi's attacks on Saudi Arabia have exposed a major problem for the kingdom. In this episode, we dive into what the three countries that have signed on the Makkah Agreement (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan) have to offer one another, and why on paper this looks like an...
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Uncle Sam Saved a Few Bucks. China got F-35 Parts
According to CSIS, intellectual property losses cost the U.S. economy between $225—$600 billion per year. These come from losing trade secrets, illegal technology transfers, and copyright infringement to name a few. It was recently reported that critical parts to the F-35 fighter jet were shipped...
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All about the Houthis in Yemen
Recently, there’s been much talk of the events occurring around Yemen, but less talk about the group at the center of it all, Ansar Allah, generally referred to as the Houthis. In this episode, Gav and Dave provide insight into the group causing chaos in the Gulf and East Africa. We dive into the...
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An Intercontinental Refugee Crisis is Unfolding Between the Middle East and Africa
In this episode, we're shining a light on the growing humanitarian crisis on both sides of the Gulf of Aden. To really understand what is happening in Yemen, you also have to look at the ongoing refugee crisis that is too big to no longer be ignored. The impact of the Houthis siezing more terrain...
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Don't Waste Time, Make a Dime: Singapore Decides to Pay People to Stop Doomscrolling
On this bonus episode, the boys talk about Singapore’s novel solution to the problem of constant electronic stimulation...paying people to read books. The country is trialling a program where people will be fiscally rewarded for their reading efforts, another entry in a long history of…
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We're STILL Pissed About Losing the CIA World Factbook
While working on another episode, Gavin and Dave ran into a sadly familiar problem, lamenting the absence of a once constant companion, that old fan favorite, the CIA World Factbook. Back in high school, we took the CIA World Factbook for granted as we nerded out learning about flags of the…
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No Easy Option: Saudi Arabia is Between Iraq and a Houthi Place
(00:00:00) The current crisis in Yemen (00:04:40) Zooming in on Yemen (00:06:12) The Middle East is fracturing (00:07:56) Growing regional alliances? On paper, anyway (00:13:12) The future of Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, and the decade-long conflict (00:16:05) Broader implications around the region...
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NYC's AI Moratorium: Creating Space to Think...in the Classroom and in Policy (Feat. Kevin Wong)
(00:00:00) NYC's AI Moratorium: Creating Space to Think...in the Classroom and in Policy (Feat. Kevin Wong) (00:00:55) Introduction to the AI Moratorium (00:03:32) Challenges of implementing this policy in schools (00:06:22) Pilot programs and curriculum development (00:09:12) The impact of AI on...
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The US wants to fix maps, except for maps of Africa (Bonus Episode)
Last week, the UN General Assembly voted nearly unanimously to utilize maps with the more accurate Equal Earth scale instead of the commonly used Mercator scale. The United States voted against it, and the reason why may surprise you. Listen in to this bonus episode about why the US’s explanation...
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A new dawn for old problems: What Niger's Failed Coup Means for West Africa
(00:00:00) A new dawn for old problems: What Niger's Failed Coup Means for West Africa (00:00:59) An overview of the Coup (00:02:40) Foreign involvement in the coup (00:07:07) Why Algeria demonstrated a show of force (00:10:26) The regional dynamics at play in the Sahel and Sahara (00:12:23) The...
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Lowkey...Don't count out Gen Z (Feat. Chauncy Wadsworth)
(00:00:00) Lowkey...Don't count out Gen Z (Feat. Chauncy Wadsworth) (00:01:01) Intro to Chauncy Wadsworth (00:03:47) Chauncy's journey into politics (00:05:46) Finding common ground in divisive conversations (00:08:29) The effects of social sorting on political perception (00:15:05) Money's role…
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Never Meta anyone who does it better: Who wins in the $17 billion settlement?
(00:00:00) Never Meta anyone who does it better: Who wins in the $17 billion settlement? (00:01:03) Meta's multi billion dollar settlement (00:07:30) BIG changes to teen accounts on Meta's social media platforms (00:10:48) Who really wins from the settlement (00:15:11) key structural issues still...
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I thought the video was AI generated. The devastating Nepal floods
On the morning of August 26th, 2026, tragedy struck along the Nepali-Chinese border. A massive deluge of mud and water raced into the Lende Khola at nearly 100 kilometers per hour and washed away everything in its path, including a port of entry, villages, and human lives. With a death toll...
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Shift happens? Outlining the Mecca Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan
It’s official: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are on each other's team...on paper, anyway. In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze what the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement (the Mecca Agreement) between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan means for the Middle East and South Asia. This...
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You + random Fred’s Facebook argument = BIG $$$ for an Indonesian villager
(00:00:00) You + random Fred’s Facebook argument = BIG $$$ for an Indonesian villager (00:06:41) The key part of the episode you shouldn't miss Curious about where the fuel for an angry thread or flame war on social media begins? It’ll likely surprise you—like it did us! Meme and engagement farms...
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Does the US-South Korea alliance cool as Northeast Asia simmers?
In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze and explore potential ramifications in South Korea (and in the region) due to the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises being abruptly shortened. Since his first term, President Trump has called out South Korea for not doing enough to bear the costs of…
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Run for office like you would a First Down: Sherman's run across Nevada's Second District
(00:00:00) Run for office like you would a First Down: Sherman's run across Nevada's Second District (00:00:52) Podcast starts (00:01:32) An introduction to Sherman's campaign for Congress (00:08:54) An overview of Nevada's Second District (00:11:13) Challenges of running for office for the first...
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An overview of the migration crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish city in Africa
The Spanish city of Ceuta sits between the Rock of Gibraltar and a very hard place for tens of thousands of migrants. It now sits at the epicenter of a major geopolitical flash point between Spain, Morocco, the EU, and public opinion around the world. In this episode, Dave and Gavin quickly peel...
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A megaphone for the people's voices: Featuring Ramon Perez and Dan Williams
(00:00:00) A megaphone for the people's voices: Featuring Ramon Perez and Dan Williams (00:00:56) Podcast Starts -- Intro about Dan Williams (00:02:00) Why Dan Williams decided to run for office in District 11 in Florida (00:03:21) The evolution of direct democracy (00:06:01) Technology's role in...
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How American Idol can inspire political change and fight gerrymandering (feat. Tom Joseph)
(00:00:00) How American Idol can inspire political change and fight gerrymandering (feat. Tom Joseph) (00:00:43) Introduction to the episode, gerrymandering, and its impact in elections (00:02:57) The role of America's Main Street Party (00:05:41) Tom's innovative approach to political...
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Prediction Markets are the next big thing in finance (feat. Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Benzinga)
(00:00:00) Prediction Markets are the next big thing in finance (feat. Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Benzinga) (00:00:59) Introduction to Benzinga and Prediction Markets (00:03:23) The impact on finance from prediction markets (00:06:16) Retail investor behavior and market dynamics (00:09:05) Future...
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Indonesia's ambitious program to feed millions of kids is a window into the country
(00:00:00) Indonesia's ambitious program to feed millions of kids is a window into the country (00:00:38) The podcast starts (00:03:11) Challenges of implementing the MBG Program (00:05:49) Indonesia's quiet public health and nutrition crisis (00:08:39) The ambitious goals of the MBG Program...
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A sad tale about backpackers getting caught up in local problems in Southeast Asia
On November 13th 2024, a tragedy occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos. Six tourists from four countries lost their lives from unknowingly drinking methanol at a popular backpackers’ hostel. Fast forward a year and a half, and charges have been laid against the owner of the distillery…over a $1,000 and…
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Voter equality is underrated: The state of open primaries in the United States (Feat. Chad Peace)
(00:00:00) Voter equality is underrated: The state of open primaries in the United States (Feat. Chad Peace) (00:00:46) Podcast Intro (00:01:40) An overview on Proposition 14: California's Game-changing primary election measure (00:04:37) The impact of Proposition 14 on California's political and...
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Is "insider trading" the secret ingredient to digital success on the music charts?
How does “Earrings,” a 2024 indie sleeper by Malcom Todd that nobody had ever heard of make it to No. 1 on the Spotify charts in 2026? Whatever the case, Spotify had to issue a mea culpa after Kalshi pointed out that bots programmed by some bad actors who were looking to make a quick buck—not...
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What Gavin and Spongebob have in common (Bonus Episode)
Before we recorded our planned episode yesterday, we spontaneously jumped into talking about driving, Korea, and North Korea. And now, I know why Gavin has never suggested renting a car. You’ll also hear a tidbit about why a Korean Driver’s license is powerful, arguably more so than the Dear…
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Will Congress' solution to protect American kids from AI slop work?
(00:00:00) Intro and why we are covering this (00:00:52) Overview of two of the key pieces of legislation moving through Congress (00:03:13) Commonalities between and implications of the bills (00:07:08) Regulatory framework and enforcement (a major weakness) (00:09:13) A key solution the bill...
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We came. We trained the locals. We got the hell out: The U.S. military's recent mission to Nigeria
Five months after the quiet announcement that American troops were being deployed in Nigeria to combat the local IS franchise, an even quieter announcement that the 200-ish deployment has already come to an end. The strategic aims apparently having been met, the US’s engagement, which began with…
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A big thank you from Dave and Gavin as we come up on 2 years
Hello, On the Fringe Community! Here’s a quick thank you message as we wrap up season. We appreciate and enjoy your continued support—and we have more on the way! All the best from both of us, Dave + Gav
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A mistaken identity...It's all in the name On the Fringe
Two people with uncommon names find out for the first time what it’s like having a common name + being confused for someone else. In the last couple of years, there have been several other On the Fringe podcasts that have come out. For the first time in both our lives (Dave + Gavin), we are being...
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Bears gone wild 2!
In this episode, Gav and Dave tackle the continuing problem of bear attacks in Japan by looking at a recent incident involving a smarter than average bear. As rural communities shrink and bears push into populated areas, especially in Tohoku, the country continues to struggle with all of the...
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The Bishnoi gang is quietly squeezing Canada
Canada’s in a sticky situation…and, it’s not from maple syrup! In this episode, Dave and Gav look at the rise of the irrepressible Bishnoi Gang in Canada and what it says about the continuing evolution of transnational crime. They trace how a gang rooted in northern India developed reach far…
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Technology in Sudan's Civil War is changing modern warfare
In recent weeks, autonomous Akıncı drones flown by the Sudanese Armed Forces (and likely the Ethiopians for the RSF) went head-to-head, marking the first recorded event of two autonomous weapons facing off. Both drones came from the same manufacturer, Bayraktar, a Turkish defense company. Listen…
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The Terminator Age has begun
Will algorithms be better decision makers than humans when it REALLY counts? Some countries are betting on it, while others are taking baby steps. We’ve got a short episode about what autonomous weapons are, what they do, and why they could be consequential to the future of war and humanity, much...
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The Counterfeit: Chinese spy-ops, and a possible future view of America (Feat. Dr. Ralph DeFalco)
(00:00:00) The Counterfeit: Chinese spy-ops, and a possible future view of America (Feat. Dr. Ralph DeFalco) (00:00:49) Introducing Dr. Ralph DeFalco III (00:02:52) The Counterfeit: A geopolitical thriller as described by the author (00:08:40) Crafting a realistic scenario and characters…
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The prediction market legal slugfest between states and the Feds is going 12 rounds
In recent days, a now former Google software engineer, Michele Spagnuolo, was arrested and charged by the Feds in New York for wire fraud, insider trading, and a laundry list of financial crimes for using information gained from his position to make crooked bets on Polymarket, netting in over $1...
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The CIA doesn't have a big enough broom for the Gold Bar Dave scandal
(00:00:00) An introduction to 'Gold Bar Dave' (David Rush) (00:05:32) The craziest part and biggest miss of the investigation (00:08:25) Implications of the breach and why the FBI and IRS should leave no stone unturned In this episode, Dave and Gavin dive into a wild tale, and what may be the...
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The slower the Strait of Hormuz gets, the faster things move in the Gulf
(00:00:00) The slower the Strait of Hormuz gets, the faster things move in the Gulf (00:01:11) Podcast Starts here: Barnacles are growing on ships (00:05:37) Ramifications at the ballot box in November if shipping slows more (00:08:34) Changes in regional dynamics in the last three months...
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Rebuilding democracy from the ground up: the Digital Democracy Project (Feat. Ramon Perez)
(00:00:00) Rebuilding democracy from the ground up: the Digital Democracy Project (Feat. Ramon Perez) (00:00:52) Introducing our guest, Ramon Perez and the Digital Democracy Project (00:03:18) The motivation behind the Digital Democracy Project (00:06:05) Gerrymandering, a major flaw in the…
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How and why you should learn a foreign language (feat. Polyglot David Ramos)
(00:00:00) How and why you should learn a foreign language (feat. Polyglot David Ramos) (00:00:55) Podcast Starts (00:02:00) How David started his language journey (00:08:01) Using obstacles life throws at you as motivation for growth (00:12:26) Gearing up to more difficult languages (Mandarin,...
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Gadgets in the Dragon's Grip: China's control over critical minerals (Feat. Tomasz Nadrowski)
This week, Dave and Gav sit down with Tomasz Nadrowski, author of Mineral Wars: China’s Quest for Weapons of Mineral Destruction. They dive into chokepoint theory, fragile supply chains and the disquieting reality that modern life is held together by a handful of minerals most people have never...
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Pakistan: a kingmaker or a pawn in the Gulf--Or Both?!
In this episode, Gav and Dave break down how Pakistan has become a critical piece on the board in the competition between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They focus especially on the millions of Pakistani migrant workers whose labor props up huge parts of the Gulf economy while also...
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The UAE is waking up to a new world while Saudi hits snooze
On May 1, the UAE left OPEC, the Organization of the Petrolium Exporting Countries. This wasn't a brash move; it was a highly calculated manouver during a critical window for the country's future. In this episode, Dave and Gav look at how the UAE has drifted away from the consensus politics of...
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Mali's Junta is short on time, fuel, and control (Feat. Stuart Bolus)
(00:00:00) Mali's Junta is short on time, fuel, and control (Feat. Stuart Bolus) (00:00:55) The Ongoing Crisis in Mali (00:03:40) Another major intelligence failure by the Junta (00:06:51) The Roles of Foreign Powers in Mali (00:14:08) AES to the rescue? (00:15:48) Why the future looks dark for...
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The Dark Side of Prediction Markets
Gav and Dave wade back into the increasingly unhinged world of prediction markets, starting with how Kalshi ended up fining and banning a handful of American politicians for betting on their own elections, which sounds small until you realize it’s basically insider trading with campaign posters....
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Is higher ed worth it as small colleges shut down? Dave and Gavin's take
Americans and international students are losing confidence in higher education in the United States. What does this mean? Gav and Dave are going back to college to explore how the financial crisis affecting higher education segues into a much larger (and arguably more important conversation)…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The media glosses over AI usage and geopolitics. We dive into how both go hand-in-hand, speak with up-and-coming major players, and shed light on groundbreaking events in our wheelhouses: Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
onthefringepodcast.substack.com
Reach out to us with any questions, comments, or if you'd like to be a guest at [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Dave and Gavin
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does On the Fringe have?
On the Fringe currently has 187 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is On the Fringe about?
The media glosses over AI usage and geopolitics. We dive into how both go hand-in-hand, speak with up-and-coming major players, and shed light on groundbreaking events in our wheelhouses: Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. onthefringepodcast.substack.com Reach out to us with any questions,...
How often does On the Fringe release new episodes?
On the Fringe publishes regularly with 187 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to On the Fringe?
You can listen to On the Fringe on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts On the Fringe?
On the Fringe is created and hosted by Dave and Gavin.
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