On the Fringe

In this episode, Dave and Gav look at how the UAE has drifted away from the consensus politics of institutions like Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council in favor of a more transactional worldview that treats regional politics less like alliances and more like market positioning. We’ll be unpacking how Abu Dhabi’s approach to trade, ports, normalization, proxy conflicts and investment strategy increasingly reflects a zero-sum mindset where influence is something to be accumulated before anyone else can.We contrast this with Saudi Arabia, which has struggled to pull off the same pivot not because its leadership lacks ambition, but because the kingdom is burdened with a much larger population, heavier subsidy expectations, religious obligations, and geographic exposure that make it far harder to reinvent itself into the kind of nimble commercial state the UAE has spent years trying to become.If you enjoyed the episode, do us a MASSIVE favor and share it, leave a comment, and tell your friends. Thank you for helping us grow the show. We wouldn’t be here without you.All the best from both of us On the Fringe,Dave and Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, with help from friend of the pod, Stuart Bolus, Gav and Dave dig into the April 25th attacks across Mali in which jihadist groups working in concert with Tuareg separatists managed to hit multiple cities, shut down key infrastructure and killed the Defense Minister and other key members of the ruling Junta. This highlights an increasingly uncomfortable situation where Mali, a critically important country in the geographical and cultural center of the region, increasingly looks and behaves like a state on the brink of total collapse. We talk about what this means for the region, why outside assistance will likely not be coming (not for the government anyways) and why we’d all be surprised if the Malian government lasts until the end of 2026.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a comment, send us an email, or better yet—subscribe for more. We love hearing from our On the Fringe community! All the best from us On the Fringe,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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. Then, they pivot to the much less subtle case of a U.S. military operator getting arrested after allegedly pulling in over $400,000 on Polymarket by betting on the capture of Nicolás Maduro using classified information. Are there more cases like this coming soon? Let us know what you think!If you enjoyed the episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share! All the best from both of us On the Fringe,Gav and Dave This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Gav and Dave go back to college! This week, the guys talk about the financial crisis affecting higher education across the U.S., which segues into a much larger conversation about how and why higher education has gotten into dire straits, where the Sultans of Swing are hitting their enrollment numbers—and more importantly, their bottom lines.If you enjoyed the episode, don’t skimp on the comments and share it with a friend. Or, leave us a message. We always appreicate it!All the best from both of us On the Fringe,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Gav and Dave get their toes wet in jet fuel, the least glamorous substance floating around the global economy (maybe next to guano), and follow how price swings and current supply hiccups linked to the current shenanigans in the Strait of Hormuz are keeping airlines in a state of unease where ticket prices jump, routes quietly disappear, and everyone insists this is a normal behavior for a supposedly stale industry. If you enjoyed the episode (or if we made a mistake and you want to call us out), leave us a comment, send us a comment—or an email. We really appreciate your listenership and couldn’t be growing as fast as we are without YOU. Please, if you enjoyed it or learned something, send it to a friend.Thanks from both of us On the Fringe,Gav and Dave This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of On The Fringe, Gav and Dave dig into the sudden collapse of the Board of Peace, because nothing says “stable international order” like an institution quietly disappearing mid-crisis. We trace how internal fractures, economic short-falls, and a complete inability to enforce its own mandates turned what was supposed to be a conflict-dampening mechanism into just another casualty of the current geopolitical moment. There will be knock-on effects cutting through regional alignments and the already frayed idea that anyone at the top is actually planning anything. Does the Board of Peace have a chance despite being on life support? Let us know what you think! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Here’s a hot tip on the next big thing—prediction markets!This week, Polymarket and Kalshi are going to court in California to find out whether or not the federal government or individual states have jurisdiction over them….and Donald Trump Jr. (a prominent investor/advisor to both and an actual board member of Kalshi) finds out whether or not he’s hit the jackpot.This ruling will affect national security concerns, sports, celebrities, elections, and other events, big and small, worldwide. How do governments try to figure out how to regulate betting on whether the sun comes up tomorrow? We don’t know—and if you have any ideas, shoot us an email!As always, thanks for listening! All the best from both of us On the Fringe,Gav and DaveOn the Fringe is supported by readers and listeners like you. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We appreciate it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

When you see something online, do you honestly think it is genuine or has your best interest at heart? In this episode, Dave and Gavin talk with Braden Frame, COO of Modern Cartographers based out of Austin. Braden is a medically retired firefighter and expert digital literacy educator who helps communities across the country stay safe and improve communication, among other things. In the chat, we navigate the landscape of how social media has changed in the last few years and can be leveraged to strengthen campaigns and communities. We also dive into how we as average users of the internet can make a difference in our lives when we use AI positively as a tool to find solutions, not as the solution. We end the podcast with a reminder from Braden that you don't want to miss.www.moderncartographers.com Meet Braden hereIf you'd like to join us On the Fringe, shoot us an email at [email protected] for listening! This post is public so feel free to share it.On the Fringe is listener supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We sincerely appreciate it! The podcast, title, and description weren’t AI generated. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

For roughly 6 weeks, Afghanistan and Pakistan have been fighting a hot war that has received very little coverage. Yet the ongoing conflict is impacting (and being impacted by) the Middle East and South Asia. We have been following it—and have even made episodes about it that we planned to release—but shelved them because they were stale by the release date.This is a quick update about the last few weeks (and before) in that part of the world, two main causes of the war, and who is stepping up to quell the fighting.If you learned something, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share. We really appreciate it!Take care from both of us On the Fringe,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

A belated Eid Mubarak, Happy Easter, and Happy Passover to all. The last three weeks have come at a very sensitive time for hundreds of millions of people in the Middle East. Despite all of the differences, many still find faith as a cornerstone of their lives, especially when all looks lost. Regardless of what you believe, let’s all keep hope close and remember the night is darkest just before dawn. All the best from both of us On the Fringe,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Dave and Gav take apart the rise of prediction markets during wartime, where financial bets and gambling compulsions are on a collision with real-world violence…and reality. With the ongoing Iran conflict, they examine how millions of dollars are being wagered on strikes, leadership challenges, and ceasefires, turning war into a tradable asset for the masses.If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, or share. We truly appreciate it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Gav and Dave, joined by guest Leo Andolsek take a wide-angle view of the Balkans. Leo cuts through the noise in modern media to unpack the layered history, cultures, and persistent tensions of this fascinating corner of Europe. Our chat connects the past and present in plain terms, winding through the rise and collapse of Yugoslavia and tiptoeing past the fault lines that still define relations between its successor states. Expect a focus on how historical memories, complex dynamics, and transcending nationalism shape all of these countries today.If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the podcast. We appreciate it! The map of the Balkans in the top right corner was made by ImStevan and can be found on Wikimedia here: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Dave and Gavin talk to old friend of the pod, Stuart Bolus, about the state of West Africa and how it got to where it is today. In this wide ranging conversation, we talk about the economic crisis underpinning the jihadi violence tearing the Sahel apart, the colonial problems that lead to this, and how that economic crisis coincides with larger social and demographic problems that will continue to make West Africa a region to watch for a long, long time. We also make light of the plight of the humble yam farmer, for which we apologize.Stuart’s insight was featured on Season 2, Episode 39: The man of the hour in West Africa. The map of Africa in the corner of the cover art was made by Sannita and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made. The giant yam in the cover art was made by Muktee1494 and is available here on Wikimedia. No changes were made. If you enjoyed the podcast, help us out and leave a comment or restack it. Thank you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

The Gulf States (from east to west: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar UAE, Oman) are at the center of an accelerating confrontation between the US and Israel, and Iran. Iran is forcing their hand to end their longstanding neutrality and to choose a side. Which side will they choose?In this episode, Gavin and Dave take a hard look at the region that is drifting into a conflict cycle that neither side fully controls. They talk about the security architecture of the individual GCC states, Tehran’s strategy of escalation and asymmetric warfare, and the affects of political and economic constraints in capitals like Riyadh and Abu Dhabi. Further, dive into how limited disruption around the Strait of Hormuz reverberates throughout the global economy, and will for a long long time.Also, I (Dave) made a mistake--I said the Spratly Islands and should have said the Senkaku Islands. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

The Board of Peace held its 2026 annual meeting in Washington, DC, gaining capital commitments and additional members. During the meeting, five member countries on the Board of Peace (Indonesia, Morocco, Albania, Kosovo, and Kazakhstan) have all pledged to send troops to the Gaza Strip. In this episode, Gavin and Dave dive into why these countries intend to commit troops to the International Stabilization Force, their motivations for joining, and immediate challenges the peacekeeping force will face. Most notably, we discuss why rules of engagement will be critical to the stability of Gaza, and why a general lack of transparency will likely handicap any real attempt to bring peace to Gaza. Can these five countries, likely led by Indonesia achieve long lasting peace? Let us know what you think!If you enjoyed the episode, click subscribe below. We sincerely appreciate it!This Substack is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.All the best from both of us,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! In this bonus episode, Gavin and Dave look at why so many former presidents of South Korea leave the Blue House under a cloud of investigation or prosecution or just plain bad luck, and why this pattern may be getting harder to break. And, argue that this mix of geopolitical tension and demographic decline makes the presidency of the Republic of Korea more unstable and less forgiving than in the past.South Korea faces rising pressure from North Korea and increasing disengagement from the United States. At the same time, the country’s birthrate continues to fall at one of the fastest rates in the world. A shrinking population feeds cultural anxiety and creates a long-term security problem for a country that relies on conscription. Fewer young people mean strain on the military system and on public finances.Will Korea somehow undergo a baby boom? Will robots and AI save the country’s population from crashing off the face of the earth? Let us know what you think.If you enjoyed the podcast, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, or share.We really appreciate it your support! All the best from us On the Fringe!Dave and GavinThis Substack is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We appreciate it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Gav and Dave dive headlong into the weird, wonderful world of prediction markets; giant online betting platforms where you can put a wager on just about anything under the sun.These new multi-billion dollar markets seem to be incentivizing people to bet on anything. In this quick bonus, we take a quick dive into a story of two Israelis with military connections being charged this last week with misusing military secrets to put bets on strikes against Iran, and an ongoing investigation into $400,000 dollars one lucky punter walked away with after the removal of Nicolas Maduro in January…..and with impressive capital gains and political backing in all the right places, it doesn’t seem like something that governments or corporations will be able (or willing) to put a lid on any of this any time soon.Leave us your best feedback, a comment, or your favorite emoji and we will get back to you. Thanks again for listening!This Substack is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Gavin and Dave move the spotlight to Africa, where the Saudi–UAE rivalry is less than subtle and where a flare-up might have a major impact on your world. As it has played out, the UAE has backed, funded and supplied weapons and mercenaries to the RSF, one of the two competing factions in the Sudanese Civil War; the other faction, the Sudanese Armed Forces, are increasingly dependent on Egyptian and Turkish logistical support and defense platforms paid for with money from Riyadh. In Somalia, this has manifested for Emirati support for Somaliland’s recognition of Israel and Saudi’s backing of the Federal government in Mogadishu (aided by Turkish F-16s and one of the largest military bases in Sub-Saharan Africa). The increasingly fraught relations between the two countries shows no signs of course correcting any time soon….though the Board of Peace might conceivably play some role in whatever comes next.Will the Board of Peace make its first big play and showcase its value? (It is $1 billion to join). Let us know what you think below! Shoot us an email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Dave and Gav dig into the increasingly heated rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two monarchies that once moved in lockstep, but are now violently competing for regional dominance.What began as a strategic partnership, most visibly in Yemen after 2015, has evolved into a contest over leadership of the Gulf, influence in OPEC+, and control of trade routes. Saudi Arabia under MBS is repositioning itself as the political and economic heavyweight of the Middle East, pressuring multinationals to relocate regional headquarters to Riyadh and recalibrating its foreign policy outreach. Meanwhile, the UAE has leveraged its port networks, financial hubs, and interventionist security policies to build influence from the Horn of Africa to the Eastern Mediterranean.This episode lays out how the two countries are increasingly tangled up in all the worst ways. Is this former close relationship a sign of more things to come in geopolitics, or just a quick flash in the pan?Let us know at [email protected] or send us a message!This Substack is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We sincerely appreciate it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

A well-known hotel in Macau just ripped out its iconic showpiece as gold prices are at (nearly) record highs. Learn why this is happening and what this means going forward for the Special Administrative Region of China. If you liked the short, let us know and smash that like button! We appreciate it. All the best from us on the Fringe! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! In this quick episode we explore what the end of the CIA World Factbook means for inquiring minds, and AI-generated content. If you enjoy the short bonus episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe or share with your fellow trivia team or geo-bee all stars. We sincerely appreciate it :) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We are going back to a topic that we’ve followed since the beginning of On the Fringe—scam farms in Southeast Asia. Some of our first episodes covered these scam farms and organized crime in the region, including the wild tales of Alice Guo, former mayor of Banban in the Philppines.These bad guys are using the latest technology, modern-day slavery, and cunning tactics to get you, the average citizen, to lose trust in society as well as your life savings. Despite the recent crackdown (and Dave and Gavin’s reasoning as to why now), we think it will get worse. Learn how and why by listening to this episode—and share it with your loved ones, especially if they use social media or are not tech-savvy.If you’ve ever caught them in their sneaky traps, share your story below, or shoot us an email! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Dave and Gavin take a look into a new organization, that seems to be a real harbinger of things to come. Initially pitched as a ‘technocratic government’ for Gaza, the initial concept of an executive board has snowballed into an organization with a charter as vague as its members are colorful. United by a vision of governance that is action-oriented and personality-based, the Board of Peace, even if it goes down in flames, is likely to dominate conversations about international relations for years to come.If you liked the episode, pass it on, shoot us a message here or at [email protected]. We are excited to be back and have more on the way!All the best from us,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We are kicking off season 4 much earlier than we’d thought. Why? Early Saturday morning, the international rules-based order, or what was left of it, expired both painfully and suddenly with the removal of Nicolas Maduro (and his wife) from Caracas to New York City. In this episode, we focus, not on the events of that early morning raid, but of its potential and actual ramifications for international relations. The idea that relations between states are governed by codified, internationally-accepted laws has been the main characteristic of relations between states over the last 75 years. It is no longer the case, and inter-state conflict is about to ramp up in a way that is both predictable and utterly impossible to foresee.If you enjoyed the episode, shoot us a comment, give us some love, and let us know. We appreciate it and will be back again soon!Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! Happy 2026! Gavin and I wish you all the best in your endeavors this year—and we would love to hear about them (and how we can help!)We started the On the Fringe Substack last January (2025) and have more downloads and interest than we could have imagined. We wouldn’t be here without you guys and can’t thank you enough for your support. We literally started with 0, and have had over 6,000 downloads from our Substack alone, and thousands more views and listens. Since we started Season 3 in August, We’ve doubled our listeners (and it’s not just Aunt Leena telling Aunt Nelda). We are seeing real listener growth with the show and will keep it going strong for Season 4. As we keep growing, we want to hear more from y’all! What do you like, what do you NOT like, and where can we get better to provide you a better listener experience. We’re going to keep unraveling geopolitical events and AI as we move forward into season 4 and will be coming at you with more in the coming weeks! Thanks again!Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hello all, from over top of Baffin Island! I’m about as far as north as you can go, and depending on your view point, OpenAI may be just as near the top of Santa’s naughty list for next year. We’ve got a short bonus episode that’s been under the radar in the West, and front page news in India. OpenAI’s mobile version of ChatGPT called ChatGPT Go is now free in India for a full year for new subscribers. Gavin and I dive into potential reasons why this might be happening, and what the future may hold for the company and hundreds of millions of Indians (as well as other users worldwide) who take advantage of it. If you like the episode, don’t forget to give us a like, comment, or subscribe. We truly appreciate it! And, if you think we’re totally off base here—call us out. Thanks as always for listening, and stay smart!Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! This week on On the Fringe, Dave and Gavin yack about a recent incident in Reno, Nevada, where a man was misidentified by using AI technology. We jump into the uses and misuses of AI in the modern world, and what increased reliance without the human element leads society toward.If you’re curious about our take on it, don’t miss this episode!Check out some of our more recent episodes about AI.Season 3, Episode 21, On the Edge of Everything, with Practical AI CEO Derek CragerSeason 3, Episode 5: A Crash Course on GPTs, with John Otwell, a Software EngineerSeason 3, Episode 7: Questions anyone using AI needs to ask themselves, with John Otwell and Kevin WongIf you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. We truly appreciate it!All the best,Dave and GavinHere's the YouTube Video we referenced: https://youtu.be/B9M4F_U1eEw?si=testFg29pvSixGE-No AI was misused in the production of this episode, but it was used to make the image of the guy in the top right corner of the cover art. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Dave and Gav brought back Joe Barnes, friend of the pod and guest on our episode about neighboring Kazakhstan to talk about Kyrgyzstan. Joe dives into a deep backstory about the Kyrgyz Republic, and why the country has taken off economically in the last few years. One reason—it’s absolutely beautiful and an incredible value for your money.We also discuss what has changed in Kyrgyz civil society and how important gold is (and mining) to the country.If you’ve got an inkling to explore Central Asia on foot or online, don’t miss this episode.We love to hear from our listeners and fans. Leave us some feedback, your favorite emoji, or a rating. Take care and all the best from us here On the Fringe!Dave and Gav--Reach out to Joe on his website, X/Twitter, and see his articles for the Diplomat here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We’ve got a quick episode for you and two events we will likely be covering in our next season in greater depth. In the first part, Dave and Gav talk about what’s going on between Thailand and Cambodia. In the second part, Gavin goes on a tear and gets to the bottom of a murky situation in Benin. As always, thanks for listening and joining us On the Fringe!All the best,Dave and Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We are not coming at you as “Moody in Mumbai” or “Desperate in Delhi,” but we feel for those who are.Over the last couple of weeks, IndiGo, India’s largest airline has suffered from major operational setbacks. We’re diving into the most recent one, a change in the law for crew rest, that caused the airline to cancel thousands of flights in the last week as well as why these events may have occurred.If you’re interested in India, don’t miss this episode—and if you’re flying to or within India, we wish you the best in getting to your destination.Take care,Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Dave and Gav talk with Derek ‘DC’ Crager, the CEO of Practical AI. Derek is at the forefront of building what he describes as ‘human-first’ AI and makes the pitch that AI has to be tailored to human needs. We talk about the uses and misuses of AI technology, where it could make a real difference in people’s lives, and not only for improving productivity.If you’re curious about future technology and the impact on life as we know it, don’t miss this episode. For more information about Derek’s company Practical AI, and Pocket Mentor click below. https://www.practicalai.app/Derek also provided the first chapter of his book, “Human First AI,” available below. https://www.humanfirstai.net/ The small bot in the corner is from freepik.com, can be found here, and was created by upklyak This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, we brought back Stuart Bolus from last season to talk about the state of African democracy. You’ll learn what it looks like, why it is fragile, and how it differs from country to country, along with local insight (including how illiterates can legitimately vote and how they work as elected officials—yes, that’s not a typo!) Shoot us a message, leave us a comment, or send us your favorite emoji if you enjoyed the ep! We love hearing from our On the Fringe community.Thanks as always for checking us out On the Fringe!All the best, Dave and Gavin The colorful flag map of Africa in the corner of our podcast art is from Wikimedia and was made by WwJLaik and can be found here: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

For this bonus episode, Gav and Dave talk about a real interesting response to a recent Gallup poll in which 40% of American women between the ages of 15-44 declared their interest in leaving the United States permanently. If this doesn’t cause you some concern, you might be looking at a different number. Share below or shoot us an email about what you think means and if we’re off base here. We’d love to hear your opinions.As always, thanks for listening and joining us On the Fringe. Happy Thanksgiving!Dave and Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week Gav and Dave return to one of the first stories we covered here on On the Fringe, the story of Alice Guo, one-time mayor of Bamban in the northern Philippines, erstwhile inmate in the Filipino prison system. We dive into the bare bones of who she is, how she wound up as mayor, and why she just got sentenced to life in prison, along with diving into how this informs larger narratives playing out in Southeast Asia. For very SERIOUS allegations that She and Alice worked for the MSS:She Zhejiang disclosed during an interview to al jazeera in 2024 that he worked for the MSS. We can’t confirm if what She said is true true or not—pun intended. Thanks for listening and leave us a comment, like, or share the word. We appreciate it!All the best from On the Fringe,Dave and GavAfter you’ve listened, here’s that episode about Alice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Gav and Dave talk about a major issue facing Japan, rampaging bears. Wild bears are causing whole areas of Japan to be declared no-go zones for civilians, and even the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are being called into assist in keeping people and bears at a safe distance. We’re diving into why exactly this is becoming an issue and why Japan’s ongoing struggle with a rapidly aging and decreasing population is playing a key role in this whole issue. As always, thanks for bearing with us! Reach out to [email protected] with any comments and we’ll get back to you. **Also, I said Akita and Iwate are “provinces.” They are prefectures (県）すみません！**All the best,Dave and Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Timestamps: Intro — 0:22Part 1: The Thai King in China — 0:50 How China can likely snuff out the fighting between Thailand and Cambodia — 05:05Part 2: Al-Sharaa in Washington — 06:40 Hey all! This week, the Thai King visited Xi Jinping in Beijing, and Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the President of Syria, visited the White House. In BOTH meetings, the media is not including key details that you have to recognize to understand what is really happening.We dipped our toes into what we think is going on behind the scenes. Listen in and find out what you are missing. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, share, or reach out at [email protected] We appreciate it and couldn’t keep growing without you! All the best from us on On the Fringe,Dave + Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Two shadowy Russians flew to the United Arab Emirates to free Horatiu Potra, a Romanian security expert and ex-French Foreign Legionnaire, out of a Dubai jail after he was arrested in September. Rather than fly to Russia—as he almost did—Potra has decided to go back to Romania to face trial along with former Romanian Presidential candidate Calin Georgescu, who was charged with attempting to stage a coup in the country.Listen as we dive into why he would go back and what this means for the European Union and the ongoing war in Ukraine, which we don’t see ending anytime soon.We love to hear from our audience and the On the Fringe community! If you enjoyed the episode, send us a message, drop a comment, or give us a rating!Thanks and take care!Dave and GavShoot us a message at [email protected]—No tin foil hat required!This Substack is reader and listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! This week, we are taking you back to West Africa and building on our last episode about a growing jihadist influence in this corner of the world. Bamako is a city running out of time. With little fuel, the city is entering an existential crisis as neighboring countries and major powers realize the ruling military junta’s days may be numbered, as does Gavin. Whatever comes after though will likely be worse as this region continues to spiral. For more on what is happening in this part of the world, don’t miss a few of our other episodes. Last week, we covered the kidnapping of a Christian missionary and pilot in neighboring Niger—in broad daylight. This will give you insight into what is going on on the ground, along with our quick episode about this neighboring country you don’t want to visit right now.As always, thanks for listening! Take care and stay safe!Dave and Gavin Thanks for listening to On the Fringe! Feel free to share the podcastThis Substack is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We really appreciate it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Our map can be found here, courtesy of julesdhl on Reddit. Thank you, Stuart!We’ve got a short, spontaneous (and timely!) bonus episode! This time, Gav and Dave yak and spitball about a map comparing different foreign ministry’s threat assessments of Burkina Faso, a small but critically important country in West Africa. They all bear bad news, but they’re all just a little bit different. We talk about what this means, and what it portends for the country of upright men. To hear more about Burkina Faso, check out this episode: The Man of the Hour in West Africa, featuring Stuart. If you like this style of episode, let us know! shoot us an email at [email protected] as always for listening,Dave and Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, Gavin takes a stroll down memory lane and talks in depth about Niger, a key country in the Sahel region of West Africa. Since October 21, Niger has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. Just 100 yards from the Presidential Palace in Niamey, the country’s capital, Kevin Rideout, an American missionary and bush pilot was kidnapped by jihadist terrorists and is currently being held for ransom. Our hearts, thoughts, and sincerest prayers go out to Kevin Rideout, his family, and his congregation. What does this event mean for the country and the United States (and Americans in Niger) at a critical time for the country. Listen in and find out. If you enjoyed the episode, please don’t forget to like, comment, or subscribe to On the Fringe. We sincerely appreciate it! The flag of Niger was created by verdy_p and can be found here: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Gav and Dave dive into the Gen Z protests/revolutions/unrest that are currently unfolding across the world and analyze some of the driving factors to this transformative moment that the mainstream media may be missing out on. We also look into how the death of traditional political and economic institutions (accelerated by the emergence of AI, amongst other things) is creating a social environment where large classes of the population increasingly feel that they have nothing left to lose but their chains.If you haven’t listened to it yet, don’t miss our previous episode, Season 3, Episode 12: the Front Lines of the AI Future featuring Sherman Tylawsky, an expert on civics. As always, thanks a million for your support! We wouldn’t be here without you. Reach out with any comments, questions, or fan mail: [email protected] the best from On the Fringe,Gav and Dave This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Approximate Timestamps:0:21 — Episode Starts1:15 — Sherman’s Intro and his Podcast, Friends and Fellow Citizens4:37 — The context of George Washington’s 6 core values, then vs. now 10:15 — Institutional flexibility as a core to America’s foundation13:50 — Personal identity in America 24:00 — Is technology cryptonite when put to institutions? 26:40 — Where does the battle to save institutions start? 30:10 — Why here first? 33:10 — The key traits and skills needed to protect society’s values39:10 — The must-have secret weapon that everyone needs to knowHey all! We have an awesome chat today with Sherman Tylawsky, a PhD candidate at the University of Alabama, and Founder of the George Washington Institute. Sherman is an expert on civics and the Founding Fathers, and the Host of Friends and Fellow Citizens, a podcast you need to check out if you’re interested in the foundation that built America (it’s linked below).Human to human relationships and shared values have been at the crux of every major human achievement since the dawn of time, and were pivotal to pulling the United States together as a young nation—and keeping it together at times of crisis. As AI becomes more common in our everyday lives, how does the United States keep these values relevant in a less-human future? Listen and hear from an expert. Hope you enjoy our chat, and leave us a message or comment to join in! Thanks a million,Dave, Gavin, and Sherman Sherman’s Podcast Friends and Fellow CitizensSherman’s YouTube ChannelSherman’s LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We have another episode piggybacking off our last episode. Season 3, Episode 10: How Scam farms are crippling Thailand’s tourism industry.In this episode, Dave and Gav return to the Golden Triangle to talk about an unlucky (crime) family. In the last week, members of the Ming Organized Crime Group have been sentenced to death in the People’s Republic of China. Among the long list of crimes, their biggest sin was running one of the regions biggest scam centers…and one that made most of its money targeting Chinese citizens, both as forced labor in the scam farms and as victims. We hash over the continued geopolitical mess caused by the rise of the scam farm economy in mainland Southeast Asia, cover how it isn’t going away anytime soon, and end with a warning. If you liked the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, or share. Shoot us a message at [email protected] Thanks and take care! Dave and GavinThe photo of the 18th National CCP Congress is from Wikimedia and can be accessed here: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! On this episode we look at Thailand, the former juggernaut of tourism in Southeast Asia. Thailand is a country much loved here on On the Fringe, but lately it has struggled with a key sector in its economy, tourism. Whether it’s because of COVID, being in a rough neighborhood, or mixed messaging on key legislation, Thailand has been having a rough time staying competitive in the cut-throat world of global tourism. This week, Gav and Dave hash out the tourism industry in Thailand, where it’s at, and where it’s going. If you’ve never been to Thailand and want to learn more about the country, or want to understand what is causing people to not visit, don’t miss this episode. We’ve done several other podcasts on the Golden Triangle. Listen to them here: Season 2, Episode 3: Pig Farming in the Golden Triangle (what this scam called Pig Farming is)Season 2, Episode 25: It’s all coming down (the 7.7 earthquake + initial recovery in Myanmar in March 2025) The Flag of Thailand is from Wikimedia commons. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.comThis episode is subscribers only. To listen and get access to an exclusive series, type your email below. Hey all! In this episode, you get a laugh at our expense, and hopefully some helpful advice on how to manage getting your haircut in a foreign country, especially when you have to navigate doing it a foreign language.Listen to how you can avoid gett…

Hey all! Apologies for taking a couple of extra days to get this one out—it’s worth the wait, though! We cover the recent protests in Nepal, and dive into what is really going on behind the scenes in the heart of South Asia. Nepal might be far off the radar for most people, but for On the Fringe, it’s front and center. Listen to hear what Nepali youth in Kathmandu are fighting for, what drove them to a boiling point, and why they got off Discord and decided to set their world on fire—literally. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, comment, share, and subscribe. We sincerely appreciate it and couldn’t be growing at the rate without YOU! Thanks a million, Dave + Gavin The flag of Nepal on our cover is from Wikimedia and can be accessed here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! This week we’re tackling a BIG issue that you do not want to miss—the use of AI as a counseling service in public schools in the United States.If you are or know an educator, policy maker, or work with schools, share this episode with them.Both of us (Gavin and Dave) have years of experience as educators in different countries and share our genuine fears and concerns with news that U.S. public schools will lean more on AI chatbots to fill in for human counselors. Yes, Mr. Mackey might be getting replaced for real. And it may not be a good thing, m’kay.With future budget cuts coming, and students’ performance declining, will AI soon be replacing teachers too at a dizzying pace that it has replaced going to Google for answers, or asking a human.In the very human search for a quick fix, and the ubiquity of AI steamrolling its way into our world, are we creating bigger or unsurmountable problems down the road?Drop in the comments how you feel, and thanks for [email protected] small bot in the corner is from freepik.com, can be found here, and was created by upklyak This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

This week, we’re back at it with another wide-ranging conversation on AI and its effects in our lives. John Otwell returns to the pod, and he’s joined by Kevin Wong, a seasoned educator and an old friend from Peace Corps. Together, they bring different perspectives to the discussion, balancing curiosity and skepticism as we unpack what more AI integration means for education, society, and how we navigate change. We begin with the sensational, push past the hubbub, and focus our chat on how AI is already radically changing the workplace and classrooms, and more broadly how people interact with one another. Our chat goes more philosophical as we explore wider implications of living with constantly evolving technologies in our lives. How do we maintain agency when systems can anticipate our needs and influence our choices? This question isn’t just abstract—it should be at the forefront of every kitchen table in the world right now. It’s the bread and butter of our chat, and it’s a conversation you don’t want to miss. We love to hear from our audience. Shoot us a message through substack, or send us an email: [email protected] Timestamps: 1:00 Is AI Different from other forms of tech? 6:14 A real-life case of Chat GPT going off the rails8:50 AI’s security flaws18:00 The silver bullet?23:00 AI produced work vs. human produced work33:00 What can AI never replace? 38:00 Can we retrain and fix AI? 41:00 Is AI just a compulsive liar? 45:00 Where does the AI path ultimately lead to? The small bot in the corner is from freepik.com and was created by upklyak This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Scroll down for a link to part 1.Here is part 2 of the episode. We curl up next to our Ouija boards and slap on our thinking caps (we will never tell you if they’re made out of tin foil though!) and dive into the implications of giving aid, the unique moral hazard in this situation of coming to the aid of local Afghans when they need it most, and what might come out of this messy situation.If you are watching the region, don’t miss this episode that ties together a LOT of things that your usual diet of news and media misses.If you want to tell us about your dog, or tell us we’re right on the money, missed something or are totally off base, shoot us a message!The map of Afghanistan in is from Wikimedia, and was created by The Map Lurker.Part 1: A disaster in Afghanistan This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Hey all! We have broken up this episode into two parts. We are doubling down on Afghanistan this week.Last week, we talked about a $540 million Chinese investment into Afghanistan gone wrong. Have a listen to it if you haven’t to get up to speed.If you’ve watched what is happening in the news you have maybe seen the words “commitment” “disbursement” “multilateral” and “bilateral” in the news when countries and NGOs are talking about relief packages. We do a quick dive into what foreign aid is and how it gets to a country in need after a disaster. We also go into the basic logistics of how aid is organized in a terrible situation, who is involved (and who isn’t) in helping Afghanistan recover from the earthquake and what they are doing.Don’t miss part 2, where we talk about the implications, moral hazards, and a few hypotheticals in there as well!Thanks for listening and don’t forget to leave us a review or a comment! We sincerely appreciate it.The map of Afghanistan in is from Wikimedia, and was created by The Map Lurker. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe