Globocurious

Every year, nearly 40 million people visit Thailand. They come for the beaches, the temples, the food, the smiles. What most of them never ask is: who built all of this, and why does it work so seamlessly? Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized by a European power. It survived by becoming whatever the most powerful force in the room needed it to be. First for colonial Europe. Then for the United States military. Then for Western tourists seeking enlightenment. Then for Chinese visitors seeking prosperity. The performance changes. The strategy never does. This is a documentary about what Thailand actually is underneath what it shows you. CHAPTERS 03:44 The Temple and the Throne 10:55 The King and Thai 14:37 The Elephant and the Bear 16:56 How a War Built a Paradise 20:42 Diplomacy That Bends With the Wind 22:08 The Armor Behind the Curtain Globocurious is a documentary travel and cultural analysis podcast and YouTube channel for people who want to understand the world, not just see it. Subscribe here and on YouTube so you don't miss what's coming next.

What can history teach us about recognizing the signs of authoritarianism? While earning a minor in German language, I spent time studying the rise of the Third Reich — the mechanics, the bureaucratic shifts, the rhetoric. When Donald Trump first entered the political arena, certain patterns felt instantly familiar. So I watched. And I waited. And at a certain point, studying systems means being willing to name the patterns. I'm not here to say Trump is the next Hitler. To equate a man who tweets insults with a man who industrialized genocide is historically irresponsible. But when the experts who spent years telling us not to use the word "fascist" start changing their minds, it's time to look under the hood of history. In this deep dive, we strip away the mustache and the red hat and examine the mechanisms of power: the rhetoric, the scapegoating, the manipulation of law, and the slow normalization that historians call "authoritarian creep." We also explore the critical differences: the reasons why these tactics can and will fail, if we do this right. ⏱️ HIGHLIGHTS: 00:40 Why This Video Took Me Years to Make 01:40 When the Experts Changed Their Minds 03:20 The Sales Pitch: How Authoritarians Get the Keys 06:55 The Power of a Good Slogan 10:00 How Rhetoric Becomes a Permission Structure 11:40 Internal vs. External Enemies 12:20 The Universalization of Threat: Sniper Rifle to Shotgun 15:20 Autocratic Legalism: Using the Fine Print 19:00 Schedule F and the U.S. Civil Service Purge 22:10 Gallup and the Disappearing Approval Ratings 23:50 When the Dual State Needs Muscle: Gestapo, SS, and ICE 26:50 What Everyday Germans Actually Voted For 28:20 Authoritarian Creep: The Slow, Imperceptible Escalation 29:50 What's Coming Next on Globocurious ▶️ Watch Globocurious on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globocurious 📱 TikTok:   / michellekhouri   📸 Instagram:   / michellekhouri   If this video mattered to you, please like it, subscribe, and hit the notification bell. Globocurious only happens with your help.

In this Season 1 finale episode, I take you on a journey through Taiwan’s capital city, from its night markets and tea houses to its history of resilience and reinvention. Along the way, I explore Taiwan’s complex relationship with identity—one shaped by colonization, political shifts, and a culture that blends deep-rooted traditions with forward-thinking creativity. Through conversations with locals, tea masters, and my own travel companions, I piece together a story of a place that refuses to be defined by anyone but itself. This episode is about food, history, and the magic of slow, intentional living. But more than anything, it’s about the search for something bigger. A search that, by the end of my journey, led me somewhere I never could have anticipated. Press play, and let’s explore Taipei. Join me on Substack, TikTok, YouTube, and Globocurious.com for short stories, personal reflections, and travel guides.

Skaneateles, New York, is a village where history and heritage run deep. In this episode of Globocurious, I explore my sister-in-law’s family ties to this All-American town, where generations have lived and worked on the same stretch of land for over 175 years. Along the way, I visit the Harriet Tubman House in Auburn, where extraordinary stories of courage and community come alive, and soak in the natural beauty of Skaneateles Lake and the surrounding Finger Lakes region of the U.S. This journey offers a heartfelt look at the connections between place, history, and family. Discover even more by following along with me on Substack and TikTok.

In this episode of Globocurious, we venture into Colombia’s Coffee Axis, the lush and vibrant Eje Cafetero region. Join me as I visit colorful towns like Salento and Filandia, learn about the intricate process of coffee cultivation at RECUCA, and marvel at the towering wax palms of the Valle de Cocora. Along the way, I explore the global impact of agricultural trade and reflect on the region’s incredible biodiversity. This episode is a celebration of the land, the culture, and the people who bring Colombia’s most famous export to life. Discover even more by following along with me on Instagram and TikTok.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant heartbeat of Medellín in this episode of Globocurious. Together, we’ll venture to Comuna 13, where music and art burst forth as symbols of transformation, and pause at the Casa Museo de la Memoria to uncover the lasting impacts of Colombia’s turbulent past. Along the way, you’ll meet locals who share their personal histories and learn about the city’s rich and complicated cultural past. This is Medellín as you’ve never experienced it before—personal, poignant, and profoundly captivating. Discover even more by following along with me on Instagram and TikTok.

On this episode of Globocurious, I take you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most exclusive dining experiences—The French Laundry. With a legacy as rich as its dishes, this three Michelin-starred restaurant combines hyper-local ingredients, culinary mastery, and a philosophy that pushes the boundaries of dining. Join me for an unforgettable 13-course meal, where I experience the famed Oysters and Pearls, truffle-topped mac and cheese, and countless surprising moments. But does the reality match the legend? We’ll explore the expectations, the magic, and the subtleties that make The French Laundry both iconic and, at times, enigmatic. Discover even more by following along with me on Instagram and TikTok.

In this episode of Globocurious, we dive deep into the heart of Napa Valley’s wine country, exploring the rich soils, complex techniques, and hidden stories that make this region world-famous. Join me as I tour iconic wineries like Pride Mountain Vineyards and Spring Mountain Vineyard, uncover the artistry behind each bottle, and get an inside look at the craft of winemaking from the experts themselves. Along the way, we experience Napa’s unique blend of luxury and authenticity and talk about what sets this valley apart. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about the magic of Napa, this episode will leave you reaching for a glass.  Join me on Substack, TikTok, YouTube, and Globocurious.com for short stories, personal reflections, and travel guides.

Welcome to Globocurious, an immersive travel podcast that goes beyond the typical tourist checklist. Join me, Michelle Khouri—a podcast producer and former travel editor—as I journey to places that shape not only the way we see the world but also the way we see ourselves. In this trailer episode, I’ll give you a taste of what to expect each season: from deep explorations of vibrant destinations to Carry-On episodes where I’ll break down the essentials for planning your own trips. Let's be travel buddies! Find me on TikTok and Instagram (@globocurious) for behind-the-scenes adventures and travel tips. And visit Globocurious.com for travel guides, itineraries, and to subscribe to my newsletter, Globopost, for insider stories I don’t share anywhere else. If you’re curious about the world and the transformations it can bring, subscribe now, and get ready for a journey that’s as personal as it is global. Welcome to Globocurious.