Port Calls and Politics

Today's episode looks at real examples of fake news, how to spot it, and how to prevent being duped. In an era where it is all information and no filters, the ability to apply reason and sift through the chaos is a skill we all need. Now, more than ever.

Episode 22 chronicles a 1967 high school experiment that went awry. Impressionable American high school students learned the dangers of conformity and allure of fascism. Fascist fiefdoms are all around us, cloistered echo chambers in cyberspace, and angry mobs fueled by contempt for the other side. What the Third Wave experiment taught us then, is worth remembering now.

Today's episode is a discussion with Gabe Owens aka The Salty Seaman. He runs his own YouTube Channel focusing on military, film, and pop culture. I had him on to discuss military culture and transitioning out...dealing with the dreaded Human Resources. In the process we drifted to gas chambers and pepper spray, MMA, movies, literature, and a little wrasslin.

Today's episode chronicles the recent poisoning of two Russians, by the Russians, on English soil. Though the Kremlin denied involvement, the poison and its unique history leaves zero room to doubt their guilt. Diplomats expelled and relations soured, has Russia finally gone too far?

Today's episode chronicles the real story of women in combat. A story misunderstood and forgotten amidst the 'withdrawal' from Iraq and Afghanistan. What started with hand-picked Lioness' evolved, as did the Global War on Terrorism. The bravery of forerunners in these modern, complex wars altered perceptions. They were the catalyst for today's face-lift of America's combat arms.

Today's episode chronicles some strange happenings along the demilitarized zone. A border separating mortal enemies since 1953. A border that may be guarded by armed personnel and blotted with mines; however, none of that is a match for K-pop which knows no borders...no boundaries!

Today's episode chronicles an Artificial Intelligence gone rogue. In a mere 16 hours, Microsoft's AI chatbot went from cute and cuddly to full-blown Nazi. What the heck happened and what does it mean for the future of AI?

Today's episode chronicles one of the greatest pranks in history. A prank done by the unity of a Canadian and a Brit. A prank not against a regular chap, but the Pentagon. The headquarters of the greatest military to ever grace the globe.

Today's episode enters the realm of policy. Healthcare policy. A system in dire need of a true overhaul. Not one based on coverage - a symptom - but cost...the root cause. If we're to made the affordable care a reality, cost must finally be addressed.

Today's episode chronicles the lesser known story of Able Archer 83. An event which brought the world closest to nuclear apocalypse since the Cuban Missile Crisis. One which fundamentally changed Ronald Reagan; finding him an ally in Gorbachev.

Today's episode chronicles the remarkable tale of an American tank transport and a volcano. A small, simple ship that served in the last world war and could be the flashpoint for the next one. A volcano eruption that altered the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific; creating the conditions for the former.

Today’s episode chronicles the infamous Toilet Paper Letter. A letter now part of WWII lore. A letter circulated to the President himself; turning a naval hero into an icon. An icon who finally spoke up about crummy logistics all servicemen have experienced in times of peace and war. A letter which even made its way to “Tinsletown” in a feature film starring, none other than, Cary Grant.

Today’s episode chronicles North Korea’s sad tale of isolation infused with a dangerous ideology. What went wrong? How did North Korea get so bad? Perhaps, understanding another loner - the infamous Unabomber - can offer needed perspective.

Today’s episode chronicles New Zealand’s first terrorist attack. An attack not by the usual suspects…you know who I’m talking about. Nope, this attack was committed by super-sneaky clandestine operatives working in the shadows: a bunch of Frenchmen with orders from the top. Not in 1885 but 1985. An attack not on a military vessel, but a Greenpeace ship…the Rainbow Warrior and a bunch of environmentalists.

Today’s episode chronicles the saga of Lt. General Paul Van Riper and a $250-million-dollar wargame gone awry. This was no ordinary wargame, but one seeking to test the very warfighting concepts that would soon be used to invade Iraq. Acting the part of a maniacal, crafty leader of a “fictional” Middle Eastern country, Van Riper quickly realized the game was rigged…so he Kobayashi Maru’d the whole damn thing.

Today’s episode chronicles how a peasant from Nowheresville, Siberia crafted the most manufactured, duplicated, celebrated, and reviled weapon in modern history. A weapon so perfectly adequate and simple to operate even a child could do it. A weapon the creator never even profited from: the AK-47.

Today’s episode chronicles the story of Libertarian front group’s quest to found their own nation free of rules, lame taxes, full of partying and more importantly…LIBERTY! Only to discover that colonizing uninhabitable piles of coral can get you in big trouble with some big people.

Today’s episode chronicles one of the shadiest arms deals in history. A deal decades in the making, cloaked in secrecy and one that transformed a $200-million floating casino resort into China’s first aircraft carrier.

Today’s episode chronicles how the Brits not only fueled a pop revolution during their British Invasion, but also provided the spark needed to put American auto racing - and Carroll Shelby - on the map. From helping The Beach Boys become legends, paving the way for Motown's later success, and even auto racing...incredible things are possible when our two countries "Come Together!"

Today’s episode chronicles how Romania’s original Cult of Personality, Nicolae Ceausescu, underestimated the power of Hollywood in a blunder that left him in a body bag; demonstrating how Western culture can help spur revolution in unlikely ways.

Today's episode chronicles how a tiny, carefully constructed Sim City called Singapore helped Vince McMahon’s WWE win the Monday Night Wars over rival WCW; proving that small things can make a big difference and everyone and I mean everyone, is someone else’s weirdo.

Today episode chronicles how the US Navy's - John Anthony Walker - "broke bad," got a US ship captured by the North Koreans and could've led to America's defeat in an all-out war with the USSR.

In this inaugural episode of Port Calls and Politics you'll learn how the soft drink empire once lucked in a maritime one in an odd deal with the dreaded USSR. Find out how the Cold War's thaw delivered PepsiCo the arsenal to literally fight back in the 'Cola Wars.'