The Think Tank

What happens in Moldova? Why was the election so close? How has Russia tried to hijack the elections in Moldova? Are Moldovan and Romanian languages different? What are the generational and regional differences in Moldova? We talked to an actual Moldovan (they aren't that rare..) about this often overlooked country. Recorded in October 2024. Recommended sources for further information: Rise Moldova https://www.rise.md/english/Vlad Lupan, on Twitter: @VladLupan Paula Erizanu @paulaerizanu Denis Dermenji https://www.rferl.org/author/denis-dermenji/bmvkqtVictor's book recommendation: Playing the Moldovans at Tennis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/994023.Playing_the_Moldovans_at_Tennis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Trump win the election? How did disinformation play a role? Is a Trump administration going to be worse for Ukraine? What does the future of European security look like? All this and more is discussed in this election episode with Dr. Nik Ford and Kevin Gaughen, hosted by Joseph Place and Matt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Pingu have a catch up on the victory plan, the status of the battlefield in Ukraine, the ongoing elections, North Korea, and nukes. Recorded on the 20th of October, 2024. What do we know about the victory plan?What purpose will North Korean troops play in the war? What do people misunderstand about North Korea? Does Ukraine have nuclear weapons? We discuss, and venture some educated guesses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will AI kill us all? Probably not, but it may destroy trust in facts, harm education, and exacerbate a lot of worrying trends. In this episode, Joe and Pingu catch up on some events, such as Kursk updates, the media cycle, and more, and then dive into the terrifying reality of AI, and how it must be taken more seriously, building off the previous episode. With Dr. Joseph Place and Pingu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Russia seem totally unbothered by Ukraine's counter attack into Kursk? What do the various elections around the world mean for Ukraine?What happened with the downed F-16 in Ukraine?Will Joe get over his cold that you can hear? Why is AI worrying? Find out in this episode of The Think Tank! With Dr. Joseph Place and Pingu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Joe and not Dr. Matt talk to Shaun Pinner. One of the British soldiers in the Ukrainian armed forces captured in the defence of Mariupol. They discuss his background, what the media gets wrong about Ukraine and its overlooked successes, what the future of the conflict looks like, why online activism is important, and what's great about life in Ukraine. Read his book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/300663/shaun-pinner Listen to Letters from Ukraine via Twitter: @UkrainianWriter Support: https://www.braveu.fund/https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/300663/shaun-pinner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Matt chat with Olga of Uzhhorod, a Ukrainian from Zakarpattia, an oblast which borders Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. They discuss Olga's experience of language in the country, myths about the country, how things are changing, growing up in a multilingual environment, absurdity of russian propaganda, why language is not equivalent to nationality, and how to fight back. Ongoing Fundraiser for Olga's friend: https://choko.link/slashsquad Joe's Blog Post about Zakarpattia: https://jjplace.co.uk/?p=109Joe's article about language policies: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11212-023-09612-3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a The Think Tank first, Joe and Matt get a live call from Pingu (and a not-live explainer) about the protests in Taiwan. They also discuss two years of NAFO, its impact, and highlights of its history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the russian law so bad? Who are the Georgian Dream party? What is the opposition and protest movement doing? How can we help Georgia defend democracy?Elbridge Colby vs NAFO, Kharkiv under attack, and Fico and the disinfo mill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Matt return (again) to catch up after some time. Matt shares his impressions of the "Victory" parade. Joe has upgraded. They also discuss the events recently and past, and how the modern social media cycle continues to warp our understanding of war. And Brezhnev lives.Episode Links:https://x.com/MattPPea/status/1788486814723887163https://twitter.com/soldier_fellahttps://u24.gov.ua/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WE'RE BACK! Joe and Matt are joined by Dr. Judas Everett, a specialist in transitions from communism who lived in Moscow, Ukraine, and Poland. Did Ukraine's counteroffensive fail?Why is doom so popular now?How is the war in the Middle East affecting Ukraine?What do people misunderstand about Russia?What are the differences with Ukraine's and Russia's transitions from communism?What are the causes of the border protests in Central Eastern Europe? Why is Seymour Hersh still a thing? (Recorded on 6th of December, 2023) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Pingu are joined by Cormac Smith, outspoken supporter of Ukraine, formerly deputy director of communications for the UK, and with professional experience within Ukraine and working against disinformation. Also, Joe and Pingu discus useful idiots, poor journalism, and go off topic sometimes.SUPPORT LIFE-LINE UKRAINE: https://www.lifeline-ukraine.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very first live episode (well, the first part) Pingu seizes power in a glorious revolution. Replacing Joe then Matt.Matt and Pingu learn the Konchar bridge was bombed while discussing sharkgate, agenda setting, and the quality of western journalism. Later Joe and Pingu continue asking why is western journalism so bad. They also talk about what does waif in his underwear mean and Seymour Hersh' fall from grace. Prighozhin looms large and no one knows what's going on there.https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-07-27/how-to-defeat-russia-s-black-sea-grain-blockadehttps://www.wsj.com/articles/social-media-account-overseen-by-former-navy-noncommissioned-officer-helped-spread-secrets-a4b5643bDONATE: https://u24.gov.ua/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pekka Kallioniemi, researcher and creator of Soup Central and Vatnik Soup, gets in the guest gunner seat in this episode. They discuss everything from RFK, the reasons to fight disinformation with the truth, the issues of social media platforms as marketplaces of ideas, and the importance of taking a break. Also, Joe and Matt inadvertently predict the coup attempt that happened a day after recording, reflect on a year of being in NAFO, and the importance of showing visible support to Ukraine, even in the Post Office.The Importance of TruthCan Twitter Be a Marketplace of Ideas? Lessons from Vatnik SoupWhy You Should Touch GrassPrighozin PreambleFellaversaryMatt goes to the Post OfficeLINKS: https://twitter.com/P_Kallioniemihttps://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220805-what-is-longtermism-and-why-does-it-matterhttps://twitter.com/freeonis_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9: Matt and Joe catch up on the news, reflect on previous podcasts, and Joe debunks some myths about Ukraine0-8:00 Catching up on the news8:10-12:45 Recap of Ben and Paul12:45-25:00 Cope, Boris Johnson, and Donald Trump25:00-37:45 Debunking the "shelling of the Donbass" 37:50-49:30 Work and life in West UkraineLINKS: https://u24.gov.ua/Pingu's donation thread: https://twitter.com/TheSadPingu/status/1667515013928714240?s=20https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2023/25/marianna-in-conspiracyland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Title: Episode 8- Winning the Discursive Battle: A Discussion With Benjamin TallisThe Nova Kakhovka DamThe connections between different disinfo peddlersWith Benjamin Tallis:Joining NAFO and it's success among academics and politiciansWhat is Neoidealism? What is the ideal relationship of EU and USA?What Ben's book doing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Joe and Matt discuss copium then welcome Paul Massaro (Helsinki Institute) on to discuss disinformation, democracy, fighting for democracy, providing more weapons to Ukraine, and learning from Ukrainians in the west's fight for democracy. URGENT NEED FOR LIFEBOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT: Russia's terroristic blowing of the Nova Khakvoka dam has unleashed ecocide and destruction in Kherson. Ukraine needs immediate and urgent humanitarian donations.https://u24.gov.ua/lifeboathttps://www.help99.co/projects/lifeboats-fundraiser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer for our next episode with guest gunner Paul Massaro. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe and Matt briefly discuss Bakhmut, Russians attacking Russians, and more news in today's 30-minute show!Links to today's stories: Donate to U24: https://u24.gov.ua/https://u24.gov.ua/news/nafo_squadronehttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65705733https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-over-100/https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-15th-mass-aerial-assault-against-ukraine-this-month-targeting-kyiv/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65674773 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

0:00 - 3:33 Intro and welcome back3:33 - 6:43 Flork 6:43 - 14:31 Broomsticks and Drones14:31 - 21:00 - Russian strike group in north waters, Bakhmut, Wagner21:00 - 27:00 Battle of the Flag27:00 - 34:43 Joe does live research and the SHOCKING moment Private Consriptovich learns Russian hypersonic missiles are NOT actually hypersonic; also, Matt compares the T-14 to a lawnmower34:43 - 41:13 Counteroffensive and maps41:13 - Commercial Break with Pingu41:20 - 47:53 Donbass Devushka 47:53 - 53:34 [end] Charity ShoutoutsLinks to today's stories: https://twitter.com/NAFO_JayMac/status/1654433965732937730?s=19https://boycottheineken.org/nafo-meme-awards-2023/https://u24.gov.ua/news/nafo_squadronehttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-delegates-fight-flag-video/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the realities of China-Russia relations?Is China dependent on the west?Is there much support for Ukraine within Mexico?How do you explain NAFO to parents? We discuss all these things in The Think Tank Episode 4 with Maria Blancas, Ph.D., from Mexico City. If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes please donate to https://twitter.com/georgian_legion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings on Kevin (@gaughen) to discuss libertarianism, libertarians, sociopathic libertarians, infilitration of the US libertarian party and the Mises Caucas, Russian propaganda, and more what NAFO can for #NAFOExpansionIsInevitable.Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)Donate to Ukraine today (United24)0:00-0:33 - Intro to Podcast0:34-1:25 - Intro Theme1:26-41:30 - US politics, libertarianism, and support for Ukraine41:30-51:14 - Vatnik Copium51:15-51:45 - Commercial Break! Feed the Wolves51:46-1:33:16 - The US Libertarian Party and the Mises Caucus1:33:17-1:33:49 Bye bye for now!Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack describes his family experience with Katyn and how the left in the UK spoke to him about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What impact does the Left in the UK have on the Ukrainian Cause? Jack has a theory. See Episode 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation welcomes Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) in the second part of an episode spanning the UK left, the dangers of Stalinism. Podcast recorded on 24 February 2023.Donate to UK4UAFeed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)Donate to Ukraine today (United24)Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings to Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) in the first part of an episode spanning the inclusive success of NAFO, the importance of anti-totalitarianism, and our favourite Vatnik Copium of the week. Podcast recorded on 24 February 2023.Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)Donate to Ukraine today (United24)0:00-0:53 - Intro Theme0:53-20:00 This week in Ukraine (news segment)20:08-27:41 Vatnik Copium and memes27:45-47:47 Anti-totalitarianism, Ukraine, and Jack's story47:49-48:46 Bye bye for now!Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings to you top tier guests on Georgia: Maggie (@maggiedidrise) and Dr. Nik Ford (@ford_nik). This podcast was originally recorded in September 2022.Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)Donate to Ukraine today (United24)0:00-0:47 - Intro Theme0:47-11:17 Intro from Matt & Joe and discussing the podcast11:15-14:19 Intro to our guest's today14:24-50:42 Discussing NAFO and Georgia with Maggie and Dr. Nik Ford50:50-1:09:25 Georgia, NAFO, and Conflict with Dr. Nik Ford1:09:35-1:10:43 Bye bye for now!Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.