Podcasts about Southeast Asia

There's mounting evidence from the United Nations and others that Chinese organized crime syndicates are moving more of their operations from countries in Southeast Asia to Africa. These groups are contributing to a surge in illicit crypto mining, scam centers, illegal wildlife trafficking, and black market weapons sales. African countries with already weak governance systems are particularly vulnerable. Géraud speaks with Adam Rousselle, a researcher and author who tracks the illicit arms trade, about his recent article on the topic published by the Jamestown Foundation. Adam explains how all of the different Chinese illegal trade networks in Africa are interlinked with one another. SHOW NOTES: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime: Inflection Point: Global Implications of Scam Centres, Underground Banking and Illicit Online Marketplaces in Southeast Asia Jamestown Foundation: Illicit PRC-linked Finance Enables Arms Diversion in Africa by Adam Rouselle CHAPTERS: The Illicit Underworld – How illegal mining, logging, and weapons flows shape China–Africa debates Individuals vs the State – Why Chinese nationals abroad are often mistaken for Beijing's agents South Kivu Gold Trail – What the recent court case reveals about Chinese smuggling networks Governance Gaps – How weak enforcement and political protection fuel illicit economies Cryptocurrency Networks – The rise of Chinese-linked crypto operations in Nigeria and beyond Weapons on the Move – Why Chinese-made guns keep appearing in Africa's conflict zones The UAE Hub – How Dubai became the transit point for arms and illicit finance The Leaky Bucket – Why illicit flows don't imply coordination or state intent Local Complicity – The real role of African politicians, militaries, and brokers Reputational Risks for Beijing – Embassy frustrations and the cost of unmanaged actors Media Distortions – How U.S. and European narratives simplify complex realities JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH & SPANISH:  French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

This week, our hosts ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dave Bittner⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joe Carrigan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Maria Varmazis⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (also host of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠T-Minus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Space Daily show) are sharing the latest in social engineering scams, phishing schemes, and criminal exploits that are making headlines. We start with some follow up on China sentencing five members of a violent Kokang-based gang to death for running brutal scam compounds in Myanmar. And in related news, China has also extradited alleged scam kingpin She Zhijiang, a major figure behind one of Southeast Asia's largest fraud hubs, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on global cyber-fraud networks. Listener Jon reports a new twist on sextortion, where scammers used an unsolicited FaceTime call to capture an image, generate an AI-manipulated obscene photo, and then extort an employee using publicly scraped contact lists. Joe's story is on Anthropic's claim that attackers jailbroke its Claude model to carry out what it calls the first AI-orchestrated cyber-espionage campaign, a narrative now being challenged by researchers like Dan Goodin and Dan Tentler, who argue the attack was far less “autonomous” than advertised and comparable to long-standing hacking tools rather than a breakthrough in offensive AI. Dave's story is on a new phishing scam where attackers use the contact info displayed on a lost iPhone's lock screen to send fake “Find My” texts claiming the device was found, luring victims to a spoofed Apple login page to steal their Apple ID and bypass Activation Lock. Maria has the story on Zimperium's Mobile Shopping Report, which shows that during the holiday season mobile threats surge across mishing, fake retail and payment apps, and app-level vulnerabilities—making this the peak time for scammers to exploit shoppers with spoofed texts, malicious apps, and insecure SDKs hidden inside legitimate shopping tools. Our catch of the day comes from the phishing subreddit as someone is impersonating a woman who is sick with cancer asking for the victim to take care of their money. Resources and links to stories: ⁠⁠⁠⁠China sentences 5 to death for building, running criminal gang fraud centers in Myanmar's lawless borderlands Man Accused of Running Southeast Asia Scam Compound Is Extradited to China Disrupting the first reported AI-orchestrated cyber espionage campaign Researchers question Anthropic claim that AI-assisted attack was 90% autonomous Lost iPhone? Don't fall for phishing texts saying it was found ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have a Catch of the Day you'd like to share? Email it to us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hackinghumans@n2k.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“If I had been enslaved for a year or two, I might not be able to believe in humanity any more.” “I am a victim of modern slavery.” These chilling words come from a Taiwanese female lured by a fake job offer, only to be sold into a scam compound in Cambodia. She is not alone. She is one of thousands deceived into this industry—people who left home hoping for a better life, only to find themselves trapped in a living nightmare. Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds (Verso Books, 2025) arrives at a critical moment, shedding light on one of the world's fastest-growing criminal economies: Southeast Asia's online scam industry. Running the gamut from the notorious “pig butchering” romance scams to elaborate online extortion and investment frauds, this system has transformed parts of the region into global hubs of cybercrime. Meticulously researched and grounded in years of fieldwork, Scam offers an unflinching look into the prison-like compounds that have mushroomed across multiple countries. Within these walled complexes, victims are often coerced into becoming perpetrators—trapped in what the authors describe as “compound capitalism,” a chilling hybrid of enslavement and exploitation. Scam traces how small-scale online gambling rings evolved into an international “scamdemic,” accelerated by the disruptions of COVID-19. It examines the “victim–offender trap”, a moral and psychological paradox that makes empathy difficult for outsiders. The result is a deeply human investigation into how modern slavery adapts to digital capitalism. The authors uncover the operations of scam compounds across Southeast Asia. In my interview with Ling and Ivan, what stood out was not only their depth of knowledge but their compassion. They used their skills to build trust with victims, gather evidence, and, in some cases, help orchestrate rescues. Their work is both rigorous and profoundly humane, illuminating a crisis that grows more complex each day. Though many of those involved—both perpetrators and victims—are ethnically Chinese, the networks now span continents. The scam compounds are a global phenomenon, built on economic desperation, weak governance, and digital interconnectivity. Scam is more than an exposé. It is a call to action and a vital first step toward understanding a new form of global exploitation—where modern technology and ancient cruelty combine to create a system that enslaves the vulnerable and profits from despair. Ling Li is pursuing a PhD at Ca' Foscari University of Venice with a focus on the role of technology in enabling modern slavery and human trafficking in East and Southeast Asia. In the past few years, she has been providing support to survivors of scam compounds in Southeast Asia, interacting with local and international civil society organisations to bring them relief and help with repatriation. Ivan Franceschini is a lecturer at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne. His current research focuses on ethnic Chinese transnational crime, especially in the field of online fraud. He co-founded the Made in China Journal and The People's Map of Global China/ Global China Pulse. His books include Proletarian China (2022), Global China as Method (2022), and Afterlives of Chinese Communism (2019). He also co-directed the documentaries Dreamwork China (2011) and Boramey (2021). Mark Bo is a researcher who has been based in East and Southeast Asia for 2 decades. He has worked globally with local civil society partners to monitor and advocate for improved environmental and social practices in development projects and utilises his background in corporate and financial mapping to investigate stakeholders involved in Asia's online gambling, fraud, and money laundering industries. Bing Wang receives her PhD at the University of Leeds in 2020. Her research interests include the exploration of overseas Chinese cultural identity and critical heritage studies. She is also a freelance translator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lya Badgley, author of the book The Thirty-Fifth Page. Lya Badgley was born in Yangon, Myanmar, to Montana parents—a political scientist and an artist—who sparked her lifelong love of creativity and critical thought. After moving to the Pacific Northwest in the 1980s, she became part of Seattle's arts and music scene. In the 1990s, she returned to Southeast Asia as a videographer documenting interviews with Burmese insurgents, then went on to lead Cornell University's Archival Project at Cambodia's Tuol Sleng Museum, preserving evidence used to prosecute war crimes. She later opened the 50th Street Bar & Grill in Yangon—one of the first foreign-owned businesses of its kind at the time.   Lya writes internationally set fiction that blends suspense with cultural nuance, exploring women's journeys through landscapes shaped by historical legacy, grief, and transformation.   Her debut novel, The Foreigner's Confession (2022), set in Cambodia, was a finalist for the Nancy Pearl Award for Best Fiction. Her second, The Worth of a Ruby (2023), set in Myanmar, was also honored as a finalist for multiple international awards. She now lives outside Seattle, Washington in the United States, and is excited to release her third novel, The Thirty-Fifth Page—a gothic-tinged literary suspense set in Bosnia.   In my book review, I stated The Thirty Fifth Page is a literary suspense laden with magical realism and a dash of historical fiction. Miri is a researcher whose specialty is medieval manuscripts. She flies to Bosnia to study the Sarajevo Haggadah, an illustrated Jewish text of the Passover Seder housed at the National Museum. Unfortunately, Sarajevo is on the brink of war, so Miri has to work quickly.   As she works, she believes the Haggadah has strange powers. Before she can figure it out, war breaks out, and the Haggadah is lost. But when it finally returns to its place of honor at the museum, it has a new page. And she is called back to find out why. This thirty-fifth page merges history and folklore, putting Miri and those she cares deeply about into the middle of an ancient curse.   I loved going on this adventure with Miri as she tries to figure out who she is and what she wants in the world. I also loved seeing how the past directly affects our present and future - and how we pass that on from generation to generation.   You are definitely going to love this new novel by Lya Badgley!   Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1   Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290   You can follow Author Lya Badgley Website: https://lyabadgley.com/ FB: @lyabadgleyauthor IG: @lyabadgleyauthor   Purchase The Thirty-Fifth Page on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/3JBzcpP Ebook: https://amzn.to/4q5ai1W   Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1   Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors   #lyabadgley #thethirtyfifthpage #suspense #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

“If I had been enslaved for a year or two, I might not be able to believe in humanity any more.” “I am a victim of modern slavery.” These chilling words come from a Taiwanese female lured by a fake job offer, only to be sold into a scam compound in Cambodia. She is not alone. She is one of thousands deceived into this industry—people who left home hoping for a better life, only to find themselves trapped in a living nightmare. Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds (Verso Books, 2025) arrives at a critical moment, shedding light on one of the world's fastest-growing criminal economies: Southeast Asia's online scam industry. Running the gamut from the notorious “pig butchering” romance scams to elaborate online extortion and investment frauds, this system has transformed parts of the region into global hubs of cybercrime. Meticulously researched and grounded in years of fieldwork, Scam offers an unflinching look into the prison-like compounds that have mushroomed across multiple countries. Within these walled complexes, victims are often coerced into becoming perpetrators—trapped in what the authors describe as “compound capitalism,” a chilling hybrid of enslavement and exploitation. Scam traces how small-scale online gambling rings evolved into an international “scamdemic,” accelerated by the disruptions of COVID-19. It examines the “victim–offender trap”, a moral and psychological paradox that makes empathy difficult for outsiders. The result is a deeply human investigation into how modern slavery adapts to digital capitalism. The authors uncover the operations of scam compounds across Southeast Asia. In my interview with Ling and Ivan, what stood out was not only their depth of knowledge but their compassion. They used their skills to build trust with victims, gather evidence, and, in some cases, help orchestrate rescues. Their work is both rigorous and profoundly humane, illuminating a crisis that grows more complex each day. Though many of those involved—both perpetrators and victims—are ethnically Chinese, the networks now span continents. The scam compounds are a global phenomenon, built on economic desperation, weak governance, and digital interconnectivity. Scam is more than an exposé. It is a call to action and a vital first step toward understanding a new form of global exploitation—where modern technology and ancient cruelty combine to create a system that enslaves the vulnerable and profits from despair. Ling Li is pursuing a PhD at Ca' Foscari University of Venice with a focus on the role of technology in enabling modern slavery and human trafficking in East and Southeast Asia. In the past few years, she has been providing support to survivors of scam compounds in Southeast Asia, interacting with local and international civil society organisations to bring them relief and help with repatriation. Ivan Franceschini is a lecturer at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne. His current research focuses on ethnic Chinese transnational crime, especially in the field of online fraud. He co-founded the Made in China Journal and The People's Map of Global China/ Global China Pulse. His books include Proletarian China (2022), Global China as Method (2022), and Afterlives of Chinese Communism (2019). He also co-directed the documentaries Dreamwork China (2011) and Boramey (2021). Mark Bo is a researcher who has been based in East and Southeast Asia for 2 decades. He has worked globally with local civil society partners to monitor and advocate for improved environmental and social practices in development projects and utilises his background in corporate and financial mapping to investigate stakeholders involved in Asia's online gambling, fraud, and money laundering industries. Bing Wang receives her PhD at the University of Leeds in 2020. Her research interests include the exploration of overseas Chinese cultural identity and critical heritage studies. She is also a freelance translator. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

A young boy disappears in the Malaysian jungle for several days and returns with a shocking story. He says he was taken into a hidden elf realm known in local folklore as the Orang Bunian. Inside this mysterious world, time moved differently, the people were impossibly beautiful, and one of them even asked him to marry her. In this episode, we explore the full story, the cultural legends behind the hidden elf realm, how these beings are believed to interact with humans, and why so many people in Southeast Asia still take these tales seriously today.Join us as we break down the mystery, the folklore, and the strange world between worlds.Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themediahijacked?lang=enReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/theMediaHijacked/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Lbqa8NqieSOZpTCtxshQwT-Shirts “NOW AVAILABLE”https://www.themediahijacked.com/Every Tuesday @3PM PST/6PM EST Join us on twitch.tvFollow us on Twitch.tv: https://www.twitch.tv/mediahijackedFollow us on www.kick.com/themediahijackedBilly: https://www.instagram.com/youneak/Chris: https://www.instagram.com/sarkastik_jones/Don't forget Rate and Subscribe!! Thanks!!

It’s a Sunday at a park in Singapore, and, as journalist Zach Hope observed, it’s the servants day off. They lounge on picnic rugs, shaking off the week of cooking, cleaning – and raising other people’s kids. Singapore has more than 300,000 migrant domestic workers, or “helpers”, as they’re called and many care for the children of expats, including Australians. Today, South-East Asia correspondent Zach Hope on this extraordinary workforce and the system, he says, is premised on profound sadness.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christopher Ramos is currently serving as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He conducts the UVU Wind Symphony and directs instrumental studies within the music education area. He additionally teaches courses in conducting, music education, and music appreciation. He received the DMA in instrumental conducting at The Hartt School, studying with Glen Adsit and Edward Cumming. While at Hartt, he assisted in conducting Hartt's instrumental performing ensembles and the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble, and as part of the adjunct faculty he taught courses for graduates and undergraduates in conducting, brass methods, diversity and belonging, jazz pedagogy, and in the core music theory sequence. Before Hartt, Chris served as a band director at Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia where he taught Western classical and jazz music in performing and theory courses across grades 6-12, and his students were invited to perform in international festivals across Southeast Asia. He is also an active scholar working at the intersection of musicology, wind band studies, and music education with his latest publications forthcoming in the Music Educators Journal (NAfME) and the Utah Music Educators Journal (UMEA). In 2022 he received the Goldstein Award from the University of Hartford, and in 2016 he received the Joanne Kealinohomoku Prize from the Society of Ethnomusicology Southwest for his scholarship. He holds additional degrees from the University of New Mexico where he studied with Eric Rombach-Kendall, and from East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce) where he studied with Phillip Clements (conducting), Luis Sanchez (piano), and Mike Morrow (horn). In addition to his conducting, researching, and teaching, he actively performs both on the French horn and at the keyboard. He has produced, performed, and conducted on records for the Naxos, Summit, and Parma record labels, and he has performed in and conducted ensembles in concert halls, stages, forests, and patios across the United States and Asia. An avid supporter of new music, he has been part of numerous commissioning projects for solo horn, chamber ensembles, and wind ensembles. He is a second-place winner in The American Prize for conducting and in 2025-27 he holds the Harry Begian Conductor Scholar Award at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. He is an active member in the College Band Directors National Association, Utah Music Educators Association, Utah Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, American Musicological Society, and National Association for Music Education, and is an honorary member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity.

Fresh out of the studio, we commemorated the 10th anniversary of the e-Conomy SEA [Southeast Asia] Report with Sapna Chadha from Google, Florian Hoppe from Bain & Company, and Cassie Wu from Temasek, celebrating a decade of tracking Southeast Asia's digital transformation. The panel reflected on the region's remarkable achievement of reaching $300 billion in GMV—exceeding the original $200 billion goal by 1.5x—alongside revenue growth of 11x over the past decade. The panellists examined pivotal themes including Southeast Asia's position as the world's most AI-curious region with three times more interest than elsewhere, the explosive rise of video commerce and the maturation of digital financial services. The conversation explored the expansion from SEA-6 to 10 ASEAN countries, the ecosystem's resilience through multiple crisis cycles, and the shift from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable profitability. The episode concludes with each panellist sharing their vision for 2030, emphasizing building trust in AI adoption, creating an inclusive AI economy that benefits SMEs alongside large platforms, and navigating the AI transition gracefully to unlock innovation while addressing employment challenges—underscoring Southeast Asia's evolution from digital catch-up player to global innovation leader rewriting the playbook for digital adoption."We set this audacious goal of 200 billion by 2025. People told us we were crazy. In 2016 when we put that ambition out there, we've actually reached 1.5x that and we've hit 300 billion. And so it's just reflective of this incredible economy." - Sapna Chadha"Indonesia e-commerce still I think is larger or about the same size as all of India e-commerce. And yet the attention tends to be a little bit veering away from Southeast Asia, but this is actually a real economic powerhouse I think for all of Asia Pacific." - Florian Hoppe"Southeast Asia as a region, as we think about digital economy adoption, we are not playing catch up anymore. In many ways we're leading the digital adoption. We're writing how digital economy, how digital adoption could look like for a population and demographic like us." - Cassie WuProfiles: Sapna Chadha, Vice President Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google Asia PacificFlorian Hoppe, Partner at Bain & CompanyCassie Wu, Director, Southeast Asia at Temaseke-Conomy SEA 2025: https://economysea.withgoogle.com/Episode Highlights:[00:00] Quote of the Day by Sapna Chadha, Florian Hoppe & Cassie Wu[01:17] 10th anniversary of e-Conomy SEA Report[03:00] Digital economy hits 300 billion, exceeding goals[04:09] Ecosystem resilience through multiple crisis cycles[06:10] Report expands from SEA-6 to ASEAN-10[08:13] Southeast Asia most underappreciated AI opportunity[09:31] Indonesia e-commerce matches all of India[10:04] Region leading digital adoption, not catching up[12:13] Cash no longer king, payments fully inverted[13:00] Revenue growth 11x over past decade[15:00] 300 billion GMV despite headwinds and tariffs[16:00] Video commerce grew 5x in three years[19:03] Digital payments north of 60% of transactions[23:32] Super apps unique to Southeast Asia ecosystem[25:45] Data center capacity growing faster than anywhere[27:01] Lower labor costs delayed AI adoption initially[31:00] Ecosystem healthier than ever before[33:08] Talent is the critical AI bottleneck[35:19] Digital infrastructure must align with green economy[39:00] Southeast Asia remains globally underappreciated[40:39] Can Southeast Asia leapfrog into AI era[43:00] ClosingPodcast Information: Bernard Leong hosts and produces the show. The proper credits for the intro and end music are "Energetic Sports Drive." G. Thomas Craig mixed and edited the episode in both video and audio format.

When Rome's Emperor Valerian fell into Persian hands, his defeat became one of history's most grotesque legends — a tale of humiliation, torture, and a death said to come by molten gold. | #WDRadio WEEK OF NOV 11, 2025==========HOUR ONE: When it comes to receiving the death sentence, history has given us several ways to go about the execution. Hanging, firing squad, gas chamber, being stoned to death or burned at the stake… but you have to be some whole new level of “hated” by the people if your death blow comes by way of molten gold being poured down your throat. (Death By Golden Throat) *** Typically, when you hear the phrase “high speed chase”, you think of law enforcement trying to catch the bad guys who are in a getaway vehicle. Perhaps after a bank robbery, or after blowing a stop sign and simply refusing to pull over. But have you heard about the time that the police were involved in a high-speed chase up to 100-miles-per hour, trying to catch up to a flying saucer? (The 100mph UFO Chase) *** When the Black Plague arrived at their doorsteps, the villagers were forced to choose between life or certain doom. It's the tragic tale of England's Plague Village – the village of Eyam. (The Black Death Comes to Eyam) *** In the 1800s, women finding themselves “with child” but unmarried, were treated like second-class citizens or worse. And during a time when birth control was limited or even unavailable outside of the rhythm method, what was a girl to do if she found herself in such dire circumstances? Fortunately, there was a woman there ready to help – to take the baby off their hands and give it a good home. Or so everyone thought. (Minnie, The Baby Farmer) *** On frozen lakes near Manitowish Waters, a hooded figure appears to ice fishermen, silently guiding them to the best spots for a catch before vanishing into the winter air. (The Ice Fisherman Ghost)==========HOUR TWO: Ruth Snyder and Judd Gray devised a scheme to get rid of Ruth's husband – and they planned it so well that, okay… actually no. They were so inept they were caught immediately, and even the police publicly called them incompetent. (The Dumb-Bell Murder) *** For over 2,000 years across South and Southeast Asia, trained elephants served as living instruments of execution, crushing condemned prisoners with calculated brutality under the control of their handlers. (Execution By Elephant) *** Before he became a Civil War general, Congressman Dan E. Sickles' scandalous murder trial changed our legal system forever. He said outright that he had killed his wife's lover. So how did he avoid being found guilty of the crime he admitted to committing? (How A Congressman Got Away With Murder) *** In 1150, two children were found near Woolpit in England – they wore strange clothes, spoke oddly, but the most identifiable characteristic for both children was their skin was green. The children themselves were a mystery – but what happened when they grew up? Did they marry? Did they have children? Could there be decedents of the green children of Woolpit living among us today? (Great Grandkids of Green Children) *** In the summer of 1518, a mysterious dancing plague seized the French town of Strasbourg, compelling hundreds to dance without rest for months—some until they collapsed and died—in a frenzy that baffled authorities and remains unexplained to this day. (Dancing Plague)==========SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME: “Tom" and "Lena" are in a loving relationship and have a young child together. It sounds like the perfect family – except for one tiny detail about their relationship. Tom and Lena are biological brother and sister. (I Fell In Love With My Sister) *** In Norfolk, England the village of Eccles was slowly gobbled by the rising waters of the sea in the early 1600s. But even today, sometimes during a particularly heavy story, you can see St. Mary's Church mysteriously reappear… bringing with it, the dead buried in the church graveyard who cannot find rest. (The Disappearing And Reappearing Village of Eccles) *** Lory Price and his wife Ethel mysteriously disappeared from Marion, Illinois. But then, sometimes that happens when you are mixed up with the mob or may have learned something you weren't supposed to. (The Vanishing of Lory Price) *** The Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome, Italy, hold the remains of sixteen popes, several martyrs, and around half a million Christians, and according to on author, a not-of-this world entity. (The Callixtus Catacombs Entity)==========SOURCES AND REFERENCES FROM TONIGHT'S SHOW:“Death By Golden Throat” by Genevieve Carlton for Weird History https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3586qeqk, Rachel Nuwer for Smithsonian Magazine https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/18pu2d9b, and Laurie L. Dove for History https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3vy6r2a9“The Black Death Comes to Eyam” by Stephanie Almazan for The Line Up: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/1aptirxk“Minnie, The Baby Farmer” from The Scare Chamber: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2eqd77xa“The 100MPH UFO Chase” from The Parajournal for The Times Online: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ntcaqk3y“The Ice Fisherman Ghost” by Charlie Hinz: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8nzemt“The Dumb-Bell Murder” by Troy Taylor: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/192wwaer (includes execution photo)“I Fell In Love With My Sister” by Jennifer Tillman for Vice: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/y2dmtp2e“Execution by Elephant” by Joanna Gillan for Ancient Origins: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8jj255“The Cursing of Christopher Case” by Gurnoor Kaur for Conspiracy Theories: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/145d147q“The Disappearing And Reappearing Village of Eccles” by Stacia Briggs for Eastern Daily Press:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/5fopg2hq“The Vanishing of Lory Price” by Troy Taylor from his book “Bloody Illinois”: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/lsi06qet“How A Congressman Got Away With Murder” by Genevieve Carlton for All That's Interesting:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2jantfjj“Great Grandkids of Green Children” from Ancient Code: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4u4xdypk“The Callixtus Catacombs Entity” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/aqhlme0r“Dancing Plague” by Cassandra Yorgey at HubPages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ycke4fwe==========(Over time links seen above may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for material I use whenever possible. If I have overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it immediately. Some links may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)=========="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46==========WeirdDarkness®, WeirdDarkness© 2025==========To become a Weird Darkness Radio Show affiliate, contact Radio America at affiliates@radioamerica.com, or call 800-807-4703 (press 2 or dial ext 250).

Wultra provides post-quantum authentication for banks, fintechs, and governments—protecting digital identities from emerging quantum computing threats. In this episode, Peter Dvorak shares how he broke into the notoriously closed banking ecosystem by leveraging his early experience in mobile banking development. From navigating multi-stakeholder enterprise sales to positioning quantum-safe cryptography when the threat timeline remains uncertain (consensus: 2035, but could accelerate), Peter reveals the specific strategies required to sell mission-critical security infrastructure to regulated financial institutions. Topics Discussed How post-quantum cryptography runs on classical computers while protecting against quantum threats Why European banking regulation drives global authentication standards The multi-stakeholder sales process: quantum threat teams, CISOs, CTOs, and digital product owners Conference strategy and analyst relationships (Gartner, KuppingerCole) for category positioning Banking budget cycles and why June/July approaches fail Breaking the "who else is using this?" barrier with banking-specific proof points Positioning as the only post-quantum cryptography provider for digital identity in banking GTM Lessons For B2B Founders Layer future-proofing onto immediate ROI: Post-quantum cryptography doesn't require quantum computers to function—it runs on classical infrastructure while providing superior security. Peter sells banks on moving from SMS OTP to mobile app authentication (tangible, immediate benefit) while positioning quantum resistance as migration insurance: "You won't have to rip-and-replace in three years." For emerging tech, anchor value in today's operational wins, not future scenarios. Give struggling departments concrete wins: Large banks have quantum threat teams tasked with replacing every piece of software by 2030-2035. Peter gives them measurable progress: "We move you from 5% to 10% completion on authentication and digital identity." These teams need defensible projects to justify their existence. Identify which internal groups are fighting for relevance and deliver projects they can report upward. Banking references are binary gatekeepers: Every bank asks "who else is using this?" Non-banking customers (telcos, gaming, lottery) don't count—banking regulation and systems are fundamentally different. The first banking customer is the hardest barrier. Once cleared, subsequent conversations become tractable. Budget aggressively to land that first bank, even at unfavorable terms. Respect the annual budget cycle: Banks allocate resources 12 months ahead. Approaching in Q2/Q3 means budgets are locked—even free POCs fail because internal resources are committed. Peter's pipeline strategy: build relationships and maintain visibility throughout the year, then activate when budget windows open. Don't confuse market education with active pipeline. Map and sequence multi-stakeholder buys: Authentication purchases require alignment across quantum threat teams (if they exist), cybersecurity/compliance, CTO/CIO (infrastructure acceptance), and digital product owners (UX concerns affecting their KPIs). Start at director level—board executives are too removed from technical details. Research each bank's org structure before engaging, then tailor sequencing. EU regulatory leadership creates expansion vectors: European regulations like PSD2 and strong authentication requirements get replicated in Southeast Asia, MENA, and other regions. Peter benefits from solving EU compliance first, then riding regulatory diffusion. The US remains fragmented with smaller regional banks still using username/password. Founders should analyze which geographies lead regulatory adoption in their category. Maintain composure through 18+ month cycles: Peter's regret: losing his temper during negotiations cost him time. Banking doesn't buy impulsively—sales require patience through lengthy security reviews, compliance checks, and committee approvals. Incremental progress and rational positioning matter more than aggressive closing. Emotional control is operational discipline. // Sponsors:  Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role.  Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM

In this episode of LIFTS, hosts Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with fitness technology veteran Leon Rudge for a deep dive into three major stories shaping the industry: the Basic‑Fit/Clever‑Fit mega‑merger, the Strava vs Garmin lawsuit, and Ladder's push into integrated nutrition tracking. Leon also shares insights from four months immersed in Southeast Asia's digital‑nomad tech hubs. Key topics include: • Leon's experiences inside Southeast Asia's booming digital‑nomad tech scene. • Why the Basic‑Fit acquisition signals a new phase for European fitness. • The real story behind the Strava vs. Garmin lawsuit. • Why integration, not features, is the new competitive advantage. • How Ladder is using nutrition tracking to boost retention. • The rise of AI across fitness products and ecosystems. • Why culture gets lost as companies scale and how to prevent it. • Predictions for global fitness technology in 2025–2026.  

Become a Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Get our free Weekly Rundown newsletter and be the first to hear about breaking news and offers: https://nomadcapitalist.com/email Join us for the next Nomad Capitalist Live event: https://nomadcapitalist.com/live/ Southeast Asia has quietly become one of the most flexible regions in the world for entreprenurs and investors. Mr Henderson reveals how this part of the world offers unique residence strategies, combining tax advantages, long-term flexibility, and smart entry points for those building an international lifestyle. From Singapore and Malaysia to the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia, discover how to position yourself with the right residence permits before the rules change! Nomad Capitalist helps clients "go where you're treated best." We are the world's most sought-after firm for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, international diversification, and asset protection. We use legal and ethical strategies and work exclusively with seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors. We create and execute holistic, multi-jurisdictional Plans that help clients keep more of their wealth, increase their personal freedom, and protect their families and wealth against threats in their home country. No other firm offers clients access to more potential options to relocate to, bank in, or become a citizen of. Because we do not focus only on one or a handful of countries, we can offer unbiased advice where others can't. Become Our Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Our Website: http://www.nomadcapitalist.com/ About Our Company: https://nomadcapitalist.com/about/ Buy Mr. Henderson's Book: https://nomadcapitalist.com/book/ Disclaimer: Neither Nomad Capitalist LTD nor its affiliates are licensed legal, financial, or tax advisors. All content published on YouTube and other platforms is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Nomad Capitalist does not offer or sell legal, financial, or tax advisory services.

What if the dream trip starts feeling like a job? We sit down with traveler and author Melissa Rodway to unpack the real highs and lows of a life built on movement—starting with a wild childhood year in Western Australia, a no-guidebook leap through Europe in the 90s, and the pre-smartphone hacks that kept her safe and curious in Costa Rica.The story turns when she quits an advertising job and heads to Southeast Asia for months of motion—Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China—where gritty bus rides collide with occasional five-star stays. Melissa shares how travel fatigue sneaks in, why purpose is the antidote, and the moment a seasoned traveler taught her the hardest lesson of the road: know when to go home. Those long rides turned into pages, and pages into The People You Meet, a witty, honest travel book about culture, food, and the human dramas that follow you across borders.Then we switch gears to a slower kind of adventure: five winter weeks in Quebec City during her year off. Daily cross-country laps on the Plains of Abraham, ice skating under big skies, a Nordic spa two minutes from home, and the electric roar of Carnival with its ice canoe races on the St. Lawrence. We dig into the ice hotel, maple syrup snow taffy, tourtière, French schools for all levels, and why Quebec is built for outdoor lovers in every season—plus practical tips on walkability, ferries to Lévis, nearby trails, and affordable stays that make lingering easy.If you're craving travel that's deeper, steadier, and more you, this conversation is your map.Map of Quebec CityYou can find Melissa:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fly_travel_media/Her website at: https://flyrodway.comMelissa's book: The People You Meet BookSupport the showPlease download, like, subscribe, share a review, and follow us on your favorite podcasts app and connect with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wherenextpodcast/View all listening options: https://wherenextpodcast.buzzsprout.com/HostsCarol Springer: https://www.instagram.com/carol.work.lifeKristen: https://www.instagram.com/team_wake/ If you can, please support the show or you can buy us a coffee.

Become a Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Get our free Weekly Rundown newsletter and be the first to hear about breaking news and offers: https://nomadcapitalist.com/email Join us for the next Nomad Capitalist Live event: https://nomadcapitalist.com/live/ Mr Henderson has just picked up his brand-new Cambodian passport, officially becoming a Cambodian citizen! In this new episode, he shares why he chose Cambodia, how the process works, and the two paths available to obtain Southeast Asia's only investment passport. Nomad Capitalist helps clients "go where you're treated best." We are the world's most sought-after firm for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, international diversification, and asset protection. We use legal and ethical strategies and work exclusively with seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors. We create and execute holistic, multi-jurisdictional Plans that help clients keep more of their wealth, increase their personal freedom, and protect their families and wealth against threats in their home country. No other firm offers clients access to more potential options to relocate to, bank in, or become a citizen of. Because we do not focus only on one or a handful of countries, we can offer unbiased advice where others can't. Become Our Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Our Website: http://www.nomadcapitalist.com/ About Our Company: https://nomadcapitalist.com/about/ Buy Mr. Henderson's Book: https://nomadcapitalist.com/book/ Disclaimer: Neither Nomad Capitalist LTD nor its affiliates are licensed legal, financial, or tax advisors. All content published on YouTube and other platforms is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. Nomad Capitalist does not offer or sell legal, financial, or tax advisory services.

When the robe becomes a weapon, who can stop the violence? We think of Buddhism as a faith of peace—rooted in compassion, patience, and nonviolence. But across South and Southeast Asia today, the robe is being turned into a weapon, as radical monks and nationalist movements unleash hatred and war. In The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports, 2025), acclaimed journalist Sonia Faleiro travels from Sri Lanka's riot-scarred towns to the homes of refugees along the Myanmar border to Thailand's fortified temples, uncovering how militant monks have transformed a tradition of nonviolence into a tool of terror. She reveals how Sri Lanka's Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara incited mobs against Muslims, how Myanmar's Ashin Wirathu helped ignite a genocide, and how elements of Thailand's clergy have entrenched military rule. Through vivid portraits of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks fighting to reclaim their faith, Faleiro delivers an unflinching investigation into the colonial trauma, economic grievances, and political forces fueling a dangerous new extremism. The Robe and the Sword is a searing and indispensable work of narrative nonfiction, urgently needed to understand how sacred traditions are being weaponized—and what is at stake for the future of our interconnected world. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

When the robe becomes a weapon, who can stop the violence? We think of Buddhism as a faith of peace—rooted in compassion, patience, and nonviolence. But across South and Southeast Asia today, the robe is being turned into a weapon, as radical monks and nationalist movements unleash hatred and war. In The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports, 2025), acclaimed journalist Sonia Faleiro travels from Sri Lanka's riot-scarred towns to the homes of refugees along the Myanmar border to Thailand's fortified temples, uncovering how militant monks have transformed a tradition of nonviolence into a tool of terror. She reveals how Sri Lanka's Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara incited mobs against Muslims, how Myanmar's Ashin Wirathu helped ignite a genocide, and how elements of Thailand's clergy have entrenched military rule. Through vivid portraits of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks fighting to reclaim their faith, Faleiro delivers an unflinching investigation into the colonial trauma, economic grievances, and political forces fueling a dangerous new extremism. The Robe and the Sword is a searing and indispensable work of narrative nonfiction, urgently needed to understand how sacred traditions are being weaponized—and what is at stake for the future of our interconnected world. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

RNZ reporter Kate Green has recently returned from parts of Southeast Asia as part of a Jefferson Fellowship exploring food security issues across the region. You can find photos and read more about the stories in this episode on our webpage, here.With thanks to:Kate GreenGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

When the robe becomes a weapon, who can stop the violence? We think of Buddhism as a faith of peace—rooted in compassion, patience, and nonviolence. But across South and Southeast Asia today, the robe is being turned into a weapon, as radical monks and nationalist movements unleash hatred and war. In The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports, 2025), acclaimed journalist Sonia Faleiro travels from Sri Lanka's riot-scarred towns to the homes of refugees along the Myanmar border to Thailand's fortified temples, uncovering how militant monks have transformed a tradition of nonviolence into a tool of terror. She reveals how Sri Lanka's Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara incited mobs against Muslims, how Myanmar's Ashin Wirathu helped ignite a genocide, and how elements of Thailand's clergy have entrenched military rule. Through vivid portraits of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks fighting to reclaim their faith, Faleiro delivers an unflinching investigation into the colonial trauma, economic grievances, and political forces fueling a dangerous new extremism. The Robe and the Sword is a searing and indispensable work of narrative nonfiction, urgently needed to understand how sacred traditions are being weaponized—and what is at stake for the future of our interconnected world. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

When the robe becomes a weapon, who can stop the violence? We think of Buddhism as a faith of peace—rooted in compassion, patience, and nonviolence. But across South and Southeast Asia today, the robe is being turned into a weapon, as radical monks and nationalist movements unleash hatred and war. In The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports, 2025), acclaimed journalist Sonia Faleiro travels from Sri Lanka's riot-scarred towns to the homes of refugees along the Myanmar border to Thailand's fortified temples, uncovering how militant monks have transformed a tradition of nonviolence into a tool of terror. She reveals how Sri Lanka's Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara incited mobs against Muslims, how Myanmar's Ashin Wirathu helped ignite a genocide, and how elements of Thailand's clergy have entrenched military rule. Through vivid portraits of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks fighting to reclaim their faith, Faleiro delivers an unflinching investigation into the colonial trauma, economic grievances, and political forces fueling a dangerous new extremism. The Robe and the Sword is a searing and indispensable work of narrative nonfiction, urgently needed to understand how sacred traditions are being weaponized—and what is at stake for the future of our interconnected world. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/buddhist-studies

When the robe becomes a weapon, who can stop the violence? We think of Buddhism as a faith of peace—rooted in compassion, patience, and nonviolence. But across South and Southeast Asia today, the robe is being turned into a weapon, as radical monks and nationalist movements unleash hatred and war. In The Robe and the Sword: How Buddhist Extremism is Shaping Modern Asia (Columbia Global Reports, 2025), acclaimed journalist Sonia Faleiro travels from Sri Lanka's riot-scarred towns to the homes of refugees along the Myanmar border to Thailand's fortified temples, uncovering how militant monks have transformed a tradition of nonviolence into a tool of terror. She reveals how Sri Lanka's Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara incited mobs against Muslims, how Myanmar's Ashin Wirathu helped ignite a genocide, and how elements of Thailand's clergy have entrenched military rule. Through vivid portraits of zealots, survivors, and dissident monks fighting to reclaim their faith, Faleiro delivers an unflinching investigation into the colonial trauma, economic grievances, and political forces fueling a dangerous new extremism. The Robe and the Sword is a searing and indispensable work of narrative nonfiction, urgently needed to understand how sacred traditions are being weaponized—and what is at stake for the future of our interconnected world. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies

In this episode, Dr Elle Wadsworth talks to Dr Phong Thai, an Associate Professor at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, Australia. The interview covers Phong's research article on a wastewater study measuring illegal drug use in Hanoi, Vietnam, to determine the feasibility of conducting wastewater analysis in a low-income country.Note: The acronym ‘UNODC' used in this episode stands for the ‘United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime'. Why looking at illegal drug use in Vietnam is important [01:07]Wastewater analysis and its utility in a low-income country [02:00]The biomarkers of focus [03:55]Why the authors chose Hanoi, Vietnam, to pilot wastewater analysis in South East Asia [05:38]Vietnam's location and relation to drug trafficking in South East Asia [07:12]The Golden Triangle [08:22]The main findings of the study [08:48]Ketamine's rise in popularity in Vietnam [10:16]The impact of COVID-19 on the consumption of drugs in Vietnam [11:18]Why are synthetic drugs becoming more popular? [12:30]The feasibility of conducting wastewater analysis in a low-income country [13:33]The take-home messages of the study [15:34]About Elle Wadsworth: Elle is an academic fellow with the Society for the Study of Addiction. She is based at the University of Bath with the Addiction and Mental Health Group and her research interests include drug policy, cannabis legalisation, and public health.About Phong Thai: Phong is an ARC Mid-Career Industry Fellow and Associate Professor at Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS). His research focus involves the expansion of wastewater-based epidemiological approach to estimate community consumption and exposure to a range of legal and illegal substances (including tobacco and alcohol) and pharmaceuticals, as well as the monitoring of community infection to COVID-19 during the last pandemic. He is a member of the team who manage the National Wastewater Drug Monitoring Program in Australia and has helped pioneering wastewater drug monitoring in several countries.Original article: Significant changes in preference of illicit drug use in a population of Hanoi, Vietnam – A 6-year wastewater study (2018–2023) https://doi.org/10.1111/add.70147The opinions expressed in this podcast reflect the views of the host and interviewees and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official positions of the SSA or Addiction journal.The SSA does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the information in external sources or links and accepts no responsibility or liability for any consequences arising from the use of such information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain vanished in May 2024, her family was devastated.   Nikki was born in a refugee camp in Southeast Asia and came to the United States with her family, settling in Seattle. She was a beautiful, bubbly woman who loved to laugh and was always her family's biggest cheerleader. She had a forgiving nature and brought joy to everyone around her.   After Nikki vanished, her husband Tyler McCain publicly pleaded for her safe return. He apologized to both families and said he wanted to help find her.   But in August 2025, everything changed.   Tyler was arrested and charged with Nikki's murder.   Prosecutors allege he had a motive to silence Nikki—one that involves a disturbing history and a case that was dismissed when Nikki disappeared.   This episode covers Nikki's life, her disappearance, and the shocking developments that led to Tyler's arrest.   Nikki is still missing. A $30,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her location.   If you have information about Nikki Cheng Saelee McCain, please contact the Shasta County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit at (530) 245-6135 or mcu@shastacounty.gov.   Thank you to this week's sponsor!   Take control of your life with Skylight Calendar. Go to MySkylight.com/MOMS for $30 off your 15-inch calendar now!     New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday!   Follow us on Instagram: @momsandmysteries   Join our Patreon: patreon.com/momsandmysteries   Visit our website: momsandmysteries.com   If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org.   #TrueCrime #Podcast #FloridaMoms #NikkiCheng #California #DomesticViolence #MissingPerson #TylerMcCain #JusticeForNikki  

SHOW 11-12-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1930 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT CHINA'S LEADERSHIP. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Allied AI Competition and Submarine Requests. Scott Harold examines the crucial role of allies Japan and South Korea in the AI competition against China. Japan is developing locally tailored AI models built on US technology for use in Southeast Asia. South Korea aims to become the third-largest AI power, offering reliable models to counter China's untrustworthy technology. Harold also discusses South Korea's surprising request for nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines to track Chinese and North Korean vessels, signaling a greater public willingness to contribute to China deterrence. 915-930 Rare Earths Monopoly and US Strategy. General Blaine Holt discusses China's challenge to the US and its allies regarding rare earths, noting that China previously threatened to cut off supply. The US is securing deals with partners like Australia and is on track to replace China entirely, despite initial processing reliance on Chinese predatory practices. Holt suggests a two-year recovery is conservative, as technology for domestic processing exists. He also notes China's leadership is in turmoil, trying to buy time through trade deals. 930-945 Russian Economic Stagnation and War Finance. Michael Bernstam confirms that the Russian economy is stagnating, expecting no growth for years due to exhausted resources and reliance on military production. Oil and gas revenues are down significantly due to Western sanctions and high discounts, widening the budget deficit. Russia is increasing taxes, including the VAT, which drives inflation in staples. This economic pain damages the popularity of the war by hurting the low-income population—the primary source of military recruitment. 945-1000 Buckley, Fusionism, and Conservative Integrity. Peter Berkowitz explores William F. Buckley's consolidation of the conservative movement through "fusionism"—blending limited government and social conservatism. Buckley purged the movement of anti-Semites based on core principles. Berkowitz uses this historical context to analyze the controversy surrounding Tucker Carlson giving a platform to Nick Fuentes, who openly celebrates Stalin and Hitler. This incident caused division after the Heritage Foundation's president, Kevin Roberts, defended Carlson, prompting Roberts to issue an apology. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Commodity Markets and UK Political Instability. Simon Constable analyzes rare earth markets, noting China's dominance is achieved through undercutting prices and buying out competitors. Prices for key industrial commodities like copper and aluminum are up, indicating high demand. Constable also discusses UK political instability, noting that Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacks natural leadership and confidence. The major political driver for a potential leadership change is the party's broken promise regarding income taxes, which severely undermines public trust before the next election, 1015-1030 Commodity Markets and UK Political Instability. Simon Constable analyzes rare earth markets, noting China's dominance is achieved through undercutting prices and buying out competitors. Prices for key industrial commodities like copper and aluminum are up, indicating high demand. Constable also discusses UK political instability, noting that Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer lacks natural leadership and confidence. The major political driver for a potential leadership change is the party's broken promise regarding income taxes, which severely undermines public trust before the next election 1030-1045 Austrian Economics, Von Mises, and the Fight Against Interventionism. Carola Binder discusses the Austrian School of Economics, highlighting its focus on free markets and Ludwig von Mises's opposition to government "interventionism," including rent and price controls. Mises argued these policies distort markets, leading to shortages and inefficiency. Binder emphasizes Mises's belief that economic literacy is a primary civic duty necessary for citizens to reject socialism and interventionist panaceas, especially as new generations are exposed to such ideas. 1045-1100 Austrian Economics, Von Mises, and the Fight Against Interventionism. Carola Binder discusses the Austrian School of Economics, highlighting its focus on free markets and Ludwig von Mises's opposition to government "interventionism," including rent and price controls. Mises argued these policies distort markets, leading to shortages and inefficiency. Binder emphasizes Mises's belief that economic literacy is a primary civic duty necessary for citizens to reject socialism and interventionist panaceas, especially as new generations are exposed to such ideas. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Philippine Missile Deployment to Deter China. Captain Jim Fanell reports that the Philippines unveiled its first operational BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile battery in western Luzon to deter Chinese aggression. This supersonic missile system, part of the $7.2 billion Reorizon 3 modernization program, gives the Philippines "skin in the game" near disputed waters like Scarborough Shoal. The deployment signifies a strategy to turn the Philippines into a "porcupine," focusing defense on the West Philippine Sea. The systems are road-mobile, making them difficult to target. 1115-1130 AI, Cyber Attacks, and Nuclear Deterrence. Peter Huessy discusses the challenges to nuclear deterrence posed by AI and cyber intrusions. General Flynn highlighted that attacks on satellites, the backbone of deterrence, could prevent the US from confirming where a launch originated. Huessy emphasizes the need to improve deterrence, noting that the US likely requires presidential authorization for retaliation, unlike potential Russian "dead hand" systems. The biggest risk is misinformation delivered by cyber attacks, although the US maintains stringent protocols and would never launch based solely on a computer warning. 1130-1145 Sudan Civil War, Global Proxies, and Nigerian Violence. Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio analyze the civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF, noting both factions commit atrocities, including massacres after the capture of El Fasher. The conflict is fueled by opposing global coalitions: the UAE and Russia support the RSF, while Iran, Egypt, and Turkey back the SAF. The Islamic State has called for foreign jihadis to mobilize. Weiss also addresses the complicated violence in Nigeria, differentiating jihadist attacks on Christians from communal farmer-herder conflict. 1145-1200 Sudan Civil War, Global Proxies, and Nigerian Violence. Caleb Weiss and Bill Roggio analyze the civil war in Sudan between the SAF and the RSF, noting both factions commit atrocities, including massacres after the capture of El Fasher. The conflict is fueled by opposing global coalitions: the UAE and Russia support the RSF, while Iran, Egypt, and Turkey back the SAF. The Islamic State has called for foreign jihadis to mobilize. Weiss also addresses the complicated violence in Nigeria, differentiating jihadist attacks on Christians from communal farmer-herder conflict. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Corruption, Chinese Influence, and Protests in Serbia. Ivana Stradner discusses protests in Serbia demanding accountability one year after a canopy collapse killed 16 people, with investigations linking the accident to high-level corruption involving a Chinese company. Leader Vučić suppresses discontent by alleging the West is plotting a "color revolution." Although Vučić aligns his heart with Russia and China, he needs EU money for political survival, prompting him to offer weapons to the West and claim Serbia is on the EU path. 1215-1230 The Muslim Brotherhood and Its Global Network. Cliff May discusses the Muslim Brotherhood (MB), the progenitor of Hamas, founded in 1928 after the Ottoman Caliphate's abolition. The MB's goal is to establish a new Islamic empire. Qatar is highly supportive, hosting Hamas leaders, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia have banned the MB. Turkish President Erdoğan is considered MB-adjacent and sympathetic, supporting Hamas and potentially viewing himself as a future Caliph, despite Turkey being a NATO member. 1230-1245 Commercial Space Records and Political Impacts on NASA. Bob Zimmerman covers new records in commercial space: SpaceX achieved 147 launches this year, and one booster tied the Space Shuttle Columbia for 28 reuses. China also set a record with 70 launches but had a failure. Commercial space faced temporary impacts, such as an FAA launch curfew due to a government shutdown and air traffic controller shortages. Zimmerman speculates that Jared Isaacman's conservative-leaning public appearance at Turning Point USA might have convinced Trump to renominate him for NASA Administrator. 1245-100 AM Commercial Space Records and Political Impacts on NASA. Bob Zimmerman covers new records in commercial space: SpaceX achieved 147 launches this year, and one booster tied the Space Shuttle Columbia for 28 reuses. China also set a record with 70 launches but had a failure. Commercial space faced temporary impacts, such as an FAA launch curfew due to a government shutdown and air traffic controller shortages. Zimmerman speculates that Jared Isaacman's conservative-leaning public appearance at Turning Point USA might have convinced Trump to renominate him for NASA Administrator.

Allied AI Competition and Submarine Requests. Scott Harold examines the crucial role of allies Japan and South Korea in the AI competition against China. Japan is developing locally tailored AI models built on US technology for use in Southeast Asia. South Korea aims to become the third-largest AI power, offering reliable models to counter China's untrustworthy technology. Harold also discusses South Korea's surprising request for nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines to track Chinese and North Korean vessels, signaling a greater public willingness to contribute to China deterrence.

With less than 50 days remaining of 2025, South East Asia is barrelling towards the end-of-year holiday travel season. And  there's plenty of news to talk about. This week, Gary and Hannah zoom through the region's top travel happenings, with stopovers in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, plus China and Bahrain. We begin with downbeat news about the Thailand-Cambodia peace process, and the detrimental impact this is having on Cambodia's visitor economy (remember in 2024, Cambodia was the first country in ASEAN to claim it had surpassed its 2019 visitor level). In a packed show, we also deconstruct COMAC's acquisition of a 49% stake in Lao Airlines and AirAsia's plans to establish a Middle East base in Bahrain. Plus, we look in depth at Singapore's new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Levy, which will charge differentiated rates to air travellers to fund the scaling up of SAF for flights to/from Changi Airport - and how other ASEAN countries might respond. Staying in Singapore, we ponder its newly announced SGD1 billion wellness attraction by the bay, while a social media storm greeted plans to beautify downtown Kuala Lumpur. We finish with an insider summary from Gary of Phocuswright's new 2025 South East Asia Travel Market Essentials report.

The Bajau tribe, often called "sea nomads," are an indigenous group in Southeast Asia known for their incredible ability to live on the water. They spend most of their lives on boats and have adapted to free diving, holding their breath underwater for minutes at a time while hunting for fish. Their bodies have evolved with larger spleens to store more oxygen, making them natural-born divers. Many Bajau can dive up to 200 feet deep without any equipment. Though modern times have seen changes, they still hold a deep connection to the sea, living in stilt houses or houseboats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kota Kinabalu serves as a vibrant gateway to the adventures awaiting in Sabah, Malaysia, where we explore the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. This coastal city, the capital of Sabah, offers a multitude of experiences, from bustling markets to breathtaking hikes. We guide you through the local culinary delights, such as the soft boiled eggs and kaya toast, and the enticing pork noodle soup that define the region's breakfast offerings. As we delve deeper, we highlight the unique opportunity to climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, where the views await. Join us as we discover how Kota Kinabalu is not just a destination, but a launch pad for unforgettable adventures across Sabah and all of Borneo.The Sunday morning market in Kota Kinabalu transforms this strip into a vibrant hub of activity, showcasing local dishes that define Sabahan cuisine. The soft-boiled eggs paired with kaya toast, a delicacy made from coconut jam, paired with the local favorite pork noodle soup, offer a taste of the region that is both comforting and delicious. As night falls, the Filipino market along the waterfront becomes a sensory overload, where grilled chicken wings, drizzled with honey and local snacks like La Tak, present an adventurous culinary experience for those willing to step outside their comfort zone.Further enriching the experience, the episode delves into Sabah's indigenous culture at the Kdca Cultural Village. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of the local communities, engaging with various indigenous groups while enjoying performances of traditional dances. The Simaziu dance, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of gongs, provides a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage, while the chance to participate in the harvest festival emphasizes the community spirit and appreciation for local agricultural practices. Such cultural insights not only enhance the travel experience but also foster a deeper understanding of the local way of life.The natural landscapes surrounding Kota Kinabalu are equally impressive, with opportunities for adventure and relaxation. A short boat ride from Jesselton Point leads to stunning islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where activities such as snorkeling and jet skiing await. For those seeking a more daring challenge, the hike to Mount Kinabalu is a highlight, requiring a licensed guide to navigate the trails safely. The hike culminates in a breathtaking sunrise view that is a reward for the effort. Alternatively, the picturesque town of Kundasang offers a serene escape with its rolling meadows and opportunities to visit the Kundasang War Memorial, honoring those lost in WWII. Overall, Kota Kinabalu is portrayed as a launching point for an unforgettable journey through Sabah, balancing the vibrancy of markets with the tranquility of nature and culture.Mentioned in this episode:Check out the Smart Travel PodcastThis week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:Smart Travel Podcast

Leah Cohen is the chef, author, and Top Chef alum behind NYC's Pig & Khao. From delivering pizzas as a teen to training in Michelin-starred kitchens around the world, she carved her path the old-school way - through hustle, honesty, and a whole lot of rice. In this episode, Leah opens up about how traveling through Southeast Asia became the turning point that shaped the food she makes today. She also shares what it's like building a career alongside motherhood. While still running a restaurant, she reflects on leaning more into the social media world - and why showing people how to cook the food she loves has become such a meaningful part of her work. Leah also discusses causes close to her heart, including Alzheimer's awareness and her support of Ark Solves, a charity that works with rural communities who want to secure their food, health, income, and a hunger-free future. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Leah Cohen.This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin - the cocktail gin.(You'll find the drink recipe heard in this episode below.)Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms. www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com ***Ube & TonicRecipe courtesy of Anna Mains.Makes 1 cocktail1 1/2 parts Fords Gin 1/2 part Ube Syrup *1/4 part Calamansi Juice 3 parts High Quality Tonic WaterAdd gin, ube syrup and calamansi juice to a collins glass filled with ice and top with tonic water. Give it a quick stir and garnish with a calamansi wheel (lime will work if you can't find calamansi). * For the ube syrup, mix equal parts ube jam, sugar and water in a small sauce pot, stir, bring to a simmer to dissolve the sugar and let cool.

$15 Billion crypto seizures, SouthEast Asia scam compounds with thousands of victims and the life savings of hard working professionals being wiped out by transnational criminal organizations. In this episode, Andrew Fierman (Head of National Security Intelligence, Chainalysis) and Erin West (Founder, Operation Shamrock), don't hold back in sharing the nuances of pig butchering, national security and everything to do with crypto sanctions and victim support.  Erin describes the comprehensive scam strategies and shares her perspective as she travels the world and investigates steps away from some of the biggest scam compounds the industry has ever seen. Andrew emphasizes the enormous scale of financial operations linked to illicit activities, evidenced by the staggering figures tied to entities like Huione and Prince Group and the importance of cross-sector collaboration and proactive regulatory measures in mitigating these threats. Through real-life anecdotes and expert analysis, the episode provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities and ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized scam networks. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Introduction: Crypto Natsec and Pig Butchering 4 | Erin's Background in High Tech Crime 8 | Understanding Pig Butchering Scams 15 | Global Collaboration Against Organized Crime 18 | Gift Cards as a Money Laundering Tool 22 | Southeast Asia Scam Compounds 27 | Chen Zhi and Prince Group's Sanction Analysis 30 | Practical Advice on How Anyone Can Combat Pig Butchering 33 | Closing Thoughts and Resources   Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: Operation Shamrock: Educate. Mobilize. Disrupt: Stopping Scams Together Podcast: Stolen: A Podcast with Erin West Article: The Pig Butchering Lifecycle: Organized criminals use a highly scripted process and human trafficking to get as much money as they can from individual victims. Article: How scammers use crypto ATMs to launder millions from victims Blog: DOJ Seizes $15 Billion in Bitcoin as U.S. and U.K. Target Massive Southeast Asian Crypto Scam Network Blog: Five Key Takeaways from MSMT's Report on North Korean Cyber Operations YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Speakers on today's episode Andrew Fierman (Head of National Security Intelligence, Chainalysis) Erin West (Founder, Operation Shamrock) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material.  Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company. 

The National Milk Producers Federation applauded the recent announcement from the Trump administration of new trade agreements in Southeast Asia. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Folks… did you think spooky season was over? It ain't truly finished yet! Reaching into November now, the autumnal season has brought us to a little mash-up of Horror Adjacent™️ and Veterans Day graces. We're covering our second South Korean film of the show. In the jungles of Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, a Korean squad, led by Lieutenant Choi, heads into the mist and fog of a mysterious island to rescue a missing platoon. Will they get out alive? Somehow connecting the horror genre with the horrors of war itself, director Kong Su-chang brings us an interesting combination of artful and subtle scares with the injured psyches of soldiers aching to return home. Join Chris and Kevin as they delve into the mysterious jungles of warfare, silhouettes, and ghosts. Hear us out as we make our point for R-point!

Jeremy Au explores how technology, economics, and startups shape Southeast Asia's future. He shares why young founders should take early risks, how AI is changing entry-level jobs, why GDP growth reflects centuries of human progress, and how unicorns are built across different customer and revenue models. 02:00 Taking Early Risks: Jeremy encourages young people to take risks early in their careers, explaining that finance will always be an option later. 05:00 AI and Work Automation: He describes how Microsoft Co-Pilot now handles meeting minutes, making senior executives' lives easier but removing traditional tasks from junior staff. 09:30 Economic Lessons from Asia: He compares GDP per capita across countries, noting that Singapore's 90,000 USD income level makes a Filipino visitor feel as if they are jumping 45 years into the future. 13:20 Startups and Unicorns: Jeremy defines startups as newly established businesses, from cafés to tech firms, and explains that only one in forty funded startups become unicorns. 16:40 Paths to a Billion-Dollar Company: He outlines the “flies to whales” framework, showing how companies grow through different mixes of customer numbers and annual revenue per user. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-time-machine Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #AIinWorkforce #SoutheastAsiaTech #StartupGrowth #EconomicFuture #UnicornBuilders #DigitalTransformation #CareerRisks #AutomationImpact #TechEducation #BRAVEpodcast

More than 20 miles of gigantic wall, out in the ocean, are hoping to defend Jakarta, Indonesia's capital and Southeast Asia's biggest mega-city, from rising seawater. Also, US foreign direct investment in Africa has surpassed China's for the first time since 2012. And, New Delhi and Islamabad were both hit with bombs, killing at least 20 people between them, and both Indian and Pakistani officials are trying to find out the exact cause of the explosions. Plus, the genre-bending American band Deerhoof releases its first single, “Immigrant Songs,” a playful take on a serious issue.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Peak Design has raised over $60 million on Kickstarter across multiple campaigns, making them one of the most successful crowdfunding brands in history. Their most recent campaign alone generated $13.5 million. Founder Peter Dering shares the exact strategies, lessons, and controversial decisions behind building a $100M+ business entirely without venture capital.In this episode, Peter reveals:The Kickstarter Strategy: Peak Design uses crowdfunding as a fundamental building block of their brand, not just a sales channel.The "Omnichannel Sandwich" Approach: For their $13.5M campaign, Peak Design launched in retail stores at full price before fulfilling all Kickstarter orders, despite the backlash, they'd do it again.Building Without Investors: Kickstarter's upfront payment model solved cashflow challenges and allowed Peak Design to stay completely investor-free while reaching $100M in revenue.The Origin Story: A four-month motorcycle trip through Southeast Asia sparked the idea for a camera clip. That idea would evolve into an entire ecosystem of gear for photographers and adventurers.Company Culture & Transparency: The stated purpose of Peak Design is for employees to live happy and meaningful lives, and Peter shares all financial figures with his team.The Climate Change Project: Peter co-founded the Change Climate Project, creating the most robust climate certification now used by over 300 companies including REI, with Peak Design spending $350,000 annually on carbon mitigation.Chapters:00:00 Introducing Peter Dering, Founder of Peak Design 3:13 How Peter Pivoted from Construction Engineering to Being His Own Boss 4:00 Where to Find Life & Business Inspiration 5:27 Peter's First Invention: How to Bring a Product to Life 6:55 Breaking Down One of the Most Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Ever 8:28 The Steps for Scaling Sales From $700,000-$100M 10:22 The Best (Timeless) Kickstarter Tips  13:40 How Peak Design Hit Their Best Crowdfunding Campaign To Date: $13M17:00 Peter's POV On VC Dollars  19:10 Company Culture: The Key to Team Building & Being a Successful, Meaningful Leader 24:20 The Impact of Climate Change & The Creation of The Change Climate Project 28:10 Peak Design's Lifetime Warranty & How They Maintain High Customer Lifetime Value 30:00 Immersive Community Tactics That Create Value  Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Greg and Ed discuss an article on Ajarn.com by Dr. Jesse Sessions called "What Does the Future Hold" which discusses some of the bigger problems currently facing Thailand and how they might impact the country's prosperity, competitiveness and social longevity. The guys walk through the issues one by one and give their take on its significance, The first issue is border security. Ed points out that Thailand actually has major security issues on the Burmese, Malaysian, and Cambodian borders, something that is easy to forget from the security of Bangkok. In fact several of the later issues tie in to this problem, including the major problems of government corruption and of scam centers in Cambodia and Burma, that implicate Thailand in international crime networks. Greg points out that these 'scam cities' are sometimes connected to the Thai power grid or Internet service and may also be trafficking victims through Bangkok. As a 'rule of law' guy, Ed emphasizes the importance of cleaning up these issues and ridding Southeast Asia of its Wild West image.  Another cluster of issues centers around the economy, such as the slower the expected recovery of the tourism sector after COVID and Thailand's perennial fixture in the 'middle income trap,' clearly surpassing Cambodia but somehow also managing to be miles away from South Korea and Japan. Check in for discussion of a bunch of other topics, including demographics, AI adoption, and environmental problems, and make sure to read the full article for a more thorough breakdown of each issue.  

This week, the boys head to 1949 to check out a classic American adventure heist movie, Raoul Walsh's “White Heat”! This movie has everything: Train robberies, men hiding in oil trucks, prison breaks, a kingpin who's a mother, James Cagney as a psychopath. John gets us started with mini-reviews of Derek Cianfrance's “Roofman” and the new hit “Bugonia” by Yorgos Lanthimos. Should Jesse Plemons win an Oscar???? Grab a beer and join in. linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 7:36 John's mini-reviews of “Roofman” and “Bugonia”; 13:10Gripes; 17:36 1949 Year in Review; 37:14 Films of 1949: “White Heat”; 1:12:32 What You Been Watching?; 1:20:40 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: Virginia Mayo, Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, Virginia Kellogg, Max Steiner, Louis F Edelman, Will Tracy, Jang Joon-hwan, Aidan Delbis, Emma Stone, Vanessa Eng, Marc T. Lewis, Cedric Dumornay, Alicia Silverstone, Edmond O'Brien, Margaret Wycherly, Wally Cassell, Steve Cochran, John Archer, Fred Clark, Ben Mendelsohn, Kirt Gunn, Tony Revolori, Kirana Kuic, Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage, LaKeith Stanfield, Channing Tatum. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations: Welcome to Derry, Pennywise, Say Something, Mr. Scorsese, Pluribus, the Vanishing, Death in the Family: The Murdaugh Murders. Additional Tags: Stephen King's It, The Tenant, Rosemary's Baby, The Pianist, Cul-de-Sac, AI, The New York City Marathon, Apartments, Tenants, Rent Prices, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, Amazon, Robotics, AMC, IMAX Issues, Tron, The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics), Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg. 

On October 30, US President Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping met in Busan, South Korea. It was their first face-to-face meeting in 6 years. There was a lot at stake in this meeting for the US and China, as well as for the rest of the world. In my view, the outcome is best described as a fragile truce. The path forward for US-China relations remains uncertain – greater stability and predictability is possible, but not assured. Intense competition across several domains, especially technology, is likely.Today's episode focuses on the Trump-Xi summit and the future of US-China relations, featuring Mr. Dennis Wilder. Dennis is a senior fellow for the Initiative for U.S.-China Dialogue on Global Issues at Georgetown University, where he previously served as the managing director, and assistant professor of the practice in Asian studies in the School of Foreign Service. He served on President George W. Bush's NSC first as director for China and then as senior director for Asian Affairs. He also had a distinguished career in the CIA, where he held many positions, the last of which was senior editor of the Presidential Daily Brief.  Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[1:57] Trump-Xi Summit: A Win for China? [09:03] Fact Sheet Discrepancies [14:37] Trump Administration's China Strategy[16:47] Achieving Chinese Exceptionalism[19:20] China's Confidence and Potential Instability[21:26] Why No Taiwan Mention? [24:48] An Inflection Point for Greater Stability? [27:50] Indo-Pacific View of the US-China Relationship

In today's episode, we chat with Eden Grinshpan, TV food personality, cookbook author, and beloved host of Top Chef Canada.Eden opens up about what it really means to follow your curiosity and trust where it leads. Her story starts at Le Cordon Bleu in London and winds through Europe, India, Southeast Asia, and Israel—each stop adding new flavor to how she sees food and the people behind it. She shares the unexpected moments that shaped her career: the phone call that landed her Top Chef Canada, the restaurant that "only lasted a whole year" (and why she's proud of it), and the seven months in India that taught her food is a connector above all else. Eden talks about letting go of perfection, learning to cook with feeling instead of fear, and finding her voice both as a chef and as a person.Join us as Eden reveals why vegetables deserve "main character energy," the power of condiments to transform any dish, her philosophy on entertaining (casual, bountiful, and happy), and introduces us to her latest cookbook, Tahini Baby—proving that veg-forward cooking should be exciting, not restrictive.

Australians are keen travellers to many Southeast Asian countries, but day-to-day life for small populations of local Christians can be a struggle. This week on VOMAus Radio, Patrick and Noah discuss Christian life in a Muslim-dominant Asian nation [name of country withheld for security], including a special education outreach project for children without identification documents, and much sought-after leadership training for local pastors.

Paulo David is CEO of AmFi. He joins host Aaron Stanley to discuss how his platform is revolutionizing access to Brazilian private credit markets through asset tokenization. As a third-time entrepreneur who previously built and sold two major fintechs including Grafeno, Paulo brings deep expertise in Brazil's capital markets infrastructure. The conversation explores how Brazil's position as having the world's second-highest interest rates creates a unique opportunity to export this yield to global investors through blockchain technology. Paulo explains how AmFi is addressing critical market inefficiencies including lack of transparency, limited accessibility, and absence of secondary markets that have historically prevented foreign capital from entering Brazilian private credit. He also discusses the platform's expansion strategy targeting Southeast Asia and the Middle East, and how democratizing access to these high-yield instruments can ultimately reduce borrowing costs and improve credit access for Brazilian businesses.------------------------------------------------------------------Brazil Crypto Report is presented by AveniaIf you're building a wallet, a crypto consumer app, or a global payment platform, Avenia is your bridge to Latin America. Instantly connect to PIX, SPEI, and CBU using stablecoins — with one API. No banks. No FX desks. No SWIFT. Move money globally, with full compliance and real-time settlement. Learn more at ⁠⁠avenia.io⁠⁠.------------------------------------------------------------------Figment is the leading independent provider of staking infrastructure with $18B assets under stake and provides the complete solution for over 1000 institutional clients in Latin America and globally. Through its enterprise-grade infrastructure, Figment enables clients such as banks and exchanges, to earn rewards on Proof-of-Stake assets such as Ethereum and Solana, while maintaining the highest standards of security, compliance, and performance.Learn more at figment.io-------------------------------------------------------------------

Recently, Trezor unveiled the Safe 7: the first hardware wallet in the world to include the Tropic Square verifiable secure element chip, a true game-changer for Bitcoin security. In this episode, Matej Zak & Tomáš Sušánka explain how it works. Buy your Trezor Safe 7 (referral link): https://affil.trezor.io/SHuM Time stamps: 00:01:13 - Introduction to the podcast episode and guests (Matej Zak, CEO, and Tomáš Sušánka, CTO of Trezor). 00:01:34 - Discussion of the Trezor Safe 7 product launch event in Prague and the host's excitement about the Tropic Square chip. 00:01:55 - Mention of the live unboxing and potential for things to go wrong. 00:02:17 - Addressing rumors about paying influencers; clarification that no payments were made, only travel costs covered. 00:03:11 - Start of unboxing the Trezor Safe 7, focusing on packaging security and tamper-proof elements. 00:04:31 - Overview of Trezor Safe 7 features: flagship product, auditable secure element, large color touchscreen, premium build quality, Bluetooth connectivity, and quantum protections. 00:07:20 - Explanation of "quantum ready" label: Post-quantum signatures for bootloader updates and device authenticity, not full quantum-proofing for Bitcoin. 00:09:00 - Deeper dive into quantum readiness, industry trends (e.g., Cloudflare, Apple), and why it's not a gimmick. 00:12:51 - Continuation of unboxing: Tamper-proof seals, holographic stickers, and physical security layers. 00:14:18 - Confirmation that devices ship without firmware; installation happens via Trezor Suite for added security. 00:15:26 - Setup process on iPhone: Downloading the app, Bluetooth pairing, and why iPhone compatibility was prioritized. 00:16:10 - Market insights: US as the biggest market, challenges with Apple (MFi program), and opting for Bluetooth over cables. 00:18:30 - Ads segment (Sideshift.ai, Layer 2 Labs, NoOnes.com, news.bitcoin.com). 00:20:13 - Resuming app setup: Privacy options, biometrics, Bluetooth permissions, and pairing code. 00:21:42 - Counting physical security layers (five in total) and their purpose. 00:23:07 - Authenticity checks in the app: Confirming purchase source, seals, and packaging integrity. 00:24:09 - Firmware installation process and confirmation that devices ship with only bootloader. 00:25:05 - Discussion of dual secure elements (Tropic Square T01 and Infineon Optiga Trust M) for enhanced security. 00:26:01 - Bluetooth security: End-to-end encryption using Noise protocol. 00:27:04 - Haptic feedback and one-time code for pairing confirmation. 00:28:00 - Device authenticity verification via secure elements. 00:29:39 - More on quantum readiness: Post-quantum certificates for future implementation. 00:30:23 - Tutorial walkthrough: Power button, menu options, and Tropic Square chip explanation. 00:30:59 - Background on Tropic Square: Origin story, name meaning (Truly Open IC), and founding to create auditable secure elements. 00:32:06 - Experience with proprietary secure elements: Discovering vulnerabilities under NDA and deciding to develop an open alternative. 00:34:25 - Why Tropic Square chip is described as "auditable and transparent" rather than fully "open source" (digital parts open, analog parts not yet due to costs; no NDAs required). 00:37:18 - Advantages of Tropic Square for competitors: Better security, transparency, and ability to discuss vulnerabilities openly. 00:38:46 - Competition philosophy: Focus on features, software, third-party integrations, and innovation rather than aggressive tactics. 00:40:29 - Bitcoin-only version mention and pre-order availability. 00:41:26 - Completion of setup tutorial; default 20-word SLIP-39 backup with options for multi-share. 00:43:41 - Metrics for setup experience: Emphasis on user understanding over speed. 00:45:32 - Compatibility with BIP-44 for multi-asset support; differences limited to SLIP-39 replacing BIP-39. 00:47:09 - Status as production-quality device; shipping soon, with room for early feedback. 00:49:19 - Audience questions: Ordering in Southeast Asia (via trezor.io or vetted resellers). 00:50:35 - Audience questions: Coin control in mobile app (planned for parity with desktop in a few months). 00:51:29 - Audience questions: Shielded Zcash support (on backlog, no ETA; space issues resolved but requires further cryptography work). 00:53:18 - Pricing ($250) and pre-order info. 00:53:43 - Closing remarks: Pride in the product, future features, and thanks.

Welcome back to the Cornelius Seed Podcast! In this episode,we have a special guest Ralph Lents, Chair of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, on to explore unexpected markets for corn demand including China, India, and Southeast Asia. We delve into the evolving ethanol market, innovative uses likeethanol-powered ships and tractors, and the potential for carbon pipelines to impact corn prices in Iowa. Tune in for an insightful discussion on global trade, government policies, and how initiatives from the Iowa Corn Promotion Board are paving the way for the future of corn farming.  Chapters 01:29 Meet Ralph Lents: Iowa Corn Promotion BoardChair 02:11 Global Trade and Tariffs: Impact on Corn and Soybeans08:50 Ethanol and New Markets: India and Southeast Asia 10:54 Pipeline Controversies and Ethanol's Future 18:45 Innovations in Corn Usage: From Clothing to MaritimeFuel 21:30 Getting Involved: Iowa Corn Promotion BoardInitiatives 26:50 Advice for Young Farmers and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Khalil Diab and Dr. Hamad Ali sit down with Dr. Firas Mahdi, Partner at LEK Consulting in Singapore, to explore the intersection of strategy, technology, and innovation in healthcare across Asia and the Middle East. From his beginnings in clinical medicine at AUBMC to leadership roles at GE Healthcare, Medtronic, and now LEK, Dr. Mahdi shares a remarkable global journey spanning Lebanon, the Gulf, and Southeast Asia. We discuss: How Singapore's hybrid public–private healthcare model achieves world-class outcomes Lessons for Middle Eastern health systems in value-based care and operational excellence The evolving role of MedTech and AI in shaping the future of healthcare Building purpose-driven careers and navigating non-clinical paths in medicine A rich conversation about healthcare transformation, professional reinvention, and the future of global health strategy — where East truly meets Middle East.  

AP correspondent Naeun Kim reports on Bangladeshi workers are demanding unpaid wages for work in Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia's richest nations.

Being a trusted adviser to our affluent clients for over two decades, our wealth management philosophy—making life decisions before money decisions—is rooted in our experience of managing over S$1 billion worth of our clients' hard-earned assets.In this week's Money Wisdom episode, our co-host Isaac chats with Chris about how too much knowledge might actually make us poorer, drawing lessons from a surprising experience at The Ritz, and how knowledge can puff a person up and why letting it do so can be our downfall.The conversation explores why it's important not to let knowledge consume us or make us proud, or we risk missing the woods for the trees. Chris also shares how this lesson applies to investing and the importance of first understanding your own investment philosophy.To better understand the discussion, you may start by reading Chris' Business Times article.Music courtesy of ItsWatR.The host of this episode, Isaac Ong, is a Client Adviser at Providend, the first fee-only wealth advisory firm in Southeast Asia and a leading wealth advisory firm in Asia.The full list of Providend's Money Wisdom podcast episodes from Season 4 can be found here.Did you know that our Providend's Money Wisdom podcast is now available in video format on YouTube? Follow us on our YouTube channel for new episode on Thursday at 8pm.Mentioned in this episode:Get Our Money Wisdom II Book Today!Some long-time listeners might know that the inspiration behind this entire podcast was our CEO, Chris's book. We're proud to announce that we have launched our second edition of the book titled Money Wisdom II: More Simple Truths for Financial Wellness. If you are interested in getting your very own copy, please check out the link here: https://providend.com/publications/#order-form

Greg Schulze has spent more than two decades helping build one of the most influential companies in modern travel — Expedia Group. But here's the thing about Greg — he doesn't talk like a corporate executive. He talks like a traveler. He's lived and worked all over the world. He named his dog Kaya after a coconut jam he discovered while living in Southeast Asia. And he still lights up when describing what it feels like to walk through an airport on the cusp of somewhere new. Greg's career has spanned from American Airlines in the early 2000s to leading Expedia Group's global commercial strategy today — a period that's seen the birth of OTAs, the rise of mobile, and now, the dawn of the AI-powered traveler. In this episode, Greg and I explore: How Expedia has evolved from a dot-com upstart to a travel empire spanning Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. What he's learned from 20 years of guiding one of the most complex, global marketplaces in the world. The real story behind Expedia's relationship with independent operators — and what “partner forward” actually means. How the tension between discovery and control will define the next decade of travel planning. And why he believes the future of OTAs will be built not on ads or algorithms — but on trust, clarity, and flexibility. Greg's a global citizen in the truest sense of the word — deeply thoughtful about the human side of technology and the emotional heartbeat of travel itself. This conversation is the second episode in my new Behind the Stays series, The Future of Travel, recorded live at EXPLORE Connect in Austin, Texas — a gathering of the world's top vacation rental operators and hospitality leaders. If you care about where the industry is headed — and how the people behind its biggest brands are thinking about discovery, booking, and guest experience in the years ahead — this is a must-listen.   Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregschulze/?originalSubdomain=uk Connect with Zach: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharybusekrus/ Apply to join the Journey Alliance: http://journey.com/alliance/   Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world's top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we'd love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

This week I'm joined by Jodi Rowley. Jodi is a leading amphibian expert with over 100 publications to her name,  years of field research in South East Asia and Australia, and she has identified and described several new frog species. In this episode, we discuss Jodi's career researching frogs, we compare amphibian disease dynamics in different corners of the globe, never before seen frog species, and the importance of citizen science through Frog ID* One of the species we discuss is - rhacophorus helenae (named in honor of Jodi's Mum)To learn more visit:  https://jodirowley.com/To help frogs through citizen science visit: https://www.frogid.net.au/Broaden your knowledge of herpetology online or in person at the Amphibian Foundation. Register now at www.amphibianfoundation.org and use code AMPHIBICAST at checkout for 10% off This episode is sponsored by Gray Ghost Creationshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/GrayGhostCreationsExo Terra is our sponsor this week. For all your amphibian needs visit: Exo-terra.com or visit your local dealer and follow @exoterrausa on social media. NEHERP is our sponsor this week For your bioactive vivarium needs visit: https://www.neherpetoculture.com/

The world as we know it is going away. The large, interconnected systems that span the globe are breaking down, so those smaller, regional blocs are growing in importance. Join the Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/PeterZeihanFull Newsletter: https://bit.ly/47wOeFb