On the Fringe

(00:00:00) The current crisis in Yemen
(00:04:40) Zooming in on Yemen
(00:06:12) The Middle East is fracturing
(00:07:56) Growing regional alliances? On paper, anyway
(00:13:12) The future of Saudi Arabia, the Houthis, and the decade-long conflict
(00:16:05) Broader implications around the region

In this episode, Gav and Dave dive into the implications of the growing geopolitical crisis in the Gulf. Houthi forces have recently exposed key terrain in their ongoing conflict with Saudi Arabia (and it's not the chokepoint at Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait). 

On September 3rd, an attempt by the internationally recognized government b...

(00:00:00) NYC's AI Moratorium: Creating Space to Think...in the Classroom and in Policy (Feat. Kevin Wong)
(00:00:55) Introduction to the AI Moratorium
(00:03:32) Challenges of implementing this policy in schools
(00:06:22) Pilot programs and curriculum development
(00:09:12) The impact of AI on student learning and retention
(00:11:59) A key need: Teacher Training and Standardization
(00:14:04) Incentives for schools and student graduation rates
(00:17:25) Future Implications of the new AI policy

Last week, Mayor Zoran Mamdani announced a one-year moratorium on AI usage in schools across New York City. In this episode, we are bringing back veteran educator, New...

Last week, the UN General Assembly voted nearly unanimously to utilize maps with the more accurate Equal Earth scale instead of the commonly used Mercator scale. The United States voted against it, and the reason why may surprise you.

Listen in to this bonus episode about why the US’s explanation to vote “no” is ironic, especially as President Trump signed an executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America. 

What’s your take on these major geopolitical events?

If you’ve got feedback, shoot us an email: onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

We app...

(00:00:00) A new dawn for old problems: What Niger's Failed Coup Means for West Africa
(00:00:59) An overview of the Coup
(00:02:40) Foreign involvement in the coup
(00:07:07) Why Algeria demonstrated a show of force
(00:10:26) The regional dynamics at play in the Sahel and Sahara
(00:12:23) The role of Russia's Africa Corps in the coups
(00:18:12) Ongoing internal strife in Niger as the major cause
(00:21:02) Great power politics in West Africa

In what could be one of the most impactful geopolitical events of the year, an attempted coup that kicked off in the Republic of Niger on...

(00:00:00) Lowkey...Don't count out Gen Z (Feat. Chauncy Wadsworth)
(00:01:01) Intro to Chauncy Wadsworth
(00:03:47) Chauncy's journey into politics
(00:05:46) Finding common ground in divisive conversations
(00:08:29) The effects of social sorting on political perception
(00:15:05) Money's role in changing American politics
(00:17:24) Exploring Solutions for Political Reform
(00:21:17) The importance of independent and critical thinking
(00:23:29) Optimism for the future

As two Millennials, Gav + I know that Gen Z takes a lot of flack in the workplace and at home. That doesn't mean you should throw in the towel on what the algorithm wants you to see...

(00:00:00) Never Meta anyone who does it better: Who wins in the $17 billion settlement?
(00:01:03) Meta's multi billion dollar settlement
(00:07:30) BIG changes to teen accounts on Meta's social media platforms
(00:10:48) Who really wins from the settlement
(00:15:11) key structural issues still in play related to digital literacy and online safety
(00:20:10) Tech's swift transformation of personal lives
(00:24:46) Gavin's reminder to the audience about how the platforms earn revenue
(00:27:00) Why Meta was slapped on the wrist with kid gloves

Meta and attorneys general across the US have decided to settle a string of lawsuits for billions...

On the morning of August 26th, 2026, tragedy struck along the Nepali-Chinese border. A massive deluge of mud and water raced into the Lende Khola at nearly 100 kilometers per hour and washed away everything in its path, including a port of entry, villages, and human lives. 

With a death toll currently around 800 and over 3,000 missing, the scale of destruction and devastation seems impossibly large for Nepal, a country already struggling with environmental change and economic hardship. Gav and Dave talk about some of the factors involved and how this is a harbinger of what’s to come in the hig...

It’s official: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan are on each other's team...on paper, anyway. 

In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze what the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement (the Mecca Agreement) between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan means for the Middle East and South Asia. 

This tripartite security pact outlines that members will come to one another’s aid in the event of an attack. Saudi and Pakistan had already had an agreement signed in 2025; this adds Turkey to the mix.

Despite the agreement not being invoked just hours after it was signed...

(00:00:00) You + random Fred’s Facebook argument = BIG $$$ for an Indonesian villager
(00:06:41) The key part of the episode you shouldn't miss

Curious about where the fuel for an angry thread or flame war on social media begins? It’ll likely surprise you—like it did us! 

Meme and engagement farms are popping up in Indonesia, providing opportunities for locals to earn thanks to YOUR clicks and arguing with some Karen you’ve never met in Cleveland. 

Dave and Gavin also tie the podcast into a reminder and practical advice at the end that everyone who uses t...

In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze and explore potential ramifications in South Korea (and in the region) due to the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises being abruptly shortened.

Since his first term, President Trump has called out South Korea for not doing enough to bear the costs of U.S. military forces in Korea and supporting the United States. As Trump again signals displeasure with Seoul, and takes action by shortening the military exercises early, will the ROK in turn take a step to be more independent and less reliant on the United States for defense? Listen...

(00:00:00) Run for office like you would a First Down: Sherman's run across Nevada's Second District
(00:00:52) Podcast starts
(00:01:32) An introduction to Sherman's campaign for Congress
(00:08:54) An overview of Nevada's Second District
(00:11:13) Challenges of running for office for the first time
(00:16:49) Bridging the gap between local and national issues
(00:21:46) Finding shared values in diverse communities of voters
(00:26:55) Addressing different voter's needs in 2026
(00:30:00) The idea of representation in government
(00:32:00) Civic engagement in rural Nevada
(00:34:50) Age and voter engagement across the campaign trail
(00:38:14) The everlasting challenges of cultural issues
(00:45:15) Building bridges and...

The Spanish city of Ceuta sits between the Rock of Gibraltar and a very hard place for tens of thousands of migrants. It now sits at the epicenter of a major geopolitical flash point between Spain, Morocco, the EU, and public opinion around the world. 

In this episode, Dave and Gavin quickly peel back why around 70,000 people at the end of July crossed the border between Morocco and Spain, potential causes of the crisis, and what this means for countries in the region. 

If you enjoyed the episode, take 2 seconds to leave us a star rating or...

(00:00:00) A megaphone for the people's voices: Featuring Ramon Perez and Dan Williams
(00:00:56) Podcast Starts -- Intro about Dan Williams
(00:02:00) Why Dan Williams decided to run for office in District 11 in Florida
(00:03:21) The evolution of direct democracy
(00:06:01) Technology's role in enabling mobile voting
(00:09:06) Understanding legislation and technology
(00:11:46) Accountability and transparency through technology
(00:14:52) Challenges and resistance to political change and tech in elections
(00:17:59) The intersection of policy and party politics on voters
(00:22:01) The founding principles of the U.S. political system
(00:27:09) Technology's role in modern governance
(00:30:25) Redefining representation in Congress
(00:33:21...

(00:00:00) How American Idol can inspire political change and fight gerrymandering (feat. Tom Joseph)
(00:00:43) Introduction to the episode, gerrymandering, and its impact in elections
(00:02:57) The role of America's Main Street Party
(00:05:41) Tom's innovative approach to political representation
(00:08:48) More voter engagement through local competition
(00:12:17) Challenges and opportunities for political reform in the United States
(00:14:58) The future of voting and political engagement
(00:18:05) Where you'll find more about America's Main Street Party and Tom's idea

Take a look at a U.S. Congressional Districts map, and you'll likely see gerrymandering amidst recent Congressional redistricting across...

(00:00:00) Prediction Markets are the next big thing in finance (feat. Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Benzinga)
(00:00:59) Introduction to Benzinga and Prediction Markets
(00:03:23) The impact on finance from prediction markets
(00:06:16) Retail investor behavior and market dynamics
(00:09:05) Future implications from prediction markets on finance
(00:15:04) Ethical considerations and regulation of prediction markets
(00:18:42) Insider trading and prediction market integrity
(00:20:18) Conclusion and final remarks

Kalshi, the world's largest prediction market, is aiming to go public with a $40 billion valuation. And this move will likely shake up the entire finance industry if it comes to fruition.

...

(00:00:00) Indonesia's ambitious program to feed millions of kids is a window into the country
(00:00:38) The podcast starts
(00:03:11) Challenges of implementing the MBG Program
(00:05:49) Indonesia's quiet public health and nutrition crisis
(00:08:39) The ambitious goals of the MBG Program
(00:11:40) One of the biggest challenges--local differences in interpretation of standards
(00:17:15) Local frustration about the MBG Program and future implications

In this episode, Dave and Gav dive into the Makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), pronounced as ‘em-bay-gay’ program.

This program was launched by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in January 2025 to combat child malnutrition and spur econ...

On November 13th 2024, a tragedy occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos. Six tourists from four countries lost their lives from unknowingly drinking methanol at a popular backpackers’ hostel.

Fast forward a year and a half, and charges have been laid against the owner of the distillery…over a $1,000 and just about a month in the big house. Needless to say, many of the grieving families, are less than happy about this.

Meanwhile, the Laotian government has been relatively non-plussed. We talk about why this is exactly and the context surrounding this sad incident.

Would the Laot...

(00:00:00) Voter equality is underrated: The state of open primaries in the United States (Feat. Chad Peace)
(00:00:46) Podcast Intro
(00:01:40) An overview on Proposition 14: California's Game-changing primary election measure
(00:04:37) The impact of Proposition 14 on California's political and election landscape
(00:08:23) A comparision and analysis of primaries in California vs. Texas
(00:12:19) National election trends and voter participation
(00:16:02) Ranked choice voting in open primaries
(00:19:00) An underlying problem in all primaries: Low voter turnout
(00:23:01) The disenfranchisement and frustration of the American voter
(00:28:35) The future: primaries and voter reforms

This week, Dave and Gavin, sit down...

How does “Earrings,” a 2024 indie sleeper by Malcom Todd that nobody had ever heard of make it to No. 1 on the Spotify charts in 2026? Whatever the case, Spotify had to issue a mea culpa after Kalshi pointed out that bots programmed by some bad actors who were looking to make a quick buck—not Malcom Todd—were probably to blame. 

Again, on this episode we return to the subject of insider trading, manipulation, and straight-up wire fraud and the almost limitless horizon of opportunities, some legitimate, some less so, offered by prediction markets.

This is just another a...

Before we recorded our planned episode yesterday, we spontaneously jumped into talking about driving, Korea, and North Korea. And now, I know why Gavin has never suggested renting a car. 

You’ll also hear a tidbit about why a Korean Driver’s license is powerful, arguably more so than the Dear Leader himself.

(00:00:00) Intro and why we are covering this
(00:00:52) Overview of two of the key pieces of legislation moving through Congress
(00:03:13) Commonalities between and implications of the bills
(00:07:08) Regulatory framework and enforcement (a major weakness)
(00:09:13) A key solution the bill lacks--digital literacy and edcuation
(00:10:20) Future considerations if the KIDS Act and the Safe Kids Act become law

This week on the pod, Dave and Gav get into it about the SAFE Kids Act and other pieces of legislation regarding AI chatbots, social media, and child safety which put the burden on companies and big tech.<...

Five months after the quiet announcement that American troops were being deployed in Nigeria to combat the local IS franchise, an even quieter announcement that the 200-ish deployment has already come to an end.

The strategic aims apparently having been met, the US’s engagement, which began with a barrage of Tomahawks on Christmas Day last year, has been wrapped up. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has taken pains to highlight how information sharing between the two countries continues despite a physical withdrawal.

Does the withdrawal mean mission accomplished for the U.S.? For the Nigerians? Let us...

Hello, On the Fringe Community! Here’s a quick thank you message as we wrap up season. 

We appreciate and enjoy your continued support—and we have more on the way!

All the best from both of us,

Dave + Gav

Two people with uncommon names find out for the first time what it’s like having a common name + being confused for someone else.

In the last couple of years, there have been several other On the Fringe podcasts that have come out. For the first time in both our lives (Dave + Gavin), we are being confused for someone else—and to be honest, it’s kind of weird and funny for both of us. 

Since we set up On the Fringe 2 years ago, we’ve done this as a hobby and a labor of love. It’s fun...

In this episode, Gav and Dave tackle the continuing problem of bear attacks in Japan by looking at a recent incident involving a smarter than average bear. As rural communities shrink and bears push into populated areas, especially in Tohoku, the country continues to struggle with all of the conflicts that ensue from overlapping habitats. 

Dave and Gav discuss why the problem keeps getting worse, propose radical solutions (especially for Japan), and why Japanese politicians continue to struggle with their ursine neighbors.

What do you think Japan should do? Are they right on the money, or o...

Canada’s in a sticky situation…and, it’s not from maple syrup!

In this episode, Dave and Gav look at the rise of the irrepressible Bishnoi Gang in Canada and what it says about the continuing evolution of transnational crime. They trace how a gang rooted in northern India developed reach far beyond its home turf, and connect that story to scandals surrounding Cricket Canada, where allegations of corruption and questionable leadership have cast a shadow over the sport.

The result is an episode about the depressing ease with which institutions can be bent to serve...

In recent weeks, autonomous Akıncı drones flown by the Sudanese Armed Forces (and likely the Ethiopians for the RSF) went head-to-head, marking the first recorded event of two autonomous weapons facing off. Both drones came from the same manufacturer, Bayraktar, a Turkish defense company.

Listen in and learn why countries are increasingly turning to autonomous weapons on the battlefield, why the Sudanese Armed Forces are adopting drones, and what this may mean for future wars and military supply chains. 

Going deeper, will single suppliers be arming opposing sides, or will more autonomous weapons lead combat ope...

Will algorithms be better decision makers than humans when it REALLY counts? 
Some countries are betting on it, while others are taking baby steps. 

We’ve got a short episode about what autonomous weapons are, what they do, and why they could be consequential to the future of war and humanity, much like other parts of the AI boom that we are living in.

Please do us a favor and give us a rating or drop a comment on Apple Podcasts if you enjoyed it. We love hearing from our audience!

All the best...

(00:00:00) The Counterfeit: Chinese spy-ops, and a possible future view of America (Feat. Dr. Ralph DeFalco)
(00:00:49) Introducing Dr. Ralph DeFalco III
(00:02:52) The Counterfeit: A geopolitical thriller as described by the author
(00:08:40) Crafting a realistic scenario and characters
(00:17:28) Layers of depth and meaning in the novel
(00:20:16) How things change: creeping normalcy
(00:26:13) Historical context, modern, and historic parallels
(00:32:05) Final thoughts and where to find out more about the book

A former intelligence professional provides an authentic look at intelligence operations and a potential dark future for the United States--in a gripping work of fiction. 

In recent days, a now former Google software engineer, Michele Spagnuolo, was arrested and charged by the Feds in New York for wire fraud, insider trading, and a laundry list of financial crimes for using information gained from his position to make crooked bets on Polymarket, netting in over $1 million on very long odds. 

Why is it so important that the Feds are likely going to throw the book at him? It all comes down to regulation and who is in charge of prediction markets. 

What’s your take on the future of prediction markets? Will they...

(00:00:00) An introduction to 'Gold Bar Dave' (David Rush)
(00:05:32) The craziest part and biggest miss of the investigation
(00:08:25) Implications of the breach and why the FBI and IRS should leave no stone unturned

In this episode, Dave and Gavin dive into a wild tale, and what may be the biggest publicly acknowledged counterintelligence failure in the 21st century for the U.S. Government that could lead to serious repercussions. 

Former officer David “Gold Bar Dave” Rush, who allegedly worked in the agency’s Science and Technology Directorate, was recently arrested after fabricating his time sheets, and lik...

(00:00:00) The slower the Strait of Hormuz gets, the faster things move in the Gulf
(00:01:11) Podcast Starts here: Barnacles are growing on ships
(00:05:37) Ramifications at the ballot box in November if shipping slows more
(00:08:34) Changes in regional dynamics in the last three months
(00:11:20) Existential issues for Pakistan--and Israel
(00:14:09) The Gulf will be hotter and more crowded than before February 28

While marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has slowed down in the last few months, (Barnacles!) things are moving fast in the Gulf. And these events may be a signal that Pax Americana is...

(00:00:00) Rebuilding democracy from the ground up: the Digital Democracy Project (Feat. Ramon Perez)
(00:00:52) Introducing our guest, Ramon Perez and the Digital Democracy Project
(00:03:18) The motivation behind the Digital Democracy Project
(00:06:05) Gerrymandering, a major flaw in the current U.S. political system
(00:09:10) More gerrymandering leads to more political apathy
(00:11:57) Technology in democracy and electoral processes
(00:14:39) A growing crisis of trust in politics, leaders, and media
(00:17:26) AI as a cutting-edge tool for the masses to understand legislation
(00:23:22) The future of American democracy

Politics in the U.S. is a winner-take-all system. If...

(00:00:00) How and why you should learn a foreign language (feat. Polyglot David Ramos)
(00:00:55) Podcast Starts
(00:02:00) How David started his language journey
(00:08:01) Using obstacles life throws at you as motivation for growth
(00:12:26) Gearing up to more difficult languages (Mandarin, Arabic, Korean)
(00:19:57) How to get started learning a language
(00:23:48) The long-term impact of learning a language for foreign travel

If you’re going abroad, moving abroad, want to build new personal relationships, or are looking to level up your life, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
In this episode, Gav...

This week, Dave and Gav sit down with Tomasz Nadrowski, author of Mineral Wars: China’s Quest for Weapons of Mineral Destruction. They dive into chokepoint theory, fragile supply chains and the disquieting reality that modern life is held together by a handful of minerals most people have never heard about until somebody threatens access to them.

The conversation digs into how China has built enormous leverage over rare earth processing over the last few decades, why everything from smartphones and EVs to missile guidance systems depends on materials pulled from contested supply networks, and how governments are sud...

In this episode, Gav and Dave break down how Pakistan has become a critical piece on the board in the competition between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. They focus especially on the millions of Pakistani migrant workers whose labor props up huge parts of the Gulf economy while also giving Islamabad a potential Achilles’ heel during moments of regional tension, where visas, remittances, military cooperation, and investment deals all start blending into a larger contest for greater influence.

The result is a delicate balancing act where Gulf states want dependable partners and Pakistan wants Gulf money wi...

On May 1, the UAE left OPEC, the Organization of the Petrolium Exporting Countries. This wasn't a brash move; it was a highly calculated manouver during a critical window for the country's future. 

In this episode, Dave and Gav look at how the UAE has drifted away from the consensus politics of institutions like Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the Gulf Cooperation Council in favor of a more transactional worldview that treats regional politics less like alliances and more like market positioning.

We’ll be unpacking how Abu Dhabi’s approach to trade, ports, normalization, proxy...

(00:00:00) Mali's Junta is short on time, fuel, and control (Feat. Stuart Bolus)
(00:00:55) The Ongoing Crisis in Mali
(00:03:40) Another major intelligence failure by the Junta
(00:06:51) The Roles of Foreign Powers in Mali
(00:14:08) AES to the rescue?
(00:15:48) Why the future looks dark for Mali's Junta
(00:21:34) Mali's civilians are being squeezed from both sides
(00:22:22) What is Mali's next move, and where does it lead?

Mali is on the edge. And the Sahel hangs in the balance. 

In this episode, with help from friend of the pod, Stuart Bolus, Gav and Dave dig i...

Gav and Dave wade back into the increasingly unhinged world of prediction markets, starting with how Kalshi ended up fining and banning a handful of American politicians for betting on their own elections, which sounds small until you realize it’s basically insider trading with campaign posters.

Then, the story gets serious. Jail time serious. 

They pivot to the much less subtle case of a U.S. military operator getting arrested after allegedly pulling in over $400,000 on Polymarket by betting on the capture of Nicolás Maduro using classified information. 

With the way things are...

Americans and international students are losing confidence in higher education in the United States.
What does this mean?

Gav and Dave are going back to college to explore how the financial crisis affecting higher education segues into a much larger (and arguably more important conversation) about how and why smaller colleges across the country are shutting their doors or taking emergency measures to stay open as enrollment in smaller schools drops. To put it metaphorically, schools are finding themselves in increasingly dire straits, and the Sultans of Swing are hitting their bottom lines. 

On those s...