On the Fringe

Dave and Gavin
  • 5.0 (4)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Weekly

The media glosses over AI usage and geopolitics. We dive into how both go hand-in-hand, speak with up-and-coming major players, and shed light on groundbreaking events in our wheelhouses: Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. onthefringepodcast.substack.com Reach out to us with any questions, comments, or if you'd like to be a guest at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

  1. 1d ago

    You + random Fred’s Facebook argument = BIG $$$ for an Indonesian villager

    (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 the internet shouldn’t miss. If you enjoyed the episode, let us know. Shoot us an email at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com, leave a review, and share it with your friends. We really appreciate it!  All the best from both of us, Dave and Gav

    You + random Fred’s Facebook argument = BIG $$$ for an Indonesian villager

  2. 2d ago

    Does the US-South Korea alliance cool as Northeast Asia simmers?

    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 in for our take, and don’t miss Gavin’s BIG prediction at the end. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend and let us know. We always appreciate the support from our growing On the Fringe community! Reach out at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com for questions, comments, or with your shopping list.  All the best from both of us, Dave and Gavin

    Does the US-South Korea alliance cool as Northeast Asia simmers?

  3. 3d ago

    Run for office like you would a First Down: Sherman's run across Nevada's Second District

    (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 foundations for success in a campaign (00:51:20) Education leads the way to opportunity In this episode, Dave and Gavin welcome back Sherman Tylawsky, a friend and past guest from season 3 of On the Fringe. Sherman recently ran in the Republican Primary in Nevada’s Second District, covering the northern chunk of the state. He looks back on his campaign and dives into why he ran, his approach to campaigning, and what he learned to build a greater understanding of Nevadans in his district and of America. He shares deeply about key personal values and paints a clear picture of who he is as a person.  To hear more about his foundation for public service, don’t miss this episode where we talked with him about values to keep a human-focused future in an ever-changing technological world. Sherman also has a podcast called Friends and Fellow Citizens that is available here on Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening and all the best from both of us, Dave and Gavin If you have comments, questions, tips, or would like to be on the show, shoot us an email at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

    Run for office like you would a First Down: Sherman's run across Nevada's Second District

  4. Aug 16

    A megaphone for the people's voices: Featuring Ramon Perez and Dan Williams

    (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) Candidate Williams' grassroots campaign (00:35:38) A vision for a new political landscape This week, Dave and Gav talk to Dan Williams, a contender in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 11th electoral district, and an old friend of the pod, Ramon Perez, the executive director of the Digital Democracy Project. Both guests present a pathway for voters' opinions to reach Washington, D.C. starting from Florida and expanding to every other district across the United States.  Dan Williams is a candidate with a vision for congressional representation in America that would transcend party politics and special interests by using available and readily accessible technology to center the voice of the people living in congressional districts. The boys talk to Dan and Ramon about how they’re trying to get the conversation about direct democracy going on a national level and how policies often unite voters divided on party lines. Don't miss our other episode with Ramon on Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up. Disclaimer: On the Fringe is not endorsing nor affiliated with Candidate Williams's campaign in District 11 and the Digital Democracy Project's tools for candidates or the public.

    A megaphone for the people's voices: Featuring Ramon Perez and Dan Williams

  5. Aug 8

    How American Idol can inspire political change and fight gerrymandering (feat. Tom Joseph)

    (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 the United States.  In this episode, Dave and Gav sit down with Tom Joseph, an early tech entrepreneur and the treasurer of America’s Main Street Party, to talk about how and why political parties in the U.S use gerrymandering to retain power and limit opposition. Tom presents a radical idea to fight gerrymandering by giving both major political parties a taste of their own medicine through a super PAC proposal. He also proposes a grassroots-led coalition, and other ways for voters to have their voices heard by finding the candidates voters want to represent them in office.  Curious about a way to reform voting, or about the U.S. electoral system? Don’t miss this episode! Related episode: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up (feat. Ramon Perez) Also, I (Dave) made a mistake. I meant to say District 2 and District 18, not District 14. (District 14 is across town).

    How American Idol can inspire political change and fight gerrymandering (feat. Tom Joseph)

  6. Aug 3

    Prediction Markets are the next big thing in finance (feat. Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Benzinga)

    (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. Dave and Gavin are joined by Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Licensing at Benzinga, That’s why we had Andrew Lebbos, Senior Vice President of Licensing at Benzinga, a fast-growing finance data licensing company, on the podcast to explain the intersection of finance and prediction markets. If you are interested in markets, mutual funds, AI, and the rapid rise of prediction markets, don’t miss our chat. We cover the rapid rise of prediction markets, how prediction markets are reshaping investment strategies, and how everyday investors will have new channels available as prediction markets are set to shake up the entire financial industry. Disclaimer: The views expressed by Andrew Lebbos in this episode are his own and do not reflect the positions of Benzinga. This discussion is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation regarding any security. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

    Prediction Markets are the next big thing in finance (feat. Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Benzinga)

  7. Jul 26

    Indonesia's ambitious program to feed millions of kids is a window into the country

    (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 economic development across the country. As two Returned Peace Corps Volunteers in Indonesia, we analyze the country's current political and economic state through the program and what this means for Indonesia going forward. Did we hit the mark, or are we totally out to lunch on this episode? Let us know with a message or a comment! Or, reach out at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com We wouldn’t be here without the support of our longstanding supporters and our new listeners in our growing On the Fringe Community. Thank you, as always, for tuning in! All the best from both of us--terima kasih, semoga sukses, dan hati-hati! Dave + Gav The Indonesian flag in the cover art is from Wikimedia and can be found here:

    Indonesia's ambitious program to feed millions of kids is a window into the country

  8. Jul 21 ·  Bonus

    A sad tale about backpackers getting caught up in local problems in Southeast Asia

    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 Laotian government have taken a different action had the tourists been from different countries? Shoot us an email and let us know: onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com Looking for more background info? We covered this WAAAAAY back in 2024 focusing on travel safety in Southeast Asia. Thanks for listening and all the best from both of us, Dave + Gav

    A sad tale about backpackers getting caught up in local problems in Southeast Asia
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About

The media glosses over AI usage and geopolitics. We dive into how both go hand-in-hand, speak with up-and-coming major players, and shed light on groundbreaking events in our wheelhouses: Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. onthefringepodcast.substack.com Reach out to us with any questions, comments, or if you'd like to be a guest at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dave and Gavin
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    169
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright On The Fringe
  • Show Website
    On the Fringe