#101 Michael Yon - Secrets of the Darién Gap

In the latest episode of PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David along with panelists Vincent Oshana, Adam Sosnick, and Tom Ellsworth take a deep dive into the ever-evolving intersection of politics, economics, and the role of prominent public figures. From Gavin Newsom's rising presidential prospects and his policies addressing homelessness to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's delicate dance between Hollywood fame and political ambition, the episode "Home Team" uncovers the intricate balancing act that shapes America's leadership landscape.

Touching on both the macro and the micro, the team sheds light on urban dynamics, discussing the potential shift of financial power from New York City to Miami, the ongoing crisis in the commercial real estate market, and the changing tides of migration patterns affecting cities like Chicago. The episode also doesn't shy away from contemplating the implications of U.S.-China relations amidst turbulent political times. Join this dynamic panel as they humorously yet thoughtfully analyze how economic indicators, celebrity influence, and strategic urban planning play pivotal roles in our society's collective future.

Delve into the gritty underworld of cartel dynamics with the "Shawn Ryan Show" as former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan engages in a riveting and raw discussion with fearless investigative journalist Luis Chaparro. In an episode that shines a light on the inherent risks of reporting on cartel affairs, Chaparro opens up about his audacious journalistic endeavors, including the harrowing tale of his infiltration into Ovidio Guzmán's household. The conversation unveils how despite a chilling $60,000 bounty on his head—placed by either the notorious Sinaloa cartel or a shadowy online figure—Chaparro's dedication to uncovering the truth never falters, rallying through the dangers that accompany his crucial profession.

Shawn and Luis also tackle the vast and often-overlooked aspects of cartel influence, stretching far beyond drugs to their striking pervasiveness in legitimate market sectors such as mining and agriculture. Their entwined discussion points to an empire that operates with the sophistication of a major corporation, now deeply entrenched as a major player in Mexico's economy. The episode traverses the alarming multi-dimensionality of cartel operations, from the exploitation of essential services to their foray into psychological warfare. Listeners are called to explore the broader societal implications, as Chaparro advocates for a comprehensive governmental and societal response to combat the cartel's far-reaching shadow. Join Shawn Ryan as he gives voice to the unfiltered stories and insights from the front lines of journalism with Luis Chaparro, revealing the pressing narratives that lurk behind the headlines.

In a thought-provoking episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan joins forces with journalist Luis Chaparro to delve into the dark underbelly of drug cartels and the innovative strategies employed to counter their influence. As they unravel the complexities of psychological operations (psyops) against notorious factions like the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation, listeners gain insight into the clandestine tactics of causing internal strife within these criminal enterprises, potentially crippling their foundations from within. The duo meticulously explores how exploiting the vulnerabilities of such organizations might just be the key to disintegrating their legendary power.

As they switch gears, Ryan and Chaparro tackle the alarming rise of synthetic opioids, exemplified by a new menace, Nidacin, discussed for its catastrophic potency surpassing even fentanyl. The episode casts a spotlight on the cartels’ ingenuity in manufacturing and distribution practices, which demand a renewed approach in hindering their financial and operational frameworks. The conversation also maps out the global expanse of cartel networks, revealing their silent but steady encroachment into Europe, Africa, and South America, foretelling an impending shift in organized crime dynamics. The Shawn Ryan Show invites its audience to an engaging and crucial discourse, dissecting the profound societal ripple effects of cartel activities and considering the role of investigative journalism in combating misinformation and public deception.

China and the US hold some fundamental misconceptions about each other. For starters, the US thinks China’s economic growth will ultimately lead it to democracy, underestimating the commitment of the Chinese people to their communist government. In turn, China likes to imagine the US in a state of economic decline, underestimating the many strengths and the innovative power of the country. As China starts to flex its military muscle, US administrations must consider its approach, starting by acknowledging that China has no interest in becoming Western-like with a free and open economy.

With the world distracted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China has seized the opportunity to aggressively press its legal and territorial claims in East Asia—including by imposing harsh security measures on Hong Kong.

Hostility between the US and China has been growing for over a decade, eroding the wary but pragmatic relationship of years past. Now, as tensions threaten to escalate, diplomat and politician Kevin Rudd argues that a full-blown military conflict can and should be averted.

Rudd claims that this tenuous relationship is unraveling due to a combination of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s strategies and priorities, the US’s reactions to China’s rise to global prominence, and deep mistrust and ideological differences on both sides.

In this guide, we’ll explain the complex factors contributing to hostility between the US and China and describe Rudd’s recommendation for how these two global powers can avoid full-on war—an outcome that would take a huge toll on the US and China as well as global stability. We’ll also provide updates and additional context on the historical events discussed, nuances underlying the foreign diplomacy trends, and counterarguments to some of Rudd’s points.

Could you survive a natural disaster? Or a manmade one? In this article, we’ll discuss the range of preparations you can make now to keep your options open in the event that a sudden crisis temporarily cuts off your access to power, water, grocery stores, hospitals, or other services.

The human race has left a mark on our planet, sometimes through carelessness and sometimes by design, but how permanent are the changes we’ve made? In The World Without Us, science journalist Alan Weisman asks what would happen if the human race vanished overnight. What effects, positive or negative, would our disappearance have on the world? Weisman’s goal is to address humanity’s environmental impact by imagining a world in which nature is allowed to flourish. In many ways, the world that follows us would be significantly different than what came before.

In this guide, we’ll examine Weisman’s portrayal of humanity’s footprint and what Weisman claims would happen if we suddenly disappeared. Also, we’ll look at other views on climate change, nature’s resilience, and the human race’s impact. We’ll list suggestions for how our species might adapt to a greener world, as well as scenarios that might cause our extinction.

The current global supply chain disruptions were sparked by the pandemic response and compounded by surging demand, transportation snarls, and the war in Ukraine. Experts were pessimistic mid-year but are now predicting a return to normality in early 2023. This readjustment is being driven by lower demand and improved transportation conditions. However, we still face long-term supply chain challenges in the form of rising energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate change.