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Latest episodes

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Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 7min

S5 Episode 10 - "The Terrible But Unfinished Story"

Dive into the complexities of Cambodia's recovery after the Khmer Rouge, navigating its intricate political shifts in the 1990s. Experience vivid personal stories of landmine victims and the haunting legacy of Pol Pot. Explore the challenges of justice through the Cambodian Genocide Tribunal and reflect on the deep impact of historical trauma on modern Khmer life. Uncover the economic divergence between Cambodia and Vietnam post-2009, along with the geopolitical tensions shaping U.S.-China relations.
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Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 8min

S5 Episode 9 - "Le Cercle Rouge"

This discussion dives into the tumultuous end of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia and the complex geopolitics that followed. It highlights Prince Noradam Sihanouk's desperate attempts for freedom while navigating international diplomacy. The aftermath of the Khmer Rouge's regime is examined, detailing the struggles of reconstruction and the U.S. tactics supporting a Khmer Rouge resurgence. The podcast also explores the harrowing refugee crisis at the Thai-Cambodian border and the chaotic rise of warlords amid calls for justice.
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15 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 14min

S5 Episode 8 - "Third World War"

Chilling discoveries by Vietnamese photojournalists reveal the horrors of war in Phnom Penh. Survivor testimonies shed light on the brutal history of S-21 prison, where countless endured unimaginable torture. The podcast delves into the escalating conflict between the Khmer Rouge and Vietnam, exploring geopolitical strategies and the persecution of ethnic minorities. Additionally, it examines the transformation of S-21’s warden from schoolteacher to tyrant. Ultimately, it recounts Vietnam's military incursion leading to the fall of the Khmer Rouge, forever changing Cambodia.
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19 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 8min

S5 Episode 7 - "Less Than Zero"

Explore the grim takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer Rouge, marked by chaos and execution. Delve into Mao’s chilling influence over Pol Pot, revealing power dynamics between these leaders. Discover the plight of Cambodians during this dark era, from forced labor to societal collapse. Examine Prince Sihanouk's tragic role, celebrated yet imprisoned, as well as the complex international relations with Vietnam and China that shaped the region's fate. Uncover the political manipulations surrounding American POWs from the Vietnam War, enriching the narrative of survival and despair.
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18 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 11min

S5 Episode 6 - "Dream Warriors"

Delve into the chaotic history of the Khmer Republic as political tensions rise in Cambodia. Hear about the impact of U.S. bombing campaigns and the sinister emergence of the Khmer Rouge. Discover the controversial actions during Nixon's impeachment and the murky aftermath of the Paris Agreement. The podcast reveals the stark realities in Phnom Penh as violence escalates, highlighting the divide between suffering citizens and the elite. Uncover the chilling methods employed by the Khmer Rouge as they reshape the nation amidst turmoil.
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13 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 6min

S5 Episode 5 - "Last Tango In Paris"

Dive into the tangled politics of 1970s Cambodia as U.S. foreign policy sparks chaos. Nixon’s secret bombing campaigns and the rise of the Khmer Rouge unveil chilling consequences. Experience the crucial diplomatic moves towards China during escalating tensions. Discover the humanitarian crisis born from corruption and military mismanagement under Lon Nol’s regime. Witness the paranoia surrounding Nixon's re-election amidst the backdrop of violence and political intrigue, as Cambodia spirals into turmoil.
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52 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 1h 12min

S5 Episode 4 - "Mad Men"

Dive into the political turmoil of the late 1960s, where Nixon and Kissinger redefined U.S. strategy amid a chaotic Vietnam War. Discover the secret bombing campaigns in Cambodia and the ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel. Explore the rise of anti-war protests, such as the violent confrontations on college campuses, and witness Nixon's struggle to control the narrative. The fallout from a coup in Cambodia adds layers of chaos and resistance, revealing the broader implications of U.S. meddling in the region.
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52 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 1h 11min

S5 Episode 3 - "Listen to the Thunder"

Delve into the chaotic dynamics of the Vietnam War, where Henry Kissinger navigates political intrigue in Saigon amidst U.S. optimism. Explore King Sihanouk's calculated strategies in 1950s Cambodia, balancing colonial pressure and rising nationalism. Discover how the Gulf of Tonkin incident shifted public perception of the war and the complex web of Cold War politics in Southeast Asia. From the anti-communist repression to the rising tides of the Khmer Rouge, the podcast reveals the harrowing realities and shifting alliances defining this turbulent era.
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52 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 1min

S5 Episode 2 - "The French Connection"

The podcast dives into Ho Chi Minh's influential role against French colonialism and the rise of nationalism in Indochina. It explores the intricacies of guerrilla warfare that allowed the Viet Minh to outmaneuver French forces. Furthermore, the dynamic political climate in Cambodia is highlighted, particularly the efforts of King Sihanouk amid Cold War pressures. The discussion also covers the significant escalation of American aid and the dramatic events leading to the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu, marking the end of colonialism in the region.
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35 snips
Sep 20, 2024 • 45min

S5 Episode 1 - "The Wolves Are Closing In"

Dive into the tragic history of Cambodia and the catastrophic rise of the Khmer Rouge. Uncover the complex U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, characterized by dubious decisions and secret operations. Explore the geopolitical dynamics during the Cold War and how they shaped Cambodia's fate. Hear personal narratives that echo the haunting legacy of war, alongside the evolving U.S.-China relations and moral complexities of military interventions. Witness the unexpected alliances that emerged post-Khmer Rouge, revealing cyclical patterns in global politics.

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