Curious Worldview

Jeremy Dicker, co-founder of International Intrigue and former Australian diplomat with 14 years in the Americas, offers lively geopolitical forecasts. He discusses Taiwan and South China Sea risks. He covers Europe's reliance on the US, crypto's move toward mainstream use, tech firms eyeing nuclear energy, AI market dynamics, Latin America political shifts, BRICS vs Quad, and China’s tech strategy.

Nicolas Niarchos, a journalist for The New Yorker and author of *Elements of Power*, dives deep into the cobalt supply chains that spark geopolitical tensions. He unpacks the brutal history of cobalt extraction in the Congo, linking it to the rise of China's technological power and the modern kleptocracy. Niarchos reveals the complexities of artisanal mining, corruption, and how multinational companies shape local economies. He also highlights the urgent need for ethical practices in the mining industry as electrification fuels skyrocketing demand.

Tim Cope, an Australian adventurer and author, shares his remarkable journey across the Eurasian steppe on horseback. He discusses the profound sense of freedom he experienced, along with the historical misconceptions about nomadic cultures. Cope recounts heartwarming and harrowing moments, like gaining a loyal dog during his travels and facing social challenges tied to alcohol. He also reflects on the emotional impact of his father's passing and the lessons learned about resilience, trust, and the future of nomadism in a changing world.

Eric Beecher, a seasoned journalist and media entrepreneur, dives into the alarming decline of quality journalism in his conversation. He recounts his experiences in major media, including working under Rupert Murdoch. Beecher discusses how profit motives have overshadowed civic duty in media ownership, the rise of sensationalism, and the impact of algorithms on news. He also warns about the threats posed by unregulated AI in journalism and explains why well-funded journalism is essential for democratic accountability.

Gareth Gore, an investigative journalist and author, dives deep into the dark underbelly of Opus Dei, an organization he's exposed for financial manipulation and coercive practices. He recounts how his investigation into the collapse of Banco Popular revealed a vast network of influence, particularly in political hubs like Washington, D.C. Gareth discusses how Opus Dei's strategies include targeting elites and using legal intimidation against critics. He also reflects on the troubling allegations of human trafficking and the organization's troubling priorities, showcasing a tension between its public image and internal practices.

Gideon Haigh, a veteran journalist and prolific author specializing in cricket history, dives into captivating discussions. He shares insights on how memory can elude journalists and the significance of contemporaneous records for understanding history. Gideon explores the romance of archival discovery in the age of AI and his current obsession with researching the world’s oldest prisoner. He reflects on Shane Warne's charming persona and the complexities of cricket governance in India while highlighting the evolving landscape of journalism in today's digital age.

Robyn Davidson, an acclaimed Australian writer, is renowned for her camel journey memoir, Tracks, and the recent Unfinished Woman. In this engaging conversation, she delves into the fluidity of memoir and memory, asserting, "the truth is, memory is imagination." Robyn shares her thoughts on the complexities of solitude, fame, and her unconventional life choices. With candid reflections on depression and artistic freedom, she emphasizes the power of chance and the importance of resisting labels. Her insights into nomadism reveal its depth beyond mere travel.

“I deserved whatever the opposite of a Pulitzer is.”Phil Elwood is the author of All the Worst Humans, a confessional memoir from the dubious world of public relations.As a PR operative. He helped Qatar win the 2022 World Cup. He spun the release of the Lockerbie bomber into a “positive headline.” Had the Gaddafi family, the Assad regime and plenty more among his clients. Phil speaks with humility and incredible clarity about what he learned from that world. The moral grey zones, the craft behind the spin, and how media manipulation really works in practice.It’s a rare, honest window into an industry that prefers the shadows.How propaganda and PR actually get executed behind closed doorsThe mechanics of “first ink,” astroturfing, and reputation launderingThe moral compromises behind Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bidSportswashing, Liv Golf, and the new global game of influenceWhether the media is more easily manipulated than ever?Whether AI and independent creators can break the old PR machinery00:00 — Who is Phil Elwood?04:57 — Lockerbie bomber: how he manufactured “positive press” for Libya. 11:14 — “Opposite of a Pulitzer” treating the news like a solvable game. 12:30 — What a PR operative really does; “infect a newsroom.”18:28 — First Ink masterclass: Antigua vs USA27:44 — Qatar 2022: going negative on the US bid40:15 — Is Sportswashing PR? Is it all bad? 49:57 — “Buy the printing press”: oligarch media ownership.55:01 — News collapse, AI replacing reporters, and why that’s dangerous. 57:21 — Andrew Callaghan. Do gatekeepers still matter? 01:05:53 — “Digital fentanyl”; treat content as a public-health issue. 01:10:27 — Rebranding Zuckerberg; persona as PR product.01:22:44 — Bots: PR firms pitching bot farms01:34:30 — Practical playbook & media-literacy plus a nice close.

Vince Beiser, investigative journalist and author of Power Metal, reports on mining, resources, and environmental fallout. He traces copper’s central role in electrification and why demand will skyrocket. Conversations cover Chile’s water-strained mines, Congo’s rising importance, e-waste recycling in Lagos, and the push for deep-sea mining and its geopolitical and ecological stakes.

Lawrence Krauss, a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his insights on the universe's origins, dives deep into existential questions about our place in the cosmos. He argues that our cosmic insignificance empowers us to create our own meaning. Krauss shares anecdotes about his friendships with luminaries like Christopher Hitchens and discusses the interplay of serendipity and creativity in science. He also explores the universe's fate, pondering heat death, black holes, and the enormity of consciousness as stardust reflecting on itself.