WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life (Francis Tapon)
Explore every episode of WanderLearn: Travel to Transform Your Mind & Life
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb 2023 | How To Overcome Obstacles with Vangile Makwakwa | 00:22:34 | |
In the 229th episode of the WanderLearn podcast, I interview Vangile Makwakwa, a South African entrepreneur with a fascinating background. She went to business school, dreaming of being an overworked and overpaid investment banker. She finally listened to her soul, who told her to write nonfiction books. Her first book is Heart, Mind & Money: Using Emotional Intelligence for Financial Success. Timeline00:00 Where is South Africa? 02:00 How to Overcome Depression 08:00 How to get out $60,000 of debt 14:00 Travel visa woes 17:30 Conclusion https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdlqTredIQM FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 11 Feb 2022 | Buy Privately With a Virtual, Disposable Credit Card - Pay With Moon CEO | 00:41:06 | |
PayWithMoon.com is a non-custodial, private way to spend your cryptocurrency with a virtual, disposable credit card. Today, Pay With Moon has integrated with Apple/Google Pay! This is huge! You can watch this interview on YouTube. There are no KYC (know your customer) requirements. You just need to provide an email and a name. Paywithmoon lets you pay for things in the USA without revealing your real identity or even your real physical address. And, of course, you can use your real name and address. Need to use OnlyFans.com without your wife knowing? Voila. The time of exchange is different than other virtual card solutions. Your crypto is exchanged from the moment you load the card as opposed to the moment you buy the product/service. The Moon cards have a 2-month expiration date. Timestamps 00:00 What is Pay with Moon? 02:30 Who is it for? 04:00 How does change work? 06:40 Use cases 10:00 Lightning Lessons 12:20 Altcoins 13:45 How Moon makes money 15:40 Lightning Wallet recommendations 17:00 Hyperbitcoinization 22:30 Physical card 24:00 Unusual use cases 26:15 Reducing Lightning Fees 27:30 Privacy 29:00 Taproot 29:40 Global rollout 34:40 Refunds 37:00 Rewards FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 13 Aug 2021 | Will Our Descendants Remove the Statues of Meat-Eaters? | 00:26:54 | |
This is part 5 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast! In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Preamble about the discussion to come 07:25 Why is Rufina postponing her goal to become a vegetarian? 10:10 Should Our Descendants Remove the Statues of Meat-Eaters? 16:10 Expedia ad 17:28 Respecting plants 18:00 Is there moral meat? 22:30 Afterward about statues If you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others? Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best Chef Part 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters? Part 4: Will Our Descendants Take Down Statues of Meat Eaters? Hunting podcastsSince this episode is mostly about hunting, you might be interested in my previous episodes about hunting:
This episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 04 Jul 2024 | 300th Episode! Listen To The Most Popular Episode! | 00:46:28 | |
To celebrate my 300th WanderLearn podcast episode, I'm sharing my most popular episode. If you like the nuanced way I tackle the controversial subject of hunting, be sure to go to the bottom of this page and follow the links to hear the other episodes I've done related to hunting. In 2018, Brittany Hosmer Longoria was swept up in a social media firestorm with these trending hashtags:
What had she done to induce such a vicious reaction? The surprising answer is nothing that remarkable. What she had done was to hunt a leopard in Namibia and take a photo of her holding the dead leopard. Here's why that's unremarkable: First, she was not a poacher. She spent nearly $40,000 to get all the permits to legally hunt that old male leopard. I could understand that people would get worked up if she were a poacher. She was not. She did everything by the book. Nobody disagrees with that. Second, she didn't post the photo on Instagram. She submitted it to the Safari Club International (SCI) when they solicited photos that exhibited a "hunting heritage." She uploaded the photo to SCI's private server. SCI would evaluate these photos. But before they could, an animal activist got a hold of the photo and released it to the public. In other words, it's not like Brittany illegally shot a leopard and then bragged about it. On the contrary, she went through all the legal steps and took a pretty standard post-hunt photo. This sort of thing happens thousands of times every day, so what Brittany did was thoroughly unremarkable. Therefore, it's a bit hard to understand why she, out of all the legal hunters who post photos of their trophies, would get targeted by social media harshly. I met with her in 2019 at the SCI conference to talk with Brittany. Listen to this podcast and tell me your thoughts in the comments below.Although I met her briefly, she's clearly a shy and humble person. Introverts dislike the spotlight. I commend her for her courage in facing the spotlight to dispel some myths and misunderstandings about hunting. I warned her that I would hit her hard with tough and uncomfortable questions, which a journalist must do to capture all sides of a story. Indeed, you'll hear that at one point in the interview, she nearly shuts down, seemingly exhausted by my barrage of questions. As always, she kept her cool and composure, which her hysterical enemies often do not. I commend Brittany. Moreover, I wanted to give her a chance to answer some thought-provoking and provocative questions that people who dislike hunting may have. Meanwhile, people who hate hunting should listen to her pro-hunting arguments. Many people who have a knee-jerk adverse reaction to hunting have never given much thought to it. Ignorance leads to misunderstandings. So if you hate hunting, listen to this podcast. I don't expect to convert you. In fact, I am not even trying to convert anyone to anything. I just like to promote listening and the calm exchange of ideas. I am a part-time vegan (I only eat animals when I'm traveling or when I'm a guest at someone's house). So I'm not a hunter. However, I believe many people who disapprove of hunting don't see the nuance in this complex subject. I don't claim to be an expert. I just like to listen and learn. I hope you do too. If so, share this episode and comment below. If you want to leave a comment, here's a tip: the less emotional and savage your comment is, the more convincing it will be. Scream and swear often if you want to turn people off from your argument. I know, this is the Internet, so we're all supposed to get outraged about everything. But please try to act like a grown-up. Here is a funny and educational video about the subjecthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQh-f1rBjx4 What about Green Hunts?The hardest question I didn't ask Britt Longoria during the podcast is why she doesn't do Green Hunts. I didn't ask that question because I didn't think about it, but a couple of people asked me after the interview. A Green Hunt is when you shoot an animal with a tranquilizer instead of deadly ammunition. After the podcast, I asked Britt if she could answer the question. She wrote her response and here are the highlights of what she said.
Britt hasn't tried a green hunt, so I think she should try before she concludes that they're a big difference between the two. She might learn that the difference isn't as big as she theorized. And even if she does feel that there's a big difference, not all hunters may agree with her. Britt observes that Green Hunts have a bigger entourage than a normal hunt. I could see how that could be annoying or distracting. Still, I imagine there is a HUGE difference between hunting ALONE and hunting with a buddy. In other words, if you graph the intensity of the hunting experience with # of hunters on the X-axis and intensity on the Y-axis, you would get an asymptotic line that flattens out when you have 5+ hunters. In regular hunts, you usually have an entourage of at least three (driver, guide/PH, and hunter). You often have another hunting buddy, a skinner, or an armed government official. So you have 3-6 folks on a traditional hunt. Let's say you have twice that on a green hunt. I've never been on either hunt, but I imagine there's not THAT much of a difference between having 5 or 10 folks on your hunt. But it must be MUCH different whether you are ALONE versus having one buddy. And there's a pretty big difference going from 2 hunters versus 3-4 hunters. That's why I say the graph is an asymptote. What do you think about Green Hunts? BONUS #1: Listen to my wife and I debate Brittany Longoria and hunting. BONUS #2: A year after this interview, I followed up with Longoria for a second interview. BONUS #3: If you found this podcast intriguing and profound, listen to my podcast with the Director of Conservation at Safari Club International.Lastly, at the end of this podcast, Brittany mentioned that she is on Instagram but that it's private. Recently, Brittany Longoria made her Instagram page public from private. More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 10 Mar 2023 | How Are Ukrainians & Russians Different From Each Other? | 00:05:20 | |
Welcome to a 4-part series featuring Eastern Europe Expert Richard DeLong. He's lived most of his life in Eastern Europe & the Caucasus among Slavs, especially Ukrainians and Russians. I ask him to evaluate this analogy: Ukrainians are like Canadians and Russians are Yanks. He says a better analogy is that Russians are like Canadians and Ukrainians are like the Quebecois. Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZPHzyUlmpw FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 04 Nov 2022 | My Favorite Places & Experiences | 00:14:33 | |
Sym Blanchard asks me about:
Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off on TrustedHousesitters! Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 24 Jul 2020 | Travel By Living Abroad with Traveling Mitch | 01:17:08 | |
Traveling Mitch is, a bit unexpectedly, really called Christopher Mitchell. He's lived in the center of the world: Istanbul. For centuries, Istanbul was the world's biggest city. It was the center of the Old World. Today, it's still the 3rd most populous city and straddles two continents. Traveling Mitch and I also discuss:
He runs Ultimate Ontario. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 27 Feb 2021 | AMA: Short episodes & My Upcoming Book | 00:17:22 | |
I tackle more listener feedback. Here's what they wrote: DC Qranky wroteOne thing I find very appealing about your show is how insightful you are and the way you both remain open to ideas while expressing your own opinion even if it’s totally contrary to a guest, for example. How about if at the end of every show you had a short segment in which you take one reader question or topic suggestion and run with that? It’s another way to engage with listeners without bribing them for 5-star reviews and it’s basically giving you free show ideas. It can be about ANYTHING! Literally, anything at all. If you can get an expert on your show to discuss with, all the better, but if not you can just spin your wheels on the question/topic yourself. It should be the same duration every time - long enough to dig in but not so long that you start to ramble. I’d say 5-10 min max. Maybe you can give it a catchy name like ‘New Idea Fix for 6’, as in 6 minutes. That’s a terrible name but just to illustrate the point. And!…give listeners an opportunity to post their thoughts after the show. You’ll read the top 3 most compelling feedback on your next show prior to the special segment. If you do this, DC Qranky wants an associate producer credit! Yida wroteAs you wrote such a detailed section on malaria in West Africa, I'm wondering if you plan to follow up discussion on Covid-19 in Africa and some major responses and developments? Another point I want to raise is who is your intended audience? Do you see children and educators reading your books? Perhaps some geography, social studies teachers/ professors have already read your books and reached out to you! There are lots of good discussion questions and essay topics that could come out of every chapter. Your book is very educational and filled with facts, geography, history, culture, told in your engaging narrative voice. However, the funny adult stories and frank discussions on sex, polygamy means it would be rated M for Mature. Chances are, kids working on projects would be unlikely find this book in their school libraries. I can see teenagers enjoying this and the book is very readable. I'm curious whether this book would be selected by teachers, school librarians, as part of their educational resources. I first found the Hidden Europe at a local public library but not at local bookstores or university libraries. I can see the Unseen Africa being used as an introduction to Africa and students can then consult your bibliography for more academic reading. My favorite geography reference book is Lonely Planet "The World" because it goes through every country in an accessible manner. DC Qranky wrote:Do I like your shorter podcasts? Hmm…sometimes. I also like your longer podcasts because it gives you an opportunity to get in depth. To a point. The lucid dream guy…that was pretty good. I don’t remember the length but the conversation was pretty compelling. Now listening to the married couple that won’t get married. A good bunch of it is fun listening but over an hour?? None of your podcasts should ever go over an hour and probably not over 50 mins. max. a) That’s a lot to listen to and if it needs to go that long, break it up into two parts. b) As stated, a good bunch of fun listening but also a lot of blah blah blah… You lose audience that way. It’ll take more of your time but you’ll have a better end product by scrubbing through the material and editing out, what some in my industry would call, “shoe leather”. I like your podcast but I may be biased. If I didn’t get to know you through your books and have you connect with my family in Benin and relate to you on a personal level (in many ways you seem like my brother from another mother), not sure if I would engage or not. Don’t change who you are or what you do but see if you can mold your podcast a bit to bring some sort of repeatable format to it. Going back to the short stuff, it works for Gary because he has a very obvious template. Maybe all your podcasts are only 30 minutes (reasonably digestible) but in one you lump together a bunch of similar-themed short ideas and in another you break it up into parts but only after you edit out the ho-hum stuff. I’m pulling all this out of my ass. Really just projecting what I think DC Qranky would say on some lame iTunes podcast review. SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 30 Jul 2021 | Is the Food Industry Doomed? | 00:34:00 | |
This is part 4 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast! In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Intro 01:00 Are Farmer's market scams? 10:10 What has made you resilient during the pandemic? 15:45 Expedia ad 17:00 KQED Forum podcast excerpt about the food industry 19:10 Is the food industry in for a reckoning? 30:30 Afterward about "sexism and racism" in the food industry 19:30 A tough question If you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others? Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best Chef Part 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters? Part 4: Is the Food Industry Doomed? Part 5: Will Our Descendants Take Down Statues of Meat Eaters? Sponsors This episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 01 Mar 2024 | Traversing the DRC Solo Overland - Stumbling Into a Genocide | 00:18:17 | |
Many travelers brag that they are "adventurous" because they bag a famous peak, visit Vietnam, or eat escargot. Although I celebrate anyone who pushes their travel limits, let's calibrate our definition of adventurous. My definition of an adventurous traveler is Francois Xavier Paradis-Garneau. He's a 23-year-old intrepid Canadian who got the BBC's attention when he became the first Western tourist to do the ring road around Afghanistan after the Taliban took over. In 2022, he upped the ante with an even more ambitious trip: a 3-month traverse of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from Angola to Uganda. I've driven across half of the DRC (from Uganda to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic). Therefore, I have an idea of what he had to go through. Watch this episode on YouTube! This is part 1 of a 4-part series. In this episode, learn why Garneau did his trek and how he accidentally traversed through an area while a genocide was in progress. See photos and read his epic report on this insane trip. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 15 Sep 2023 | Are Vegans Doomed To Get Osteoporosis? | 00:19:15 | |
Sym Blanchard is a 70-year-old thru-hiker who completed America's Triple Crown hike in 2023! He's section-hiked all the sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail! Sym Blanchard has been a vegan for the last 10 years. He just got diagnosed with osteoporosis. Although I still encourage veganism and vegetarianism, his tale emphasizes the importance of carefully watching your nutrition. Timeline00:00 Vegan gets osteoporosis 02:50 Diet changes 05:50 Long-term decline 13:13 Plans for 2024 Watch the VideoPrevious episodes featuring Sym Listen to my first interview with Sym.
Connect with Sym Blanchard on Facebook and Instagram. More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 24 May 2024 | Surviving a Plane Crash That Killed the Pilot | 00:22:05 | |
Glen Van Peski sat in the co-pilot seat of a tiny plane that crashed, killing the pilot next to him. What happened? How did Glen and all the other passengers survive with minor or moderate injuries? We talk a lot about death in this episode, including how Glen's mom and son died. We end on a positive note! Watch the Video About GlenGlen Van Peski is a civil engineer who used his skills to engineer the lightest backpacking gear in the Solar System. Glen is the founder of Gossamer Gear. In 2024, he released Take Less, Do More: Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight Backpacker. In this interview series, Glen shares snippets of his book. The final episode is a flashback episode of Glen and Francis recording themselves chatting while hiking up San Francisco's historic Sweeney Ridge. Bonus video!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QivSPWiKfU Join the exclusive WanderLearn Patreon club. More about Glen Van Peski Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, is known for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian, Van Peski grew up in the western outdoors, and when his oldest son joined Scouts, he led the troop’s backpacking program. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking. He started sewing his gear and eventually started his own company, manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, National Geographic Adventure magazines, and the New York Times. Van Peski is an internationally sought-after speaker known for his inspiring, humorous, and information-packed presentations. He has hiked most of the Pacific Crest Trail, wandered the backcountry in Japan and Europe, and bike-packed on the Great Divide. He lives in Bend, Oregon, with Francie, his wife of over forty years, and is the father of two grown sons. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 14 Feb 2020 | Defending the American Smile | 00:05:27 | |
Smile for Valentine's Day! Part 3 of 5 of the "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" SeriesEuropeans often criticize the “American smile.” They say that Americans are fake, because they often smile when they are not really happy. Americans pretend to be happy to see you, when they’re not. A customer service representative might greet you with a cheery, “Hi! How can I help you?” when she’s really a mean bitch. Eastern Europeans somehow think that they are superior because they give you a scowl instead of a smile. Frankly, I’ll take a fake smile every day over a sincere scowl. I might delude myself, but I don’t care. It just feels better. Why, when we have the choice between giving a smile or a frown, should we opt for a frown? The waiter and the person at the checkout counter has a choice. Why not put on a smile? Some may say it’s not simply a choice between a frown or a smile. There’s a third way, the European way, which is a neutral face. This, Europeans claim, is the most sincere. “Why should the store representative smile at you when he doesn’t even know you? That’s insincere,” the Europeans argue. “It’s better to have a neutral face.” Look at yourself in the mirror and put on your best neutral face. Imagine someone just walked into your store and you’re wearing that neutral face. What does it look like to the customer? It looks a bit cold, distant, unfriendly, and unapproachable. Obviously a frown is even worse, but the neutral look is off-putting too. Furthermore, the neutral look would be fine if the customer service agent would immediately brighten up once they learn that you’re not trying to rape their daughter. However, they don’t. Even after you smile and are friendly, they often keep that same neutral, ambivalent face throughout the transaction. In Eastern Europe, the neutral look will sometimes turn into a tirade against your simple attempts of communication. It makes for a lousy and cold experience. The Eastern European tries a different argument: “Fine, so we’re a bit cold at the beginning, but eventually we warm-up, and when we do, you’ll have a friend for life.” So what? Do you want a freaking medal? Newsflash: Americans make lifelong friends too. Like any human, we usually take our time before reaching that point. The difference is that we don’t use that as an excuse to be an asshole at the beginning. Moreover, the American smile isn’t as fake as it seems. Many Americans are genuinely happy. Americans are positive people who usually give strangers the benefit of the doubt. There are plenty of cynical Americans, but when it comes to one-on-one interactions, Americans often assume that the other person is a good guy. That makes them sincerely smile. Of course, I have a cultural bias because I grew up in America, the land of the smiles. However, America doesn’t have a monopoly on smiles. Most people from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania all tend to wear a smile on their faces by default. Their service personnel smile warmly often. In other words, judged on a global scale, Americans aren’t weird because they smile so much. It’s the Eastern Europeans who are weird because they smile so little. See Gallup poll P.S. Southeastern Europe (especially around Bosnia, Macedonia, Albania, and Southern Serbia) people have a tendency to smile as much of most of the non-European world. In case you missed it, read part 1 of the What Americans Can Teach Europeans article series. "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Health Access SumbawaOne of WanderLearn's top patrons, Kathy Kennedy Enger, asked me to draw attention to Health Access Sumbawa. I am happy to promote this remarkable nonprofit. In 2014, Jack Kennedy founded the organization to bring malaria control and healthcare to remote, impoverished communities. It started on the remote island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. Since then, it's expanded thanks to generous donations. Visit their website to learn more and to donate: https://healthaccesssumbawa.org | |||
| 15 Mar 2024 | Putting a DRC Official in a Headlock | 00:09:05 | |
Garneau tells us that when he lost his temper, a DRC immigration official was put in a headlock! Watch the video of this episode! This is part 3 of a 4-part series. See photos and read his epic report on this insane trip. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 08 Mar 2024 | A Clever Tactic When Traveling in the DRC and Other Challenging Places | 00:08:27 | |
Garneau explains the most innovative thing he did, which got him through countless hassles in the DRC. This is part 2 of a 4-part series. Watch this episode on YouTube! In this episode, learn why Garneau did his trek and how he accidentally traversed through an area while a genocide was in progress. Read his epic report on this insane trip. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 07 Aug 2024 | The Radio Vagabond on Geopolitics - Harris vs. Trump, Ukraine, Taiwan, & Gaza | 00:17:28 | |
Palle Bo and I met in Toronto this week to discuss the global hot spots and the US election. We chat about Harris vs. Trump, Ukraine, Taiwan, and Gaza. Palle has been to Taiwan and recently went to Ukraine, near the front lines. As an outsider, he's bewildered by the US election. We recorded this a day before Harris picked her VP, Walz. Please subscribe to Palle's Radio Vagabond podcast! Enjoy other Palle Bo episodes! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 09 Sep 2022 | What’s the Truth About Ukraine? | 00:14:01 | |
Sym Blanchard volunteered near the Ukraine border to help refugees. We talk about what's the truth about Ukraine. What's going on? What do Ukrainians & Russians want? What's happening in Ukraine, and why is it so hard to uncover the truth? CORRECTION: In the podcast, I say that 25% of Ukraine is ethnically Russia. That's wrong. It was 17.3% in the 2001 census (the latest data). In the Donetsk (eastern) Ukraine region, ethnic Ukrainians make up 56.9 %, and ethnic Russians are 38.2 % of the population. FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 30 Apr 2021 | Kosovo's Past and Future | 00:34:11 | |
I interview Teouta Luri, a Kosovar & ethnic Albanian who was born in Yugoslavia in 1976. She is the daughter of a prominent Yugoslav politician. We discuss:
Two reasons: 1. Teouta and I talked enough before the interview that I felt comfortable enough to talk with her like I talked with Sym Blanchard. I was comfortable enough to allow for natural banter to develop. 2. Like my interviews with Sym, we were in the same room with two separate microphones, so that makes it much easier to read body language and not have to deal with the lag that comes when you interview someone remotely (via Skype/Zoom). SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 17 Dec 2021 | Assassinations, BTC Micropayments, Larks vs. Owls with Gary Arndt | 00:15:11 | |
Gary Arndt, host of the Everything Everywhere Daily podcast returns to the WanderLearn podcast for a final time in 2021! It's episode #164! In this 15-min podcast, Gary Arndt and I talk about:
Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. Maybe you have:
Listen to the episode first! Record feedback https://speakpipe.com/ftapon More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 08 Sep 2023 | Completing the Triple Crown & the Israeli Trail | 00:17:46 | |
Sym Blanchard is a 70-year-old thru-hiker who completed America's Triple Crown hike in 2023! He's section-hiked all the sections of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail! Sorry that the audio quality is mediocre. Future episodes are better! 00:00 Finishing the Triple Crown 01:30 Israeli Trail 04:20 When age slows your hiking down 11:20 Rating trails Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRTp-5znY5I Previous episodes featuring SymListen to my first interview with Sym.
Connect with Sym Blanchard on Facebook and Instagram. More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 10 Jan 2025 | DB Cooper's Planning, Prep, & Precursors | 00:21:36 | |
DB Cooper was cunning. What were the various considerations he had to contend with to pull off the only unsolved act of air piracy in US history? Watch the Video DB Cooper needed a:
In part 2 of 3 about DB Cooper and Flight 305, Dr. Robert H. Edwards delves into that and more. Timeline00:00 Planning and Prep 08:30 Three precursors More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 25 May 2020 | Zen Pilot Is Flying From Pole to Pole | 00:59:53 | |
Flying to the South Pole and then to the North Pole in a small plane is extremely dangerous. Robert DeLaurentis, who is known as the Zen Pilot, is on the brink of pulling this off. I caught up with him when he was grounded in Spain during the Coronapocolypse. By the time this airs, he should be in Sweden. He plans to fly over 3 key places around the North Pole in July 2020. Track his journey on his website. Questions I asked the Zen Pilot1. How did you first get into flying? 2. What advice would you get give to someone who wants to become an aviator? Join the military? Take classes? How expensive? 3. Does being a pilot pay little or lot? Or more? 4. You prepared to fly around the world in 95 days. But what surprised you? 5. What's your book, "Flying Thru Life" about? 6. You're flying from pole to pole during the COVID-19. What are some of the unexpected challenges that you faced? 7. When do you expect to finish? 8. How's flying the Drake Passage? 9. When do you expect to finish? 10. What's next? I mentioned 13 Minutes to the Moon by the BBC. Watch this 4 mins video about the Zen Pilot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qox9jVJwew More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | North vs. South Mozambique | 00:10:08 | |
Episode 3 of 7
Julio Maria Muhorro is a Power Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker from Mozambique. We discuss: - Why does Julio speak English well when most Mozambiquans don't. - Similarities and differences between the north and south of Mozambique. - The island of Mozambique Julio is on social media. His user name is JulioMuhorro Or you can find his company on LinkedIn under "Sharing Knowledge International More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 19 Jun 2021 | The Underbelly of the Travel Industry with Room Steals | 00:40:40 | |
Nate Ritter, the CEO of Roomsteals, reveals the unseen underbelly of the travel industry. We discuss:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BFcCLYKP0U SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 13 Jun 2020 | Debating UFOs, Aliens, Crop Circles, and the Supernatural | 01:06:06 | |
Do aliens exist? Have they visited (or are they visiting) our planet? Are all crop circles manmade? In this civil debate, Derek Loudermilk and I discuss these topics. Derek argues that these metaphysical things are real. I am extremely skeptical. Listen to both sides and comment on what you think. The one thing I forgot to mention was string theory, which argues that we don't live in a 4-dimensional world, but rather one that has 10, 11, or more dimensions. The string theory hypothesis is that these extra dimensions may be curled up in such a microscopic way that we don't have the instruments that are able to see them at this point. Perhaps in a few decades or centuries, we will be able to see these extra dimensions. The point is that string theory could, perhaps, one day explain some metaphysical and "supernatural" phenomena. Watch the videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTK2P_82FGw More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 19 Aug 2022 | The Future of Mozambique | 00:22:35 | |
Episode 7 of 7. I hope you've enjoyed this series with Julio! In this final episode with him, we discuss:
Julio Maria Muhorro is a Power Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker from Mozambique. Julio is on social media. His user name is JulioMuhorro Or you can find his company on LinkedIn under "Sharing Knowledge International" @JulioMuhorro Sharing Knowledge International on LinkedIn More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 24 Dec 2021 | Best Free Gift You Can Give | 00:02:36 | |
You can watch this on YouTube During the holidays, if you can't afford to give a gift, then give blood to a stranger. #Donateblood. I explain why you might want to do it for selfish reasons: it's good for you, possibly. What do you think? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. Maybe you have:
Listen to the episode first! Record feedback https://speakpipe.com/ftapon More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 24 Jun 2022 | How Pakistan Tourism Compares to Afghanistan | 00:14:59 | |
How is it traveling in Pakistan in 2022? After traveling all over Afghanistan this year, Francois Xavier Paradis-Garneau toured Pakistan. He's a ballsy young Canadian who is worth following. Connect with Xavier PG on Facebook. Listen to him recount his epic trip. The BBC profiled him FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 25 Oct 2024 | Following Sunshine with Niamh McAnally | 00:12:24 | |
Niamh McAnally's memoir, Following Sunshine: A Voyage Around the Mind, Around the World, Around the Heart, offers readers a rich tapestry of travel, personal growth, and introspection. This book transcends the typical travelogue by intertwining McAnally's adventures with profound reflections on her life experiences, including themes of loss, self-discovery, and resilience. Watch the Video Interview!Overview of the Book Following Sunshine takes readers on an enthralling journey through various landscapes, from the lush jungles of Fiji to the serene beaches of Vanuatu. McAnally's narrative is not just about her travels; it delves deeply into her struggles, including dealing with loss, divorce, and financial hardships. Her expressive language vividly captures the beauty of the locations she visits and the emotional transitions she experiences, making her reflections relatable to a broad audience. Themes and StyleMcAnally's writing combines elements of travel, adventure, and self-help. She shares her experiences in diverse settings—participating in turtle conservation in Vanuatu and reflecting on local customs—while confronting complex personal topics such as childhood trauma and uncertainty about the future. This blend creates a compelling backdrop for her reflections on love, loss, and the human impact on ecosystems. The memoir is "a riveting adventure with a touch of romance," keeping readers engaged with its twists and emotional depth. She is confident and self-aware, echoing throughout her stories of solo travel and constant change. Her ability to articulate moments of revelation is honest without being overly dramatic. Reader ReceptionThe reception of Following Sunshine has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers have highlighted its ability to evoke deep emotional responses, often finding themselves moved to tears by McAnally's storytelling. Many appreciate her inviting them to reflect on their lives while sharing her journey. The book has been described as a testament to the power of storytelling in understanding oneself and one's past. ConclusionIn summary, Following Sunshine is more than just a memoir; it is an invitation to explore the world and one's inner self. Niamh McAnally's unique voice and perspective resonate throughout her narrative, making it recommended for anyone interested in travel, personal growth, or simply seeking inspiration through storytelling. The book promises to leave a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 21 Aug 2020 | What's a Reasonable Number of Unarmed Police Shootings? | 01:24:18 | |
It's a perverse question, but what's an acceptable number of unarmed people that the police may accidentally shoot every year? Of course, many people's knee-jerk answer will be, "Zero!" If you answered that way, it's time to take a deep breath and relax. We're going to embark on a cold-hearted exercise that requires rationality, logic, and a heavy dose of realism. The implications are profound and important, so please bear with me. After reading this long article, you're welcome to write a constructive comment at the bottom. Include what you think is a reasonable number of annual unarmed deaths and why. I will update this article as I get thoughtful and intelligent feedback. The Black Lives Matter ThesisA central argument in the Black Lives Matter movement is that (white) cops are disproportionately killing Black men, especially unarmed Black men. It's Exhibit A in a long list of exhibits that prove systemic, structural, and institutional racism in America's police. This argument has been repeated so many times that it has become an axiom. Thus, questioning the Black Lives Matter thesis is tantamount to questioning whether our planet revolves around the sun. We won't question it. Instead, we will seek to do is to quantify it. Metrics: Quantifying success and failureMetrics allow us to objectively measure the size of a problem. Metrics help us measure our progress. Metrics also help us answer crucial questions: when can we declare victory? When will we know that we've solved this crisis? In other words, when can we put down our signs, stop protesting, hug, give each other high-fives, and scream, "Mission accomplished!"? Declaring victory ought to be based on facts and evidence, not a group's feelings or one man's opinion. Therefore, we must set reasonable benchmarks. We must quantify where we want to be. What does a fair and just world look like, numbers-wise? Assuming the current number of police killings of Blacks is disproportionately high, then what number would be disproportionately low? And what number would be tragic, but understandable? To understand what I mean, consider other tragic numbers. Every year, hundreds of babies die at daycare centers, thousands die in traffic accidents, and millions die of preventable diseases. Since society is not vigorously protesting all these deaths, one could conclude that these deaths, while sad, are understandable. Our society deems that all those preventable deaths are tragic but tolerable. Therefore, the aim of this article is to help you calculate 3 numbers regarding the number of US police killings of unarmed victims:
Great. Now let's analyze the data. USA police kill way more people per capita than any other rich nationIn a list of 62 random countries, the USA ranked slightly below the median in the per-capita police caused fatalities. This is embarrassing. High-income countries outperform the USA handily. It's humiliating that the DRC beats the USA. Why isn't the USA in the top 10? Why isn't it clumped next to its rich allies instead of several poor and dysfunctional nations? Doesn't this prove the US police are excessively violent? Before we jump to that conclusion, we must consider two critical facts. 1. America's gun-filled environmentThe USA is the only country that has more firearms than people. Indeed, it has 20% more guns than people. We have twice as many guns per capita than the next country on the list: Yemen. The USA has four times more guns per capita than the next two major countries on the list: Serbia & Montenegro. We have approximately 10 times more firearms per capita than Somalia, Russia, Chile, Albania, as well as the homicide-happy Guatemala and El Salvador. We have approximately 100 times more firearms per capita than the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Palestine, Tunisia, and Chad. And we have nearly 1,000 times more firearms per capita than South Korea. Knowing that, imagine you're a police officer, patrolling a country that is literally overflowing with firearms. Ask yourself:
Not only does the USA have far more guns per capita than anyone else, but it's also a remarkably murderous country when compared to other high-income countries. When you examine the intentional per capita homicide rate of 230 countries/territories, the USA is just below the global median, which lines up with where it falls in the police shootings rate. Meanwhile, the homicide rate of other high-income countries is also much lower than in the USA. In other words, the USA's ranking on the global homicide scale is roughly the same as our ranking of police shootings: slightly below the median. Meanwhile, high-income countries have far better rankings on both metrics. You plot the two stats together, you get this: Should we be surprised that our law enforcement officers end up killing criminals and suspects in their effort to stop the carnage? Given all the firearms, should we be surprised that American cops are more likely to encounter an armed and dangerous suspect than a Japanese cop? Watch this short video. I've watched it 10 times and I still can't believe how this female police officer didn't get killed.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0SsIZbkQGQ After watching that video, you can get a sense that an American cop must make life-or-death decisions in milliseconds. Do you think you could have done what this female cop did? I sure couldn't. Imagine you're in a tense situation, perhaps responding to a 911 call. You have a suspect a few meters away. It's night and hard to see. The suspect reaches behind his back. What do you do? Wait for him to shoot you? In theory, yes. Officers are trained to not fire on someone unless there's evidence that the cop's life is threatened. However, in the heat of the moment, humans may forget their training. Their instinctual desire for self-preservation may override their training. Have you ever been in an extremely fast-paced and stressful situation where you, in retrospect, made a lousy decision? If not, do you know anyone who has made a poor decision when under stress? Or at least can you imagine that some people would, in a split second, make the wrong call? Some panicked people involuntarily freeze or feint, which is often a terrible idea in a bad situation. We can't always control ourselves. When my friend was assaulted by 4 men in South Africa, his fight-or-flight brain told him to fight. In retrospect, he says, it was an extremely stupid thing to do. He miraculously scared them away. A pair of Cameroonian thugs nearly strangled me to death because I wasn't giving them my wallet and phone. My instinctual reaction was to fight. While I was being strangled for 30 seconds, it was impossible for me to say, "I can't breathe." I thought I might die, but my instincts told me to resist. I was foolish, even though I "won" that battle and kept my phone (my wallet only had $10 so I let it go). Which profession kills more people accidentally: cops or physicians?Although it's been declining over the decades, for the last five years, US cops kill about 1,000 people per year. According to a recent study by Johns Hopkins, more than 250,000 people in the United States die every year because of medical mistakes, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. Given that Blacks are 13% of the population, that means physicians kill 32,500 Blacks every year. Since Blacks are generally poorer than the average American, they disproportionately get physicians who are cheaper, less competent, and more error-prone than average. For the same reason, Blacks probably also get inferior medical equipment and technology. Therefore, perhaps 26% of the 250,000 physician-caused deaths are Blacks. That would mean that 65,000 Blacks die at the sloppy and careless hands of a physician. Those Blacks entrusted their doctors to protect and save their lives in a similar way that we all trust our police to protect and save our lives. Society doesn't revolt when we hear that physicians kill 65,000 Blacks every year. Indeed, few even know that statistic! Nobody says that there's "systemic racism" among physicians. Nobody is burning down clinics. When a physician enters an operating room, it's unlikely that he is planning to kill his patient. It is also doubtful that when a cop pulls someone over that he plans to kill him. It's a bad analogy because patients enter into operating rooms naked, sedated, and unarmed. Police often deal with hostile, belligerent, and armed suspects. Metrics matter. We ought to celebrate if physicians "only" accidentally kill 50,000 people in a year because that would be an amazingly good year on a relative scale since they consistently kill 250,000 without society flooding the streets. "But physicians aren't trying to kill Blacks!" you scream. "Those are mistakes! Malpractice! Accidents! When the police kill, it's MURDER!" Calm down. Let's analyze this morbid topic. The psychopaths among usNeil deGrasse Tyson told Coleman Hughes that it's possible to screen police applicants so well that we'll get rid of all the bad apples. Hughes disagreed. Here's why Hughes is unfortunately right. According to psychologists, one percent of the population is a psychopath. A psychopath isn't what you probably think he is. Although 25% of male inmates are psychopaths, psychopaths are rarely violent. You probably know a few psychopaths. There's a 1% chance that you are one. There are 1 million physicians in the USA. That suggests about 10,000 physicians are psychopaths. A few are diabolical. Here are just a few of the many doctors who were caught and convicted:
Imagine if one cop had systematically killed as many people as one of these murderous doctors. Boy, would we hear about it! Did we condemn all doctors when we learned about the callous way those evil doctors murdered people whom they were supposed to protect and serve? Of course not. Should we conclude that there's systemic racism in our healthcare system that is killing Black bodies? Why aren't people torching hospitals and beating physicians? Nobody is chanting, "Abolish hospitals! Defund medicare!" We know it's wrong to condemn an entire profession because a few "professionals" were immoral or exercised horrible judgment. Why? Because we've done a simple mental calculus: we know that in a large sample size, there is a statistical certainty that there will be some who will be crazy, cruel, incompetent, or immoral. Police universally condemned Derek Chauvin's killing of George Floyd just as physicians universally condemned Dr. Death. In our polarized country that struggles to agree on anything, we ought to be grateful that we had a universal agreement that Floyd's death was tragic and wrong. If you're skeptical about psychopathic physicians, answer this question: Can you imagine that among 1 million US physicians that 1 in 1,000 is an extreme racist?If so, that's 1,000 racist physicians who have opportunities to "accidentally" kill Blacks. Given that physicians accidentally kill 250,000 people each year, isn't it plausible that 1 in 10,000 of those deaths was not an accident? That's 250 murders a year. Almost one every day. Sticking with our 26% number above, that means diabolical, racist physicians murder 65 Blacks per year or about one per week. We can debate about the number of psychopaths or the number of white supremacists among our 1 million physicians, but we know it's not zero. There will always be bad apples among a large sample size. With 250,000 annual deaths, there's a high chance that some of those were murders that were covered up with malpractice insurance claims. Now, back to cops. . . Police psychopathsThere are 800,000 police officers in the USA. Since 1% of our population is a psychopath, we can assume that there are 8,000 police officers who are psychopaths. In fact, it's probably higher than that. According to Dutton, the police is #7 on the list of careers with the highest number of psychopaths. Thus, we could have 20,000 psychopathic police officers on our streets. However, let's be conservative and assume it's "only" 8,000. Although few psychopaths are violent, handing them a gun is probably unwise. CEOs are far more likely than police officers to be psychopaths, but they don't go to work with a pistol on their hip. American CEOs are the highest paid people around. They are heavily scrutinized by their Board of Directors, investors, and employees. Before they are hired, the Board of Directors will dig up as much dirt as they can about the CEO candidate. They will probe everything because they're about to pay him millions of dollars and entrust him with an enormous corporation. Despite all that intense pre-hiring scrutiny and a battery of tests, 21% of CEOs are psychopaths. Imagine how the hiring process of a cop differs from that of a Fortune 500 CEO.Do you really think the government is going to delve that deeply into a potential cop's psyche? Do you think the police leadership will be better at catching psychopaths than the army highly paid and trained people who are analyzing the next possible leader of Ford? Just to be stupidly optimistic, let's assume that we institute an insanely good screening process that is superior to the expensive and time-consuming CEO screening process. As a result, we manage to weed out 90% of the psychos from the police force. That still leaves us with 800 armed psychopaths patrolling the streets. Another problem: people changeBeing a cop can be stressful and cause PTSD. You're surrounded by more negativity than the average person. You're constantly dealing with the worst of society. It can warp your worldview. It can change you. It can make you callous. Think of the Stanford Prison Experiment. Therefore, even if we only accept mentally stable people, some will degenerate while serving. Sure, we can do annual screenings in an attempt to catch such an ethical drift, but it's hard to fire a police veteran. After 10 years of service, how easy would it be to fire a police officer because he failed a psychological exam? Moreover, won't that veteran, who passed multiple annual screenings, know how to answer the psychological questions "correctly" and fool the government psychologists? Here's an even bigger problem: even if you screen people perfectly, it's almost impossible to predict how people will behave in life-and-death situations when you have microseconds to react.Training helps, but even well-trained soldiers can freak out when live bullets fly. An intense situation can temporarily hijack our ethics or clear thinking. A cop could go for many years (or his whole career) without ever drawing his gun. Suddenly, after eight years on the job, he must respond to an emergency situation in milliseconds for the first time in his life. Will the training he did years ago kick in automatically? Or will he panic, shoot first and ask questions later? Are cops infallible?We all make mistakes:
We accept that every year, such tragic things will happen. When I say that we "accept" such tragedies, I mean that we don't riot, assault innocent bystanders, and protest for weeks when such things happen. We don't abandon Uber, become atheists (when priests sin), pummel bus drivers, or burn down hospitals. Instead, we punish the individual who made an inexcusable mistake. We accept that despite our best efforts to weed out the bad apples:
That's because we know that we are all humans and therefore imperfect. We know that it's impossible for everybody in a large profession to be error-free saints. What if none of the 800,000 cops were psychopaths or white supremacists?Even if none of the 800,000 police officers are mentally unstable or racist, you still have 800,000 cops who make mistakes. Obviously, most mistakes are not deadly. For instance, this cop put a guy in jail because he thought he had found meth in his car (the "meth" was actually part of a glazed donut). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8XqYkrlntA This cop accidentally tased another policeman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tz8Q3ajmI0 There are many incidents where a cop accidentally shoots another cop with a pistol. That's what happened here when three Black cops stormed into the wrong home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3pjNCXlVbE Should we be surprised that cops are also capable of making a far more serious error: killing an unarmed person? Whether you believe in slips and capture or not, it's obvious that in the heat of the moment, mentally stable humans can make grave errors. Friendly fire: with friends like these . . .Humans with firearms accidentally kill people all the time. According to the CDC, in the USA, there are about 500 accidental firearm fatalities per year. According to the International Hunter Education Association, in an average year, fewer than 1,000 people in the United States and Canada are accidentally shot by hunters, and of these, fewer than 75 are fatalities. Since the USA has about 10 times more hunters than Canada (and the Canadians have better aim), it's safe to assume that every year, about 65 American hunters accidentally kill a fellow hunting buddy. Unlike police shooting accidents, hunting accidents are situations where there are no adversaries. You're out there with your buddies. Wildlife isn't armed with AR-15s. In the military, up to 23% of all battle deaths are friendly fire incidents! For example, during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, the US Department of Defense reported that the US forces suffered 148 battle-related deaths (35 to friendly fire). Nearly a quarter of all deaths were from US forces accidentally killing a fellow soldier! Shooting a fellow soldier is like shooting your own brother. It's one of the worst tragedies of war. But friendly fire tragedies happen all the time. Why? Because we are human beings. We are imperfect. If enough people play with deadly toys, people will get hurt - it is a mathematical certainty. Moreover, in the heat of battle or any fast-paced emotional situation, humans are even more likely to make grave mistakes. Here's a police officer who accidentally shot an undercover police officer whom he been working with for two years 9 TIMES!That's right. In the heat of the moment, the boss didn't realize that he was shooting nine bullets into his fellow employee. They knew each other well. Not only had they worked together for two years, but they had also gone on 20 drug stings together. They probably ate many donuts together. They were at point-blank range in broad daylight so they could easily see each other. But the boss still pumped his fellow employee full of lead! In this disturbing video, you will see the cop shoot Jacob (the undercover cop) 9 times, and then the cop says, "Oh shit! That was Jacob! Are you OK? I'm sorry man! I didn't know it was you! Come here, Jacob! Jacob's been shot! I thought you were the bad guy!" He says all this as he is sobbing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fQcjmt2Q_o Are you beginning to understand just how error-prone and dangerous policing in the United States can be? If armed people accidentally shoot their best buddies, should we be surprised our police might accidentally kill unarmed criminal suspects? Fine. But what about George Floyd's killer? That cop was calmly resting on Floyd's neck!It's true that Officer Derek Chauvin (the cop who killed George Floyd) wasn't faced with a life-and-death, split-second decision. He had over eight minutes to contemplate what he was doing. First, it's quite possible (likely) that Officer Chauvin was one of the 8,000 psychopathic cops. Psychopaths have impaired empathy and no remorse. They are callous. They are cold-hearted people. Such a description seems to fit Officer Chauvin. That would explain his actions. Case closed. On the other hand, it's also possible that he was not a psychopath. "WTF?" you say. Yes. I've been trying to imagine what Chauvin's lawyer will argue in court. He may argue that Officer Chauvin accidentally killed Floyd. The defense will argue the following. . . With 20/20 hindsight, we can all self-righteously claim that it was obvious that he was snuffing Floyd's life out. However, it's also obvious that Chauvin knew he was being filmed from multiple angles. It's also obvious that, given his age, Chauvin knew about the Rodney King riots, the Ferguson riots, and the outrage that comes whenever white cops kill Blacks. Did he really think that, with all the cameras rolling, it was a marvelous time to lynch a Black man? It's possible that Chauvin had done this restraining technique many times in his career. Other cops have. At the time of Floyd's death, the Minneapolis Police Department's Policy & Procedure Manual said that trained cops were allowed to use "neck restraints" and "chokeholds." It's possible that Chauvin was just as surprised that Floyd died as these cops were when they killed Tony Timpa in almost the exact same fashion.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c-E_i8Q5G0 Indeed, one could argue that the cops who killed Tony Timpa were even more callous than those who oversaw Floyd's death because Timpa's cops were joking around as Timpa was dying. However, few know about Timpa's tragedy (which happened a few years ago) because he was white. What's telling is the reaction of the cops when Timpa stopped breathing. They became concerned and wondered if they had just accidentally killed him. It's possible that Chauvin was equally surprised that he killed Floyd. The officers who killed Timpa were acquitted. Timpa had cocaine in his system. Meanwhile, Floyd had fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cannabinoids in his system when he died. Perhaps that cocktail made Floyd have a heart attack (which is what the County Medical Examiner's controversial autopsy concluded). Frankly, I don't know if Chauvin murdered Floyd on camera on purpose or by accident. Nor do I know if he is a psychopath or a racist. That's for the courts and jury to decide. I'm not defending Chauvin. I'm simply imagining how Chavin's defense team will explain Floyd's horrendous death. My point is that somewhere along the line, someone made an unforgivable error. Either a police chief accidentally hired (and for 20 years kept on the payroll) a murderous psychopath or Chauvin accidentally killed a man. My other point is that, statistically speaking, such a barbaric event is guaranteed to happen. 3 billion annual police interactionsThe Wall Street Journal estimated that there are "375 million annual contacts that police officers have with civilians." It's unclear how they calculated that, but it could be an underestimation. I suspect a "contact" means a documented contact, where a cop logs an official incident. However, I've often asked cops questions on the street and I doubt they logged my encounter down, but it was an interaction with the public. Every single day, 800,000 cops are interacting with the public. Let's assume 10 interactions per day (e.g., traffic stops, chatting, responding to non-emergencies, and emergencies). That's 8 million interactions per day. That's 3 billion interactions per year. If there's a one-in-a-million chance of something going terribly wrong, then that means 3,000 things a year will go terribly wrong. That's 8 times per day! If we accept the WSJ's 375 million figure, then that means a one-in-a-million tragedy would happen about every single day. You can adjust the assumptions, but the point is clear: in any given year, many tragic, heartbreaking events will happen. To expect perfection is utterly unrealistic. Six Sigma RobocopsIn business school, I learned about how Motorola and other major companies implemented six sigma operations. That means that 99.99966% of all opportunities should be defect-free. In other words, they aimed for defect levels below 3.4 defects per million opportunities. This is an extraordinarily high standard. Companies usually implement six sigma in operations that involve computers and robots, not humans, since a human is often going to make more than 3.4 errors per million tries. However, given our intolerance for police mistakes, it seems that we expect all our cops should be Robocops. And yet even Robocop would make 3.4 errors per million tries. With 3 billion interactions, that means our Robocops would make 10,200 errors per year. Once you begin to consider the number of firearms the US has, the unusually high murder rate, the 20,000 psychopaths in our police, and the statistical possibility that armed humans will make grave mistakes in high-pressure situations, then what's remarkable isn't that cops kill 1,000 people per year, but that they only kill 1,000 people per year. More importantly, 96.7% of the 1,000 people that the police killed were armed and dangerous. As Heather MacDonald wrote: But in light of the number of arrests that officers make each year--around 11 million–and the number of deadly weapons attacks on officers—27 a day in just two-thirds of the nation’s police departments--it is not clear that 1000 civilian deaths, the vast majority occurring in the face of a potentially deadly attack, show a law enforcement profession that is out of control. None of this is meant to suggest that the police don't unjustly harass and target Blacks. Without a doubt, it's hard to be Black in America, especially if you're Black and poor. Blacks deal with daily frustrations and injustices that are exhausting and humiliating. I wish I could wave a wand and make all Blacks be a cop for one year and cops be Black for one year. At the end of the year, both Blacks and cops would say, "Ohhhhhhh! Now I get it!" The often unmentioned data that changes everythingA Washington Post opinion piece wrote, "A study of police-shooting databases published by the National Academy of Sciences found that African American men were about 2.5 times more likely than white men to be killed by police. . . . The Post’s own comprehensive examination of police shootings showed that Black Americans account for just 13 percent of the population but one-fourth of shooting victims. Among unarmed victims, the disparity was even greater: More than one-third of those fatally shot were Black." Does reading such statistics make your blood boil? We've all read similar data that shows how Blacks are disproportionally imprisoned and killed by police. Now, let's see how your blood boils when you read these statistics:
You are not outraged, right? Why not? Because intuitively you know the other side of the equation. Compared to women, testosterone-driven men are far more likely to drive recklessly, murder, rape, and commit violent crimes. You don't know the exact numbers, but you don't jump to the conclusion that there's systemic sexism in the police and justice system because the numbers are skewed against men. The same logic ought to apply when we evaluate police shootings. We must consider the Black crime rate before we jump to the conclusion that lynching squads are targeting Blacks. Blacks, who are less than 13% of the US population:
When faced with such facts, activists may answer: "Those stats are misleading because racist police and bigoted judges conspire to falsely accuse and convict Blacks!" That certainly happens. But does it explain everything? As we saw with men vs. women, whenever you categorize people, we're never perfectly proportional.
If our goal is that our prisons match US demographics perfectly, we will always fail miserably. To succeed, we'll need to round up more senior citizens, women, Jews, Asians, doctors, lawyers, nuns, professors, and so on until we get a prison system that matches America's demographics. The same applies to police shootings. Some groups will always outperform or underperform other groups. To expect perfect equality of outcome and performance is unrealistic and naive. Even communists couldn't achieve that goal. Racism explains a lot. But it doesn't explain everything. Now that we're considered many facts, let's get back to the question that started this long article . . . How many unarmed deaths should the police be allowed to commit before our society says, "That's an unreasonably high number"?A similar question: how many unarmed victims is a "good" number that shows that cops are exceeding reasonable expectations? And what's an "acceptable" number? Whether we're aware of it or not, our society calculates what's a reasonable number of tragedies we're willing to put up with in every profession. If that profession dramatically exceeds that number, then we need reforms or perhaps a revolution. That's what happened in the airline industry. When I was a kid, society deemed that thousands of airline deaths were unacceptable and that we could do better. Over the decades, we got deaths down to a couple of hundred a year. We will probably never get it to zero, but we can celebrate our progress. Have you come up with your three numbers (i.e., remarkably low, acceptable, and protest-worthy)? Write them down. CONSIDER: Every day, about 40 people shoot at police officers. That's 14,600 armed encounters per year. Knowing that, is 1,000 police-caused fatalities a shockingly high number? Of the 1,000 police killings, only 3.3% of them were unarmed. In other words, nearly twice as many US hunters accidentally shoot their hunting buddies as the US police accidentally shoot unarmed suspects. Remember that wildlife hunters are not confronting hostile and belligerent foes. How many Blacks do the police kill?Among those 1,000 police killings, let's see how the WSJ summarizes The Washington Post data: In 2019, police officers fatally shot 1,004 people, most of whom were armed or otherwise dangerous. African-Americans were about a quarter of those killed by cops last year (235), a ratio that has remained stable since 2015. That share of black victims is less than what the black crime rate would predict, since police shootings are a function of how often officers encounter armed and violent suspects. In 2018, the latest year for which such data have been published, African-Americans made up 53% of known homicide offenders in the U.S. and commit about 60% of robberies, though they are 13% of the population. In other words, you might expect that the group that commits half of the homicides would represent half of the police killings, but they only represent a quarter. How many unarmed Blacks do the police kill?First, let's define "unarmed." The Washington Post, which tracks nationwide police killings better than the federal government, defines “unarmed” loosely. The Washington Post considers the following suspects "unarmed":
Originally, the Washington Post reported that in 2019, the US police killed nine unarmed Blacks. Realizing that some would find that number relatively underwhelming, the Post scrambled to boost the numbers retroactively: After the tally of nine unarmed black victims was reported in certain news outlets last week, the [Washington] Post reclassified over a dozen of its armed victims of police shootings as unarmed. This reclassification occurred six months after the Post had already closed its 2019 data base. The reclassification was not done on the basis of any new information; it was undoubtedly done to get the black victim numbers up. The Post is now showing 15 unarmed black victims in 2019. To put those 15 tragic unarmed Black fatalities in 2019 in perspective, they represent:
Here's another noteworthy statistic: "A 2015 Justice Department analysis of the Philadelphia Police Department found that white police officers were less likely than Black or Hispanic officers to shoot unarmed Black suspects." Admittedly, this is one (albeit big) police department in the USA. We need more data. But let's not ignore the little data we have. The Black Harvard economist, Roland Fryer, carefully researched 1,000 police killings and admits that he was surprised to discover there was zero evidence of racial bias in police shootings. Neil deGrasse Tyson told Coleman Hughes that a recent study showed that the chance of "an unarmed person killed by the police (or dying in police custody) is about the same regardless of your ethnic group." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKklcL1WNec Let's review the key points
Given these numbers, one can imagine that the police could shoot an unarmed person every day. However, in 2019, it happened "only" 44 times. With all the abolish-the-police rhetoric nowadays, it seems absurd to applaud the police for their restraint, but, given the facts above, it is unfair and inaccurate to depict cops as a bunch of bloodthirsty murderers. We need benchmarksBased on the facts above, here's what I think are reasonable benchmarks:
We must also have a benchmark for the percentage of those police killings who are Black. For example, if 10% of airline passengers are Black, then we should expect that that 5-15% of airline fatalities would be Black. Any number that deviated much more than that should spark an investigation. With police killings, we could use the homicide rate as a proxy for violent crime. Therefore, if Blacks cause 50% of the homicides, then it should not surprise us if 40-60% of the police killings are Blacks. Currently, it's about 25%, so we're below the expected percentage, which is good news for Blacks, but bad news for whites. I'm not saying that my proposed benchmarks are right. I'm simply encouraging everyone, especially the leaders of the Black Lives Movement, to think reasonably and logically about this issue and come up with realistic benchmarks. We effectively do with every profession. We "accept" deaths in every profession. The police should be no exception. Benchmarks would change if our firearm ownership and homicide rates would fall (or rise) dramatically. For instance, if Blacks commit only 10% of the murders, then we would expect that they would be 5-15% of those killed by the police. Or if our gun ownership and murder rates collapse to match Germany's rates, then we could expect our per capita police killings to be +/- 20% of Germany's rate. We're setting ourselves up for failureI didn't want to write this article. I know it will ignite a firestorm of controversy and anger. However, if we ignore statistics and logic, we're doomed to always fail because, given our level of gun ownership and murders, our expectations of police shootings are unreasonable. Get this through your head: Unless 80% of our firearms vanish and our homicide rate (especially our Black homicide rate) drops by 80%, then there is no hope of getting the 15 police shootings of unarmed Black men down to zero. In 2015, it was nearly three times that number, and we could easily revisit those levels in the 2020s. If we want our per capita police killings to match other high-income countries, then we must copy key aspects of other high-income countries: dramatically reduce our firearms and lower our homicide rate so that it equals their levels. If we're unwilling or incapable of doing that, then we must recalibrate our expectations. We must learn to live with the police killing 20-100 unarmed people and about 1,000 armed people every year. Every year, we live with hundreds of passengers dying in plane accidents, thousands dying in car accidents, and 250,000 dying at the hands of an incompetent physician. Focusing on other techniques (de-escalation, defunding, no chokehold, no knee on the neck, etc.) are BandAids. They will hardly move the needle especially since 96.7% of police killings are armed suspects. With a herculean effort, perhaps we can cut police killings in half, but we'll still have traumatic numbers unless we adjust our expectations. Cutting the statistics in half means 500 police killings per year. That's still 22 unarmed killings per year. That's still one unarmed Black killed every other month. That means that just as one protest dies down, another protest will pop up. We'll be outraged all year. Forever. Either we change our gun ownership and homicide levels or we change our expectations. Given our passion for the Second Amendment, it's unlikely that our firearms will decrease. Calls to defund or abolish the police have only spurred more gun sales: we added 3 million guns to our country in the Spring of 2020. Given that nowadays everyone walks around with a video camera, that means that about once a month, you're going to get footage of a policeman killing an unarmed Black. If you don't see it, the media will proclaim the tragic story. During the Jim Crow days, the media would amplify any story where a Black man hurt a white person. The media ignored stories of Blacks who coexisted peacefully with whites. The Jim Crow media also ignored stories of whites lynching, hurting, or discriminating against blacks. It was just one story all the time: Blacks are a menace to whites. This demonized Blacks. We're making the same mistake. We're amplifying police shootings of unarmed Blacks while ignoring other relevant facts. Have you ever heard of:
I doubt it. They are some of the many unarmed whites that the police killed. Have you heard of:
Of course, you have. That proves that the Blacks Lives Matter movement has succeeded in shining the spotlight on Black lives. Two-thirds of Americans support Black Lives Matter: But don't you want to be on the right side of history? One of my friends has repeatedly told me, "Francis, you're on the wrong side of history." If carefully analyzing statistics and using logic puts me on the wrong side of history, then crucify me. If being on the right side of history involves brushing important facts under the carpet in the name of "social justice," then I'm uninterested in being on the "right side of history." If we manage to reduce police killings by 80% without corresponding firearm and homicide reductions, then I will be on the wrong side of history. I believe that the US will ultimately come to terms with the reality I've presented. Society will have to adjust its expectations once we realize that an infallible police is an impossibility, especially in a country that overflowing with weapons and murders. But you're tone deaf!A few people hurl the 21st-century insult of "being tone-deaf" against me. This suggests that I'm being callous, insensitive, and unempathetic to the plight of Blacks. On the contrary. Each time a white police officer kills an unarmed Black, our nation (and even the world) suffers intense trauma. Like any sensitive person, I want the trauma to stop. Moreover, I don't want the police to shoot my Black wife. However, what if, after running the numbers, it becomes obvious that it's extremely unlikely for the trauma to stop by simply defunding, abolishing, or retraining the police? Should you ignore those numbers and keep protesting? What if every time a plane crashes, the world ignites in a firestorm of protests, burns airports, and attacks the TSA employees? In that case, I would say, "Folks, expecting zero airplane fatalities when we have 5 billion airline passengers annually is unrealistic. Given all the moving parts and all the humans involved, a couple of hundred airline-related fatalities is remarkably low." Those who have lost loved ones in an airline crash would accuse me of being "tone-deaf." I would accuse them of being blind to the statistical reality. We're suffering from groupthinkGroups are usually right. I love talking about the wisdom of the crowds. On the other hand, sometimes the crowd gets it wrong. Sometimes we succumb to groupthink. In the 1950s, groupthink said that interracial marriages were wrong. Only 4% approved them. I'm sure independent thinkers were bullied by the majority for their contrarian thinking. Of course, contrarians are often wrong. I don't believe in being a contrarian just for the sake of getting a rise out of people. On the contrary, being a contrarian is exhausting. I'm not suggesting I'm right. I could be wrong. I am often wrong. So if you think I am wrong, I welcome your intelligent criticism. Just be aware I'm not swayed by tragic stories or sincere feelings. I demand evidence. Logic. Statistics. Careful analysis. Call me a cold, heartless asshole. But I prefer being realistic and fair, even if the answer is counterintuitive and politically incorrect. If you base your beliefs on emotion, stories, and anecdotes, then you will find this article incomprehensible and offensive. I wrote this article a couple of months after George Floyd died. I wrote it because I'll need to share this article throughout the 2020s because it's a statistical certainty that there will be more George Floyds, Trayvon Martins, and Ahmaud Arberys just like I know there will be more airline accidents, malpractice deaths, and daycare deaths. Sadly, I'll have to keep sharing this article until either we adjust our expectations or we adjust our gun ownership and murder rates. People are horrible with mathWe're emotional creatures. We more easily swayed by rousing stories than dry numbers. We exhibit our awful understanding of statistics when we get nervous about boarding an airplane, but calm when we enter a car. After September 11, 2001, we became hysterically concerned about terrorism. Thanks to groupthink, we spent trillions of dollars and killed hundreds of thousands of people half a world away because 3,000 Americans tragically died. Even 15 years after 9/11, terrorism was America's second greatest fear, which was completely delusional. From 2008 through 2015, the annual chance of dying in a terrorist attack on U.S. soil was 1 in 30 million. Now, groupthink is twisting reality again. In 2019, we amplified the 15 unarmed Blacks that the police killed while ignoring the 29 unarmed whites who were killed. As a result, we've managed to traumatize Blacks so badly that they're more likely to resist the police because we've convinced them that they will get lynched. Resistance escalates a benign situation and increases the risk of another heartbreaking story to hit the news. Even megastars who live in mansions with tight security are caught up in the mass hysteria:
The reality is that an unarmed Black has a 1 in 3 million chance of being killed by the police. That means a Black is twice as likely to be killed by a wild animal in any given year. How do we reduce Black deaths?If someone ordered you to dramatically reduce the number of Black killings, would you focus most of your effort on police killings? No. That's not where the low-hanging fruit lies. Every year, about 7,500 Blacks are murdered. Therefore, even if we miraculously eliminated all unarmed police shootings, 99.8% of Black homicide victims would remain. It's depressing that Blacks die of homicide at eight times the rate of whites and Hispanics combined. Black Lives Matter focuses on police killing Blacks, but if they want any hope of lowering that number, they will need to focus on the elephant in the room: Blacks killing Blacks. According to comments submitted to the Committee on the Judiciary of the United States House of Representatives in response to the Oversight Hearing on Policing Practices and Law Enforcement Accountability: Blacks between the ages of ten and 43 die of homicide at thirteen times the rate of whites, according to the CDC. In New York City, Blacks make up 73% of all shooting victims, though they are 23% of the city’s population. In Chicago in 2016, there were 4,300 shooting victims, almost all Black. So does this mean that systemic racism is a myth?No. Roland Fryer revealed that the police are 50% more likely to rough up Blacks and Hispanics. Here are more points from the Washington Post:
Here is an exhaustive list showing evidence of police bias. At the bottom of the list, there are contrarian case studies that show no bias. The list indicating bias is much longer than the list that shows no bias. Therefore, there is ample evidence that indicates that the police have plenty of room for improvement. shooting unarmed Blacks should not be Exhibit A in one's effort to prove systemic racism. I have focused on police shootings because that's what Black Lives Matter (and the protesters) focus on. The data tells us to focus elsewhere. 6 SolutionsWe must not waste money and attention. Black Lives Matter is a remarkably powerful movement. Unfortunately, it's directing much of its power, attention, and money at the issue of unarmed Blacks killed by the police. Although it's symbolically important, there are many issues that are more impactful. If we want to dramatically improve Black lives, we ought to pursue these causes:
These solutions would improve Black lives and minimize the number of police killings. Clearly, there are many other solutions we ought to consider. We must think of solutions that will change 45 million Black lives not just 15. And by improving their lives, we all benefit. Here's what Pew Research learned when they proposed four solutions to improve Black lives: If you think it's important to change our groupthink, share this article. More info and commentsColeman Hughes's reflections of race, riots, and police shootings are worth reading. Sam Harris has an excellent podcast on this issue. On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV What do you think?In your comment below, write what you think is an acceptable number of unarmed people that the police may accidentally shoot every year - and please explain why you think it's a reasonable number. If you believe that number is zero, then please explain why you think that's possible given the current environment and how you propose we can make that happen. | |||
| 11 May 2020 | BTC Halving: Why is Bitcoin Worth Anything? | 00:26:15 | |
Every four years, there's a US election, the World Cup, and the Olympics. They don't all happen in the same year, but they each have a 4-year cycle. In a few minutes, there's another event that happens once every for years that few talk about: the bitcoin halving. To celebrate, I'll give a simplified explanation of what the halving is and why it's significant. Afterward, I will turn to a more fundamental question: why is bitcoin (BTC) worth more than a dollar and why do I keep talking about it given that I'm mostly known for my travels? What is the Bitcoin Halving?Every 10 minutes, a fast bitcoin miner somewhere on the planet gets rewarded for his efficiency. When the bitcoin network was first created in 2009, that reward was 50 bitcoins. Every 4 years, that reward gets cut in half. On May 12, 2020, bitcoin will undergo its third halving. The reward will drop from 12.5 bitcoins to 6.25 bitcoins. In 2024, the reward will be 3.125 bitcoins. This halving will continue to occur every four years until 2140 when it will stop. At that point, we'll have 21 million bitcoins. The Coindesk chart below sums it up. Why is the Bitcoin Halving significant?You're probably familiar with the US Federal Reserve injecting more liquidity into the economy. Some refer to it as "printing money boost the economy." When the Fed does that, it devalues the dollar. When it does that for a long period of time, it adds up. That's why $1 during George Washington's time would be worth 1 cent today. Bitcoin does the opposite. Instead of printing more bitcoin every year, we print less bitcoin every four years. Therefore, the dollar softens over time, whereas bitcoin hardens. Assuming bitcoin's demand grows slowly, the price will still rise because the supply is growing quite slowly nowadays. The graph below shows how bitcoin's inflation rate will drop from about 3% in 2020 to below 1% in 2024. And it keeps declining until it has 0% inflation in 2140. No other asset in history has had 0% inflation. Gold has low inflation, which has helped it retain its purchasing power. Still, we're constantly digging more gold out of the ground. Gold mining inflates the supply by 1-3% per year. As gold's price rises, miners have more incentive to dig for more. Bitcoin doesn't work that way. By 2140, there will be no more bitcoin to mine. Even by 2036, bitcoin's inflation rate will be 0.1%. In comparison, gold will be at least 10 times more inflationary than bitcoin in 2036. Shouldn't bitcoin be worthless?Skeptics who are dumbfounded as to why bitcoin is worth more than a penny. They believe that bitcoin is "fake internet money and one big Ponzi scheme." Those who declare that bitcoin is a Ponzi scheme don't understand what a Ponzi scheme is and/or don't understand bitcoin. Others incorrectly call it a pyramid scheme. You can certainly accuse bitcoin of being an economic bubble (like the Tulip mania), but it's not a classic Ponzi scheme. It's also not a pyramid scheme any more than a company stock is a pyramid scheme. When an asset bubble pops, the asset's value rarely drops to zero. Even tulips still have value. So why does bitcoin have any value? There are many long articles and videos explaining why bitcoin has real value. Here's a quick explanation. Bitcoin has 14 of the 15 key properties of money. Bitcoin is:
Although bitcoin fails in the last criterion, let's remind ourselves of the importance of the first criterion: scarcity. Gold is relatively scarce, but even if we mined all the gold on the earth, gold's supply wouldn't be exhausted. In this century, you can bet that the gold market will crash once we mine this asteroid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PMevBpELT8 Bitcoin, in contrast, has a 21 million cap. Yes, in theory, if the majority of the bitcoin holders and miners agreed to create more bitcoin, they could. However, that would destroy most of the value and be economic suicide. Therefore, it's safe to say that bitcoin is the scarcest commodity or currency. Still, critics insist, "But bitcoin isn't real like the US dollar!" Yuval Harari said it best: Money, in fact, is the most successful story, ever invented and told by humans, because it is the only story everybody believes. Not everybody believes in God, not everybody believes in human rights, not everybody believes in nationalism, but everybody believes in money." Watch the last couple of minutes of his brilliant TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzj7Wg4DAbs&feature=youtu.be&t=684 The US dollar is no more real (or fictional) than bitcoin. Eric Posner, a law professor at the University of Chicago, stated that "a real Ponzi scheme takes fraud; bitcoin, by contrast, seems more like a collective delusion." True! Posner should have added, "And all money is a collective delusion." Ultimately, bitcoin has value for the same reason any currency has value: because a critical mass of humans have decided it has value. Why bitcoin is here to staySeveral things indicate that bitcoin is not a passing fad. Bitcoin is a global phenomenon. People from all cultures have managed to understand it and value it. Bitcoin mining rigs cover the planet. Tulips were mainly hot in the Netherlands. Speaking of tulips, bitcoin has been going at it for 11 years. Tulipmania lasted for 6 months. Other dubious financial schemes fizzle quickly. Bitcoin has survived at least four major crashes. Each crash brings people saying that "bitcoin is dead!" The declines are brutal. They usually range from 70-85% declines! However, when the dust settles, bitcoin creates a new low that was higher than the previous low. This is significant. It proves bitcoin's resistance. It forms a new base and starts climbing again. When it crashes, the price never revisits the previous low. Bitcoin is too big to failBitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, didn't want to help Wikileaks because he knew that the US Federal government could to easily crush the fragile monetary experiment. Nakamoto preferred that bitcoin stay below the mainstream radar until it amassed more nodes worldwide. In 2020, there are over 10,000 bitcoin nodes in 100 countries. As a result, it's nearly impossible to pull bitcoin's plug. If 20 countries attempt to close all their bitcoin nodes (which is extremely difficult to do), the bitcoin network will keep humming along with the thousands of nodes in other countries. Think of bitcoin like an operating system (e.g., Windows, iOS, Android). Popular operating systems attract a massive ecosystem around them. Network effects reinforce the utility of the operating system. The more apps get developed for the operating system, the more people want to make sure that the operating system stays healthy and keeps improving. Bitcoin, which has a market cap of $150 billion, has given rise to a massive industry. Armies of software developers are feverishly developing applications that use bitcoin. Venture capitalists have invested billions in bitcoin-related projects. It's now a beast that's hard for the government to tame. Bitcoin in 2020 feels like the Internet in 1995. It's beyond the infancy stage, but most people still haven't dipped their toe in it. Still, the network is building out. Of the roughly 750 currencies that have existed since 1700, only about 20% remain, and of those that remain all have been devalued. - Ray Dalio On December 31, 2017, I predicted that bitcoin would crash to $4444 in 2018. Bitcoin's price tumbled from nearly $20,000 to $3,200. While I watched the price collapse, a lightbulb went off in my head. Here's what sealed the deal for me. Throughout 2018, I would be listening to podcasts and reading news about bitcoin. What was fascinating was that bitcoin developers were plowing full steam ahead with complete confidence. The geeky podcasts and websites were discussing the rapid progress in various bitcoin-related projects even as bitcoin's price was tumbling down the abyss. Developers and CEOs of bitcoin-related companies hardly seemed to care because they knew bitcoin would resurrect itself. In fact, developers secretly prefer working during bear markets because crashes got rid of all the riff-raff and short-term speculators. Only the purists stuck through the hard times. With a smaller network and more technical users, they could work out the bugs before the next bull run. It was at that point that I realized that bitcoin would bounce back and was remarkably resilient. In December 2018, I predicted that bitcoin would double in value in 2019 and reach $7,300. It ended 2019 at $7,333. Bitcoin crashes will return. I predict that the crashes will not be as extreme as those in the 2010s. Bitcoin's first crash dropped its value 94%! I suspect that crashes in the 2020s will rarely exceed 50%. In the 2030s, they will rarely exceed 40% and so on. As bitcoin gets more widely dispersed, its volatility will resemble the S&P 500. Another sign that bitcoin is entering the mainstream is that the CNBC, the financial cable news network, regularly reports on bitcoin. Mainstream news media only mention BTC when it's experiencing extreme highs or lows. However, in the 2020s, I predict that you'll see BTC mentioned as often as gold in the mainstream media's financial summaries. When that happens, it will increase the awareness and the demand. Answers to Common CriticismsBelow are the 10 most common criticisms people have about bitcoin. 1. It's not real money and has no intrinsic valueShort Answer: Fiat currencies have no intrinsic value since they are not backed by gold and can be devalued at any moment. Long answer: see above. 2. Sure, bitcoin is scarce because it only has 21 million bitcoins, but there are thousands of other cryptocurrencies and more being created every day. So cryptocurrencies have no supply limit as they claim.Bitcoin is software. Microsoft Windows is also software. If someone tells you that Windows has no intrinsic value because there are many operating systems and any team can create more operating systems, would you agree? There are many colas, but only one Coca-Cola. Why does the US dollar have any value? Any country can create a new currency. There are 100+ currencies in the world. Is the dollar worthless because the Zimbabwean dollar is worthless? 3. But no country is ever going to price its products in bitcoin, so it has no future.I agree that it's extremely unlikely that any major country will ever price its goods and services in bitcoin. However, nobody prices anything in gold grams either. Does that make gold useless? Only the Swiss price things in Swiss Francs. Does that mean the Swiss Francs are worthless and useless? Bitcoin can be an international currency without anything being priced in bitcoin. If Tanzanian wants to send shillings to a Congolese, she will have to convert her shillings to dollars, send the dollars, and then the Congolese will have to convert those dollars into Congolese Francs. Instead of using the dollar, which requires a bank account and high bank transfer fees (e.g., Western Union), the Tanzanian can send bitcoin, which has a much lower transaction fee. 4. "The point is that a real currency’s primary “intrinsic” value is as a medium of exchange or a measuring stick for value. If a centimeter or inch on a measuring tape were constantly changing in physical size, it would not be particularly useful to ask for a six-inch sub. It might end up being the size of an airplane." - The Unassuming BankerHe should call himself the "Unintelligent Banker." Do Australians say that they can't use the US dollar because its value is constantly changing? It's true that the USD is constantly changing from the point of view of another currency. Gold's value changes every minute - in relationship with every currency on Earth - including bitcoin. 5. But no matter which currency you compare bitcoin to, it's too volatile.True, bitcoin's market capitalization is worth less than $200 billion. However, the more it grows in market cap, the more stable it comes. It's far less volatile today when compared to when it was worth less than $200 million. When it reaches the value of gold ($10 trillion), then it will have the same volatility as gold. Furthermore, bitcoin is far less volatile than some hyperinflating currencies (e.g., the Venezuelan bolivar, the Zimbabwean dollar, & the Argentine peso). If you believe that the US dollar will devalue in this century, then bitcoin will, one day, be less volatile than the US dollar too. 6. It facilitates criminal activity because it's anonymous.First, every bitcoin transaction is recorded on a worldwide public ledger. If you buy a meal with bitcoin, that transaction will be recorded on thousands of computers throughout the world. Many companies and governments are analyzing bitcoin's ledger and catching all sorts of criminal activity. That's why most smart criminals have turned to more private cryptocurrencies such as Monero and Z-Cash.
This 30-minute documentary is an outstanding summary of bitcoin's implications https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LszOt51OjXU More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 08 Dec 2023 | Hammocks vs. Tents | SCUBA Diving | Current Affairs | 00:23:18 | |
Travel Tribe X Podcast Host Jordan Chmiel has tried hammocks & tents. He explains why he loves hammocks! We also dive into the SCUBA world. We end with current world hot spots. 00:00 Hammocks vs. Tents 05:15 Next Adventure 07:45 SCUBA Diving 14:30 Ukraine & North Korea More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get a crypto hardware wallet from Ledger. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 01 Jan 2019 | 2019 Predictions & How My 2018 Predictions Fared | 00:17:28 | |
At the end of 2017, I made my predictions for 2018. Although I got a couple of things wrong, I was surprisingly accurate. Since the point of this exercise is to prove how wrong we can all be, I need to do the same exercise for 2019 with the hope that I get more things wrong. I encourage you to make predictions in the comments. It's a humbling experience. Here are seven predictions of what I think we'll witness in 2019: 1. Donald Trump will NOT be impeachedYes, this contradicts the prediction I made after the first 100 days of his administration and that I repeated at the end of 2017. Those original predictions were based on my assumption that there would be a huge backlash in the 2018 midterm elections, which would turn the entire Congress to the Democratic side. Instead, the Senate remained under Republican control. As a result, the Democrats won't get the votes to give Trump the boot unless he grabs Andrea Merkel by the pussy. 2. Bitcoin will double in value in 2019My Bitcoin prediction in 2017 was surprisingly close to reality. I predicted that it would lose about 80% of its value and it did. I was lucky. Let's see if I can get lucky again. I predict that Bitcoin it will go from $3,650 (its price on Dec 31, 2018) to over $7,300 by the end of 2019. If the Bitcoin ETF happens in 2019 (and I think it will), Bitcoin might pass $10,000 again. I'll give more cryptocurrency predictions later. 3. The S&P 500 will gain over 15%It's about 2,500 at the end of 2018. So it should be over 2,875 by the end of 2019. 4. Cyril Ramaphosa will win the 2019 Presidential Election in South AfricaIt will take at least 20 years and much suffering for the black majority to vote the ANC out of power. Blacks in South Africa are more loyal to the ANC than blacks in America are loyal to the Democrats. Getting the South African blacks to vote for a non-ANC party is about as easy as getting someone to change religions. 5. Atiku Abubakar will win Nigeria's 2019 Presidential electionHe'll kick Buhari out of power. It will be relatively peaceful. And Abubakar will be just as incompetent and ineffective as his predecessor. Nigeria will continue its lackluster performance, despite.... 6. A barrel of petroleum will go up 25% in priceAt the end of 2018, a barrel of petroleum costs $45. The stock USO costs $9.66 per share. Both of those prices will go up at least 25%. 7. I will finish The Unseen Africa bookI've written 15 out of 54 Chapters. I hope to put out one per week! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $1/month! | |||
| 18 Feb 2023 | Colonoscopy Without Anesthesia | 00:08:42 | |
Although this is available as a podcast, I encourage you to see the video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0D9PwWIJM4 In this episode, I discourage you from doing a colonoscopy without anesthesia, even though that's what I did. I mention three reasons why you might want to avoid anesthesia:
In the episode, I mentioned I had "PTSD" about feeling the probe inside me after the procedure. I didn't mention that that sensation only lasted for three hours and was mild. I didn't want some people to think I suffered for days or weeks. Being afraid of anesthesia is reasonable since, every year, patients have complications, albeit rarely. Michael Jackson died because he overdosed on propofol, the same drug used to sedate you during your colonoscopy. Luckily, your physician will be better than the Moonwalker's doctor. I do not practice medicine, and it's stupid to believe everything you read on the Internet, so I encourage you to be skeptical about what I say. Still, I may opt for sedation when I have to do a colonoscopy again at 60. Or I'll ask the doc to lube my ass up thoroughly! Dr. Peter Attia explains why you should do a colonoscopy every 1-3 yearsYou can read what Dr. Attia says or listen to this video. FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 23 Jul 2021 | Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters? | 00:25:17 | |
This is part 3 of 6 episodes with Rufina Garay, the host of the new FoodLove podcast! In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Intro 01:00 Brittany Longoria's Leopard photo 09:15 Lab-grown meat 15:00 Expedia ad 16:15 Clean meat 19:30 A tough question If you missed my previous episodes with Rufina Garay, follow the links below or look for them on your podcast player: Part 1: Are Some Cuisines Objectively Better Than Others? Part 2: An Empty Stomach is the Best Chef Part 3: Why Do Animal Eaters Hate Hunters? Hunting podcastsSince this episode is mostly about hunting, you might be interested in my previous episodes about hunting:
This episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!
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| 07 Feb 2020 | Defending the CIA | 00:04:04 | |
Part 2 of 5 of the "What Americans Can Teach Europeans" series
Several Eastern Europeans thought I worked for the CIA. They asked, “Why else would you be in Albania?” It’s hilarious what Eastern Europeans seriously believe the CIA does:
Although it’s fun to believe that the CIA controls the universe, let’s stop smoking marijuana for a minute. The CIA is so ignorant that it often can’t find its house keys. The CIA controls so little that it can’t even choose what color to paint its buildings. It’s just another bumbling, inefficient, and bureaucratic government organization whose right-hand doesn’t know what its left hand is doing. The CIA morons couldn’t even assassinate Fidel Castro, a leader from a puny island right next to America. How lame is that? The CIA has its clever moments but is often ignorant and powerless. Unfortunately, there’s no way to prove this to someone who really wants to believe in conspiracy theories, so I won’t even try. Part of me would like to keep the myth about the omnipotent CIA alive. As long as other nations believe that the CIA is all-knowing and all-powerful, they’ll fear to attack the US. They’ll say, “Maybe we’re attacking America because that’s exactly what the CIA wants us to do!” They’ll second-guess their actions and be scared to challenge the god-like CIA. Therefore, if I have not convinced you, good. Keep believing that the CIA is your under your bed, because, of course, it probably is. In case you missed it, read part 1 of the What Americans Can Teach Europeans article series. One person said, "Francis, very interesting article. Do you have any thoughts as to why the CIA has such a reputation?" I'm sure there are several reasons for the CIA's reputation in Eastern Europe. Among them:
In case you missed it, read part 1 of the What Americans Can Teach Europeans article series. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Health Access SumbawaOne of WanderLearn's top patrons, Kathy Kennedy Enger, asked me to draw attention to Health Access Sumbawa. I am happy to promote this remarkable nonprofit. In 2014, Jack Kennedy founded the organization to bring malaria control and healthcare to remote, impoverished communities. It started on the remote island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. Since then, it's expanded thanks to generous donations. Visit their website to learn more and to donate: https://healthaccesssumbawa.org | |||
| 22 Oct 2021 | Hitler‘s War in North Africa with David Green | 00:37:34 | |
David Green, an Australian historian, wrote Hitler's War in North Africa 1941-1942. I ask him:
Buy David Green's books on Amazon! Like David Green's Facebook page! Leave me an anonymous audio message which I can play on a future podcast. It can be a question, comment, or insult. https://www.speakpipe.com/ftapon More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 15 Dec 2023 | Surprising Facts About Gorillas & African Wildlife | 00:09:35 | |
Many believe Africa is teeming with wildlife. Others believe seeing gorillas and other wildlife must be cheap because Africans have a low income. Both of these ideas are myths. In eight minutes, I answer a Patron's question about seeing mountain gorillas in Rwanda. I mention Uganda. Watch the Video on YouTubeThe cost estimates mentioned in the video are the cheapest possible mountain gorilla treks. You have to hunt to find a deal for $800. But they exist. What also exists is the $8000 deal. African safari prices vary tremendously. Furthermore, you could consider seeing the lowland gorillas in the Republic of Congo. The price is about a quarter of what the mountain gorillas cost, but they are far away. So bring binoculars. Lastly, I answer the question about the abundance of African wildlife. The reality is much more depressing than you imagine. African wildlife is rare & usually hunted. More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 11 Sep 2024 | Harris-Trump Debate + Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari covers the entire information age | 00:18:16 | |
I share reflections on last night's Harris-Trump Debate in the first two minutes of this podcast. In the rest of the podcast, I review Yuval Noah Harari's newest book. Harari is one of my top three favorite authors. I also love Bill Bryson and Walter Isaacson. Therefore, I was thrilled that a few months ago, I got an advanced copy of Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, which launches today, September 10, 2024. It's a 515-page book but is filled with headers over its 11 chapters, making it modular and readable. I also reviewed his previous book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. I loved Nexus, although Homo Deus is still my favorite Harari book. Nexus explores the evolution of information networks from prehistoric times to the present, focusing mainly on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on society. OutlineThere are 3 parts: Part 1: Human Networks focuses on history and how information went from clay tablets to silicon. Part 2: The Inorganic Network focuses on the internet age and the birth of AI. It discusses how computers differ from printing presses and how the information networks are relentless and fallible. Part 3: Computer Politics focuses on how AI will enter every aspect of our lives, governments, and businesses. He discusses democracies, totalitarianism, and the Silicon Curtain (how China and the West have different internets and AIs). Overview and ThemesIn Nexus, Harari argues that human history has been profoundly shaped by our ability to create and share narratives, which he identifies as the foundation of our social structures. He posits that information networks—from oral traditions to the internet—serve as the "glue" that holds societies together. The book emphasizes the dual nature of information: while it can foster cooperation and understanding, it can also propagate falsehoods and manipulation, particularly in the age of AI. Nexus is more urgent and personal than Harari's previous works. It tackles contemporary issues related to AI, warning about its potential to manipulate human behavior without direct control. Harari connects historical developments, such as the rise of farming and cities, to the evolution of information networks. Nexus mixes historical analysis and philosophical reflection with Harari's trademark ability to provoke thought about the implications of modern technology. His exploration of how AI could reshape human existence is captivating and unsettling, prompting you to reconsider your relationship with technology. One fascinating observation is that governments used to spend 80% of their budgets on the military. Today, they spend about 10% on the military and more on healthcare. CritiqueHarari makes the same error that many nonfiction books do: they spend 95% of the book complaining and 5% of the time discussing the solution. ConclusionHappily, Harari isn't bleak or hopeless. He isn't overly pessimistic about our future. He believes we're at a critical crossroads, akin to when Christian scholars decided what books would make it into the Bible. What we do today will have an impact forever. Totalitarianism loves AI's ability to survey and process data to keep the population in check. However, totalitarianism hates that AI is a black box that is unpredictable and hard to control. Totalitarianism may become dependent on AI to make wise decisions, and it may falter, especially if the AI doesn't do what's best for the totalitarian leader. Harari believes that democracy will triumph over totalitarianism because democracy is self-correcting and open to criticism. It's constantly adjusting to the wisdom of the crowds, whereas totalitarianism is rigid. Ultimately, he believes that strong, wise institutions will help us incorporate the best of AI while avoiding its follies and dangers. Nexus contributes to the discourse on AI and its societal implications. While it may not achieve the same universal acclaim as Harari's earlier works, like Sapiens or Homo Deus, it offers a compelling examination of how information networks have evolved and the urgent questions they raise for the future. Readers looking for a blend of history, philosophy, and contemporary relevance will find much to ponder in Harari's latest offering. After my verdict, I have included some excerpts from the book so you can get a feel for what it covers. VERDICT: 9 out of 10 stars. ExcerptsTo conclude, the new computer network will not necessarily be either bad or good. All we know for sure is that it will be alien and it will be fallible. We therefore need to build institutions that will be able to check not just familiar human weaknesses like greed and hatred but also radically alien errors. There is no technological solution to this problem. It is, rather, a political challenge. Do we have the political will to deal with it? Modern humanity has created two main types of political systems: large-scale democracy and large-scale totalitarianism. ========== Another common but mistaken assumption is that creativity is unique to humans so it would be difficult to automate any job that requires creativity. ========== third mistaken assumption is that computers couldn’t replace humans in jobs requiring emotional intelligence, from therapists to teachers. ========== If it means the ability to correctly identify emotions and react to them in an optimal way, then computers may well outperform humans even in emotional intelligence. Emotions too are patterns. ========== Actually, computers may outperform humans in recognizing human emotions, precisely because they have no emotions of their own. We yearn to be understood, but other humans often fail to understand how we feel, because they are too preoccupied with their own feelings. In contrast, computers will have an exquisitely fine-tuned understanding of how we feel, because they will learn to recognize the patterns of our feelings, while they have no distracting feelings of their own. ========== Actually, computers may outperform humans in recognizing human emotions, precisely because they have no emotions of their own. We yearn to be understood, but other humans often fail to understand how we feel, because they are too preoccupied with their own feelings. In contrast, computers will have an exquisitely fine-tuned understanding of how we feel, because they will learn to recognize the patterns of our feelings, while they have no distracting feelings of their own. A 2023 study found that the ChatGPT chatbot, for example, outperforms the average human in the emotional awareness it displays toward specific scenarios. ========== If three years of high unemployment could bring Hitler to power, what might never-ending turmoil in the job market do to democracy? ========== The most important human skill for surviving the twenty-first century is likely to be flexibility, and democracies are more flexible than totalitarian regimes. ========== The rise of unfathomable alien intelligence undermines democracy. If more and more decisions about people’s lives are made in a black box, so voters cannot understand and challenge them, democracy ceases to function. ========== Power lies at the nexus where the information channels merge. ========== For most of recorded history, the military was the number one item on the budget of every empire, sultanate, kingdom, and republic. ========== For many people in the 2010s, the fact that the health-care budget was bigger than the military budget was unremarkable. But it was the result of a major change in human behavior, and one that would have sounded impossible to most previous generations. ========== It places a heavy responsibility on all of us to make good choices. It implies that if human civilization is consumed by conflict, we cannot blame it on any law of nature or any alien technology. ========== It places a heavy responsibility on all of us to make good choices. It implies that if human civilization is consumed by conflict, we cannot blame it on any law of nature or any alien technology. It also implies that if we make the effort, we can create a better world. ========== It places a heavy responsibility on all of us to make good choices. It implies that if human civilization is consumed by conflict, we cannot blame it on any law of nature or any alien technology. It also implies that if we make the effort, we can create a better world. This isn’t naïveté; it’s realism. ========== The invention of AI is potentially more momentous than the invention of the telegraph, the printing press, or even writing, because AI is the first tool that is capable of making decisions and generating ideas by itself. ========== The good news is that if we eschew complacency and despair, we are capable of creating balanced information networks that will keep their own power in check. Doing so is not a matter of inventing another miracle technology or landing upon some brilliant idea that has somehow escaped all previous generations. Rather, to create wiser networks, we must abandon both the naive and the populist views of information, put aside our fantasies of infallibility, and commit ourselves to the hard and rather mundane work of building institutions with strong self-correcting mechanisms. That is perhaps the most important takeaway this book has to offer. ========== This wisdom is much older than human history. It is elemental, the foundation of organic life. The first organisms weren’t created by some infallible genius or god. They emerged through an intricate process of trial and error. Over four billion years, ever more complex mechanisms of mutation and self-correction led to the evolution of trees, dinosaurs, jungles, and eventually humans. Now we have summoned an alien inorganic intelligence that could escape our control and put in danger not just our own species but countless other life-forms. The decisions we all make in the coming years will determine whether summoning this alien intelligence proves to be a terminal error or the beginning of a hopeful new chapter in the evolution of life. | |||
| 11 Sep 2020 | How a Family of 7 Traveled to 7 Continents in 9 Months | 01:16:13 | |
Kyle and Leanne Huebner did what few large families dare to do: embark on a one-year on a world tour. COVID-19 cut their journey short by three months, but they still walked away with plenty of experiences and lessons. They share much on their detailed blog, Global Teen Adventures. See the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gre7p4AybNw We discuss the key questions you may have:
+ Through the help of their charity partners, Sawyer has been able to donate over 1,000,000 filters to over 80 countries around the globe. + The use of our filters greatly reduces the trees and fuel consumption because people don’t need to boil water to make it potable. With an average family size of 6 people, a single Sawyer Filter can save up nearly 500 trees per year! + Their filters last over 10 years and are reducing diarrhea by over 90% in developing countries + LIBERIA: Liberia will be the first developing country to have clean water border-to-border, set to be completed by December 2020. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 25 Sep 2020 | Creating Digital Virtual Art with Garry Rone | 00:15:45 | |
At the SCI, before the Coronapocolypse, I interviewed Garry Rone, a digital artist. He's been doing art for 30 years. Over 15 minutes, I ask him:
Watch this sample art: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j96TR_6pD_c https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKGzoHTM4g Background on Garry- Since 1986, Garry has been working as a professional illustration artist in the apparel industry. - In 2013, Garry formed Still Water Design Solutions and from that point to the present, is working as a free agent illustrator. - Garry has become known for a signature style of artwork that is hand-drawn and organic, and also for being a specialist in the apparel industry. - For a nationally televised NASCAR event in October 2019, Garry's illustrations were used to completely wrap a car owned by Rick Ware Racing. - In January 2019, Garry began implementing the addition of new equipment and software to create art assets for virtual reality. - Garry's skills are multi-faceted including illustration, concept design, brand development, and painting. Additionally, new skills are being acquired through the development of VR asset creation and exploring the potential of creating art by hand in VR. Mississippi based artist, Garry Rone, has been honing his skills in Virtual Reality painting for the past year. Originally an artist for the apparel industry, Garry has joined his passion for this new art medium with his thirty-three years of illustration experience, creating a perfect union of technology and talent. Garry believes the human side of art, the organic side, is what reaches out to us as humans. "It's the part of art that stirs human emotion and connects the viewer to the art in a way that technology alone can only aspire to do. Perfect edges and colors can be perceived as clean and professional, but also can come across as cold and machined. By adding the human element back into art, I'm adding a sense of warmth and uniqueness, where the mind can almost instinctively sense the presence of human influence in the creation of the piece." said Garry. "I believe art that retains, promotes, and exemplifies the intimate relationship between the artist's hand and the creation itself is more important now than ever - especially in such a technology-driven world. Organic art creates a stronger connection to the viewer." Creating this new art (literally) by hand in his home studio, Garry is building art for a wide range of applications, with current exploration in the virtual reality and augmented reality fields. More information can be found at his website www.stillwater-designs.com Garry's Social Media LinksInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/swds_grone/ twitter - https://twitter.com/RoneSwds business Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/StillWaterDesignSolutions/ personal Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/garry.rone LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stillwaterdesigns/ youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGBklQPH_fPra0AMJ3uq2w SponsorThis show is sponsored by my Patrons and Sawyer. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 07 Dec 2024 | I Ate Durian: the fruit that smells like sh*t | 00:01:47 | |
Durian is recognized for its overpowering and foul odor, often described as similar to feces. I decided to try it and record my reaction. Have you ever attempted to eat durian or smelled its distinctive aroma? #durian #durianfruit #review FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 11 Aug 2023 | K2 & Everest Without Oxygen with Eric Gilbertson | 00:22:04 | |
Eric Gilbertson is attempting to climb every country's high point. He's two-thirds done. His clone (Matthew Gilbertson) is joining him for most of the mountains. You can follow these twins on Instagram. Eric uses the United Nations' definition of a country. There are 193 countries. He tosses in Antarctica to make 194. Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp5XY2UEn6s Subscribe to my WanderLearn podcast & YouTube channel to get the latest episodes. Eric's K2 summit documentation Eric's Kangchenjunga Summit story More info To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 15 Apr 2022 | Don’t Be PROUD of Something You Didn’t Earn! | 00:03:45 | |
Maybe "pride comes before the fall," but there's nothing inherently bad about being proud of something - unless you didn't earn it! I explain in this mini-podcast! Mini-podcast episodesIn 2021, I made a 30-min WanderLearn episode about 12 words/phrases that are commonly misused. Although the video and podcast got decent attention, some people have a short attention span. Therefore, I broke that long episode into short segments that are easy to share. These bite-sized chunks are perfect for sharing. You might only agree with three of my suggestions and not all 12. Therefore, evangelize the words/phrases you want the world to change. Together, we can change their use. Yes, it's ambitious, but let's embark on this journey! FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 27 Dec 2024 | 2025 Predictions about Bitcoin, Trump, Ukraine, Unemployment, Economy, Stocks, & more | 00:10:39 | |
In my Annual Prediction Show, I review my horrible 2024 predictions before making my new predictions. I got 4 out of 10 points, my worst year ever! I hope to do better this year! My 2025 predictions Watch the Video1. A global recession crushes the US economy.
The US unemployment rate is 4.2% at the end of 2024 and will be 8.4% by 2025. 3. Bitcoin loses more than half of its value.Although BTC may climb to $150,000, it will eventually be around $50,000 in 2025, surprising everyone. 4. The S&P 500 drops at least 1,000 points.The S&P 500, which measures US stocks, will drop below 5,000 (it is beginning 2025 around 6,000). 5. Ceasefire in Ukraine.Trump won't "end the war in 24 hours," but his administration will broker a deal because both sides are getting tired of fighting. Ukraine is running low on men. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. Russia is running low on money. In mid-June, $1 bought 50 Russian rubles; in the last two months of 2024, $1 bought 100 rubles. Similarly, a barrel of petroleum has lost half of its value over the same period. 6. Elon Musk & Donald Trump end their bromance.Two titanic personalities will struggle to share the spotlight. 7. Trump will fail to fulfill five of his most wacky campaign promises.Although I dislike Trump, most of his critics never read his book The Art of the Deal, which explains his negotiating strategy: start with an absurd offer or demand, then negotiate down from there. Trump is a dog that barks constantly but rarely bites. The Left squirms and takes his every word seriously, failing to see that it's just bluster, a negotiation tactic, or just a joke meant to offend the easily offended. Here are 5 campaign promises Donald Trump will fail to keep.
This book has been 10 years in the making, so it's due. To see my previous forecasts, check out my predictions for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 10 Oct 2020 | 7 FAQs About Bitcoin Becoming A Country's Currency | 00:17:33 | |
In 2018, Gary Arndt told me, "Bitcoin is the currency of the future and always will be." I agree. Let's answer 7 questions related to that statement: 1. Was bitcoin designed to be a major currency?When Satoshi Nakamoto invented bitcoin, it's unclear if he ever expected it to be a country's currency. Instead, it seems that he envisioned it becoming digital gold. He saw it as a way to:
Nakamoto thought that it's terrible that someone who works hard to save $50,000 and keeps it in a bank, will see the purchasing power of that $50,000 decline each year as inflation devours whatever lousy interest rate the bank pays. Bitcoin gives everyone the ability to store their savings in the ether. It provides a bank to the unbanked. It offers a place to store money that no government can confiscate. That's bitcoin's true value. If bitcoin never becomes a national currency, that doesn't mean it has failed since that was never its goal. 2. When countries make their own national cryptocurrencies, won't that make bitcoin obsolete?In the 2020s, several countries will create an "official national blockchain-powered cryptocurrency." Some believe when Chinese and/or American governments make their own cryptocurrencies that bitcoin will vanish or devalue. This is improbable. Whatever governments will create will have all the genius and innovation of ... a government. Yeah. That bad. Governments will use their cryptocurrencies to make it easy for them to:
In short, government cryptocurrencies will be everything bitcoin is not. Paradoxically, when governments introduce such cryptocurrencies and mandate their use, they will inadvertently shine a spotlight on bitcoin. People will wonder how bitcoin compares to their national cryptocurrency. They will quickly realize that bitcoin is better overall. As a result, some countries will make bitcoin illegal. Indeed, many countries already have banned bitcoin. Such bans will hurt bitcoin and force bitcoin to go underground in those countries. Countries ban Facebook and WhatsApp. Users use VPNs and other tricks to bypass the ban. Some countries ban the Internet, but satellite-powered Internet gets around that too. Likewise, bitcoin users will find a way to get around bans. They're already doing that today. 3. Which countries might adopt bitcoin as their national currency?It's possible that a few small countries with worthless currencies could, in a fit of revolutionary rage, decide to abandon their hyperinflated currency and adopt bitcoin instead. Several countries abandoned their currency for the US dollar (e.g., Ecuador, Panama, El Salvador, and Palau). Others have adopted the euro without joining the eurozone (e.g., Kosovo and Montenegro). Therefore, when the US dollar collapses (and it will at some point), then a few countries with shattered economies may give bitcoin a shot. That's especially possible if the revolutionaries are young tech-savvy leaders. (Revolutionaries are often young.) Big economies (e.g., Russia, China, USA, Canada, UK) are too nationalistic, proud, and obsessed with controlling their economic sovereignty to abandon their currencies. Therefore, it's almost impossible to imagine any of them abandoning their currencies. 4. How would a bitcoin-priced economy be like?Economists will study bitcoin-denominated countries with great interest. We're used to inflation and a devaluing currency. If you held $1 that was given to you in 1775, it would be worth 1 cent today. That's because the US government has issued so many new dollars that dollars, like all currencies, have trended toward worthlessness. Although that produces downsides, we're used to it. In a bitcoin-priced economy, you would get an annual pay cut instead of a pay raise. Your rent would decline. Valued in bitcoins, your house would technically lose value. Confused? Then imagine this: your house was worth 100 BTC in 2025 but in 2035 it's worth only 50 BTC. Nominally, your house has declined in value. However, in real terms, it may have doubled. Why? Because perhaps in 2035, 50 BTC is worth 4 times more on the world currency markets than 100 BTC was worth in 2025. Weird, right? However, that's exactly how a country that priced everything in bitcoin would work. Every year, a bitcoin-denominated economy would give workers an annual salary cut, not a raise. Once again, the nominal salary cut would actually be a raise in real terms. The only analogy is the tech industry where Moore's Law has made faster, better products cheaper with time. 5. Will bitcoin be a reserve currency?In this century, Bitcoin will be a reserve currency for some countries. Currently, most countries hold reserves of USD and gold. Many countries also hold the EU's Euro, Japan's Yen, China's renminbi, and Switzerland's Francs. Sovereign wealth funds (SWF) not only hold gold and currencies but often hold commodities such as petroleum. Many countries will realize that they ought to add bitcoin to the list of their holdings since it will have proven that it's a better store of value than gold, currencies, and commodities. Of course, they won't hold a large percentage of their reserves and SWFs in bitcoin. Perhaps 1% of their portfolio would be bitcoin. Although that's a small bet in percentage terms, it would mean billions of dollars of new demand would flood the BTC market which has, effectively, a fixed supply. That would raise BTC's price, which would then make more countries consider holding some of their reserves in bitcoin (or upping their percentages). 6. Will Bitcoin change its default unit of account?Bitcoin needs to change its default monetary unit to Satoshis or Bits if it wants to enter the mainstream. One bitcoin is composed of 1 million Satoshis. Just like one dollar is made up of 100 cents. As bitcoins become more valuable, satoshis should become the default unit. Right now, bitcoin is at an annoying halfway point. For example, today, a cup of coffee costs about 0.0005 bitcoin. That just sounds weird. But so does 50,000 satoshis (which has the same value as 0.0005 bitcoin). If bitcoin becomes 10 times more valuable, then that cup of coffee will be 5,000 satoshis, which is a number that feels like some world currencies. Ideally, bitcoin would become 100 times more valuable, so that coffee is only 500 satoshis. However, until then, bitcoin is in an awkward state: 1 bitcoin is too valuable and 1 satoshi is too worthless. When bitcoin first came out, bitcoins were worth much less than $1. Indeed, 10,000 bitcoins bought a couple of medium pizzas. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjNMgeqUgks Today, 10,000 bitcoins will buy you a $100 million home! 7. What is Bitcoin's fate?Gary Arndt's prediction that bitcoin will never be a currency will probably be correct, especially if you're wondering if a major country will make bitcoin their primary currency. At best, a small country might do that. However, that doesn't mean that bitcoin will be a failure or a useless experiment. For hundreds of years, no economy has used gold as their medium of exchange, but that doesn't make it worthless. I expect that in the 2020s, more hedge funds will buy a tiny bit of bitcoin as a hedge. Similarly, a handful of countries may put 1% of their reserves into bitcoin. Although these are small steps, because bitcoin's supply is effectively fixed, such relatively small actions can cause a price surge. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 16 Dec 2020 | Cultivating Your Spiritual Atheism with Nick Seneca Jankel | 00:24:08 | |
Nick Jankel has written several books, including Spiritual Atheism. We discuss his book and other topics. Nick Jankel helps you take the pain out of transformation. He helps you blast through the barriers that block creativity and innovation and unleash conscious changes in leadership and life that bring less suffering and more thriving into the spaces we touch. You can also watch the interview on YouTube. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my generous Patrons More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 26 Jun 2020 | Our Future Brains and Countries | 00:35:55 | |
Ladan Jiracek and I talk about:
Ladan is getting his Ph.D. to help develop technology that augments our brains. He's also traveled to over 100 countries. He hosts the Travel Wisdom podcast and the Neuro Implant Podcast. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV
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| 02 May 2024 | The Power of Generosity with Glen Van Peski, author of Take Less, Do More | 00:24:20 | |
Glen Van Peski reveals one of his favorite annual backpacking trips, how to stop a snorer, and lessons about generosity. 00:00 Arizona's Buckskin Gulch 03:33 How to stop someone snoring 4:30 Lessons from a disabled son 6:45 Chopsticks as tent stakes - Chopstakes 9:30 Accepting generosity 14:30 Subtract Toward Happiness 16:40 The Generous Debit Card Bonus video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QivSPWiKfU Join the exclusive WanderLearn Patreon club. More about Glen Van Peski Glen Van Peski, founder of Gossamer Gear, is known for his legendary contributions to the backpacking community. A native Californian, Van Peski grew up in the western outdoors, and when his oldest son joined Scouts, he led the troop’s backpacking program. Through those experiences, he became intrigued by lightweight backpacking. He started sewing his gear and eventually started his own company, manufacturing ultralight backpacking equipment. Glen and his company have been featured in Backpacker, Outside, National Geographic Adventure magazines, and the New York Times. Van Peski is an internationally sought-after speaker known for his inspiring, humorous, and information-packed presentations. He has hiked most of the Pacific Crest Trail, wandered the backcountry in Japan and Europe, and bike-packed on the Great Divide. He lives in Bend, Oregon, with Francie, his wife of over forty years, and is the father of two grown sons. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon
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| 18 Oct 2020 | AMA: African Planned Cities, COVID, My Books in Academia | 00:23:10 | |
I answer various questions from Yida, a Patron. He wrote the following to me: I'm looking through your Nigeria chapter and I like what you included on the planned African cities! I learned something new as I didn't know about the two new cities multibillion dollar cites by Abuja before. Urban planning seems to be such a difficult challenge in places like Lagos so I'm interested in your perspective. Is planning and designing Nigeria cities a futile exercise because the plans get outdated by the time it is implemented, due to the rising population and traffic congestion? Were there any particular cities or neighborhoods in Africa that you felt safe in and were impressed by? Or perhaps there were cities where you could tell the planners had good intentions and put a lot of effort in but it still didn't work as planned in reality. As you wrote such a detailed section on malaria in West Africa, I'm wondering if you plan to follow up discussion on Covid-19 in Africa and some major responses and developments? Another point I want to raise is who is your intended audience? Do you see children and educators reading your books? Perhaps some geography, social studies teachers/ professors have already read your books and reached out to you! There are lots of good discussion questions and essay topics that could come out of every chapter. Your book is very educational and filled with facts, geography, history, culture, told in your engaging narrative voice. However, the funny adult stories and frank discussions on sex, polygamy means it would be rated M for Mature. Chances are, kids working on projects would be unlikely find this book in their school libraries. I can see teenagers enjoying this and the book is very readable. I'm curious whether this book would be selected by teachers, school librarians, as part of their educational resources. I first found the Hidden Europe at a local public library but not at local bookstores or university libraries. I can see the Unseen Africa being used as an introduction to Africa and students can then consult your bibliography for more academic reading. Sponsors This show is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV
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| 11 Oct 2024 | Snow Kiting Across Greenland + 4 First Ascents with Eric Gilbertson! | 00:25:55 | |
Eric Gilbertson is back!
Eric Gilbertson and Branden Joy dragged 400 pounds (180 kg) of gear on 4 sleds across Greenland. They covered 1,539 miles (1,420 snow kiting, 119 man hauling) in 40 days. On his biggest day, he covered 218 miles kiting. His fastest kiting speed was 33mph. They did 4 first ascents. Read Eric Gilbertson's Greenland traverse trip report. Krisli Melesk co-hosted this show with me. She and I were in awe of Eric's accomplishments. Watch the Video Interview
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| 10 May 2019 | 3 Young Egyptians In Luxor | 00:21:18 | |
Mustapha, Tual, and Usama are three young Egyptians hanging by the Nile in Luxor.
I apologize that there's the annoying sound of wind during the recording. The Nile is windy and I didn't have a windscreen. The only reason I released this episode was that the content was revealing. Sponsored by Health Access SumbawaThis show was sponsored by Health Access Sumbawa. In 2014, Jack Kennedy founded this nonprofit that is helping bring malaria control and healthcare to remote, impoverished communities. It started on the remote island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. Visit their website to learn more and to donate: https://healthaccesssumbawa.org More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer sending me cryptocurrency, then please send your support:
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| 04 Aug 2023 | Can AI be wiser than humans? | 00:30:13 | |
Tim Dasey authored the 2023 book Wisdom Factories: AI, Games, and the Making of a Modern Worker. Our discussion focuses on how AI will impact everything! This episode's cover art is from Ray Kurzweil's Singularity book. It illustrates how computers are doing things that we thought only humans would ever do. Timeline00:00 Can AI Be Wise? 01:30 Does Consciousness Matter? 03:00 Can AI Be Wiser Than Humans? 06:00 AI Assistants 09:00 Net Good or Bad? 13:00 Will we need to memorize facts? 20:20 AI in Schools We discuss the Khan Academy's Khamingo AI Tutor. Watch the YouTube Video Book cover:My favorite section of the book was when he wrote about the Quest to Learn (Q2L) school, which serves grades 6-12. It is designed around games. It emphasizes 7 principles: 1. Everyone is a participant. 2. Challenge is constant. 3. Learning happens by doing. 4. Feedback is immediate and ongoing. 5. Failure is reframed as "iteration." 6. Everything is interconnected. 7. It kind of feels like play, This may be the future of instruction. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 07 Mar 2020 | Overlanding in 35 African countries in 3 years - Dan Grec | 01:35:07 | |
On March 14, 2020, Dan Grec's Kickstarter will end. If you're listening to this before that date, buy Dan's book on Kickstarter. His book (and website) are called The Road Chose Me. If you're listening to this after March 14th, buy Dan Grec's book on Amazon. Why buy his book? Because for 999 days Dan Grec drove through 35 of the 54 African countries. His book recounts his 3-year adventure. In this 90-min podcast, we discuss:
We discussed the Caprivi Strip. Here are the facts from Wikipedia: Caprivi was named after German Chancellor Leo von Caprivi (in office 1890–1894), who negotiated the acquisition of the land in an 1890 exchange with the United Kingdom. Caprivi arranged for the Caprivi strip to be annexed to German South West Africa in order to give Germany access to the Zambezi River and a route to Africa's east coast, where the colony of German East Africa (now part of Tanzania) was situated. The river later proved unnavigable and inaccessible to the Indian Ocean due to the Victoria Falls. The transfer of territory was a part of the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty of 1890, in which Germany gave up its interest in Zanzibar in return for the Caprivi Strip and the island of Heligoland in the North Sea. We also wondered where the expression "rest on your laurels" comes from. Simply put: the origins of the phrase lie in ancient Greece, where laurel wreaths were symbols of victory and status. You can watch the interview on YouTube, although the audio is out of sync. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaL8jLnRf_4& More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV Health Access SumbawaOne of WanderLearn's top patrons, Kathy Kennedy Enger, asked me to draw attention to Health Access Sumbawa. I am happy to promote this remarkable nonprofit. In 2014, Jack Kennedy founded the organization to bring malaria control and healthcare to remote, impoverished communities. It started on the remote island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. Since then, it's expanded thanks to generous donations. Visit their website to learn more and to donate: https://healthaccesssumbawa.org
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| 11 May 2021 | Update on Bitcoin's Stock-to-Flow Model 1 Year After BTC's 3rd Halving | 00:25:59 | |
Today marks the 1-year anniversary of bitcoin's 3rd halving & my critique of Plan B's stock-to-flow model. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa3sWnDvIl0 I reflect on:
Outline 00:00 Intro 00:22 1 year after the halving 02:50 I'm not a BTC bear 03:56 McAfee eating his dick 05:05 S2F has an extremely broad target 06:32 BTC Supercycle? 10:14 BTC's Achilles' Heel 12:01 Plan B Blocked Me 15:40 Price Predictions 18:45 Summary Sponsors This episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!
DISCLAIMER The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial legal or tax advice. The content of this video is solely the opinions of the speaker who is not a licensed financial advisor or registered investment advisor. Trading cryptocurrencies poses a considerable risk of loss. The speaker does not guarantee any particular outcome.
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| 06 Jan 2023 | What if the US had not dropped the 2 A-Bombs? | 00:30:22 | |
Listen to my two-part interview with Trent Hone, author of Mastering the Art of Command: Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and Victory in the Pacific. Part 1 is mostly about history, including places in the Pacific that you should visit if you're into war history. Part 2 is about contemporary military & political affairs, including Ukraine & Taiwan. Part 1: History00:00 Intro & Nimitz Seaplane crash 04:50 WWII history buffs should visit these Pacific sites 08:30 Iwo Jima 10:00 What if the Pearl Harbor attack had been more devastating? 12:25 What if the US had not dropped the 2 A-Bombs? 17:17 Why did Trent Hone write a book about Nimitz? 20:00 The pain of editing 24:00 The US military's secret sauce 28:00 Preview of next week's episode FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 15 Jan 2021 | How is Bulgaria in 2021? | 00:47:30 | |
Elly Roupcheva's family is from Turkincha, Bulgaria. In this podcast, we reminisce on the unexpected way we met there. You can see the photos from our first meeting in my article about Turkincha. After some initial laughs, we dive into the real meat of the conversation: how has Bulgaria evolved in the last 10 years? In The Hidden Europe, I quoted Elly extensively in the chapter about Bulgaria. As I am revising the book for the 10th-anniversary edition, I wanted to see what has changed. What did she say back then that she would no longer say today? If you want to learn more about Bulgaria or Eastern Europe, you must listen to or watch this podcast! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW8YIfciUYU Below are a few photos for 11 years ago when we first met: Sponsors This show is sponsored by the Athletic Brewing Company. Use Promo Code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off your first order! And order at least two 6-packs to get free shipping too! My Patrons have also sponsored this show! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 05 Mar 2021 | How Do You Get Sponsors? | 00:16:53 | |
Would you like to get sponsors for your activities? I'll paraphrase JFK... Ask not what sponsors can do for you, ask what you can do for your sponsorsThe CEO of GoLite said that I was the first person to ever send him a sponsorship proposal with the section called "ROI" (Return On Investment). That shows that oftentimes people don't consider that companies want to get something out of the experience beyond just the feeling that they're helping someone who needs help. That's normal: most people don't toss money to beggars, but are more likely to give to street musicians who are providing a service (i.e., entertainment). When you seek sponsors, don't be a beggar - offer something in return for the donation. Write a 1-3 page proposal. In your proposal, try to answer these questions:
Four more points about getting sponsorship
This episode is sponsored by Athletic Brewing! Use promo code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off. Order two 6-packs to get free shipping! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 16 Nov 2021 | Rome, Starlink, & George Floyd Aftermath with Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere | 00:16:30 | |
Gary Arndt returns to discuss:
Gary will be back next week. Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. Maybe you have:
Listen to the episode first! More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 10 Feb 2023 | Good White Racist? Racial Injustice Book by Kerry Connelly | 00:06:40 | |
Today (May 25, 2023) is the third anniversary of George Floyd's horrible death. As I predicted, the number of unarmed Black (and White) people killed by the police would remain unchanged despite all the protests and defunding movements. I explained what needed to happen for those statistics to improve. (Hint: it's got little to do with racism.) My wife, Rejoice, is a black African (she's from Cameroon). However, according to Kerry Connelly, I'm probably a good white racist.When the George Floyd protests erupted, Good White Racist came out, making it a timely book, so I wanted to read it. As other critics have mentioned, Connelly's tone is condescending. I feel like the Spanish Inquisition has strapped me to a chair; no matter what, I am a sinner. I'll quote the parts that made me want to vomit: "To readers in the BIPOC [black, indigenous people of color]: Beautiful soul, thank you for reading even this far. . . . You've done enough, borne enough of this weight." Yuck. It's like a mother patting her little black child on the head as if the child is some fragile creature that must be coddled and pampered. She falsely asserts: "White people cannot be victims of racism. So-called reverse racism is just not a thing, people." She's the classic politically correct person obsessed with "micro-aggressions." Since she's treating us like babies, hasn't she heard about "sticks and stones may break my bones...."? Grow up. She talks about "gaslighting." Example: "A white woman might touch a black woman's hair while telling her it's pretty." According to her rules, "this is inappropriate behavior." My wife LOVESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS when people complement (or even touch) her hair. She has 20 wigs and finds it hilarious how easy it is to fool white people. Of course, every person who gave this book one star is doing one or more of the dreaded Ds: DENY/DETRACT, DISTRACT, DISCLAIM, AND DISAPPEAR. In my case, I commit the DISCLAIM sin because I say I'm not a racist because my wife is a black African. You're damned either way if your skin is white, which, frankly, is a racist idea. The author spouts a "truism" from one of her friends, who has some color. She said, "If the white people in the room are happy and comfortable, chances are the people of color in the room are not." Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. Of course, I'm sure some POC feel that way, but to imply that it's universal is absurd. My wife spit out her drink when she heard that line - and laughed so hard. It's also racist to suggest that POC and whites all think the same way. Yes, this book is cringeworthy. I feel a bit guilty blasting this book because Connelly means well. She wants to improve this planet and race relations. She wants white people to be more self-aware of their privilege and sensitive. These are noble goals. The problem is that her execution is atrocious and offputting. Racism is terrible. So is this book. VERDICT: 1 out of 5 stars. | |||
| 03 Sep 2021 | Navy Bootcamp Advice: Keep Quiet & Follow Orders 2022 | 00:12:31 | |
It's fun to watch this on YouTube. Ashlee Braut and Rejoice Tapon advise military recruits the following:
Also, Rejoice explains how you can transform a drill sergeant's demand to do pushups into a positive thing. See episode #1 about what to pack for Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E
More info You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com If you like this, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on: http://youtube.com/user/ftapon
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video. | |||
| 24 Mar 2023 | Will Russia Break Up? Will it Balkanize? | 00:11:21 | |
This is the final episode of my 4-part series featuring Eastern Europe Expert Richard DeLong. He's lived most of his life in Eastern Europe & the Caucasus among Slavs, especially Ukrainians and Russians. This is episode 230! Sorry that the audio quality is mediocre. I was in Georgia without my normal mic. I ask him: Part 4: Will Russia Break Up? Will it Balkanize?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yimmo76A0pY Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 09 May 2022 | Bitcoin’s Stock-To-Flow (S2F) 2022 Analysis + Price Prediction | 00:14:41 | |
Watch the May 2022 video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3BWdciKZ7c Once a year, I review Plan B's stock-to-flow model, which predicts Bitcoin's price. I first critiqued it on May 11, 2020, which was the day of the 3rd Bitcoin halving. Plan B blocked me because of it. Last year, on May 11, 2021, I reflected on how well the price had been tracking the model, but I warned that we should not become overly exuberant. I predicted that we would drop below $40,000 in 2022, perhaps below $30,000, and maybe even below $20,000. It all seemed rather ludicrous given that BTC was at $55,000. Still, I insisted that on May 11, 2022, things would be far more "sober." As I write this on May 9, 2022, Bitcoin is trading at $31,000. See my video (which was filmed on May 9, when BTC was around $35,000). Timeline00:00 Intro 00:52 May 2021 clip 02:07 Has Plan B Failed? 03:09 S2F range 03:40 Anthony Pompliano Plan B Interview 05:19 S2F $50k Model 06:15 Moving the goalposts 07:45 My BTC Predictions 08:25 BTC Chart analysis 10:00 Updated price prediction 10:47 Where I went wrong 12:20 Conclusion More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! DISCLAIMER The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial legal or tax advice. The content of this video is solely the opinions of the speaker who is not a licensed financial advisor or registered investment advisor. Trading cryptocurrencies poses considerable risk of loss. The speaker does not guarantee any particular outcome. | |||
| 03 Jan 2024 | Predictions for 2024 | 00:10:52 | |
In my Annual Prediction Show, I review last year's predictions before making my new predictions. Watch my 2024 Predictions on YouTubeLet's go: 1. Trump loses the nominationYes, this prediction is almost as crazy as saying in 2015 that Donald Trump would be the next US President. Few believed that back then, and everyone assumes he will be the nominee in 2024. However, almost every election has at least one surprise, and I'm betting this will be the big surprise. I have low confidence in this prediction. 2. Republicans nominate Nikki Haley, not TrumpWho will represent the Republicans if Trump doesn't? Nikki Haley because Ron DeSantis lost his momentum. She is light years behind Trump, but if anyone can beat Trump, Haley can. 3. The Republican defeats Joe BidenThis prediction implies that Joe Biden will win the nomination, not Gavin Newsom (who would be a better candidate) or any other Democrat. If Trump runs against Biden, Biden might win. But any other Republican will defeat Biden. 4. Australian flooding will kill at least 50This is a conservative prediction. Deaths could easily be in the hundreds. 5. Bitcoin doubles in value during a year of a halvingIt will go above $80,000 during 2024 but won't close above $80,000. 6. Ethereum closes at $3333Because everyone expects a bullish crypto year, I'm nervous that the crowd will (once again) be wrong. Still, it's hard to believe Ethereum will lose value this year, even with assaults from Solana and Bitcoin. Therefore, I'm making a moderately bullish prediction. I won't be surprised if Ethereum reaches $5000 at some point. 7. S&P climbs 7%After a profitable 2023, the US stock market will likely cool off. Although a recession is priced in, not much other bad news is. Expect a modest year. 8. ANC will lose the majority of seats for the first time in 30 yearsAfter spending 3 months in South Africa in 2023, it's clear that South Africans are fed up with the ANC more than ever. The main problem is that the opposition is fractured. A sloppy, chaotic coalition government will emerge with the ANC still the top dog despite its lack of majority. 9. Jimmy Carter diesHe's been in a hospice for nearly a year. His wife died in November 2023. I hope I'm wrong, but let's appreciate his final months. 10. I finish the manuscript of The Unseen AfricaI've been saying this often, but now I'm super determined. Plus, I finished the dreaded South Africa chapter, so it should be clean sailing for the next half of the book! Previous predictionsTo see my previous forecasts, check out my predictions for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Share and put your feedback or predictions in the comments below! FeedbackGive anonymous verbal feedback to this show or the podcast by using the SpeakPipe link below. Maybe you have:
To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Get a crypto hardware wallet from Ledger. For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 15 Jul 2022 | Religions in Mozambique | 00:06:05 | |
Episode 2 of 7. Julio Maria Muhorro is a Power Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker from Mozambique. We discuss religious differences in Mozambique! #mozambican #mozambique #religion Watch on YouTube More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 16 Aug 2024 | Extraordinary Travel Festival Host Ric Gazarian #Thailand & #ETF2 | 00:13:39 | |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHW-9M4Vrc4 Ric and I talked in Thailand about Thai hospitality, international marriages, and the November 2024 Extraordinary Travel Festival! In mid-November 2024, hear me speak at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, Thailand! TIMELINE00:00 Why Ric lives in Thailand 01:17 Sincerity of Thai hospitality 04:00 International marriages 07:00 ETF 2 #thailand #ETF2 #travel | |||
| 01 Apr 2022 | You Always JUDGE People! You are JUDGING Constantly! | 00:03:06 | |
This ain't no April Fools! Yes, you judge. Everyone does. Do you know people who self-righteously claim they don't judge anyone? They're lying. I explain in this mini-podcast! Share it with anyone who demands that you stop judging them. Mini-podcast episodesIn 2021, I made a 30-min WanderLearn episode about 12 words/phrases that are commonly misused. Although the video and podcast got decent attention, some people have a short attention span. Therefore, I broke that long episode into short segments that are easy to share. These bite-sized chunks are perfect for sharing. You might only agree with three of my suggestions and not all 12. Therefore, evangelize the words/phrases you want the world to change. Together, we can change their use. Yes, it's ambitious, but let's embark on this journey! FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 17 Jun 2022 | Traveling in Afghanistan in 2022 After Taliban Takeover | 00:20:54 | |
How is it traveling in Afghanistan in 2022 when the Taliban is back in control? I speak with one of Afghanistan's first tourists, Francois Xavier Paradis-Garneau. He's a ballsy young Canadian who went on a solo journey throughout Afghanistan. Listen to him recount his epic trip. The BBC profiled himhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21DXlvns2rE Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 12 Jul 2024 | Why Go To Thailand | 00:14:04 | |
If there was ever a podcast where you're better off seeing the video, this is it! It features lots of footage that I shot the first time I visited. In mid-November 2024, hear me speak at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok, Thailand! Timeline00:00 Intro 00:50 History 03:05 Temples 04:10 Islands 05:38 Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, & fish 07:15 Lodging 08:15 People 09:00 Dance & nightlife This video gives you an exciting overview of Thailand! You'll learn about Thailand's history, beaches, aquatic sea life, temples, languages, culture, nightlife, and dancing. Subscribe to watch my video kissing a Thai elephant! Video scriptWelcome to the Land of Smiles! Thailand is a country that tantalizes your taste buds, tickles your senses, and leaves you wondering if you’ve accidentally stepped into a vibrant dream. Thailand has got to be one of the most aptly named countries on the planet. The “Land of Smiles” delivers grins at every turn with its beautiful scenery, delightfully eccentric cultural experiences, and some of the most blissed-out, friendly people you’ll ever encounter. Just be prepared for lots of bewildered head-scratching and delighted laughter as you embrace the organized chaos and tongue-in-cheek whimsy that makes traveling here such an endlessly entertaining adventure. A History with More Spice Than Your Pad ThaiThailand boasts a history as rich and complex as a bowl of tom yum soup. Kingdoms rose and fell, leaving behind a trail of magnificent temples and enough intrigue to make a soap opera jealous. We won’t bore you with dates (because, let’s face it, remembering your anniversary is hard enough), but here’s the gist: powerful empires, epic battles fought on elephant back (seriously!), and a whole lot of cultural exchange. The Thais like to refer to their nation as the “Land of the Free” since they proudly managed to avoid getting colonized by myopic European powers who were too distracted trying to invent terrible ideas like bloodsports and obesity. The origins of this glorious nation trace back to the ancient Sukhothai kingdom, which ruled large swaths of present-day Thailand from the 13th to 15th centuries and essentially laid the groundwork for all the mischief to come. They invented the Thai alphabet, converted the nation to Theravada Buddhism (a spirituality that preaches detachment yet somehow birthed the Muay Thai boxing culture), and kick-started a prolific period of temple construction that persists today. Thailand maintained a rich, quirky cultural identity through a delightfully convoluted pageant of kingdoms and capitals. Thailand’s history is like a spicy curry – full of twists, turns, and unexpected ingredients. Imagine a time when Ayutthaya was the New York City of Southeast Asia, bustling with trade, culture, and probably a few epic food fights. Then came the Burmese invasion, like a hangry Godzilla stomping through the city. But fear not! The Thais rebuilt, and today, Ayutthaya’s ruins are a testament to resilience and the importance of investing in sturdy walls. Thailand’s history is as colorful as its temples and diverse as its cuisine. From ancient civilizations to modern-day monarchy, this country has seen it all. Fast forward to today, and Thailand is a vibrant mix of tradition and modern life. You’ll find glittering skyscrapers sharing the skyline with ancient temples, monks in saffron robes browsing smartphones, and grandmothers selling mango-sticky rice beside sleek cafes. The Grand Palace complex is a must-see if only to check off “tour the wildly ornate milieu of one of the world’s most eccentric, propaganda-addicted royal dynasties” from your bucket list. The palace grounds feature the famous Emerald Buddha sculpture - a diminutive jade figure that looks like something you’d win at a county fair but is priceless to Buddhists. Nearby sits the aptly named Wat Pho, home to the epic Reclining Buddha statue that’s so colossal you half expect it to pop up and start rapping about all the golden donuts it ate. Temples and Religion: Where Buddha Takes Center StageThailand has more temples than there are grains of sand on its beaches. Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha is so chill it’s practically horizontal. And the Grand Palace? It’s like a wedding cake made of gold and gemstones. As for religion, Thais blend Buddhism with a dash of animism, like adding chili to mango sticky rice. It’s a spiritual cocktail that keeps the universe in balance. Thailand is steeped in Buddhism, and the magnificent temples testify to the country’s rich spiritual heritage. Wat Pho will leave you speechless with its reclining Buddha and towering golden chedis. In Ayutthaya, explore the crumbling ruins of ancient temples, remnants of a once-great kingdom. Island Hopping: The Aquatic AdventureNow, let’s get to the good stuff: the islands! Thailand’s coastline is dotted with gems – Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Krabi – each offering a slice of paradise. But getting there is half the fun (or mild terror, depending on your seafaring tolerance). Imagine yourself crammed onto a longtail boat, the wind whipping through your hair (and possibly carrying off your hat). The turquoise water stretches out before you, but don’t get too mesmerized – keep an eye out for the inevitable spray that might leave you looking like a contestant on Wipeout. Thai’s islands are like a buffet of paradise, and you’re the hungry traveler with a plate (or boat) to fill. The joy of island hopping is like speed dating with beaches – each has its personality. Some are shy and secluded, while others flaunt limestone cliffs and party vibes. And let’s not forget the snorkeling – it’s like attending a marine masquerade ball, where fish wear sequined scales and dance to the rhythm of the tides. The Andaman islands like Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, and Ko Lipe have appeared on approximately one zillion desktop wallpaper screensavers with their sugar sand beaches, cliffs of swirled limestone karsts, and forests of coconut trees casually minding their own bad hair day business. Offshore, the islands offer some of planet Earth’s most insane snorkeling and diving thanks to absurdly vibrant coral reefs and a psychedelically promiscuous marine life community. Marine Life: More Than Just NemoThe minute you slip beneath the waves in Thailand, you enter a technicolor wonderland. Let’s talk fish – we’re not talking goldfish crackers here. You’ve got graceful angelfish gliding by and maybe even the occasional grumpy-looking moray eel poking out of a hole. For the more adventurous, vibrant coral reefs are teeming with life. Picture schools of shimmering blue tangs, trumpetfish with their Pinocchio noses, and perhaps a majestic manta ray gliding past like a giant underwater spaceship. Underwater, Thailand’s marine life is a kaleidoscope of colors. The Phi Phi islands have emerged as the undisputed snorkelers’ playground thanks to their rockin’ reefs populated by residents like the omnipresent clownfish–yup, the one that found Nemo – but also the elusive seahorse, basically the James Bond of the sea. And then there’s the triggerfish, with a face only a mother could love. But hey, beauty is subjective, right? The coral reefs are like underwater cities, bustling with activity. Remember, don’t touch the coral – it’s like graffiti on the Mona Lisa. With 4000 km of coastline, Thailand’s incredibly biodiverse marine ecosystems delight snorkelers, divers, and beachgoers alike. The warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand allow optimal visibility to witness vivid coral gardens and drifting schools of tropical fish. Some of the most colorful aquatic life you may spot includes the electric blue-and-yellow regal angelfish, the aptly named clownfish darting in and out of swaying anemones, vibrant parrotfish, and powder blue tang swimming through staghorn coral mazes. Stay very still, and you may even catch sight of free-swimming moray eels slithering across the reefs or skillfully camouflaged scorpionfish. Luxury Hotels: Where Dreams Come True (and Wallets Cry)Craving a touch of luxury after your island adventure? Thailand has you covered. We’re talking opulent beachfront resorts with infinity pools that seem to melt into the horizon, private plunge pools big enough to host a pool party, and service so good you might start questioning your ability to tie your own shoes. The best part? These luxury digs won’t leave you needing a second mortgage. Thailand offers incredible value for money, so you can live like royalty without needing to win the lottery. Thailand’s luxury hotels redefine opulence. Imagine waking up in a floating villa. Or sipping champagne in a rooftop pool overlooking Bangkok’s skyline – it’s like swimming in liquid stardust. And the spa treatments? They’re so relaxing, you’ll forget your own name. Friendly People: Hugs, Smiles, and Tuk-Tuk NegotiationsThais are the friendliest folks on this side of the Milky Way. They’ll greet you with a wai (a respectful bow) and feed you until you waddle.. Thais are renowned for their hospitality, their smiles as warm and welcoming as a bowl of khao tom (chicken rice soup – trust us, it’s amazing). Communication might be a challenge sometimes but don’t worry, a little game of charades goes a long way. Plus, the locals often appreciate the effort, rewarding you with a hearty laugh and maybe even a discount on that souvenir elephant keychain. Of course, there’s always the grumpy taxi driver, the one who seems to have forgotten the “Land of Smiles” motto. But hey, even grumpy adds flavor to the experience, right? Dance Performances and Entertainment: Hip-Shaking ExtravaganzaThailand’s dance performances are like a fusion of Cirque du Soleil and a tropical storm. The traditional khon dance tells epic tales of gods, demons, and love triangles. Meanwhile, the ladyboys of Pattaya leave you questioning your hip flexibility. And the nightlife? It’s a neon jungle where cocktails flow like waterfalls, and neon signs promise enlightenment (or at least a blurry selfie). Thailand’s nightlife is as vibrant as the orchids at every market. Want to be dazzled by elaborate dance performances with glittering costumes and gravity-defying moves? Head to a cabaret show – just be prepared to have your gender stereotypes playfully challenged by the stunning ladyboys. For something a little more low-key, wander through a night market, where you’ll find street performers juggling fire, musicians filling the air with soulful melodies, and puppet shows that will transport you back to your childhood. So there you have it – Thailand, where elephants roam, tuk-tuks zigzag, and every street corner smells like a stir-fry adventure. Pack your sense of humor, an empty stomach, and an extra pair of flip-flops – you’re in for a wild ride! 🌴🌞🐘 Disclaimer: Lonely Planet may or may not endorse this guidebook. But hey, who needs endorsements when you’ve got coconut ice cream? 🍦 More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 26 Jan 2024 | How the Gaza & Ukraine Wars End | 00:06:11 | |
Gary Arndt reflects on how to solve the world's most challenging wars. Watch the interview on YouTube! Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt:
To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 29 Sep 2023 | A Dangerous Book About African Energy | 00:14:40 | |
NJ Ayuk has written a provocative book called A Just Transition: Making Energy Poverty History with an Energy Mix. Akuk sums up his book in 6 words: "Gas First. Solar and Wind Later." Here are some memorable parts of the book:
He sums up his book in a sentence: "We cannot ignore the needs of millions in our zeal to prevent climate change." Africa shouldn't have to be energy poorI'm not a climate doomsday activist. Most doom-and-gloom apocalyptic scenarios that many environmentalists forecast are overly negative. Yes, the world is warming. Yes, it's primarily human-made. However, just as the Netherlands thrives despite being below sea level, most coastal metropolises will use technology to deal with sea level rise. Farmers will grow different crops. Canadians will grow what farmers in Nebraska grow, and Nebraskans may grow tropical fruits. In short, humanity will do what it's always done: adapt. It won't be fun; we wish we were wiser; maybe 1 billion will die or get displaced, but we'll survive. And yes, thousands of plant & animal species will suffer. It may be the sixth mass extinction event. But humans will survive it. In short, part of me is fine with Ayuk's idea of Africa blasting tons of natural gas into the atmosphere because you must consume energy to get rich. Ayuk suggests that humanity's ship is sinking, and Africa should be able to drink the alcohol with everyone else while the ship goes down. Indeed, why does the rest of the world get to spew out greenhouse gases while Africans have to refrain or use solar/wind, which aren't 100% competitive yet? I understand. However, there are three problems1. Africa will suffer more than any other continent from global warming since it is already the hottest continent. Therefore, they are shooting themselves in the foot by increasing greenhouse cases. Ayuk cites that gas emits half the greenhouse gases of coal, but that's not a big difference. If it were 10x, I'd be impressed. But since Africans are growing from 1.1 billion to 4.4 billion this century, they need something better than gas. 2. As Ayuk rightly observes, Africa has abundant wind/solar capacity. Africa could lead in renewable, clean energy just like they leapfrogged others when they skipped landlines and went straight to mobile. Africans innovated on mobile money because they were early adopters. Instead, Ayuk wants to copy the energy dinosaurs in the rich world who are already innovating in wind & solar. Africans will again be forced to buy wind & solar tech from abroad since they didn't invent it when they could because they were too busy burning their gas. 3. Ayuk has deep financial interests in African natural gas companies and apparently nothing in wind & solar. On August 1, 2023, his LinkedIn profile states: "Mr. Ayuk concentrates particularly on the structuring, local content, documentation and negotiation of oil, gas and petrochemical transactions. His clients include oil and gas producers, operators, petrochemical manufacturers, oil field services companies and financing parties in the energy industry. He has played a key role in negotiating and documenting the purchase and sale of upstream and midstream oil and gas assets, farmins, farmouts, volumetric production payments and other drilling fund and development dollar investment arrangements, as well as petrochemical project development, asset acquisition and divestiture and joint venture investments. The Oil and Gas Year Publication recognized him as "a shrewd, street-smart, savvy dealmaker and major asset" and Chambers and Partners recognized him as an "important player" and a "tremendous resource"-an acknowledgement bestowed upon him by his peers in the industry." VerdictAyuk is deep in bed with the oil and gas industry. He's made millions from that industry. Of course, he will champion Africa exploiting all their natural gas resources even if it leads to worse global warming. Ayuk has enough money to buy a few mansions in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia to escape the heat. As Upton Sinclair said, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it." 1/10 stars. #AJustTransitionMakingEnergyPovertyHistorywithanEnergyMix More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 03 Jan 2021 | Predictions for 2021 | 00:13:47 | |
Everyone loves to say, "I told you so." But few are willing to admit, "I told you something wrong." Even though every human makes mistakes every day, it's surprisingly hard to find humans who regularly say, "I was wrong." I make annual predictions not to say "I told you so," but rather to teach myself some humility. I predict events so I can publicly humiliate myself. It's my way of telling the world, "Look at how spectacularly wrong I was. I am an idiot." I recommend everyone should write down annual predictions for this reason. It's a way to keep your ego in check. Of course, you'll probably get a few things right, but the point is that you get to say those magic words: "I was wrong." See how I did on my 2020 predictions. Here are the predictions for 2021https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJvDAOZGp8o 1. Bitcoin ends the year at $40,000.I was recommending BTC at $3,500 in December 2018, and it's gone up tenfold since then! My first two BTC predictions were surprisingly accurate. My 2020 prediction was far vaguer than the previous predictions. That reflected that I was less certain than before. I feel the same way now. Like most analysts, I expect 2021 to be a huge year for bitcoin. Most Bitcoin fans are expecting that 2021 will be a monumental year:
You get the idea. On the one hand, such bullishness could make it a self-fulfilling prophecy. Bitcoin (like all money and gold) is all about human belief. Money is an imaginary thing. If we collectively decide it's worth $100,000 per BTC, then that's what it will be worth. On the other hand, bitcoin has an uncanny ability to surprise most people. When pundits pronounce that bitcoin is dead (which they've done countless times), it comes roaring back. Similarly, whenever bitcoin is soaring, people extrapolate the trajectory and get overly exuberant. The same thing happens with the stock market. During a bull market, they predict that the doublings will continue. So far, bitcoin hasn't surprised me, but I'm sure I'll get it wrong at some point. I'm predicting $40,000 because it's much less than the most bullish predictions, but it's still a positive year and a gain of nearly $10,000. Remember: $40,000 is what I predict the price will be on December 31, 2021. I fully expect it to reach much higher than that during the year. For example, it might go to $60,000 and then lose half of its value (down to $30k) and then bounce back up to $40k. The safest bitcoin prediction is that it will have a volatile year. So I wouldn't be surprised if, during 2021, it trades between $20,000 and $100,000! I'm sticking with my prediction that bitcoin (BTC) will hit $100,000 by the end of this decade. That implies that it gains about $10,000 per year, on average. I truly hope that the bitcoin fans are right with their frothy predictions, but I'm more conservative. Indeed, I would not be completely surprised if Bitcoin ends BELOW $30,000 at the end of 2021. It's a wild beast. 2. Another 500,000 deaths worldwide from the Coronavirus.On March 27, 2020, I predicted 1.5 million people would die worldwide from the virus in 2020. Reality: 1.8 million died of COVID-19 in 2020. When I made the prediction, only 60,000 had died at that point. Although we've got several vaccines, I suspect many will lower their guard in the first quarter of 2021. Resistance to taking a vaccine will slow down our ability to achieve herd immunity (70%+ vaccinated or infected). Since some vaccines require two doses spaced a few weeks apart, many people won't take the second dose, thereby exposing them to the virus when they let their mask down. Also, while high-income countries may distribute the vaccine widely before June 2021, low-income countries will need most of the year to do it. All these factors will make it so that 2021 will still be a deadly year for the Coronavirus, but the news won't make a big deal about it just like they don't make a big deal about the 400,000 annual worldwide deaths from the flu. 3. Worldwide flu deaths will be 200,000That's half the normal rate, thanks to all precautions we are taking against the Coronavirus. 4. S&P 500 goes up 20%There will be a huge rally in the first half of 2021 as the COVID vaccine allows life to return to normal. However, exuberance will fade in September and October of 2021 so that the market will strip much of its gains. Still, it will be a great year overall for stocks. 5. Jimmy Carter diesHe'll be 98 years old when he dies, which would make him the oldest former US president (George H. Bush was 94 when he died). 6. Police Kill A Similar Number of PeopleDespite the George Floyd protests and the Black Lives Movement, the US police will kill:
Why these numbers? Because they're better than what they were during the Obama administration. Yes, cops killed fewer unarmed Blacks under Trump than Obama. I'm not crediting Trump. The US President has little influence over local police matters. When I asked, "What's a Reasonable Level of Police Killings?", I came up with those numbers above. We've been improving and I hope we continue to lower them slowly. But it will never be zero. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my Patrons More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 19 Jan 2021 | Which Military Branch Is Best For Medical Jobs? Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines? | 00:24:32 | |
Rejoice Tapon describes her exploration of the four most popular military branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. This one is worth watching on YouTube! Trust me. Rejoice dreams of being a nurse in the 2020s. Therefore, she was mainly interested in the medical field. Still, this video will be helpful for those who are interested in non-medical careers. You'll learn:
The video/podcast cuts abruptly, so Francis inserts an addendum to share information about when Rejoice will ship to boot camp, how long her training is, and what she may be doing for the next 5 years. Admittedly, in this video/podcast, we don't consider the Coast Guard (Rejoice dislikes swimming) and Space Force (it lacks medical jobs). If you request, I can do a video on those branches later. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by the Athletic Brewing Company. Use Promo Code WANDERLEARN20 to get 20% off your first order! And order at least two 6-packs to get free shipping too! My Patrons have also sponsored this show! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month!
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| 15 Nov 2024 | Ege's Dad Was Killed When She Was 5. How To Forgive? | 00:10:02 | |
Forgive me for rushing through this interview. We were under time pressure. But if you would like, send me a message encouraging me to interview Ege Riitsalu again in greater depth. In this episode, Ege Riitsalu shares her tragic personal story. It serves as an example of the power of radical forgiveness. Watch the Video of this podcast About radical forgivenessHow do you get out of a rut and onto a ridge? Although my book, Hike Your Own Hike, offers ideas, it doesn't discuss radical forgiveness, which can lead to breakthroughs. In my first TEDx Talk, I discussed "How Travel Transforms You." But what if the wanderlust doesn't quite do the trick? Then, you take another type of journey, a mental one, to unlock deep-seated memories and beliefs. Ege Riitsalu is an Estonian who used radical forgiveness to dislodge a mental roadblock. Since then, she's run workshops and offered one-on-one therapy to help others take this mental journey. Enjoy this two-part series discussing radical forgiveness and how to employ it. Part 2: How to forgive the man who murdered your dadDon't forget to listen to... Part 1: What is Radical Forgiveness and When Should You Use It?In this episode, Ege Riitsalu introduces you to the concept of radical forgiveness. What's below is taken from what Ege Riitsalu has written about radical forgiveness. It's good for those with:
Radical forgiveness will help you:
Watch the Video Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 27 Jan 2023 | Why China’s Rise Will Slow | 00:12:33 | |
I admire and respect Ray Dalio, who suggests that China will replace the US as the next great superpower. It's dangerous to disagree with someone as smart & successful as Ray, but I'll try. Conventional wisdom is that China will blast past the USA to become the new superpower. In this video, I debunk that prediction. Although China has many good things going for it and will undoubtedly get stronger this century, it has two things that will slow its dramatic rise down: 1. China's authoritarian/totalitarian tendencies will invite a Chinese revolution against the communist party. 2. China's demographics. That's what this video is about. I examine Pew Research's 8-point report on China's demographics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErOxGV-Ekd8 FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 04 Oct 2024 | 2 K2 & Everest Climbers Swap Mountain Stories | 00:19:06 | |
Everyone loves coincidences. During my month in Estonia, I bumbled into Krisli Melesk, who bumbled into Eric Gilbertson on K2. Eric & I were scheduled to record a podcast a few days after I met Krisli, so I invited her to join the show as a surprise guest! Eric Gilbertson is in the process of climbing to the highest point in every country. He's done 143 out of 193! This is first of a two-part series, featuring Eric & Krisli. Subscribe to get next week's episode where we will discuss Eric kite surfing across Greenland! You must listen to my first two interviews with Eric Gilbertson! Krisli Melesk is also remarkable. She deserves her own episode and book! Her list of adventures is long and mind-blowing. We only delved into a couple of her countless adventures in this episode. In this episode, we focus on K2 and Everest, especially their joint experience on K2. Although they didn't climb K2 on the same team, they met on K2 and summitted a few days apart. We end the show by talking about Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain, with an elevation of 28,169 feet (8,586 metres). It is situated in the eastern Himalayas on the border between Sikkim state, northeastern India, and eastern Nepal, 46 miles (74 km) north-northwest of Darjiling, Sikkim. We discuss why Eric was able to summit Kanchenjunga and Krisli was not. Note: In the show, I refer to Krisli as "Kris," but the automatic subtitle generator on the video transcribed her name as "Chris." Also, I apologize for the mediocre audio quality. We had tech issues. Watch the VideoFeedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 14 Jun 2023 | Bitcoin & Crypto is NOT Trustless When It Comes to Inheritance | 00:15:14 | |
Pamela Morgan, author of Cryptoasset Inheritance Planning, explains how you can transfer your crypto with minimal risk after you die. Subscribe for the next few episodes featuring Pamela as we dive into death! Will your crypto be accessible after you die? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArfBsVOd52c Timeline00:00 Why Crypto is Novel 06:00 The illusion of trustlessness 08:40 Matthew Mellon Lesson 11:00 How to create a plan More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 29 Mar 2024 | Traveling To Every Country Faster Than Anyone - Michael Zervos of Project Kosmos | 00:05:07 | |
Michael Zervos is trying to visit every country faster than anyone else while recounting the happiest moments in people's lives. In this interview series, we talk about his Project Kosmos. Periodically throughout 2024 and 2025, I will interview Michael Zervos about his 1.5-year quest to travel to all the nations in the world faster than anyone else! #1 Who is Michael Zervos & what is Project Kosmos?Michael Zervos explains Project Kosmos and why he's trying to be the fastest person to travel to every country. Watch this interview on YouTube Follow him on social media to see if he pulls it off. Michael Zervos makes well-produced social media content. Visit Michael Zervos's Linktree for all his links. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 14 Oct 2022 | Students Fundraise with NFTs & Gain Financial Literacy with FirstRoot.co | 00:18:18 | |
I interview Luke Hohmann, CEO & Founder of First Root. Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a democratic process in which a group of students determines how to invest a shared budget to improve a school. PB authentically motivates students to learn and practice the “Four Cs” of the 21st Century curriculum: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration — all while teaching design thinking, civics, and jump-starting their journey to increasing financial literacy. Students experience actual agency and stewardship over their futures, learning through their own experiences how money works. Participatory Budgeting creates several benefits for students, schools, and their communities: Gives students a chance to experience democracy in action by providing students with concrete evidence of the benefits of getting involved Helps students engage in all aspects of design thinking as they create, refine, vote, and fund proposals Strengthens the school community by creating alignment and positive interactions among all stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, and administrators Creates self-confidence and civic pride as student-generated proposals are implemented Develops financial literacy skills, including budgeting and financial planning Luke is one of the world’s leading experts on applying Participatory Budgeting at scale in communities and business settings. Before founding FirstRoot, Luke started Conteneo, an enterprise software platform based on game theory for collaborative decision-making. The author of four books, Luke has been cited as an inventor in more than a dozen patents and is an internationally recognized expert in Agile Software Development.
Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 03 Mar 2023 | How will the Russo-Ukrainian War end? | 00:25:49 | |
Welcome to a 4-part series featuring Eastern Europe Expert Richard DeLong. He's lived most of his life in Eastern Europe & the Caucasus among Slavs, especially Ukrainians and Russians. Sorry that the audio quality is mediocre. I was in Georgia without my normal mic. I ask him: Part 1: How will the Russo-Ukrainian War end?Richard DeLong explains the two most likely scenarios. Richard believes scenario 1 is more likely than scenario 2. Timeline
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL7f_aXcJfA FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 19 Jan 2024 | Why China Won’t Invade Taiwan | 00:07:38 | |
Gary Arndt explains why it's unlikely that China will invade Taiwan. Gary Arndt is the host of the fabulous Everything Everywhere Daily Podcast. Listen to my previous episodes with Gary Arndt:
To leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 22 Jun 2021 | 10 Reasons to Hike with an Umbrella | 00:28:21 | |
After reviewing the 10 reasons why you should consider backpacking with an umbrella, I tackle... 10 frequently asked questions about carrying an umbrella while hiking or backpackingIn summary, I address the top 10 reasons to use an umbrella in the wild as well as the 10 questions people have about backpacking with an umbrella. I'm reading my umbrella article that has been viewed 200,000 times. Sponsors This episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 07 Jan 2022 | Never Say NONPLUSSED! The word has two opposite definitions! | 00:01:29 | |
This episode may leave you nonplussed. WTF does that word mean, anyway? It depends if you're talking with a Brit or a Yank. Listen to this mini-podcast episode for a quick explanation. And in the end, you'll conclude that it's unwise to use the word nonplussed. Mini-podcast episodesIn 2021, I made a 30-min WanderLearn episode about 12 words/phrases that are commonly misused. Although the video and podcast got decent attention, some people have a short attention span. Therefore, I broke that long episode into short segments that are easy to share. These bite-sized chunks are perfect for sharing. You might only agree with three of my suggestions and not all 12. Therefore, evangelize the words/phrases you want the world to change. Together, we can change their use. Yes, it's ambitious, but let's embark on this journey! FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!
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| 31 May 2023 | Bitcoin’s Stock-to-Flow Models Haven’t Failed Yet - 2023 Update | 00:07:43 | |
Although I was one of the loudest critics of Plan B's stock-to-flow model, and most people say it's "dead," I'm not declaring victory. In my annual analysis of Plan B's stock-to-flow models, it's still too early to call it invalidated since the generous deviation bands allow for price points between $20k and $1 million. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-mZau3kgPw Halfway through the show, I shift to see how my 2023 crypto price predictions are faring so far. More infoTo leave an anonymous voicemail that I could use on the podcast, go to SpeakPipe.com/FTapon You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 15 Oct 2021 | Interracial Marriages & Guns in the Navy Bootcamp | 00:07:48 | |
This is a two-part podcast. First, I reflect on how Americans view interracial marriages now vs. 1958. Second, I share a 90-second clip where Ashlee Braut, a US Navy Hospital Corpsman, talks about what sort of firearm training do Navy recruits receive. Rejoice Tapon chimes in a bit too. If you are only interested in the 90 seconds on the military, then watch the video below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mm8XwGMWjIw Be sure to watch the other Navy videos on my Navy/Military Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIMvGeI8gGoP6wfYk0egeIvpImjWnxAY7 See episode #1 about what to pack for Navy Bootcamp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHk9V7L9r-E Send me feedback via a voicemail. https://www.speakpipe.com/ftapon More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! Disclaimer: All views expressed on this video and comments made verbally or written do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense and are that of my own or the people in the video.
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| 08 Apr 2022 | What are financial bonds and inverted yields? | 00:08:19 | |
Recently, you may have heard that bond yields have "inverted." What does that mean? Financial reporters talk about bonds and yields often. It must be important, but why? What's the difference between a Treasury bill, a note, and a bond? Why are inverted yield curves scary? Timeline00:00 Question from a listeners 01:00 What's a bond? 02:20 Fed funds rate & inflation 03:00 3 Types of bonds 03:48 Bonds interest rates impact 04:33 Inverted yield curve 05:50 Why bond values are inversely proportional to yields 07:45 Conclusion Thanks to Dan Coplan for asking the question! Watch the VideoFeedback: Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using SpeakPipe. More info If you like this, subscribe and share!If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken Gossamer Gear is my favorite backpacking gear provider. | |||
| 17 Mar 2023 | Backpacking the Transcaucasian Trail, Caucasus, & Eastern Europe | 00:06:29 | |
Welcome to a 4-part series featuring Eastern Europe Expert Richard DeLong. He's lived most of his life in Eastern Europe & the Caucasus among Slavs, especially Ukrainians and Russians. In this episode, Richard Delong talks about the Transcaucasian Trail. He's an ultralight backpacker who has explored most of Eastern Europe's mountains. Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1TSP1fnd4Y Feedback Leave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear.
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| 21 Dec 2024 | How the FBI Screwed Up the DB Cooper and Flight 305 Case | 00:35:44 | |
In this three-part series, Dr. Robert Edwards and I discuss the fascinating mystery of DB Cooper. In 1971, a man hijacked Flight 305, received $200,000 in $20 bills, 4 parachutes, and skydived into the darkness over the Pacific Northwest, never to be seen again. Watch the VideoSubscribe to my YouTube channel and WanderLearn podcast to get the three episodes. Buy Dr. Robert H. Edwards's book about DB Cooper & Flight 305. To see photos and evidence related to the DB Cooper Case, visit Robert's Flickr site. The FBI has more information about the DB Cooper and Flight 305 case. Dr. Edwards has written three books addressing the biggest 20th-century mysteries:
I've interviewed Dr. Robert Edwards twice about his book Mallory, Irvine, and Everest: The Last Step But One. These interviews went viral. Listen to the first one, which focuses on his book. Next, listen to the second one, focusing on the recent discovery of Sandy Irvine's foot on Mt. Everest. #1 What happened before DB Cooper jumped?How did the FBI screw up its investigation? Here's the timeline of DB Cooper Episode #1. Timeline00:00 Reviewing the basics 04:00 Flight path 09:00 The oscillations 12:30 Reproducing the flight 18:00 Meteorology 21:50 Communications More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksGet 25% off when you sign up to Trusted Housesitters, a site that helps you find sitters or homes to sit in. Start your podcast with my company, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken. Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear. | |||
| 10 Jun 2022 | Exploring Family Travel with Jocelyn Diaz | 00:13:17 | |
Jocelyn Diaz hosts the "Exploring Family Travel" podcast. She has 3 kids under 6 years old. Timeline00:00 Intro 02:00 Homeschooling 03:00 Income sources 04:00 How to get sponsors 05:12 Takeaways 07:00 RVs We talked about https://GlobalTeenAdventures.com https://Growingupwithoutborders.com https://WildOnTheGo.com Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmeLbmrYP-U FeedbackLeave an anonymous voicemail on SpeakPipe.com/FTapon Or go to Wanderlearn.com, click on this episode, and write a comment. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 12 Nov 2021 | The Most Memorable Everything Everywhere Podcasts with Gary Arndt | 00:26:48 | |
Gary Arndt returns to the WanderLearn podcast In this 28-min podcast, Gary Arndt and I talk about:
Leave feedback: Gary will be back next week to talk about:
More info If you like this, subscribe and share! If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees!
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| 20 Sep 2020 | Random Facts About Everything That Take You Everywhere | 00:52:16 | |
Gary Arndt has a new podcast called Everything Everywhere Daily. I highly recommend subscribing to it. I talk with Gary about:
This show is sponsored by my Patrons and Sawyer. More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 18 Feb 2022 | Misusing the Word #CHEMICALS | 00:01:53 | |
"OMG, it has so many chemicals!" Do you have friends who avoid certain foods because "They have too many chemicals"? If so, share this episode with them! Mini-podcast episodesIn 2021, I made a 30-min WanderLearn episode about 12 words/phrases that are commonly misused. Although the video and podcast got decent attention, some people have a short attention span. Therefore, I broke that long episode into short segments that are easy to share. These bite-sized chunks are perfect for sharing. You might only agree with three of my suggestions and not all 12. Therefore, evangelize the words/phrases you want the world to change. Together, we can change their use. Yes, it's ambitious, but let's embark on this journey! FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 03 Jul 2020 | How Anti-Poaching Is Different Than Counter-Poaching | 00:46:28 | |
I interviewed three men regarding South Africa's Greater Balepye Nature Reserve:
Louis started guiding safaris in 1994. Freelancing at first but soon started his own Outfitting company called Footsoo Safaris which was changed to Ebersöhn Safaris. He briefly stepped out of the industry in 2012 but in 2014 he stepped back in as African Wildlife Services, AWS (Pty) Ltd trading as:
The AWS business model is based upon the guiding principles as described in “The Conservation Game: Saving Africa’s Biodiversity. By Gerhard R. Damm More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 24 Dec 2020 | Near Death on the CDT + Sym's 60-Year Love Story | 01:31:27 | |
For this Xmas, here's a special present - a podcast like no other! Sym Blanchard's first podcast with me in #3 in my all-time downloaded podcasts. My second one with him was also super popular. To make his third podcast even more interesting, Sym is joined by his girlfriend, Patty Montgomery. Together, they share:
This show is sponsored by my Patrons! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 22 Jul 2022 | The Culture of Mozambique | 00:12:37 | |
Episode 4 of 7 features Julio Maria Muhorro, a Power Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker from Mozambique. We discuss:
You can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Connect with me on: My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! In the USA, I recommend trading crypto with Kraken or FTX.us Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! For backpacking gear, buy from Gossamer Gear | |||
| 05 May 2022 | ASIAN & AMERICAN Have Much Broader Meanings and Definitions! | 00:05:16 | |
People who call themselves "Asians" and "Americans" have usurped words that have a much broader definition than the one most people use today. If you don't understand, please listen to this mini-podcast! And give me feedback below on what would be a good solution. Here are some ideas: American => Gringo or Yank(ee) Asian => East Asian Or let East Asians keep "Asian" as their term and then we refer to things from Asia as "Oriental" (Asia used to be called "the Orient"). What do you think? You can give feedback on Speakpipe or email (see below). Mini-podcast episodesIn 2021, I made a 30-min WanderLearn episode about 12 words/phrases that are commonly misused. Although the video and podcast got decent attention, some people have a short attention span. Therefore, I broke that long episode into short segments that are easy to share. These bite-sized chunks are perfect for sharing. You might only agree with three of my suggestions and not all 12. Therefore, evangelize the words/phrases you want the world to change. Together, we can change their use. Yes, it's ambitious, but let's embark on this journey! FeedbackWhat do you think of these mini-episodes? Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. https://speakpipe.com/ftaponOr email me at FT@FrancisTapon.com More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 31 May 2021 | Tips for Solo Female Travelers by Adrien Behn | 00:42:30 | |
Adrien Behn (pronounced "Bane") has been a nomad for 12 years and has visited 35 countries and 20 US States. She is the host of the Strangers Abroad Podcast. We talk about:
The journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported that "Men’s Brains Fight Urge to Eat Better Than Women's." Cosmo had a different take. Sarah Keating of the BBC argues that men get more hangry than women. SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by: More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||
| 27 Mar 2022 | Analyzing The Ukraine War | 00:27:33 | |
Nejc Trušnovec is a War Analyst who has been following the Ukraine War closely. We recorded this on March 27, 2022. You can watch the video interview on YouTube. Timestamps00:00 Intro 04:00 Current War Situation 05:50 Tactics 14:00 Are we rushing to judgment? 17:00 What's next? 19:10 What will happen to Putin? 23:00 Best News Sources 24:00 Final predictions Nejc's Top 3 War News Sources Feedback Give anonymous verbal feedback to this show or to the podcast in general by using the SpeakPipe link below. More infoIf you like this podcast, subscribe and share! My Patrons and Gossamer Gear sponsored this show! On social media, my username is always FTapon. Follow me on:
Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to send me a one-time tip on PayPal, use my email FT@FrancisTapon.com Lastly, for cryptocurrency tips, use my address: FTapon.x Affiliate linksStart your own podcast with the same company I use, Podbean, and get one month free! https://www.podbean.com/ftapon In the USA, trade crypto with Kraken https://r.kraken.com/c/2226643/687189/10583 or FTX.us https://ftx.us/home/#a=8886044 Outside the USA, trade crypto with Binance and get 5% off your trading fees! | |||
| 04 Dec 2020 | 1.5 Million COVID Deaths and 2021 Travel Plans | 00:05:11 | |
On March 27, 2020, we had 60,000 COVID deaths worldwide. I asked several physicians at my brother's virtual birthday party (on March 27) to predict how many deaths we would suffer in 2020. They said 100-250k. Rejoice said 1 million. I said 1.5 million. In December 2020, we hit the grim 1.5 million number, which is triple the annual number of worldwide flu deaths. I also discuss my 2021 travel plans. SponsorsThis show is sponsored by my Patrons More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! If you prefer to do a one-time contribution, you can send it to my PayPal at FT@FrancisTapon.com If you prefer giving me Bitcoin, then please send BTC to my tip jar: 3EiSBC2bv2bYtYEXAKTkgqZohjF27DGjnV | |||
| 18 Apr 2021 | 10 Reasons Why El Camino de Santiago Sucks & 10 Benefits | 00:49:23 | |
El Camino de Santiago has 10 benefits, 4 things that are either good or bad depending on your perspective, and 10 sucky things about it. In this episode, I read my most popular article and interject commentary. The article has over 3 million views because it appears in the Top 10 results whenever you Google "El Camino Santiago." Sorry for the 1-month hiatus. I'll be pumping out more episodes to make up for the missed podcasts! Question of the WeekYida asks: I'm reading about Rwanda right now. I'm wondering whether you ever went gorilla trekking there? I'm also curious about the economics of safari tourism in Africa. A gorilla permit in Rwanda is $1500 US while the GDP per capital there is only about $800 US! Safari adventures for foreigners cost a lot compared to what locals spend. But hiking and camping for leisure also seem to be more of a North American thing and not universal. Do locals go on much cheaper packages available for citizens only if they ever want to see wildlife? SponsorsThis episode is sponsored by Rerouted.co! Rerouted.co is a great way to either: 1. Buy 2nd-hand outdoor gear, thereby saving you money & saving the planet. 2. Sell your gear, thereby making you a bit of money & saving the planet. This episode is also brought to you by my patrons at Patreon! More infoYou can post comments, ask questions, and sign up for my newsletter at http://wanderlearn.com. If you like this podcast, subscribe and share! On social media, my username is always ftapon. Follow me on:
My Patrons sponsored this show! Claim your monthly reward by becoming a patron at http://Patreon.com/FTapon Rewards start at just $2/month! | |||