On the Fringe

Never Meta Anyone Who Does It Better

On the Fringe — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:29:05 GMT

This week, Dave and Gavin kibbitz about the large settlement announced between Meta and 47+ US States and territories. While on paper a stunning legal victory, the actual cost to the social media titan is more symbolic than anything else, as this presents Meta with an opportunity to tweak its algorithm and start rolling out more autonomous AI agents who will be able to train off of the interactions this algorithmic tweaking will cause.

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The boys talk about the relative merits and de-merits of “Just Say No!” when it comes to using social media and opine on this cycle of excrement anyone who is involved in a social media platform seems to be trapped in.

On the Fringe is getting more and more downloads each day. As the community grows, we would love to hear from you! Shoot us a message or an email.

Thanks as always for joining us On the Fringe.

All the best from both of us,

Dave + Gav

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Sending our thoughts and prayers to flood victims in Nepal

On the Fringe — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:16:57 GMT

On the morning of August 26th, along the Nepali-Chinese border, tragedy struck. Devastating flash floods wiped out entire villages, ports of entry, roads, and human lives.

With a death toll currently around 800 and over 3,000 missing, the scale of destruction and devastation seems impossibly large for a country already struggling with environmental change and economic hardship. Gav and Dave talk about some of the factors involved and how this is a harbinger of what’s to come in the high mountains of Asia.

Our hearts go out to the people of Nepal and in Tibet who are suffering from the devastating tragedy at this time. If you’d like to make a donation to flood victims and aren’t sure where to make a contribution, the National Peace Corps Association recommends Friends of Nepal.

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Shift happens? Outlining the Mecca Agreement

On the Fringe — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 23:30:31 GMT

Hello, On the Fringe Community. I thought I’d posted this last week!

In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze what the new Mecca Joint Defense Agreement (the Mecca Agreement) between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan means for the Middle East and South Asia. This tripartite security pact outlines that members will come to one another’s aid in the event of an attack. Saudi and Pakistan had already had an agreement signed in 2025; this adds Turkey to the mix.

Is this a new geopolitical bloc forming in the region? Will this agreement stand up if truly tested? Listen in and find out our thoughts.

As always, thanks for the support and all the best from both of us,

Dave and Gav

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

On the Fringe — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:18:51 GMT

Curious about where the fuel for an angry social media thread begins? It’ll likely surprise you—like it did us!

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Meme and engagement farms are popping up in Indonesia, providing opportunities for locals to earn thanks to YOUR clicks and arguing with someone you’ve never met in Cleveland.

Dave and Gavin also tie the podcast into a reminder and practical advice at the end that everyone who uses the internet shouldn’t miss.

If you enjoyed the episode, let us know! Shoot us an email, leave a comment, and share it with your friends. We really appreciate it!

All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gav

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Does the US-ROK alliance cool as Northeast Asia simmers?

On the Fringe — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 18:49:17 GMT

In this episode, Dave and Gavin analyze and explore potential ramifications in South Korea (and in the region) due to the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises being abruptly shortened.

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Since his first term, President Trump has called out South Korea for not doing enough to bear the costs of U.S. military forces in Korea and supporting the United States. As Trump again signals displeasure with Seoul, and takes action by shortening the military exercises early, will the ROK in turn take a step to be more independent and less reliant on the United States for defense? Listen in and find out.

Don’t miss Gavin’s big prediction at the end.

If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend and let us know. We always appreciate the support from our growing On the Fringe community!

All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gavin

Run for office like you would a first down

On the Fringe — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 16:30:03 GMT

In this episode, Dave and Gavin welcome back Sherman Tylawsky, a friend and past guest from season 3 of On the Fringe. Sherman ran for Congress in Nevada’s Second District and looks back on his campaign across the northern chunk of the state.

He dives into why he ran, his approach to campaigning, and what he learned to build a greater understanding of Nevadans in his district and of America.

Listen to the full episode to get a clear picture of who Sherman is as a person. To hear more about his foundation for public service, don’t miss this episode where we talked with him about values to keep a human-focused future in an ever-changing technological world.

Sherman also has a podcast called Friends and Fellow Citizens that can be accessed here.

Thanks for listening and all the best from both of us,

Dave and Gavin

Bonus Episode: Gavin’s take on the migration crisis in Ceuta

On the Fringe — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:28:30 GMT

In this subscribers’ only episode, Gavin talks about some of his experiences living in proximity to Ceuta and what a lot of people forget about the daily realities of the people trying to cross into Spain.

This episode is subscribers only. Click below to listen!

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Ceuta, Spain: Between ‘the Rock’ and a very hard place

On the Fringe — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 15:13:57 GMT

Around the end of July, around 70,000 people crossed the border between Morocco and the Spanish city of Ceuta. Dozens died trying to swim there, and heaven knows how many died crossing the Sahel and the Sahara from their own countries.

In this short episode, Dave and Gavin talk about the realities around the event and why it has become such a flash point for opinion across the planet.

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If you enjoyed the episode, reach out! Send us a message at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com, leave a comment.

We always appreciate the growing support from our On the Fringe community.

All the best from both of us,

Dave + Gavin

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A Megaphone for the People ft. Dan Williams and Ramon Perez

On the Fringe — Sun, 16 Aug 2026 05:18:12 GMT

This week, Dave and Gav talk to Dan Williams, a contender in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 11th electoral district, and an old friend of the pod, Ramon Perez, the executive director of the Digital Democracy Project.

Dan Williams is a candidate with a vision for congressional representation in America that would transcend party politics and special interests by using available and readily accessible technology to center the voice of the people living in congressional districts. The boys talk to Dan and Ramon about how they’re trying to get the conversation about direct democracy going on a national level and how policies often unite voters divided on party lines.

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After you’ve listened, don’t miss our episode with Ramon:

On the Fringe

Rebuilding democracy from the ground up: The Digital Democracy Project (feat. Ramon Perez)

In this episode, Gav and Dave speak with Ramon Perez, AI technology executive and military veteran, from the Digital Democracy Project about the misaligned incentive structures shaping modern politics in America…

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3 months ago · On the Fringe, Dave Bowling, and Gavin Lucky

If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend or let us know: onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

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All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gav

How gerrymandering changes election outcomes and a way to fight it (featuring Tom Joseph)

On the Fringe — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 02:32:42 GMT

In this episode, Dave and Gav sit down with Tom Joseph, an early tech entrepreneur and the treasurer of America’s Main Street Party, to talk about how and why political parties in the U.S use this strategy to retain power and limit opposition.

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Tom presents a radical idea to fight gerrymandering with a super PAC—fighting fire with fire so to speak—which opens the door for more voters to have their voices heard and to narrow down potential political candidates.

Curious about how to really make your vote count, or about the U.S. electoral system? Don’t miss this episode!

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The Gerry-mander cartoon is part of the public domain in the United States and can be accessed here on Wikimedia

Also, I (Dave) made a mistake. I meant to say District 18, not District 14. (District 14 is across town).

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

On the Fringe — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 04:22:16 GMT

We couldn’t have predicted that Kalshi is pushing a valuation at the level of United Airlines, Campbells Soup, or Dropbox.

That’s why we had Andrew Lebbos, Senior Vice President of Licensing at Benzinga, a fast-growing finance data licensing company, on the podcast to explain the intersection of finance and prediction markets.

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If you are interested in markets, mutual funds, AI, and the rapid rise of prediction markets, don’t miss this episode. We cover the rapid rise of prediction markets, how prediction markets are reshaping investment strategies, and how everyday investors will have new channels available as prediction markets are set to shake up the entire financial industry.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed by Andrew Lebbos in this episode are his own and do not reflect the positions of Benzinga. This discussion is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation regarding any security. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

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

On the Fringe — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 15:28:58 GMT

In this episode, Dave and Gav dive into the Makanan Bergizi Gratis (MBG), pronounced as ‘em-bay-gay’ program. This program was launched by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in January 2025 to combat child malnutrition and spur economic development across the country.

We analyze Indonesia’s current political and economic state through the program and what this means for the country going forward.

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Did we hit the mark, or are we totally out to lunch on this episode? Let us know with a message or a comment! Or, reach out at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

We wouldn’t be here without the support of our longstanding supporters and our new listeners in our growing On the Fringe Community. Thank you, as always, for tuning in!

All the best from both of us,

Dave + Gav

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

On the Fringe — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:00:46 GMT

On November 13th 2024, a tragedy occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos. Six tourists from four countries lost their lives from unknowingly drinking methanol at a popular backpackers’ hostel.

Fast forward a year and a half, and charges have been laid against the owner of the distillery…over a $1,000 and just about a month in the big house. Needless to say, many of the grieving families, are less than happy about this.

Meanwhile, the Laotian government has been relatively non-plussed. We talk about why this is exactly and the context surrounding this sad incident.

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For our earlier coverage of the event, here’s one from the vault—nearly 2 years ago!

On the Fringe

On the Fringe #11 Methanol Poisoning and Travel Safety

First and foremost, we send our condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones in the last week from methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng, Laos…

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2 years ago · On the Fringe

Are you surprised by the Laotian government’s reaction to the event?

If you learned something from the episode, or have any other travel tips for your fellow listeners, share it with us at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com or in a message.

We sincerely appreciate our dedicated listeners and subscribers.

All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gav

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Voter equality is underrated: The state of open Primaries in the United States

On the Fringe — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:59:42 GMT

This week, Dave and Gavin, sit down with Chad Peace, the founder and President of IVC Media, and attorney for the IVP (Independent Voter Project). Chad is a prominent lawyer and activist who was a key part of the effort to pass Proposition 14, a voter initiative that implemented an open primary system in California.

During the chat, Chad gives a look at the state of voting reform on the state level across the United States and how it is both a non-partisan and bi-partisan issue. Taking a look at the state of open primaries and ranked choice voting might not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but it is an interesting insight in to a story that is generally covered in a simple and usually misleading way.

To learn more about Chad’s work and IVC Media, go to: https://independentvoterproject.org/

To learn more about Independent Voter News, go to ivn.us

Independent Voter News was ranked as having a “Center” rating on AllSides and as being “Least biased, having high credibility, and providing factual information,” according to Media Bias / Fact Check.

Is "insider trading" the secret ingredient to digital success on the music charts?

On the Fringe — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:32:21 GMT

How does “Earrings,” a 2024 indie sleeper nobody had ever heard of make it to No. 1 on the charts in 2026? Whatever the case, Spotify had to issue a mea culpa after Kalshi pointed out that bots programmed by some bad actors—not Todd—looking to make a quick buck were probably to blame.

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Again, on this episode we return to the subject of insider trading, manipulation, and straight-up wire fraud and the almost limitless horizon of opportunities, some legitimate, some less so, offered by prediction markets.

This is just another act on the Dark Side of Prediction Markets. And, there will likely be more to come, not only in terms of more episodes on this topic, but also of how everyday life is increasingly manipulated for profit.

If you enjoyed the episode or want to throw some rocks, click below. We always appreciate the love from our growing On the Fringe community.

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All the best from both of us,

Dave + Gav

What Gavin and Spongebob have in common

On the Fringe — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 15:12:03 GMT

Before we recorded our planned episode yesterday, we spontaneously jumped into talking about driving, Korea, and North Korea. And now, I know why Gavin has never suggested renting a car.

You’ll also hear a tidbit about why a Korean Driver’s license is powerful, arguably more so than the Dear Leader himself.

Congress has a solution to protect American kids from AI Slop. Will it work?

On the Fringe — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:41:01 GMT

This week on the pod, Dave and Gav get into it about the SAFE Kids Act and other pieces of legislation regarding AI chatbots, social media, and child safety. As legislators around the world play catch-up with the social, economic, and legal implications of AI, we talk about how Constitutional rights may find themselves more in the crossfire—or in the crosshairs.

This episode is part of our rolling coverage of developments involving AI and education. We’ve covered whether a college degree is worth it and what the front lines of preparing for an AI future look like. It’s likely not where you’d think!

If you enjoyed the episode, shoot us a message, restack, and pass us some love and feedback. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify, don’t forget to rate our show. We sincerely appreciate all the growing support our On the Fringe community provides.

All the best from both of us!

Dave and Gavin

We Came, We Saw, We Got The Hell Out.

On the Fringe — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 16:36:00 GMT

Five months after the quiet announcement that American troops were being deployed in Nigeria to combat the local IS franchise, an even quieter announcement that the 200-ish deployment has already come to an end. The strategic aims apparently having been met, the US’s engagement, which began with a barrage of Tomahawks on Christmas Day last year, has been wrapped up. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has taken pains to highlight how information sharing between the two countries continues despite a physical withdrawal.

Does the withdrawal mean mission accomplished for the U.S.? For the Nigerians? Let us know what you think!

All the best from both of us,

Dave and Gavin

If you want to hear more about the region, check out this episode!

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A mistaken identity...It's all in the name On the Fringe

On the Fringe — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 23:05:43 GMT

Hey On the Fringe Community!

In the last couple of years, there have been several other On the Fringe podcasts that have come out (one about labor unions, and one about aliens, from what it looks like…plus a few others). For the first time in both our lives (Dave + Gavin), we are being confused for someone else—and to be honest, it’s kind of weird and funny for both of us. Click the episode above to get our reaction to it.

One more thing too:

Since we set up On the Fringe 2 years ago, we’ve done this as a hobby and a labor of love. It’s fun for Gavin + I, and we are talking about taking the podcast more seriously going forward—i.e. having a clearer upload schedule, producing more exclusive content for subscribers and loyal listeners, and monetizing the show.

When we do decide to monetize the show, we will keep you all informed :)

And if you have any ideas that could help us to build our show going forward, they’re ALWAYS welcome. Shoot us a message or an email at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com

All the best from both of us On the Fringe!

Dave and Gav

Thank you, again, On the Fringe Community

On the Fringe — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 22:44:42 GMT

Hello, On the Fringe Community! Here’s a quick thank you message as we wrap up season. We appreciate and enjoy your continued support—and we have more on the way!