Shows
The Arts of TravelMatthew Christopher on the Photography & Stories of 'Abandoned America'I was thrilled to speak to Matthew Christopher on his multi-year project: Abandoned America, documenting the abandoned spaces, places and buildings of the U.S.A.
We discuss a variety of fascinating topics: How the paradox of America's toxic capitalism and settler colonialism can be seen in abandoned properties. Why abandoned properties are still guarded by Police, how Social Media has accelerated the shallow photography of 'Ruin Porn', and why Donald Trump should be known as the 'Abandoner in Chief' for his callous fascism towards America's poor and non-white citizens.
For more on Matthew and Aba...2020-11-301h 21
The Arts of TravelScientist Yangyang Cheng - The Limits of Science under Capitalism & The StateThis was a one of a kind conversation with a one of a kind mind. I spoke to Writer and Large Hadron Collider Scientist Yangyang Cheng.
Yangyang and I debate why so many brilliant people work in scientific systems that produce suffering. And why this global pandemic has not inspired scientists, states and capitalism to cooperate, but instead acted as a catalyst for exploitation and violence.
It's a fascinating conversation on Research, STEM, and what these fields might look like in a world without borders or capitalism.
For more on Yangyang, simply search her na...2020-09-211h 22
The Arts of TravelVincent Wong - Abolition & InternationalismI spoke to Vincent Wong, an attorney on Abolition as it relates to internationalism
Artwork is by Lizartistry: https://www.instagram.com/lizar_tistry/
Music is 'TwentyEighteen' by Julian Avila: https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila
2020-09-141h 05
The Arts of TravelLebanon's Apocalypse - Organizer Joey Ayoub: On the August 4th Explosion and Beirut in the Aftermath.To speak on Beirut in the wake of the August 4th explosion, I was joined by writer and friend Joey Ayoub. We discuss the lives destroyed by the blast, how Lebanon (and the global elite) helped birth the disaster through 'organized abandonment' and Joey's thoughts for how to keep living, struggling and fighting, with so many around the world dealing with their own individual apocalypses.
For more with Joey, please check out here: https://linktr.ee/joeyayoub
And check out his own excellent Podcast here: thefirethisti.me
Music is 'Butterfly Effe...2020-09-071h 26
The Arts of TravelPavin Chachavalpongpun, on Digital Activism, Thailand's Protests and Facing down the MonarchyThis is a conversation on Thailand's protests with Pavin Chachavalpongpun. Pavin is an Associate professor at Kyoto University, a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and the founder of 'The Royalist Marketplace' , which besides being the World's 18th largest Facebook group, is the source of an incredible battle between Facebook and Thailand's government who hope to block the group to control dissent and criticism of Thailand's Monarchy and King Vajiralongkorn.
In this conversation Pavin and I discuss Thailand's protests, the violence Thailand's Monarchy uses to maintain power, and how digital activism and real-life protests are building a ne...2020-08-3134 min
The Arts of TravelWilliam Andrews - Author of Dissenting Japan - On Protests, Direct Action and Riots in Japan's 60s, 70s & 80sWe spoke to William Andrews, author of Dissenting Japan. In my experience the best English Language resource on Protests, Direct Action and Riots in Japan.*
We discuss what happened in Japan after the 1960s, how its youth were caught up in the global wave of revolutionary anti-capitalist, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal struggles of this era, and how Japan's revolutionaries expressed dissent in their own unique, dangerous and powerful ways.
It's a fascinating chat about a historical subject that should receive more attention. For those who'd like to learn more:
Listen to part 1 of our conversation w. Wi...2020-08-241h 10
The Arts of TravelKunthida Rungruengkiat - How Thailand's Elites destroyed the Future Forward Party, and where Thai Politics goes nextI recorded this Interview with Kunthida Rungruengkiat, former deputy leader of Thailand's now-banned Future Forward Party in March, right after the party was ordered to dissolve and Thailand shut down to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
Kunthida talks about the formation of the Future Forward Party, how their vision of social democracy threatened Thailand's elite, and why Thailand's youth and student-led protests may continue until fundamental change happens in the country.
For more please follow Kunthida on Twitter here: @Kunthida_FWP
Beat is by River Beats - "BFFs": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJzS...2020-08-1750 min
The Arts of TravelJournalist April Zhu: On the Difficult Questions of Chinese Capital & the Kenyan StateTo better understand Kenya, China and the complex relationship between them I spoke w. Nairobi-based Journalist April Zhu. April is a fascinating reporter working in multiple languages, countries and contexts to report on China, Kenya and the developing relationship between them.
Our conversation centers on capitalism, race, nationalism and trade between these two nations, in the time of Covid-19. For more of April's Work I would recommend:
Her Website: http://www.aprzhu.com/
Her article for the Southern China Morning Post on religion among Kenyans trying to convert newly arriving Chinese workers: https://www...2020-08-101h 10
The Arts of TravelKeri Blakinger of the Marshall Project on America's Prisons & Covid-19We speak to Keri Blakinger (Twitter: @keribla) of the Marshall Project, on the violence and scope of America's Carceral System.
We focus on why media often ignores prisons, the spread of Covid-19 in the U.S. Carceral System, and the economics of prisons.
For more of Keri's work you can check out her back catalog of writing at the Marshall Project here: https://www.themarshallproject.org/staff/keri-blakinger
Music is by Julian Avila : https://soundcloud.com/julian_avila2020-08-0353 min
The Arts of TravelTuck Woodstock on the Portland Protests + Preview w. Lausan's Vincent Wong on Hong Kong & Mutual AidI spoke with Journalist Tuck Woodstock (Twitter: @tuckwoodstock) on their work covering the Portland Black Lives Matter Protests.
We discuss Police and Federal Violence, the problematic Mayor Ted Wheeler, and how Protesters are both learning from international protests - like Hong Kong - and applying their own unique tactics.
At the end of this episode, I included a preview from a future podcast with Vincent Wong (Twitter: @InitialVW) of the Lausan Collective. Vincent provides fascinating insight about Mutual Aid, and why this non-violent form of resistance is targeted by state and police violence. For more w...2020-07-2946 min
The Arts of TravelDr. Laurence Ralph on Chicago Police Violence and the Torture of Black AmericansI was honored to speak with Dr. Laurence Ralph of Princeton University on his book: 'The Torture Letters: Reckoning with Police Violence'
We discuss how Dr. Ralph painstakingly documented the torture of generations of Black Chicagoans at the hands of the Chicago Police Force, how this generational violence and trauma connects to the police murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many Black Lives lost to present-day police violence, and how Dr. Ralph sees his work linked to victims of American Imperialism - most notably in Guantanamo Bay - who've also endured torture and death.
...2020-07-271h 15
The Arts of TravelAuthor Vincent Bevins on 'The Jakarta Method', Past Violence & Present CapitalismWe were thrilled to speak with Journalist Vincent Bevins on his new book, 'The Jakarta Method: Washington's Anticommunist Crusade and the Mass Murder Program that Shaped Our World'
Vincent was kind enough to engage us in a wide-ranging discussion on his book, the violence perpetrated by governments in Indonesia and Brazil in collaboration with the US Government, and what past violence says about the capitalism of the present.
Without shaming anyone by name, I think many in the US/UK Left, who've spoken to Vincent, would do well to study his habits, such as the l...2020-07-201h 01
The Arts of TravelJournalist Barnaby Lo - Concerns over Philippines Anti-Terror Bill & the silencing of Duterte's Media CriticsFor updates on the Philippines and how it is facing down the struggles of an increasingly authoritarian government I spoke with Manila-based Journalist Barnaby Lo.
We discuss the passage of a recent Anti-Terrorism Bill and the concerns many have about how it may be weaponized by the Duterte Government. We also discuss the dissolving of Media Channel ABS-CBN and the Prosecution of Rappler Founder Maria Ressa.
For more on Barnaby and his reporting on these issues, please follow him on Twitter : @barnabychuck
Music by Kiyoto -"Around" : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N3...2020-07-1758 min
The Arts of TravelAcademic Ruodi Duan: On Mao, Black Radicals and the Tragic End of Black-China SolidarityThis is a truly fascinating conversation w. Academic Ruodi Duan of Harvard University on the once thriving solidarity between global black radicals and China under Mao.
We discuss the history of this solidarity in the context of the USSR-China Split, how black revolutionaries such as Huey Newton, W.E.B Du Bois, Vicky Garvin, Robert Williams and others collaborated with Mao's China, and how eventually this solidarity came undone as China's statecraft and capital became more important to nation-building than solidarity with black radicals.
We cover a great deal of ground in this conversation between Mao...2020-07-131h 11
The Arts of TravelAttorney Alec Karakatsanis: On Abolishing the Racial Capitalism & White Supremacy of the US Legal SystemI was thrilled to be joined by author, organizer and attorney Alec Karakatsanis. Alec is the founder of Civil Rights Corps and author of the critically acclaimed book - Usual Cruelty: The Complicity of Lawyers in the Criminal Injustice System
Alec was kind enough to have a wide-ranging, and brutally honest conversation on the Criminal Punishment Bureaucracy of the United States, the propaganda of the legal system that conceals its racist and capitalist violence, the false promise of progressive DAs, and how defense attorneys can fight against the violence of capital and the state.
...2020-07-0659 min
The Arts of TravelFascists F*ck Off ! Researcher Gregor Wakounig on Japan's ANTIFA history and fighting Racism in JapanTo understand the history of ANTIFA in Japan, I spoke with researcher and translator Gregor Wakounig. We discuss the wave of Black Lives Matter, Anti-Police protests happening in Japan, the parallels between racism in the USA and Japan, and how we need to oppose fascists like Trump or Shinzo Abe, wherever they appear.
For more with Gregor, you can find his website on Antifascism in Japan: http://zatsudan.at/
And his twitter: @gregor_wakounig
Music by Young Swisher Beats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqhesZOixec2020-06-291h 02
The Arts of TravelJournalist Hyunsu Yim: K-Pop, Black Lives Matter, and the Complex Politics of Global FandomI spoke with Hyunsu Yim of the Korea Herald on K-Pop, its global fan base, and their support for Black Lives Matter. We discuss the differences between the Progressive politics of K-Pop's Fans, the largely apolitical nature of the musical groups themselves, and how this makes discussing K-Pop and Progressive causes, a very complicated matter.
For more with Hyunsu, you can check out his most recent article with the Washington Post on K-Pop and Black Lives Matter here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/11/surprised-seeing-k-pop-fans-stand-up-black-lives-matter-you-shouldnt-be/#click=https://t.co/E4HGNeezS6
And his recent article with t...2020-06-2255 min
The Arts of TravelAuthor Shon Meckfessel - Observations, Insights & Politics from Seattle's CHAZ Autonomous ZoneFor insights on Seattle's CHAZ autonomous zone we spoke with Author and Seattle local - Shon Meckfessel. Shon, a professor at Highline College, is the author of the 2016 book: Nonviolence Ain't What It Used To Be: Unarmed Insurrection and the Rhetoric of Resistance
We discuss the timeline of CHAZ, how the zone both rejects and dialogues with local Seattle politics, his thoughts on the methods and mutual aid present in the zone, and how the Zone fits into the constellation of uprisings after the police murder of George Floyd.
For more conversations like this, check out...2020-06-1749 min
The Arts of TravelHarsh Mander - On India's Protests, Violence against Muslims & The Poor, and Radical LoveI spoke w. organizer Harsh Mander on his efforts to help India's poor and Muslim communities, who have endured unspeakable violence from Narendra Modi's government. We discuss Covid-19 impact on India's migrant workforce, the violence India's Muslims have faced, and how despite this hatred and the state targeting him with prosecution for his organizing, Harsh maintains a philosophy of 'radical love' .
Other topics include: Anarchism vs. Social Democracy, leaders, and how the Black Lives Matter protests are being viewed within India.
For more with Harsh, simply search the internet, he's all over!
...2020-06-151h 09
The Arts of TravelWriter Cassie Da Costa - Race, Gender & Celebrity in an Unequal WorldRecorded before the brutal police murder of George Floyd, this is a conversation I had with Writer Cassie Da Costa about what celebrity means in a United States where Race, Gender and Capitalism are deeply intertwined. We discuss figures like Gal Gadot, Jay-Z, The Kardashians, Lebron James, Beyonce, Cardi B, Ru Paul, Jameela Jamil, and others.
Should we admire celebrities for succeeding despite racial oppression, or do they distract us from dismantling the oppressive systems of whiteness, sexism and capitalism? What does Beauty mean in a world where bodies have always been commodified as products? Can celebrities be 'ro...2020-06-081h 05
The Arts of TravelVicky Osterweil on US Left Media: How Riots expose the Distance between The People and the PunditsPrior to the brutal Police murder of George Floyd, I spoke w. writer Vicky Osterweil ( Read her essay: In Defense of Looting ) to discuss why the US Left Media (at least those with money or fame) are so bad at centering the voices of those in struggle both overseas (in places like Hong Kong, India, West Papua or Xinjiang) and domestically (the complete erasure of the Black Lives Matter Movement).
Vicky discusses some of the structural failures in a US Left Media populated with figures from the Ivy Leagues or The Rich. Why they gravitate towards a le...2020-06-0144 min
The Arts of TravelWriter Yi-Ling Liu on Blued: How the World's Largest LGBTQ App was built in China & the Limits of Tolerance in the PRCI was fortunate to speak with writer Yi-Ling Liu on her outstanding piece in New York Times Magazine on Blued: How a Dating App Helped a Generation of Chinese Come Out of the Closet
Our conversation touches on several issues
- The truly remarkable story of Blued's Founder Geng Le
- The wax and wane with which LBGTQ rights and acceptance have occurred in China under the PRC
- The 'pink yuan' and Neoliberal Queerness in China
- And what does a LGBTQ role in society look like if activism or organizing is forbidden.
For...2020-05-251h 10
The Arts of TravelWriter & Researcher Mita: On Anarchism, Mutual Aid & What the Western Left could Learn from Indonesia (Conclusion)We were thrilled to speak with Writer and Researcher Aria Danaparamita or Mita (Twitter: @mitatweets) , for a two part conversation on Indonesia, Covid-19 and Political Economy.
In part 2 of our conversation, we discuss the ways Anarchists, Socialists and ordinary people are coming together to help one another, after being abandoned by capitalists and the state. Mutual Aid, Direct Action and other progressive tactics are being used in powerful ways in Indonesia, its my hope we can learn from their struggles, and build links of solidarity.
In this spirit of solidarity, here are a list of...2020-05-1840 min
The Arts of TravelWriter and Researcher Mita: On Indonesia , Covid-19 & The Hidden Violence of the Status Quo (part 1)We were thrilled to speak with Writer and Researcher Aria Danaparamita or Mita (Twitter: @mitatweets) , for a two part conversation on Indonesia, Covid-19 and Political Economy.
In part one of our conversation we look at Indonesia through the increasingly irrelevant lens of liberalism. Covering Indonesian Leader Jokowi, The current politics of Indonesia, how Covid-19 has caused crisis or has simply revealed the hidden violence of Capital and the State.
The state is failing, Capitalists are using this crisis to line their own pockets. Only we can save each other. To that end, here are a list of organizations who are...2020-05-1147 min
The Arts of TravelMinicast w. Washington Post's Regine Cabato on Press Freedom in the PhilippinesThis is a "Mini-cast" w. the Washington Post's Regine Cabato on Press Freedom in the Philippines and her thoughts on what its like to do journalism in the country.
We discuss the state's targeting of Maria Ressa, Troll Farms and how it feels to be a journalist in the Philippines.
For more of Regine's work please check out her Twitter at @RegineCabato or her page at the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/regine-cabato/
Beat by PLXR: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rruZoAfOi4c2020-05-0619 min
The Arts of TravelRegine Cabato of the Washington Post on The Philippines, Covid-19 and Global LaborTo understand how Covid-19 is impacting the Philippines, we were joined by Regine Cabato of the Washington Post.
Our conversation centers on the domestic impact Covid-19 has had on the Philippines and the at times brutal response of Leader Rodrigo Duterte.
We also discuss how the Philippines, which is deeply integrated into global immigration and migrant labor, is a reflection on Capitalism. Is a 'return to normal' a solution? Or was 'normal' the problem to begin with?
For more of Regine's work please check out her Twitter at @RegineCabato or her page at the Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com...2020-05-041h 17
The Arts of TravelHaeryun Kang on the Nth Room Scandal, Digital Harassment and Sexual Violence in South Korea (Content Warning)CONTENT WARNING - The content within this episode is graphic, refers to assault and may be triggering to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised
We spoke w. Journalist Haeryun Kang on the Telegram 'Nth Room' Scandal and a contemporary history of the misogyny, digital violence and real-life harassment that South Korean Women have endured.
For as brilliant as South Korea has been in handling Covid-19, it deserves scrutiny and criticism for the violence and harassment of women that the government has left unaddressed for years. From ridiculous double standards, to an epidemic of spy-camera pornography, to absurd rulings in sexual...2020-05-0157 min
The Arts of TravelWhy aren't we Talking About Vietnam's Success w. Covid-19? Guests: Mike Tatarski of Saigoneer & Academic Mai TruongTo better understand Vietnam's stunning success in managing Covid-19, I spoke to Vietnam-based Journalist Mike Tatarski, and Academic Mai Truong of the University of Arizona.
Mike's interview is the first half. We discuss the timeline of Covid-19 in Vietnam, the measures the government put into place and his impressions as an American abroad of Vietnam's competency, compared to the disastrous response of the United States.
Mai's interview is the second half. We discuss Vietnam's political system. How it gained citizenship participation and trust in its handling of Covid-19, and the complicated ways the country handles protest when citizens disagree with...2020-04-271h 16
The Arts of TravelThe End of Shinzo Abe? - Michael Penn of Shingetsu News on The Political Fallout of Covid-19 in Japan.This is a conversation w. Michael Penn: President of Shingetsu News Agency. We discuss Covid-19's impact on daily life, the economy and labor in Japan. We also analyze the political fallout for Shinzo Abe, who has dominated politics in the country seemingly forever. Could Covid-19 be his downfall?
It's a fascinating conversation. For more with Michael and Shingetsu News (which does wonderful progressive reporting in Japan) you can head to their website: http://shingetsunewsagency.com/
And check them out on Twitter - @ShingetsuNews
beats by Omoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C3AXn6l9Fg2020-04-2455 min
The Arts of TravelThe Thai Enquirer's Jasmine Chia: The Failures of Capitalism & The State in Thailand under Covid-19I was thrilled to speak w. Jasmine Chia of the Thai Enquirer on Thailand's Government, its Capitalist class and why both these dominating actors have offered such weak and inept responses to Covid-19.
In our conversation we discuss Thai Healthcare, the political economy that motivates both Thai Government and Thai Capital, the growing hostility behind many Thai Citizens and a increasingly misanthropic government, and the stark divide between rural and urban Thailand being exacerbated by this pandemic.
Jasmine is a fascinating guest and I consider her a go-to voice for a progressive understanding of Thailand. For more w. Jasmine you...2020-04-2056 min
The Arts of TravelAbolish Silicon Valley w. Repeater Book's Wendy Liu and Vice's Edward Ongweso Jr. (Part 2 - Conclusion)This is the fiery conclusion to my conversation with two of smartest people I know: Edward Ongweso Jr. of Vice and Wendy Liu who just released her memoir ABOLISH SILICON VALLEY (from Repeater Books)
Bernie Sanders is gone, electoralism is not an option to defeat the monsters of capitalism. We cannot use protests to blind the panopticon of technology rapidly imprisoning us. So what comes next? I discuss this with Edward and Wendy who both turned their back on wealth and power to try and build a better world.
For Wendy's new memoir, published by Repeater Books, you can find...2020-04-1746 min
The Arts of TravelTaiwan: Asia's Queer Casablanca - Dr. Wen Liu of Lausan & New Bloom on Taiwan, LGBTQI & Diaspora PoliticsWe were overjoyed to speak w. Dr. Wen Liu, one of the founding members of the progressive organization- New Bloom (Taiwan) and a member of the Decolonial Left Organization - Lausan (Hong Kong).
Our conversation explores how Taiwan has functioned as a Queer Casablanca, offering a space for solidarity and exploration for pan-Asian queerness within a still Hetronormative and Heteronationalist Asia.
We also discuss Taiwan's current government in relation to Queerness, the country's path to Same-Sex Marriage and the obstacles remaining to intersectional queerness in the country.
Plus we talk briefly w. Writer Chason Dailey on the complicated situation for...2020-04-131h 25
The Arts of TravelAbolish Silicon Valley w. Repeater Book's Wendy Liu and Vice's Edward Ongweso Jr. (Part 1)To better understand a United States where the richest men in the world - Bezos, Zuckerberg, Gates- have gained their wealth from a tech industry that is directly killing the workers at the front lines of Covid-19, I spoke to two of smartest people I know: Edward Ongweso Jr. of Vice and Wendy Liu whose memoir: ABOLISH SILICON VALLEY, is out now on Repeater Books
Its a powerful two-part conversation on the culture of smug cruelty that dominates the tech industry, and how we, the subjects they rule like kings, can tear down their systems of exploitation and create technology...2020-04-1053 min
The Arts of TravelScience and China Journalist Kathleen McLaughlin on Covid-19, China and separating Fact from FictionWe are joined by Journalist Kathleen McLaughlin to discuss Covid-19. She has over 15 years of experience in China, was the Beijing Correspondent for Science Magazine and her work can be seen in the New York Times and Washington Post.
Our discussion is centered on the Global Response to Covid-19, with a particular focus on responses in Asia compared to the dithering callousness of the United States. What systems are responding to the virus, and what systems are failing?
We also discuss the Virus from a scientific perspective and the scientific progress in developing a treatment or cure.
For more of...2020-04-061h 07
The Arts of TravelDeborah Augustin of New Naratif on Malaysia's Response to Covid-19 and Recent Political CoupMalaysia is enduring twin crisis, both Covid-19 and a recent coup which threw the country back into political uncertainty. To discuss how Malaysia is weathering these political and pandemic storms, I'm joined by Deborah Augustin of New Naratif
Deborah guides us through both these issues with honesty and good humor that left me feeling much more knowledgeable about Malaysia, Religion and Regional Politics.
For more on New Naratif please head here - https://newnaratif.com/about/
Beats by Urban Nerd - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0YKrNTtt0w2020-04-031h 04
The Arts of TravelA Fragile Peace in the Pandemic- Discussing South Korea & Covid-19 w. Grace Moon of AAJA and Dasl Yoon of the Wall Street JournalI spoke with Grace Moon of AAJA and Dasl Yoon of the Wall Street Journal on South Korea's response to Covid-19, one that's proving to be among the most effective in the world.
Part one of the Conversation is w. Grace, we mostly discuss what South Korea that's getting back to normal looks like.
The second 40 minutes is with Dasl . We discuss the political, economic and medical systems that have been so successful for South Korea, and what lessons they offer the rest of the world.
For more w. these great journalists you can follow Grace on Twitter at...2020-03-301h 21
The Arts of TravelThe Lion City vs. The Pandemic - L.A. Times Reporter Shashank Bengali on Singapore's Response to Covid-19I spoke w. Shashank Bengali of the LA Times on Singapore's Response to Covid-19, and how their coordinated, competent response stands in stark contrast to the piecemeal efforts of the United States
We also discuss how a Singapore long associated with capitalism and globalization, is making the health of the Many its top priority.
For more of Shashank please follow his work at the LAtimes - https://www.latimes.com/people/shashank-bengali
You can also find him on Twitter here - @SBengali
Beats by Urban Nerd Beats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gu2QCriDk42020-03-2755 min
The Arts of TravelJournalist William Yang on Taiwan's response to the Coronavirus & the power of Universal Heath CareWe spoke with journalist William Yang of Deutsche Welle News on How Taiwan has been able to contain the Covid-19 Coronavirus, and how its universal health care system has been crucial in this fight.
William also discusses some of the politics going on between Taiwan, China and the US at this moment where we need to work together to defeat this virus. It's a great chat with journalist during urgent important work.
For more on William, you can check out his Twitter here - @WilliamYang120
And his most recent article on Taiwan, Taiwan's Healthcare and fighting Covid-19 here - https...2020-03-2347 min
The Arts of TravelCrisis and Collapse: Vicky Osterweil on the Death of Neoliberal Multiculturalism & the Rise of Neoliberal FascismAt the outset of the US's Coronavirus outbreak, I had a fascinating conversation w. writer Vicky Osterweil on the era we live in. We'll release part 1 soon but, due to our present crisis, I'm skipping to Part 2
We look with unflinching personal honesty at our era of cascading environmental, economic, and political crisis. How this has led us to two equally horrific choices, the Ethnonationalist fascism (ala a Trump or Modi) or Neoliberal fascism (in the form of Big Tech and Silicon Valley.)
We must recognize both, reject both, and build something else. Something inclusive, moral and for the benefit...2020-03-2057 min
The Arts of TravelLeila Al-Shami on Syria and AssadMarch 15th was the 9th anniversary of the Syrian Revolution. It's made all the more painful by the indifference from Western governments towards refugees. Hunted first by the Assad Regime they now face the invisible tormentor of the Covid-19 virus as they try to finally find stability, peace and hope.
To discuss the revolution, why the international community failed Syria, and what can be done, I spoke with Leila Al Shami, co-author with Robin Yassin-Kassab of Burning Country: Syrians in Revolution and War. Its one of my favorite recent political books and I think a must-read for anyone who wants...2020-03-161h 03
The Arts of TravelCandy Colored Clowns (Finale) w. Jake Flores on Mental Health in Stand-Up and the Emotional Labor of ComediansThis is the finale of our chat w. Comedian/Activist/Twitter Final Boss Jake Flores (@feraljokes). We discuss the misanthropic phenomenon of 'Edgelord' comedy, why Nanette isn't talked about more on the Left, and the emotional toil/labor of being a Stand-up Comedian under Neoliberalism.
It's a fascinating conversation w. a rising star in comedy and I know you'll laugh (and maybe cry) a little bit!
Part one of our conversation can be found here. It's a great chat about the "Brooklyn" Left, the limits of "Podcast Leftism" and the good and bad of contemporary Left Media.
• https://player.whooshkaa.co...2020-03-131h 05
The Arts of TravelNicole Curato on Rodrigo Duterte and Western Stereotypes of the PhilippinesI spoke w. Nicole Curato (Twitter:@NicoleCurato) an author, academic and the editor of "A Duterte Reader", one of my favorite recent books on Asia : A Duterte Reader
Nicole joined me for a complex discussion on Phillipines' leader Rodrigo Duterte, why he was elected, and how Western observers far too often use lazy tropes and stereotypes about the Philippines to try and understand Duterte, rather than looking at the myriad of complex factors that explain his rise and the rise of authoritarian leaders globally in our era of cruel Neoliberalism.
It's a fascinating chat for both scholars of the Philippines...2020-03-091h 16
The Arts of TravelNot so Golden - Cora Currier of The Intercept, on Homelessness & CaliforniaPerhaps the saddest paradox of California, America's most 'progressive state' is the increasing indifference, if not outright hostility to the homeless and unhoused.
To discuss this paradox I was joined by the brilliant Cora Currier of the Intercept. Our conversation is centered on her outstanding article for Dissent Magazine about California politics and organizing unhoused communities. As well as numerous other topics.
You Can Read Cora's outstanding piece in Dissent Magazine here: https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/organizing-skid-row
And follow groups advocating for the unhoused here:
Cora's Twitter: https://twitter.com/coracurrier
Ground Game LA: https://twitter.com/GroundGameLA
Ktown...2020-03-0648 min
The Arts of TravelVirus vs. Citizen vs. State - Rui Zhong on The Coronavirus and China's responseTo discuss the Coronavirus, how its affected China, and its global implications, my guest today is Rui Zhong of the Wilson Center. Rui, who has close ties to Wuhan, has been one of the more sensitive, nuanced and intelligent writers addressing the Coronavirus.
How do we sympathize with the struggles of ordinary people while furious at the actions of their governments? How do we fight the Coronavirus while not allowing states to use it as an excuse for enhancing surveillance? How do we not succumb to xenophobia at a disease which knows no borders and no flags?
In these moments...2020-03-021h 08
The Arts of TravelLev Nachman on Taiwan's path to Democracy & fending off both China and US imperialismToday is the 228 Holiday in Taiwan, which marks a bloody incident, and long 70+ year struggle, that eventually gave birth to Taiwan's now flourishing civil society and democracy. This stands in stark contrast to a China that demand Taiwan return to its authoritarian fold, and a Hong Kong still desperately trying to escape China and chart its own democratic future.
To help our non-Taiwan listeners better understand Taiwan and this important day, I'm joined by Researcher and PhD Candidate Lev Nachman, for an honest and engaging discussion on Taiwan's past, its current systems of Universal Health Care, Gay Marriage and Indigenous...2020-02-281h 15
The Arts of Travel'Trump - Modi! Brother - Brother!' Eviane Leidig on Narendra Modi and the BJP's Evolving Relationship with the Global RightIndia Prime Minister Narendra Modi is incredibly popular within India's diaspora. But how can one support tolerance and immigration within the context of the US or UK, and at the same time support the bigotry and Islamophobia of Modi's BJP Party in India?
To explore this paradox I spoke w. Eviane Leidig, a researcher at The Center for Research on Extremism (C-REX). We discuss the rise of the BJP, its growing ties with other global far-right leaders like Trump and Boris Johnson, and how industries like Silicon Valley are crucial to spreading its toxic message of neoliberalism and islamophobia.
For...2020-02-241h 10
The Arts of TravelFilm Scholar Keung Yoon Bae on Parasite, Korean Cinema and the Limits of Revolutionary ArtWe spoke to Harvard Film Scholar Keung Yoon Bae (twitter: @becky_kybae) on the movie Parasite!
As a scholar who grew up in Korea during its "new wave" Cinema, Keung Yoon was able to explain many subtle nuances of Korea as it relates to Parasite, Korean Cinema and Korean Politics that added many new layers to my understanding of the film.* (* Warning there are spoilers!)
For more on Keung Yoon, please check out her Twitter, Academic Journals and her essay discussing the Korean Films, Burning and Parasite.
For more w. us check out Asia Art Tours .com !
Music is by...2020-02-211h 05
The Arts of TravelCarrie Lam & The Corona Virus- An update on Hong Kong w. Atlantic Writer Timothy McLaughlinTo get an update on Hong Kong, the Corona Virus and the still ongoing Hong Kong Protests, I spoke with Contributing Writer at the Atlantic -Timothy McLaughlin (Twitter @TMclaughlin3)
We discuss the incompetence of Carrie Lam and her handling of the Corona Virus, if solidarity is building between Wuhan and Hong Kong, and the still evolving protests and methods of dissent used by Hong Kong Protesters.
For more on Tim you can check out his website here: https://www.timothymclaughlin.net/
Music is Garden Eden - created by BmoMusik of Free Beat / Beat Brueck https://soundcloud.com/beatbruecke/free-beat-garden-eden-by-bmomusik-wwwbeatbrueckede2020-02-171h 08
The Arts of TravelCandy Colored Clowns - Comedian Jake Flores on ICE, The Brooklyn Left and Podcast Leftism (Part 1)This is part 1 of a two part conversation. I spoke w. Comedian Jake Flores on his terrifying experience with ICE, his interactions with what's colloquially known as the Brooklyn Left, and how podcasting has become so critical to amplifying the left, and the positives and negatives of this Medium.
Jake's an incredibly sensitive and kind comedian with great insights on how we can build a more progressive space for Comedy, Media and politics. I try to raise some good-faith criticisms of my own interactions with the "Brooklyn Left". I think our conversation ends at a good place before we move...2020-02-1458 min
The Arts of TravelProfessor Joshua Hendrick on Fethullah Gülen, Turkey, and 'Neoliberal Islam'I was thrilled to speak with Dr. Joshua Hendrick, Author of Gülen: The Ambiguous Politics of Market Islam in Turkey and the World
Fethullah Gülen is perhaps the world's most open but least understood religious leaders. In this conversation, Dr. Hendrick unpacks how The Gülen movment built itself into a religious and business empire, how it was originally an ally of the Erdogan and the AKP, and how it became such a threat to the Turkish State that an open war was declared between the former alllies, culminating in the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan.
We also discuss the...2020-02-101h 25
The Arts of TravelJournalists Karen Ho and Tony Lin on White Privilege in Media & Reforming (or Revolting Against) Elite InstitutionsI was thrilled to speak with accomplished journalists Karen Ho (Twitter: @karenkho) & Tony Lin (@tony_zy) for a conversation on Race, Class and Privilege.
We discuss how Wuhan's Corona Virus is being used to promote anti-Chinese racism, how Post-Coloniality and White Privilege affects Journalism, and how far-right tendencies manifest themselves in China's digital spaces.
We also touch upon Wall Street, The Ivy Leagues, Ellen K Pao and a host of other subjects. It's a passionate and at times contentious conversation, but, it's all in good faith. We all want to build a better world, we just feel there are different...2020-02-071h 21
The Arts of TravelIs Celebrity an Inequality? Naomi Burton of Means TV on Building Progressive Media & The U.S Left's Relationship with FameI was thrilled to be joined by Naomi Burton, Co-Founder of Means TV (@means_tv), the first Anti-Capitalist Media Platform in the United States. Naomi and Co-Founder Nick Hayes, rose to prominence through producing videos for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and several other campaigns.
After these big breaks they could have done anything, but (to my great admiration) they chose perhaps the most risky and unprecedented path: trying to build a worker-owned media platform that gives voice to those traditionally excluded from the entertainment industry, and to produce content that explains the structural forces (Racism, Capitalism, Patriarchy, Sexism) that generates these...2020-02-031h 10
The Arts of TravelWriter Aruni Kashyap on using Fiction to understand Assam, Assamese Identity and India's ProtestsWriter and Professor @AruniKashyap was kind enough to join The Arts of Travel Podcast to discuss how he captures the complexity of India, his home state of #Assam and identity, through his fiction and poetry.
Aruni is a highly regarded Assamese Writer and Translator currently teaching at the University of Georgia. He is the author of His Father's Disease and Other Stories (Context/ Westland) and the novel The House With a Thousand Stories (Viking/ Penguin Random House). His short stories, poems, and essays have appeared or forthcoming in The Oxford Anthology of Writings from Northeast, The Kenyon Review, The New...2020-01-311h 13
The Arts of TravelKirsten Han of New Naratif Magazine: On Singapore, Censorship and DecolonizationIn light of Taiwan's recent election, and Hong Kong's struggles for Democracy, a third nation has remained quiet: Singapore. This small territory has seen none of the protests of Hong Kong and has none of Taiwan's Democracy. Is this stability, or the calm before the storm?
To unpack Singapore, I was thrilled to have Kirsten Han (Twitter:@kixes), The Editor in Chief of New Naratif (@NewNaratif) as our guest. Kirsten and I discuss "Manufacturing Consent" in the context of Singapore, what the current state of democracy is within the country, and how colonial legacies of racism, capitalism, and control, still...2020-01-271h 04
The Arts of TravelBrian Hioe on Taiwan's 2020 Election Results, Western Bias and Hong Kong's PerspectiveI caught up with the indomitable Brian Hioe (@brianhioe) for a reflection on Taiwan's 2020 elections, Media bias (both domestic and Western), thoughts on 'Populism' in Taiwan's elections and how Tsai Ing-wen's re-election was seen by a Hong Kong movement fighting for Democracy.
On January 25th, Brian will be presenting in the China Question Symposium, at NYC's Verso Loft. He's one of the most brilliant and empathetic voices I've encountered on the Left, and I highly recommend seeing him in person if you have a chance.
For brilliant Video interviews New Bloom did with Taiwan Progressives, head here: https://www.youtube...2020-01-241h 09
The Arts of TravelJournalist Surabhi Tandon on the "F*cking Insanity" of Kashmir's Historic and Contemporary SufferingI was trying to think of an eloquent title to describe my conversation with this week's guest, the brilliant and brave journalist Surabhi Tandon, but I've decided to use the words of Arundhati Roy, one of India's greatest living activists. When asked about the current CAA/NRC laws within India, she simply called them, "Fu*king Insane"
Kashmir, where Surabhi has done some of the best reporting (in video or print) I've seen, is also "Fu*king nsane". A conflict left festering for decades, suddenly people can't leave their neighborhoods, networks of barbed wire, pellet guns and torture chambers have...2020-01-201h 43
The Arts of TravelA Conversation w. Dr. Martin Hägglund on his book - This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual FreedomWe were fortunate to speak with Dr. Martin Hägglund on a book which profoundly changed our thinking on Life, Meaning and Humanity. Dr. Martin Hägglund's work This Life: Secular Faith and Spiritual Freedom has been discussed on platforms as varied as the New Yorker to MSNBC's Chris Hayes. We were thrilled to have him on our podcast.
In the spirit of Dr. Hägglund's deeply inquisitive work, we didn't want to ask him questions we'd heard elsewhere. Rather, we tried to have a meaningful discussion w. Dr. Hägglund that explored and interrogated his work in good faith.
We h...2020-01-171h 06
The Arts of TravelBetween Authoritarianism and Democracy: A Conversation on Contemporary India w. Debasish R ChowdhuryTo better understand mainstream politics and viewpoints on the protests within India, we're joined by Writer/Journalist Debasish Roy Chowdhury (Twitter: @Planet_Deb), formerly of the Southern China Morning Post and currently a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sydney.
I found Debasish's writing on Modi, India and the current state of the protests to be some of the best, even-handed, and accessible journalism on these complex and sensitive subjects. Our conversation will discuss Modi, how capital has reacted to his party's increasing authoritarianism, and the all-too real horror Modi's unleashed throughout India.
For more on Debasish I would...2020-01-131h 01
The Arts of TravelAuthor Kyle Chayka on AirBnB, "Airspace" & how Minimalism became the Design Aesthetic of Global CapitalismThis was a conversation that went to some really unexpected places. I spoke w. Kyle Chayka, the Author of: The Longing for Less - Living with Minimalism.
We discuss Kyle's ground-breaking research into AirBnb and the creation of what he calls "Airspace", a minimalist design aesthetic driven by algorithms, the ubiquity of global monopoly capitalism and the sheer size of platforms like AirBnB.
If you've ever wondered, as Kyle puts it, why the design aesthetics of a neighborhood in Brooklyn and Beijing may be more similar than one in Brooklyn and Queens, you'll want to listen to this conversation! Never...2020-01-101h 05
The Arts of TravelBig Brother, Big Tech & Big Modi: Pranav Dixit of Buzzfeed News on Survelliance and Silicon Valley's Broken Promises in IndiaWe spoke with Pranav Dixit (Twitter: @PranavDixit) on the recent protests in India, how Tech is aiding the current Modi/BJP Government's turn towards authoritarianism, and how Silicon Valley, with its 'move fast and break things' motto, has broken countless promises and lives within India.
It's a fascinating conversation with one of my favorite journalists. For more of Pranav's writing, I recommend the following stories he's written:
• On the creation of Nation-wide Facial Recognition Database and the India companies competing to become the next Palantir: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/india-is-creating-a-national-facial-recognition-system-and
• On how Whatsapp Rumors destroy the social fabric of I...2020-01-061h 24
The Arts of TravelJournalist Neha Dixit on India's Protests, Feminism and the Hindu Supremacy of the BJPWe were fortunate to speak w. renowned India Journalist Neha Dixit on the recent protests in India. Neha explains to us why patriarchy is central to the BJP's quest to create a Hindu Supremacist State. More importantly, she explains to us how India's feminists are fighting back, and what lessons they offer for building international solidarity.
For more on Neha's work and the articles we discuss in the episode please see below:
• Article on Fixers: https://www.cjr.org/special_report/fixers.php
• Article on Dr. Nivedita Menon : thewire.in/gender/the-instigator-a-portrait-of-nivedita-menon
• Article on Youth indoctrination by BJP: https://www.newsla...2020-01-031h 05
The Arts of TravelDr. Eli Friedman: The story of China Labor Activist Xiangzi & Building International Solidarity with China and Hong Kong ActivistsThis is an urgent and honest discussion I had w. Dr. Eli Friedman. We hope this interview brings attention to the recent arrest of China Labor Activist Xiangzi, Labor Organizing in China. the continued campaign of genocide in Xinjiang, and how our heritage (Armenian for me, Jewish for Dr. Friedman) informs our perspective on the global return of "Camps".
Dr. Freidman is organizing this event in the states, for progressives in the area I highly recommend checking it out. It's January 25th in NYC: www.thechinaquestion.org/
For more on Xiangzi, you can
• Sign the petition asking for his release: ht...2019-12-301h 02
The Arts of TravelCod Satrusayang on Thailand's Political Landscape // Teirra Kamolvattanavita on Youth and Feminism in Thai politicsOn December 14th, the largest protests since 2014, erupted in Bangkok. The cause? The potential ban of Thailand's Future Forward Party and their charismatic leader: Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit. To learn more, I was fortunate to speak with two local journalists.
Part 1 of our chat is with Cod Satrusayang (Twitter: @fishmyman). Cod is the EOC of the newly launched Thai Inquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) In our conversation we discuss the current state of Thai Politics.
In part 2 (from 40 minutes on) I speak with Journalist Teirra "Yam" Kamolvattanavith (Twitter:@Teirrabyte) on Feminism, why young Thai voters strongly support the Future Forward Party and Social Media's presence...2019-12-281h 26
The Arts of TravelSocial Work Pioneer Jeffrey Andrews on Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong's South Asian and Muslim Communities & Domestic LaborersRecently I spoke w. Jeffrey Andrews, Hong Kong's pioneer social worker: the first to come from a non-Chinese Background. Jeffrey's work involves building bridges with Hong Kong's Muslim, South Asian, Refugee and Domestic Worker Communities
What's unique about this podcast is we've actually built a tour based around it! For those interested in getting to know the communities we discuss, please check out our tour w. Jeffrey's organization: https://asiaarttours.com/tours/behind-the-bright-lights-tour-chungking-mansions/
Here we discuss all these issues, obstacles immigrants, refugees and Muslims face in Hong Kong, how solidarity is being built where it didn't exist before, and how...2019-12-2445 min
The Arts of TravelActivists Xiaowen and Mimi on China's Patriarchy, 米兔(Me Too), Gender Roles and the Struggle of Chinese FeministsAsia Art Tours recently had the great pleasure of speaking with Activists Xiaowen ( Twitter: @XiaowenLiang17) and Mimi on the brave, creative and boundry-erasing work of China's feminists.
Our conversation covers how 米兔(Me Too) existed in China, how (and why) the Chinese State punishes Feminists, The challenge of discussing gender roles with older generations, and how activists both within China and in the Diaspora fight back against sexism, patriarchy and misogyny.
Give these powerful women a listen and let us know what you think! Some amazing feminist groups to follow can be found below:
@RedCanarySong
@FreeXueqin (this broke after our podcast but...2019-12-211h 18
The Arts of Travel"There is No American Left!" - The Intercept's Jon Schwarz on Global Struggles and the Silence of the American LeftI deeply hope for a President Bernie Sanders, But, with the shocking defeat of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party and the even more shocking doubling-down of his most prominent Leftist supporters in media that they did nothing wrong, I figured this would be the perfect time to release our conversation w. the Intercept's Jon Schwarz.
Jon is well known for his theory: The Iron Law of Institutions. That any organization's top priority is the survival of the organization, NOT the causes it fights for. I've long wanted to talk to Jon about how his law applies to the American Left. As...2019-12-161h 21
The Arts of TravelJojje Olsson on China's Abduction of Swedish Citizen Gui Minhai, and Scandinavia's Complicated Relationship with ChinaWith recent developments in Sweden this week, we're releasing our two-part interview with Journalist Jojje Olsson (Twitter:@jojjeols) to discuss the case of Swedish Citizen Gui Minhai, what the case means domestically for Sweden and its relationship to China.
Part one focuses on the background of Gui Minhai and Jojje's reporting on the matter. It was recorded last spring. ( 29 Minutes)
Part two was recorded this week. It focuses on the breaking developments in Sweden regarding charges filed against Sweden's ambassador to China over her handling of Gui Minhai's Case. As well as the ramifications from the case on Swedish society...2019-12-131h 10
The Arts of TravelAsia Art Tours in conversation w. Francis Wade - Author of Myanmar's Enemy Within: Buddhist Violence and the Making of a Muslim 'Other'Aung Suu Kyi appears before the Hague this week to refute that Myanmar committed Genocide against the Rohingya people. To review the evidence, what really happened and the stories of the dead, I spoke to one of the most qualified experts on the subject: Francis Wade
Francis and I discuss the history of the Rohingya, The horrors inflicted upon them by the Myanmar State, and possible paths forward to resolve one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
For more information on Francis, I highly recommend his book: https://www.amazon.com/Myanmars-Enemy-Within-Buddhist-Violence/dp/1786995778/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Myanmar%27s+Enemy+Within%3...2019-12-0946 min
The Arts of TravelWhy WeWork Won't Work! Vice's Edward Ongweso Jr on Monopoly, Venture Capitalism and Silicon Valley's Moral RotWhile we despise Big Tech as much as anyone automated out of their job, forced into the gig economy or killed on an Amazon assembly line, we've recently found a great deal of tech criticism rather shallow. With strange idiosyncratic personalities like Jucerio's Doug Evans or Adam Neumann's WeWork give us so much material to criticize, we end up learning very little on the nuts, bolts (and yes, Soylent) that actually powers these Tech Monopolies and the Venture Capitalism cash on which they gorge.
To guide me through the byzantine maze of Silicon Valley, I had the great pleasure of...2019-12-051h 10
The Arts of TravelAll of Them Means All of Them! Researcher Joey Ayoub on Lebanon's Protests and Global SolidarityI know of a country called Lebanon through my Grandfather, Joe Dagher was a quiet and decent man. The last fluent Arabic speaker in the family, he wanted to take his grandchildren back to his homeland before he died. Then Israel bombed Beirut's airport, my grandfather passed, and that path in my life was closed.
But Lebanon remains, and right now millions of Lebanese are in the streets demanding justice. They are joined by millions of young voices in Hong Kong, Chile, Iraq, West Papua, Columbia, Bolivia and Iran demanding the same. Demanding an end to a sectarianism that divides...2019-11-251h 40
The Arts of TravelDr. Kecheng Fang on Cyber-Nationalism and the Cross-Pollination of the Global RightThis is a fascinating conversation with Dr. Kecheng Fang of the City University of Hong Kong. We discuss how Nationalism and The Far Right is developed and cross pollinates globally.
Read more of Dr. Fang's work here: http://www.fangkc.com/
2019-11-181h 26
The Arts of TravelAbsolute (Samantha) Power Corrupts Absolutely: Shireen Al-Adeimi on Yemen, Media Hypocrisy & the Cruelty of Obama and TrudeauTo discuss the crisis in Yemen, we were fortunate to speak with the brilliant Michigan State Professor Shireen Al-Adeimi (Twitter @shireen818).
Shireen as a Yemeni immigrant (first to Canada, now in the US) has become one of the most forceful critics of the Saudi-led destruction of Yemen, and the Obama and Trudeau administrations role enabling this pointless carnage. I spoke with Shireen after reading her incredible article from IN THESE TIMES on Samantha Power, and listening to her interview on MSNBC's Chris Hayes.
Incidentally, Mr Hayes, became a big part of this podcast ... because after expressing such concern and solidarity...2019-11-111h 00
The Arts of TravelMan was Born for Love and Revolution- Brian Hioe on Taiwan's 2020 elections // The 'Eros and Thanatos' of the Hong Kong Protests.To catch up on Hong Kong and Taiwan, we had the great pleasure to speak with Brian Hioe (Twitter: @brianhioe). Brian writes for @popula , @newbloommag and @lausanhk.
For Taiwan we discuss Taiwan's 2020 presidential elections (Tsai Ing-wen vs. Han Kuo-yu), How Western Media has often failed to report on Asia with nuance. And how new media projects are emerging from Asia to provide more meaningful and centered coverage. (from 0:00-22:00ish)
For Hong Kong, we discuss the recent protests, the Eros of solidarity among protesters and the grotesque Thanatos of police violence attempting to extinguish hope. As well as what Hong...2019-11-031h 12
The Arts of TravelFebriana Firdaus on the corporate, religious and political struggles of West Papua and IndonesiaFor the past few months, protests have been raging in West Papua and Indonesia, with the former rarely reported on by the Western Press, and the latter terribly misunderstood. To provide education and clarity, I spoke with one of the most well-connected journalists in West Papua and Indonesia: Febriana Firdaus (Twitter: @febrofirdaus)
We discuss the recent protests in both territories, her thoughts (and respectful criticisms) of Western Media, and how she sees the protests connected to global struggles around the world.
Febriana, along w. Veronica Korman, (Twitter: @VeronicaKoman) are two of the bravest journalists working in Asia and I can't...2019-10-291h 07
The Arts of TravelNewly Elected San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin - on Homelessness, Tech in the Carceral System, and reflecting on Prison AbolitionI had the good fortune of interviewing San Francisco DA Candidate Chesa Boudin, right before the Nov 5th election. District Attorney for San Francisco is an incredibly powerful position (just ask Kamala Harris!) from which many lives will either be saved and given a second chance, or more bodies (black, white, brown) will continue to be fed into the carceral system.
Moreover, if a truly progressive DA, like Chesa is elected it will allow him to enact policies (notably an end to cash bail) that will challenge the rest of America to emulate, exceed or at least consider what changes...2019-10-2545 min
The Arts of TravelRafe Bartholomew on the NBA, Social Justice and Hooping in the PhilippinesThis is a funny, brutally honest conversation with writer Rafe Bartholomew (Twitter: @Rafeboogs). He's edited for Grantland, written for The Athletic and authored several books including Pacific Rims and Basketball: a Love Story
Originally, our conversation was intended to focus solely on the Philippines and basketball there, but with the controversy swirling around Hong Kong, China and the NBA we dialogued about these issues as well. The first part of our chat is mostly about Hong Kong & the NBA, the rest is about the Philippines, but it's all worth listening to.
In an era of "sports-shouting" and where honesty can...2019-10-181h 33
The Arts of TravelChris Arnade - On Dignity, Politics and Homelessness in ' Back Row' AmericaThis summer, I had the opportunity to speak with Author and Photographer Chris Arnade on his new book, "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America" .
The conversation spans Chris's background (he came from High-Finance), why he left the world of wall-street to see poverty in America first hand. And what he learned when he began treating those suffering from addiction, poverty and homelessness with the dignity, respect and love they deserve.
We also discuss current political movements (The Poor People's Campaign), how the left could do a better job discussing homelessness and religion, why the Right is also attracted to...2019-10-1452 min
The Arts of TravelThe Youth Awaken! Kharishar Kahfi of the Jakarta Post on the West Papua, Jakarta and Indonesia Protests.We spoke w. Journalist Kharishar Kahfi (Twitter: @kkahfi106) of the Jakarta Post on the recent events in West Papua and Jakarta. Kuka discusses the themes of democracy, corruption and colonialism which are driving protesters into the streets of Indonesia & West Papua
Below are a few links for those who want to learn more, and of course we recommend Asia Art Tours' podcasts on West Papua.
For Jakarta (and countering lazy Anglo media reporting on the protests being against a 'sex ban')
https://www.thejakartapost.com/community/2019/09/27/no-indonesian-students-not-taking-to-streets-only-to-fight-sex-ban.html
For recent events on the arrests of Musicians and popular youth cultural...2019-10-0856 min
The Arts of TravelChatting w. Isabelle Niu of Chinese Storytellers and Loud Murmurs Podcast about Discrimination, Media Bias and best practice in China Reporting ( 媒体偏见与性别歧视)This was a lovely and informative chat I had w. Isabelle Niu (twitter: @Muge_Niu), a a co-founder of Chinese Storytellers and the Loud Murmurs Podcast. Both of which (the first English Language, the second 國語） I find to be absolutely critical resources for media coverage of China, and Media Coverage OF the media coverage of China.
We discuss a variety of issues in our conversation (ranging from politics, to China culture to Hip Hop!) But, several questions are connected to the title of this episode:
• Who are the women working in Chinese Language Media, what barriers (class, language, racism) have they had...2019-10-021h 03
The Arts of TravelThe Unbearable Heaviness of a Thai Woman's Labor- Artist Kawita Vatanajyankur on Feminism, Capitalism and Labor in ThailandWe had the great privilege of speaking with Australia and Thailand based artist Kawita Vatanajyankur after her show- The Repetitiveness of Work- in Taipei, Taiwan.
It's a interesting back and forth conversation, as we find out about Kawita's Background, the conflicts between activism and networking in the Art World and her thoughts on Feminism and Labor in Thailand.
For more of Kawita's incredible performance art please head to her Facebook Page
Or her personal Website: https://www.kawita-v.com
And to meet some of the incredible artists and activists of Thailand check out our Thailand Tours here! - https://asiaarttours...2019-09-281h 12
The Arts of Travel'This is Not a Protest, This is a Fight for our Survival' - Spokesperson Raki Ap, of Benny Wenda's Office on the violence in West Papua (Part 2 in our series)Recently, I had the great honor of speaking to Raki Ap, Spokesperson for Benny Wenda (@bennywenda)- A West Papuan independence Leader in Exile - on the current protests going on in West Papua. What once were isolated protests about racism on college campuses have evolved into a long-suppressed call for freedom for the West Papuan people.
Raki and I discuss two threads of the protest.The first is the raw violence, trauma and emotions at the heart of the West Papuan Movement. We discuss the sexual violence and mortal violence, and what Raki calls Genocide, inflicted on the West...2019-09-231h 11
The Arts of Travel'IF WE BURN YOU BURN WITH US' - on Lawfare, Police Brutality and the Neo-colonialism of the Hong Kong Protests W. Researcher Kong Tsung GanThis is a conversation I had recently w. Researcher, Academic and Journalist Kong Tsung Gan on a very under-reported aspect of the Hong Kong Protests- the issue of 'Lawfare' (law being twisted to punish the citizens it's supposed to protect) and the violence (both abstract and physical) of the legal system...
• What does "police brutality' mean? And why have the police become so brutal?
• What happens to a protester when they enter Hong Kong's Legal System? And how have laws been weaponized against the citizens they are supposed to serve?
• What do phrases like "If we burn you burn with us" me...2019-09-201h 27
The Arts of TravelWest Papua- Past History, Present Protests, and Indonesia's role in the current crisis - A Conversation w. Karina Tehusijarana of the Jakarta PostThis is our first installment of an interview series on West Papua, the current protests and the regions complicated history with Indonesia.
This is a discussion that requires sensitivity and nuance. To help us as we explore this issue, we spoke with Karina Tehusijarana of the Jakarta Post. Her work recently has explored the protests in West Papua, The Indonesia's political and military response, and her thoughts on the local and global significance of the West Papua independence movement (a movement that has a longer history than just these recent protests).
For more on West Papua please follow:
Veronica Komon...2019-09-101h 19
The Arts of TravelMarx, Monsters & White Men- A Conversation on Whiteness, Capitalism and Film w. The Horror VanguardA little while back, before Hong Kong demanded Radical Freedom, Hawaii & New Zealand demanded the Sacred and West Papua demanded their right to Independence, I had the great pleasure of speaking with Jon (Twitter: @TheLitCritGuy) and Ash (Twitter: @_ashhhh) of the Podcast - The Horror Vanguard (Twitter: @HorrorVanguard)
Our conversation centers along complex themes and complex pain in our era of suicidal and grotesque capitalism. Why isn't Ken Loach considered a 'horror' director? What does the horror of whiteness (and all the evil it's inflicted on the world) look like in films such as Candyman or Get Out? And though...2019-09-031h 22
The Arts of TravelMary Hui on Slang and Cantonese Curse Words in Hong Kong & Swearing as SatireWe had the great pleasure of speaking with Mary Hui of Quartz, for her fascinating series of articles on the unique cursing and slang of Hong Kong. Here's a good place to start! We discuss the incredible flexibility of Cantonese. And Mary teaches us how to curse like a true Hong Konger!
For more about Mary follow her on Twitter and at Quartz • @maryhui • https://qz.com/author/marykmhui/ Cover the kids ears, have a listen, and let us know what you think!2019-08-3048 min
The Arts of TravelA Mainland China Listener's response to our episodes on Xinjiang and The Hong Kong ProtestsThis is a short series of emails I received from a Mainland China Listener in response to our episode w. Darren Byler on Xinjiang and our episodes on the Hong Kong Protests.
It's heart-breaking but fuels me. I want desperately to build a world free from neoliberal capitalism, free from being ruled by a military industrial complex, free from white supremacy, free from nationalism, free from xenophobia, free from Chauvinism, Free from vanguardist heirarchy. A freedom for China, A freedom for Hong Kong, A freedom for the US, I want us all to be free.
If anyone has more ideas...2019-08-3005 min
GrubstakersEpisode 93: The Hong Kong Protests and Li Ka-Shing feat. Matthew Dagher-MargosianThis week we are joined by Matthew Dagher-Margosian to have an in-depth look into the Hong Kong protests, as well as a profile on Chinese billionaire Li Ka-Shing (profile begins at 52 minute mark) After the episode Matthew Dagher-Margosian graciously sent us an additional bonus audio on the triads and their involvement on the protests. Links to the journalists and activists Matt mentioned on our show as well as his information below.
Asia Art Tours:
Asiaarttours.com
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37MGjfMHBkusWRESbxn5pA
Podcast (The Arts of Travel): https://player.whooshkaa.com/shows/the-arts-of-travel (also on iTunes and...2019-08-272h 05
The Arts of TravelErasing Xinjiang - A Conversation on China's Campaign against the Uyghur People w. Darren BylerRecently, I had a beautiful and tragic Conversation with Dr. Darren Byler (Twitter: @Dtbyler) on Xinjiang and the Uyghur People.
The beautiful part of our conversation is the first part, where Darren and I discuss our own experiences in Xinjiang and Yunnan, and Darren teaches us the history of Xinjiang and the complexities of Uyghur culture and faith.
The tragic part of our conversation is the second half. Where Darren and I discuss how Chinese statecraft has shifted against the Ughyur people, from one of tolerance to one of "terror capitalism" and "cultural genocide". This genocide is abetted by panopticon...2019-08-251h 21
The Arts of TravelPunching Left - Joe Bernstein of Buzzfeed News on The Right Wing Media Machine that made Andy Ngo a Star.Joe Bernstein of Buzzfeed News was kind enough to come on and talk with us about his incredible Article, detailing Andy Ngo's assault by Antifa participants in Portland, and how the violence inflicted upon him, was the fuel the Right Wing needed to turn him into a Media star.
We discuss how the Left can do a better job in Media Strategy, a strategy that so far as seen far right figures like Andy Ngo and PraegerU far outstrip anything the Left has put out in terms of popularity
(though we have high hopes for Means TV!)
Violence is one...2019-08-1856 min
The Arts of TravelThe Nightmares and Dreamscapes of Hong Kong- Journalist Elaine Yu on the Psychology of Hong Kong's ProtestsIt's been two straight months of protests in Hong Kong. Tear gas, police raids and fights between citizens and triads -rare in orderly Hong Kong- are now a weekly occurrence. What could be motivating protesters to face such violence and drive them to disrupt the city week after week and night after night? And produce shocking images like the one we chose for our podcast, of riot cops invading a luxury shopping mall, beating protesters and terrifying the well-heeled of Hong Kong.
To find out, in LATE JULY, I spoke w. Journalist Elaine Yu (Twitter: @yuenok), one of my favorite...2019-08-121h 14
The Arts of Travel'Even a Bishop will Steal if he's Hungry ' - Dr. Mark Galeotti on the Vory- Russia's Super Mafia and the Future of Crime under CapitalismThis is one of our favorite conversations. Asia Art Tours spoke with Dr. Mark Galeotti. We discuss the dangerous and unprecedented access he gained for his book: The Vory- Russia's Super Mafia .
Our rich discussion will leave any listener with a much better understanding of crime and the Russian State. We discuss Putin as Russia's sheriff, How Yeltsin and Gorbachev opened a Pandora's Box of criminal activity by neoliberalizing their economy, and how the original revolutionaries of Russia- Lenin and Stalin- both sympathized and brutally utilized criminals for the benefits they offered state-craft.
We also talk about Tony Soprano.... it's...2019-08-041h 19
The Arts of TravelMauna Kea Protests & The Hawaiian People (Part 2) - The Philosophy & Spiritual Resistance of Hawaii w. Nobel Peace Prize Nominee H.E. Leon Kaulahao SiuThis is Part 2 of our conversation on Mauna Kea, the recent protests led by Hawaiians and the history of the Hawaiian People. We are speaking with Nobel Peace Price Nominee H.E. Leon Kaulahao Siu, The Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom (NOT the STATE)
In part 1 of our discussion we focused on the history of Hawaii.
In part 2 we discuss the philosophy and spirituality of Hawaii and the protest movement. Is this a battle of science vs religion? How do indigenous movements offer alternatives to capitalism? And how can we save the earth? We discuss all this...2019-07-2933 min
The Arts of TravelMauna Kea Protests & The Hawaiian People (Part 1) - The History of Hawaii w. Nobel Peace Prize Nominee H.E. Leon Kaulahao SiuThis is Part 1 of our conversation on Mauna Kea, the recent protests led by Hawaiians and the history of the Hawaiian People. We are speaking with Nobel Peace Price Nominee H.E. Leon Kaulahao Siu, The Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Hawaiian Kingdom (NOT the STATE)
In part 1 of our discussion we focus on the history of Hawaii's progressive rulers, and how they were betrayed by capitalists and political allies in Washington DC to annex the Hawaiian Kingdom. For those curious about the protests but needing historical context, this is a great introduction to the history of Hawaii, Colonialism...2019-07-2727 min
The Arts of Travel'Wat' is to be Done? - Thailand's 'Guided Democracy', The Royal Family and Dissent w. Professor in Exile: Giles Ji UngpakornWhile it bills itself as the "Land of Smiles" , the current situation of Thailand, is one of gross inequality, authoritarianism and a political system designed by and for elites, leaving the majority of its rural and poor citizens to fend for themselves.
To discuss these matters, I spoke with Professor Giles Ji Ungpakorn. Giles had to flee Thailand due to its lese majeste laws, that are used by the Thai state against dissidents. Now in exile in The U.K, Giles remains a powerful activist for Thailand, hoping it can return to a functional democratic state.
Giles speaks with us...2019-07-2155 min
The Arts of TravelThe symbols of Hong Kong w. Reporter Isabella StegerWe had the good fortune to speak with reporter Isabella Steger of Quartz and formally of the Wall Street Journal. Born in Hong Kong and fluent in Cantonese, Isabella is able to translate the signs, symbols and slogans that at times remain indecipherable to outsiders who can't speak Cantonese or don't understand Hong Kong's complex history with Colonialism, Politics and Inequality. It's a fascinating chat.
You can read Isabella's work here: https://qz.com/author/isqz/ 2019-07-151h 03
The Arts of TravelStuart McDonald, founder of Travelfish on the Travel Industry's confrontation with Big Tech and Over-TourismWe had a wonderful discussion with Stuart McDonald the Founder of one of South East Asia's oldest and best sources of information- the website Travelfish.
Stuart has seen nearly every nook and cranny of South East Asia, and weathered nearly every change in the Travel Industry. But facing the hydra of Climate Change, Over-Tourism and Big Tech disrupting and destroying traditional life throughout Asia, I wanted to discuss with Stuart if this is perhaps the Travel Industry's reckoning, and we are moving on to the end of the Travel Industry, and perhaps travel as we know it.
It's a fascinating...2019-07-111h 16
The Arts of TravelAloha means Goodbye, it also means Get Out! - A 4th of July interview w. Rob Kajiwara on Fighting Stereotypes and Imperialism in Hawaii and Okinawa.On the 4th of July, I'm fine with taking a day off to celebrate with friends and family, regarding the noble notions of Liberty and Justice for all. But while The United States celebrate our independence, our country's military, politicians and corporations spend the other 364 days denying independence, sovereignty and freedom to most of the world's nations and people.
On the 5th of July I'd call on all Americans who believe in a just world, to think of all the nations and peoples who are fighting for their freedom from America, American Imperialism and American capitalism. Including the people and...2019-07-051h 15
The Arts of TravelIn Cambodia, "Women are White Cloth and Men are Gold"- Feminism, Gender & Art with Phnom Penh Artist Sophal NeakThis interview with Phnom Penh Artist Sophal Neak is a fascinating chat on feminism and gender in Cambodia. Sophal is one of the few artists working in Cambodia to address gender and identity head on in her work. A subject that all too often is avoided or is addressed in a top-down manner with Westerners dictating the terms, rather than listening or having a dialogue with Cambodian women.
If you are interested in meeting Sophal in person you can check out our Cambodia Tour which focuses on Art, LGBTQ and Feminism in Cambodia: https://asiaarttours.com/tours/the-matriarchs-of-khmer-culture/
And for...2019-06-2626 min
The Arts of TravelMake Hong Kong Great Again! - The Dangers of Nostalgia in Hong Kong's protests w. Author Antony DapiranIn Marx's 18th Brumaire he provides his famous quote about history repeating "First as tragedy, then as Farce".
So what is unfolding in Hong Kong? Why are Hong Kong Tycoons who flourished under Beijing's rule turning against their former masters? Why are protesters who never knew democracy under imperial British rule marching with the Union Jack?
To find out, we spoke with Antony Dapiran an Attorney with over 20 years experience litigating in both Hong Kong and Beijng. Antony also has written one of the best books for understanding contemporary protests in Hong Kong:
City of Protest: A Recent History of...2019-06-2154 min
The Arts of TravelInterview with Australian Photographer Hugh BrownAsia Arts Tours presents: The Arts of Travel Podcast, a deep dive into the world's most interesting art and artists.
Our first conversation is Matt Dagher-Margosian, the Founder of Asia Art Tours interviewing Hugh Brown, one of Australia's most interesting photographers. Hugh has been photographing the Australian Outback and aboriginal citizens for years. Now Hugh is tackling his most ambitious project: photographing global mining conditions to draw attention to the cruelty to man and earth that is required to harvest precious metals and rare earth minerals.
Those interested in Hugh's photography can find more about him here at : hughbrown.com...2018-07-0358 min