Shows
States of Play with Sam OlsenHunted from AboveThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen speaks with Elizabeth Bullock, a British civilian who spent three years working on the ground in Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Bullock recounts her journey from evacuating women and children to operating in frontline zones across the Donbas and southern Ukraine, delivering medical aid, restoring water supplies, and later supporting reconstruction in liberated areas. Drawing on firsthand experience, she challenges Western misconceptions about the war, details Russia’s de...
2025-12-1425 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 17: The New Economic Iron CurtainThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comIn this episode of the States of Play podcast, Sam Olsen talks to the economist Stewart Paterson to unpack The Great Split—the accelerating bifurcation of the global economy into competing US-led and China-led spheres. They explore how the collapse of the era of globalisation is reshaping trade, investment, finance, and corporate strategy; how China’s Belt and Road and dual-circulation policies have built an alternative system; and how future sanctions, counter-sanctions, and rising jurisdictional risk could force companies and...
2025-11-2924 min
Tank Talks AsiaTrump, Xi & the Race to Rule AI | Curtis Chin & Sam Olsen | Tank Talks AsiaIn this episode of Tank Talks Asia, Manisha Tank looks at a pivotal 24 hours in South Korea that captured the world’s attention: the Trump–Xi handshake in Busan and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sharing fried chicken with Samsung and Hyundai bosses.Joining Manisha are two expert voices — Curtis Chin, former US Ambassador to the Asian Development Bank, and Sam Olsen, geopolitical strategist and author of States of Play — to explore the state of US-China relations, and what these photo ops actually mean for Asia, the global chip race and the future world order.Featured Voices
2025-11-2928 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 15: The Polycrisis 2027 ScenarioThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen speaks with Justin Crump, CEO of Sibylline, about their new report Polycrisis 2027. They explore how converging shocks - from China’s 2027 Taiwan deadline and Russia’s rearmament to AI disruption and Western instability - could create a single systemic crisis. The conversation asks: can the West act fast enough to prevent a global crunch?
2025-10-2527 min
Maximizing Medicare with Paul SheldonGuest- Sam OlsenGuest Sam Olsen - owner of Sam Olsen Insurance Agency and friends with Paul's son. We discuss Medicare, skin substitutes, Medicare Advantage Plans, and what to do about Cancer.
2025-10-2559 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 14: Europe’s Fractures, Russia’s OpportunityThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comIn this episode of States of Play Sam Olsen interviews analyst Alexander Lord on Europe’s mounting political and social fractures, from Germany’s extremist violence to France’s paralysis. We look at how Russian grey-zone pressure, cybercrime and influence ops are exploiting them. We also assess EU/UK cohesion if Moscow tests Estonia, the role of China in this, and where resilience and leadership may still emerge today.
2025-10-0828 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 12: Is Demography Destiny?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam talks to the demographer Paul Morland, discussing the critical role of demography in understanding global power dynamics, economic trends, and cultural shifts. Paul emphasises that while demography is not the sole determinant of historical events, it is essential for grasping the complexities of the present and future. They explores the interplay between population growth, economic development, and cultural attitudes towards family and reproduction, highlighting the challenges faced by countries with declining birth rates...
2025-09-0928 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 11: Ukraine at Breaking Point: Russia’s Slow Advance and the Drone WarThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryRussia is grinding forward in Ukraine, drones now dominate the battlefield, and Western support is faltering. In this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen speaks with Alexander Lord of Sibylline to unpack where the war stands, how Moscow is leveraging foreign backing from Iran, North Korea and China, and why peace remains elusive despite Trump’s shifting promises.
2025-09-0225 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast (repeat) - The Culture and Passion of Chinese FoodShow SummaryIn this new episode of States of Play, a repeat of What China Wants, Sam Olsen is joined by Michelin-starred chef and cultural observer Andrew Wong, head chef of London’s acclaimed restaurant A. Wong. Together, they explore how Chinese food is far more than flavour—it is a reflection of history, community, and identity.Andrew shares his journey from growing up in London and Hong Kong to travelling across China, learning from local chefs and traditions that continue to inspire his cooking today. The discussion touches on how Chinese cuisine in the UK a...
2025-08-2626 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast (repeat) - Why Invisible China MattersShow SummaryIn this episode of States of Play (originally recorded for What China Wants), Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson speak with Stanford economist Scott Rozelle about the stark divide between urban and rural China. Rozelle, author of Invisible China, explains how most working-age adults in rural areas never finished high school, leaving a huge share of the population undereducated and excluded from urban welfare systems—an obstacle with profound consequences for China’s future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...
2025-08-1927 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 10: Academic Freedom or Influence? Inside the UK’s Troubled Relationship with ChinaThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Dunning from UK-China Transparency discusses their new report on the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on academic freedom in the UK. He shares insights from a survey conducted among China studies academics, revealing concerns about CCP interference and the financial dependencies of UK universities on Chinese funding. The discussion also touches on issues of deception in academic collaborations, military research, and the need for greater transparency and due diligence...
2025-08-1213 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 9: How Xi Jinping's Father Helped Shape ChinaThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen interviews political scientist Joseph Torigian about his groundbreaking book on Xi Zhongxun, father of Xi Jinping. Together they explore the history of China under the Chinese Communist Party through the life of Xi Zhongxun, revealing the man as a pragmatic survivor shaped by factional struggles and shifting loyalties. The conversation explores how Xi’s legacy influences China’s current leadership - and what it tells us abou...
2025-08-0523 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 8: Tech Startups and the Geopolitical ChallengeThis is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen is joined by Guy Ward-Jackson of the Tony Blair Institute to explore the critical challenge of scaling tech startups into global champions. As the world enters a new era of techno-nationalism—where national power is increasingly tied to technological prowess—the UK’s ability to grow and retain homegrown firms like DeepMind and Arm becomes central to its geopolitical and economic future. Guy shares insights from the TB...
2025-07-2928 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 7: How does China’s economic success translate to global power?Show SummaryIn this conversation, Sam Olsen and Chinese economy expert Stewart Paterson delve into the complexities of China's economy, its global reach, and the implications for Western nations.They discuss the scale of China's economy, its manufacturing dominance, and how the Belt and Road Initiative serves as a tool for expanding China's political influence. The conversation also touches on the sustainability of China's economic model, the leverage it holds over Western countries, and the future of Western primacy in a changing global landscape.Stewart's profile: https://www.hinrichfoundation.com/profiles/experts-contributors/stewart-paterson/
2025-07-2245 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 6: Can US Tech Beat China in a War?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn this episode, Sam Olsen discusses the urgent question of whether the US tech is prepared for a war with China, focusing on the rapid advancements in military technology and the implications of artificial intelligence on warfare.Joined by Lieutenant General Mike Groen, they explore the current state of the US military, the role of human capital, the transformative impact of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding autonomous warfare. The conversation emphasizes the need for...
2025-07-2125 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 5: What Does Putin Actually Want?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comShow SummaryIn today's States of Play podcast, Sam Olsen talks to one of the UK's leading Russia experts, Keir Giles, discusses Putin's strategic vision for Russia, which he describes as a desire to return to a world reminiscent of 1914, where Russia was a dominant empire.He explains the dual aims of Russian aggression: to rebuild the empire while simultaneously undermining the Western-led international order. The conversation also touches on the historical misconceptions about Russia's motivations, the...
2025-07-1526 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenEpisode 5: Can US Tech Beat China in a War?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode, Sam Olsen discusses the urgent question of whether the US tech is prepared for a war with China, focusing on the rapid advancements in military technology and the implications of artificial intelligence on warfare. Joined by Lieutenant General Mike Groen, they explore the current state of the US military, the role of human capital, the transformative impact of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding autonomous warfare. The conversation emphasizes the need for agile...
2025-07-0825 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 4: Should the UK and Europe Tilt to China?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen discusses the complexities of the UK-China economic relationship with Charlie Parton, a former British diplomat and one of the UK's leading China experts. They explore the misconceptions surrounding China's importance to the UK economy, the ideological and geopolitical implications of China's rise, and the potential threats posed by China's technological advancements. The conversation emphasises the need for the UK and Europe to reassess their strategies in dealing...
2025-07-0120 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 3: The US Bombs Iran - What Next?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen talks to Michael Hochberg about the escalating situation in Iran, focusing on Israel's direct military assault on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. The conversation explores the implications of this conflict for regional stability, the involvement of the United States, and the strategic options available to both Israel and the U.S. The discussion also delves into the complexities of regime change in Iran, the role of Russia and China, and the...
2025-06-2226 min
States of Play with Sam OlsenStates of Play podcast Episode 2: Can the World Stop Using Dollars?This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit samolsen.substack.comSummaryIn this episode of States of Play, Sam Olsen discusses the dominance of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency with macroeconomist Meyrick Chapman. They explore the historical context of the dollar's rise, its benefits and drawbacks for the US, and the implications for global trade and politics. The conversation also delves into the motivations behind de-dollarization efforts by countries like China and Russia, and the challenges of establishing an alternative global currency system.Chapters
2025-06-1719 min
Tin Foil Hat With Sam TripoliTFH #762: The 33rd Parallel With Bradley LailThank you so much for tuning in for another episode of Tin Foil Hat with Sam Tripoli. This episode we welcome the 33rd Parallel podcast's Bradley Lail to the show to discuss the 33rd Parallel, Fallen Angels, UFOs, the World Grid and Ritual Sacrifice! Nothin but bangers. Thank you for your support.Show more
If you want to Leave a message for TFH Live! please call 323-825-9010. Watch live very Tuesday at 3pm pst at Youtube.com/@SamTripoli
Check out Sam Tripoli's Live Rumble Reaction Show "DoomScrollin with Sam Tripoli" Every Thursday At 3pm...
2024-04-042h 16
The Bonus Point Rugby PodEpisode 56 w/ Sam VWe are back for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season and starting the year off strong. We get to catch up with 2 time Best Pacific R&B/Soul Artist winner (Pacific Music Awards) & die hard Hurricanes fan - Sam V. We get Sam's thoughts on the kiwi teams in the upcoming season as well as who he thinks the big bolters of season are going to be.
2024-02-2445 min
Loving Liberty Radio Network05-23-2023 Liberty RoundTable with Sam BushmanHour 1
* Guest: Daniel Stuebs Executive Director American Police Officers
Alliance, Unite, Engage, Defend – AmericanPoliceOfficersAlliance.com
* Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson dismissed Kari
Lake’s lawsuit against the stolen 2022 Midterm Election late Monday
night, following a three day trial exposing election misconduct and
fraudulent mail-in ballot signature verification – Shows AT LEAST
274,000 Ballots Were Verified in Less Than 3 Seconds.
* Kari Lake attorney Kurt Olsen told the Court, “11 of the signature
verification workers approved 170k signatures at a rate of less than 0
and 2.99 seconds with a 99.97% approval rating.” Later, in closing
argument, Olsen revealed that “there...
2023-06-221h 49
What China WantsEpisode 42: China's Global Media OffensiveThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by Josh Kurlantzick, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss Beijing's media influence. Josh sets out his analysis of China’s attempt in recent years to become a global media and information superpower, and we discuss whether these efforts are working.
2023-04-0623 minWhat China WantsEpisode 42: China's Global Media OffensiveThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by Josh Kurlantzick, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, to discuss Beijing's media influence. Josh sets out his analysis of China’s attempt in recent years to become a global media and information superpower, and we discuss whether these efforts are working.
2023-04-0623 minWhat China WantsEpisode 41: The Advent of President Xi's Third TermIn recent weeks, the "two sessions" have taken place in China, at which President Xi's third term was confirmed by the nearly 3,000 delegates that constitute the National People's Congress. Due to the relative opaqueness of decision-making in Chinese politics, these important events in the political calendar are relatively unknown outside China. To help listeners understand more about them, and what their significance might be globally, this week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by friend of the show, Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University.
2023-03-2329 minWhat China WantsEpisode 41: The Advent of President Xi's Third TermIn recent weeks, the "two sessions" have taken place in China, at which President Xi's third term was confirmed by the nearly 3,000 delegates that constitute the National People's Congress. Due to the relative opaqueness of decision-making in Chinese politics, these important events in the political calendar are relatively unknown outside China. To help listeners understand more about them, and what their significance might be globally, this week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by friend of the show, Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University.
2023-03-2329 minWhat China WantsEpisode 40: The Outlook for China’s EconomyThis week on What China Wants, co-host Stewart Paterson is interviewed by Sam Olsen about the outlook for the Chinese economy. We discuss the post-covid outlook as well as the key challenges facing the economy and the Party leadership looking forward.
2023-03-0923 minWhat China WantsEpisode 40: The Outlook for China’s EconomyThis week on What China Wants, co-host Stewart Paterson is interviewed by Sam Olsen about the outlook for the Chinese economy. We discuss the post-covid outlook as well as the key challenges facing the economy and the Party leadership looking forward.
2023-03-0923 minWhat China WantsEpisode 39: What Should We Make of Human Rights in China?In this episode of What China Wants, Sam and Stewart discuss the issue of human rights in China. To do so, they are joined by Benedict Rogers, Co-Founder of Hong Kong Watch and one of Britain’s foremost and most knowledgeable campaigners on the subject. We discuss some of the key issues raised in his book, The China Nexus, including allegations of human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, organ-harvesting from prisoners of conscience, as well as some of the criticisms commonly levelled at critics of China's human rights record.LinksBenedict Rogers - T...
2023-02-2325 minWhat China WantsEpisode 39: What Should We Make of Human Rights in China?In this episode of What China Wants, Sam and Stewart discuss the issue of human rights in China. To do so, they are joined by Benedict Rogers, Co-Founder of Hong Kong Watch and one of Britain’s foremost and most knowledgeable campaigners on the subject. We discuss some of the key issues raised in his book, The China Nexus, including allegations of human rights abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, organ-harvesting from prisoners of conscience, as well as some of the criticisms commonly levelled at critics of China's human rights record.LinksBenedict Rogers - T...
2023-02-2325 minWhat China WantsEpisode 38: Cellular IoT Modules and Supply Chain SecurityThis week, Sam and Stewart are joined by Charles Parton OBE, a former diplomat who is presently a specialist adviser to the Foreign Affairs Committee at the UK Houses of Parliament and Associate Fellow of RUSI. Charlie spent 22 years of his 37 year diplomatic career working in or on China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In this episode he discusses his latest paper on the importance of cellular Internet of Things (IoT) modules and the threat posed to UK supply chain security by the pervasiveness of Chinese cellular IoT modules in our systems and processes.Links...
2023-02-1621 minWhat China WantsEpisode 38: Cellular IoT Modules and Supply Chain SecurityThis week, Sam and Stewart are joined by Charles Parton OBE, a former diplomat who is presently a specialist adviser to the Foreign Affairs Committee at the UK Houses of Parliament and Associate Fellow of RUSI. Charlie spent 22 years of his 37 year diplomatic career working in or on China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In this episode he discusses his latest paper on the importance of cellular Internet of Things (IoT) modules and the threat posed to UK supply chain security by the pervasiveness of Chinese cellular IoT modules in our systems and processes.Links...
2023-02-1621 minWhat China WantsEpisode 37: China's Structural Influence in Southeast AsiaThis week on What China Wants, Dr William Matthews, Director of Research at the Evenstar Institute, joins Sam and Stewart to discuss their latest research, "Southeast Asia's Emerging Geopolitical Order: China's Structural Influence and the Evolving Regional Balance of Power". The report quantifies and explains the evolution of China's Influence in Southeast Asia through the analysis of all ten ASEAN member states over the period 2011-2020. In this interview, William and Sam explain its key findings and policy recommendations for the UK and its allies.
2023-02-0925 minWhat China WantsEpisode 37: China's Structural Influence in Southeast AsiaThis week on What China Wants, Dr William Matthews, Director of Research at the Evenstar Institute, joins Sam and Stewart to discuss their latest research, "Southeast Asia's Emerging Geopolitical Order: China's Structural Influence and the Evolving Regional Balance of Power". The report quantifies and explains the evolution of China's Influence in Southeast Asia through the analysis of all ten ASEAN member states over the period 2011-2020. In this interview, William and Sam explain its key findings and policy recommendations for the UK and its allies.
2023-02-0925 minWhat China WantsEpisode 36: Small is Beautiful - China's Approach to Overseas Development FinanceThis week on What China Wants Sam and Stewart are joined by Rebecca Ray, Senior Academic Researcher at the Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center to discuss their latest research. The GDP Centre has just published an update to their China Overseas Development Finance (CODF) Database. Having provided a staggering amount of finance for overseas development projects in the wake of the global financial crisis, Chinese overseas development finance has been on a general downward trend for several years. On this episode, we discuss the status and trajectory of China’s overseas development finance. Are we at the be...
2023-02-0233 minWhat China WantsEpisode 36: Small is Beautiful - China's Approach to Overseas Development FinanceThis week on What China Wants Sam and Stewart are joined by Rebecca Ray, Senior Academic Researcher at the Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center to discuss their latest research. The GDP Centre has just published an update to their China Overseas Development Finance (CODF) Database. Having provided a staggering amount of finance for overseas development projects in the wake of the global financial crisis, Chinese overseas development finance has been on a general downward trend for several years. On this episode, we discuss the status and trajectory of China’s overseas development finance. Are we at the be...
2023-02-0233 minWhat China WantsEpisode 35: The Russia-China Relationship - Friendship Without Limits?On this week's episode, Sam and Stewart are joined by Sarah Kirchberger, Head of Asia-Pacific Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, and one of Germany’s and Europe’s leading experts on the Moscow-Beijing relationship. Sarah is also one of the editors of the 2022 paper Russia-China Relations: Emerging Alliance or Eternal Rivals, which is available and free to download. We discuss the Russia-China relations past and present, the impact of the war in Ukraine and what future may lay ahead for this bilateral relationship.
2023-01-2631 minWhat China WantsEpisode 35: The Russia-China Relationship - Friendship Without Limits?On this week's episode, Sam and Stewart are joined by Sarah Kirchberger, Head of Asia-Pacific Strategy and Security at the Institute for Security Policy at Kiel University, and one of Germany’s and Europe’s leading experts on the Moscow-Beijing relationship. Sarah is also one of the editors of the 2022 paper Russia-China Relations: Emerging Alliance or Eternal Rivals, which is available and free to download. We discuss the Russia-China relations past and present, the impact of the war in Ukraine and what future may lay ahead for this bilateral relationship.
2023-01-2631 minWhat China WantsEpisode 34: About Chinese New YearJoin us as we get ready to say 新年快乐! (Happy New Year!) and welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, as Chinese New Year falls this coming Sunday, 22nd January. Despite it being perhaps the largest ceremony or festival in the world, it is really not very well known in the West, nor are its fascinating intricacies, practices and folklore. Sam and Stewart are delighted to be joined by Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University for this special edition of What China Wants. We discuss its origins, traditions as well hear an insight into Professor Zeng's own personal experiences of the celeb...
2023-01-1924 minWhat China WantsEpisode 34: About Chinese New YearJoin us as we get ready to say 新年快乐! (Happy New Year!) and welcome in the Year of the Rabbit, as Chinese New Year falls this coming Sunday, 22nd January. Despite it being perhaps the largest ceremony or festival in the world, it is really not very well known in the West, nor are its fascinating intricacies, practices and folklore. Sam and Stewart are delighted to be joined by Professor Jinghan Zeng of Lancaster University for this special edition of What China Wants. We discuss its origins, traditions as well hear an insight into Professor Zeng's own personal experiences of the celeb...
2023-01-1924 minWhat China WantsEpisode 33: China and the World - A Review of 2022 and a Look Forward to 2023This week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart review the past year. They discuss the key political and economic events for China in 2022, as well as debate the outlook ahead of us, looking forward into what 2023 might hold for China and the world.
2023-01-1229 minWhat China WantsEpisode 33: China and the World - A Review of 2022 and a Look Forward to 2023This week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart review the past year. They discuss the key political and economic events for China in 2022, as well as debate the outlook ahead of us, looking forward into what 2023 might hold for China and the world.
2023-01-1229 minWhat China WantsEpisode 30: Will a Western "NATO for Tech" Work?In this week's episode, Stewart and Sam are talking to one of the leading thinkers on technology, Rob Atkinson, Founder and President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). Rob joins us to discuss the realties of a "NATO for tech", which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunk has recently called for as a means to counter Chinese influence.
2022-12-1528 minWhat China WantsEpisode 30: Will a Western "NATO for Tech" Work?In this week's episode, Stewart and Sam are talking to one of the leading thinkers on technology, Rob Atkinson, Founder and President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF). Rob joins us to discuss the realties of a "NATO for tech", which British Prime Minister Rishi Sunk has recently called for as a means to counter Chinese influence.
2022-12-1528 minWhat China WantsEpisode 29: An Overlooked RiskThis week we are pleased to announce we have launched The Evenstar Institute, a non-partisan, not-for-profit think tank focused on measuring and understanding the evolving nature of national influence in the twenty first century. Sam and Stewart are joined by our Director of Research, Dr William Matthews, to discuss our latest paper, An Overlooked Risk: China's Indirect Influence on the UK's National Security Supply Chain.
2022-12-0822 minWhat China WantsEpisode 29: An Overlooked RiskThis week we are pleased to announce we have launched The Evenstar Institute, a non-partisan, not-for-profit think tank focused on measuring and understanding the evolving nature of national influence in the twenty first century. Sam and Stewart are joined by our Director of Research, Dr William Matthews, to discuss our latest paper, An Overlooked Risk: China's Indirect Influence on the UK's National Security Supply Chain.
2022-12-0822 minWhat China WantsEpisode 28: Is the Current Monetary Cycle Accelerating Bifurcation between China and the West?Stewart and Sam are joined this week by Meyrick Chapman, a 40 year veteran of macro-investing and formerly of Elliott Management. We discuss Meyrick’s research of monetary policy which has shown up an interesting and potentially vital impact on China’s relationship with the world.
2022-12-0124 minWhat China WantsEpisode 28: Is the Current Monetary Cycle Accelerating Bifurcation between China and the West?Stewart and Sam are joined this week by Meyrick Chapman, a 40 year veteran of macro-investing and formerly of Elliott Management. We discuss Meyrick’s research of monetary policy which has shown up an interesting and potentially vital impact on China’s relationship with the world.
2022-12-0124 min
The John Olsen ShowPlanning for the New Year with Sam McGovernSam McGovern is an attorney and estate planner here in Santee. He joins us to discuss the value in setting up your estate plan, regardless of what stage of life you're in.To contact Sam McGovern,(619) 344-0123https://mcgovernlawgroup.cominfo@McGovernLawGroup.comhttps://www.facebook.com/samcgovernhttps://www.instagram.com/sammcgovern/To contact John Olsen,619-855-1151JohnOlsen.comJohn@TheSanteeGuy.comhttps://www.facebook.com/JohnOlsenRealtorhttps://www.facebook.com/santeeupdateSponsored by your favorite Real Estate Agent...
2022-11-2928 minWhat China WantsEpisode 27: The Great China-Australia Trade SpatWe have discussed the possibilities of economic sanctions between China and the West before on this podcast, but this week we unpick a particular example. Stewart and Sam are joined by Dr. Naoise McDonagh, a specialist from the University of Adelaide to discuss the Australian experience of China's economic sanctions, imposed since 2020. We discuss which industries were targeted, how the sanctions' impact have been deflected or even circumvented, as well as their overall impact on Australia and its geopolitical positioning.
2022-11-2431 minWhat China WantsEpisode 27: The Great China-Australia Trade SpatWe have discussed the possibilities of economic sanctions between China and the West before on this podcast, but this week we unpick a particular example. Stewart and Sam are joined by Dr. Naoise McDonagh, a specialist from the University of Adelaide to discuss the Australian experience of China's economic sanctions, imposed since 2020. We discuss which industries were targeted, how the sanctions' impact have been deflected or even circumvented, as well as their overall impact on Australia and its geopolitical positioning.
2022-11-2431 minWhat China WantsEpisode 26: Chip WarThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by Chris Miller, author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology, which was shortlisted for the FT's Business Book of the Year 2022. We discuss why microchips are so central to the world economy and how competition between the US and China for control over them has intensified.
2022-11-1725 minWhat China WantsEpisode 26: Chip WarThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are joined by Chris Miller, author of Chip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology, which was shortlisted for the FT's Business Book of the Year 2022. We discuss why microchips are so central to the world economy and how competition between the US and China for control over them has intensified.
2022-11-1725 minWhat China WantsEpisode 25: Is China Good for Africa?This week Sam and Stewart are joined by Eric Olander, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the China-Global South Project to explore China's engagement across the continent and if ChinThe China-Global South Project is a non-profit and non-partisan multimedia editorial initiative dedicated to exploring every facet of China's engagement in Africa.
2022-11-1029 minWhat China WantsEpisode 25: Is China Good for Africa?This week Sam and Stewart are joined by Eric Olander, Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the China-Global South Project to explore China's engagement across the continent and if ChinThe China-Global South Project is a non-profit and non-partisan multimedia editorial initiative dedicated to exploring every facet of China's engagement in Africa.
2022-11-1029 minWhat China WantsEpisode 24: The Economic Outlook of the Party CongressThis episode of What China Wants is our final in a series of commentary on the 20th Party Congress. Sam and Stewart are joined by returning guest and friend of the podcast, George Magnus, to discuss the economic outlook of the Congress, both in reflecting on both China's recently published 3Q22 numbers and broader trends surrounding the change in personnel.
2022-11-0322 minWhat China WantsEpisode 24: The Economic Outlook of the Party CongressThis episode of What China Wants is our final in a series of commentary on the 20th Party Congress. Sam and Stewart are joined by returning guest and friend of the podcast, George Magnus, to discuss the economic outlook of the Congress, both in reflecting on both China's recently published 3Q22 numbers and broader trends surrounding the change in personnel.
2022-11-0322 minWhat China WantsEpisode 22: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldAs the 20th Party Congress rumbles on and the world awaits Xi Jinping's expected consolidation of his position as general secretary, this week on What China Wants, we're speaking to the co-author of one of his most recent biographies. Sam and Stewart are pleased to be joined by Stefan Aust, former editor-in-chief of Der Spiegel. His 2021 book with co-author Adrian Geiges, Xi Jinping: The Most Powerful Man in the World is newly translated into English and available in all good bookstores.LinksXi Jinping: The Most Powerful Man in the World (politybooks.com)
2022-10-2024 minWhat China WantsEpisode 22: The Most Powerful Man in the WorldAs the 20th Party Congress rumbles on and the world awaits Xi Jinping's expected consolidation of his position as general secretary, this week on What China Wants, we're speaking to the co-author of one of his most recent biographies. Sam and Stewart are pleased to be joined by Stefan Aust, former editor-in-chief of Der Spiegel. His 2021 book with co-author Adrian Geiges, Xi Jinping: The Most Powerful Man in the World is newly translated into English and available in all good bookstores.LinksXi Jinping: The Most Powerful Man in the World (politybooks.com)
2022-10-2024 minWhat China WantsEpisode 21: China's Upcoming National CongressThe five-yearly National Party Congress that begins on 16 October is the most important event in the Chinese Communist Party's calendar. To understand what we might expect, Stewart and Sam speak to a leading Chinese academic based in the UK, who has been studying the run up to the Party Congress. Jinghan Zeng is Professor of China and International Studies at Lancaster University, and a specialist on the politics and international relations of China.
2022-10-1330 minWhat China WantsEpisode 21: China's Upcoming National CongressThe five-yearly National Party Congress that begins on 16 October is the most important event in the Chinese Communist Party's calendar. To understand what we might expect, Stewart and Sam speak to a leading Chinese academic based in the UK, who has been studying the run up to the Party Congress. Jinghan Zeng is Professor of China and International Studies at Lancaster University, and a specialist on the politics and international relations of China.
2022-10-1330 minWhat China WantsEpisode 20: An Investor's PerspectiveThis week on What China Wants we are switching our attention back to economics. Sam and Stewart are joined by Anna Macdonald, a Fund Manager at Amati Global Investors to discuss the perceived opportunities and risks investors associate with China. Anna also shares her particular expertise on ESG investing and how investment in China fits around this broader trend.
2022-10-0621 minWhat China WantsEpisode 20: An Investor's PerspectiveThis week on What China Wants we are switching our attention back to economics. Sam and Stewart are joined by Anna Macdonald, a Fund Manager at Amati Global Investors to discuss the perceived opportunities and risks investors associate with China. Anna also shares her particular expertise on ESG investing and how investment in China fits around this broader trend.
2022-10-0621 minWhat China WantsEpisode 19: China Coups and DisinformationWith false rumours of a coup against Xi Jinping flying around social media and news outlets last weekend, this week we look at who could have been responsible for this disinformation, and dig into how China uses disinformation for its own purposes too. Sam and Stewart are joined by friend of the podcast, Alex Neill, a leading expert on Chinese influence abroad.
2022-09-2924 minWhat China WantsEpisode 19: China Coups and DisinformationWith false rumours of a coup against Xi Jinping flying around social media and news outlets last weekend, this week we look at who could have been responsible for this disinformation, and dig into how China uses disinformation for its own purposes too. Sam and Stewart are joined by friend of the podcast, Alex Neill, a leading expert on Chinese influence abroad.
2022-09-2924 minWhat China WantsEpisode 18: Is China destroying Europe's Tech Companies?Much has been written about IP theft allegedly perpetrated by Chinese actors, but it's not all about hacking - there is a whole range of ways that China plays hard-ball with its foreign competitors. In this episode, we look specifically at the impact on European firms. To do this Sam and Stewart are joined by Luke Patey, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and author of How China Loses. LinksLuke Patey (@LukePatey) / TwitterHow China Loses: The Pushback Against...
2022-09-2226 minWhat China WantsEpisode 18: Is China destroying Europe's Tech Companies?Much has been written about IP theft allegedly perpetrated by Chinese actors, but it's not all about hacking - there is a whole range of ways that China plays hard-ball with its foreign competitors. In this episode, we look specifically at the impact on European firms. To do this Sam and Stewart are joined by Luke Patey, senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and author of How China Loses. LinksLuke Patey (@LukePatey) / TwitterHow China Loses: The Pushback Against...
2022-09-2226 minWhat China WantsEpisode 17: The Queen, China and Imperial MonarchyIt is a sombre week for most people in the United Kingdom, the 14 countries where the late Queen Elizabeth II was Head of State, and the wider Commonwealth. But the impact of the monarch has been felt in other nations around the world too. China may be a century-old republic, and a communist one at that, but that doesn’t mean its rulers can ignore the sad passing of perhaps the most famous woman on the planet. In today’s episode, Stewart and Sam pay tribute to the effect the Queen had on Sino-British ties, and look at ho...
2022-09-1521 minWhat China WantsEpisode 17: The Queen, China and Imperial MonarchyIt is a sombre week for most people in the United Kingdom, the 14 countries where the late Queen Elizabeth II was Head of State, and the wider Commonwealth. But the impact of the monarch has been felt in other nations around the world too. China may be a century-old republic, and a communist one at that, but that doesn’t mean its rulers can ignore the sad passing of perhaps the most famous woman on the planet. In today’s episode, Stewart and Sam pay tribute to the effect the Queen had on Sino-British ties, and look at ho...
2022-09-1521 minWhat China WantsEpisode 16: China's Water CrisisChina is on the brink of a water catastrophe. A multiyear drought could push the country into an outright water crisis. But China's water problem is also the world's water problem. This week, Sam and Stewart are joined by Gopal Reddy and Gabriel Collins to explain the systemic nature of the problem and the threat it poses to China. We discuss not only its potentially devastating impact, but also how potential solutions will be a hard-sell politically for CCP officials.Show NotesAbout - Ready for ClimateGabriel Collins | Baker InstitutePower...
2022-09-0830 minWhat China WantsEpisode 16: China's Water CrisisChina is on the brink of a water catastrophe. A multiyear drought could push the country into an outright water crisis. But China's water problem is also the world's water problem. This week, Sam and Stewart are joined by Gopal Reddy and Gabriel Collins to explain the systemic nature of the problem and the threat it poses to China. We discuss not only its potentially devastating impact, but also how potential solutions will be a hard-sell politically for CCP officials.Show NotesAbout - Ready for ClimateGabriel Collins | Baker InstitutePower...
2022-09-0830 minWhat China WantsEpisode 15: Is China a Threat to Western Liberalism?This week Sam and Stewart discuss the challenges posed to Western Liberalism by China in the 21st century. Western liberalism is not the force it once was. The question is, to what extent is the authoritarian model espoused by China and Russia pressuring and ultimately dimming liberalism’s star? To answer this we are joined by Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats and a senior minister in the 2010-2015 Coalition government.Show NotesThe Chinese Conundrum: Engagement or Conflict - Alma Books
2022-09-0128 minWhat China WantsEpisode 15: Is China a Threat to Western Liberalism?This week Sam and Stewart discuss the challenges posed to Western Liberalism by China in the 21st century. Western liberalism is not the force it once was. The question is, to what extent is the authoritarian model espoused by China and Russia pressuring and ultimately dimming liberalism’s star? To answer this we are joined by Sir Vince Cable, former leader of the UK’s Liberal Democrats and a senior minister in the 2010-2015 Coalition government.Show NotesThe Chinese Conundrum: Engagement or Conflict - Alma Books
2022-09-0128 minWhat China WantsEpisode 14: Pelosi, Drought and Oil Tankers in the AtlanticWhat China Wants is back after the summer break, and this week we're bringing you a round up of an eventful summer for China and its international relations. Stewart and Sam discuss Nancy Pelosi's controversial visit to Taiwan, China's ongoing economic troubles and drought as well as the latest developments in Sino-Russian relations against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
2022-08-2520 minWhat China WantsEpisode 14: Pelosi, Drought and Oil Tankers in the AtlanticWhat China Wants is back after the summer break, and this week we're bringing you a round up of an eventful summer for China and its international relations. Stewart and Sam discuss Nancy Pelosi's controversial visit to Taiwan, China's ongoing economic troubles and drought as well as the latest developments in Sino-Russian relations against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
2022-08-2520 minWhat China WantsEpisode 13: The Dangers From Invisible ChinaThis week, Sam and Stewart are joined by one of the foremost developmental economists on China, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University. He is also the author of the brilliant book Invisible China. When the world thinks of China, it thinks of the flashy, prosperous cities of the East and South coasts - Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen. But the majority of Chinese live a very different life, stuck in poor rural areas with limited access to education, healthcare, and jobs. Is this group, numbering 1/9 of the world’s population, a drag on the country that will disrupt the country’s development? Or is...
2022-08-0425 minWhat China WantsEpisode 13: The Dangers From Invisible ChinaThis week, Sam and Stewart are joined by one of the foremost developmental economists on China, Scott Rozelle from Stanford University. He is also the author of the brilliant book Invisible China. When the world thinks of China, it thinks of the flashy, prosperous cities of the East and South coasts - Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen. But the majority of Chinese live a very different life, stuck in poor rural areas with limited access to education, healthcare, and jobs. Is this group, numbering 1/9 of the world’s population, a drag on the country that will disrupt the country’s development? Or is...
2022-08-0425 minWhat China WantsEpisode 12: UK-China Relations from the Golden Era to Living DangerouslyIn seven short years, relations between China and the UK have gone from high to low - how has this happened, and what does the future hold? We welcome Sam Hogg from Beijing to Britain to talk it through with Sam and Stewart. Beijing to Britain is the only weekly intelligence Briefing mapping UK-China relations. LinksBeijing to Britain | SubstackSam (@EditorBTB) / Twitter🇨🇳 Beijing to Britain 🇬🇧 (@BeijingToBrit) / Twitter
2022-07-2826 minWhat China WantsEpisode 12: UK-China Relations from the Golden Era to Living DangerouslyIn seven short years, relations between China and the UK have gone from high to low - how has this happened, and what does the future hold? We welcome Sam Hogg from Beijing to Britain to talk it through with Sam and Stewart. Beijing to Britain is the only weekly intelligence Briefing mapping UK-China relations. LinksBeijing to Britain | SubstackSam (@EditorBTB) / Twitter🇨🇳 Beijing to Britain 🇬🇧 (@BeijingToBrit) / Twitter
2022-07-2826 minWhat China WantsEpisode 11: Inside the Chinese LanguageThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are in conversation with Andrew Methven, the author of 'Slow Chinese 每周漫闻', a resource which helps you to learn, use, and understand how people speak Chinese today. In this episode, they discuss the roots and fascinating history of the Chinese language, as well as some of its idiosyncrasies and patterns that Andrew has observed. LinksSubscribe to Andrew's newsletter here: Subscribe - Slow ChineseThe full newsletter referred to re online shopping: Not buying it - by Andrew Methven - Slow Chinese 每周漫闻 The most recent newsl...
2022-07-2124 minWhat China WantsEpisode 11: Inside the Chinese LanguageThis week on What China Wants, Sam and Stewart are in conversation with Andrew Methven, the author of 'Slow Chinese 每周漫闻', a resource which helps you to learn, use, and understand how people speak Chinese today. In this episode, they discuss the roots and fascinating history of the Chinese language, as well as some of its idiosyncrasies and patterns that Andrew has observed. LinksSubscribe to Andrew's newsletter here: Subscribe - Slow ChineseThe full newsletter referred to re online shopping: Not buying it - by Andrew Methven - Slow Chinese 每周漫闻 The most recent newsl...
2022-07-2124 minWhat China WantsEpisode 10: What Should We Expect from the 20th Party Congress?Alex Neill returns to the podcast this week. He joins Sam and Stewart for a fascinating discussion about the upcoming 20th Party Congress and the future course of the Chinese Communist Party. Alex also gives his take on just what might be revealed from behind the curtain amidst increasing rumours of internal Party opposition to Xi.
2022-07-1423 minWhat China WantsEpisode 10: What Should We Expect from the 20th Party Congress?Alex Neill returns to the podcast this week. He joins Sam and Stewart for a fascinating discussion about the upcoming 20th Party Congress and the future course of the Chinese Communist Party. Alex also gives his take on just what might be revealed from behind the curtain amidst increasing rumours of internal Party opposition to Xi.
2022-07-1423 minWhat China WantsEpisode 9: Can Biden and Boris' New Global Initiative Compete with the Belt and Road?Last week at the G7 Summit, leaders announced the new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative, a commitment of $600 billion for the construction of global infrastructure by 2027. On this week's episode, Sam and Stewart weigh in on the initiative, its rationale and whether it has the potential to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
2022-07-0725 minWhat China WantsEpisode 9: Can Biden and Boris' New Global Initiative Compete with the Belt and Road?Last week at the G7 Summit, leaders announced the new Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) initiative, a commitment of $600 billion for the construction of global infrastructure by 2027. On this week's episode, Sam and Stewart weigh in on the initiative, its rationale and whether it has the potential to compete with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
2022-07-0725 minWhat China WantsEpisode 8: China's Economic Red FlagsThis week Sam and Stewart are in conversation with eminent economist and author George Magnus, discussing his 2018 book 'Red Flags: Why Xi's China is in Jeopardy'. Formerly the Chief Economist at UBS, George is a noted authority on what makes China’s economy tick. In this episode, George reflects on his thesis and we discuss whether his arguments have been revised since, as well as examine his current prognosis for China's economy. LinksRed Flags: Why Xi's China Is in Jeopardy a book by George Magnus. (bookshop.org)
2022-06-3027 minWhat China WantsEpisode 8: China's Economic Red FlagsThis week Sam and Stewart are in conversation with eminent economist and author George Magnus, discussing his 2018 book 'Red Flags: Why Xi's China is in Jeopardy'. Formerly the Chief Economist at UBS, George is a noted authority on what makes China’s economy tick. In this episode, George reflects on his thesis and we discuss whether his arguments have been revised since, as well as examine his current prognosis for China's economy. LinksRed Flags: Why Xi's China Is in Jeopardy a book by George Magnus. (bookshop.org)
2022-06-3027 minWhat China WantsEpisode 7: Why the Pacific Matters to ChinaIn this week's episode Sam and Stewart explore the significance of the Pacific from China's perspective. They are joined by seasoned expert Alexander Neill to discuss China's strategic aims in the region and the potential future trajectories Beijing might take.LinksMap: The Pacific region from China's perspectivehttps://geopoliticalfutures.com/chinas-national-security-challenges/#&gid=1&pid=3
2022-06-2322 minWhat China WantsEpisode 7: Why the Pacific Matters to ChinaIn this week's episode Sam and Stewart explore the significance of the Pacific from China's perspective. They are joined by seasoned expert Alexander Neill to discuss China's strategic aims in the region and the potential future trajectories Beijing might take.LinksMap: The Pacific region from China's perspectivehttps://geopoliticalfutures.com/chinas-national-security-challenges/#&gid=1&pid=3
2022-06-2322 minWhat China WantsEpisode 5: The Great Split between China and the West is ComingIn Episode 5 of What China Wants, Sam and Stewart discuss the potential for a rapid economic and political decoupling between China and the West over Taiwan, and ask what such a “Great Split” would mean for the world.
2022-06-0923 minWhat China WantsEpisode 5: The Great Split between China and the West is ComingIn Episode 5 of What China Wants, Sam and Stewart discuss the potential for a rapid economic and political decoupling between China and the West over Taiwan, and ask what such a “Great Split” would mean for the world.
2022-06-0923 minWhat China WantsEpisode 3: How Might the War in Ukraine Affect China's Ambitions for Taiwan?Beijing has long said it will reunite with Taiwan, apparently whether or not the Taiwanese want to do so. But do Russia’s difficulties in Ukraine change China’s calculations and make such an adventure less likely? Sam and Stewart talk the economic, political, and military calculations involved.
2022-05-2625 minWhat China WantsEpisode 3: How Might the War in Ukraine Affect China's Ambitions for Taiwan?Beijing has long said it will reunite with Taiwan, apparently whether or not the Taiwanese want to do so. But do Russia’s difficulties in Ukraine change China’s calculations and make such an adventure less likely? Sam and Stewart talk the economic, political, and military calculations involved.
2022-05-2625 minWhat China WantsEpisode 2: An Introduction to China's Military and Security Global FootprintThis week on What China Wants, we are exploring whether China is a global military power. The US might lead in terms of bases by 750:1, but there's far more to what China is doing than just military installations. Sam and Stewart discuss the relationship between the CCP and the PLA - China's government and its military - and what this means for China's global reach across the world.
2022-05-1926 minWhat China WantsEpisode 2: An Introduction to China's Military and Security Global FootprintThis week on What China Wants, we are exploring whether China is a global military power. The US might lead in terms of bases by 750:1, but there's far more to what China is doing than just military installations. Sam and Stewart discuss the relationship between the CCP and the PLA - China's government and its military - and what this means for China's global reach across the world.
2022-05-1926 minWhat China WantsEpisode 1: Is China's Economy Shrinking?Welcome to our first What China Wants podcast. Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson discuss whether, after decades of breakneck growth, China’s economy is now shrinking - and if so, what this means for the West.Co-Hosts: Sam Olsen and Stewart PatersonProducer: Francesca Griffin
2022-05-1325 minWhat China WantsEpisode 1: Is China's Economy Shrinking?Welcome to our first What China Wants podcast. Sam Olsen and Stewart Paterson discuss whether, after decades of breakneck growth, China’s economy is now shrinking - and if so, what this means for the West.Co-Hosts: Sam Olsen and Stewart PatersonProducer: Francesca Griffin
2022-05-1325 min
Adventures in Mormon HistorySam Houston in the Utah WarIn February 1858, the United States Senate was debating a new bill from the House. They knew that the Army, under the command of Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, was on its way to Utah to put down the reported Mormon rebellion. Now, James Buchanan was asking Congress to approve a second Army of regular troops to Utah. While the Republic was quickly unraveling between the North and South, everyone seemed to agree that an Army – maybe two – would teach a salutary lesson to the Mormons, a lesson they would not soon forget. While the speeches proceeded, a lone Senator...
2022-02-2112 min
Innovation Files: Where Tech Meets Public PolicyHow China’s Role in Technology Development Affects the United States and the World, With Sam OlsenChina views technology and the tech companies that produce it as strategic assets to be leveraged in a global race for geopolitical advantage. That’s why it doesn’t treat its domestic champions as players in a free market—the point is to make sure they win at the expense of Western competitors. Rob and Jackie sat down with entrepreneur and strategist Sam Olsen, author of What China Wants, to discuss the implications of China’s technological development. Mentioned:Sam Olsen, What China Wants, (Substack, 2022). Stefan Link, Forging Global Fordism: Nazi Germany, Soviet Russia, and the Co...
2022-02-0723 min