Curious Worldview

Will Marshall, CEO and co-founder of Planet and former NASA scientist, built a fleet of 200+ satellites to create a queryable Earth. He discusses indexing daily global imagery, using AI and computer vision to make it searchable, applications for economic signals, conservation and disaster monitoring, and the technical and governance challenges of space-based data and compute.

Joe Aston, an Australian investigative business journalist and author who transformed AFR’s Rear Window and founded Rampart. He talks about literary influences and writing craft. He reflects on leaving a masthead to build a subscription-first media model. He also discusses sobriety, newsroom culture, and balancing journalism’s ethics with running a new media venture.

War & Wheat - Dennis VoznesenskiMy Substack (Subscribe)*Leave a review on Apple or Spotify* (nothing does more to help grow the show)Podcast Starter PacksOffshore Finance/Kleptocracy & Money LaunderingGeopolitics/Economics/Economic DevelopmentExplorers & AdventurersInvestigative Journalists---Dennis Voznesenski is an Australian analyst who has spent his career deep in the world of global agriculture. He is the author of 'War & Wheat'.In this conversation, Dennis explains how geopolitical forces, from trade wars to energy policy, ripple through agricultural markets in ways that are difficult to predict but impossible to ignore. We discuss the unique position of Australian farmers, who compete on the global stage without the subsidies that prop up producers in the US, Europe, and beyond. The unbelievable masses of production. The efficiency of it. How the America's are basically where it all comes from. We get into why farmers are increasingly investing in on-farm storage as a strategic response to volatile markets, how infrastructure gaps in developing regions are holding back enormous agricultural potential, and the tension between the push for greater productivity and the long-term sustainability of the land itself. Dennis also walks us through how historical events provide essential context for understanding where agricultural markets are heading today, and helps explain the current moment through the lens of agriculture. Timstamps.00:00 The Global Landscape of Agriculture12:11 Insights from the Agricultural Industry24:38 The Role of Technology and Innovation31:22 The Impact of Global Events on Agriculture52:56 Future Prospects and Opportunities

Jeff Farrell 'Cocaine Diaries' My Substack (Subscribe)Jeff Farrell Website*Leave a review on Apple or Spotify* (nothing does more to help grow the show)Podcast Starter PacksOffshore Finance/Kleptocracy & Money LaunderingGeopolitics/Economics/Economic DevelopmentExplorers & AdventurersInvestigative Journalists---When Irish journalist Jeff Farrell arrived in Venezuela during the Chávez years as a Latin American correspondent, he couldn't have chanced a more serendipitous encounter that lead to one of the most harrowing stories he'd ever tell. That encounter was with the Irish drug mule, Paul Keeney, and his story that followed became the bestselling book, 'Cocaine Diaries', which pulls back the curtain on the nightmarish reality of Venezuela's prison system: the corruption, the violence, the abuse and the absurdity.Jeff discusses the extraordinary risks facing foreign correspondents trying to report from Venezuela today, where journalists are turned back at the airport and armed civilian militias called 'colectivos' who patrol the streets. We discuss his forthcoming novel 'Last Call of Caracas', which he's been writing for eight years and life imitated art a bit early in this case because by sheer coincidence, the novel ruptures to a scene of the US attacking Venezuela Throughout it all, Jeff reflects on a country he clearly loves but can no longer safely visit—and holds onto hope that one day, when the regime falls and the diaspora returns, he might get to write something positive about Venezuela for a change.Timestamps00:00 Jeff Farrell & The Story03:00 The Risks of Reporting from Venezuela06:13 The Challenges of Foreign Correspondence09:03 Life Under a Regime of Fear11:59 The Complexities of Venezuelan Society14:57 The Impact of Corruption and Socialism18:12 The Beauty and Paradox of Venezuela21:06 The Geography and Demographics of Venezuela24:04 The Journey of a Foreign Correspondent27:07 The Serendipitous Encounter with Paul Keeney44:27 A Journey into the Venezuelan Prison System51:47 Serendipity and the Book Deal54:07 Paul Keeney's Life and Struggles01:00:22 The Harsh Realities of Venezuelan Prisons01:08:14 Escape from Venezuela01:13:54 The Aftermath of the Book and Future Plans01:18:04 Reflections on Journalism and Human Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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