Logo
    Search

    Podcast Summary

    • Sharing your home on Airbnb and welcoming guestsTransforming your home into an Airbnb brings extra income and a unique way to share your world with others, but be aware of potential global financial crimes and their geopolitical implications.

      Turning your home into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income, but it's also a unique way to share your world with others. Jen and Jordan shared their experience of transforming their home into an Airbnb with personal touches, making their guests feel welcomed. On a larger scale, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is using real estate money laundering and drug trafficking as part of a global model, the Vancouver model, to influence Canadian policy towards Chinese state interests. This intricate web of corruption involves Chinese officials, drug cartels, money launderers, and business tycoons. The ultimate goal is to leverage Canada against the United States and the West. This international intrigue highlights the importance of understanding global financial crimes and their potential geopolitical implications.

    • China's Role in Global Fentanyl Trade Compared to Opium WarsSources compare China's involvement in global fentanyl trade to opium wars, where China profits from production and shipping despite having power to stop it, involving state-sponsored crime networks targeting Chinese people globally.

      China's involvement in the global fentanyl trade is a significant issue, according to sources in high-level federal policing agencies such as the DEA and Canada's Security Intelligence Service. These sources compare the current situation to the opium wars of the past, where China is not stopping the production and shipping of fentanyl precursors despite having the power to do so because of the profit they derive from it. China's state-sponsored crime networks, like those of Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, use drug trafficking to undermine the West. However, it's essential to clarify that the issue is with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and not the Chinese people, who are often the victims of the CCP's schemes and surveillance networks. The opium wars refer to a period in history where British traders in Hong Kong traded opium, corrupting Chinese officials and leading to addiction and social unrest. The CCP uses this historical narrative to frame China's past as one of "100 years of humiliation." Today, the CCP continues to use criminal networks to target Chinese ethnicity people around the world.

    • The Opium War's Harmful Impact on ChinaThe opium trade between Britain and China led to the First Opium War, leaving China feeling subjugated and shaping its relationship with the West through persistent anti-Western sentiment fueled by CCP propaganda.

      The opium trade between British traders and China during the 19th century resulted in significant harm to Chinese society, leading to a strong anti-Western sentiment that persists today. The British Empire's greed for profit, as shown by the opium trade, resulted in the First Opium War, which left China feeling subjugated for over a century. Propaganda from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) continues to portray this period as a war against the West, and the CCP uses this narrative to rally support against perceived Western threats. This historical event serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of imperialism and the enduring power of propaganda. Despite the passage of time, the opium trade's impact on China's history continues to shape the country's relationship with the West.

    • Politics and Organized Crime in ChinaPeople in China must be cautious in expressing political opinions due to government surveillance and potential repercussions. The Chinese government reportedly has control over criminal organizations like the triads, who engage in political activities for the Communist Party. The intersection of politics and organized crime in China is complex and dangerous.

      In some cultures, people live in constant fear of expressing their political opinions due to the threat of government surveillance and repercussions. This was discussed in relation to China, where individuals must be cautious even in private conversations, and sometimes speak in code to avoid detection. Another topic touched upon was the involvement of the Chinese government in organized crime, specifically the triads, which are intertwined with the state. The government reportedly has control over these criminal organizations, and gangsters are known to engage in political activities for the Chinese Communist Party. The discussion also highlighted the issue of fentanyl production and trafficking, with evidence suggesting state involvement but no definitive documentation available. Overall, the conversation underscored the complex and often dangerous intersection of politics and organized crime in certain societies.

    • Chinese Communist Party gangsters collaborate with Hong Kong authoritiesCCP gangsters work with police to suppress pro-democracy protests, engage in criminal activities, and serve as espionage network, with severe consequences for those who resist.

      In Hong Kong, Chinese Communist Party gangsters are collaborating with the authorities to suppress democratic processes and engage in criminal activities. These gangsters, who often wear disguises and lack official identification, work with the Hong Kong police to intimidate and beat up pro-democracy protesters. They are part of United Front Work Department Groups, which are allowed to continue their criminal activities as long as they serve as an espionage network for the Chinese Communist Party. This is a form of state-sponsored crime at a high level. The consequences for those who refuse to cooperate are severe, including imprisonment in China or disappearance. The Confucius Institutes, which were originally intended to promote Chinese culture and language abroad, have become tools for monitoring and intimidating Chinese students in the US and other countries. This mafia-like behavior is a major concern for those who value human rights and democracy. The FBI and Department of Justice have recently indicted private investigators for their role in these activities.

    • Chinese intelligence agencies recruit individuals through diaspora communities and even gangstersChinese intelligence agencies build relationships and recruit individuals for various schemes, targeting critics of China and wealthy individuals. Networking skills are crucial for success and can help individuals build stronger relationships and become better thinkers, while heightened awareness is necessary to prevent recruitment.

      Chinese intelligence agencies are actively recruiting individuals within diaspora communities and even gangsters through various means, including events and relationships built under the guise of compatriot societies or united front dinners. These agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Security and the MSS, function similarly to the FBI and CIA in the US, handling national security, police matters, and foreign espionage. They send officials overseas to build relationships and recruit individuals for various schemes, targeting those who speak out against China or wealthy individuals who have fled the country with substantial assets. Building a strong network is crucial for success, and this concept extends beyond just booking guests for a podcast. Jordan Harbinger emphasizes the importance of networking in both personal and professional life, as demonstrated in his course, 6 Minute Networking, which is free and open to the public at jordanharbinger.com/course. By improving networking and connection skills, individuals can build stronger relationships and become better thinkers. The recruitment of YouTubers and others for these schemes highlights the need for heightened awareness and vigilance against such activities.

    • Money laundering through casinos between China, Macau, and VancouverGangsters launder drug money by providing loans to Chinese nationals to gamble in Macau or Vancouver casinos, allowing them to move funds back to China for drug production.

      There's a complex system of money laundering involving China, Macau, and Vancouver. Chinese citizens, wanting to move large sums of money out of China, make deals with gangsters who provide them with loans or chips to gamble in Macau or Vancouver casinos. The gangsters, in turn, have warehouses of cash from drug sales, particularly Fentanyl precursors. They launder this cash by giving it to Chinese nationals who come to gamble, who then pay back the loans in China. This cycle allows the gangsters to move their drug money through casinos and back to China to fund more drug production. The system involves shills creating videos with CCP talking points to disguise the true origins of the money. This is a simplified explanation of a complex issue, but it highlights the role of casinos and gangsters in money laundering between China, Macau, and Vancouver.

    • British Columbia casinos knowingly allowed money launderingThe BC government ignored money laundering in casinos, catering to high-end Chinese and Hong Kong gamblers, who were drug trafficking suspects.

      The British Columbia government in Canada knowingly allowed money laundering to occur in their government-owned casinos, catering specifically to high-end gamblers from China and Hong Kong. The casinos were built with secluded VIP rooms and private cash cages to accommodate these gamblers, who were known to be drug trafficking suspects. The money itself never physically crossed the border, but the proceeds of illegal activities were being laundered through these casinos. This industrialized money laundering operation went unchecked due to the government's focus on attracting these major gamblers and the lack of questioning the source of their wealth. The people involved in investigating casino-related crimes often came from high-level policing backgrounds, and yet they were aware of the connection between the biggest gamblers and drug trafficking. This situation is akin to the post office being involved in laundering drug cash for a transnational crime organization. The casinos were marketed as providing fun for the average punter, but in reality, they were built around the major gamblers from China and Hong Kong, who were the primary source of wealth identified by the BC government.

    • Underground banks facilitate transactions despite strict capital controls and hide them from authoritiesUnderground banks enable individuals and organizations to move funds across borders, bypassing formal financial institutions and capital controls, but can also be used for illicit activities like money laundering and corruption.

      Despite the availability of formal financial institutions, some individuals and organizations in certain countries resort to using underground banks due to strict capital controls or the desire to hide their transactions. This is illustrated by the example given of someone moving funds from China to buy property or send their children to school in other countries. While this can involve legitimate individuals, the use of these underground banks also facilitates money laundering and strategic corruption, with gangsters and intelligence handlers playing a role in the transfers. This complex web of transactions can be compared to informal money transfer systems like Hawala, where records may not exist after the transaction is completed. Ultimately, these underground banking networks highlight the importance of financial inclusion and the need to address the root causes of capital controls and corruption.

    • Underground Banking Systems: A Haven for Criminal OrganizationsUnderground banking systems, like Hawala and the Vancouver method, facilitate large sums of money transfers across borders without traditional banks, but are also used by criminal organizations for money laundering, with significant activity in real estate and casinos in British Columbia and Hong Kong, estimated to be in the billions.

      The use of underground banking systems, such as Hawala and the Vancouver method, is not only prevalent in certain cultures for legitimate reasons but also exploited by criminal organizations like ISIS, Al Shabaab, and triads. These systems allow for the easy transfer of large sums of money across borders without the involvement of traditional banks. The trust involved in these networks is so strong that it's safer to rip off Uncle Sam than to cross these underground bankers. The Vancouver method, in particular, has been identified as a major contributor to international drug money laundering, with one currency exchange in Vancouver responsible for over $1 billion in drug money laundering annually. The scale of money laundering in British Columbia is estimated to be in the billions, with a significant portion going into real estate. The Vancouver method has its mirror in Hong Kong, creating an interconnected system. The BC government casinos have also been identified as a significant source of money laundering, with estimates reaching at least $2 billion. The scale of money laundering in Canada is estimated to be around $130 billion.

    • Vancouver: A Hub for Transnational Crime and Money LaunderingVancouver's porous financial system, lack of regulation, and weak law enforcement make it a prime destination for transnational crime syndicates, resulting in billions of dollars being laundered annually. Canada's absence of strong anti-racketeering laws exacerbates the issue, impacting global financial stability and security.

      Vancouver, Canada, has become a hub for transnational crime and money laundering, particularly involving Chinese triads, Mexican cartels, Russian organized crime, and terror finance groups like Hezbollah. This is due to the city's porous financial system, lack of regulation, and weak law enforcement. The unchecked money laundering opportunities in Vancouver are almost unlimited, with billions of dollars being laundered through the city each year. Transnational crime syndicates are drawn to cities like Vancouver and Toronto because of the business and corruption opportunities they offer, making Canada an attractive target for state-sponsored networks. The absence of strong anti-racketeering laws in Canada, like the RICO law in the United States, makes it easier for criminals to operate with impunity. The impact of this criminal activity extends beyond Canada, affecting global financial stability and security.

    • Canada's struggle against organized crimeCanada's lack of robust organized crime laws and protective privacy laws hinder investigations. The RICO law could help but cultural resistance and privacy concerns may prevent its implementation. A courageous political leader is needed to tackle this issue.

      Organized crime exists in Canada and the lack of robust organized crime laws and overly protective privacy laws make it challenging for authorities to effectively address the issue. The RICO law, which allows for flipping witnesses and seeing patterns, could be a powerful tool in Canada's arsenal against organized crime. However, there is a cultural resistance to giving the government too much power and intruding on privacy, which can hinder investigations. The stereotype of Canadians as a polite and private society may also contribute to the reluctance to publicly address organized crime. The speaker suggests that a political leader with courage is needed to tackle this problem head-on. Additionally, the speaker discusses their personal experience with Airbnb and encourages listeners to consider turning their homes into Airbnbs to bring in extra income and share their world with others. The episode is sponsored by Airbnb and Caesars Palace online casino.

    • Discussing Chinese organized crime in Vancouver and its impactAcknowledging and addressing Chinese organized crime in Vancouver, involving drug trafficking, money laundering, and real estate, is crucial to prevent harm and racial tension.

      Organized crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering, is a significant issue in Vancouver, Canada, and it's important to address it to prevent racial tension and harm to innocent people. New users at Caesars Palace Online in Michigan receive a welcome bonus, but it comes with wagering requirements. During the podcast, Sam Cooper discussed the issue of Chinese organized crime in Vancouver and how it's connected to drug trafficking, money laundering, and real estate prices. Cooper also mentioned the case of Otis, an RCMP officer who uncovered compromising information about state-sponsored crime and cyber criminals in East Asia and Hong Kong but hasn't faced trial yet. The conversation touched on the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues to prevent further harm and racial tension. For more information, listeners can visit jordanharbinger.com/deals to support the show's sponsors.

    • Canadian Intelligence Officer Accused of Selling Sensitive Plans to Criminal SyndicatesA former top Canadian intelligence analyst is accused of compromising high-level investigations within the Five Eyes alliance by selling sensitive operational plans to dangerous criminal syndicates, potentially damaging Canada's reputation and straining relationships with allies.

      The case of Canadian intelligence officer, Cameron Ortis, highlights a significant corruption scandal that compromised high-level investigations within the Five Eyes alliance. Ortis, a former top intelligence analyst and the highest-ranking official in Canadian intelligence, is accused of selling sensitive operational plans to some of the world's most dangerous organized crime and money laundering syndicates. These groups include currency traders affiliated with Hezbollah and encryption software tycoons in British Columbia. The implications of this case extend beyond financial crimes, as there are concerns that Ortis may have intentionally sabotaged Canada's intelligence capabilities, potentially benefiting countries like Russia, Iran, and China. The exact amount of money involved in the scandal remains unknown, but the potential consequences are immense, damaging Canada's reputation and straining relationships with its allies. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Ortis has not been tried, and the full extent of his involvement remains unclear.

    • Canada's Role in Global Fentanyl Production and ShippingCanada's weakened security due to fentanyl production and shipment, potential compromise of intelligence agencies, and expansion of criminal networks pose significant risks to global security and the economy.

      The situation in Canada, particularly in the Vancouver area, poses a significant risk to global security due to its role as a major global node for fentanyl production and shipment. This issue is compounded by the fact that Canada's intelligence agencies may have been compromised, making it uncertain if they can be trusted to effectively address this problem. The consequences of a weakened Canada could extend beyond its borders, potentially putting the United States and the entire free world at risk. Additionally, the criminal networks involved in this illicit activity are not limited to drug trafficking, but also engage in other forms of trafficking such as weapons and human beings. These networks are also believed to be expanding their operations to other countries, including New Zealand and Australia. The economic consequences of these criminal activities, such as inflated housing prices, are also cause for concern. Overall, the situation in Canada highlights the need for increased international cooperation and a more robust response to transnational organized crime.

    • Vancouver Model Trade: A Global Criminal NetworkThe Vancouver Model Trade is a global criminal network involved in drugs and money laundering, with connections to Chinese police and triads, and investigative journalists face threats and intelligence gathering activities for exposing it.

      The Vancouver model trade, a criminal network with connections to Chinese police and triads, is a global operation with presence in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The network is known to deal drugs and engage in money laundering. The speaker, an investigative journalist and author, has faced threats and intelligence gathering activities from Chinese intelligence due to his work on exposing this criminal network. The speaker was warned not to travel to countries where China's intelligence services have free play, including China and Hong Kong. Despite the risks, the speaker remains committed to his work as a free independent journalist. The Vancouver model trade is a significant global criminal network that poses a threat to various countries and their laws, and those who investigate it face potential consequences.

    • Forced organ harvesting from prisoners in ChinaThe CCP targets nonconformists for forced organ harvesting, killing victims during the process, and selling organs to wealthy citizens and foreigners, causing negative international impact and harm to the Chinese diaspora

      The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is involved in the forced harvesting and sale of organs from prisoners, primarily those held in labor camps. This heinous practice targets individuals who do not conform to the CCP's ideology, such as those who do not drink, smoke, or follow a vegan diet. The victims are never given a trial and are often killed during the organ extraction process. These organs are then sold to wealthy Chinese citizens and foreigners seeking transplants. The CCP's influence is expanding, with transnational crime operations based in cities like Vancouver. It's crucial to remember that the Chinese people are the primary victims of this oppressive regime. While the CCP doesn't care about the international community's perception, the Chinese diaspora and those with close ties to China are often affected by the negative fallout. The US and other countries are increasingly recognizing and addressing the CCP's criminal activities.

    • Recognize the real villains in ongoing tensionsFocus on holding the CCP accountable for their actions, build relationships, and remember lessons learned from the show

      It's essential to recognize the real villains in the ongoing tensions between different communities, particularly those involving Chinese people. Many Chinese individuals have fled from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and even their own neighborhoods due to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) oppression and theft. Blaming an individual in your community for these issues only adds to the distress. Instead, we should focus on holding the CCP accountable for their actions. For more insights, listen to the full discussion with Sam Cooper and consider supporting the resources mentioned in the show. Additionally, remember to build relationships before you need them and apply the lessons learned from the show to your daily life.

    Recent Episodes from The Jordan Harbinger Show

    993: Johann Hari | The Skinny on 'Magic Pill' Weight-Loss Drugs

    993: Johann Hari | The Skinny on 'Magic Pill' Weight-Loss Drugs

    Are new weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy "magic" pills that can put an end to the obesity epidemic? Johann Hari is here to give us the skinny!

    What We Discuss with Johann Hari:

    • Processed and ultra-processed foods are a major driver of the obesity epidemic, as they undermine the body's natural ability to feel full and satisfied after eating. Moving from fresh, whole foods to mostly processed foods is strongly linked to the dramatic rise in obesity rates.
    • Obesity is a complex issue with biological, psychological, and social causes. Factors like genetics, emotional eating, trauma, and the food environment all play a role. Stigmatizing or shaming people for their weight is cruel and counterproductive.
    • New weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work by artificially boosting satiety hormones like GLP-1, helping people feel full faster and eat less. They are showing impressive weight loss results, but also come with potential risks and side effects that are not yet fully understood, especially in the long-term.
    • While these new drugs may help many people, they are not a magic solution. They don't address the underlying drivers of the obesity crisis in the food system and environment. To make a real difference, we need broader changes to make healthy eating the easy, default option.
    • The good news is, each of us can take positive steps today to improve our health, no matter our current weight. Focus on adding more whole, minimally processed foods to your diet, and find physical activities you truly enjoy. Prioritize getting good sleep, managing stress, and building a strong social support network. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes can make a big difference over time. Be patient and kind with yourself in the process. You have the power to transform your health, one choice at a time.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/993

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    992: Royals | Skeptical Sunday

    992: Royals | Skeptical Sunday

    What's the point of the publicly funded British Royal family in the modern world? Andrew Gold puts the monarchy under a microscope on this Skeptical Sunday!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

    • The British monarchy is a centuries-old institution that has had a significant impact on the UK's culture, politics, and history. While the monarch's role is largely ceremonial, the royal family still holds influence and plays a significant part in British society.
    • The British Royal Family receives public funding through the Sovereign Grant, which is calculated as a percentage of the profits made by the Crown Estate. The Sovereign Grant covers official expenses, while the monarch also has personal income from private estates.
    • The monarchy faces challenges in maintaining its relevance in an increasingly democratic and progressive world. The royal family must balance tradition with adapting to changing societal values and expectations.
    • The popularity of individual members of the royal family, such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry, can significantly impact public perception of the monarchy as a whole.
    • Despite the controversies and challenges surrounding the British monarchy, it remains an integral part of the nation's identity and continues to captivate people worldwide. By focusing on their roles as symbols of unity, continuity, and tradition, while also embracing positive change and engaging in meaningful charitable work, the royal family can maintain its relevance and contribute to the well-being of the British people and the global community.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/992

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us...

    991: Should You Coexist with a Manchild Narcissist? | Feedback Friday

    991: Should You Coexist with a Manchild Narcissist? | Feedback Friday

    Should you endure a toxic marriage for the sake of your son's relationship with his father, or run for the hills while you can? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • You're contemplating leaving your narcissistic addict husband due to his poor treatment of you and your child, but you feel trapped financially and concerned about your son losing his father. Should you try to reconcile and accept him the way he is, or run for the hills while you can?
    • Betrayed by a lifelong friend who used you in an eBay scam and left you financially accountable to his victims, you found closure years later at a party by forgiving him and letting go of your own negative emotions about the situation. But you can't help but wonder if you should've just punched him in the face. Did you do the right thing?
    • After years of caring for your late mother's boyfriend like family, you feel disrespected when you're labeled as a vendor at a granddaughter's wedding, highlighting the family's lack of appreciation for your efforts. Are you still expected to bring a gift, or should you send them an invoice the day after the wedding for taking care of their grandfather?
    • Your close relationship with your daughter's ex-boyfriend, now reformed from the issues that facilitated their breakup, causes tension with your married daughter, forcing you to choose between transparency or secrecy to preserve your bond. Should you continue to "sneak around" with your daughter's ex, or just be honest and let the chips fall where they may?
    • You're a Canadian mom worried about your 18-year-old daughter's real-life meetup with the 23-year-old American boyfriend she met online. How can you ensure her safety (on the off-chance he might be a human trafficker or drug fiend) without damaging your relationship by being seen as overbearing?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/991

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:...

    990: Jonathan Haidt | How Gen Z Became the Anxious Generation

    990: Jonathan Haidt | How Gen Z Became the Anxious Generation

    Jonathan Haidt is here to talk about his latest book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.

    What We Discuss with Jonathan Haidt:

    • Social media and smartphones have drastically altered childhood since the early 2010s, leading to increased rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide among teens, especially girls.
    • Virtual interactions on social media are disembodied, shallow, and can spread mental health issues among susceptible teens. Prestige biased learning causes teens to emulate influencers, even those promoting unhealthy behaviors. Smartphones and social media also enable sexual predators to easily target children online.
    • Overprotection in the real world and underprotection online are both mistakes that need to be reversed. Parents have allowed kids too much unsupervised screen time while restricting their independence and free play in the physical world out of exaggerated fears.
    • Schools and parents need to set clear boundaries around technology use. No smartphones before high school, no social media until age 16, and phone-free schools from bell to bell are key norms to establish. The longer parents delay introducing these technologies, the better.
    • Although the situation is serious, positive change is possible when parents, educators, and lawmakers work together. Parents can start by giving kids more independence and free play time offline, schools can go phone-free, and governments can pass laws to make online spaces safer for kids. With collective action, we can restore a healthier childhood for the next generation. Small steps like "Free Play Fridays" for neighborhood kids can make a difference right away. By coming together to solve this, we can ensure today's youth have the space to develop into competent, well-adjusted adults.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/990

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    989: Bad Behavior Uncorrected Leaves Dad Unprotected | Feedback Friday

    989: Bad Behavior Uncorrected Leaves Dad Unprotected | Feedback Friday

    Your disabled father's safety is jeopardized by a violent, mentally ill relative, and legal remedies have proven insufficient. Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • Your paralyzed, terminally sick father's safety is at risk due to a violent, mentally ill family member, and legal interventions seem ineffective. What alternative solutions exist?
    • Raised in an abusive, isolating homeschool cult, you struggle with trauma, financial hardship, and inaccessibility to college due to a lack of legitimate transcripts. Are you out of luck, or might there be a workaround? [Thanks to licensed mental health counselor and cult expert Steven Hassan for helping us with this one!]
    • After enduring a volatile, unprofessional manager who alienated staff and customers, how can you diplomatically end your forced friendship now that he's been fired?
    • Your mother's disapproval of your loving husband has led to an 'all or none' ultimatum resulting in estrangement and heartbreak for your son, who wonders why you "don't visit grandma anymore." What can you do?
    • A dyslexic listener shares their journey to success, urging others with dyslexia to embrace their strengths, seek accommodations, and overcome shame by being open and advocating for their needs.
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/989

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    <a...

    988: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part Two

    988: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part Two

    Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 2/2. [Pt 1 can be found here!]

    What We Discuss with Robert Mazur:

    • How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations.
    • Money laundering enables cartels to produce their most lethal product: corruption. Corrupt officials and governments facilitate drug trafficking operations.
    • Money laundering methods are highly sophisticated, involving legitimate businesses, secret codes, and multi-national operations to evade detection.
    • Banks and the global financial system need to change to combat money laundering effectively, with severe penalties for those involved in facilitating the flow of illicit funds.
    • Despite the risks and close calls, Robert continued his undercover work to gather intelligence and evidence against drug cartels until it became clear that the price his family was paying was not worth continuing.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/988

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    987: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part One

    987: Robert Mazur | How Money Laundering Works Part One

    Ex-federal agent Robert Mazur shares his experiences working undercover to infiltrate drug cartels, offering insights into the challenges involved. Pt 1/2.

    What We Discuss with Robert Mazur:

    • How Robert, working undercover for US Customs and the DEA, posed as a money launderer to infiltrate Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel and other criminal organizations.
    • The extensive planning that goes into an undercover operation, including developing a detailed backstory, establishing fake businesses, and coordinating with informants and other agents.
    • How Robert built rapport with targets by researching their interests, using active listening, and offering them gifts to gain their trust.
    • Undercover agents must be laser-focused on their targets and avoid thinking about their personal lives, as any slip-up could compromise the operation and endanger their safety.
    • During trials, these agents must be prepared for defense attorneys' tactics, such as role reversal, and maintain their composure to avoid compromising the case or their credibility in front of the jury.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/987

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    986: Porn | Skeptical Sunday

    986: Porn | Skeptical Sunday

    Has technology weaponized pornography into a public health crisis? Michael Regilio takes us through modern porn's ins and outs on this Skeptical Sunday!

    On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

    • High-speed internet porn is a recent phenomenon that provides an intense, novel experience unlike traditional pornography, hacking into our brain's evolutionary desires for new mates and triggering dopamine responses similar to drug addiction.
    • Pornography use, especially among adolescents and young adults who grew up with easy access to internet porn, has been linked to erosion of gray matter in the brain's prefrontal cortex, which controls impulse control and decision-making.
    • Porn use has been associated with sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction in young men, as well as difficulties forming emotional bonds and intimacy in relationships.
    • While some psychologists dispute the existence of "porn addiction," neuroscientific evidence shows porn use can lead to compulsive behaviors and brain changes resembling substance addictions.
    • While some political efforts have been made to declare porn a public health crisis, there is little policy action based on scientific evidence to provide resources for treatment and awareness.
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
    • Connect with Michael Regilio at TwitterInstagram, and YouTube, and make sure to check out the Michael Regilio Plagues Well With Others podcast here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/986

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    985: Lives Are at Stake in Bail Reform's Wake | Feedback Friday

    985: Lives Are at Stake in Bail Reform's Wake | Feedback Friday

    When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims? Welcome to Feedback Friday!

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    On This Week's Feedback Friday:

    • When bail reforms free violent offenders and risk others' safety, how can we uphold justice while safeguarding victims?
    • You've about had it with your autistic boss' cringeworthy conspiracy theories. How can you disagree respectfully and maintain professionalism?
    • As a cancer patient struggling with massive student loans and disability assistance denial, what legal help and guidance is available for navigating private loan regulations while fighting for survival?
    • You've invented a non-functional plastic object that brings laughter to all who behold its absurdity. You want to protect the IP so you can profit from this stroke of comedic novelty, but you can't ignore the potential environmental impact of manufacturing such an item en masse. What should you do?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/985

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    984: Susan Casey | Unraveling Mysteries in the Ocean's Darkest Depths

    What challenges can the ocean help us meet, and what must we do to safeguard its treasures? The Underworld author Susan Casey dives deep for answers here!

    What We Discuss with Susan Casey:

    • The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and serves as the largest carbon sink on the planet, making its preservation essential for mitigating climate change.
    • The ocean is home to a fascinating array of creatures that have adapted to extreme conditions, such as iron-breathing microbes, glass sponges, and jellyfish that can reverse their life cycle.
    • Pollution, including plastics, chemical weapons, and nuclear waste, has severely impacted the ocean ecosystem, with some deep-sea creatures found to have plastic particles embedded in their organs.
    • There are an estimated three million shipwrecks on the ocean floor, preserving valuable historical artifacts and information — such as the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer.
    • Exploring the ocean can lead to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, Earth's history, and climate, providing valuable insights for addressing humanity's challenges — provided we safeguard this treasury of knowledge for current and future generations.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/984

    This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors: jordanharbinger.com/deals

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    Related Episodes

    684: Desmond Shum | Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in China

    684: Desmond Shum | Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in China

    Desmond Shum is the former husband of arrested Chinese billionaire "Whitney" Duan Weihong and the author of Red Roulette: An Insider’s Story of Wealth, Power, Corruption, and Vengeance in Today’s China.

    What We Discuss with Desmond Shum:

    • Why Desmond's intellectual schoolteacher parents were treated as undesirables by the CCP, and how this led to his family's self-exile to then-British Hong Kong when he was 10.
    • What the CCP does to keep evidence of events like the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre out of the public eye -- and what Desmond's impression of this particular event was like.
    • How the economic necessity of corruption to make business sustainable under the watchful eye of the CCP is used as a bargaining chip to keep the operators of these businesses in line.
    • The path that led Desmond and his wife Whitney to the inner circle of the CCP and allowed them to make billions with the government's blessing -- and the amount of work that went into maintaining the network that allowed this to continue.
    • The circumstances of Whitney's disappearance, and the eerie phone call he received from her four years later urging him not to publish his tell-all book.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/684

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Missed our conversation with Annie Duke — World Series poker champion and author of Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts? Catch up by listening to episode 40: Annie Duke | How to Make Decisions Like a Poker Champ here!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    643: Laowhy86 | How the Chinese Social Credit Score System Works Part One

    643: Laowhy86 | How the Chinese Social Credit Score System Works Part One

    Laowhy86 (@laowhy86) -- aka Matthew Tye, aka C-Milk -- shared the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of life as an American in China on his YouTube channel for 10 years until he caught the attention of the CCP and barely escaped. This is his story.  [This is part one of a two-part episode. Stay tuned for the second part later this week!]

    What We Discuss with Laowhy86:

    • What the Chinese social credit system is, the factors that increase or diminish someone's score, and the consequences someone with a low score faces.
    • How the Kremlin is cribbing the Chinese Communist Party's propaganda playbook for its own nefarious purposes.
    • Why, after 10 years of having mostly positive things to say about life in China, Laowhy86 suddenly found himself on the run from the authorities and barely escaping the country.
    • How Laowhy86 went from lifestyle vlogging to covering things mainstream journalists couldn't (or wouldn't) touch.
    • Myths perpetrated by the CCP that need to be dispelled.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/643

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Miss the conversation we had with scambuster Coffeezilla? Catch up with episode 368: Coffeezilla | How to Expose Fake Guru Scams here!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    751: General Robert Spalding | China's Playbook for Global Domination

    751: General Robert Spalding | China's Playbook for Global Domination

    General Robert Spalding (@@robert_spalding) is a retired US Air Force brigadier general, the CEO of digital infrastructure company SEMPRE, and the author of Stealth War: How China Took Over While America’s Elite Slept and War Without Rules: China's Playbook for Global Domination.

    What We Discuss with General Robert Spalding:

    • How a 1999 book by military strategists Qiao Liang and Wang Xiangsui called Unrestricted Warfare has become China's playbook for global domination against the Western world.
    • Numerous ways the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) exploits Western weaknesses with this playbook's primary tenet: the best strategy for warfare is not to kill, but to control.
    • Why the CCP isn't likely to crumble under the weight of its own debts as Soviet Russia did, and why a Chinese invasion of Taiwan stands a better chance of success than the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
    • How the CCP uses corporate espionage, global pandemics, and trade violations to pursue its goal of dominance.
    • What can we, as individuals clued in to the tactics of this playbook, do to resist the influence of the CCP on the Western world?
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/751

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Miss our conversation with elite counterterrorism undercover agent Tamer Elnoury? Catch up with episode 572: Tamer Elnoury | Undercover with a Muslim FBI Agent here!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    256: Malcolm Gladwell | What We Should Know about Talking to Strangers

    256: Malcolm Gladwell | What We Should Know about Talking to Strangers

    Malcolm Gladwell (@gladwell) has written bestsellers that are probably on your shelf right now, including The Tipping Point, Blink, Outliers, and What the Dog Saw. His latest book is Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don't Know.

    What We Discuss with Malcolm Gladwell:

    • Why, if we don't know how to talk to strangers, we invite conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world.
    • Why the information we gather from face-to-face human interaction isn't as uniquely valuable as we think it is.
    • Why television makes us worse at reading other people.
    • Why we think we can tell if someone is lying, guilty, or deceptive -- and why we're almost always wrong.
    • What determines the direction of Malcolm's projects, and how he researches and organizes the massive amount of information that goes into them.
    • And much more...

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://jordanharbinger.com/256

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!

    705: Gabe’s Front-Row Seat to Florid Psychosis | Feedback Friday

    705: Gabe’s Front-Row Seat to Florid Psychosis | Feedback Friday

    On this Feedback Friday, Gabe relays the tragic story of a paranoid schizophrenic neighbor that illustrates just how destabilizing unchecked mental illness can be for family members, friends, neighbors, and the patients themselves.

    And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!

    Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/705

    On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:

    • Gabe relays the tragic story of a paranoid schizophrenic neighbor that illustrates just how destabilizing unchecked mental illness can be for family members, friends, neighbors, and the patients themselves.
    • In spite of having a dream job and a significant other who checks most of your boxes, current circumstances make imagining a future in your native Russia difficult. Unfortunately, this significant other comes from a conservative family and doesn't understand why you'd ever want to move abroad. Are your differences too radical to build a life together?
    • Your boss is an incredible leader who commands respect across the board. Unfortunately, a family tragedy has overwhelmed her with grief. How can your team offer support without intruding on her personal life?
    • Your significant other is great in every respect -- except for when he gets in a "mood" and resorts to calling you names and putting you down. Where do you draw the line on verbal abuse?
    • Is it possible to profit from selling your business idea when you don't have the financial means to create your own startup around that idea?
    • Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
    • Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
    • Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi.

    Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!

    Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider leaving your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!