The Think Tank

Why AI is Dangerous for Disinformation Oct 11, 2024

Will AI kill us all? Probably not, but it may destroy trust in facts, harm education, and exacerbate a lot of worrying trends. In this episode, Joe and Pingu catch up on some events, such as Kursk updates, the media cycle, and more, and then dive into the terrifying reality of AI, and how it must be taken more seriously, building off the previous episode. With Dr. Joseph Place and Pingu

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Summer 2024 Catch Up Oct 11, 2024

Why did Russia seem totally unbothered by Ukraine’s counter attack into Kursk?

What do the various elections around the world mean for Ukraine?

What happened with the downed F-16 in Ukraine?

Will Joe get over his cold that you can hear?

Why is AI worrying?

Find out in this episode of The Think Tank!

With Dr. Joseph Place and Pingu

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Episode 17 - Shaun Pinner Aug 16, 2024

Dr. Joe and not Dr. Matt talk to Shaun Pinner. One of the British soldiers in the Ukrainian armed forces captured in the defence of Mariupol. They discuss his background, what the media gets wrong about Ukraine and its overlooked successes, what the future of the conflict looks like, why online activism is important, and what's great about life in Ukraine.

Read his book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/300663/shaun-pinner

Listen to Letters from Ukraine via Twitter: @UkrainianWriter

Support: https://www.braveu.fund/

https://www.penguin.co.uk/authors/300663/shaun-pinner

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Episode 16: Zakarpattia, Ukraine's Hungarian Minority and Linguistic Realities with Olga of Uzhhorod Jun 19, 2024

Joe and Matt chat with Olga of Uzhhorod, a Ukrainian from Zakarpattia, an oblast which borders Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania. They discuss Olga’s experience of language in the country, myths about the country, how things are changing, growing up in a multilingual environment, absurdity of russian propaganda, why language is not equivalent to nationality, and how to fight back.

Ongoing Fundraiser for Olga’s friend: https://choko.link/slashsquad

Joe’s Blog Post about Zakarpattia: https://jjplace.co.uk/?p=109

Joe’s article about language policies: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11212-023-09612-3

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Episode 15: The Taiwan Protests Explained Jun 17, 2024

In a The Think Tank first, Joe and Matt get a live call from Pingu (and a not-live explainer) about the protests in Taiwan. They also discuss two years of NAFO, its impact, and highlights of its history.

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The Think Tank Episode 15: The Georgia Protests Against the Russian Law With General George Fella May 24, 2024

Why is the russian law so bad?
Who are the Georgian Dream party?
What is the opposition and protest movement doing?
How can we help Georgia defend democracy?
Elbridge Colby vs NAFO, Kharkiv under attack, and Fico and the disinfo mill.

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Episode 14: The Episode from the American State May 14, 2024

Joe and Matt return (again) to catch up after some time. Matt shares his impressions of the "Victory" parade. Joe has upgraded. They also discuss the events recently and past, and how the modern social media cycle continues to warp our understanding of war. And Brezhnev lives.

Episode Links:

https://x.com/MattPPea/status/1788486814723887163

https://twitter.com/soldier_fella

https://u24.gov.ua/

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Episode 13 with Dr. Judas Everett: Ukraine and Russia's Post-Communist Transitions, EU Truck Protests, and the Rise of the Doomers. Feb 01, 2024

WE’RE BACK! Joe and Matt are joined by Dr. Judas Everett, a specialist in transitions from communism who lived in Moscow, Ukraine, and Poland.

Did Ukraine’s counteroffensive fail?

Why is doom so popular now?

How is the war in the Middle East affecting Ukraine?

What do people misunderstand about Russia?

What are the differences with Ukraine’s and Russia’s transitions from communism?

What are the causes of the border protests in Central Eastern Europe?

Why is Seymour Hersh still a thing?

(Recorded on 6th of December, 2023)

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Ep. 12: Cormac Smith on the importance of truth, the dangers of disinof, and how every bullet helps Ukraine Aug 29, 2023

Joe and Pingu are joined by Cormac Smith, outspoken supporter of Ukraine, formerly deputy director of communications for the UK, and with professional experience within Ukraine and working against disinformation. Also, Joe and Pingu discus useful idiots, poor journalism, and go off topic sometimes.

SUPPORT LIFE-LINE UKRAINE: https://www.lifeline-ukraine.org/

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Ep. 11: The Think Tank Live at the British Library (sort of)! Aug 03, 2023

In this very first live episode (well, the first part) Pingu seizes power in a glorious revolution. Replacing Joe then Matt.

Matt and Pingu learn the Konchar bridge was bombed while discussing sharkgate, agenda setting, and the quality of western journalism.

Later Joe and Pingu continue asking why is western journalism so bad. They also talk about what does waif in his underwear mean and Seymour Hersh' fall from grace. Prighozhin looms large and no one knows what's going on there.

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-07-27/how-to-defeat-russia-s-black-sea-grain-blockade

https://www.wsj.com/articles/social-media-account-overseen-by-former-navy-noncommissioned-officer-helped-spread-secrets-a4b5643b

DONATE: https://u24.gov.ua/

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Ep. 10: We Got Vatnik Soup In Our Tank (With Pekka Kallioniemi) Jun 30, 2023

Pekka Kallioniemi, researcher and creator of Soup Central and Vatnik Soup, gets in the guest gunner seat in this episode. They discuss everything from RFK, the reasons to fight disinformation with the truth, the issues of social media platforms as marketplaces of ideas, and the importance of taking a break. Also, Joe and Matt inadvertently predict the coup attempt that happened a day after recording, reflect on a year of being in NAFO, and the importance of showing visible support to Ukraine, even in the Post Office.

The Importance of Truth

Can Twitter Be a Marketplace of Ideas?

Lessons from Vatnik Soup

Why You Should Touch Grass

Prighozin Preamble

Fellaversary

Matt goes to the Post Office

LINKS:

https://twitter.com/P_Kallioniemi

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220805-what-is-longtermism-and-why-does-it-matter

https://twitter.com/freeonis_

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Ep. 9: Cope, Boris, and Trump Walk into a Donbas Bar Jun 26, 2023

Episode 9: Matt and Joe catch up on the news, reflect on previous podcasts, and Joe debunks some myths about Ukraine

0-8:00 Catching up on the news

8:10-12:45 Recap of Ben and Paul

12:45-25:00 Cope, Boris Johnson, and Donald Trump

25:00-37:45 Debunking the "shelling of the Donbass"

37:50-49:30 Work and life in West Ukraine

LINKS:

https://u24.gov.ua/

Pingu's donation thread: https://twitter.com/TheSadPingu/status/1667515013928714240?s=20

https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/proginfo/2023/25/marianna-in-conspiracyland

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Ep. 8: Winning the Discursive Battle: A Discussion With Benjamin Tallis Jun 16, 2023

Title: Episode 8- Winning the Discursive Battle: A Discussion With Benjamin Tallis

The Nova Kakhovka Dam

The connections between different disinfo peddlers

With Benjamin Tallis:

Joining NAFO and it's success among academics and politicians

What is Neoidealism?

What is the ideal relationship of EU and USA?

What Ben's book doing?

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Ep. 7: Guest Paul Massaro on disinformation and learning from Ukrainians Jun 09, 2023

In this episode, Joe and Matt discuss copium then welcome Paul Massaro (Helsinki Institute) on to discuss disinformation, democracy, fighting for democracy, providing more weapons to Ukraine, and learning from Ukrainians in the west's fight for democracy.

URGENT NEED FOR LIFEBOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT:

Russia's terroristic blowing of the Nova Khakvoka dam has unleashed ecocide and destruction in Kherson. Ukraine needs immediate and urgent humanitarian donations.

https://u24.gov.ua/lifeboat

https://www.help99.co/projects/lifeboats-fundraiser

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Trailer: Paul Massaro and Joe discuss the need for direct combat of disinformation Jun 08, 2023

Trailer for our next episode with guest gunner Paul Massaro.

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Ep. 6: Russia attacks Russia and Pronounces Nonsense May 30, 2023

Joe and Matt briefly discuss Bakhmut, Russians attacking Russians, and more news in today's 30-minute show!

Links to today's stories:

Donate to U24: https://u24.gov.ua/

https://u24.gov.ua/news/nafo_squadrone

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65705733

https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-over-100/

https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-15th-mass-aerial-assault-against-ukraine-this-month-targeting-kyiv/

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65674773

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Ep. 5: Coronating King Prigozhin I of Copium, Drones, Counter-attack, and Donbas Devushka May 09, 2023

0:00 - 3:33 Intro and welcome back

3:33 - 6:43 Flork

6:43 - 14:31 Broomsticks and Drones

14:31 - 21:00 - Russian strike group in north waters, Bakhmut, Wagner

21:00 - 27:00 Battle of the Flag

27:00 - 34:43 Joe does live research and the SHOCKING moment Private Consriptovich learns Russian hypersonic missiles are NOT actually hypersonic; also, Matt compares the T-14 to a lawnmower

34:43 - 41:13 Counteroffensive and maps

41:13 - Commercial Break with Pingu

41:20 - 47:53 Donbass Devushka

47:53 - 53:34 [end] Charity Shoutouts

Links to today's stories:

https://twitter.com/NAFO_JayMac/status/1654433965732937730?s=19

https://boycottheineken.org/nafo-meme-awards-2023/

https://u24.gov.ua/news/nafo_squadrone

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-russia-delegates-fight-flag-video/

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Episode 4 - Maria Blancas, China, and Mexico Apr 03, 2023

What are the realities of China-Russia relations?

Is China dependent on the west?

Is there much support for Ukraine within Mexico?

How do you explain NAFO to parents?

We discuss all these things in The Think Tank Episode 4 with Maria Blancas, Ph.D., from Mexico City.

If you enjoyed this or any of our other episodes please donate to https://twitter.com/georgian_legion

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Ep. 3: Kevin (@gaughen) on Libertarianism, Russian Propaganda, and the Mises takeover Mar 21, 2023

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings on Kevin (@gaughen) to discuss libertarianism, libertarians, sociopathic libertarians, infilitration of the US libertarian party and the Mises Caucas, Russian propaganda, and more what NAFO can for #NAFOExpansionIsInevitable.

Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)

Donate to Ukraine today (United24)

0:00-0:33 - Intro to Podcast

0:34-1:25 - Intro Theme

1:26-41:30 - US politics, libertarianism, and support for Ukraine

41:30-51:14 - Vatnik Copium

51:15-51:45 - Commercial Break! Feed the Wolves

51:46-1:33:16 - The US Libertarian Party and the Mises Caucus

1:33:17-1:33:49 Bye bye for now!

Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance.

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Episode 2 Part 2 Trailer - Jack and Katyn Mar 14, 2023

Jack describes his family experience with Katyn and how the left in the UK spoke to him about it.

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Episode 2 part 2 Trailer - Jack, Poison in the well. Mar 11, 2023

What impact does the Left in the UK have on the Ukrainian Cause? Jack has a theory. See Episode 3.

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Ep. 2 Part 2: Guest Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) on the UK Left and Solidarity with Ukraine Mar 11, 2023

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation welcomes Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) in the second part of an episode spanning the UK left, the dangers of Stalinism. Podcast recorded on 24 February 2023.

Donate to UK4UA

Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)

Donate to Ukraine today (United24)

Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance.

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Ep. 2 Part 1: Guest Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) on NAFO, Anti-totalitarianism, and solidarity with Ukraine Mar 03, 2023

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings to Jack (@Wales4Ukraine) in the first part of an episode spanning the inclusive success of NAFO, the importance of anti-totalitarianism, and our favourite Vatnik Copium of the week. Podcast recorded on 24 February 2023.

Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)

Donate to Ukraine today (United24)

0:00-0:53 - Intro Theme

0:53-20:00 This week in Ukraine (news segment)

20:08-27:41 Vatnik Copium and memes

27:45-47:47 Anti-totalitarianism, Ukraine, and Jack's story

47:49-48:46 Bye bye for now!

Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance.

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Ep. 1: Georgia and NAFO with Dr. Nik Ford and Maggie Feb 22, 2023

Welcome to the unofficial NAFO podcast, bringing you our best brain damaged dogs and friends. Hosted by the Matt the TWAFFO CEO (@MattPPea) and Joe Place (@joseph__place), today's conversation brings to you top tier guests on Georgia: Maggie (@maggiedidrise) and Dr. Nik Ford (@ford_nik). This podcast was originally recorded in September 2022.

Feed the Wolves (Donations to the Georgian Legion)

Donate to Ukraine today (United24)

0:00-0:47 - Intro Theme

0:47-11:17 Intro from Matt & Joe and discussing the podcast

11:15-14:19 Intro to our guest's today

14:24-50:42 Discussing NAFO and Georgia with Maggie and Dr. Nik Ford

50:50-1:09:25 Georgia, NAFO, and Conflict with Dr. Nik Ford

1:09:35-1:10:43 Bye bye for now!

Thank you to Jen Bones (@gnucontrol) for the main theme song. Thanks to Mr. Pingu (@TheSadPingu) for production and editing assistance.

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