Is "insider trading" the secret ingredient to digital success on the music charts?

Is "insider trading" the secret ingredient to digital success on the music charts?

How does “Earrings,” a 2024 indie sleeper nobody had ever heard of make it to No. 1 on the charts in 2026? Whatever the case, Spotify had to issue a mea culpa after Kalshi pointed out that bots programmed by some bad actors—not Todd—looking to make a quick buck were probably to blame. Again, on this episode we return to the subject of insider trading, manipulation, and straight-up wire fraud and the almost limitless horizon of opportunities, some legitimate, some less so, offered by prediction markets. This is just another act on the Dark Side of Prediction Markets. [https://open.substack.com/pub/onthefringepodcast/p/the-dark-side-of-prediction-markets?r=52ogc9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web] And, there will likely be more to come, not only in terms of more episodes on this topic, but also of how everyday life is increasingly manipulated for profit. If you enjoyed the episode or want to throw some rocks, click below. We always appreciate the love from our growing On the Fringe community. All the best from both of us, Dave + Gav This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe [https://onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

What Gavin and Spongebob have in common

Before we recorded our planned episode yesterday, we spontaneously jumped into talking about driving, Korea, and North Korea. And now, I know why Gavin has never suggested renting a car. You’ll also hear a tidbit about why a Korean Driver’s license is powerful, arguably more so than the Dear Leader himself. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe [https://onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Congress has a solution to protect American kids from AI Slop. Will it work?

This week on the pod, Dave and Gav get into it about the SAFE Kids Act and other pieces of legislation regarding AI chatbots, social media, and child safety. As legislators around the world play catch-up with the social, economic, and legal implications of AI, we talk about how Constitutional rights may find themselves more in the crossfire—or in the crosshairs. This episode is part of our rolling coverage of developments involving AI and education. We’ve covered whether a college degree is worth it [https://substack.com/home/post/p-194731415] and what the front lines of preparing for an AI future [https://substack.com/home/post/p-176262227] look like. It’s likely not where you’d think! If you enjoyed the episode, shoot us a message, restack, and pass us some love and feedback. If you’re listening on Apple or Spotify, don’t forget to rate our show. We sincerely appreciate all the growing support our On the Fringe community provides. All the best from both of us! Dave and Gavin This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe [https://onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

We Came, We Saw, We Got The Hell Out.

Five months after the quiet announcement that American troops were being deployed in Nigeria to combat the local IS franchise, an even quieter announcement that the 200-ish deployment has already come to an end. The strategic aims apparently having been met, the US’s engagement, which began with a barrage of Tomahawks on Christmas Day last year, has been wrapped up. Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has taken pains to highlight how information sharing between the two countries continues despite a physical withdrawal. Does the withdrawal mean mission accomplished for the U.S.? For the Nigerians? Let us know what you think! All the best from both of us, Dave and Gavin If you want to hear more about the region, check out this episode! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe [https://onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

A mistaken identity...It's all in the name On the Fringe

Hey On the Fringe Community! In the last couple of years, there have been several other On the Fringe podcasts that have come out (one about labor unions, and one about aliens, from what it looks like…plus a few others). For the first time in both our lives (Dave + Gavin), we are being confused for someone else—and to be honest, it’s kind of weird and funny for both of us. Click the episode above to get our reaction to it. One more thing too: Since we set up On the Fringe 2 years ago, we’ve done this as a hobby and a labor of love. It’s fun for Gavin + I, and we are talking about taking the podcast more seriously going forward—i.e. having a clearer upload schedule, producing more exclusive content for subscribers and loyal listeners, and monetizing the show. When we do decide to monetize the show, we will keep you all informed :) And if you have any ideas that could help us to build our show going forward, they’re ALWAYS welcome. Shoot us a message or an email at onthefringe.podcast1@gmail.com All the best from both of us On the Fringe! Dave and Gav This Substack is listener and reader-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe [https://onthefringepodcast.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]