Unbabbled

What's wrong with the US prison system? Does it work just fine as-is, or is there some need for reform? Is there another way to do it at all?

In this episode, we head to a prison in southern Norway that claims to have found the holy grail of modern incarceration. Flat screen TV's, nearly unrestricted access to knives, and a recording studio are among some of the most absurd perks you'd expect to find at Halden Prison.

Theme music written and recorded by Michael Wharton using a slowed down version of Vincent Sermonne's Brush Loop, licensed through CC BY 3.0. Also features Ambient Prison, licensed through CC BY 3.0 and Birds in Spring, also licensed through CC BY 3.0.

Additional links mentioned:

Jan Stromnes presentation

Stanford Progressive article

"We Are the World" music video, as sung by the Halden Fengsel Choir

Curious about the hurdles you need to jump over to drive abroad? It's easier than you might think.

In this episode, we talk about the steps that need to be taken to begin driving in a foreign country, and more generally, what it's like to tour the UK countryside. Listen on for details about driving in London, Bath, Stonehenge, The Cotswolds, and more.

10th episode of "Dead Ends", a collection of stories and anecdotes that doesn't quite warrant a series of dedicated episodes.

This episode focuses on South Korea and Hong Kong: Meerkat Cafes, extreme weather, BBQ, the peak hike in Hong Kong, and lots more.

In 1918, the Spanish Flu killed over 20 million people. Because of the devastation, individuals in some countries began to wear surgical masks in public to attempt to control the illness. Although the practice's effectiveness is questionable, some countries continue to wear these masks to this day for a variety of health-related reasons. In Japan however, the story is a bit more complex.

In this episode, we take a look at a new reason that the Japanese where surgical masks in public, and the implications this has for Japanese society as a whole.

Links referenced in the episode: Japanese Surgical Mask Street Interviews

Theme music written and recorded by Michael Wharton using a slowed down version of Vincent Sermonne's Brush Loop, licensed through CC BY 3.0.

Cover art featured: Harajuku (cropped) by Sean McGrath, licensed through CC BY 2.0

Unbabbled is written, recorded, and produced by Michael Wharton.

Curious about Japan? You've undoubtedly heard that it's expensive, but let's say you decided to visit anyway. What's the best way to do it? Where are the best spots? What should you expect?

In addition to the usual ramblings you get with a "Dead Ends" episode, this one focuses on all things Japan: transportation, food, sights, etc. Listen to find out more.

In the late 1970's, a dictator named Pol Pot's communist regime, the "Khmer Rouge", took over Cambodia and slaughtered around one quarter of the entire population at the time. The effects are still felt today and likely will continue to be felt for generations.

In this episode, we take a look at one of the many stories of tragedy that came about due to the Khmer Regime's unwavering commitment to destruction.

Links referenced in the episode: Brother Number One Documentary, Rob Hamill Testimony, Kerry Hamill's Confession. Kerry Hamill is shown in the episode photo.

Theme music written and recorded by Michael Wharton using a slowed down version of Vincent Sermonne's Brush Loop, licensed through CC BY 3.0.

Unbabbled is written, recorded, and produced by Michael Wharton.

Merry Christmas from Japan! Today's episode features a re-release about people doing extraordinary things. 

Special thanks to George Kourelis of Visit Meteora in Kalabaka, Greece. Find out more about George's work at visitmeteora.travel.

Theme music written and recorded by Michael Wharton using a slowed down version of Vincent Sermonne's Brush Loop, licensed through CC BY 3.0.

Unbabbled is written, recorded, and produced by Michael Wharton.

In this one, we talk about Cambodia, Vietnam, and a sneak preview about what's to come next week. In particular, we cover what the ideal trip to Cambodia would look like.

If you're interested in temples, insane traffic, and Cambodian communist history, this is an episode to check out.

These days, it's everyone's favorite oxymoron: the "open secret". The term is probably fresh on your mind if you've been keeping up with the news at all, and that is in large part due to the case of Harvey Weinstein's abuses of power. But this is one example of countless others.

In this episode, we look into an open secret that exists in the tiny island nation of Singapore. In a country of nearly flawless public institutions and infrastructure, it seems to be one of the only vices that simply flies under the radar. But after more than a passing look, it doesn't at all…

What kind of close calls do you inevitably encounter during a six month trip around the world? How should you react to said situations? What can you do to avoid them in the future?

In this episode, we unpack all sorts of dangerous situations, everything from an aggressive counter on the Paris metro to traversing a landslide. Danger is, well, dangerous, but as we'll see, the fruits are often worth the risk.