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The Dumbrlll Podcast

Daniel Dumbrill

Daniel Dumbrill, a Canadian living in China since 2008 brings you unique insights, stories and interviews from China and beyond.

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  • 21 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 6 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Today · 11 min· Video

    Wallstreet Journal Tried Stopping "Chinamaxing" & Got DESTROYED

    The Wall Street Journal Opinion section recently tried to attack "Chinamaxing"—the growing trend of online users highlighting modern Chinese high-speed rail, clean cities, and public safety—by calling young people "useful idiots." But the attempt backfired, leading to their own comment section completely ratioing the video. In this video, we break down the Wall Street Journal's piece bit by bit to expose how these establishment narratives are built—and why they are collapsing. Hosted by Koch family heiress Mary Julia Koch, the WSJ piece attempts to lecture ordinary citizens about the "failures" of China, while ignoring how the ultra-wealthy establishment has shaped the failing infrastructure and stagnant conditions back home. We also dive into: The Censorship of Reality: How programs like the PBS/CCTV poverty alleviation documentary Voices from the Frontline were pulled from American airwaves to keep citizens from seeing effective public policy in action. The "Useful Idiot" Narrative: Why Western establishment media is furious that younger generations are refusing to swallow Cold War framing and are choosing to believe what they can see with their own eyes. The Illusion of Freedom & Public Consent: Breaking down the WSJ's data center claim and contrasting it with real public engagement in China, including the 2019 Guangdong crematorium protests where local governments actually listened and backed down. "China Did X... But At What Cost?": Unpacking the media trope used to discount China accounting for over half of global solar additions, and revealing the truth behind global CO2 emissions and offshored Western manufacturing. Evidence-Free Accusations: How "forced labor" claims are loosely copy-pasted onto domestic infrastructure without documented evidence to invalidate Chinese technological achievements. #Chinamaxing #WallStreetJournal #MediaLies #China #Geopolitics #DanielDumbrill #Propaganda #WesternMedia

  • Monday · 10 min· Video

    Western Propaganda MELTDOWN Over a Xinjiang Starbucks

    When Starbucks recently opened locations in Xinjiang, the "professional" China-watching community went into a complete meltdown. Why? Because the reality of what is actually happening on the ground in China is actively destroying their carefully crafted, multi-million dollar propaganda narratives. In this video, I break down the absolute hypocrisy of western media outlets like the BBC, who celebrate Uyghur culture abroad while claiming it’s being erased in China—only to panic when you show them footage of Uyghurs proudly expressing that exact same culture in Xinjiang today. We look at the ridiculous claims from think-tank "experts," the inconvenient truth about who actually secured UNESCO heritage status for Uyghur Muqam, and why the US government is so desperate to stop Americans from seeing Xinjiang with their own eyes. Finally, we discuss why this lazy, low-effort Xinjiang propaganda is suddenly crawling out of hibernation, and how the world is waking up to the blatant hypocrisy of those demanding outrage over China while cheering on actual, live-streamed atrocities in Gaza. Hashtags: #Xinjiang #China #MediaLies #Uyghur #Propaganda #DanielDumbrill #Geopolitics #BBC #Starbucks

  • January 27 · 2 hr 29 min

    Is the US Surrendering to China? Multipolar World Shift ft. Ben Norton & Arnaud Bertrand

    Dive into a riveting panel discussion hosted by Daniel Dumbrill in Chongqing, China, exploring the seismic shift from U.S.-dominated unipolarity to a multipolar global order. This unscripted discussion uncovers the opportunities, challenges, and power realignments reshaping geopolitics. Featuring dueling keynotes from top experts: Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand), entrepreneur and geopolitical commentator: "From Unipolar Ambitions to Multipolar Survival: The U.S. Shift Toward Economic Coexistence" – arguing U.S. failures signal pragmatic acceptance of China's rise. Ben Norton (@BenjaminNorton), founder of Geopolitical Economy Report: "Beyond Rhetoric: Why U.S. 'Coexistence' with China Masks a Containment Agenda" – exposing bipartisan strategies fueling Cold War 2.0. The lively exchange tackles U.S. containment feasibility, impacts on Latin America and ASEAN, Europe's hedging, renewed Cold War risks, and strategies for stable coexistence. Packed with insights on trade wars, tech rivalries, and global supply chains. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation! 00:00 Introduction: Competing in a Multipolar World 00:39 Panel Discussion Kickoff 01:29 Keynote Speakers Introduction 05:02 Bertram's Keynote: US Shift Towards Economic Coexistence 27:37 Q&A Session 32:23 Ben Norton's Keynote: US Containment Agenda 01:06:31 Q&A Session 01:25:23 Europe's Position and Strategic Autonomy 01:41:31 Debating US-China Strategic Retreats 01:42:12 US Industrial Policy and Global Supply Chains 01:45:38 Audience Questions: Latin America's Strategic Position 01:48:12 US Influence and Chinese Investment in Latin America 01:53:44 China's Non-Interference Policy and Global Influence 02:04:01 ASEAN's Balancing Act in US-China Relations 02:13:15 Taiwan and Japan's Strategic Choices 02:20:33 Latin America's Potential for Regional Unity 02:24:34 Predictions for the Future: Hopes and Realities Follow Ben Norton on Youtube @GeopoliticalEconomyReport , Arnaud Bertrand on X @RnaudBertrand, and Daniel Dumbrill on Youtube @DanielDumbrill and on X under the same handle.

  • January 25 · 47 min

    End of Hypocritical 'Rules-Based Order'?: In China Visit & Davos Speech, Canada Breaks with USA

    Join Daniel Dumbrill (Canadian in China) and Ben Norton (American journalist in China) as they react to and analyze Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's groundbreaking visit to China and his explosive speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney admits the "rules-based international order" was always hypocritical and exploitative, marking Canada's strategic pivot away from US dominance in the face of Trump's annexation threats. From Chongqing China, we dive into: - Carney's talks with President Xi on boosting trade and diversification. - The admission that middle powers profited from US imperialism—until they became targets. - US aggression against allies like Canada, Greenland, and Europe. - The dawn of a multipolar world: Could this signal the end of US hegemony? - Opportunities for the Global South amid this imperial disruption. Our unique viewpoints as Westerners in China offer fresh insights on geopolitics, economic shifts, and global realignments. #CanadaChina #MarkCarney #Davos #Geopolitics #BenNorton #USHegemony

  • January 10 · 45 min

    Trump's Venezuela Heist: Oil, Empire, and the Mask Slips! | Ben Norton Reveals All

    In this explosive episode of the Dumbrill Podcast, geopolitical expert Ben Norton (Geopolitical Economy Report) breaks down the US bombing of Venezuela on Jan 3, 2026, and the brazen kidnapping of President Maduro. From resource grabs and debunking the "drug war" myth to Trump's fake anti-war facade, regional domino effects, and the push toward multipolarity—we expose the raw imperialism reviving the Monroe Doctrine as the "Donroe" era. Is this accelerating America's decline? Don't miss this eye-opening convo! Follow Ben Norton on his channel @GeopoliticalEconomyReport Chapters: Preview 0:00 - Intro 2:13 - Key Reasons for the US Actions 6:36 - Evidence for Resource Control as a Driver 12:42 - Debunking the Drug Narrative 25:38 - Broader Implications for Latin America 33:29 - Trump's Anti-War "Shift" 39:02 - Short-Term Pain for Multipolar Gain? 49:38 - Why the Operation Seemed Easy 55:53 - Maria Corina Machado's Role 1:05:29 - China & Russia an Unreliable Partner? 1:24:27 - Hypocrisy in Ukrain Venezuela Comparisons? 1:31:54 - Next Steps for Venezuela 1:32:00 - Escaping the "Donroe Doctrine" 1:36:54 - Latin American Unity as Defense 1:44:51 Outro & Thanks

  • Dec 14, 2025 · 1 hr

    The Multipolar World is Here: Why Europe’s Getting Sidelined | Arnaud Bertrand on China’s Gravity

    In a rapidly shifting global landscape, the unipolar era dominated by the West is crumbling, giving way to a multipolar world where China's economic and technological "gravity" pulls nations—especially in the Global South—into its orbit. But where does this leave Europe, trapped in outdated alliances and self-sabotaging policies? Join us as we dive deep into Arnaud Bertrand's groundbreaking essay, "China’s Gravitational Centrality: The Logic of Success in a Multipolar World," published in Horizons magazine's Autumn 2025 issue. This piece masterfully unpacks how structural forces like geography, demographics, and raw economic mass trump rhetoric and ideology, drawing on historical insights from Jesuit missionaries to modern examples like ASEAN's pragmatism, the SCO's vast influence, and Argentina's President Javier Milei's ideological flip for practical gains. After a reading of the article, Arnaud himself joins the conversation to expand on these ideas. We explore fresh updates, like the Nexperia debacle—where the Dutch reversed their US-mandated seizure after a Sino-American deal left Europe "holding the bag." Discover why China's "reality-first" soft power—rooted in ancient philosophy and actions over words—outshines Western narratives, and how events like the US "mask off" moment in Gaza are accelerating the shift. Arnaud shares bold advice for Europe to reclaim sovereignty, critiques the revived Monroe Doctrine in the latest US National Security Strategy, and forecasts multipolarity's evolution by 2030. This eye-opening discussion reveals why the world is tilting eastward, how propaganda backfires, and what a systemic, yin-yang approach means for global power dynamics. If you're fascinated by geopolitics, China's renaissance, or the West's decline, this is essential viewing. Subscribe to this channel for more videos like these. Subscribe to Arnaud's Substack here: https://arnaudbertrand.substack.com/ Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Tilt Toward China 1:40 - Article Reading: China's Gravitational Centrality 27:12 - Interview Begins: Nexperia Update & Europe's Trap 30:54 - Western Dominance and Soft Power 34:49 - How Western Propaganda Backfired 39:59 - US "Mask Off" Moment and Global South Shift 43:48 - China's Systemic Model: Yin-Yang in Geopolitics 49:49 - Advice for Europe and US Strategy Implications

  • Jan 18, 2025 · 30 min

    RedNote Accidentally Exposes Truth About China: The Tiktok to XiaoHongShu Migration, a Walk & Talk with Ben Norton

    Join us as Daniel Dumbrill and Ben Norton walk through the art district of Chongqing & dive into the fascinating shift of TikTok users to the Chinese social media platform, XiaoHongShu (Little Red Book/RedNote), amidst the backdrop of the upcoming TikTok ban in the US. This video explores: • The Irony of US Censorship: How the US government's attempt to censor TikTok has led to unexpected cultural exchanges on XiaoHongShu. • Cultural Exploration: The eye-opening experiences of non-political users encountering real-life aspects of China, debunking myths like the social credit score and highlighting the affordability of living in China. • Digital Sovereignty: Discussing China's approach to controlling its digital space in contrast to the US's influence over global social media platforms. • Personal Insights: With Daniel's 16 years and Ben's 1.5 years in China, hear firsthand what life is like in cities like Chongqing, discussing safety, infrastructure, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of China. • Implications for the Future: What this migration might mean for future international relations, digital platforms, and global perceptions of China. • Geopolitical Context: Analysis of how these digital trends are symptoms of broader geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Whether you're curious about the latest in social media dynamics, interested in cultural insights into China, or just looking to understand the implications of digital sovereignty, this video offers a unique perspective on a rapidly evolving situation.

  • Jan 13, 2025 · 55 min

    Dan Duggan: Sacrificed by Australia for American Interests

    Today we discuss an urgent update on the Dan Duggan case. In this video, we're joined once again by Robbie Barwick from the Australian Citizens Party to delve into the complexities surrounding the extradition of Dan Duggan to the United States and the implications it has for all Australians. What You'll Learn: Who is Dan Duggan? - A brief introduction to Dan Duggan, a former US Navy Top Gun pilot who became an Australian citizen, now facing extradition over activities conducted in South Africa in 2011-2012. The Charges: Explore the nature of the allegations against Duggan, which involve training Chinese pilots, and the political backdrop that has escalated these events into an international issue. Legal and Political Intricacies: Discuss the dual criminality principle, the controversial extradition treaty between Australia and the US, how these legal frameworks are being applied (or misapplied) in Duggan's case and why you should care. Human Impact: Hear about the devastating personal toll on Duggan's Australian family, including the emotional and financial struggles they are facing. Public Reaction and Action: Insights on the public's response, the role of media, and what Australian citizens can do to support Duggan, including fundraising and lobbying efforts. Key Points: • The secretive nature of the indictment and the timing of the extradition approval during the holiday season. • The geopolitical implications of the case amidst rising tensions with China. • The critique of Australia's legal and political subservience to US demands. Call to Action: Support Dan Duggan by contributing to his legal fund. Check the links below for more information on how to help. Contact your local representatives and the Australian Attorney General to voice your concerns about this case and the need for legal reform in extradition laws. Links: Donation Link for Dan Duggan's Legal Fund: https://freedanduggan.org/ Australia's Attorney General's contradiction on trusting America's legal system: https://citizensparty.org.au/media-releases/how-can-mark-dreyfus-have-confidence-us-justice-system-when-joe-biden-doesnt-free Subscribe for more updates on this case and other critical issues and global geopolitics. Thank you for watching, and please share this video to spread awareness about Dan Duggan's situation.

  • Dec 19, 2024 · 1 hr 40 min

    The Fall of Assad: Decoding the Syrian Crisis with Ben Norton

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Ben Norton, the founder and editor-in-chief of Geopolitical Economy Report, as we delve into the complexities of the Syrian crisis, understanding its evolution, the players involved, and the repercussions that have shaped the region. Here's what you'll learn: Historical Context: We explore how the Syrian conflict evolved from its beginnings, involving key international actors like Russia, the US, and Turkey, and how it fits into broader geopolitical strategies, including the infamous list of seven countries to be destabilized post-9/11. The Role of External Powers: Norton explains the involvement of the US, Israel, and Turkey, highlighting motives ranging from countering Iranian influence to securing strategic geopolitical advantages. The discussion includes the controversial arming of so-called "moderate rebels" by the CIA and the paradoxical relationship between Israel and Al-Qaeda affiliates. Economic and Humanitarian Impact: The conversation sheds light on how economic sanctions have crippled Syria, leading to hyperinflation, poverty, and massive refugee crises. The strategic use of these sanctions as a weapon of war is critically examined. Internal Dynamics: We discuss the internal corruption, exacerbated by economic warfare, the military's morale issues due to low pay, and the role of corruption in the government's fall. Current and Future Implications: Norton provides insights into the current situation with HTS (formerly Al-Qaeda affiliate) taking control, what this means for Syrian citizens, and the potential future scenarios including continued instability or shifts in regional power dynamics. Global Awakening: The discussion touches on the broader geopolitical awakening, particularly among younger generations worldwide, due to conflicts like this and the actions of Western powers. Palestinian Resistance: We analyze how the fall of Assad could impact Palestinian resistance, given Syria's role in the "axis of resistance" against Israeli occupation. Refugee Crisis: An essential part of the talk focuses on the massive refugee displacement caused by the war, affecting not just Syria but global politics, including the rise of far-right movements in Europe scapegoating migrants. Time Stamps: Introduction: 0:00 Conflict Overview & Involved Players: 0:20 Has HTS Outlived it's Usefulness? Are they Next?: 14:08 What Drives HTS' Friendship With Israel?: 19:42 Involved Players Recap & Turkey's Goals: 25:31 Why American Foreign Policy Favours Israel: 37:14 Trump's Syrian Oil Comment: 38:15 Rebels from China & China's Lack of Intervention: 39:06 China's non-Interventionism: 42:42 Uyghur Rebels & Risks For The West: 43:20 Russia's Motives: 47:30 What was the Final Straw that Broke the Camel's Back?: 51:42 Falling Out of Favour with the West & Syrian Government Corruption?: 57:52 Syrian's Dancing in Streets After Assad's Fall: 1:07:44 Short-Sighted Anti-Imperialists Celebrating Assad's Fall: 1:12:46 What Happens to Syrians After The Camera's Turn Off?: 1:19:07 Implications to Palestinian Resistance: 1:21:19 Is Resistance Futile for Countries Earmarked for Destruction?: 1:27:12 Refugee Crisis and its Irony: 1:33:33 Follow Ben Norton @GeopoliticalEconomyReport on Youtube.

  • Dec 10, 2024 · 2 hr 5 min

    Disillusioned in the USA: A Young American's Escape to China on a Journey to Discover Perspective

    Join me, Daniel Dumbrill, as I sit down with Willem, a remarkable young American in his early 20s who has embarked on an unconventional quest for truth. Disenchanted by the political climate in America, he made the bold move to China, seeking a new perspective on life, politics, and global dynamics. We will discuss: His Reasons for Leaving: Explore what drove him to leave the land of the free for a country often painted with a broad brush in Western media. Beyond the Political Binary: Delve into his unique political philosophy, where he transcends the traditional left-right dichotomy and offers insights that challenge conventional American political thought. Reflections on Trump's Victory: Hear his reactions to recent U.S. political events, including the re-election of Donald Trump. A Conversation of Perspectives: Not only does he share his story, but we also engage in a mutual exchange of ideas and compare our political journey. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone feeling disillusioned with current political systems or who want to find out about people taking the jump and leaving the West in search of perspective. It's particularly compelling for those who might have underestimated the political acumen and awareness of the younger generation. Whether you're looking for a fresh perspective on global politics or interested in understanding why some young Americans feel the need to look beyond their borders for answers, this episode offers a deep dive into the mind of someone who's not afraid to question the status quo. Watch, listen, and perhaps, like me, you'll feel you're witnessing the rise of a new kind of influencer or activist in a phase of discovery, one who sees the world with eyes unclouded by partisan lenses.

  • May 28, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min

    Dan Duggin - Breaking Info: The US Punishes Their Unwilling Australian Asset & His Family, New Details

    Today Robert Barwick (Research Director Australian Citizens Party) and I discuss surprising new details on how Daniel Duggan was set up by the US Security Services and ASIO. Dan is an Australian citizen who has been locked up in solitary confinement for over 18 months while the US tries to extradite him, despite his case not meeting the basic requirements under Australian Law. Under the request of the US government, Australia has also prohibited his wife from selling their property to fund his defence. New details have emerged that have made the US' case against Dan even more absurd. When wrapped up in the context of what's happened to other Australians, like Journalist Julian Assange and Whistleblower David McBride, Australia is on a troubling downward spiral. Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/FagDmN3IHBg You can follow Robert/The Citizens Party on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@CitizensPartyAU and on X @RobbieBarwick You can support Dan Duggan here: https://chuffed.org/project/109154-dan-duggan-extradition-legal-fund Watch the 60 Minutes episode on Dan Duggan here: https://youtu.be/YTi7Lw6wTXU

  • Mar 28, 2024 · 16 min

    TikTok - Actual Ban Reason + Security Risk Narrative Implications

    I discuss the real reasons for the the attempted TikTok ban and the implications associated with taking the national security concern narrative at face value. Clip mentioned in this video on TikTok algorithms: https://twitter.com/al__karita/status/1768705500156166325 Video version of this podcast: https://youtu.be/xMOLR1QAo_w

  • May 18, 2021 · 1 hr 55 min

    News on China with Dongsheng News

    Join us for a discussion with Tings Chak and Marco Fernandes from Dongsheng News & Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. We will discuss some of the most interesting China headlines from the past week. Video of episode: https://youtu.be/8huzsQeNBdk Dongsheng News YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/dongshengnews Dongsheng News Website: https://dongshengnews.org/ Dongsheng Africa Weekly: https://mailchi.mp/dongshengnews/africa-weekly-no-3-eng Dongsheng's Twitter: @DongshengNews

  • Feb 7, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min

    WallStreetBets, Politics, Economy & War Conversation w/ ex-SEC Lawyer

    In today's episode I discuss WallStreetBets, GameStop, Politics, Economics, The Wealth Gap, War & More with an ex-SEC Lawyer and current Finance Professional & Podcaster who goes by the Twitter name (Formosa Sheng) @Mont_Jiang whose podcast can be found here: https://planamag.com/podcasts/

  • Jan 27, 2021 · 41 min

    A casual chat with Sabina from Nepal

    In this video I have a chat with a long-time Twitter friend from Nepal, Sabina. Sabina is usually only active on twitter at @Sabina_91521, but today she stepped outside of her comfort zone to join me on a video call. We didn't have a particular agenda or topic list going in, but we ended up talking mostly about China, Nepal, India and their relationships.

  • Jul 31, 2020 · 1 hr 3 min

    Has China Won? Will There Be War? (Kishore Mahbubani)

    In today's episode I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Kishore Mahbubani for a discussion about China, America and their global relationships. Video version of interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t06kEQQN9HI You find Kishore's book (Has China Won) here: https://amzn.to/32YMlRQ

  • Jun 26, 2020 · 1 hr 32 min

    Max Blumenthal on US Foreign Policy, Meddling, Propaganda & More

    In today's episode I sit down with Max Blumenthal to discuss his book "The Management of Savagery", his documentary on the NED, US foreign policy and propaganda. Max's book "The Management of Savagery": https://amzn.to/2YWVkiY NED Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzIJ25ob1aA The Grayzone: https://thegrayzone.com/ Redspin Sports: https://youtu.be/lAh5cu2h3m4

  • Jun 3, 2020 · 2 hr 5 min

    Tiananmen vs Hong Kong Protests - An eye witness/participant comparison

    In today's episode I sit down with Yale, a very good friend of mine who was in Beijing as a new graduate during the Tiananmen square protests and also joined the protests in Hong Kong much later. It is a rare treat to have someone who was in the ground for both of these evens. We discuss both protests, the 89 Tiananmen Square Protests and the Hong Kong Protesters. We examine the differences between the two and speak about other China related topics. The Gate of Heavenly Peace - Tiananmen Square Protest Documentary (mentioned in this podcast) Part 1: https://youtu.be/1Gtt2JxmQtg Part 2: https://youtu.be/o0lgc4fWkWI

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