Over 20 years ago, one of the biggest drug deals in history was about to go down, but there was a problem, the cops knew too much… Ex-smuggler and author Brian O’Dea joins the show to discuss the details of the deal and how he got away with it – at least for the moment.
This interview sounds like the script from Blow and has all the elements from danger to adrenalin. Join the show and hear how one man crashed planes, escaped the law, made millions and survived to tell the tale. This is just one of the many stories from Brian’s book High: Confessions of an International Drug Smuggler.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Brian started with $500 and rolled it into $150,000,000
- Learn from the inside how Brian created a strategy to bring the contraband into the U.S.
- And how he was able to foil the authorities in this cloak and dagger story
And much more.
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- Click here for the Gallivanting show archive
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The Show Notes
- Where to buy Brian’s book
- Brian’s website
- Article about Brian O’Dea “How I pulled off a $300 million drug deal”
Viva Tropical Radio
Esteban Pereira joins the show to discuss Biodynamic farming. He explains what in the world Biodynamic farming means and how anyone can get started today.
The practice originated from talks by Ruldolf Steiner, who was also the creator of Waldorf Schools. Biodynamics was also the concept that eventually led to our current Organic Standards as it is an all-encompassing system that is as incredible as it is diverse.
If you ever think about growing your own food and living off the land then this show is a great one for you.
In this episode, you will learn:
- That biodynamic farming is much more than how to grow things
- Where the practice came from
- How it can be used to solve coffee fungus that is currently destroying Central American crops
- Why people who do it are changed forever
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
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The Show Notes
- Contact Esteban email: [email protected]
- Facebook page
Viva Tropical Radio
Frank Ahearn, disappearing expert and “Digital Hitman” joins the show to talk about privacy. He tells us how to disappear in a digital world which tracks everything. Also why you have a chance when you move overseas to create a buffer between you and internet habits.
A former Skip Tracer, his background was to find people and now he uses that experience to keep things hidden. Tune in and hear a fascinating perspective while learning to use the information to protect yourself.
In this episode, you will learn:
- How to go on the offensive and create a false trail
- How to use technology to protect yourself from predators or other unsavory types trying to get your information
- How to hide and never be found
- Why living overseas is one of the easiest ways to gain privacy quickly
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
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The Show Notes
- Frank’s website
- Frank’s books
- Article on Frank in Wired Magazine
Viva Tropical Radio
Everything you need to know about Panama residency, visas, and beyond. Ricardo Faraudo, an attorney from the DENFAB firm, joins the show.
Ricardo specializes in expat immigration and gives details on all the visa options you have when moving to Panama.
There is even one visa which comes with a Panamanian passport, so find out what option is best for you or if you even need to apply for residency.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Do you even need to get residency?
- How to get a Panamanian passport in under 6 months.
- How much does it cost to get residency?
- Which residency option gives you huge discounts on almost everything you buy?
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
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The Show Notes
- Ricardo’s firm DENFAB
- Contact Ricardo directly: [email protected]
- Or contact the firm: [email protected]
Viva Tropical Radio
How cool would it be to have a show that covers real estate related activities in Central America? If you like the sound of that, you will love today’s show.
Skip around Central America and hear on the ground intel, reports, and data you can use.
Today we interview three brokers from three different countries, starting in Costa Rica, then on to Roatan, Honduras, and finally Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
We discuss what is happening in these markets, where the opportunities are, and other things like how much it costs to build. Tune in and start learning how things work in each of these unique places.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Where to get a deal in Guatemala
- How much it costs to build in Roatan, Honduras
- Palm oil farms in Costa Rica make good investments
- Is Lake Atitlan really polluted?
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
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The Show Notes
- Casey Stamps of Costa Rica Real Estate Service Southern Zone, Costa Rica Website and email [email protected]
- Steve Hasz Roatan Life Roatan, Honduras Website: Roatan Life and email [email protected]
- Armand Boissy Atitlan Solutions Atitlan, Guatemala Website: Atitlan Solutions and Email [email protected]
Viva Tropical Radio
Author Buddy Levy joins the show to discuss his book Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs.
We discuss the story of a driven conquistador and what led to the defeat of an Aztec King. We are sure you will be surprised by the events that ultimately became one of history’s most intriguing meetings between two very different cultures.
Listen to this can’t-miss episode and learn what it felt like to be in Mexico 500 years ago.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What huge advantages Cortes exploited against the Aztec empire
- How a fateful sightseeing trip with King Montezuma led to a brilliant attack plan for the Conquistador
- That taxes used to be paid in humans in the Aztec system of rule
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
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Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Buy Buddy’s book here
- Learn more about Buddy Levy
Andrew Henderson travels the world looking for opportunity and ways to protect his wealth. Find out why he is absolutely convinced you are insane to not keep some of your wealth in a different country.
We also talk about second passports and opening foreign bank accounts as further ways to diversify your exposure to liability. The offshore world can be complicated and vast, but all you need is a little knowledge to get started.
Tune in now and begin moving down the path before it’s too late.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why you need to get some money offshore now.
- Why you need a second passport.
- How to get a new offshore bank account.
- Why you can’t rely on your government to protect all your wealth.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Who is Andrew Henderson?
- Andrew’s website Nomad Capitalist
- Vivatropical Offshore Strategy Guide
Viva Tropical Radio
The Darien Gap is a roadless, jungle-covered gap of land that stretches from the Caribbean to the Pacific ocean, covering the edge of the Panama-Colombia border.
It is referred to as a gap because there are no roads and it is the only space or gap in the Pan-American Highway that stretches from Alaska to southern Chile. It is not the biggest undeveloped jungle area, but it is probably the most dangerous.
People who know where it is stay away based on a history of FARC kidnappings and well documented lawlessness. Most that venture into the area don’t want to be found.
Author Martin Mitchinson tells how he ended up in the Darien and spent 18 months there. Tune in and listen to his story and why he wrote a book about it called The Darien Gap, Travels in the rainforest in Panama.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why the Darien is not as dangerous as they say
- Darien Gap’s storied history all the way back to conquistadors
- What indigenous groups live there
- What Martin did on a daily basis while he was there
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
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Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
Get Martin Mitchinson’s book here
Viva Tropical Radio
This week we are joined by Karl Spaeth, expat business entrepreneur and Nosara Costa Rica resident.
He talks about his long road to figuring out how to support himself while living in paradise. Karl finally came up with the right formula and his business is booming. His product? Temple of White Dog ginger beer.
Join our discussion to find out how Karl went from driving deliveries of his ginger beer on his motorbike to getting approached by an American juice entrepreneur who just sold his own company to Starbucks.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How you can start a similar business.
- How Karl got the attention he needed to sell his ginger beer.
- What licenses he needed, if any.
- If you have your idea, how to get it noticed in Costa Rica.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Viva Tropical’s Complete Guide to Nosara, Costa Rica
- Learn more about Temple of the White Dog Ginger Beer
Viva Tropical Radio
Author, Ayahuasca, and plant expert Jonathon Miller Weisberger joins us from his lodge located deep in the jungle of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. His book Rainforest Medicine is a classic study on the subject of plant medicine as used in indigenous cultures, specifically Ayahuasca and the Secoya people from the Upper Amazon.
Join the discussion about the history of Ayahuasca use in indigenous cultures and how the West’s new interest in the plant is growing, while at the same time overlooking years of history and experience built up by the indigenous people of the Amazon.
Tune in and hear about the “vine of the soul,” at least while the cell phone signal holds up.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What is a Shaman?
- What is Ayahuasca?
- How the Secoya people use the vine and why you should pay attention.
- What not to do if you decide to pursue the vine.
- Why this ancient culture and practice is getting lost.
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Tropical Radio and feedback about how we’re doing. Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
About the Author
With over 20 years experience of ground-level environmental and cultural conservation, author Jonathon Miller Weisberger’s commitment to preserving the fascinating, unfathomably precious relics of the indigenous legacy shines through.
Chief among these treasures is the “shimmering” “golden” plant-medicine science of Ayahuasca or yajé, a rainforest vine that was popularized in the 1950s by Western travelers such as William Burroughs and Alan Ginsberg. It has been sampled, reviled, and celebrated by outsiders ever since.
Currently sought after by many in the industrialized West for its powerful psychotropic and life-transforming effects, this sacred brew is often imbibed by visitors to the Upper Amazon and curious seekers in faraway venues, sometimes with little to no working knowledge of its principles and precepts.
Perceiving that there is an evident need for in-depth information on Ayahuasca if it is to be used beyond its traditional context for healing and spiritual illumination in the future, Miller Weisberger focuses on the fundamental knowledge and practices that guide the use of Ayahuasca in indigenous cultures.
Weaving first-person narrative with anthropological and ethnobotanical information, Rainforest Medicine aims to preserve both the record and ongoing reality of Ayahuasca’s unique tradition and, of course, the priceless forest that gave birth to these sacred vines.
The Show Notes
- Visit Jonathon’s lodge just south of Drake Bay bordering Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
- Join Jonathon on a trip to Ecuador in November to visit Secoya People. Check here for details.
- Join Secoya elders in Costa Rica when they visit Jonathon’s lodge in January 2015. See here for dates and times.
- Buy Jonathon’s book: Rainforest Medicine: Preserving Indigenous Science and Biodiversity in the Upper Amazon. Featuring words from Amazonian shamans–the living torchbearers of these sophisticated spiritual practices–the book stands as testimony to this sacred plant medicine’s power in shaping and healing individuals, communities, and nature alike.
Park Wilson, professional real estate investor, founder of Viva Tropical, Emerging Terrains and island owner joins the show. You may not know him yet, but he is Josh’s business partner and today they talk about everything you need to know about investing in real estate.
With over 30 years combined experience this is a can’t miss episode for anyone considering buying or investing in Central America.
Don’t miss this podcast/investment course on today’s show.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What makes property values increase
- How to avoid getting killed on your investment
- How to evaluate markets
- How to approach investing like a professional
- Find out how to spot appreciation
- How to control a market
- How assumptions çan kill your deal and what to do about it
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
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Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Park and Josh’s island
- Get Pay Dirt! Our investment book free!
- Learn more about Real Estate Market Stages
- Our Panama Real Estate Listings
- Our Costa Rica Real Estate Listings
Andrea Pignataro is today’s guest, an attorney who specializes in residency in Costa Rica. Get inside information straight from the source in this informative and ultra detailed conversation.
We discuss everything you need to know about residency from the different options to costs involved, to if you even need residency at all. You will learn what is involved in the process, what choices you have and how to hire the right professional.
In this episode, we discuss:
- If you need residency to purchase property, buy a car, or open a bank account in Costa Rica
- What type of residency is best for you or if you need one at all
- How much and what costs are involved in the process
- If you can do it yourself without an attorney
- A fee breakdown so that you know you are not getting ripped off
- What paperwork you need from your home country to apply for Costa Rican residency
And much more.
Listen to the show
You can listen to the show using the player above or grab it and listen on the go via one of the following options:
- Click here to download the mp3
- Click here to subscribe via iTunes
- Click here for the RSS feed (non iTunes)
- Click here for the show archive
React to the Show
We appreciate your reaction to episodes of Viva Radio and feedback about how we’re doing.
Send us your thoughts any time in an email or comment below.
The Show Notes
- Email Andrea or give her a call (506) 8846-0985