In Episode 16, Colin Cheney is missing. He was last seen venturing to Puerto Rico in search of a major discovery at the Arecibo Observatory. Meanwhile, fearing his reoccurring Martian Aphasia might lead to his arrest, Donald Quist flees the United States and returns to Bangkok. From Thailand, Donald reflects on America's declaration of war with Mars and the executive order to detain any perceived followers of former Mars colonist, Captain Raymond Shepard. Donald discusses the growing sense of anxiety across the globe as uncertainty about alien invaders continues to aid the rise of demagogues. Sorting through abandoned audio from his last visit with Colin, Donald shares a recording of the pair riding through Boston, Massachusetts, on their way to meet a new sponsor for the podcast. Reminiscing on their work together, Donald ponders Colin's vanishing and if the podcast might be of greater significance than either of them could have imagined. This episode is sponsored by Curio Spice Company, a woman-owned business offering unique, organic spices sourced directly from farmers, for the curious cook. (http://www.curiospice.com/) Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/) and the mysterious machine (https://www.spire.live/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software. Thanks also to Claire, Mark, Amanda, Ian, Kepler, Hazelnut, and Campari.

In Episode 15, Colin and Donald speak to arts journalist Kaewta “Ann” Ketbungkan recorded at the Bangkok Arts and Cultural Center a few weeks after the passing of His Majesty--the much beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej. During our talk with Ann, she walks us through an art exhibit honoring the late monarch. She explains how art can allow a society to grapple with crisis while depicting how she inherited her passion for the humanities. She discusses her role at Khaosod English as a lifestyle reporter and her desire to make the "hard stuff" easier to understand. She talks about using discussions about existing art, culture and film, to more safely explore the politics of Thailand and gives an example of how an interview helped her process the 2016 Thai Referendum using The Lord of the Rings and The Shawshank Redemption. She touches on the hierarchies of Thai art circles and delves into the risks of making art when laws limiting freedom of speech carry grave consequences. And Ann gives America advice on how to deal with tumultuous political change in the shadow of alien invasions. The hosts discuss the surreality of life following their return to the USA, touching on the rise of the Shepards, a roaming cult with allegiance to Mars astronaut Raymond Shepard. Colin shares his progress on the translation of alien signals, and Donald speaks about a mysterious cure provided to him by an unidentified government agent. Written and Produced by Donald and Colin. Mixed and Edited by Colin. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software. Many thanks to freesound.org creators klankbeeld, cydon, and ryansnook for the sound effects in this episode.

In Episode 14, Colin interviews two young Ethiopian-Somali American poets, Rakiya and Ahmed Mohamed. The interview was recorded at Forage Market in Lewiston, Maine, shortly after President Trump’s Executive Order banning travel from seven predominantly Muslim countries including Somalia. The siblings—one in high school, the other in college—recount their experiences emigrating from Ethiopia and building a life in America. They reflect on how the poetic, playful nature of the Somali language and their discovery of Def Jam Poetry and Spoken Word inspired them each to write. Ahmed recounts the experience of performing at Spoken Word competitions in New York City, and Rakiya reflects on reconciling the many facets of her identity. And they reflect on how they understand the intersecting facets of their Black, Muslim, Immigrant and American selves under a Trump presidency. The hosts discuss comparisons between Thailand and the USA, and the anxiety of repatriation. Colin describes chatting with his daughter about love and hate, and Donald struggles against strange rhetoric as his Martian Aphasia returns. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software.

In Episode 13, Colin and Donald chat with American expressionist painter Chris Coles at BrainWake Café in Bangkok. Chris talks about his choice to reject realism in order to better capture the ugly, primal, truth of the Bangkok nightlife—and the human condition. He shares his thoughts on the role of fine arts in Thailand, how it is intrinsically different than in the West and why his work disrupts some of the narratives propagated by the nation’s upper-class. Chris discusses the origins of “Bangkok Noir,” an expatriate art movement popular around the globe. And, while reflecting on the darker aspects of life in Southeast Asia, he recalls the violence during Bangkok’s political unrest in 2010. Chris also takes time to describe how the sobering, green marshes of Maine resemble the discombobulating, neon-lit, bars of Bangkok’s sex tourism industry. The hosts discuss recent developments to the crew of the Harbinger 2 mission on Mars and report of a hacking at the embassy where ISECG whistle-blower Dr. Pim Weeresethakul has sought asylum. Donald describes reactions to the bukruk invasion in Bangkok, and Colin shares details about his return to life in the USA. Written and produced by Donald and Colin. Edited and Mixed by Colin. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software.

Episode 12 is different. Recorded during two meetings at Benchasiri Park in Bangkok--shortly after the passing of Thailand's beloved patriarch, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and then again a few weeks later, following the results of the U.S. presidential elections--Colin and Donald attempt to parse their world in the wake of recent happenings that stand to reshape the national and cultural identities of two countries they call home. In these park sessions, Colin and Donald describe some of the responses they've witnessed. They share their perspectives and explain the difficulty each have faced finding what to say during a period of mourning and transition in both Thailand and the United States. The hosts discuss effects to the production of the podcast, and reveal personal developments that stand to change the dynamic of the show. Donald discusses the growing Martian plant invasion throughout Bangkok, and Colin makes plans for the alien bukrak flower he's been nursing on his balcony. Written and produced by Donald and Colin. Mixed and edited by Colin. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software.

In episode 11, Colin heads to Hanoi, Vietnam, and chats with Burmese poet & visual artist Maung Day. Maung talks about how his early exposure to traditional Burmese songs and poems in school sparked a passion for writing, how--despite extreme military censorship--he sought out American and British literature that excited him, and how he found his own creative voice. He recalls the violent political clashes he saw while residing in Bangkok in the earlier half of the decade, and how he felt a haunting sense of familiarity having witnessed brutal suppressions of uprisings growing up in a Yangon suburb. Maung reflects on the difficulty many immigrants face in Thailand and personal instances of discrimination. He shares his optimism and comments on the exciting, socially engaging, art currently coming out of Myanmar. And Maung explains how the strange alien vines growing across the Earth inspire poetic imagery. The hosts discuss the detention of Hong Kong activist, Joshua Wong, and reflect on the 40th anniversary of one of Thailand's darkest moments. Donald talks about a mysterious new friend with connections to ISECG and the Harbinger missions to Mars, and Colin comes into possession of lyrical translations of alien transmissions. Written and produced by Donald and Colin. Mixed and edited by Colin. Music by Reports, with thanks to Martin Pavlinic (https://reports.bandcamp.com). Special thanks to Izotope for the fabulous sound editing software. Questions or comments? [email protected]

In the first episode of the second season, Colin and Donald interview Paul Spurrier, the writer and director of the haunting and affecting Thai-language film, The Forest. Paul talks about the experience of filming in the northeastern province of Issan, and how The Forest explores a part of Thailand seldom seen by westerners. Paul recounts his experiences as child actor and tells us the story of how he became proprietor of Bangkok’s smallest cinema, the Friese-Greene Club. He talks about the fascinating and surreal juxtapositions that seem to define contemporary Bangkok, and explains why he misses the naive way he once saw the city. He talks about the crisis facing the Thai film industry—a crisis of threats foreign and domestic. And Paul explains how his experience making promotional films for Pizza Hut and Britain’s Ministry of Defense has prepared him for making propaganda films for our future Martian overlords. 
The hosts share what they've been up to since the last episode and explain why they've decided to continue the podcast. Donald reflects on happiness in the land of smiles, visiting the USA and controlling his Martian Aphasia. Colin tells the story of trying to decide what to do after discovering something forbidden at one of Bangkok’s mazy and gargantuan markets. Written and produced by Donald and Colin. Edited and mixed by Colin. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/); additional music from the film "The Forest" courtesy of Paul Spurier. Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software.

In this ninth episode, the season one finale, Colin interviews Somrak “Som” Sila, art curator and proprietor of one of Bangkok’s coolest venues, WTF Bar & Gallery. While roaming from alley to bar, Som tells the story of how she left behind a successful career as a financial analyst in order to carve out an open artistic community amidst an exclusive art scene and an evolving environment of censorship. She recalls growing up the daughter of a police officer and her desire to rebel against the world around her. She discusses the Dunning-Kruger Effect, reactions to the leaked CCTV footage of an assault on British tourists in Hua Hin, and some of her most memorable and nerve-racking exhibits. 
The hosts receive dramatic news from Mars’ Arsia Base, raising more questions about the disappearance of the Harbinger 1 crew and its possible connection to a strange new aphasia affecting thousands across Thailand, and millions around the world. Donald struggles with his own fractured speech and what to do next, and Colin 

explores what the deal is with the future of this podcast. Written and produced by Donald and Colin. Edited and Mixed by Colin. Recorded at Rockademy and WTF Bar and Gallery (wtfbangkok.com)in Bangkok, Thailand. Music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software. For more episodes and information visit www.poetinbangkok.com .

In this eighth episode, Colin and Donald speak with acclaimed comics artist David Lloyd, co-creator and illustrator of V for Vendetta. David discusses his working class upbringing and how American culture fed his development as an artist. He gives insight into some of his earlier collaborations with Alan Moore and other writers. David also shares his impressions of Bangkok and provides his perspective on the use of his V for Vendetta Guy Fawkes mask by Thai protesters. 
The hosts reflect on life since the destruction of the unidentified objects from Mars, the status of the militarized Harbinger 2 mission, and the appearance of a strange new condition mysteriously affecting people's speech. Colin mentions recent work by Episode 1 guest Kathy MacLeod and Donald takes a stab at explaining what the deal is with gender equality in Thailand. 
 

 
 Special thanks to Nicolas Verstappan and the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Theme music by Reports (reports.bandcamp.com/), and additional music by Deun Chongmankhong (https://soundcloud.com/ddne). Thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for the phenomenal sound editing software.

Things get weird(er) in this seventh episode as Colin and Donald sit down with Narawan "Kyo" Pathomvat, creator and curator of the contemporary art library and meeting space, The Reading Room. Kyo talks about starting an arts library in an art community largely indifferent, if not hostile, to a non-profit space devoted to dialogue and discourse. She explains some of the motivations behind Bangkok's conservative art scene, and discusses her past experiences navigating the NYC art world and an abusive relationship. Kyo also shares her plan to welcome the arrival of the giant whale-like unidentified objects that threaten to end the world. The hosts elect to stay home with their families in the hours before the arrival of the "Mars Whales". Donald and Colin reflect on things left undone while dealing with strange signals disrupting the podcast. -- Recorded at Rockademy and A8. Written and produced by Donald and Colin Edited and mixed by Colin. For more information about the Reading Room: http://readingroombkk.org/ Special thanks to Dr. Kenneth Nielson and the Trodza Institute: https://soundcloud.com/ed-jr-1 And thanks to Izotope (www.izotope.com) for sound editing software.

In September 2015, Dr. Pim Weeresethakul, a scientist working with the International Space Exploration and Coordination Group (ISECG), illegally released a batch of files to Wikileaks. Among the files was an unidentified audio transmission from Mars' orbit. The signal was detected by ISECG in March 2015, but ISECG chose to keep the audio secret. The audio file of the signal spread quickly online and soon became known as the “Murdered by the sky” transmission, due to speculation that the signal contained a message in Morse code. There was an international furor over the release of the documents. Many praised Dr. Pim for her bravery in releasing the files, while others condemned her for causing panic at an undisclosed alien threat. Fearing repercussion, Dr. Pim sought political asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Paris, France. She agreed to a single interview with Guardian reporter Drew Sutton, in December 2015. March 14, 2016, Drew Sutton released the raw, unedited tape of their interview online—perhaps to encourage as many people as possible to prepare themselves for the arrival of the large whale-like objects currently headed to Earth. The tape includes many details not included in the original Guardian articles. POET IN BANGKOK has decided to offer a copy of the file here because we’ve spoke a lot about Mars on the podcast, and during the interview Dr. Pim makes several comments about speech and cultural norms in Thailand. Thanks to Drew Sutton for making the original document available. And thanks to our friends N.D. and K.L.H. for hooling us up with this file with us.