Welcome to Episode 4 of Navigating Mexico with Mike Stoltz! Today, we tackle a heavy but crucial topic before shifting gears to essential advice for US expats.

In our first segment, we dive into the murky and complex world of International Humanitarian Law. Following two highly controversial military actions—the tragic strike on the Minab girls' school in Iran and a "double tap" missile strike on a narco-boat in the Caribbean—we ask the hard questions. Were these war crimes, or tragic military negligence? We are joined by two heavyweights in military law: Prof. Gabor Rona (Cardozo School of Law) and Retired US Army Lt. Col. Geoffrey Corn (Texas Tech University). We discuss the alarming role of AI in selecting military targets, the Law of Armed Conflict, and what happens when civilian protection programs are cut.

Later in the show, we pivot to the upcoming US Midterm elections. David Shallenberger, Country Chair of Democrats Abroad in Mexico, breaks down exactly how US citizens living south of the border can request their ballots and ensure their voices are heard.

In this episode:

• • [00:00] Intro & The Minab Girls' School Strike.

  • [03:00] Prof. Gabor Rona on AI, Negligence vs. War Crimes.

  • [11:30] The "Double Tap" strike on narco-boats in the Caribbean.

  • [17:25] Lt. Col. Geoffrey Corn joins the debate on military targeting.

  • [27:44] David Shallenberger: Step-by-step guide to voting from Mexico.

🔗 Resources mentioned: Request your ballot at VotefromAbroad.org

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Are smartphones and TikTok destroying our ability to read and think deeply? In Episode 3 of Navigating Mexico, host Mike Stoltz tackles two massive cultural and health shifts impacting expats, parents, and global citizens today.

First, we host a panel of educators and literacy experts to discuss "The End of Reading." We explore the alarming drop in attention spans, the neurological impact of constant screen time, and how schools in both the US and Mexico are responding to the digital epidemic. Discover practical tips for digital detoxing and bringing books back into your family's life.

Later in the show, we shift to public health. Following a controversial US executive order aimed at splitting the MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine due to alleged autism concerns, Mexican clinical immunologist Dr. Carlos Zuniga joins us. He debunks the debunked vaccine-autism myth, explains the dangers of delaying childhood immunizations, and contrasts US policy with Mexico’s current vaccination schedule.

In this episode, we cover:

• • [00:00] Welcome to Navigating Mexico.

  • [01:30] "The End of Reading": How screen time dropped from 2.5 minutes to 47 seconds.

  • [12:45] The failure of traditional schools and the push for competency-based learning.

  • [19:00] How government policies in Mexico and the US are trying to ban screens in schools.

  • [23:00] Public health segment: The US MMR vaccine split.

  • [26:00] Dr. Carlos Zuniga debunks the vaccine-autism connection.

  • [32:00] Mexico's vaccination schedule vs. the United States.

Special Guests:

• • Edna Ramirez Robles: Dept. Chair for International Studies, University of Guadalajara.

  • Rebecca Stolinga: Founder of Biblioteca Infantil Bilingüe in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Nick Martino: Director of Programs at Jobs for America's Graduates.

  • Dr. Carlos Zuniga: Clinical Immunologist in Mexico.

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In Episode 2 of Navigating Mexico, host Mike Stoltz navigates the complex financial and medical landscape of living abroad, while sharing a harrowing update from a colleague in Venezuela.

In this episode:

• • The 9.5% Interest Myth? Wealth Manager Karina Gonzalez (Capital Bank) joins tax experts Cindy Duchateau (BNC Tax) and Paula Blanco (Equilibrium) to discuss "Pagarés," tax withholdings, and the inflation adjustments that make Mexican banking unique.

  • The $10,000 Trap: Learn about FBAR compliance and why transferring money between your own accounts could trigger massive IRS fines.

  • World-Class Care: Why 700 expats rated Mexico’s healthcare as "Excellent." Heart specialist Dr. Cruz discusses the transition from the U.S. medical system to Mexico and the one "Binder" every expat must carry to save their life.

  • Venezuelan Ransom: A chilling follow-up on the "Doublet" earthquake. Mike reveals the story of a colleague targeted and held for a $2,500 ransom by local authorities simply for speaking English.

Welcome to the premiere episode of Navigating Mexico, the essential broadcast for expats and Anglophiles looking to stay safe, informed, and one step ahead.

In this jam-packed episode, host Mike Stoltz dives into the legal and digital realities of living abroad with expert guests:

• • Residency vs. Reality: Immigration Attorney Maria Lazareno (KL Mexico Solutions) reveals the #1 mistake foreigners make when buying property in Mexico and explains the truth about "Fideicomisos" (Bank Trusts) and the difference between Temporary and Permanent residency.

  • Digital Defense: Cybersecurity expert Cheyenne Quisenberry (PV Technology Solutions) breaks down a chilling real-life story of how 21,000 pesos were stolen in minutes after a phone theft. Learn why your physical SIM card is a liability and how switching to an eSIM could save your bank account.

  • On the Ground in Venezuela: Field correspondent Aldo Batista joins us from Venezuela to report on the devastating "Doublet" earthquake. From the humanitarian crisis to police censorship and the grim reality of a fashion designer now sewing body bags, this is the news you won't hear anywhere else.

Stay connected, stay informed, and navigate with confidence.