Podcasts about Absolute

Alyssa joins executive producer Brian Teta to share her thoughts on the situation in Minneapolis following two fatal shootings involving federal agents. She also discusses Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's appearance on 'The View' and whether she believes he intends to run for president. Later, she shifts to lighter topics, including the new season of 'Bridgerton' and why she's changed her opinion on the Beckham family drama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we discuss end of year sales charts, Absolute dominance, Ultimate endings, Netflix/Paramount bidding war, Superman/Spider-Man creative teams, FCBD and CGD, a new comic sale record, Supergirl trailer, Disney going all in on AI, and Sal Buscema. Starring Ryan Higgins, Brock Sager, Kevin Sharp, and Lane Terasaki.

This episode was recorded before Border Patrol agents shot and killed Twin Cities nurse Alex Pretti. What happens when the people enforcing the law no longer seem bound by it? Our contributor Elise Labott reports on ICE's expansive recruitment campaign and training program. Sharon is then joined by MN Representative Angie Craig to discuss the escalating situation in Minnesota and what Congress may, or may not, do in response. Plus, do ICE agents have absolute immunity, as JD Vance claims? Our guest, former DOJ attorney Liz Oyer says absolutely not.  If you'd like to submit a question, head to thepreamble.com/podcast – we'd love to hear from you there. And be sure to read our weekly magazine at ThePreamble.com – it's free! Join hundreds of thousands of readers who still believe understanding is an act of hope. Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson (00:00:00) What's Drawing Recruits to ICE? (00:15:52) What is Congress Doing About ICE? (00:31:18) Do ICE Agents Have Absolute Immunity? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Roggio Roggio characterizes Western policy as an "absolute mess," arguing the US has conceded safe havens to jihadists in both Afghanistan and Syria. He criticizes the normalization of Ahmed al-Shara, noting that al-Shara never denounced his oath of allegiance to Al-Qaeda, yet is being treated as a potential partner. Roggio warns that while the US focuses on the Islamic State, jihadists are on a rampage across Africa and Syria, capitalizing on the strategic failures of multiple US administrations.1935 Abyssinians

Jared's Athena: The Goddess of Thunder Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/-jtl/athena-the-goddess-of-thunder-second-chance?ref=project_build Gray's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NfSPGZ5OFcek6Baw3iQQw SuS Records: https://www.youtube.com/@SusRecordsCEO Jared's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ComicsLeague Jared's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3jv6I2edZ8lpc02gJEHw3e?si=cb5f48a6f8d84add Stork's Podcast: https://besottedgeek.podbean.com/   Join us on Friday Nights @ 7:15 PM EST on our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdScienceComics when we do the Absolute show LIVE!  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdScienceComics This Week's Patreon-Exclusive Spotlight Show is DC Comics Badass Patreon Spotlight: DC K.O.: Green Lantern Galactic Slam & Titans #31 Listen to the Spotlight Podcast by signing up to our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/weirdscience   0:00:00 - Intro 0:06:59 - Superman Unlimited #9 0:53:51 - Wonder Woman #29 1:39:22 - Nightwing #134 2:10:46 - Next Week's Books   FOLLOW WEIRD SCIENCE COMICS Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WeirdScienceDC  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/weirdscience DC Comics Review Site: https://bit.ly/WeirdScienceDC Marvel Review Site: https://bit.ly/WeirdScienceMarvel   SUBSCRIBE TO WEIRD SCIENCE COMIC PODCASTS:  DC Comics Podcast iTunes - https://apple.co/47jNeme Spotify - https://spoti.fi/2XzDALI Stitcher - https://bit.ly/45XPtKS   Marvel Comics Podcast iTunes - https://apple.co/3u1xxSh Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3QJFAfe Pandora - https://bit.ly/3Qq5cwd YT - https://bit.ly/WeirdSciencePodcasts

Become a Patron  - https://www.patreon.com/thecomicspals?fan_landing=true Subscribe on YouTube -  youtube.com/thecomicspals?sub_confirm... Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/6RAX3sT Watch us LIVE on YouTube every: Monday at 1PM EST for Pals Previews Thursday at 8 PM EST for Pals Pulls Saturday at 10:15 AM EST for The Comics Pals Podcast Grab some merch here: https://streamlabs.com/thecomicspals/merch ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PodBean: https://thecomicspals.podbean.com/ X: https://twitter.com/thecomicspals  Bluesky: ‪@thecomicspals.bsky.social‬ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecomicspals  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Pals: Sean: @SeansSoapbox Tyler: @TheTylerOlson Marco: @mrmarcoanimoto

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Rogers for America with Lt. Steve Rogers – The United States gave Maduro several chances to prevent this military operation from happening. The U.S. government urged him to come to the table and talk; urged him to step down from his presidency, and finally urged him to surrender or face the U.S. military. What next for Venezuela? Time will tell...

Dan is here with his reaction to liverpool's 3-2 loss to Bournemouth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This month's commentary podcast has us looking at a retrospective rerecording of selections from the catalog of Absolute Body Control - the Belgian minimal synth project helmed by Dirk Ivens and Eric Van Wonterghem in the years before the pair would go on to shape all manner of industrial-related sub-genres. Serving as an introduction to their sound to many (including us!), "Wind[Re]Wind" offered a chance to explore the roots of electronic pioneers while offering them the chance to rethink and represent their sound in light of their lengthy histories.

Vice President JD Vance appeared to backtrack a previous statement that ICE agents were “protected by absolute immunity” during a press conference on Thursday, after meeting with immigration agents in Minneapolis. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We officially broke ourselves this year. The 4th Annual Too Terrible To Take Temu Christmas Exchange goes beyond ugly and straight into “how is this even legal?” territory. The gifts are more horrifying, more embarrassing, and more unhinged than ever before—and the moments that follow? Absolute chaos. We take a deep (and deeply disturbing) dive into the dark corners of the Temu web, and trust us… you'll gasp, you'll scream, you'll laugh way too hard. The question is: who won? And more importantly… who brought it the worst? Because once the votes are in, the loser must wear, carry, and proudly display their Temu atrocities at the grocery store—on video. Public humiliation has never been so festive. This episode is outrageous, secondhand-embarrassing, and completely unmissable.Love your podcast!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/laura-cain-after-dark--4162487/support.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel, FOLLOW us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, SHARE, LIKE, and by all means COMMENT.  We love your feedback.  Thanks for being part of the Laura Cain After Dark family.  Love your podcast!

In the basement room of an East London flat one rainy January morning, Jack sat down with the Irish writer Rob Doyle to discuss the publication of his third novel, Cameo, and delve into his long and complex love for the work of Martin Amis.Rob chose to talk about London Fields, the novel we first encounter on this series through the Financial Times columnist, Janan Ganesh. But whereas Ganesh grew up in Croydon in the late Eighties, with the London Amis depicts in the novel practically on his doorstep, Doyle had never been to England's capital when the cover of London Fields first caught his eye, aged 23, from the shelves of a book exchange at a backpacker's hostel in South East Asia.On a long bus journey in this far-flung part of the world, Doyle recounts coming to terms with the alchemic mastery of Amis's prose in this 1989 masterpiece. London Fields, he says, blended seamlessly the very highest ideas with the very lowest, all to great comic effect. Writing about London, Amis was engaged in an act of philosophy, dredged up from the deepest pits of urban and human decay.Rob and Jack go on to discuss that force of nature that is of course Keith Talent. Talent is for Doyle, as he is for Ganesh, not just one of Amis's greatest characters, but one of the greatest characters ever to cast a shadow on the history of English literature. Of all Amis's beleaguered and benighted male creations, Talent is also arguably the happiest, since apart from anything else, he would be the least bothered by Amis's contempt for him. Later on, Rob and Jack talk about the world Amis so often condemns his male characters to live in. Whether we look to John Self (a man consumed by his own oniomania), the bleak rivalry that sets Keith Talent and Guy Clinch on their fateful course with Nicola Six, or indeed that which Richard Tull and Gwyn Barry must see through a novel later in The Information, Amis's men are rarely sanguine creatures.Male conflict and humiliation were two of Amis's greatest subjects, but while Doyle still regards Amis as one of the best writers ever to interrogate them in their art, he is less convinced by Amis's opposition outlook on male relationships now, in his forties, than he was as a younger man.Happy New Year to you, dear listener. 2026 has begun.FOLLOW US ON TWITTER/ X: @mymartinamisFIND US ON YOUTUBE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's that time of year again where everyone gets to go through all their books, put it all together and then pay the tax man!!! Woohoo!! Absolute best time of the year…. Actually if you know us you know that was sarcasm and if you don't well then I'm not sure there's hope for you. … Read More Read More

Welcome back to another episode, gang! Nick is joined by a super surprising guest some of you will remember and some of you will be meeting for the first time...We discuss all the HOT recent news you NEED to know!- Absolute Batman is just...it's so peak.- Blade is finally coming to the MCU with Midnight Sons?!- Sony is more open to sharing it's movie characters with Disney!- Sebastian Stan is Harvey Dent (Two-Face) in Reeves' Batman II!- MUCH MORE!!!!

Ep. 218 (Part 2 of 2) | In Part 2 of the 17th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali explores the great freedom we experience when we allow being itself to unfold through us—when we let reality take its course without our egoic selves getting in the way. When we are out of the way, Hameed explains, all the virtues come through us: responsibility, ethics, morality, compassion, caring, sensitivity, and more. These ideals are not human-made, he says, they are expressions of our true nature. In fact, Hameed adds, this is what a true human is; expressing the absolute is the fulfillment of life. Just knowing the absolute does not eliminate all obstacles, Hameed continues. Even as we go very deep, there are “ego islands” that pose ongoing difficulties. But the practice is to be with our experience and let it inform us—allow our life experiences to become the arena for the expression of spirit. All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us, Hameed says. And laughs telling a story about the “do nothing” instructions of lamas and Zen teachers, as they attempt to show their students that there is nothing to be done but get out of the way. All manifestation, our lives, even our problems and challenges and getting lost in the illusion is all a play of the absolute, Roger reflects. Another very rich, deeply nourishing conversation with A. H. Almaas. Recorded November 13, 2025.“If we become mature enough to cease and desist, to let reality take its course… when we're out of the way, true nature will come through—that's what a true human is.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 2Is there such a thing as a false descent? (00:33)Most of the time, a realization of the absolute is incomplete—there are still some issues that haven't been worked out (01:43)Hameed's teachings expanded as his experience expanded (04:22)Even a spiritual teacher with an incomplete realization can be helpful; what causes trouble is when teachers don't acknowledge their knowing is limited (07:26)All we need to do is abide in the knowing that the absolute is expressing itself through us (12:25)The practice is to be with our experience; the ego gets in the way by trying to take over (15:00)The great freedom of allowing reality to take its course: the do nothing meditation (18:02)Our life is fulfilled when we're acting at the behest of the absolute (23:10)Even as we know the absolute, there is always more to be free from (24:17)The central issue of descent is letting go of all identification—of our ego, even of the absolute (28:41)Reality is such an interesting thing—even ignorance is an interesting thing (31:57)True nature is indestructible, incorruptible—at bottom it is...

This week on the Major Issues Podcast, the hosts take a deep dive into Absolute Batman, breaking down what makes this new take on the Dark Knight tick. From its creative approach and thematic focus to how it reinterprets Bruce Wayne, Gotham City, and the core pillars of Batman mythology, nothing is taken at face value. Join us why this dissects what works, what challenges expectations, and how Absolute Batman fits into the larger goals of the Absolute Universe. Is this a bold evolution of Batman or a remix that pushes too far? The hosts dig into the details to find out. Please leave us a review on iTunes so we can grow our audience and grow as podcasters. Rate us wherever podcasts are found. Don't forget to check out our merchandise. All episodes of Major Issues are brought to you by ComicBook Clique, the only stop for the latest and greatest things to come to comic books and comic book media. Send us feedback at ComicBookClique@Gmail.com! You Are Worthy! ComicBook Clique on Facebook ComicBook Clique on Instagram ComicBook Clique on YouTube Major Issues on Twitter Shop ComicBook Clique DirtSheet Radio Link Tree

We unpack new studies that reshape how we counsel on VBAC after short intervals, update what we tell BRCA carriers about estrogen therapy, and explore how self-collected HPV tests can reduce screening gaps. We also question surgical marketing, workforce trends, and the shaky evidence behind aspirin dosing for preeclampsia.• Short interpregnancy interval as a VBAC risk factor, not a contraindication• Absolute uterine rupture rates in spontaneous vs induced labor• Estrogen therapy in BRCA carriers and treated gyn cancers• Cervical screening overuse and underscreening in insured populations• Self-collected HPV testing intervals and access benefits• OB-GYN workforce shortages and rural distribution gaps• Endometriosis surgery indications versus fertility claims• Robotics versus laparoscopy outcomes and training priorities• Aspirin dose trials, lack of placebo arms, and abruption signals• Reading statistics correctly and demanding better editorial standards0:00 Setting The Agenda: New Studies0:40 Short Interval Pregnancy And VBAC Risk3:10 Quantifying Uterine Rupture By Spacing8:10 Induction, Augmentation, And Rupture Math9:40 HRT In BRCA Carriers: New Evidence13:05 Estrogen After Gyn Cancers: Practice Gaps17:40 Cervical Screening: Overuse And Underscreening22:30 Self-Collected HPV Testing Guidance27:00 OB-GYN Shortages And Distribution33:20 Endometriosis Surgery And Fertility Claims41:20 Robotics Vs Laparoscopy: Outcomes And Training47:20 Aspirin Dosing For Preeclampsia: No Signal55:30 Interpreting Stats And Editorial Standards59:20 Closing Notes And Next StepsBe sure to check out thinking about obgyn.com for more information, and be sure to follow us on InstagramFollow us on Instagram @thinkingaboutobgyn.

After fizzling out after reading just 2 issues of Absolute Green Lantern, Ralph has decided to dive back into the series after the good word of this book has been traveling through the Green Lantern Community!! Join Ralph and ‪@Vactor‬ (‪@ThisComicCooks‬) as they gives their full report on the first volume collected of this series by Al Ewing and Jahnoy Lindsay!!

Come on in and let's talk Anime... ish. NERDSoul.DÉCKOR Geek Wall Art https://www.etsy.com/shop/NERDSoulDeckor Anime-ish Spirals With JJK, Oshi No Ko, Fire Force, Vigilantes & Absolute Anime Madness | NERDSoul Covering: #NERDSoul #Anime #FireForce

Jace and Rocky break down another Comic Boom! / Comic Source DC Spotlight for the week of January 21, 2026, with only seven single issues on the slate but a massive week for reprints and collected editions—including major Absolute line reprints like Absolute Batman #1 10th printing and Absolute Batman Annual #1 2nd printing, plus facsimiles such as Batman #676 and Superman #75, and a packed shelf of collected editions ranging from Batman: Gotham by Gaslight Compact Comics to DC's Finest: Doom Patrol, Green Lantern by Robert Venditti Omnibus Vol. 2, The Invisibles Compendium, New History of the DCU, Absolute Promethea Vol. 2, Resurrection Man: Quantum Karma, and Young Justice Omnibus Vol. 2. On the single-issue side, Batman/Superman: World's Finest #47 wraps up the Absorbicon chaos with the Joker/Luthor fusion, the world briefly losing knowledge, and a lingering "Fusion" mystery locked away in the Fortress of Solitude; DC KO: Green Lantern – Galactic Slam #1 becomes the week's standout as Jeremy Adams brings Kyle Rayner into WAM's multiversal wrestling spectacle, delivers Omega Bam Man's origin, and ties the concept directly into Darkseid and the DC KO stakes; Titans #31 splits focus between Donna Troy and Arsenal battling Grail on Earth and Nightwing/Raven's Gemworld complications as Terra turns opportunistic; Superman Unlimited #9 launches "Die Laughing" with a new, more hands-on Prankster targeting Perry White and Superman leveraging Clark Kent's reporting to bait the killer into exposing himself, while also planting Mxyzptlk-related seeds; Catwoman #83 continues Selina's Europe-set intrigue with Falcone connections and Court of Owls pressure as the run edges toward a more familiar Gotham-facing direction; Nightwing #134 keeps Dick in the Fifth Dimension facing the Zanni while real-world consequences escalate, including damage that reverberates back to Blüdhaven; and Wonder Woman #29 begins a two-part "The Village" detour to Themyscira with striking Jeff Spokes visuals and Strife's arrival setting the hook for what comes next, before both hosts give their rankings with Galactic Slam taking the top spot.

Prince Harry arrives at the Royal Courts of Justice to testify in his Daily Mail lawsuit, after a source fires off a defiant pre-court message accusing Associated Newspapers of “game playing and dirty tricks.” On the stand, Harry insists on being addressed as “Prince Harry,” invokes “Never complain, never explain,” and describes a life of “24 hour surveillance” that left him “paranoid beyond belief.” He clashes with ANL's barrister over alleged sourcing, rejects claims his friends leaked details, and argues the level of reporting could only have come from unlawful methods, including hacked voicemails and private investigators. The day ends with a sharp tonal shift as cross-examination wraps and Harry grows emotional, telling the court: “They continue to come after me. They have made my wife's life an absolute misery, my lord.”Palace Intrigue is your daily royal family podcast, diving deep into the modern-day drama, power struggles, and scandals shaping the future of the monarchy.Hear our new show "Crown and Controversy: Prince Andrew" here.Check out "Palace Intrigue Presents: King WIlliam" here.

In this new yearly tradition we're joined by our favorite astrologer (and all-around magical human) Chelsee Joel to break down the biggest astrological themes of 2026, without the doom spiral. We talk about why summer can feel so disruptive, what it means to work with astrology like a calendar (not a prescription), and where to focus in your own chart when everything feels overwhelming (hint: start with the houses + elements).Chelsee walks us through major 2026 transits, Neptune and Saturn moving into Aries, a rare “triangle of revolution,” and the mid-year shift that could spark massive collective momentum. We also dig into boundaries, rest in a fire + air year, and how to channel the energy into creativity, courage, and grounded hope.You can find Chelsee here on her Website or on her Instagram Chelsee has also sponsored this weeks episode. Conscious Seed is our favorite Astro Herbalist for grounded, practical astrology. Her Digital Astrology Calendar syncs with Google Calendar so you can actually plan with the planets, not get blindsided by them. And her readings? Absolute magic. Use code DEMYSTIFYMAGIC for 10% off site wide at: www.consciousseedapotheca.comJoin our Patreon for bonus episodes, magical downloads, and unhinged side quests: https://www.patreon.com/demystifymagicPre-order Molly's book Mundane Magic A Lazy Witch's Guide to Hacking Your Brain, Building a Daily Practice, and Getting Stuff DonePreorder Mundane Magic & Join the Virtual Book Tour⁠: Celebrate the release of Molly's new book with an exclusive online event on Feb 21, 12 PM EST. Get behind-the-scenes insights, live Q&A, and your SIGNED copy shipped on release day.

Tennessee Titans HIRE 49ers DC Robert Saleh as NEXT Head Coach! Saleh is a ABSOLUTE BEAST!

A conversation with Michael Lazarus about his recent book, "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel, and Marx" (Stanford University Press).

Join Andrew Dunn and Chris Triebel as they discuss the finale of Stranger Things. Then stick around for a review of Absolute Martian Manhunter by Deniz Camp and Javier Rodríguez. Is the Bizarro version of Martian Manhunter a Martian Hunter-Man? Asking for a friend.... SUBSCRIBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/c/themedialunchbreak?sub_confirmation=1 BUY SOME MERCH: https://the-media-lunch-break.creator-spring.com Twitter: twitter.com/MediaLunchBreak Patreon: www.patreon.com/TheMediaLunchBreak Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/TheMediaLunchBreak Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheMediaLunchBreak Instagram: @TheMediaLunchBreak Or email us at: TheMediaLunchBreak@gmail.com Listen to and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts! The Media Lunch Break on YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/themedialunchbreak Graphic art by: Melinda Filonuk - www.melgraphics.com www.etsy.com/shop/melgraphicscreations Eric Scotolati - https://twitter.com/ericscotolati

Writer Scott Snyder joins the show to talk about Absolute Batman and his past few years at DC and beyond. Snyder discusses his initial uncertainty about Absolute, his journey to Absolute Batman, the power of fear, their approach to making the best story, collaborating with Nick Dragotta, his experimentation phase, the ethos of the book, finding a balance, creating a sense of urgency, the single issue form, the current environment, the Next Level books, his role as a hype man at DC, imposter syndrome, arc titles, what has him excited about 2026 in comics, and more.

Jared's Athena: The Goddess of Thunder Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/-jtl/athena-the-goddess-of-thunder-second-chance?ref=project_build Gray's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2NfSPGZ5OFcek6Baw3iQQw SuS Records: https://www.youtube.com/@SusRecordsCEO Jared's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ComicsLeague Jared's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3jv6I2edZ8lpc02gJEHw3e?si=cb5f48a6f8d84add Stork's Podcast: https://besottedgeek.podbean.com/   Join us on Friday Nights @ 7:15 PM EST on our Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdScienceComics when we do the Absolute show LIVE!  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeirdScienceComics This Week's Patreon-Exclusive Spotlight Show is DC K.O.: Harley Quinn vs. Zatanna & Wonder Woman #28 Listen to the Spotlight Podcast by signing up to our Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/weirdscience   0:00:00 - Intro 0:11:55 - Action Comics #1094 0:36:09 - Aquaman #13 1:04:57 - Legend of Wonder Woman Chapter 10 1:38:17 - Batman and Robin #29 2:16:17 - Green Lantern Corps #12 3:09:29 - Next Week's Books   FOLLOW WEIRD SCIENCE COMICS Twitter:  https://twitter.com/WeirdScienceDC  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/weirdscience DC Comics Review Site: https://bit.ly/WeirdScienceDC Marvel Review Site: https://bit.ly/WeirdScienceMarvel   SUBSCRIBE TO WEIRD SCIENCE COMIC PODCASTS:  DC Comics Podcast iTunes - https://apple.co/47jNeme Spotify - https://spoti.fi/2XzDALI Stitcher - https://bit.ly/45XPtKS   Marvel Comics Podcast iTunes - https://apple.co/3u1xxSh Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3QJFAfe Pandora - https://bit.ly/3Qq5cwd YT - https://bit.ly/WeirdSciencePodcasts

What if Bruce Wayne didn't have the mansion, the money, or the butler? This week, we explore Absolute Batman, the flagship title of DC's new Absolute Universe. We analyze the kinetic art by Nick Dragotta, the blue-collar world-building by Scott Snyder, and of course—that axe. Join us as we decide if this rawer, rougher Batman is the future of the franchise or just another alternate timeline.   Want a legendary beard like a true geek? Live Bearded has you covered. And you can support 2 Geeks and a Microphone by visiting https://livebearded.com/2GEEKS.

Pastor Drew Zylstra preaches from Luke 4:31-44, “Absolute Authority.” —————————— More from Oostburg CRC Sermons: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/sermons Bible Study Resources: https://www.firstcrcoostburg.org/resources Original Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/4P7JbJlHzabPNW8GpdxKcB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJSouYxM1rwWZ4cYAvTIqVA

Level up your game and get 10% off @TurtleBeach with code FPS at http://turtlebeach.com/FPS #turtlebeachpod -- The Pets Table at https://thepetstable.com with code fps55 to get 55% off your first box PLUS 10% off your next two. Thanks to The Pets Table for sponsoring FPS! -- Head to https://raycon.com/friendsOPEN to get up to 20% off Raycon products sitewide. Thanks to Raycon for sponsoring FPS! -- Try HelloFresh at https://www.hellofresh.com/fps10fm with code fps10fm to get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Thanks to HelloFresh for sponsoring FPS! -- Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Catch Up 15:36 Jake's Been Playing the Avatar Frontiers of Pandora DLC 17:15 Jake's Been Playing Hytale 25:48 Ralph's Been Playing Hollow Knight Silksong 37:26 Raycon (ad) 40:28 Hello Fresh (ad) 43:42 Movie and Book Recommendations 54:36 Lucy's Been Playing Demos from the Steam Detective Fest 01:00:49 Games We're Excited for in 2026 01:36:39 Turtle Beach (ad) 01:39:22 The Pets Table (ad) 01:41:29 Show and Tell 01:58:19 Wrap Up -- If you wanna check out our newsletter, you can do so here: https://friendspersecond.substack.com/ Listen to the Friends Per Second Podcast on your favourite podcast platform: https://linktr.ee/friendspersecond Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendspersecond -- Let's meet our hosts! - Jake Baldino (aka the Before You Buy Guy) is pretty much the most watched reviewer on YouTube across both Gameranx and his personal channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/JakeBaldino). If you're obsessed with Delorians, The Mummy and Pizza you can discuss that stuff with him directly over on Twitter: @JakeBaldino - Lucy James is a Senior Producer at Gamespot. She's actually, like, experienced and credentialed and has real life skills and stuff, while the rest of the gang would be funemployed if the YT algorithm didn't kiss them for random, inexplicable reasons. - Skill Up used to work at McDonalds but he got fired for skimming too many chicken nuggets. He says he regrets it since he hasn't had a better job since. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we wandered through a grab-bag of games, music, and reading before settling into a long-overdue cultural reckoning with This Is Spinal Tap. We talked Sonic games and cursed Sonic-sonas, gacha updates that somehow turn into cyberpunk motorbike fantasies, cheerful amnesia manga, extreme metal singles that absolutely rip, and a handful of games that ranged from surprisingly delightful to instantly forgettable. But the heart of the episode was finally sitting down with Spinal Tap itself—an enormously influential mockumentary that, forty years on, felt quieter, subtler, and stranger than its reputation. We landed somewhere between “mid” and “actually pretty good,” unpacking where it still works, where it shows its age, and why its legacy looms so much larger than the movie itself.  Episode NotesWhat We've Been IntoGamesEden dives into Sonic Forces, embracing the chaos of creating a cursed Sonic-sona (a dog with a grapple gun).A return to Wuthering Waves with the 3.0 update: underground cyberpunk cities, summonable motorcycles, and Sega crossover bike liveries.Peter spends real time with the Playdate handheld and unexpectedly loves Dig Dig Dino—dogs, dinosaurs, and eldritch horror.Mixed feelings on Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: clunky combat, nonstop chatter, and controller prompts that can't decide what console they're on.Dispatch lands as enjoyable but oddly forgettable—pure popcorn gaming that evaporates once it's done.ReadingCheerful Amnesia delivers wholesome, funny yuri romance built on anime-logic memory loss.A shout-out to Adachi and Shimamura short stories, still reigning supreme.Peter continues through The Dark Forest, the second book in Remembrance of Earth's Past, digging into Wallfacers, Wallbreakers, and long-term cosmic dread.MusicNew doom EP from The Eternal—short, tight, and surprisingly restrained.Reliance by Soen: less adventurous, more consistent, and maybe better for it.Absolute hype for Archspire's new single “Limb of Leviticus”—blisteringly fast with just enough groove to breathe.Main Topic: This Is Spinal TapPrompted by renewed discussion of Rob Reiner and his legacy, we finally sat down with his directorial debut.Initial reaction: not nearly as laugh-out-loud funny as its reputation suggests.Over time, appreciation grew for:Its subtlety and deadpan delivery.The improvised dialogue paired with surprisingly tight plotting and long-payoff jokes.Iconic moments (“these go to eleven,” the cocoon stage prop, mysteriously exploding drummers).Nigel Tufnel emerges as the emotional and comedic core, hinting at the future of Christopher Guest's mockumentary career.We talked about how much of Spinal Tap's impact comes from being first—laying the groundwork for an entire genre that others would later perfect.Final verdict: historically essential, quietly funny, better on reflection than on first watch—and a reminder that movies used to trust audiences more.Big Picture TakeawaysCultural influence doesn't always match immediate enjoyment.Subtlety and restraint are skills we've mostly lost in modern filmmaking.Maybe we should make smaller, cheaper movies again—and let weird ideas breathe.

PYRAMID HEAD, DARK NURSES, THE ARMLESS MAN, & MORE!! With Director Christophe Gans back for 2026's Return to Silent Hill + Bloober Team's successful remake of Silent Hill 2, Scream Queens Tara & Roxy check out the original film adaptation of the iconic survival horror video game! Start your online business with a $1 per-month trial when you visit https://www.shopify.com/rejects! Gift Someone (Or Yourself) An RR Tee! https://shorturl.at/hekk2 Silent Hill (2006) Full Movie Reaction, Breakdown, Commentary & Spoiler Review! — with hosts Tara Erickson & Roxy Striar descending into the fog-shrouded nightmare of one of the most visually haunting video game adaptations ever brought to the screen. Directed by Christophe Gans (Brotherhood of the Wolf, Beauty and the Beast 2014), Silent Hill is inspired by Konami's legendary survival-horror game series and stars Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black, Man on Fire, The Crazies) as Rose Da Silva, a mother driven by desperation to save her adopted daughter Sharon (Jodelle Ferland — Case 39, Dark Matter). When Sharon's mysterious sleepwalking leads them to the abandoned town of Silent Hill, Rose finds herself trapped in a cursed world where ash falls like snow, sirens signal terror, and monsters manifest humanity's deepest sins. Follow Roxy Striar YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWhirlGirls Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxystriar/?hl=en Twitter:  https://twitter.com/roxystriar Follow Tara Erickson: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaraErickson Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/taraerickson/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thetaraerickson Intense Suspense by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Support The Channel By Getting Some REEL REJECTS Apparel! https://www.rejectnationshop.com/ Follow Us On Socials:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/  Tik-Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reelrejects?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/reelrejects Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ Music Used In Ad:  Hat the Jazz by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... POWERED BY @GFUEL Visit https://gfuel.ly/3wD5Ygo and use code REJECTNATION for 20% off select tubs!! Head Editor: https://www.instagram.com/praperhq/?hl=en Co-Editor: Greg Alba Co-Editor: John Humphrey Music In Video: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Ask Us A QUESTION On CAMEO: https://www.cameo.com/thereelrejects Follow TheReelRejects On FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & INSTAGRAM:  FB:  https://www.facebook.com/TheReelRejects/ INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/reelrejects/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thereelrejects Follow GREG ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER: INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/thegregalba/ TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/thegregalba Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 1007-Congratulations John Mayo, The Beauty, Marvels Monthly Attempt, Absolute Domination,   + Sneak Peek at Next Week w/Kyle & DrewSAVE NOW #0 (W) Matt Kindt (A) Juan Jose Ryp, Kano (CA) Stephen SegoviaTRANSFORMERS #22 (W) Daniel Warren Johnson (A) Jorge Corona, Mike Spicer (CA) Daniel Warren Johnson, Mike SpicerSongs by Drew - Ballad of John Mayo & Comic Book PageLike & Subscribe on Youtube www.youtube.com/@comicsforfunandprofit5331Patreon https://www.patreon.com/comicsfunprofit  Merch https://comicsfunprofit.threadless.comYour Support Keeps Our Show Going On Our Way to a Thousand EpisodesDonate Here https://bit.ly/36s7YeLAll the C4FaP links you could ever need  https://beacons.ai/comicsfunprofit Listen To the Episode Here: https://comcsforfunandprofit.podomatic.com/

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The show spirals immediately. A little Giants contract paranoia. A little Mets panic even while liking the move. Absolute chaos in the booth as the phones light up, voices overlap, and Cinco energy takes over. Then it turns into a full rooting guide for the NFL playoffs. From old grudges to fresh annoyances, the guys count down the five easiest teams to root against this weekend. Rams, Broncos, Bills, Patriots, Seahawks, nobody is safe. Along the way there's Giants coaching intrigue, Sam Darnold discourse, backup quarterback nightmares, and a reminder that New York fans never forget. Plus, the Mets land Bo Bichette while Kyle Tucker bolts for the Dodgers, setting up a massive day for both New York baseball teams. Loud, unhinged, and extremely opinionated.

Host Rob Couture opens the first episode of 2026 with VFW leaders for an in-depth discussion on veteran policy priorities and emerging national security issues.  The episode centers on the Major Richard Star Act, breaking down why the bill was left out of the National Defense Authorization Act, clarifying misconceptions about cost and jurisdiction, and explaining why the Armed Services Committees play a critical role in advancing the legislation. The panel outlines the VFW's updated advocacy strategy and how members can help push the bill forward through targeted engagement and calls for congressional hearings. The discussion also highlights key provisions of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, including pay raises, quality-of-life protections, blast exposure oversight, and moral injury research, while noting advocacy priorities that remain unfinished. Additional segments address concerns over proposed VA disability rating schedule revisions, a major legal development involving claims sharks, and a recent U.S. Postal Service policy change that could impact veterans submitting benefit claims by mail. The episode closes with reflections on the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, recognition of newly eligible combat veterans, and reminders of the VFW's ongoing commitment to protecting veterans' earned benefits and honoring continued service. Featured Guests: Joy Craig – Associate Director, VFW National Legislative Service Brian Walker – Assistant Adjutant General, VFW Ryan Gallucci – Executive Director, VFW Washington Office Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Welcome to the first Still Serving episode of 2026 3:17 – Major Richard Star Act: status and advocacy strategy 16:44 – Why concurrent receipt matters for veterans and readiness 45:20 – NDAA highlights and unfinished priorities 54:40 – VA disability rating schedule concerns 1:11:30 – Claims sharks and accountability efforts 1:17:12 – USPS postmark changes and veteran claims 1:21:15 – Venezuela operation and recognition of service

Welcome to another show on the incredible Select Radio.  Really enjoyed playing this one, as ever, so hope you guys enjoy listening back. x Tracklist; Sean Scanlan - Boogie (John Morales M+M Get up and dance mix) Pauline Henry - Heaven (Louie Vega Remix) LUP INO - Fat Zorina Mark Picchotti, The Absolute, Suzanne Palmer - I Believe (Sophie Lloyd extended remix) Wh0 - La Fiesta (Extended Mix) Audiojack - Surrender (Extended Mix) Msystem & Toxo - Let's keep on (ft Fatimah Provillon) Stacy Kidd, Tiffany Jenkins - You ain't house (Main Mix) Bond - Disco Moves Ya (Original Mix) Gadjo - So Mmany Times (Club Mix) Boris Dluglosch - Keep Pushin' (Purple Disco Machine Vox Mix) Freemasons - If (ft Hazel Fernandez) Mousse T - Is it 'cos I'm cool (Torso Gets Cool Remix) Bonetti - Crazy Right Now  Alex Kenji & Federico Scavo - Get Funky  

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SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S ⁠SUBSTACK⁠. Get the facts, without the spin. UNBIASED offers a clear, impartial recap of US news, including politics, elections, legal news, and more. Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, each episode provides a recap of current political events plus breakdowns of complex concepts—like constitutional rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and new legislation—in an easy-to-understand way. No personal opinions, just the facts you need to stay informed on the daily news that matters. If you miss how journalism used to be, you're in the right place. In today's episode: Judges React to Arguments in Transgender Athlete Cases; What Their Reactions Tell Us About a Potential Ruling (0:38) State Dept. Suspends Visa Issuances for Nationals from 75 Countries (11:19) Minneapolis Updates: Do ICE Agents Have Absolute Immunity? Who Has Jurisdiction Over the Investigation? FBI or State Law Enforcement? What Role Did Renee Good Play in ICE Monitoring Efforts? DHS Claims Agent Suffered Internal Bleeding (~17:24) Clintons Refuse to Testify in Congressional Epstein Probe (~29:16) Trump Unveils New Health Plan, Calls on Congress to Act (~37:00) Quick Hitters: Trump Signs Bill Allowing Whole Milk in Schools, Secret Service Agent Put on Leave After Revealing Sensitive Info to Undercover Journalist, ACLU Sues ICE and CBP, Mortgage Rates Hit Low, Trump Threatens to Invoke Insurrection Act (~44:04) Rumor Has It: Did Trump Refer to Himself as Acting President of Venezuela? Did Vance Say ICE Would Go Door-to-Door? Did the FBI Search the Home of a Washington Post Reporter? (~48:21) Critical Thinking Segment (~51:32) SUBSCRIBE TO JORDAN'S ⁠FREE NEWSLETTER⁠. ⁠Watch⁠ this episode on YouTube. Follow Jordan on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠. All sources for this episode can be found ⁠here.⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Ryan Berg and Evan Ellis join us to assess the regional and global implications of the U.S. capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. They discuss how Beijing is interpreting the operation, what it signals about U.S. priorities, and the lessons China may draw for its military planning and approach to Taiwan. Ryan Berg is director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at CSIS. Evan Ellis is a research professor of Latin American studies at the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute and a nonresident senior associate in the Americas Program at CSIS.

Ep. 217 (Part 1 of 2) | In the 17th dialogue of the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, Hameed Ali explores the classic spiritual theme: the journey of descent. What happens after we awaken, having had a realization of the deepest kind? The path of descent, where we retain the awareness of what came with our experience of the absolute, and bring it into our life, expressing it with every aspect of our being. Many teachings talk about the ascent (the journey of awakening) and the descent, Hameed explains, but when they talk about the descent, they interpret it as an individual coming down the mountain with their great realization. Hameed thought this was how it happened too, he laughs. But then it became clear to him following his own descent that it is not an enlightened individual who descends back into the world—it's the absolute. In Christian terms, it's the father who comes, appearing as the son.What was it like for Hameed as he descended, living in the absolute dimension at the same time as living in the everyday world? co-host John Dupuy asks. Something transcendent lives through the body with the individual as the organ of perception, Hameed responds. “The entire universe becomes subtle shimmerings…like the waves in quantum theory; the blackness so extreme that it shines—and that sheen is the world.” Different from the classic Eastern spiritual path, where what is significant is living the transcendent rather than living regular life, in the Diamond Approach (Hameed's path), actualization is the goal, coming back to the everyday world and living life as an expression of the Absolute. Recorded November 13, 2025.“It is inherent to true nature for it to be lived in the world.”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 1Introducing the 17th dialogue in the A. H. Almaas Wisdom Series, focusing on the journey of descent: actualizing the realization of the absolute (00:39)The path begins with the journey of ascent, then comes realization, then the path of descent: actualization, living your realization (04:46)Being in the world and not of it is an important principle of the Diamond Approach (06:44)What was it like for Hameed as he descended, living in the absolute dimension and the everyday world simultaneously? (08:17)It's not the individual who descends but the Absolute (14:45)Differentiating from the Eastern spiritual path, where what's important is living the transcendent rather than living life (19:33)Are there obstacles to the descent? (20:44)In descent, the entire universe becomes subtle shimmerings… like the waves in quantum theory (25:04)Something transcendent lives through the body; the individual is the organ of perception (27:06)Hameed was already a spiritual teacher, sharing about the journey of ascent, before he experienced the journey of descent (29:49)Can a person...

Focus on accepting the full truth of who you are—unfiltered, unaltered, and internally authorized. Aligned with the wisdom of the 13 grandmothers and the inheritance of 14 generations, it offers a space to shed inherited limitations and stand firmly in originality, undiluted identity. Let authenticity be your only direction.

This 2025 Best Of highlight episode brings together the most impactful conversations on mental health, wellness, performance, and personal growth. I sat down with Joe Hudson, Abbie Smith-Ryan, Sahil Bloom, and Dr. Steven Storage to explore insights and strategies that reshaped how I think about relationships, emotional awareness, parenting, and overall well-being.From emotional intelligence with Joe Hudson, women's health and fitness with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan, redefining success with Sahil Bloom, to brain health and ADHD insights with Dr. Steven Storage, this episode is packed with actionable tips and thought-provoking ideas. Whether you want to boost mental health, performance, or personal growth, these highlights are a must-listen.→Leave Us A Voice Message! Topics Discussed:→ How to improve emotional awareness?→ Benefits of creatine for women?→ How to redefine success?→ Tips for brain health and ADHD?→ How to boost mental health and performance?Timestamps:→ 00:00:00 - Introduction→ 00:01:12 - Joe Hudson: Age Appropriate Parenting→ 00:06:16 - Repressing emotions→ 00:11:44 - Connection & self worth→ 00:15:05 - Parenting obligations→ 00:18:27 - Anxiety hack→ 00:24:21 - What are you afraid to feel?→ 00:27:29 - Abbie Smith: Creatine and women→ 00:29:46 - Creatine side effects→ 00:32:17 - Loading dose→ 00:36:06 - Brain health: sleep, & mood→ 00:41:06 - Why supplement creatine→ 00:43:34 - When and how to take creatine→ 00:46:37 - Pregnancy and athleticism→ 00:48:31 - Mental health & creatine→ 00:52:37 - Sourcing creatine→ 00:56:16 - Sahil Bloom: Honoring your time→ 01:01:58 - NOBODY CARES→ 01:05:22 - Life not numbers→ 01:07:19 - Absolute yes and no→ 01:08:47 - Creating energy→ 01:12:29 - Work-life balance→ 01:15:57 - Marriage & “The One”→ 01:17:48 - Dr. Steven Storage: SPECT Scans→ 01:22:51 - ADHD Frontal Lobes→ 01:27:08 - Undiagnosed ADHD→ 01:31:51 - Nutrition & ADHD→ 01:36:19 - Physical activity→ 01:39:12 - Sleep hygiene→ 01:43:07 - Caffeine, conflict, and impulse controlFurther Listening → Repressed Emotions, Anxiety + Why Self-Improvement Doesn't Exist | Joe Hudson→ The Truth About Creatine for Women: Strength, Hormones, + Brain Health | Abbie Smith→ Create Financial Freedom + A Purpose-Driven Life With This 5-Part Wealth Strategy | Sahil Bloom→ ADHD in Kids Explained + How The SPECT Brain Scan Guides Care | Dr. Steven StorageCheck Out Joe Hudson: → Learn more + complimentary transformation guide→ Art of Accomplishment Podcast (Spotify / YouTube) → X (Twitter)Check Out Abbie:→ IG:

We are living through an incredibly intense political, social, and cultural moment, and it's easy to fall into the despair and overwhelm of it all. In this episode, I'm sharing a framework that helps me make sense of what's happening and hold onto hope. Spiral dynamics explains how humans organize around shared value systems, and what happens when those systems collide and begin to collapse. While these transitions are often destabilizing and painful, what we're living through is not random–and understanding the pattern offers the reminder that how we choose to show up, care for ourselves, and embody the values we want to see matters. Here's what I cover:The origin of spiral dynamics and how the framework can show up in everyday lifeWhy systems resist evolution with the same fear and violence they were established withHow the framework of spiral dynamics relates to good girl rules and people-pleasing tendenciesWhy nervous system safety and connection matter alongside protest, organizing, and action during times of changeHow rest, pleasure, joy, and community are not distractions, but essential tools for surviving times of massive transitionFind Sara here:https://sarafisk.coachhttps://pages.sarafisk.coach/difficultconversationshttps://www.instagram.com/sarafiskcoach/https://www.facebook.com/SaraFiskCoaching/https://www.tiktok.com/@sarafiskcoachhttps://www.youtube.com/@sarafiskcoaching1333What happens inside the free Stop People Pleasing Facebook Community? Our goal is to provide help and guidance on your journey to eliminate people pleasing and perfectionism from your life. We heal best in a safe community where we can grow and learn together and celebrate and encourage each other. This group is for posting questions about or experiences with material learned in The Ex-Good Girl podcast, Sara Fisk Coaching social media posts or the free webinars and trainings provided by Sara Fisk Coaching. See you inside!Book a Free Consult

This week we talk about Venezuela, Maduro, and international law.We also discuss sour crude, extrajudicial killings, and Greenland.Recommended Book: The Keep by F. Paul WilsonTranscriptBack in mid-November of 2025, I did an episode on extrajudicial killings, focusing on the targeting of speedboats, mostly from Venezuela headed toward the United States, by the US military. These boats were allegedly carrying drugs meant for the US market, and the US government justified these strikes by saying, basically, we have a right to protect ourselves, protect our citizens from the harm caused by these illegal substances, and if we have to keep taking out these boats and killing these people to do that, we will.There's been a lot of back-and-forthing about the legitimacy of this approach, both in the sense that not all of these boats have been shown to be carrying drugs, some just seemed to be fishing boats in the wrong place at the wrong time, and in the sense that launching strikes without the go-ahead of Congress in the US is a legally dubious business. There was also the matter of some alleged follow-up strikes, which seemed to be intended to kill people who survived the initial taking-out of the boats, which is a big international human rights no no, to the point of potentially being a war crime.All of this happened within the context of a war of words between US President Trump's second administration and the increasingly authoritarian regime of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who followed the previous president Hugo Chávez as his hand-picked successor, and has more or less completed the authoritarian process of dissolving, coopting, or diminishing all aspects of the Venezuelan government that might ever check his power, which allowed him, in 2024, to bar the very popular, now Nobel Peace Prize winning candidate María Corina Machado from running, and her sub-in candidate, like previous Maduro opponent Juan Guaido, seems to have won the election by a fair bit, and in an internationally provable way, but Maduro's government faked results that made it look like he won, and his single-party rule has since continued unabated.Or rather, it continued unabated until the early morning of January 3, 2026, around 2am, when US Operation Absolute Resolve kicked into action, leading to the—depending on who you ask—justified captured or illegal kidnapping—of Maduro and his wife from a stronghold in his country.And that's what I'd like to talk about today: the operation itself, but also the consequences and potential meaning of it within the context of other important things happening in the world right now.—Maduro is immensely popular with about a fifth of the Venezuelan population, but essentially everyone else is strongly opposes him and his iron-fisted rule.It's estimated that between 2017 and 2025, just shy of 8 million people, which is more than 20% of Venezuela's 2017 population, has fled the country in order to escape a tyrannical government and its failed policies, which have collapsed the economy, made getting working and feeding oneself and one's family difficult, and made crime, conflict, and the state-sanctioned oppression of anyone who doesn't kowtow to the ruling party a commonplace thing.Trump speculated about the possibility of invading Venezuela even in his first administration, and part of the overt rationale was that it's run by a failed government that most of the locals hate, so it would be an easy win. That justification shifted to orient around immigration and drugs by his second administration, and then more recently, Trump has said publicly that the real issue here is that Venezuela stole a bunch of US company-owned oil assets when it nationalized the industry back in the day, and those assets should be recaptured, given back to the US.Operation Absolute Resolve took months to plan and only about two and a half hours to complete. By most objective measures it was a spectacular military and intelligence success, especially considering all the moving parts and thus, all the things that could have gone wrong.The operation apparently involved at least 150 aircraft of various sorts, a spy within Maduro's government, and months of surveillance, which helped them establish Maduro's habits and routines, and that allowed them to map out where he would be, when, and what to expect going in to get him. All of these patterns changed in September of 2025 when US warships started massing in Caribbean, as Maduro started to get a little paranoid—justifiably, as it turns out—and he started moving between eight different locations, seldom sleeping in the same place more than one night in a row.He was eventually grabbed from a military base in Caracas, Venezuela's capitol, and to make that happen the US military assets in the area had to take out local aviation and air defenses so that US Delta Force troops could be carried in by helicopter. Several air bases and communications centers were taken out by missiles, and fighter jets were bombed on air base tarmacs. Trump alluded that a cyberattack of some kind might have also been used to take out power in the area, though satellite imagery suggests bombs might have been used against a power station to make that happen.The operation apparently went almost exactly as planned, though a helicopter was damaged and the Delta Force team killed a large part of Maduro's security team when he refused to surrender. A few US soldiers were wounded, but none were killed, and Venezuelan officials said, in the aftermath, that lat least 40 Venezuelans were killed throughout the country during the operation. Maduro and his wife were swept from the base before they could lock themselves in their safe room, and they were tucked into the helicopters which headed out to sea, landing them on the USS Iwo Jima, which is an assault ship.All of this took a matter of hours and, again, is generally considered to be an objective success, in terms of precision, outcome, and other such metrics. Morally, legally, and politically, however, the operation is receiving a far more mixed response, and that response is continuing to play out as Maduro works his way through a bizarre version of the US justice system where he's being sent to court for drug dealing.In the US, Trump supporters have generally said all of this was a good, smart move, though some maintain that US involvement in any kind of international conflict is a waste of time, effort, and resources, and they worry about getting bogged down in another Iraq or Afghanistan-style conflict.Everyone else is generally against the effort, even those who admit that Maduro was a tyrant who needed to go—it's good that he's gone, but the way in which it was done is not just questionable, but worrying because of what it says about Trump's capacity to unilaterally launch kidnapping missions against the leaders of other countries. Not a good look, but also kind of scary.Internationally the response is generally aligned with the latter opinion, especially in other countries that Trump has at some point threatened, which is most of them.Governments in South and Central America have been especially concerned, however, because one of Trump's newer messaging efforts has revolved around the concept of a Western Hemisphere basically owned and protected by the US. Do whatever you want in the rest of the world, basically, but everything over here is ours. This has raised the possibility that an emboldened Trump might attempt similar maneuvers soon, including possibly claiming the Panama Canal for the US again, or grabbing the leaders of other Latin American countries he doesn't think are kowtowing enthusiastically enough; toeing the new international line that he's drawing, basically.He's also renewed messaging around the possible purchase or capture of Greenland, which has been raising alarm bells across Europe in particular. Greenland is considered to be a vital strategic base for US security, and it would grant potential access to an abundance of also strategically and economically important minerals, both on land and underwater, but Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and most European leaders have said something along the lines of “if the US takes action to militarily claim Greenland, that'll be the end of NATO,” an organization that was originally founded to help protect the world, and Europe especially, from military conquest from the Soviet Union, but which, at that point, might be recalibrated to protect against incursions from the US, as well.NATO has been mostly funded and perpetuated by the US until recently, however, so there's a chance that something else would need to replace it, if the US is no longer providing nuclear deterrence as the ultimate whammy against a potential Russian invasion of its European neighbors.The UN has also indicated that they consider this operation to be a violation of international law, and have called it a dangerous precedent—because one nation capturing the leader of another nation, unilaterally, kind of negates the purpose of negotiations and the whole concept of international law. That kind of use of force is meant to be granted by the UN, not attempted secretively and outside the bounds of international processes for such things.All that said, the Trump administration seems to be leaning into the victory, gleefully talking about next-step potential targets, the most likely of which seem to be in Iran, a long-time US opponent, and a target of this administration last year, when the US attacked Iranian nuclear facilities alongside Israel.There are ongoing, very large and seemingly significant protests happening across Iran right now, so the US could see this as another opportunity to topple another unpopular authoritarian regime while also getting the chance to flex its military and intelligence capabilities at a moment in which another big-name player in that space, Russia, is generally flailing; it's failed to protect several of its allies, including Venezuela, over the past few years, and its intended few-day invasion of Ukraine has now stretched into years.That contrast is considered to be meaningful by most analysts, and though a lot of the PR about the capture of Maduro has focused on the oil, most US-based oil executives have said it's a red herring—the hundreds of billions of dollars required to get more of Venezuela's thick, dirty, expensive to process oil pumping and back on the market wouldn't be worth it—and it's more likely that this is partly a means of keeping the press and US public focused on something other than the Epstein files, which is a major scandal for Trump and his administration, while also allowing Trump to test the boundaries of his power; what the public and government will let him get away with currently, and what he can do to expand the range of what he can do without any outside buy-in or significant personal consequences, in the future.Show Noteshttps://theconversation.com/how-maduros-capture-went-down-a-military-strategist-explains-what-goes-into-a-successful-special-op-272671https://archive.is/20260105035543/https://www.theatlantic.com/national-security/2026/01/trump-nicolas-maduro-venezuela/685493/https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/chevron-charts-a-new-path-in-venezuela-to-unlock-vast-oil-reserves-0369ce1bhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/04/tactical-surprise-and-air-dominance-how-the-us-snatched-maduro-in-two-and-a-half-hourshttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/politics/trump-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/nyregion/nicolas-maduro-lawyers.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/business/dealbook/oil-executives-trump-venezuela.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/world/americas/venezuela-oil-tanker-us.htmlhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/trump-iran-protest-options-death-tollhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/03/maduro-capture-trump-venezuela-operationhttps://www.axios.com/2025/05/11/trump-maga-western-civilizationhttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/venezuela-war-powers-senate-aumf-time-kainehttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/07/trump-russia-oil-tanker-seize-bella-venzuelahttps://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/trumps-donroe-doctrine-sets-us-on-great-power-collision-coursehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/05/un-security-council-trump-attack-venezuelahttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/08/us/politics/trump-interview-power-morality.html This is a public episode. 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Josh Safdie turns ping pong into pure anxiety cinema with Marty Supreme (2025) — a fictionalized sports biopic packed with unlikable characters, outrageous casting, and relentless momentum. On this episode of Thumb War, Jason and Rachel unpack why Marty Supreme works so well: from Kevin O'Leary's scene-stealing villain turn to Timothée Chalamet's desperate, pride-driven performance, the film's Oscar-worthy casting, needle drops, and one hell of a final match. If you like Safdie chaos, uncomfortable sports movies, or films where everyone is kind of terrible, this one's for you. Join our Patreon for ad-free episodes + bonus shows: http://bit.ly/44Mo8xU Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Necessary Conversation, we cover one of the most disturbing weeks yet — from the killing of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent in Minnesota, to mass protests and bloodshed in Iran, to Trump openly floating military action against Greenland and claiming that the only thing that can stop him is his own mind.Are we watching the normalization of authoritarian power in real time?