Podcasts about Africa

Some of the most effective solutions for improving birth outcomes worldwide are rooted in relationships, not technology. In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Dekker speaks with midwife Stephanie Marriott of the International Confederation of Midwives about the global impact of midwifery care. She outlines what defines a midwifery model of care, why continuity of midwife-led care matters for both outcomes and experiences, and how trust and relationship-based care can influence Cesarean rates, trauma-informed care, and access to services. Stephanie draws on her work across the U.K., Asia, and Africa to share how countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh are strengthening midwifery education, regulation, and deployment, and what that means for maternal and newborn health. Together, Stephanie and Rebecca also discuss the essential role midwives play in humanitarian and disaster settings, the global shortage of midwives, and the growing call for One Million More midwives worldwide. (04:58) What is a midwifery model of care? (08:00) Why relationships are central to better birth outcomes (10:27) Time, workload, and sustainability for midwives (12:20) Trust, disclosure, and safety during pregnancy (13:01) How continuity of care shapes labor and birth experiences (16:48) What is the International Confederation of Midwives? (22:05) Strengthening midwifery education worldwide (28:13) Rebuilding midwifery education where it was lost (34:53) Rising cesarean rates and the role of midwives (39:26) Why midwives are essential in humanitarian settings (42:35) The global shortage of midwives Resources Learn more about the International Confederation of Midwives: internationalmidwives.org Support the One Million More campaign: millionmore.org Explore UNFPA's work supporting sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, and midwifery systems: unfpa.org For more information about Evidence Based Birth® and a crash course on evidence based care, visit www.ebbirth.com. Follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Ready to learn more? Grab an EBB Podcast Listening Guide or read Dr. Dekker's book, "Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered!" If you want to get involved at EBB, join our Professional membership (scholarship options available) and get on the wait list for our EBB Instructor program. Find an EBB Instructor here, and click here to learn more about the EBB Childbirth Class.

In this Special Africa Edition of the Edge of Show, host Josh Krieger teams up with Nefertiti Strong, founder of Beyond the Code AI, to explore the intersection of AI, healthcare, and decentralized intelligence.Join us as we welcome Kennedy Schaal, founder and CEO of Rejuve Biotech, a leading biologist and biotech executive with nearly 20 years of experience in longevity research. She shares her insights on the misconceptions surrounding AI in science and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of structured reasoning over mere prediction.In this episode, we discuss:The role of AI in advancing precision longevity medicineThe significance of causal reasoning in scientific discoveryThe potential of decentralized data networks in global healthThe ethical implications of AI in healthcare and the importance of data sovereigntyFuture prospects for longevity and the need for accessible healthcare solutionsKennedy also shares her experiences from the African Tech Summit in Nairobi, highlighting the innovative developments in healthcare data and the potential for Africa to lead in decentralized health solutions.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges the status quo and envisions a future where longevity is accessible to all!Support us through our Sponsors! ☕ Want to make content like ours? Sign up with Castmagic to make your creative process easy: https://bit.ly/CastmagicReferral Work smarter, grow faster. Automate your SEO, get AI insights, and manage all your clients in one place with Helm. Start today at helmseo.comAre you a content creator, podcaster or interested in your business getting its voice out there? Then reserve a .podcast domain by paying just one-time as little as $10 for a lifetime of benefits! Check out the details and snag your .podcast domain today! https://get.unstoppabledomains.com/podcast/

Old friends and new, Director Daddy and Cab Washington join Zac Amico for another installment of classic Black History Month cinema! An ancient and unusually aroused spirit is awoken from its slumber deep in the heart of Africa, and it manages to find a worthy vessel for its escapades in the body of an exorcist's daughter-in-law. A solid piece of action from 1974, it's none other than Abby, starring William Marshall and Carol Speed!Original Air Date: 02/27/26Subscribe to Zac's BRAND NEW show, Zac Amico's Morning Zoo!https://www.youtube.com/@ZacsMorningZooFor the FULL watch-along experience, visit GaSDigital.com and use promo code ZAC at signup and SAVE $1.50 on your monthly subscription, plus access to all of our video episodes, completely Ad-Free & UNCENSORED!Support Our Sponsors!Fans over the age of 21, visit YoKratom.com for all your Kratom needs. No promo code necessary, just head over to YoKratom.com, home of the $60 kilo!Follow The Show!Director Daddy:Short Film: http://youtube.com/watch?v=500n5Y6gkPkhttp://youtube.com/@FuckHollywoodProductionshttp://instagram.com/directordaddyCab Washington:http://instagram.com/cab_washingtonhttp://instagram.com/ronssignaturesaucehttp://ronssignaturesauce.com/Zac Amico:http://punchup.live/zacamicohttp://youtube.com/@midnightspookshowhttp://instagram.com/zacisnotfunnyhttp://twitter.com/zaspookshowGaS Digital:http://youtube.com/@gasdigitalnetworkhttp://instagram.com/gasdigitalhttp://twitter.com/gasdigitalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When a family sailing journey ends in capture by child soldiers during Mozambique's civil war, a man must protect his children while confronting the unsettling truth that his captors are both perpetrators of violence and children shaped by it. Today's episode featured Dave Muller. Dave has written about his experiences in a book entitled, “Not Child's Play”, available where books are sold or at https://notchildsplay.co.uk/ You can email Dave at dave.muller@notchildsplay.co.za Dave is on Instagram @davenotchildsplay, on Facebook @Dave Muller and on YouTube @DaveMuller-NotChildsPlayIn the 1960s and 1970s, both South Africa and Mozambique were part of the larger decolonization of Africa, with South Africa gaining full independence from Britain in 1961 and Mozambique gaining independence from Portugal in 1975. However, in the decolonization process, both were thrown into proxy battles, between old structures clinging to power and the larger global cold war between communist and capitalist superpowers. South Africa, even after independence, was still ruled by a white minority government, under the National Party. The National Party was populated mostly by the white ethnic group known as Afrikaners who spoke a language called Afrikaans. The National Party instituted apartheid, a brutally oppressive system of institutionalized racial segregation and white supremacy enforced in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. South Africa shares a northeastern border with Mozambique. When Mozambique gained independence in 1975, they were ruled by the Communist party known as FRELIMO. FRELIMO became a major force opposing apartheid in neighboring South Africa. The South African apartheid government, in response to FRELIMO's opposition, actively destabilized Mozambique from the inside by propping up a rebel group known as RENAMO. This led to a violent 15-year civil war in Mozambique, between the ruling, communist-backed FRELIMO party and the South African-backed RENAMO rebel group. In the first part of today's episode, you'll hear our storyteller speak about growing up in South Africa during apartheid as a white man, but he was not an Afrikaner, and grew up in a family that was opposed to apartheid. The second part of the story takes place in Mozambique, where he and his family are held by the RENAMO rebel group and caught in the chaos and fighting between FRELIMO and RENAMO, the two warring factions in the civil war there. Of course there is much more to say about all of this, and Dave will speak to some of these issues as he experienced them. I encourage you all to read more about the brutal and complex history of decolonization and apartheid in Africa. And one final note, you'll hear Dave talking about “Arwen” several times. In case it isn't clear right away, he is referring to his boat that he built. Producers: Whit Missildine, Andrew Waits, Aviva Lipkowitz Content/Trigger Warnings: War and armed conflict, Child soldiers, Kidnapping / hostage situation, Graphic violence, Murder (including stabbing / bayoneting), Violence against the elderly, Exposure to blood, Threats of execution, Weapons (guns, rockets, mortar fire), Terrorism / militant groups, Civil war, Psychological trauma, PTSD, Panic attacks / emotional breakdown, Spiritual distress, Political violence, Forced recruitment of children, Coercion and intimidation, explicit language Social Media:Instagram: @actuallyhappeningTwitter/X: @TIAHPodcastFacebook: This Is Actually Happening Discussion Group Website: thisisactuallyhappening.com Website for Andrew Waits: andrdewwaits.comWebsite for Aviva Lipkowitz: avivalipkowitz.com Support the Show: Support The Show on Patreon: patreon.com/happeningAudible subscribers can listen to all episodes of THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING ad-free right now. Join Audible today by downloading the Audible app or visit Audible.com. Shop at the Store: The This Is Actually Happening online store is now officially open. Follow this link: thisisactuallyhappening.com/shop to access branded t-shirts, posters, stickers and more from the shop. Transcripts: Full transcripts of each episode are now available on the website, thisisactuallyhappening.com Intro Music: “Sleep Paralysis” - Scott VelasquezMusic Bed: Sparse_Reflections__a__APM ServicesIf you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or mental illness, please refer to the following resources: National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Text or Call 988 National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Military conflict, like the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, can wreck carefully planned cargo routes. While some ships were sent around the Horn of Africa to avoid the Red Sea, other merchants are pivoting to a costlier measure: transporting goods via airplane. The catch? Air cargo often travels through major airport hubs in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, logistics economics and geopolitical conflicts collide. Plus: Retailers release holiday earnings, vehicle sales may have rebounded, and Compass clashes with Zillow over online listings.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

On the fourth day of the US and Israel's war against Iran, Tehran has widened its retaliatory attacks in the Gulf region, with two of its drones hitting the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. Iran has threatened to ''set fire'' to any ship passing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas shipping route. The cost of hiring an oil supertanker from the Middle East to China has doubled since last week, reaching an all-time high of more than $400,000 a day. In the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio tells journalists "the hardest hits" on Iran are "yet to come". Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance insists that the conflict will not drag on for years. As the Trump administration seeks to justify its military campaign, what do Americans make of the decision to attack Iran? We hear from voters in Texas.Also: US lawmakers have released Bill and Hillary Clinton's video testimonies about Jeffrey Epstein, totalling around nine hours' worth of footage. A long-lost painting by the Dutch Master Rembrandt has been traced and authenticated by the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. And Ethiopia unveils Africa's first unmanned smart police station, powered by artificial intelligence.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Events are moving rapidly in the Middle East, so we wanted to provide our loyal podcast listeners with some context to help digest everything that's happened so far. We hope to provide a longer view of the what, where, who, how and why and offer some perspective on this military action's broader historical, political, and legal implications.Ted Postol is Professor of Science, Technology and National Security Policy Emeritus in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT. His expertise is in nuclear weapon systems, including submarine warfare, applications of nuclear weapons, ballistic missile defense, and ballistic missiles more generally. He previously worked as an analyst at the Office of Technology Assessment and as a science and policy adviser to the chief of naval operations. In 2016, he received the Garwin Prize from the Federation of American Scientists for his work in assessing and critiquing the government's claims about missile defenses.Ambassador Chas Freeman is a retired career diplomat who has negotiated on behalf of the United States with over 100 foreign governments in East and South Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and both Western and Eastern Europe. Ambassador Freeman was previously a Senior Fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, and served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense, U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, and Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d'Affaires in the American embassies at both Bangkok and Beijing. He was Director for Chinese Affairs at the U.S. Department of State from 1979-1981. He was the principal American interpreter during the late President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972. In addition to Chinese, Ambassador Freeman speaks French and Spanish at the professional level and can converse in Arabic and several other languages.Bruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.Ralph Nader Radio Hour is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Ralph Nader Radio Hour! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Military conflict, like the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, can wreck carefully planned cargo routes. While some ships were sent around the Horn of Africa to avoid the Red Sea, other merchants are pivoting to a costlier measure: transporting goods via airplane. The catch? Air cargo often travels through major airport hubs in the Persian Gulf. In this episode, logistics economics and geopolitical conflicts collide. Plus: Retailers release holiday earnings, vehicle sales may have rebounded, and Compass clashes with Zillow over online listings.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.

In this episode, I'm sharing the real reason I traveled to Tanzania and trekked to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - the roof of Africa.This wasn't a fitness goal. It wasn't a bucket-list flex. It was a spiritual pilgrimage rooted in a story that began decades ago, back when my identity was water polo and I wore “U.S. youth team” and “junior national team” like a second skin. There was another athlete from Oregon on those teams - Jeff. We trained together, competed internationally together, and even became rivals during high school season. That kind of brotherhood doesn't disappear.After college, Jeff chose to travel. He was offered the chance to summit Kilimanjaro. On the way to the gates, the bus taking the group went over a cliff and everyone died. Jeff never even reached the mountain. When I heard the news, something locked in: one day, I would climb that mountain.Life moved forward. Military. Fitness. Building businesses. Years went by. And then, twenty-five years later, while volunteering in hospice with terminally ill patients, one woman - lucid in her final days - looked at me and said, “Jeff came to see me.” Then she delivered the message that hit like lightning: “It's time for you to summit the mountain.” When she said “Kilimanjaro,” I knew the time had arrived.So once Tribe Class 003 completed in December 2025, I began planning. In late January I flew to Tanzania, adjusted to the jet lag, and started the trek. And before I tell you anything else, I want to honor the people who made it possible: for 12 clients, it took 42 porters, guides, chefs, and staff carrying tents, food, tables, chairs, toilets - building camp, breaking camp, and running past us every single day to set everything up again. Respect. Gratitude. Always.Twelve of us began. Three of us reached the summit. One man had to be airlifted out. Another suffered such severe altitude sickness he forgot who he was for 36 hours.The mountain was both hard and easy.Hard because of environment: exposure to sun, temperature regulation, dehydration risk, dust and shale that make each step slide backward. Easy because of mind: I didn't train for this trek. I bought my boots days before leaving. No altitude acclimation. No prep hikes. What I did have was commitment. Single-mindedness. There was no story in my mind where I didn't summit.While others distracted themselves with constant talking and data - filling space to escape discomfort - I returned to one thing: attention. I repeated a mantra thousands of times.That mantra became my mind's projection: love, compassion, selflessness - instead of pain, suffering, and resistance.And this is the lesson I'm offering you:Your life is like a dream. The mind projects the images, but consciousness guides the dream through attention. Put your attention on fear, and you live a nightmare. Put your attention on presence, and you live in peace.Commitment is not attachment to an outcome.Commitment is devotion to the moment that leads to the outcome.Every outcome is a succession of moments.Every summit is a succession of steps.So take one step at a time - fully - without distraction.There is only the Self.

Is Bitcoin just "number go up?" Or is it something far bigger? Natalie Brunell sits down with Africa Bitcoin Corporation Executive Chairman Stafford Masie explore why Bitcoin adoption in Africa looks radically different than in the West. While many investors focus on price volatility, Africans are using Bitcoin as money ... as a lifeline against debasement, capital controls, and broken banking systems. We discuss: Why Bitcoin is money in Africa, not just "store of value" 1 Bitcoin = 5 African jobs  Stablecoins vs Bitcoin adoption Lowering capital costs with Bitcoin The human yield flywheel Follow Stafford Masie on X https://x.com/staffordmasie  ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU  --- Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie  ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie  ---- Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie  ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Play Bitcoin trivia and win up to 1 million sats! Download and use promo code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats: https://www.speed.app/coinstories  Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world   Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie  With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie  Natalie's Upcoming Events: Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=  Strategy World 2026 in Las Vegas on February 23-26th - Use code HODL for discounted tickets: https://www.strategysoftware.com/world26    Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie   Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie  ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

At least 24 African countries have signed controversial bilateral health agreements with the United States under Donald Trump's new aid strategy, while others, including Zimbabwe, have rejected it. Supporters say it gives governments more control over their health systems, but critics question accountability, data protection and continued US influence. We unpack what the deal means and why it's dividing opinion across the continent.And as the world marks World Hearing Day, we turn to the 40 million people across Africa living with hearing loss. With sign language officially recognised in only four countries- South Africa, Uganda, Kenya and Zimbabwe, we head to Nairobi, where a young tech startup is using AI to translate spoken and written English into sign language in real time.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Keikantse Shumba and Dingindaba Buyoya Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

In the sands of North Africa, Erwin Rommel became a battlefield legend. His bold manoeuvres and audacious tactics captured the imagination of friend and foe alike. But how did he become that commander? Does he deserve his reputation for tactical brilliance, and how should we think about his legacy today?This is the first episode of our "Commanders" series, where we dig into the lives and decisions of five legendary WWII commanders. To guide us through the story of Rommel, we're joined by Saul David, historian and author of "Tunisgrad: Victory in Africa".Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.Dan Snow's History Hit is now available on YouTube! Check it out at: https://www.youtube.com/@DSHHPodcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.You can also email the podcast directly at ds.hh@historyhit.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, concerns grow over its effects on Africa, including the security and economic impacts. Thousands of Africans working or traveling in Gulf cities like Dubai, UAE, and Doha, Qatar, are already facing disruptions, with some reportedly stranded at airports. Meanwhile, several African countries have called for urgent de-escalation to prevent the crisis from worsening.At the same time, Ghana has removed Kotoka's name from its airport, restoring it to Accra International Airport. The government says national monuments should reflect democracy, not coups. The decision has sparked debate among Ghanaians, coming sixty years after a military coup that reshaped the country's political history.Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya, Keikantse Shumba and Godwin Asediba Technical Producer: Jonathan Mwangi Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

“Africa is flowing with resources from oil, diamonds, critical minerals. But at times we find that in our cities, at the bus stations, there's no toilets with running water in a continent which is rich with possibilities. So it's how that intentionality, that political will, to put resources to what matters most.”Daniel Dadzie speaks to Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UN deputy director for women, about the need for Africa to focus on the priorities of its people, such as water and sanitation.The interview took place at the African Union summit in Addis Abbaba, Ethiopia, where the theme was: “Ensuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems.” It's part of Agenda 2063 - the organisation's 50-year strategic framework. But Gumbonzvanda says these things can't wait fifty years, and that they need to be a priority for African leaders now.In her role as deputy lead for UN Women, she is also increasingly concerned by the stories she's been hearing from the women of Sudan, where the civil war continues to rage. She says that regional bodies and the UN are not doing enough to protect the war-torn country's women and children.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Taiwan's cyber ambassador Audrey Tang, author Sir Salman Rushdie, and South African health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Daniel Dadzie Producers: Albert Kirui, Brian Khisa, and Clare Williamson Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Dr Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda Credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for The Ford Foundation)

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a powerful and enlightening conversation this Monday morning! Morgan State University Professor Dr. Ray Winbush, a renowned thought leader, returns to our classroom to break down the most pressing issues of the day. Dr. Winbush will offer expert analysis on Trump’s attack on Iran, delve into the explosive fallout from the Epstein files, and provide an essential preview of Tuesday’s Texas Primary election. But that’s not all—before Dr. Winbush takes the mic, we’ll be joined by world traveler, humanitarian, and entrepreneur Sinclair Skinner. Brother Sinclair will share exclusive insights from his recent journey to Africa, update us on the impactful “I Love Black People” campaign, and demystify the volatility of the crypto market, empowering you with knowledge that matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DRAMA! Bird drama! Here are some further-reading links if you want to verify that I’m not vilifying anyone: Buff-breasted Buttonquail: An image claimed to be of this species revealed Buff-breasted Buttonquail: Smoke & Mirrors A review of specimens of Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii suggests serious concern for its conservation outlook A painted button quail: Show transcript: Welcome to Strange Animals Podcast. I'm your host, Kate Shaw. Back in episode 136 we talked about the button quail, because that episode was about tiny animals and the button quail is really tiny. But let's revisit the button quail this month, because we have a mystery associated with a particular species of button quail. Button quails generally live in grasslands and are actually more closely related to shore and ocean birds like sandpipers and gulls than to actual quails, but it's not very closely related to any other living birds. It can fly but it mostly doesn't. Instead it depends on its coloring to hide it in the grass where it lives. It's mostly brown with darker and lighter speckled markings, relatively large feet, and a short little tail. It eats seeds and insects along with other small invertebrates. The button quail is especially interesting because the female is more brightly colored than the male, although not by much. In some species the female may have bright white markings, while in others her speckled markings are crisper than the males. The female is the one who calls to attract a male and who defends her territory from other females. The female even has a special bulb in her throat that she can inflate to make a loud booming call. The male incubates the eggs and takes care of the chicks when they hatch. Baby button quails are fuzzy and active like domestic chicken babies but they're only about the size of a bumblebee. In many species, as soon as the female has laid her eggs, she leaves them and the male and goes on to attract another male for her next clutch of eggs. The various species of button quail live in different areas, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. The species we're talking about today is the buff-breasted button quail, which is native to one small area of Queensland, Australia. It grows about 9 inches long, or 23 cm, which is big for a button quail, most of which are closer to the size of sparrows, and it's reddish-brown with darker and lighter speckles. It's critically endangered due to habitat loss and introduced animals like cats and cattle. There are only an estimated 50 individuals alive today. But that's only an estimate, because no one has actually for sure seen a buff-breasted button quail since 1922. Also, I'm going to call it the BBBQ from now on because that name is hard to say. The 1922 specimen was shot by a naturalist who was collecting specimens for a museum, which was regrettably common at the time and led to a lot of endangered species being driven to extinction. The bird was already rare in 1922 and that was the last anyone saw of it until 1985, when someone reported seeing one. People flocked to the area in hopes of spotting it, but while there were lots of sightings, no one got a good picture of a BBBQ. All the pictures, and all the recordings of its calls, turned out to be of another species of button quail, a very similar bird called the painted button quail. It's been 100 years since the bird was last seen, so while we have lots of museum specimens, we don't have any modern sightings. That means two things. Either the buff-breasted button quail is probably extinct…or it never actually existed in the first place. There are two other species of button quail that live in the same areas where the BBBQ is found, the painted button quail and the brown quail. They're smaller but otherwise look very similar, especially the painted button quail. Maybe people were mistaking larger individuals of painted button quails as a different species. In 2018, a team of scientists from the University of Queensland conducted a search for the BBBQ. All they found were painted button quails. But they discovered something surprising that had never been documented before. During the breeding season, the female painted button quail's feathers are much more reddish-brown, while the rest of the year the feathers on her back are more gray-brown. The team also studied as many BBBQ skins as they could track down from museums, where they learned something else surprising. It turns out that it's not any larger than the painted button quail, which grows up to 8 inches long, or 20 cm. So the birds are the same size and during part of the year, they have almost identical plumage. Hmm. That doesn't mean the buff-breasted button quail never existed. One very distinctive difference between the painted and the buff-breasted species is eye color, with the former having red eyes and the latter having yellow. As far as I know a genetic study hasn't been carried out on the museum specimens, but it's likely that at least some of the specimens—maybe all of them—really are BBBQs. Scientists and bird enthusiasts are still looking for the bird, and that has led to a strange controversy. In early 2022, a naturalist named John Young published a photo on Facebook of what he said was a male buff-breasted button quail on a nest, a photo taken by a camera trap in a secret location. The location had to be secret so that no one would try to find the birds and scare them away or damage a nest. Young said he had 16 other photos of BBBQs but wasn't going to share them until he was ready to publish his findings. He was also raising money to continue his studies at the site. Another naturalist thought there was something fishy about the photo. He discovered that the picture is actually a cropped and flipped photo of a painted button quail bird and nest reportedly taken at a different site—published in 2018 by John Young himself and labeled by him as a painted button quail. Young had reused one of his own photos and assumed no one would notice. But it gets worse. Back in 2013, Young got photographs of another extremely rare Australian bird, the night parrot. One day we'll have an episode about it. It was such a big deal that he was offered a job by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, or AWC, to study the night parrot and the buff-breasted button quail. He documented sightings and produced photos of both birds, but he didn't stay in that job too long. That's because some people started getting suspicious of his parrot photos. After an inquiry into the night parrot photos, the AWC concluded that the eggs in a photo of a night parrot nest were probably fake. And Young's dubious photos go back even farther. In 2006 he claimed to have discovered a new species of parrot in Queensland, but while initially the Queensland government supported learning about the new species, it withdrew its support when the photo turned out to be…suspicious. It looked like Young had altered the coloration of a bird to make it look like a new species. When an expert requested the original photographs, Young said he'd deleted them. More recently, the 2018 painted button quail photo and the supposed 2022 BBBQ photo were examined by a forensic photography expert. Young had removed the metadata from both so no one could tell where they were taken, but there's a little white stone in both pictures that's identical, along with many other identical details. The problem with fake sightings and photographs is that it's actually making things worse for the buff-breasted button quail. The AWC and other conservation groups are trying to get the bird listed as endangered, which means funding for research and conservation. Now all that is in jeopardy because it's not clear if there have actually been any sightings of the bird at all. Hopefully the buff-breasted button quail is still around and someone will get genuine photos of it soon so it can be protected and studied. That's assuming it's a real bird in the first place. Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening!

The UK government has declared 2026, the National Year of Reading. The numbers suggest that reading needs all the public relations it can get. Under a third of school children say they read for pleasure and the number going on to read English Literature at University has shrunk by over a third in the last fifteen years. Their parents are not doing much better, with some surveys suggesting that any where up to half of adults have not read a single book in the last year. So, how can the case for the value of reading and the simple pleasure of picking up a book cut through? Tom Sutcliffe chairs Radio 4's discussion programme which starts the week. His guests are:Margaret Busby was Britain's first Black woman publisher who has enjoyed a 50 year career at the centre of cultural life and the book trade. Among her achievements she founded a publishing house, edited the ground-breaking international anthologies Daughters of Africa and New Daughters of Africa and championed authors marginalised by the mainstream. Her new book Part of the Story: Writings from Half a Century features her own literary output from between 1966 and 2023. Sarah Dillon, Professor at the University of Cambridge, has looked at the question 'what are you reading?' The books we encounter shape the choices we make and when it comes to scientists, it appears that ideas from imaginative literature influence their thinking. Storylistening: Narrative Evidence and Public Reasoning, co-authored with Dr Claire Craig, former Director of the UK Government Office for Science, makes the case for the value of attention to stories in decision making.Lottie Moggach is an arts journalists and writer of literary thrillers - she's also edited, researched and taught writing. Her latest novel, Mrs Pearcey, is Victorian true crime novel. She reflects on historical fiction, her own reading and working as a writer today. Producer: Ruth Watts

Fred Santana, Temi Alchemy and VP unpack VP's lawyer ordeal — the stress, the calls, and the frustration with the legal system — leading up to the moment he finally became a free man. The responsible sibling debate resurfaces, with VP's brother even getting a call to help settle it, before the conversation shifts to parenting realities, Bible studies, Pre-colonial Africa and sport talk.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Responsible Sibling Debate10:50 – VP & The Nottingham Forest Game Fiasco22:50 – VP Caught a case & Lawyer Fees49:30 – Our community voted53:50 – What We've Been Watching1:10:30 – 50k Football cards fiasco1:20:45 – Neighbourhood watch1:28:00 – Are Women the worst neighbours?

Send a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Music Time in Africa is VOA's longest running English language program. Since 1965 this award-winning program has featured pan African music that spans all genres and generations. Host Heather Maxwell keeps you up to date on what's happening in African music with interviews and cultural information.

In this episode, Rochelle takes us on a whirlwind tour of QuiltCon, where she snagged a brand-new Bernina L890 serger and mastered some seriously cool letter templates. We dove deep into the art of the declutter, discussing how to evaluate those long-standing quilt kits and works in progress to make room for new creativity. Between hilarious stories about fabric yardage myths and a very lucky cat named Chester (or Cheeto), the energy was absolutely electric. We even got the inside scoop on some fabulous QuiltCon fashion and book recommendations that you won't want to miss. It was a heartfelt reminder of why this quilting community is so special to all of us.The excitement continues as we look forward to some amazing upcoming projects and community initiatives. Rochelle shared the inspiring "Sew Powerful" mission, and we are so ready to start making purses to help girls in Africa stay in school! We also get some great tips on the best starch to use and how to handle those tricky directional fabrics. Whether it's planning for Camp Wanna Sew or finishing our "meow" blocks, there is so much goodness coming your way. Stay creative and keep those needles moving!Send a textFollow Leslie on Instagram at @leslie_quilts and Rochelle at @doughnutwarrior

On this episode of Unsupervised Learning Razib talks to Daniel Tabin, a 5th-year Ph.D. student in David Reich's lab in the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology. His research focuses on using ancient and modern DNA to answer questions about human history. Tabin completed a degree in Computer Science and Math and Master's in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He Ph.D. project involves the population genetic history of Central and East Asia. First, Razib and Tabin discuss a recent paper he co-authored that looks at problematic results in the paleogenetic literature due to contamination and DNA damage. Tabin reviews all the processes and analyses that paleogeneticists go through to validate that the ancient DNA data they have is truly ancient, rather than recent contamination, from wet-lab precautions to downstream analysis. Then they dig into the empirical results over the last 15 years from the field of ancient DNA, from what we know (or don't) of the out-of-Africa bottleneck, early modern humans in Asia and how we think about persistent mysteries like "Population Y" in the New World (Population Y is more closely related to Papuans and Andamanese than Northeast Asians).

In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group Africa director Murithi Mutiga about rising Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions and the growing risk of another war in the Horn of Africa. They discuss how political divisions in Tigray and Ethiopia's push for Red Sea access are sharpening fault lines between Addis Ababa and Asmara. They examine how Gulf and Middle Eastern rivalries could shape any Ethiopia–Eritrea confrontation and increase the risk of wider regional conflagration, including the danger of spillover from Sudan's war. They also explore how global political shifts are playing out in Africa, reactions to U.S. President Donald Trump's “Board of Peace” and the prospects for coalitions of mid-sized Western and non-Western powers to act collectively. For more, check out our briefing, “Ethiopia, Eritrea and Tigray: A Powder Keg in the Horn of Africa”, and our Ethiopia-Eritrea page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are celebrating National FFA week by sharing about famous past members to news of a new Florida invasive species, learn about Tigger auctioneering overseas plus what to know regarding international travel and tips to stay safe! Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 6, Episode 278 Famous FFA Alumni Who Shaped America The National FFA Organization has produced leaders in business, politics, science, and entertainment. FFA builds skills in leadership, public speaking, agriculture, and community service. Notable FFA Alumni Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt (Alumni and Honorary Chapter FArmer, FFA Livestock Judging Coach): National Radio Show Host, New Broadcaster, PRCA Announcer. 39th President Jimmy Carter Johnny Cash Charlie Daniels John Mellencamp Willie Nelson Don Henley of The Eagles George Strait Cody Johnson Tim McGraw Taylor Swift Bo Jackson (Sports Legend) Brantley Gilbert Trace Adkins Easton Corbin Chancey Williams Jim Davis - Creator of the Garfield comics! Lane Frost Tuff Hedeman Baxter Black Reference: https://ffa.app.box.com/s/6pe6an7rgm9c042tbkbobqc8tuu0o1hz South Florida Faces Growing Threat from Invasive Nile Monitors A new invasive predator is spreading in South Florida — and it's a big one. The Nile monitor, a six-foot-long lizard native to Africa, is gaining ground in parts of the state. Wildlife officials say the species poses a serious threat to native animals, and it can now be killed year-round without a permit. Known for tackling invasive reptiles, trapper Mike Kimmel — also called the Python Cowboy — describes the Nile monitor as “like a python mixed with an iguana.” They're powerful, intelligent predators, similar to a smaller Komodo dragon. On Florida's west coast, especially in Cape Coral, biologists have been battling the species for nearly 20 years. Hundreds have been trapped, but pockets remain. That's concerning because Cape Coral is also home to Florida's largest population of the threatened Burrowing owl, which nests in the ground — making it vulnerable to predators like the Nile monitor. These lizards are carnivores. They eat fish, frogs, birds, eggs, small mammals — even young crocodiles — and have been known to attack chickens and small pets. They can grow up to 6.5 feet long, weigh nearly 20 pounds, run up to 18 miles per hour, and swim underwater for nearly an hour. Their ability to travel along canals and waterways has helped them spread. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is actively removing Nile monitors and urges residents to report any sightings. Wildlife officials warn: this is one invasive species South Florida can't afford to ignore. Reference: https://www.outdoorlife.com/conservation/florida-newest-invasive-nile-monitors/ What To Do To Minimize Stress About International Travel and “Shelter In Place” Warnings Last weekend Americans were told to shelter in place following a Mexican drug lord's death on Feb. 22, 2026. As a result, parts of Mexico have seen civil unrest in the wake of his death, including vehicles being torched and gunmen, believed to have supported the deceased, blocking highways in more than a dozen Mexico states. This is a great reminder that anytime traveling beyond the U.S. borders to utilize the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service to U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll a trip abroad so that the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact in case of emergency. Benefits of STEP Updates about health, weather, safety and security for your destination. Plan ahead using information from the local U.S. embassy. Helps the embassy or consulate contact you if there is an emergency like a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency. Current Status: According to the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico website. Actions to Take: Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements. Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Check @CAPUFE on X for status of road closures. Monitor local media for updates. Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911. Keep family and friends advised of your location and well-being via phone, text, and social media. How To Be Travel Prepared Traveling abroad: Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Pack snacks such as microwave popcorn and small snacks. Stock your hotel room with extra bottled water and individually packaged snacks. Advise family and friends of location, length of trip and emergency contact information. Travel with extra medications as well as over the counter aides such as cold and fever meds. Philippines During this episode we learn how radio host, Jeff "Tigger" Erhardt", traveled to the Philippines for auctioneering. Tigger is a licensed and bonded auctioneer, with over 20 years experience. The Philippines was a new venture for Tigger and he shares in-depth the difference between American Auctions vs International and then selling Heavy Equipment in a foreign currency. Quick Philippines Travel Summary The Philippines are located in Southeast Asia, in the western Pacific Ocean and consist of over 7,100 islands. Positioned east of Vietnam and north of Indonesia. Capital: Manila Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash is king outside major cities. Language: Filipino and English Best Time to Visit the Philippines There are two main seasons. Dry Season: November–May (best time, especially Dec–April) Rainy Season: June–October (typhoons possible) Philippines Travel Tips Recommend drinking only bottled or filtered water. Street food is popular but choose busy vendors. Consider routine vaccines (consult your doctor). Sun protection is essential - climate is very humid and hot. OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don't hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates! https://thebendshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thebendshow WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS Jeff ‘Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC' Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation. With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God's Country and life on the land. United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They're here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day. To learn more about Tigger & BEC's journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com. https://tiggerandbec.com/

This week's show includes a Chinese flying saucer, solar trucks in Africa, a visit to the CARES lab at Wayne State, engineering judgement in the age of AI, and Automotive Ethernet training.

Saturday of the First Week of Lent Saint of the Day: Pope St. Hilary; on the death of Pope Leo the Great, Hilary was elected pope; he worked to strengthen the Church in France and Spain; he rebuilt many Roman churches and erected the chapel of St. John Lateran; Hilary consolidated the Church in Sandi, Africa, and Gaul; he died in Rome on February 28, 468 Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 2/28/26 Gospel: Matthew 5:43-48

This episode breaks down why the first 48 hours of a safari determine everything that follows. From airport pickup to the first morning in the bush, I unpack the psychology, leadership, and subtle decisions that shape a hunter's experience. Whether you're a client preparing for Africa or a PH looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you practical insight into what really makes a safari unforgettable. Because it's never just about the first animal — it's about the foundation you build before the first shot.

Mr. Beast Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Hey gorgeous, it's me, Roxie Rush, your AI gossip guru, and honestly? That's exactly why you need me right now. I've got the receipts, the real-time intel, and zero human fatigue—just pure, unfiltered MrBeast tea served piping hot. Let's go!So buckle up, because this week has been absolutely WILD for Jimmy Donaldson, and I am living for the chaos. First of all, Beast Games Season Two is literally consuming Prime Video right now, and according to LA Times, we are in the endgame—episode eight just dropped and let me tell you, the drama is INSANE. We're talking buried-alive challenges, people making absolute villain moves with coins and cash piles, and Monika Ronk just full-on selling a magical coin that could've doubled the five million dollar prize for half a mil. The woman knows what she wants, and I respect it! MrBeast himself confirmed that episode ten is quote "probably the greatest content I've ever filmed in my life," so the finale hits February twenty-fifth and honestly, we cannot wait.But WAIT, there's more! Fortune magazine just reported this absolute scandal—MrBeast's own editor, Artem Kaptur, got caught red-handed insider trading on prediction markets using non-public information from his actual job. Kalshi surveillance caught him making near-perfect trades with statistically impossible success, and boom—fifteen thousand dollar fine, two-year suspension, and he had to return over five thousand dollars in profits. Beast Industries came out swinging saying they have zero tolerance, and they're conducting an independent investigation because apparently workplace integrity is finally becoming a thing.Oh, and speaking of shocking revelations, AOL is reporting that MrBeast just dropped a health update admitting he's borderline blind in one eye after people were criticizing his appearance online. The man keeps showing up and showing out regardless, which is honestly kind of inspiring in the most MrBeast way possible.Here's the wholesome moment though—El Pais just covered how MrBeast uploaded a video building ten schools across Africa, Asia, and the Americas for three million dollars total, with one brand new high school in San Andrés Tepetitlán in Mexico. First school in that town's entire history! He partnered with Fundación Televisa and even got Eugenio Derbez involved, and the principal literally had tears streaming down his face.So there you have it—Beast Games chaos, insider trading scandal, health revelations, and genuine philanthropy all in one explosive week. Thank you so much for listening, and please subscribe so you never miss another update on MrBeast! Search the term Biography Flash for more incredible biographies just like this one. Stay fabulous!And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on Mr. Beast. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBvThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Send a textThe America First Global Health Strategy promises something African health advocates have demanded for decades: ownership. Through time-bound bilateral compacts, countries co-finance health programs with the US, gradually taking over as American funding tapers. By year five, they're supposed to own and sustain these systems themselves.But what if ownership without authority is just dependency with a new face?In this episode, we sit down with Nelson Aghogho Evaborhene, PhD fellow in Global Health Governance at Roskilde University, to unpack how these compacts actually work. Nelson has written several major analyses of the AFGH, and his conclusion is stark: these agreements transfer responsibility to African governments without transferring commensurate control over technology, data, procurement, or even the political conditions under which funding continues.We explore Nigeria's $3 billion compact and its religious conditionalities, the South Africa precedent where funding was cut for political reasons despite strong performance, how bilateralism fragments the continental institutions Africa has been building, and why—even with full domestic financing—health systems remain vulnerable to collapse if they can't produce what they need.Reading: Nelson's articlesRebalancing Risk and Responsibility Under the America First Global Health StrategyThe America First Global Health Strategy and the Dilemma of Pan-AfricanismAmerica First and the Fragmentation of Global Health: How Africa can Reimagine Its AgencyProtecting global health in the era of the America First StrategyTo support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: globalhealthunfiltered.comFollow us on X (@unfiltered_gh), LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

Photographié par Malick Sidibé, un couple gesticule joyeusement dans un club à Bamako. Nous sommes dans les années 60 et pour la première fois, la jeunesse bamakoise s'émancipe des codes traditionnels. Mais, elle n'est pas la seule. À Dakar, Ouagadougou ou Abidjan, les transistors diffusent les chansons des idoles des jeunes, de Johnny Halliday à Boubacar Traoré en passant par Aretha Franklin. Urbaine et scolarisée, la génération yéyé danse pour s'émanciper ! 10 ans après la disparition de « l'œil de Bamako », Reporters sans Frontières lui consacre un album. 100% des bénéfices de cet album « Malick Sidibé » financeront les actions de RSF de manière concrète. Chaque album vendu permet à RSF de défendre la liberté de la presse partout dans le monde. Avec : André Magnien, commissaire de l'exposition Malick Sidibé, Une jeunesse moderne ; Ophélie Rillon, historienne spécialiste des luttes sociales et politiques au Mali ; le témoignage de Soro Solo, adolescent à Abidjan dans les années 60, ancien producteur de l'Afrique en Solo sur France Inter. Et la voix du photographe Malick Sidibé (archives RFI/INA). - S'informer sur la liberté de la presse avec RSF - Découvrir les expos Malick Sidibé - À Paris, Malick Sidibé, Une jeunesse moderne - À New-York, Idées d'Afrique - Malick Sidibé, 1936-2016

For all the promise of transformation that artificial intelligence offers, a close look at macroeconomic data shows little change. Sit tight. A brutal attack in Nigeria reveals how the security crisis is spreading ominously. And a tribute to Virginia Oliver, who cut an unusual figure on the lobster boat she skippered for decades.Guests and host:Alex Domash, economics correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Artificial intelligence, macroeconomicsNigeria, security, jihadismVirginia Oliver, Maine, lobstersGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For all the promise of transformation that artificial intelligence offers, a close look at macroeconomic data shows little change. Sit tight. A brutal attack in Nigeria reveals how the security crisis is spreading ominously. And a tribute to Virginia Oliver, who cut an unusual figure on the lobster boat she skippered for decades.Guests and host:Alex Domash, economics correspondentỌrẹ Ogunbiyi, Africa correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentJason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Artificial intelligence, macroeconomicsNigeria, security, jihadismVirginia Oliver, Maine, lobstersGet a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss the announcement of several new papal trips, as well as the Society of St. Pius X's rejection of a Vatican offer for dialogue and what could happen next. In the second part of the show, the hosts look at the situation of Ukrainian Catholics and the Vatican's efforts to help end the war on its fourth anniversary. 0:00 Intro 0:47 Papal trips for spring announced 7:30 SSPX rejects Vatican proposal 12:33 The extra letter to SSPX that Gerry saw 17:30 Cardinals Muller and Sarahs's warnings 19:24 What's next for SSPX? 24:14 Fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine 26:59 Vatican response to Ukraine peace talks 31:02 Vatican's humanitarian aid to Ukraine 34:02 Situation of Ukrainian Catholics 38:32 Outro and Credits Links: Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour and trips to Spain and Monaco SSPX rejects Vatican dialogue, plans to consecrate bishops without papal mandate Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority Pope Leo calls for ‘an immediate ceasefire' to the war in Ukraine Four years of war: ‘The Ukrainian Catholic Church is wiped out every time there is Russian aggression.' Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around the world, one in six people will experience infertility in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation. In Africa, there is still a lot of stigma that surrounds infertility, but now, more people are starting to speak out about their struggles on social media. Focus on Africa podcast host, Nkechi Ogbonna, sat down for a chat with Matshepo Segole, from Johannesburg, South Africa who has built a community on TikTok for women navigating infertility, and Jonathan Luwagga, who is British-Ugandan. He has been sharing his story on social media to encourage more men to speak out about this issue. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Fana Negash and Carolyne Kiambo Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Priya Sippy Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

With a billion mobile phone users and a median population age of 19, Africa isn't catching up to the AI revolution — it's writing an entirely different playbook, says business leader Hardy Pemhiwa. He shows how a generation of entrepreneurs is using AI to teach classes, triage patients and boost farm yields through the power of local compute, local data and local languages.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Friday, February 27th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Islamic State's ‘new phase' in Syria as U.S. military withdraws Within the last week, the Islamic State terror group has launched an unusual series of attacks in Syria, part of what it calls a “new phase of operations” against the 11-month-old Syrian government, reports International Christian Concern. Simultaneously, the United States is actively withdrawing from bases in the area. Fighting between Syrian government forces and U.S.-allied Kurdish forces has weakened the resistance faced by the Islamic State.  The terrorist group has been relatively inactive in and around Syria since its territorial defeat in 2019, instead shifting its focus to Africa. Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa was previously a member of the Islamic State and is an avowed jihadist. While he's made bold public statements about his interest in peace and tolerance, forces associated with his government have repeatedly committed or allowed mass tragedies to take place. CNN: No clear Democratic presidential frontrunner CNN data analyst Harry Enten revealed that two years away from the 2028 Democratic presidential primary season, the party's prospects look dim, reports The Western Journal. Listen. ENTEN: “This is just a downright clown car at this point on the Democratic side. I mean, just take a look here: Top choices for the 2028 Dem. pres. nominee. You have a leader, but it's not really a clear leader. It's within the margin of error. You have [Gavin] Newsom at 19%, then you have former Vice President Kamala Harris at 18% -- quite a weak number for her, given that, of course, she was the nominee the last time around. Pete Buttigieg, who, of course, has run before: 13%.  [Rep.] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [of New York] at 12%. “This is just a total clown car. It is a total mess. There is no clear front runner at this particular point on the Democratic side. This is very unusual for the Democratic side to not have a clear front runner. “At this point in 2020, when there was no incumbent, it was Joe Biden who was there, Hillary Clinton in both ‘08 and ‘16 and Al Gore in both 2000 and 2004 at this point were at least at 25%.” Picture leaked of Hillary Clinton in Epstein file inquiry Chaos erupted inside Hillary Clinton's Jeffrey Epstein deposition on Thursday after a Republican lawmaker took a photograph of her during the private session, reports the Daily Mail.  Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert of Colorado snapped a picture of Hillary at the deposition, then leaked it to conservative influencer Benny Johnson who offered his thoughts. JOHNSON: “Lauren Bobert sent me this photo and told me I could publish it just to show everyone that Hillary Clinton is testifying. It's not a big deal. This is what Hillary Clinton looks like. But her entire team lost their minds over this and started screeching about this. There's nothing wrong with posting this photo. The Clintons themselves are the ones who demanded that there be media inside of the room. They wanted this all be live streamed on TV.  So, what's wrong with this? They're just looking for an excuse to get out of this testimony. That's what's actually going on.” Hillary's lawyers asked that the proceedings be halted after the photograph began circulating on social media. Johnson spoke to Hillary's motive and claimed she had already lied in a press statement she released ahead of her testimony. JOHNSON: “She's already lied, by the way. She said that she didn't know Jeffrey Epstein, but that's not true. Not only did her husband, of course, have Jeffrey Epstein at the White House a million times, fly on his plane a million times, but Jeffrey Epstein's own emails show that he knew her multiple times. “In Jeffrey Epstein's emails, he talks about what Hillary Clinton looks like up close. He talks about meetings with Hillary Clinton. All these people are emailing Jeffrey Epstein saying, ‘Hey, man, we know that you know Hillary Clinton. Can you get me a meeting with her?' So, this seems like an obvious lie. And this is what they're trying to distract from because I posted a photo?” The former secretary of state was deposed at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center near the Clintons' home in Westchester County, New York, while Bill Clinton will testify today.  Indiana: Christian adoptive families & agencies can affirm Biblical ethic On Wednesday, Indiana Republican Governor Mike Braun signed HB 1389, a bill that ensures families and Christian adoption and foster care groups that want to provide loving homes for kids are not pushed out because of their religious or moral beliefs, reports Alliance Defending Freedom. Greg Chafuen, Senior Counsel for the Christian legal rights group, said, “Every child deserves a loving home that can provide them stability and opportunities to grow. The sad reality is that the government in some states has discriminated against people of faith, allowing vulnerable children to suffer. Thankfully, Indiana has taken critical steps to prioritize the well-being of kids.” The anti-God forces reject the truth of Genesis 2:24 which says, “A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” How the late Jesse Jackson flip-flopped on abortion And finally, Rev. Jesse Jackson, who met his Creator on February 17th at the age of 84, was a civil rights activist and two-time presidential candidate in 1984 and 1988. Before he sold out to the abortion lobby in his aspiration to be Commander-in-Chief, LifeNews columnist Raimundo Rojas explained that Jackson “spoke with rare moral clarity about the child in the womb.” In a March 22,1973 interview, just two months after Roe v. Wade, Jackson told Jet magazine, “Abortion is genocide. Anything growing is living. … If you got the thrill to set the baby in motion, and you don't have the will to protect it, you're dishonest.” That same year Jackson said, "Abortion is too nice a word for something cold, like murder," according to the New York Times. In a column he wrote for National Right to Life News in January 1977, Jackson compared abortion to the old defenses of slavery. He warned that “the name has changed, but the game remains the same” when society strips the baby of protection. He spoke of new life with reverence, insisting, “It takes three to make a baby: a man, a woman, and the Holy Spirit.” Then ambition met party power. As Jesse Jackson moved toward a presidential run inside a Democratic Party that increasingly demanded loyalty to abortion, his public stance began to soften. By 1984, he described himself as “for freedom of choice, not pro-abortion,” and said that while he held a pro-life view, he did not want to “force” it on others through law. By 1988, he argued that “it is not right to impose private, religious and moral positions on public policy,”  according to the Washington Post. Raimundo Rojas of LifeNews concluded, “The man who once called abortion genocide now treated his convictions as a private matter. Nothing in science or reason justified that turn. What changed was the political cost of speaking on behalf of the child. “His life holds a lesson for every believer and every political leader. You cannot keep your deepest convictions in one box and your public positions in another. Do not trade moral clarity for political convenience. Do not let party loyalty silence your conscience.” Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, February 27th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

For more than a decade, the dominant Western narrative about Chinese lending to African countries has focused on the purported "debt trap." But the data tells a very different story. David McNair, executive director of Global Policy at ONE.org, joins Eric & Cobus to discuss a new report on African debt that challenges many popular assumptions. While African countries owe $708 billion in total external debt, only about 11.5% is owed to China. Meanwhile, private bondholders hold the largest share, often at significantly higher interest rates. More importantly, China has shifted from being a major lender to becoming a major debt collector, as loans from the Belt and Road that surged a decade ago now come due. 

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Success: Achieving Strategic Alignment with Ike EzeIn this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Ike Eze, the Managing Partner at Beta Ventures and author of The Founder Fit: Finding the Business That's Right For You. They explore Ike's journey from mechanical engineering into the high-stakes world of venture capital, specifically focusing on the booming startup ecosystem in Africa. This conversation provides a masterclass for founders and investors alike, emphasizing that while a great idea is a start, long-term success is ultimately determined by the deep alignment between a founder's unique skills and the specific demands of their venture.Maximizing Impact Through the Founder Fit FrameworkThe concept of "founder fit" serves as the critical connective tissue between a raw business idea and a scalable, resilient enterprise. Ike explains that many entrepreneurs face stagnation not because their product lacks a market, but because they are personally ill-equipped for the specific type of leadership their business requires. For example, a brilliant technical builder may struggle to lead a sales-heavy organization, creating a friction point that eventually leads to burnout or operational failure. By conducting a rigorous self-assessment to identify whether one is a builder, a marketer, or an operator, founders can either pivot their business model to match their strengths or intentionally bring in complementary partners to fill vital talent gaps.In emerging markets like the African startup scene—which Ike describes as being in a rapid, "early-dotcom" style growth phase—this fit becomes even more essential due to unique infrastructural and cultural challenges. Entrepreneurs in these regions often find success by identifying "invisible" local problems that global giants overlook, such as the need for localized facial recognition technology like Smile ID. Success in these environments requires more than just technical prowess; it demands a founder who possesses the cultural context and localized knowledge to adapt Western business models into something that truly serves a specific population. When the founder's personal mission aligns with these acute market needs, the resulting business is far more likely to achieve the "unicorn" status seen increasingly across the continent.For investors, the shift toward a founder-fit lens requires a move away from purely data-driven metrics toward a more human-centric evaluation of potential. Ike suggests that investors must become more patient and hands-on, recognizing that emerging markets have different regulatory and infrastructural timelines than Silicon Valley. By supporting diverse teams that demonstrate a clear alignment between their lived experience and the problem they are solving, venture capitalists can help mitigate the risks of early-stage investing. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the individual at the helm has the intrinsic resilience and specialized skill set required to navigate the inevitable pivots and pressures of the entrepreneurial journey.About Ike EzeIke Eze is a seasoned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and the Founder and CEO of Beta Ventures. With a background in mechanical engineering and three successful tech exits in Silicon Valley, Ike now focuses on empowering the next generation of African innovators. He is a recognized thought leader on emerging markets and the author of a definitive guide on founder-market alignment.About The Founder Fit: Finding the Business That's Right For YouThe Founder Fit is a strategic framework and book authored by Ike Eze that guides entrepreneurs through the process of aligning their personal strengths with their business ventures. Through Beta Ventures, Ike applies these principles to invest in high-growth startups within the African ecosystem, focusing on companies that leverage localized innovation to solve large-scale problems.Links Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Founder Fit: Finding the Business That's Right For You (Amazon)Ike Eze on LinkedInKey Episode HighlightsThe Founder Fit Framework: Why the same business idea can fail or flourish based entirely on the alignment of the founder's intrinsic strengths.African Startup Ecosystem: Navigating the "early-dotcom" style growth phase and identifying unique opportunities in emerging markets.Solving "Invisible" Problems: How Smile ID successfully leveraged localized technical innovation to address gaps ignored by global tech giants.The Investor's Pivot: Why evaluating a founder's lived experience and market context is more critical than standard Silicon Valley metrics.Closing the Talent Gap: Strategies for identifying whether you are a builder, marketer, or operator and how to build a team around your blind spots.ConclusionThis conversation with Ike Eze underscores that the most successful ventures are those where the founder's identity and the business's mission are perfectly synchronized. By prioritizing this alignment and focusing on localized solutions for underserved markets, entrepreneurs can build businesses that are not only profitable but also profoundly impactful.More from The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Send a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

Most fintech founders talk about financial inclusion. Stone Atwine actually started there, watching his grandmother get stressed at a Moneygram agent because she had no ID, carrying $200 in cash on a one-hour bus ride back to her farm. That frustration became the foundation of Eversend, now one of Africa's most ambitious cross-border payments and neobanking platforms.In this episode, Stone and Uwem go deep on what it actually takes to build a durable fintech across 12 markets - the regulatory complexity most founders underestimate, why blitzscaling fails when your users will abandon you the day you start charging, and how stablecoins quietly became Eversend's treasury and payments backbone years before the rest of the market caught on.Stone also shares a genuinely contrarian view on vibe coding, AI, and why the biggest beneficiaries of the AI revolution may not be the youngest engineers, but operators in their 40s with deep market knowledge and the tools to finally act on it.This is not a panel version of Stone's story. This is the one with the real decisions.

Wolf Hall composer Debbie Wiseman and Scottish classical composer Jay Capperauld are Jeffrey Boakye and Anna Phoebe's studio guests as they add five more tracks. Starting with a hip-shake in Colombia, they head to South Africa, a state secondary school in London, the firebombing of Dresden, and finally to Honolulu for a Canadian lament.Producer Jerome Weatherald Presented with musical direction by Jeffrey Boakye and Anna PhoebeThe five tracks in this week's playlist:Hips Don't Lie by Shakira Zithande by Freshlyground Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2, by Pink Floyd String Quartet No 8, 2nd mvt: Allegro Molto by Dmitri Shostakovich Big Yellow Taxi by Joni MitchellOther music in this episode:Rock Your Baby by George McCrae Our Gilded Veins by Jay Capperauld With Love by Thin Lizzy Amores Como El Nuestro by Jerry Rivera Dance Like This by Wyclef Jean The Time of Our Lives by Toni Braxton and Il Divo Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira and Freshlyground Chicken to Change by Freshlyground Endlings by Jay Capperauld

Send a textDJ Shagy is a Ghanaian DJ & Cultural Curator known for his signature Afro - Electronic Sets blending Amapiano, Afro House, Afro Tech and Soulful Percussions. Named House Music DJ of the Year at The Ghana DJ Awards and finalist for the 2024 Pete Tong DJ Academy Future Talent Awards, representing Africa, DJ Shagy is known for his high energy sets including performances at 7Fest Festival (AMS), Pride Amsterdam (AMS), Afrofuture Festival, Obis House, etc. In 2025 DJ Shagy released his Debut Single "Tonight". He is one half of dj duo African Parte and co-founder of Talon BK Limited a local talent booking agency.Follow DJ Shagy on Instagram: @obagounltdSetlist:  Major League DJZ & Jorja Smith - Come with MeDJ Shagy ft Dariewld ( Nuans Remix ) - Tonight Mpho.Wav & Atmos Blaq - Atmos WAV I Kabza De Small - Nana Thula Afro Tech RemixNAAK - SHO!MPHO.Wav - GorillaShiny , LeModo X MajorLeague DJZ X Major Lazer X Tina Savage - Koo Koo FunShiny, Smallgod, Lemodo - I need Love Ape Drums & DJ Lag - GQTech Thabiso Vocalist, Da Groovie & DJ Crank ( Native Tribe & DJ Two4 Afro Mix ) - Ingonyama Nuans - Kaye DJ Shagy feat Dariwrld ( Nuans Remix ) - Tonight- To ProgressSend demos via Trackstack: https://tstack.app/nuans.fm Instagram www.instagram.com/nuans.fm TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@nuans.fm Threads https://www.threads.net/@nuans.fm links: https://nuans.komi.io/Guest Mix Submissionshttps://nuansfm.com/guestmix#ToProgress

Pokemon Day 2026 is here! Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pokemon with the Krewe by reliving the 25th anniversary of Pokemon! lol Digging deep in the vault to pull out a special Pokemon Day throwback to Season 1, Episode 3 of the podcast... where we have the WHOLE OG Krewe freshly hatched out of our podcast Pokemon egg!  ++++++ In this episode, the Krewe gathers to discuss the iconic Japanese media franchise, Pokémon! Celebrating its 25th anniversary this February, Pokémon is the highest grossing media franchise in the world! From its anime and games, to trading cards and mobile apps, Pokémon truly unites people from across the world. Tune in to this episode to hear the krewe discuss the history, major moments, and each krewe member's favorite Pokémon! ------ About the Krewe ------ The Krewe of Japan Podcast is a weekly episodic podcast sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans. Check them out every Friday afternoon around noon CST on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  Want to share your experiences with the Krewe? Or perhaps you have ideas for episodes, feedback, comments, or questions? Let the Krewe know by e-mail at kreweofjapanpodcast@gmail.com or on social media (Twitter: @kreweofjapan, Instagram: @kreweofjapanpodcast, Facebook: Krewe of Japan Podcast Page, TikTok: @kreweofjapanpodcast, LinkedIn: Krewe of Japan LinkedIn Page, Blue Sky Social: @kreweofjapan.bsky.social, & the Krewe of Japan Youtube Channel). Until next time, enjoy! ------ Support the Krewe! Offer Links for Affiliates ------ Use the referral links below & our promo code from the episode! Support your favorite NFL Team AND podcast! Shop NFLShop to gear up for football season! Zencastr Offer Link - Use my special link to save 30% off your 1st month of any Zencastr paid plan!  ------ Past KOJ Pokemon/Nintendo Episodes ------ The History of Nintendo ft. Matt Alt (S4E18) The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 2] (S4E3) The Evolution of PokéMania ft Daniel Dockery [Part 1] (S4E2) We Love Pokemon: Celebrating 25 Years (S1E3) Why Japan? ft. Matt Alt (S1E1) ------ JSNO Upcoming Events ------ JSNO Event Calendar Join JSNO Today!

Mountain Trails sits nestled on Winchester's Old Town walking mall at 115 North Loudoun Street, where owner Garry Green has cultivated something rare in retail: a store that feels like a community. After 34 years in business—the last 13 at this location—Garry has discovered what he calls "the Loudoun Street Magic," especially on Saturday evenings when the mall comes alive. He shares his passion during this episode of The Valley Today, with host Janet Michael and cohost Brady Cloven, executive director of Friends of Old Town. Mountain Trails' move from its original Cork Street location transformed the business entirely. "The demographic literally went from climbers, backpackers, and travelers to just everyone," Garry explains. The visibility proved phenomenal, and the store has become an integral part of Winchester's identity, appearing regularly in social media posts and drawing visitors from states away. Education Over Sales: A Revolutionary Approach What sets Mountain Trails apart isn't just their inventory—it's their philosophy. Garry's mission statement centers on creating "a safer, more enjoyable wilderness or travel experience," which means the staff focuses on qualifying customer needs rather than pushing products. "We are not here to sell things to you," Garry emphasizes. "We try to qualify your needs and provide for those needs." This approach resonates deeply in a business where equipment failures can have serious consequences. Whether customers are paddling the Shenandoah River for the first time or heading to Mount Everest base camp, their concerns receive equal validation. Garry recalls outfitting a gentleman for climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak at nearly 20,000 feet. When the climber returned, he shared a remarkable moment: "I was at 16,000 feet and I heard you talking to me." The boots and backpack performed exactly as Garry had promised—the ultimate validation for the staff. Curating the Right Gear for Every Adventure Every single item in Mountain Trails serves a purpose. "Everything in Mountain Trails other than, let's just say a t-shirt, needs to function," Garry explains. "It has a job. And it needs to do that when you need it to do it." From rain gear to sock structure—yes, even socks matter—the curation process ensures customers receive appropriate equipment for their specific adventures. The store's tagline captures this breadth: "hiking, climbing, trekking, travel." However, their secondary motto, "Quality Outdoor Outfitters," opens the door wider. International travelers heading to Peru or around the world find the education and experience they need. Summer canoeists discover dry bags and quick-drying clothing. Skiers find bibs and cross-country equipment. Technical rock climbers locate harnesses and safety gear. Meeting Customers Where They Are Understanding the customer's experience level proves crucial to Garry's approach. The outdoor industry's biggest emerging demographic is what he calls "the casual adventurer"—people who want to hike two miles to a waterfall with trail runners, trekking poles, and a day pack, then return to town for lunch. These customers have vastly different needs from long-distance trekkers carrying their "house on their back" for multiple days. "Not everybody needs a $400 three-layer Gore-Tex rain jacket," Garry points out. While climbers heading to Mount Everest might need that level of protection, an $80 waterproof jacket works perfectly for someone's golf bag. This honesty builds trust. Moreover, the relationship continues as customers grow in their outdoor pursuits, returning to upgrade their gear as they tackle more challenging adventures. The Power of Kindness and Experience When hiring staff, Garry's number one criterion isn't outdoor expertise—it's kindness. "You have to put that customer's best interest at heart above anything else," he insists. This philosophy creates what international visitors have called "the feel" of Mountain Trails, something that distinguishes it from sterile big-box retailers. The staff's personal experience matters tremendously. "They've been wet, cold, hungry, tired," Garry notes. "They're here to help you suffer better." Garry himself spent years guiding in Alaska and running outdoor adventure programs for the U.S. Air Force, helping service members decompress after deployment. He recalls a winter camping trip where a participant thought she wouldn't survive the night because her "butt was cold"—she hadn't inflated her sleeping pad. After inflating it and adding hand warmers, she proclaimed he'd saved her life. "You passed through a window," he told her, referring to those challenging moments all outdoor enthusiasts eventually face. Beyond the Hardcore: Everyday Customers Welcome While Mountain Trails caters to serious adventurers, everyday shoppers find unexpected value. Janet shares how the store helps her buy gifts for her mother-in-law who bikes the C&O Canal—despite Janet's self-proclaimed lack of outdoor interests. "I can come in here and just say, she does this and you can help me find the perfect gift for her," she explains. The store even welcomes those who simply want to look the part. "I love this store even though I am not an outdoors person," Janet admits. Garry laughs, acknowledging that sometimes "it's all about the look." This inclusive approach means everyone feels welcome, whether they're heading into the wilderness or just want quality gear for weekend activities. A Global Reputation Built on Local Service The store's reputation extends far beyond Winchester. Visitors from Syracuse, Cleveland, and even international locations make Mountain Trails a regular stop. Garry recalls a family from Israel who declared it their favorite outdoor store globally. "We go into these stores all over the world, and this one is our favorite so far," they told him. What impressed them? The feel of the place—something intangible that staff members hear about regularly. This atmosphere stems from Garry's operating principle: "Everybody's welcome until they're not." The staff genuinely cares, creating an environment that feels more like a community gathering space than a transaction-focused retail outlet. Social media serves not primarily as a sales tool but as "an instrument of familiarity," sharing articles about climbing, skiing, and outdoor adventures that customers want to read over their morning coffee. Connecting with Mountain Trails In mid-March, Mountain Trails will transition from their winter hours into regular hours: Monday through Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sundays noon to 5 PM. Customers can find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit mountain-trails.com for basic information, though the real experience requires stepping through their door on the walking mall. Old Town Winchester: Building Community Through Events Chocolate Escape Perseveres Through Arctic Conditions The second half of the conversation shifts focus to Brady Claven, executive director of Friends of Old Town Winchester, who shares updates on recent events and upcoming attractions. February's Chocolate Escape faced brutal weather—17-degree temperatures with windchill predictions of negative 10 degrees—yet determined participants still filled the walking mall with their maps, hitting every participating location. Approximately 30 merchants participated in the event, which aims not just to distribute chocolate but to drive foot traffic into stores during cold months. The strategy worked. Faire Isles, for instance, welcomed numerous first-time visitors, and overall feedback indicated people discovered stores they'd never visited before. "The point of it is to get people into stores," Brady explains, noting that participants might not linger outside as long in freezing weather, but they spent more time browsing inside. Celebrating Black History Month Through Partnership Friends of Old Town partnered with NAACP Winchester and secured generous sponsorship from Valley Health to present three Black History Month events. Typewriter Studio hosted a spoken word and art gallery night featuring Monica James and representatives from Selah Theater. Bright Box presented "History and Cocktails" with Nick Powers from the MSV delivering an outstanding historical talk about the Valley's Black history, tying into the upcoming VA250 celebration. Finally, Bistro Sojo offered a small plates and jazz night with a $35-per-person special menu and live performance by SU. Spin to Winchester: Pedaling for Progress Friends of Old Town's second annual Spin to Winchester fundraiser brought participants together inside Valley Health for a 45-minute stationary bike class. Each rider crowd-funded their participation, raising a minimum of $250, with prizes awarded for most funds raised, sweatiest rider, and highest mileage. The event exceeded expectations, hitting 120% of its goal and attracting 20 more individual donors than the previous year. "It's very apparent by the end of this 45-minute class, certain people are, myself included, just dripping with sweat," Brady admits, describing the intense workout led by instructor Pam from Valley Health. Despite the physical challenge—including what seemed like endless "last hills"—the fundraiser's success directly supports Old Town programs and events throughout the year. Taylor Pavilion: A Transformation Underway Ground has broken on the Taylor Pavilion renovation, with completion targeted for before WineFest during Apple Blossom season. The transformation will create a social gathering space that addresses a common community need. "We do hear a lot from people that say, well, you know, there's really not a space if I don't wanna drink or if I don't want to eat," Brady notes. The new pavilion will offer a place where people can grab a bagel and sit, play chess, listen to music, or simply enjoy being on the mall. It will serve as a meeting point before art classes at Typewriter Studio or ShenArts—a place for friends to gather with coffee and catch up before heading to other destinations. Notably, the infamous "ping pong table on an incline" from the conceptual rendering will not materialize, though Brady jokes they should install a commemorative statue. Celtic Fest Returns March 14th Looking ahead to March, Celtic Fest promises to be a highlight. Scheduled for Saturday, March 14th from noon to 5 PM, the event will feature approximately 35 vendors lining the mall from the south end near Hideaway northward. Partners include Ravenwood Foundation, which brings expertise in outdoor Highland games. City Pipes and Drums will perform throughout the day. Faire Isles plans Irish dancers in their alcove, while other merchants prepare special attractions. Piper Dan's and Union Jack's—recently reopened after flooding—will participate, with Brady hoping to coordinate a special menu. Additionally, Brady plans to transform the museum lawn into a kids' Highland games zone, where children ages four to ten can throw foam logs, compete in disc throwing, and win prizes. Staying Connected Those interested in Old Town Winchester events can follow Friends of Old Town on Facebook and Instagram (@FriendsOfOldTownWINC) or visit friendsofoldtown.org for a complete calendar. First Friday events return in June with a "Summer of Covers" theme featuring cover bands, including a special August event partnering with River House. A Community That Cares Whether discussing Mountain Trails' dedication to customer safety and satisfaction or Friends of Old Town's commitment to creating community experiences, this conversation reveals Winchester's character: a city where businesses and organizations prioritize people over profit, relationships over transactions, and community over convenience. From outdoor gear to outdoor festivals, the message remains consistent—everyone's welcome, expertise matters, and kindness forms the foundation of everything worthwhile.

Host Brian Walsh takes up ImpactAlpha's top stories with editor David Bank and producer Isaac Silk. Up this week: As the Trump administration steps back from domestic policy, how states are taking the lead on clean energy, the ownership economy, and AI regulation (09:25); Why smaller funds are leading to bigger returns in Africa (); And, the pivots of Mast Reforestation, as it seeks to sell removal credits on the voluntary carbon markets (14:15).ImpactAlpha's ⁠Policy Corner coverage⁠.“⁠Aruwa Capital has the data to make the case for small investment funds⁠,” by Lucy Ngige“⁠From planting trees to burying them, Mast Reforestation follows the market for carbon credits⁠,” by Isaac Silk

I sat down with Johan Seyffert, one of my South African Professional Hunters, at the 2026 Safari Club International convention and recorded a short interview about some of his more memorable hunts from 2025, some funny and noteworthy experiences he has had over the years (like how a baboon interfered with a building remodel), and what he is most looking forward to in 2026. Sponsor: Get in touch with me to make your Africa hunting dreams come true on a hunt with Johan or Kobus in South Africa. We offer outstanding hunting safaris, simplified hunt logistics, assistance with many of the pain points associated with a hunt, and up front pricing with no extra fees. We still have some openings remaining for May, October, and November 2026 as well as various points in 2027. Visit bestsafarihunt.com or email me at john@thebiggamehuntingblog.com to learn more.  Go to BigGameHuntingPodcast.com/ebook and sign up for my free e-book on the best hunting calibers at to receive the entertaining and informative emails I send out about hunting, firearms, and ballistics every weekday. Join the Big Game Hunting Podcast tribe for the potential opportunity to have a future podcast guest answer one of your questions on the air along with access to all my bonus material at www.patreon.com/biggamehunter  Please hit that "SUBSCRIBE" or "FOLLOW" button in your podcast app to receive future episodes automatically!

This joyful celebration of gospel music greats brings together Africa and America. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is the South African male a capela choral group singing in the local vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They became known internationally after singing with American Paul Simon on his joyous Grammy Award winning 1986 album Graceland. The Fairfield Four, started over 100 years ago, won a Grammy for the Best Roots Gospel Album. The Four Eagle Gospel Singers are a historic a cappella gospel group from Bessemer, Alabama, known as one of the state's oldest gospel groups. The Gospel Harmonettes were a pivotal 1950s female gospel group, fronted by the legendary Dorothy Love Coates, known for their powerful vocals, civil rights activism, and intense performances that influenced soul/R&B; Also featured are The Birmingham Sunlights who are distinctive for using no instruments in their church services. APWW #40 Produced by Sean Barlow

The president of Israel Isaac Herzog has just concluded an official state visit in Ethiopia. We look at the historic ties between the two countries, and what the visit means for the horn of Africa region. Also, a report by the Alliance for Malaria Prevention warns that progress made in containing the disease could be stalling due to global aid funding cuts. The report predicts that a reduction of financing by 30 percent could see an additional 146 million malaria cases by 2030. We speak to the Executive Director of the Alliance. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Blessing Aderogba and Albert Kirui Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The United States is ending its health programmes in Zimbabwe, including HIV treatment for one point two million people. The US embassy said Harare had pulled out of negotiations over a new health aid agreement which would have provided 367 million dollars over five years. The US has been renegotiating aid to Africa following the abolition of USAID by President Trump.   Also on the programme: The influential economist, Larry Summers, resigns from Harvard over the Epstein files and the Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, apologises to staff about his links with the convicted sex offender; and we'll hear why Emperor penguins are facing the threat of extinction.   (Photo shows a health official opening a rapid HIV test during the launch of Lenacapavir, a long‑acting HIV prevention injection outside Harare, Zimbabwe on 19 February 2026.Credit: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters)