Podcasts about Akin

Philip Akin has been telling stories on Canadian stages for decades, and mentoring some of this country's best theatre artists for just as long. In 2000, he co-founded the Obsidian Theatre Company, which trains, produces and showcases Black talent across the country. Now, he's directing a new production of Ohio State Murders at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Philip joins Tom Power to talk about the play, how he takes theatre to the precipice, and why he thinks Black artists are too polite. Plus, he shares how he's feeling after being appointed a Member of the Order of Canada earlier this year.

McKinsey, the United Nations, Skype, Rocket Internet, Facebook, King. Then Akin Babayigit co-founded Tripledot, spun out Luna Labs, and now runs Arcadia Gaming Partners, a $100M fund he deploys alone.He left Türkiye at sixteen and never moved back, which makes him one of the few people who can talk about Istanbul as both an insider and an outsider. We get into how the ecosystem was built, why Sidar Şahin still shapes it years after disappearing, why payback windows are the wrong lens, and what he told a room of Turkish founders that they did not want to hear.Chapters 02:42 Leaving Türkiye 06:23 Building Tripledot 08:51 The Sidar myth 18:21 One trick? 20:47 First mover advantage 23:25 Payback versus IRR 28:32 What AI changes 31:43 The AppLovin dependency 40:07 fal and Layer 42:22 What Türkiye lacks 49:28 The unsexy work 54:24 After gaming 1:05:20 Türkiye and Israel

In this episode, we listen to a pointed refusal, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 326, penned by Paranar. The verse is situated in the lush fields of the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands Landscape’ and dwells on the appeal of a courtesan. ஊரல் அவ் வாய் உருத்த தித்தி,பேர் அமர் மழைக் கண், பெருந் தோள், சிறு நுதல்,நல்லள் அம்ம குறுமகள் செல்வர்கடுந் தேர் குழித்த ஞெள்ளல் ஆங்கண்,நெடுங் கொடி நுடங்கும் அட்டவாயில்,இருங் கதிர்க் கழனிப் பெருங் கவின் அன்னநலம் பாராட்டி, நடை எழில் பொலிந்து,விழவில் செலீஇயர் வேண்டும் வென் வேல்இழை அணி யானைச் சோழர் மறவன்கழை அளந்து அறியாக் காவிரிப் படப்பை,புனல் மலி புதவின், போஒர் கிழவோன்,பழையன் ஓக்கிய வேல் போல்,பிழையல கண், அவள் நோக்கியோர் திறத்தே! In this trip to the farmlands, it’s all about a maiden, as we hear the confidante say these words to the man, when he returns seeking entry into the lady’s house, after courting a courtesan: “Having skin spreading with exquisite beauty spots many; huge rain-like eyes; thick arms; small forehead; pretty indeed is that young maiden! Praising her beauty, which is akin to the lush spread of fields, filled with huge, dark stalks, in the flag-fluttering town of Attavayil, where streets are burrowed by the speeding chariots of the wealthy, you should take an elegant walk with her, and join along in the festivities, O lord! Akin to the spear thrown from the hand of the victorious Chozha king, Pazhaiyan, who wields adorned battle elephants, and rules over ‘PoOr', a town fitted with sluice gates to direct the gushing floods of the River Kaveri, whose depth cannot be fathomed by any bamboo pole, are her eyes, which no one can escape from, the moment she glances at them!” Time to see the sparks fly in this uproarious domain. The confidante starts by describing, in no doubt a sarcastic tone, the beauty of the courtesan, mentioning her perfect pallor spots, eyes and forehead. She talks about how that courtesan’s beauty is like the lush fields of Attavayil, a town filled with wealth and prosperity, and then she turns to the man and asks him to go and praise the courtesan, and take her along to the festivities in their town. The confidante concludes by saying she says so, because once that courtesan has looked at someone, they cannot escape her eyes, which are exactly like the spears, which a Chozha King, the ruler of the river-gushing PoOr, known by the name of Pazhaiyan, throws at his enemies! High praise from the confidante about the beauty and attraction of the courtesan, seems like! What the confidante actually means is that once the courtesan has cast a glance at a man, he cannot escape her hold. So there’s no point in forgiving the man and letting him into the lady’s house, for he will bounce back to her in no time, this good friend of the lady implies. A message to the man that he has not been forgiven for his forsaking the lady! Amidst all this drama, there’s a character, which is quietly standing in the background, not speaking a word but one we cannot escape from, much like the courtesan’s eyes and Pazhaiyan’s spears, and that is wealth, clothed in lush fields of paddy, riding chariots of gold and delighting in festivities. Indeed the accumulation of wealth in the hands of a few men, is the root cause of all this strife and trouble in this land of plenty!

In this episode, we perceive a lady’s situation in the midst of a dilemma, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 325, penned by Maamoolanaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse mentions the respect and admiration rendered unto a Sangam-era king. அம்ம! வாழி, தோழி! காதலர்,”வெண் மணல் நிவந்த பொலங் கடை நெடு நகர்,நளி இருங் கங்குல் புணர் குறி வாய்த்தகளவும் கைம்மிக அலர்ந்தன்று; அன்னையும்உட்கொண்டு ஓவாள் காக்கும்; பின் பெரிதுஇவண் உறைபு எவனோ? அளியள்!” என்று அருளி,”ஆடு நடைப் பொலிந்த புகற்சியின் நாடு கோள்அள்ளனைப் பணித்த அதியன் பின்றை,வள் உயிர் மாக் கிணை கண் அவிந்தாங்கு,மலை கவின் அழிந்த கனை கடற்று அருஞ் சுரம்வெய்யமன்ற; நின் வை எயிறு உணீஇய,தண் மழை ஒரு நாள் தலையுக! ஒள் நுதல்,ஒல்கு இயல், அரிவை! நின்னொடு செல்கம்;சில் நாள் ஆன்றனைஆக” என, பல் நாள்,உலைவு இல் உள்ளமொடு வினை வலி உறீஇ,எல்லாம் பெரும் பிறிதாக, வடாஅது,நல் வேற் பாணன் நல் நாட்டு உள்ளதை,வாள் கண் வானத்து என்றூழ் நீள் இடை,ஆள் கொல் யானை அதர் பார்த்து அல்கும்சோலை அத்தம் மாலைப் போகி,ஒழியச் சென்றோர்மன்ற;பழி எவன் ஆம்கொல், நோய் தரு பாலே? In this long trip to the drylands, we take a short walk amidst the familiar spaces and spend more time in the minds of the protagonists, as we listen to the lady say these words to the confidante: “Listen, my friend! May you live long! My beloved had said, ‘In the tall mansion, with a well-adorned entrance, filled with white sands, during the deep dark hour of midnight, our secret love relationship groomed by the trysts had grown out of bounds, causing slander to spread. Understanding this, her mother now guards her ceaselessly. At such a time, how is it possible for her to remain here? She's to be pitied'. Saying so, he had endowed his grace and kindness. Then, continuing, he mentioned, ‘After the life time of Athiyan, who bid Allan to take over his country, which had been one of ceaseless dance and festivities, the resounding sounds of the huge ‘Kinai' drums that sing a patron's praise, fell utterly silent'. Akin to that, the mountains have utterly lost their beauty, and only scrub jungles spread densely in those formidable drylands, which will be sweltering and impossible for you to traverse. May the cool rains pour soon one day, so that your sharp teeth get to savour it, O young maiden, with a radiant forehead and a swaying gait! At that time, I shall take you along with me. So, why don't you bear with this separation for a few days?'. Saying so, with an unswerving heart, he had stressed upon setting out on his mission to gain wealth, leaving everything to go to great ruin. Many days ago, he had left to the north beyond the fine country, ruled by Paanan, who wields fine spears, to those long and winding paths, scorching with the sword-like rays of the sun, where killer elephants, rest and wait, in those jungles, leaving me to suffer many lonely evenings here! Now, what to do about the shame of this illness rendered unto me?” Time to walk on to distant countries and learn more! The lady starts by recollecting the man’s words. At first he had understood the lady’s delicate situation, wherein their relationship had grown strong with the trysts, gossip had spread in town, and owing to that, mother was keeping the lady under guard. So, he empathises with the lady and says it’s impossible for the lady to remain at her wealthy home, amidst this crisis. The man knows the alternative is to elope with the lady and take her to his town. At the same time, he pauses to note that this is the harsh summer season, where the mountains and paths are utterly devoid of moisture or beauty. To etch this, he brings in the simile of a Sangam era King, Athiyan, who apparently gave away his country to another named ‘Allan’, and gave up his life. After that loss, overcome by grief, the bards refused to play their Kinai drums and utter silence filled that place known for its exuberant festivities. That silence and absence of joy, the man equates to the loss of fertility and pleasantness in the mountains. Saying so, the man had told the lady that at this time it would be impossible for the lady to leave with him. He had promised the rains would soon come, and at that time, he would take her along. Wishing to go earn wealth at this time, he had asked the lady to bear the separation, and had left to the drylands beyond Paanan’s country, leaving the lady to face many a lonely evening. The lady concludes by wondering what they are going to do about the blame and shame that will rise because of the illness of pining, brimming over in her! This is a verse where we get to see the reasoning why the man sometimes takes the lady and elopes through the drylands, and at other times, he leaves her behind. The man is juggling with two options in his mind and deciding what’s best for the moment. Here’s an example of no matter how much thought goes into a decision, things don’t always work out well for all concerned at all times. A verse which seems to tell me that ultimately, we can only do what we think as best and leave the rest for time to teach us about!

In this episode, we listen to joyous voices foreseeing an awaited arrival, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 324, penned by Okkoor Maasaathiyaar. The verse is situated amidst the rain-soaked flowers of the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and sketches the trajectory of a speeding chariot. விருந்தும் பெறுகுநள் போலும், திருந்து இழைத்தட மென் பணைத் தோள், மட மொழி அரிவைதளிர் இயல் கிள்ளை இனிதினின் எடுத்தவளராப் பிள்ளைத் தூவி அன்ன,வார் பெயல் வளர்த்த, பைம் பயிர்ப் புறவில்பறைக் கண் அன்ன நிறைச் சுனை தோறும்துளி படு மொக்குள் துள்ளுவன சால,தொளி பொரு பொகுட்டுத் தோன்றுவன மாய,வளி சினை உதிர்த்தலின், வெறி கொள்பு தாஅய்,சிரற் சிறகு ஏய்ப்ப அறற்கண் வரித்தவண்டு உண் நறு வீ துமித்த நேமிதண் நில மருங்கில் போழ்ந்த வழியுள்,நிரை செல் பாம்பின் விரைபு நீர் முடுக,செல்லும் நெடுந்தகை தேரேமுல்லை மாலை நகர் புகல் ஆய்ந்தே! In this trip to this fragrant landscape, we get to see many pleasant sights, as we listen to the man’s helpers say these words to themselves, at a time when the man is returning home, after completing his mission: “It appears as if that young maiden, with curving, soft arms, who wears well-etched jewels and speaks naive words, would get to spread a feast this evening. Akin to the feathers of the young chick, raised with joy by the mother parrot, in the hue of tender sprouts, grows fresh blades of grass, raised by the pouring rains, in the forest. Here, akin to the eye of drums, water brims over in the springs. Akin to blooming buds of lotuses, bubbles form on the ground and vanish away. As the breeze shook them from the branches, bright hued, fragrant flowers in the shade of a Kingfisher's feathers spread on the silt-covered ground, and are buzzed upon by bees. These flowers are chopped by the wheels speeding on the cool spaces of the road, and water gushes to fill the imprints made by these wheels, appearing akin to snakes, slithering away in neat rows. If we think about it, it seems certain that the chariot of the esteemed lord, which plies so, will arrive at the lady's mansion in the evening hour, when wild jasmines bloom!” Time to race along with that ancient chariot! The man’s helpers start by remarking that it seems like the lady would attain her wish of spreading a welcome feast that evening. After that statement, they etch the sights along their journey by stacking one simile after another. First, it’s the blades of grass popping out of the forest bed, thanks to the loving care of the rains, and these are compared to the tiny feathers on a young parrot chick, raised by its mother, which is in the hue of tender sprouts. Next, they talk about how springs everywhere are brimming with water and appearing akin to the eye of drums. Their eyes next falls on the bubbles dancing on those rain-soaked roads and disappearing and these are equated to lotus buds in the slush. As we move long, the helpers then point to fallen flowers in a bright hue, like that of a kingfisher’s feathers. Those flowers become collateral damage in the hands of the chariot wheels, and as the wheels move on, leaving their imprints in the soft and wet ground, water rushes to those spaces, and this looks like snakes slithering in neat rows after them, the helpers etch with precision. They conclude by saying seeing how the chariot is speeding in this manner, it’s all but certain the man would reach his home in the hour the jasmines bloom, and get to enjoy the feast of the lady, they had mentioned in the beginning. If we perceive closely, we can sense a feeling of constant motion, from the blades of grass, to brimming springs, to vanishing bubbles, to fallen flowers and most prominently, to water flowing like slithering snakes in the wheels’ path! It gives an extra-dimensional effect of making us feel as if we are moving in the chariot ourselves! A verse which brings out the finesse of Sangam poets in carving the world around them and making motion pictures, all with a few magical words!

In this episode, we listen to words of consolation, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 323, penned by Puranaattu Perunkotranaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse renders hope to an anxious heart! இம்மென் பேர் அலர், இவ் ஊர் நம்வயின்செய்வோர் ஏச் சொல் வாட, காதலர்வருவர் என்பது வாய்வதாக,ஐய செய்ய மதன் இல சிறிய நின்அடி நிலன் உறுதல் அஞ்சி, பையத்தடவரல் ஒதுக்கம் தகைகொள இயலி,காணிய வம்மோ? கற்பு மேம்படுவி!பலவுப் பல தடைஇய வேய் பயில் அடுக்கத்து,யானைச் செல் இனம் கடுப்ப, வானத்துவயங்கு கதிர் மழுங்கப் பாஅய், பாம்பின்பை பட இடிக்கும் கடுங் குரல் ஏற்றொடுஆலி அழி துளி தலைஇக்கால் வீழ்த்தன்று, நின் கதுப்பு உறழ் புயலே! In this trip to the familiar domain, we hardly see that space, and instead take in the weather changes, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the lady, when the man continues to remain parted away, having left in search of wealth: “Withering away words of those in this town, who speak, spreading resounding echoes of slander against you, your lover shall return! To see this come true, go on and press down upon those beautiful, etched, delicate, little feet of yours, which fear the ground, and gently bending your form, walk on with beauty, O maiden with brimming chastity! Akin to herds of elephants that live in bamboo-filled mountain ranges, packed with plenty of jackfruit trees, dimming the radiant orb in the sky, striking down on hoods of snakes, roaring with a thundering voice, shedding drops filled with hail, pouring a huge downpour, spread storm clouds, akin to your tresses!” Let’s listen to this loving conversation between friends and learn more! The confidante starts by acknowledging how slander is spreading in town owing to the gossiping mouths of the townsfolk. This indicates that the separation between the man and the lady has happened before their marriage. The confidante continues by saying that the man would soon be back, putting an end to all the talk of the townsfolk. Then, she points to how the thundering rain clouds are looming in the skies, and compares them to both herds of elephants in lush mountain ranges, as well as the lady’s tresses, in a double-edged simile. The confidante concludes by asking the lady to put those beautiful feet of hers to use and walk on outside to see this come true! To understand these words, we have to know about the man’s promise to return when the rains arrive. The confidante is pointing to the skies and saying to her friend, ‘The rains are approaching and so will he!’. The aspect of this verse I most related to was in how the confidante tells the lady to make those feet of hers touch the ground, and keep walking to see her joy approaching her. I imagine that the lady was languishing, refusing to even get up from her bed, and this is the confidante’s way of making the lady take a walk and take in the world outside. A subtle whisper of that timeless wisdom that there’s nothing like a walk to soothe a mind in the middle of whatever crisis it may find itself in! 

In this episode, we listen to words of despair, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 322, penned by Paranar. The verse is situated amidst the falling cascades and soaring peaks of the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountain Landscape’ and reveals the unique qualities of a king’s domain. வயங்கு வெயில் ஞெமியப் பாஅய், மின்னு வசிபு,மயங்கு துளி பொழிந்த பானாட் கங்குல்;ஆராக் காமம் அடூஉ நின்று அலைப்ப,இறு வரை வீழ்நரின் நடுங்கி தெறுவர,பாம்பு எறி கோலின் தமியை வைகி,தேம்புதிகொல்லோ? நெஞ்சே! உரும் இசைக்களிறு கண்கூடிய வாள் மயங்கு ஞாட்பின்,ஒளிறு வேற் தானைக் கடுந் தேர்த் திதியன்வரு புனல் இழிதரு மரம் பயில் இறும்பில்,பிறை உறழ் மருப்பின், கடுங் கண் பன்றிக்குறை ஆர் கொடுவரி குழுமும் சாரல்,அறை உறு தீம் தேன் குறவர் அறுப்பமுயலுநர் முற்றா ஏற்று அரு நெடுஞ் சிமை,புகல் அரும் பொதியில் போலப்பெறல் அருங்குரையள், எம் அணங்கியோளே! In this trip to the highlands, we get to traverse formidable spaces, as we listen to the man say these words to his heart, at a time when he’s unable to meet with the lady for a tryst by night: “As the radiant sun vanished, clouds spread, lightning streaked across and drops of rain poured down in the middle of the night. As unceasing passion attacks relentlessly, you tremble with fear, akin to one who falls from a mountain peak, and remaining all alone, akin to a discarded staff, thrown away after beating a snake, you are whimpering, O heart! With the roar of thunder, elephants clash and swords flash in that battlefield, where the army of shining spears fight on, lead by Thithiyan, who wields speedy chariots. In his mountain forest, filled densely with trees, where cascades gush down with force, after feeding on the fleshy pieces of a harsh-eyed wild boar, having a tusk, akin to the crescent moon, a striped tiger roars aloud in the slopes. This is a place where the clefts soar so high, making it impossible even for daring honey collectors to climb and gather. Akin to this hard-to-enter Pothiyil mountains, ruled by Thithiyan, so hard and precious to obtain is that maiden, who torments me!” Time to brave the midnight downpours of this domain! The man starts by talking about the time of the day he finds himself in. It’s midnight, and thick clouds dominate the sky and presently, they are flashing with lightning and pouring down as well, he says! On such a night, the man finds that he’s trembling in the manner of person, who has fallen from a mountain peak, and that he remains alone like a rod that has been thrown away after hitting a snake. Here’s a cultural nuance indicating the practice of discarding a rod, used to hit a snake, for fear the snake’s poison may remain. The man turns to his heart and acknowledges the way it’s crying as passion torments him. Then he goes on to talk about a king named ‘Thithiyan’, who is in the middle of an uproarious battlefield, filled with elephants, swords and spears. From that arena of blood, the man traverses to an entirely different scene, one in a mountainous forest, where a tiger has just had its fill of a wild boar meat and is roaring contently. The man reveals that this place is the Pothiyil mountains, ruled by Thithiyan and talks about how impossible it’s to reach this place, so high and impassable that even honey collectors, who go everywhere, give up exhausted. He concludes by saying just like this impenetrable place, his beloved too is hard to attain. The creativity of Sangam folks comes to the fore here, in their seeing a person’s preciousness in a place’s inaccessibility! 

https://kfmedia.blob.core.windows.net/audio/crawley/c

In this episode, we listen to a reflection on a joyous moment, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 317, penned by Vadamothankizhaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse etches the seasons and the changes they bring in vivid detail. “மாக விசும்பின் மழை தொழில் உலந்தென,பாஅய் அன்ன பகல் இருள் பரப்பி,புகை நிற உருவின் அற்சிரம் நீங்க,குவிமுகை முருக்கின் கூர் நுனை வை எயிற்றுநகை முக மகளிர் ஊட்டு உகிர் கடுக்கும்முதிராப் பல் இதழ் உதிரப் பாய்ந்து, உடன்மலர் உண் வேட்கையின் சிதர் சிதர்ந்து உகுப்ப,பொன் செய் கன்னம் பொலிய, வெள்ளிநுண் கோல் அறை குறைந்து உதிர்வன போல,அரவ வண்டினம் ஊதுதொறும் குரவத்துஓங்கு சினை நறு வீ கோங்கு அலர் உறைப்ப,துவைத்து எழு தும்பி, தவிர் இசை விளரிஉதைத்து விடு நரம்பின், இம்மென இமிரும்ஆன் ஏமுற்ற காமர் வேனில்,வெயில் அவிர் புரையும் வீ ததை மராஅத்துக்குயில் இடு பூசல் எம்மொடு கேட்பவருவேம்” என்ற பருவம் ஆண்டைஇல்லைகொல்?” என மெல்ல நோக்கி,நினைந்தனம் இருந்தனமாக, நயந்து ஆங்குஉள்ளிய மருங்கின் உள்ளம் போல,வந்து நின்றனரே காதலர்; நம் துறந்துஎன்னுழியதுகொல் தானே பல் நாள்அன்னையும் அறிவுற அணங்கி,நல் நுதல் பாஅய பசலை நோயே? In this trip to this domain, we hardly see the familiar spread of the land, and instead, take a ride through the changing seasons, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the lady, at a time when the man had parted away from the lady, prior to marriage, and gone in search of wealth: “The cloudy skies had ceased their duty of pouring rains and dried up, and then came the season of winter, dressed in a garment in the shade of smoke, spreading darkness even during the day. Even that passed, and upon the sharp edges of the Coral tree buds, appearing, akin to reddened nails of maiden with sharp teeth and smiling faces, honeybees with a desire to feed on flowers, pounce and make many immature petals drop down. Akin to how small rods of silver, shortened when severed, drop and decorate a golden bowl, as buzzing bees swarm around, white Tarrenna flowers in the soaring branches drop down on fragrant buttercup flowers. The intermittent noise of bees that dive and rise, echo like the ‘Vilari' tune, rising from the plucked strings of a lute, with a humming sound. In this desirable season of spring that delights animals many, burflower trees fill with flowers that appear like radiating sunlight, and cuckoos let out a huge uproar. He had said when you happen to hear that uproar, I shall be back with you. ‘Doesn't this season he promised appear there where he is too?', you had wondered about, looking outward softly. Just like how when something appears out of the blue the moment you desire and think of it, he came and stood there, that lover of yours! That which had been tormenting you for days together, revealing all to mother, that disease of pallor that had spread on your fine forehead, where did it run away now, deserting you?” Time to dive deeper into the words of these maiden! The confidante starts by talking about how first the rainy season had come and the sky had filled with huge clouds, and once their job of pouring was done, they had parted away, and she continues as follows: Next came the season of winter when the whole world seemed to be dressed in the hue of smoke, confusing everyone if it was day or night. And now, the Coral tree buds, looking like the nails of smiling women, were buzzed upon by eager bees, making their buds drop down. The bees, not content with just the coral tree flowers, turn their attention to the radiant white Tarrena flowers and make these drop down on the buttercup flowers below, and this scene is so exquisitely placed in parallel to the image of silver sticks being cut and dropped onto a golden bowl. After that expensive simile, the confidante turns to focus on the sounds around and equates the buzzing of these bees to the ‘Vilari’ tunes that hums from a lute. As if saying ‘Yes, you got it right!’, the confidante announces that this is the season of spring indeed! Now burflower trees are opening their buds and looking like little balls of sunshine, she sketches. Then the good friend recollects how the man had promised the lady that he would be back when the cuckoos sent out their loud calls in this very season and narrates how the lady had wondered whether there was no such season of spring wherever the man was. Just then, the man had appeared there, in the manner of attaining something the moment we desire it. The confidante concludes by asking with joy where that tormenting pallor that had taken residence on the lady’s forehead, snitching about her state to mother, had suddenly run away now!  A simple verse announcing the man’s arrival at the right moment, and making the lady’s heart spring forth with joy and relief. The highlight is the way this verse takes us from wherever we may be, and transports us to that moment in the past, and makes all our senses delight in the freshness of that pristine season of spring! 

Listen to Akin's shift from AI experimentation to firmwide adoption, featuring Jeff Westcott with Akin and NetDocuments' Heath Harris. Akin began its journey by testing many AI tools, then focused on practical platforms such as NetDocuments AI  to unlock value from its large document repository. The speakers emphasize embedding AI where lawyers already work, especially in the document management system to reduce friction and improve searchability. Key themes include trust, governance, client sensitivity, and internal buy-in.   To learn more about Akin, visit https://www.akingump.com To learn more about NetDocuments, visit https://www.netdocuments.com/ Find Jeff Westcott, Director, Practice Technology, Innovation & AI, Akin, on LinkedIn Find Heath Harris, VP, Applied AI, NetDocuments, on LinkedIn

Nate Akin and Liam Garvie talk with Ryan Robertson (President of Reaching & Teaching) and Brooks Buser (President of Radius International) about the William Carey Project. This collaborative effort, inspired by the legacy of the Baptist missionary William Carey, aims to reach 10 unreached language groups around the world by bringing together the strengths of Radius, RTIM, and Pillar. Learn more at thepillarnetwork.com/williamcarey. 

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Niyi Akin, the breakout star from Spider-Man: Brand New Day whose viral 2-minute scene has taken over social media. He's the actor who played David in the intense Spider-Man moment that fans won't stop talking about.Niyi opens up about:His journey from childhood Spider-Man superfan to Marvel starWorking with Tom Holland and director Destin Daniel CrettonHis viral scene and why it's resonating globallyTraining at BRIT School and LAMDA (UK's top drama schools)His directorial debut and music careerHis production company, Ignorance PrevailsWhat's next for the rising British actorPlus, we geek out over anime (Jujutsu Kaisen & One Piece), Hans Zimmer, and Metro Boomin's soundtrack for Spiderman: Across the Spider-Verse.Follow Niyi:Instagram: @LuwaniStoryMusic: @LuwaniProduction: @IgnorancePrevailsWatch more Father.Son.Galaxy. interviews on all streaming platforms.Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok @fathersongalaxy Website: fathersongalaxy.com and whoneedsshoes.com

The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius, Guy Serle. This week on In Touch With iOS, we cover Apple's latest updates across Vision Pro, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac, and Apple TV. The panel talks about live Friday Night Baseball coming to Apple Immersive Video, visionOS 27 Beta 5, and the latest iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and macOS beta changes, including Siri improvements, bug fixes, and security updates. We also debate whether Apple's built-in Mac apps are now good enough to replace third-party favorites like Fantastical and 1Password, and we compare backup strategies using Time Machine, Carbon Copy Cloner, SuperDuper, Synology, external drives, and Backblaze. Plus, Jeff raises concerns about Anthropic's Claude watermarking approach and the risk of false positives for human-written content, and we look at Apple's expanded Made for iPhone hearing-device support and its accessibility benefits. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com  Direct Link to Audio  Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee  Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary This week on In Touch With iOS, Dave is joined by Jeff Gamet, Marty Jencius, Jill McKinley, Eric Bolden, and Guy Serle for a wide-ranging conversation about what's happening throughout the Apple ecosystem. The episode kicks off with Vision Pro and Apple's return to live sports in Apple Immersive Video. Friday Night Baseball is coming to Vision Pro with select MLB games presented live, giving the panel plenty to discuss about whether immersive sports could become one of the strongest reasons to own Apple's headset. The conversation also explores what Apple could do to make the experience even more compelling, from stadium atmosphere and audio to better ways of making viewers feel like they're actually at the game. Beta This Week brings updates across visionOS 27, iOS 27, iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and macOS 27. The panel discusses visionOS 27 Beta 5 improvements to Siri, Mac Virtual Display, hand gestures, and Digital Crown behavior, along with the usual collection of fixes and refinements arriving across Apple's platforms. Siri is also getting additional voice options and greater control over characteristics such as speaking pace and expressivity. On the Mac, the conversation turns into a debate about Apple's built-in applications. Are Calendar, Notes, Reminders, Passwords, Safari, and Apple's other bundled apps finally good enough that Mac users no longer need as many third-party replacements? The panel compares their own workflows and discusses why some of them have started moving back toward Apple's applications after years of using alternatives. Apple Passwords versus 1Password becomes an especially interesting debate: Apple offers excellent integration and simplicity, while 1Password continues to provide more advanced capabilities for users who need them. Then the panel tackles something every Mac user should be thinking about: backups. Time Machine is only the beginning. Everyone compares their own strategies involving Carbon Copy Cloner, SuperDuper, Synology NAS systems, external SSDs and hard drives, cloud storage, and Backblaze. The discussion highlights the importance of having multiple copies of important data, including at least one off-site copy. Jill also brings up a practical disaster-preparedness strategy: keeping important backups on portable drives that can quickly be grabbed during an emergency. Jeff brings AI into the conversation from his blog with concerns about Anthropic's approach to watermarking content that has been generated or even edited using Claude. If someone writes an article, paper, or other document themselves but asks Claude to proofread or rewrite a small portion, could the entire work subsequently be treated as AI-generated? The panel discusses the potential for false positives and the problems this could create for writers, students, educators, and anyone who uses AI as an editing assistant rather than an author. Accessibility is also in the spotlight as Apple expands its Made for iPhone hearing-device compatibility list with dozens of additional devices. The discussion goes beyond the numbers, with the panel sharing real-world examples of how Apple's hearing accessibility technology—including compatible hearing aids and AirPods—can make conversations and noisy environments dramatically easier to navigate. Finally, Things We Found brings the usual collection of useful, interesting, and sometimes unexpected discoveries from the panel, including Synology storage, an Apple Watch band, an ALPR camera mapping resource, an extremely bright USB-C rechargeable flashlight, Batman viewing recommendations, and an animated wallpaper app. Topics and Links In Touch With Vision Pro this week Apple bringing live Friday Night Baseball to Apple Immersive Video — selected MLB games will stream live in immersive 8K 3D on Vision Pro. https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/10/apple-immersive-live-video-mlb-game-schedule/ visionOS 27 Beta 5 released. https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-vision-pro/ https://developer.apple.com/documentation/visionos-release-notes/visionos-27-release-notes visionOS 27 beta users report hand-control and Digital Crown issues. Anecdotal/community report. https://www.reddit.com/r/VisionPro/comments/1uvvylt/visionos_27_developer_beta_3/ Beta this week. iOS 27 Developer Beta 5. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-27-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/10/apple-seeds-ios-27-beta-5/ iPadOS 27 Developer Beta 5. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-27-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ipados-27/ watchOS 27 Beta 5. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/watchos-release-notes/watchos-27-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/watchos-27/ tvOS 27 Beta 5. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/tvos-release-notes/tvos-27-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/roundup/apple-tv/ iOS/iPadOS 26.6.1 maintenance betas. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-26_6-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/10/apple-releases-ios-26-6-1/ Siri AI gets additional voices and customization in Beta 5. https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/10/ios-27-siri-ai-voice-customization/ iOS 27 stability and refinement becomes a discussion topic. https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/10/ios-27-beta-5-everything-new/ In Touch With Mac this week macOS 27 Golden Gate Beta 5. Apple Developer Release Notes: https://developer.apple.com/documentation/macos-release-notes/macos-27-release-notes https://www.macrumors.com/2026/08/10/apple-releases-macos-27-beta-5/ s-october/ Which of Apple's built-in Mac apps do you immediately replace? https://www.cultofmac.com/news/i-replaced-these-7-apple-apps-on-my-mac-heres-what-i-use-instead Is the professional Mac dead now that Mac Studio effectively occupies the high-end desktop role? https://www.macworld.com/article/3111630/is-the-pro-mac-dead.html How much Time Machine storage does a Mac really need? https://eclecticlight.co/2026/08/10/how-much-backup-storage-does-your-mac-need/ Other Topics Apple Intelligence / AI Jeff's Blog! Anthropic's Claude Watermark is Akin to an AI Poison Pill https://jeffgamet.com/anthropics-claude-watermark-is-akin-to-an-ai-poison-pill/ News Apple adds dozens more hearing devices to Made for iPhone compatibility. https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/07/apple-adds-nearly-45-hearing-devices-to-its-made-for-iphone-compatibility-list/ This weeks "Things we found" Dave: https://a.co/d/0gVTNlWU Synology 2-Bay DiskStation DS223j (Diskless) Jill - Nice Aulumu A11 Watchband https://amzn.to/4x1LxXK Jeff - Deflock https://deflock.org/ Eric - Infinity X1 7000L Dual Power Rechargeable Flashlight,7000 Lumen https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-X1-7000L-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B0FLNB3W8Y Marty: WallPer: Wallper is the live-wallpaper app trusted by Mac users worldwide. Native desktop and Lock Screen playback, automatic resource management, and a curated library - without daemons or workarounds. https://www.wallper.app/  Guy: Amazon Prime has 2 seasons of Batman: Caped Crusader. Animated series done by the great Bruce Timm from the Animated series. https://www.amazon.com/Batman-Caped-Crusader-Season-1/dp/B0CYFCLQ6B Announcements Macstock X wrapped up for 2026 what a great event! Stay tuned for the Digital pass coming soon Digital Pass | Macstock Conference & Expo Our Host Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveg65, , BlueSky @daveg65  and the show @intouchwithios   Our Regular Contributors Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's managing editor, and Smile's TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on his blog Jeff Gamet - Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social‬ Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast  Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet Buy his art! Jeff Gamet Art Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social  https://thepodtalk.net  Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at eabolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast.   Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT. A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on ai, nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts. Her content on YouTube at @smallstepswithai and follow her on X @NorthwoodsJill. Find all her work at http://jillfromthenorthwoods.com  Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group. Guy Serle is one of the hosts of the new The Gmen Show along with GazMaz and email GMenshow@icloud.com  @MacParrot and @VertShark on X  Vertshark on YouTube, Google Voice +1 Area code  703-828-4677

Akin Family Resources handed out 560 boxes of diapers at Hazel Dell Fred Meyer as part of a three-city statewide initiative serving Vancouver, Seattle and Spokane. Clark County families also received wipes, baby food and connections to year-round support services with no income or residency requirements. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/people/akins-bundles-of-love-giveaway-meets-growing-need-in-clark-county/ #AkinFamilyResources #ClarkCounty #Vancouver #Washougal #CommunitySupport #FamilyResources #Diapers #SouthwestWashington #NonprofitNews #PacificNorthwest

Dave Kiehn interviews Nate Akin and Jason Wredberg about their new book with Courier Publishing, "What is a Pastor?" They discuss the biblical foundation for the office of pastor, whether pastoring is an office or a gift, the pastoral office in historic confessions, and more. Get the book here - https://a.co/d/0gq4OCpE.

Learn how to finish well (or begin well) in ministry as Dr. Danny Akin shares the 10 core convictions that guided his long career. Gain wisdom for your own path. After serving for 22 years as president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Danny Akin delivered a final chapel message that serves as a roadmap for anyone in Christian ministry. This message focuses on the essential principles needed to maintain faithfulness and integrity over a lifetime of service. If you are looking for practical guidance on what it means to finish well, these convictions offer a clear framework for your leadership journey. We explore how your personal theology directly impacts your daily behavior and decision-making. By examining these specific ministry convictions, you can better understand how to align your life with your beliefs and sustain your calling for the long haul. This discussion is essential for pastors, students, and church leaders aiming to build a lasting legacy rooted in biblical truth. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Watch Part 1 to hear more about Dr. Akin's life and Great Commission legacy.

In this episode, we observe a woman’s angst, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 303, penned by Avvaiyaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse sketches the glory and fame of some Sangam kings and their lands. இடை பிறர் அறிதல் அஞ்சி, மறை கரந்து,பேஎய் கண்ட கனவின், பல் மாண்நுண்ணிதின் இயைந்த காமம் வென் வேல்,மறம் மிகு தானை, பசும்பூண் பொறையன்கார் புகன்று எடுத்த சூர் புகல் நனந்தலைமா இருங் கொல்லி உச்சித் தாஅய்,ததைந்து செல் அருவியின் அலர் எழப் பிரிந்தோர்புலம் கந்தாக இரவலர் செலினே,வரை புரை களிற்றொடு நன் கலன் ஈயும்உரை சால் வண் புகழ்ப் பாரி பறம்பின்நிரை பறைக் குரீஇயினம் காலைப் போகி,முடங்கு புறச் செந்நெல் தரீஇயர், ஓராங்குஇரை தேர் கொட்பின் ஆகி, பொழுது படப்படர் கொள் மாலைப் படர்தந்தாங்கு,வருவர் என்று உணர்ந்த, மடம் கெழு நெஞ்சம்!ஐயம் தெளியரோ, நீயே; பல உடன்வறல் மரம் பொருந்திய சிள்வீடு, உமணர்கண நிரை மணியின், ஆர்க்கும் சுரன் இறந்து,அழி நீர் மீன் பெயர்ந்தாங்கு, அவர்வழி நடைச் சேறல் வலித்திசின், யானே. This trip to this drylands domain is full of detours to fertile hills ruled by famous kings, as we listen to the lady say these words to her heart, when the man continues to remain parted away, having left the lady before their wedding, to go in search of wealth: “Fearing that others would come to know, I hide my heart within, akin to how those who have seen a ghost in their dream talk not about it. However, the nuanced, well-etched passion of mine resounds, akin to gushing cascades that leap from the peaks of the huge and dark ‘Kolli hills’, filled with wide spaces, which the rain clouds love and divine spirits reside, ruled by Pasumpoon Poraiyan, with a victorious spear and a courageous army. Resounding so, it spreads slander all around town. From the ‘Parambu hills', ruled by Paari, celebrated in songs many, and renowned for his generosity of rendering fine vessels and elephants, akin to hills, to those supplicants, who arrive before him, climbing those highlands with their talent as their pole, birds which spread their wings in neat rows, fly out in the morning, so as to bring red paddy crop ears with curved backs, search with precision for what they seek, and as the day diminishes, in that suffering-filled evening hour, would return back to the hills. Akin to this assured return of the birds in the evening hour, you think the one who had left, letting slander spread in town, would come back to me, O naive heart! Be rid of these thoughts! To those spaces in the drylands, filled with barren trees, where crickets chirp, akin to the sound of bells on herds of cattle, driven by salt merchants, akin to a fish that migrates from diminishing waters, I have decided to dare and go join that path he now treads!” Let’s be transported to that arid region and see the rain of love in the lady’s heart! She starts by explaining her situation, mentioning how she had tried hard to hide whatever she was feeling for the man. To etch this, she presents a unique simile, talking about how people who had seen a ghost in their dream would never talk about it to anyone. This points to a specific Sangam belief and I wonder if the reason is the fear that talking about a dream would make that come true! Though we will not know the answer to this riddle, what we can understand is that the lady had tried her best to conceal what was in her heart. While that may be so, her heart refused to heed her restraints and seemed to shout out, akin to the cascades in the divine and lush ‘Kolli hills’, ruled by the Chera King ‘Pasumpoon Poraiyan’, known for his brave army and conquering spear. So consequentially, the townsfolk saw these loud changes in the lady and spread slander about her relationship with the man, the lady adds.  Next, she starts narrating about a significant event that happened in the ‘Parambu hills’, ruled by ‘Paari’, who was renowned all over the land for his extraordinary charity to supplicants, honouring their intelligence with elephants and gifts many. This event is the act of certain birds, mentioned as parrots in other verses, and how they were trained to go search for paddy crops. and that they would leave in the morning as a huge flock, and return back to the hills in the evening, carrying those crop ears in their beaks. Why is this significant is that this was a time when Paari’s domain was laid siege by the three emperors, the Chera, Chola and Pandya kings, who put up a food blockade. This story tells us how that blockade was overcome with strategy of training these parrots. Coming to why the lady has mentioned these famous parrots is to point out to her heart that in the manner of the returning birds in the evening, the lady’s heart too was holding on to the hope that the man would return to her. The lady concludes by asking her heart to banish such thoughts and follow her, as she has dared to leave like a fish in a pond with receding waters, to that path in the drylands space, where crickets call out, amidst barren trees, like the sounds of cattle bells, belonging to salt merchants, where her man walks now! How can a fish leave a pond, no matter how much it wants to? Likewise, the lady knows it’s a futile desire to think she can go where the man is, and yet renders this wish in a nuanced way to etch the helplessness of her situation. An insightful verse that paints a person’s state in a philosophical manner, dipping the brush of poetry in the hues of history!

Low voter turnout is expected in a special election on Aug. 11 to determine the Republican candidate to face Democrat incumbent U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell in the Nov. 3 general election. Neither Ammie Akin nor David Perry have held elected office. Akin describes herself as an entrepreneur, an educator and an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Perry is a retired pastor and ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for a state school board seat. Sewell is seeking her ninth term. Voter turnout for the special election will almost certainly be less than in the June 16 runoff, when only 14.5%... Article Link

In this episode, we perceive a person’s state of mind, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 301, penned by Athiyan Vinnathanaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse builds a stack of similes to reach the peak of a perfect and precise portrayal. ‘வறன் உறு செய்யின் வாடுபு வருந்தி,படர் மிகப் பிரிந்தோர் உள்ளுபு நினைதல்சிறு நனி ஆன்றிகம்’ என்றி தோழி!நல்குநர் ஒழித்த கூலிச் சில் பதம்ஒடிவை இன்றி ஓம்பாது உண்டு,நீர் வாழ் முதலை ஆவித்தன்னஆரை வேய்ந்த அறை வாய்ச் சகடத்து,ஊர் இஃது என்னாஅர், ஊறு இல் வாழ்க்கை,சுரமுதல் வருத்தம் மரமுதல் வீட்டி,பாடு இன் தெண் கிணை கறங்க, காண்வர,குவி இணர் எருக்கின் ததர் பூங் கண்ணிஆடூஉச் சென்னித் தகைப்ப, மகடூஉ,முளரித் தீயின் முழங்கு அழல் விளக்கத்துக்களரி ஆவிரைக் கிளர் பூங் கோதை,வண்ண மார்பின் வன முலைத் துயல்வர,செறி நடைப் பிடியொடு களிறு புணர்ந்தென்னக்குறு நெடுந் தூம்பொடு முழவுப் புணர்ந்து இசைப்ப,கார் வான் முழக்கின் நீர்மிசைத் தெவுட்டும்தேரை ஒலியின் மாண, சீர் அமைத்து,சில் அரி கறங்கும் சிறு பல் இயத்தொடுபல் ஊர் பெயர்வனர் ஆடி ஒல்லென,தலைப் புணர்த்து அசைத்த பல் தொகைக் கலப் பையர்,இரும் பேர் ஒக்கல் கோடியர் இறந்தபுன் தலை மன்றம் காணின், வழி நாள்,அழுங்கல் மூதூர்க்கு இன்னாதாகும்;அதுவே மருவினம், மாலை; அதனால்,காதலர் செய்த காதல்நீடு இன்று மறத்தல் கூடுமோ, மற்றே? In this long song with musical line after line, which takes us on a trip to the familiar drylands, we encounter a specific group of people, as we listen to the lady say these words to her confidante, when the man continues to remain parted away, in response to the confidante’s words of consolation: “‘Akin to a dried-up field in summer, you wilt away and worry, thinking about the one, who parted away, leaving you in suffering. Can you stop doing that for at least a little while?', you ask me, my friend! Saving not even a little from the gifts their patrons bestowed upon them, consuming it all, travelling in resounding carts with thatched roofs, which appear akin to a yawning crocodile that lives in the water, they never claim any town to be theirs, and instead live a life free of impediments. They leave behind the fatigue of their travels through the drylands in the shade of the trees therein. Men among them adorn their heads with dense flower clusters of the pointed milkweed flowers, so pleasing to the eyes, and womenfolk wear garlands, which sway around their radiant and beautiful bosoms, woven with the bright and shiny Tanner's Cassia forest flowers, which appear akin to the glowing light of a blazing flame on a firebrand. As the music of their clear ‘kinai' drums resounds; As the small and long ‘thoombu' horns and the ‘muzhavu' drums unite, akin to the sight of a male elephant uniting with its mate that has an elegant gait, and send out their musical notes; As many small instruments send out short, sharp sounds in rhythm, akin to the croaks of frogs that resound upon the surface of the ponds, when the rainy skies thunder on, these men and women move across many different towns, dancing steadily, carrying many different instruments in their string bags, travelling as a huge group of people. When these performers have left a town after the festivities, and the day after, if the people of that uproarious town happen to look at the dull and listless town centre, they would feel much sadness; That's exactly what I feel in this evening hour. So, how can you think I can forget the love of my beloved even for a little while?” Let’s brave that desolate space that echoes the dejection in the heart of the protagonists and learn more! The lady starts by repeating the words of her confidante, who had felt much sadness seeing her friend wallowing in pining since the man left. The friend had compared the state of the lady to a field that’s drying up in summer, without its nourishing supply of water, and had asked the lady to stop thinking and worrying about the man at least for a short while.  After repeating this question from her friend, the lady launches into a long narrative about a group of people. First she says these people live just for today, meaning that they don’t save a thing that’s rendered to them as income for their services, and finish it all up, without a thought. Then, she turns to talk about their transport, which is a cart having a roof made of thatched grass, and tastefully, she compares these carts to yawning crocodiles. Into the mouths of these travelling crocodiles, these people jump in and traverse the harsh drylands, the lady continues. No doubt the heat and exhaustion of this domain will attack them but they have the talent of leaving behind all their troubles under the few trees they encounter, sketches the lady. That’s a remarkable trait to not carry your burdens but to leave them at the first sign of respite!  Moving on, the lady continues by describing the accessories of the men and women in this group. Apparently, the men wear head garlands of bright white and purple ‘milkweed’ flowers, whereas the women wear neck garlands of radiant ‘tanner’s cassia’ flowers, which are placed in parallel to a flame atop a firebrand, and searching for these flowers, there I found them to be a bright and radiant yellow!  From attire, the lady moves on to the music that seems to surround these people. There’s drums roaring, and another drum and horn fusing together, like elephants in union, the lady compares. Another delightful comparison is between the short, sharp sounds from certain musical instruments, and that of frogs croaking in the surface of the ponds in reply to the thundering skies. No doubt expert musicians will be able to tell which instrument makes this particular sound! With so much music in the air, how can these people remain without dancing? Indeed they do, they dance on, even as they carry their heavy instruments, and walk on through towns many, not claiming any town to be their own, and they live a life free of hurdles any, the lady describes. You can almost sense a note of envy in her voice at the carefree life of these people, who travel wherever they want, whereas she is bound to the confines of her home. So, who are they? As you must have guessed, they are performers, who go from town to town, to take part in the festivities therein.  The lady then pictures a situation, where the performers had helped the town celebrate to the full, and then taken leave to go elsewhere. When the townsfolk wake up the next day and look at that barren arena in the town centre, without all the throbbing life of the day before, they would be crestfallen, and that’s exactly what I’m feeling, the lady connects finally. She ends by asking her friend, ‘Given this situation, how do you expect me to do what you are saying, and even for a short while, forget all the warmth and love of being with my beloved?’! Fair point! With so much missing going on within, the lady no wonder declares that it’s not possible to follow what her friend says! If we can leave behind the familiar notes of pining, we can hear a resounding music in this verse, and that is the attitude and the way of life of these travelling performers. They seem to see all the world as their own, know where to leave their burdens, and to find the music even in difficult circumstances. In more ways than one, these people of the past do show us the way forward through the drylands of our own lives!

The Life and Legacy of Dr. Danny Akin: Inerrancy and the Great CommissionIn this episode, Dr. Paul Weaver interviews Dr. Danny Akin about his journey in theology, the history of seminaries, and the importance of biblical inerrancy. They discuss the conservative resurgence in the SBC, theological controversies, and the role of pastors and scholars in maintaining doctrinal integrity. In this episode, Dr. Danny Akin shares insights from his ministry journey, emphasizing the importance of a Christ-centered life, a word-driven ministry, and a global Great Commission focus. He offers practical advice on finishing well, handling opposition, and maintaining joy in ministry.In this episode, we discuss:-Dr. Danny Akin's personal faith journey-History of Criswell College and Southwestern Seminary-Theological controversies within SBC seminaries -The importance of biblical inerrancy and infallibility-The conservative resurgence in the SBC-Challenges of theological liberalism and modernism -The role of education in shaping doctrinal beliefs-The impact of leadership changes on seminary direction-Living to please Jesus -Word-driven ministry and expository preaching -The importance of the Great Commission-Finishing well in ministry

In this episode, we listen to a nuanced rendition of one’s state of mind, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 298, penned by Madurai Panda Vaanikan Ilanthevanaar. The verse is situated amidst the blooming flowers of the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountain Landscape’ and sketches the man’s domain and his journey to his beloved in vivid detail. பயம் கெழு திருவின் பல் கதிர் ஞாயிறுவயங்கு தொழில் தரீஇயர், வலன் ஏர்பு விளங்கி,மல்கு கடல் தோன்றியாங்கு, மல்கு பட,மணி மருள் மாலை, மலர்ந்த வேங்கைஒண் தளிர் அவிர் வரும் ஒலி கெழு பெருஞ் சினைத்தண் துளி அசைவளி தைவரும் நாட! கொன்று சினம் தணியாது, வென்று முரண் சாம்பாது,இரும் பிடித் தொழுதியின் இனம் தலைமயங்காது,பெரும் பெயற் கடாஅம் செருக்கி, வள மலைஇருங் களிறு இயல்வரும் பெருங் காட்டு இயவின்,ஆர் இருள் துமிய வெள் வேல் ஏந்தி,தாழ் பூங் கோதை ஊது வண்டு இரீஇ,மென் பிணி அவிழ்ந்த அரை நாள் இரவு, இவண்நீ வந்ததனினும், இனிது ஆகின்றே தூவல் கள்ளின் துனை தேர் எந்தைகடியுடை வியல் நகர் ஓம்பினள் உறையும்யாய் அறிவுறுதல் அஞ்சி, பானாள்,காவல் நெஞ்சமொடு காமம் செப்பேன்,யான் நின் கொடுமை கூற, நினைபு ஆங்கு,‘இனையல் வாழி, தோழி! நத் துறந்தவர்நீடலர் ஆகி வருவர், வல்லென'கங்குல் உயவுத் துணை ஆகியதுஞ்சாது உறைவி இவள் உவந்ததுவே! In this trip to the hills, we get to see plenty of this fertile landscape, as we listen to the lady say these words to the man, when he arrives for his nightly tryst with her: “Akin to the many-rayed sun, which renders fertile wealth to the world, one which, in order to perform its radiant duty, climbs on the right, shining upon those brimming seas, in that sapphire-hued evening hour, the brimming clusters of the Kino flowers appear, opening their petals upon the resplendent sprouts that shoot up on the luxuriant, huge branch, shedding cool drops of dew, as the breeze blows through, in your mountain country, O lord! With a rage that subsides not even after killing, with an enmity that recedes not even after conquering, wanting not to mingle with a herd of dark female elephants, with musth flowing like a huge downpour, a humungous male elephant roves in the wide jungles of the fertile mountains. In those paths, bearing a white spear, which slices through the deep darkness, chasing away buzzing bees, upon your low-hanging, flower garland, which has opened its buds, in that midnight hour, that you arrive, is something sweet. In the guarded, wide mansion of my father, who showers copious toddy and wields fast chariots, lives mother, taking care of me. Fearing that she would come to know, in that midnight hour, with a restrained heart, without speaking of my passion, I only spoke of your cruelty. At that time, understanding what I meant, she said to me, ‘Worry not, my friend! May you live long! The one who has parted from you shan't delay any further. He shall return promptly!'. What is sweeter than your coming here, is the joy this caring companion of the night, the one who stayed beside me sleepless, feels now that you are here!” Let’s take that mountain trek and climb the hills of this relationship’s dynamics! The lady starts by describing the man’s mountain country, and to do that, she starts talking about the sun and the way it shines so radiantly upon the sapphire seas, only to connect its appearance to the golden Kino flowers on a branch, shedding dew drops in the breeze. After that pleasant and vibrant image to mark the man’s land, the lady moves on to talk about the way the man arrives in the midnight hour, with a spear for company, walking those very paths, where a huge male elephant roves madly, with its anger no way down, even after killing its enemy, most probably a tiger, without even thinking of joining in a herd of female elephants and relaxing, with its musth fluids pouring down like rain. That denotes the danger the man braves to come meet the lady! Moving on from the man’s situation, the lady talks about her own state, as she lives under the care of her mother in her father’s well-protected, rich mansion. She mentions how she feared that mother would learn of the passion in her for the man, and discreetly spoke to her confidante, mentioning how cruel he must be, for not coming there. The lady continues by saying the friend understood what the lady actually meant, seeing the love brimming over in her heart, and promised the lady that the man would soon be there. The lady concludes by saying to the man, ‘Yes. It’s sweet that you have come here now. But what is even sweeter is the joy of my friend, who stayed near me, sleepless through the night, when she sees you arriving her, fulfilling those words she said to me!’. The lady talks about the dangers in the man’s path, the trouble in her own home and heart, and brings out the need for the man to give up these risky ventures and choose the safe path of marriage. Without saying these exact words, she instead praises the goodness of her friend who stood by her, in that hour of need, hoping to bring out the transformation in the man’s heart. Instead of fighting and accusing, with good words about a friend’s kindness, this lady paves the path to change her life, and shows us, her descendants, that it’s possible to influence someone, without even the slightest hint of force, just with that feather-like weapon of positivity!

Akin's Bundles of Love campaign is bringing free tote bags packed with at least 80 diapers, wipes, baby food, and community resource information to the Hazel Dell Fred Meyer in Vancouver on August 1 and 2, 2026. The giveaway connects families with Akin's Family Resource Centers and year-round support services. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/akin-launches-bundles-of-love-campaign-with-free-baby-supply-giveaway-in-vancouver/ #Akin #BundlesOfLove #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #FamilyResourceCenters #FreeDiapers #BabyEssentials #WashingtonState

In this episode, we listen to an emphatic refusal, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 296, penned by Madurai Peralavayaar. The verse is situated amidst the gushing rivers of the ‘Marutham’ or ‘Farmlands landscape’ and narrates scenes of celebration in the domain of a famous Pandya king. கோதை இணர குறுங் கால் காஞ்சிப்போது அவிழ் நறுந் தாது அணிந்த கூந்தல்,அரி மதர் மழைக் கண் மாஅயோளொடுநெருநையும் கமழ் பொழில் துஞ்சி, இன்றும்பெரு நீர் வையை அவளொடு ஆடி,புலரா மார்பினை வந்து நின்று, எம்வயின்கரத்தல் கூடுமோ மற்றே? பரப்பில்பல் மீன் கொள்பவர் முகந்த இப்பிநார் அரி நறவின் மகிழ் நொடைக் கூட்டும்பேர் இசைக் கொற்கைப் பொருநன், வென் வேல்கடும் பகட்டு யானை நெடுந் தேர் செழியன்,மலை புரை நெடு நகர்க் கூடல் நீடியமலிதரு கம்பலை போல,அலர் ஆகின்று, அது பலர் வாய்ப் பட்டே. In this crisp trip to the farmlands, we get to witness familiar scenes of romping about, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the man, when he had returned after leaving the lady to go court a courtesan: “With that dark-skinned maiden, having tresses, adorned with the fragrant pollen from clusters of blooming flowers, akin to flowering garlands, on the short-legged Portia tree, and radiant, red-streaked, rain-like eyes, you had rested in the fragrant orchards yesterday. Today too, after playing with her in the gushing waters of the Vaigai river, you come here, and stand with your chest, still moist. Did you think it was possible for you to hide all this from us? Those men, who gather heaps of fish in the seas, bring along shells in their catch and sell it in exchange for that delightful, well-filtered toddy in the city of ‘Koodal', ruled by the King of Korkai, one of immense fame, one who wields arrogant, strong elephants, tall chariots and victorious spears, having the name of ‘Chezhiyan'. Akin to the uproar that brims over in the streets of ‘Koodal' with mansions, soaring akin to peaks, spreads slander in our town, from the mouths of many, many.” Time to stroll these lands of plenty and learn more! The confidante starts by describing the courtesan as a maiden who has dark skin, whose tresses waft with the scent of Portia tree flowers and whose eyes are rain-like. So much praise for an adversary! Returning, next she tells the man that he had spent his time with the said courtesan, resting together in the orchards and then today, he had taken to playing with the courtesan in the new floods of the Vaigai river. After all this, he has the gall to come and act as if nothing has happened, standing so audaciously, with a moist chest that too, the confidante adds. She asks him whether he thought he could hide his antics from the lady and herself. Then she switches tracks and goes on to describe the valour of King Chezhiyan, the conqueror of many battlefields and his capital of ‘Koodal’, referring to the contemporary city of ‘Madurai’, and how people from the shores would arrive to the streets of this world-famous city, to barter their shells for its delicious toddy. The confidante concludes by asking the man to reflect on the kind of buzz that would rise from the streets of Koodal and connects by saying that’s how loud the gossip about the man’s meanderings were, in their town! In essence, it’s a strict ‘No’ to the man for his request to enter the lady’s home. Yet again, it’s a depiction of the state of wandering and quarrelling, in the land of riches. Within these pages, however, we get to travel in time and glimpse the buzzing streets of Koodal, and witness scenes involving trade and toddy, the seemingly age-old preoccupations of humans everywhere! 

Truly following Jesus is to be Akin to him. Akin = family, closely related, aligned.  In Acts 7, Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin and, instead of defending himself, boldly points to God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history. His message reminds us that following Christ means choosing truth over comfort and belonging to Jesus above all else. Pastor Scott Goodman walks through Acts 7:1–22, showing how the lives of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses all point to Christ and call us to trust God's Word, keep moving in faith, and become more like Jesus. If you're looking for a church home in Arroyo Grande, we'd love to welcome you to Harvest Church. Join us as we grow in God's Word, worship Jesus, and build authentic community together. Harvest Church is committed to Bible teaching, verse-by-verse study, and expository preaching that helps people grow in following Jesus. Join us Sundays at 9am & 11am. Learn more at www.agharvest.org.

Hosts: Ed Jones (Owner – Nutrition World) & Clint Powell A variety of topics all related to living a healthy life Presented by: Nutrition World www.nutritionw.com  Broadcasting from the Nooga Dentistry Studio www.noogadentistry.com Production of: Whitfield Media Group www.vitalhealthradio.com Title: Oral Peptides for Appetite & Weight Loss, What Your Phase Angle Means for Your Cellular Health [0:00:00] Intro, Events Tease of the episode's themes: Segment 2: peptides and weight loss. Segment 3: phase angle and cellular health. Lung Coach event at Nutrition World – August 22 Mobile screening for early lung cancer detection. Emphasis that stage 1–2 lung cancer is often curable, stage 4 is not. Calcium score used to estimate plaque burden in arteries. Ed notes ~12 reasons for plaque formation, while most physicians focus on ~3. Mentions Dr. Kurt Dearing's book “Beyond Cholesterol”, covering broader causes of plaque. Financial health talk – August 22 (~11 AM) Michael E, financial planner, giving a free lecture on financial stability. Ed's point: two major life disruptors are declining health and declining finances, and they influence each other. Health Fair – October 24 Described as possibly the biggest health fair in the region. Features reps, free samples, circus‑like but “happy” atmosphere. [0:04:10] Restaurant Talk Light banter about Ed being a restaurant connoisseur and creature of habit. Restaurant recommendations via Ed's employee Fallon: Second Amendment / Second American (downtown). Hello Monty (special but reasonably priced menu). Ed's oxalate/joint pain story: Eating Purely Elizabeth cereal (high in oxalates: chia and other ingredients) triggered severe return of joint pain Discussion that some “healthy” foods can be nutritious but not healthy for everyone, especially for those sensitive to oxalates. Ed references his free oxalate ebook at theholisticnavigator.com and believes oxalates contributed to: His double hip replacement. Feeling old from age 50–65. Mentions OxyGuard supplement (recently restocked) and using 4 capsules/day to help clear excess oxalates (not as a license to keep eating high‑oxalate foods). Quick shout‑out to local farmers from Virginia End Farm selling at Nutrition World on Wednesdays (12–4), and that they've listened to every show. [0:8:55] Tease: Phase Angle & Seca Machine Ed previews Dr. Kurt Dearing's later segment on phase angle: A single number reflecting resilience and proximity to optimal health.. Mention of Be Well Labs / BeginwithLabs.com – Body Blueprint: Advanced lab panel: 50+ predictive health indicators. Pitch: more than a standard physical, actionable results. Price example: $275 vs typical $500, highlighting savings. [0:13:35] Segment Intro: Peptides & Weight Loss Framing: Peptides as one of the hottest trends in 47 years of Ed's experience. Shift from grey‑market injectables to safe, effective oral peptide powders. Ed has seen impressive feedback on an oral peptide powder for weight loss in early customers. [0:13:47] What Are Peptides? Protein basics: Proteins are long chains of amino acids essential for structure, function, and regulation. Peptide defined: A shorter chain of amino acids broken off from a larger protein. Lego analogy: Individual Legos = amino acids. Tall tower of Legos = full protein. Kid knocks tower over; a small intact stack (~8 Legos) that falls off = peptide. Each peptide has a “fingerprint” determined by: Length (how many amino acids/Legos). Sequence (order: e.g., red–red–blue–blue vs red–blue–red–blue). Processing (how it was broken off or created). Clarified: peptides are not primarily for fixing protein deficiency, but more for targeted signaling effects in the body. [0:20:52] Yeast‑Derived Oral Peptide for Metabolism & Drug Comparisons Endogenous peptides: made naturally inside the body. Exogenous peptides: introduced from outside (drug injections, supplements). Ozempic / GLP‑1 drugs: Yes, Ozempic is a peptide. These drugs are lab‑made peptides made to mimic natural body peptides. Peptides are not synthetic drugs in concept; they are peptide structures the body uses, though drugs are engineered. Focus on Ancient Nutrition “Active Peptide for Metabolism”: Contains a yeast peptide derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast), broken from a larger yeast protein. Mechanism & effects: Influences hunger and satiety signaling: Increases leptin (satiety hormone). Decreases ghrelin (hunger hormone). Reported benefits: Reduced hunger and cravings (including boredom eating). Weight loss primarily from fat mass, not muscle mass. Comparison with GLP‑1 injections (semaglutide, etc.): Injections often cause muscle loss (e.g., “Ozempic face,” loss of facial muscle/fat). Yeast peptide research shows fat‑centric weight loss. Clinical results quoted: After 2 months, average daily caloric intake decreased by ~600 calories. Leads to meaningful weight loss, depending on baseline intake and muscle mass. [0:24:25] Dosing, Timing, Stacking & Safety Considerations How to take it: Once daily, typically in the morning to curb cravings throughout the day. Users report: easier recognition of fullness during meals. Stacking with cortisol peptide product: Ancient Nutrition also has a cortisol‑active peptide capsule for stress support. Same amount of yeast peptide per serving; research supports doubling the yeast peptide dose, so: You can use the metabolism powder + cortisol peptide together. Stress, cortisol, and weight: Chronic stress and high cortisol promote fat gain. Stacking stress support + appetite control may help body composition. Onset of effect: Reagan reports she personally noticed benefits around 2 weeks (quicker than many supplements that take 60–90 days). Cost & practicality: Approx cost around $50 for 30 days. Positioned as a cost‑effective alternative or complement to expensive injections. Side effects vs injectables: Reagan's hospital experience with GLP‑1 side effects (e.g., gastroparesis, impaired gastric motility, some requiring tube feeds or IV nutrition). Oral yeast peptide described as gentler, working with natural processes, not “forcing” the system. [0:30:09] Yeast Source, Candida Concerns & Usage Notes Yeast strain: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (not S. boulardii, and not pathogenic/candida). Clarifications: Will not cause yeast infections. Will not feed candida overgrowth. Taste & preparation: Chocolate flavor described as surprisingly good, even for those picky about chocolate. Temperature-sensitive: Must be mixed with cool liquid (NOT hot coffee/tea or hot beverages). Leaving it in high heat (e.g., hot car) can degrade activity. [0:36:03] Segment Intro: Phase Angle & Seca Scan with Dr. Kurt Dearing Discussion of: Seca medical‑grade bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) machine (~$12,000). It's commonly in hospitals/clinics, but rarely publicly accessible; Nutrition World and Be Well Labs both have one. Dr. Dearing's consult package: Includes consult + Seca scan + follow‑up visit + follow‑up Seca scan (~$195, promo if listeners mention the show). [0:37:35] What Is Phase Angle? (Deep Dive into Measurement & Meaning) What the Seca scan measures: Total body fat and visceral fat. Muscle mass (overall and by body segment). Phase angle (key focus). Phase angle basics: BIA sends low‑level alternating electrical currents through the body. The phase shift (time/angle difference) between current and voltage is measured. That phase shift = phase angle. Higher phase angle → healthier cell membranes, better cellular integrity, more muscle mass, better hydration. Lower phase angle → often malnutrition, chronic disease, frailty; can be used in dialysis, cancer patients, etc., to predict outcomes. Used as a longevity biomarker: Akin to an “EKG of your cells”. Can function as an early indicator for overall health trajectory, barring accidents Dr. Dearing's personal story: First scan categorized him as “bronze” on Seca's scale: Levels: None → Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum. Motivated him to increase strength training and eating healthy. Subsequent scan: improved from bronze → gold. Ed's anecdote: Friend and gym member Fred now tests as platinum, after sustained gym and nutrition efforts. Phase angle as a guide: If results are poor, that's a signal to upgrade the plan (diet, exercise, supplements). If phase angle improves (e.g., 4 → 5), it proves the plan is working, beyond just “feeling” better. [0:43:47] How to Improve Phase Angle (Practical Protocols) Key drivers and interventions: 1. Strength Training & Exercise Primary recommendation: resistance/strength training to build muscle mass. 2. Adequate Protein Ed's guideline: ~1 gram of protein per pound of body weight (men; women can often target ~¾ g per pound). Protein shakes often needed to hit targets. 3. Hydration & Electrolytes Proper cellular hydration improves phase angle. Maintain consistent fluid intake and electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, magnesium). Avoid excessive diuretics/water pills. Dehydration causes phase angle to drop sharply. 4. Inflammation Control Systemic inflammation lowers phase angle and contributes to chronic disease. Tools: Anti‑inflammatory diet (Mediterranean‑style, high in omega‑3s). Omega‑3 fatty acids. Curcumin. Vitamin D optimization. Also includes sleep quality and stress management. 5. Foundational “Core Four” Supplements (Nutrition World concept) Covering: magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, B vitamins, etc., as baseline. 6. Targeted Add‑ons Creatine (supports muscle and cell energy). HMB (beta‑hydroxy beta‑methylbutyrate) – often paired with creatine. CoQ10 (mitochondrial and cellular energy). Phosphatidylcholine / BodyBio PC – to improve cell membrane integrity. [0:52:45] Closing Reflections Ed reads and comments on an article by Dr. Sircus about: Many doctors being “misaligned”: intellectually capable but no longer listening. Critique of: Over‑reliance on credentials. Under‑reliance on open‑mindedness and corrections. Emphasis that many clinicians are excellent listeners and deeply caring, but that institutional habits can discourage listening.  The post Radio Show / Podcast – July 26, 2026 first appeared on Vital Health Radio.

In this episode, we perceive the soaring agony in a maiden, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 294, penned by Kazhaarkeeran Eyitriyaar. The verse is situated amidst the rain-soaked flowers of the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest Landscape’ and sketches the changes in the weather and its consequences.  மங்குல் மா மழை விண் அதிர்பு முழங்கி,துள்ளுப் பெயல் கழிந்த பின்றை, புகைஉறப்புள்ளி நுண் துவலை பூவகம் நிறைய,காதலர்ப் பிரிந்த கையறு மகளிர்நீர் வார் கண்ணின் கருவிளை மலர,துய்த் தலைப் பூவின் புதல் இவர் ஈங்கைநெய்த் தோய்த்தன்ன நீர் நனை அம் தளிர்இரு வகிர் ஈருளின் ஈரிய துயல்வர,அவரைப் பைம் பூப் பயில, அகல் வயல்கதிர் வார் காய் நெல் கட்கு இனிது இறைஞ்ச,சிதர் சினை தூங்கும் அற்சிர அரை நாள்,”காய் சின வேந்தன் பாசறை நீடி,நம் நோய் அறியா அறனிலாளர்இந் நிலை களைய வருகுவர்கொல்?” எனஆனாது எறிதரும் வாடையொடுநோனேன், தோழி! என் தனிமையானே. In this trip to this rainy domain, instead of the usual hoofbeats, we hear a song of sorrow, as we listen to the lady say these words to her confidante, in response to the confidante’s attempts to cheer up the lady, as the man continues to remain parted away: “Thick clouds thunder aloud, quaking the sky, and then pour down as pouncing rain drops. After this has ceased, the fog's fine and spotted drops fill the surface of flowers. Akin to tear-filled eyes of helpless maiden, who are separated from their beloved, the dew-covered blue-bellvine blooms. With fuzzy-topped flowers, the touch-me-not vines spread across bushes, and its beautiful sprouts, soaked in water, appearing as if dipped in oil, split into two, akin to a bi-forked branch. Fresh flowers of the bean plant spread around, and the long-speared ripe paddy in the wide fields dance pleasantly, as bees buzz around bent branches in this midnight hour of the cold season. At this time, asking, ‘Will that unjust man, who understands not my affliction and extends his stay in the battle encampment of the furious king, return to weed away this state of mine?', I suffer in loneliness, even as this northern wind blows incessantly, tormenting me, my friend!” Let’s soak in the mist of this landscape and learn more! The lady starts by talking about the rainy season and its events of making the sky tremble with thunder and then pour down as rain. But instead of stopping with that, she mentions how that season is done and dusted and now, there’s only the fog that spreads and coats the surface of flowers. She zooms on to a particular bluebell vine flower, which is soaked in this dew, and compares that to the eyes of women, who are separated from their beloved, her clan in short! Her gaze turns to the touch-me-not vines and their leaves, again soaked in mist. She offers two similes here, one, to talk about their moisture, she compares them to objects dipped in oil, and two, she employs the word ‘eerul’ to mention how these leaves split into two. Most of the interpreters have understood this word to mean the ‘liver’. In my opinion, this word does not yield to the logic of the comparison and I have chosen to see this word as representing a branch or object that is bi-forked.  Moving on from the touch-me-nots, the lady sketches the flowers of the bean plants, the swaying wild paddy in the fields and the bees dancing around the branches in that season. Leaving the outer world, she concludes by talking about the way she repeatedly asks if her man, who seems to have no justice, and continues to remain at the battle encampment of the king, would return soon to end her suffering, and continues her fight with the northern winds which seem to pummel her ceaselessly! In essence, the man’s promised season of return, the rainy season, is long gone and even the next season had arrived and yet the man returned not, complains the lady to the confidante. The usual words of lament transport us to a time when time was not marked by calendars and schedules but by blooming flowers and pouring showers! 

In this episode, we perceive the angst of a woman at the turn of events, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 293, penned by Kaavanmullai Poothanaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse etches the desolate spaces of this domain in detail. இலை ஒழித்து உலறிய புன் தலை உலவைவலை வலந்தனைய ஆக, பல உடன்சிலம்பி சூழ்ந்த புலம் கெடு வைப்பின்,துகில் ஆய் செய்கைப் பா விரிந்தன்னவெயில் அவிர்பு நுடங்கும் வெவ் வெங் களரி,குயிற் கண் அன்ன குரூஉக் காய் முற்றி,மணிக் காசு அன்ன மால் நிற இருங் கனி,உகாஅய் மென் சினை உதிர்வன கழியும்வேனில் வெஞ் சுரம் தமியர் தாமேசெல்ப என்ப தோழி! யாமே,பண்பு இல் கோவலர் தாய் பிரித்து யாத்தநெஞ்சு அமர் குழவி போல, நொந்து நொந்து,இன்னா மொழிதும் என்ப;என் மயங்கினர்கொல், நம் காதலோரே? In this trip to the drylands, we get to see the usual sights of abandonment, as we listen to the lady say these words to her confidante, when she learns of her man’s intention to part away so as to seek wealth: “Upon a parched, dull-headed tree, which has dried up, losing all its leaves, akin to a spun net, spiders have woven their cobwebs in those wastelands. Akin to the spread of threads on a loom when stitching a garment, the sun's rays shimmer in that sweltering drylands space.  Small, young fruits of the toothbrush tree in the shape of a cuckoo's eyes mature and turn into dark purple fruits, appearing akin to precious gems, and these fall from the soft branches of the tree, in the heat of summer in those arid spaces. They say he's going to part away alone thither, my friend! About me, they say that in the manner of a young calf, which desires to be with its mother, but is separated by herders, lacking culture, I will suffer and suffer, and speak many disparaging things. Why did that lover of mine fall prey to such an illusion?” Time to take a walk through these formidable spaces again! The lady starts by talking about the drylands, and to do that she focuses on the cobwebs spun around a dried-up tree, as if a net has been cast upon it. Then she turns her attention to the scorching sun’s rays and places that in parallel to the threads in a loom at a weaver’s place. The similes continue and she equates the fruits of the toothbrush tree, first to a cuckoo’s eyes when unripe and then to precious gems when ripe. She mentions how these lie scattered in the heat of the summer. All these facets have been recorded to say that’s where the man is heading, all alone, according to the townsfolk. Then she mentions how these same townsfolk are saying that now the lady will cry and wallow like a calf separated from its mother by those cruel cattle herders. The lady concludes by wondering why the man had become so confused and chose this path that leads nowhere! Other than the usual lament about a man parting away, the essence of this verse lies in its picture perfect similes to capture both the spread of the land and the suffering of the mind!

Ten years after announcing his international retirement in that very building, Lionel Messi returns to MetLife Stadium with a chance to close the loop. Jason Longshore and Madison Crews revisit that full circle story before Oglethorpe head coach Jon Akin joins to break down the tactical battle to watch tomorrow, from Rodri's control of tempo to Argentina's aggressive man marking. Plus, the 3-4-3: three players to watch, four headlines including Kylian Mbappé's new World Cup scoring record, and three things that made Jason smile heading into the final.

In this episode, we listen to strong words of persuasion, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 288, penned by Vitrootru Mootheyinanaar. The verse is situated amidst the flowing cascades of the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountain Landscape’ and sketches how a person has a wrong notion about something significant. சென்மதி; சிறக்க, நின் உள்ளம்! நின் மலைஆரம் நீவிய அம் பகட்டு மார்பினை,சாரல் வேங்கைப் படு சினைப் புதுப் பூமுருகு முரண் கொள்ளும் உருவக் கண்ணியை,எரி தின் கொல்லை இறைஞ்சிய ஏனல்,எவ்வம் கூரிய, வைகலும் வருவோய்!கனி முதிர் அடுக்கத்து எம் தனிமை காண்டலின்,எண்மை செய்தனை ஆகுவை நண்ணிக்கொடியோர் குறுகும் நெடி இருங் குன்றத்து,இட்டு ஆறு இரங்கும் விட்டு ஒளிர் அருவிஅரு வரை இழிதரும் வெரு வரு படாஅர்க்கயந் தலை மந்தி உயங்கு பசி களைஇயர்,பார்ப்பின் தந்தை பழச் சுளை தொடினும்,நனி நோய் ஏய்க்கும் பனி கூர் அடுக்கத்துமகளிர் மாங்காட்டு அற்றே துகள் அறக்கொந்தொடு உதிர்த்த கதுப்பின்,அம் தீம் கிளவித் தந்தை காப்பே. In this trip to the highlands, we observe vivid scenes, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the man, when he arrives for a tryst with the lady: “Please leave! May your intentions triumph! With a radiant chest, streaked with the sandalwood from your mountains, wearing a dazzling garland that would make God Murugu envious, woven with new flowers, blooming on the branch of a Kino tree in the slopes, you come day after day to the millet field that arose in the fire of the forest, speaking of your sorrow! As you are able to meet her alone in the flower-filled mountain ranges, you seem not to understand her preciousness and think she is easy to attain.  In those narrow paths, where cruel men frequent, amidst the dark ranges, roaring, descends shining cascades, and falls down at that formidable spot, where to end the hunger of its soft-haired female monkey, the father of the monkey infants, digs up sweet slices of the jackfruit. In those fear-evoking, cold mountain ranges, guarded by divine spirits, is the town of ‘Maangaadu'. Akin to that town, is the well-protected mansion, belonging to the father of your lady, who speaks with beautiful, sweet words and has flowing tresses, adorned with flawless flowers!” Time for a trek on the mountain of emotions! The confidante starts by bidding farewell to the man with a blessing. She describes his journey day after day, when he arrives, sandalwood streaked on his chest, and a dangling, dazzling Kino flower garland on him, to speak of his suffering and seek the lady’s company. Adding that just because it’s been so easy to meet with the lady, the man seems to not realise what a rare and precious occurrence that is. Then the confidante goes on to describe a town called Maangaadu, which is apparently in some dense mountain ranges, with leaping monkeys in search of jackfruits, one that is under the protection of divine spirits. Then she concludes by equating the lady’s father’s mansion to this town, explaining that’s how well-guarded the lady’s home is! Words to tell the man that the lady, whose company he had been relishing with ease, was now placed under guard and the only way to be back with her was to seek the lady’s hand in marriage. A long and intricate description of that mountain town to equate it to a person’s house talks about the creative similes that these Sangam poets seem to conjure seamlessly! 

The tumor microenvironment (TME), composed of immune cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, has emerged as critical to pathogenesis, prognosis and treatment for cancer (schematic Figure below). There's no such thing as TMI (too much information) for TME! Yet there's still no way of assessing it in the clinic by a blood test, and even by invasive biopsy the sampling bias for TME without broader geographic context can lead to important mistakes. That isn't used for clinical decision making. The TME field is about to change.Recently, Professor Aaron Newman at Stanford and colleagues from many US leading centers published a landmark paper in Nature. It may ultimately be considered one of the most important leaps in cancer diagnostics in decades. Ground Truths is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.This was a massive undertaking involving 10 million single-cell RNAseq in 10 types of cancer to define 9 TME types by spatial omics which they called “spatial ecotypes”. It was AI-enabled by machine learning (Spatial Ecotyper from biopsy samples) and extrapolating that to knowledge to deep learning AI (Liquid Ecotyper from blood samples). The whole project took several years.Here's an infographic summary I made with the help of NotebookLM along with the Figures that follow.Some of the key points from our conversation:—TME is the soil in which the cancer cells live. It strongly influences whether the cancer cells will thrive or not, spread, respond to therapy, and determine the fate pf pre-cancerous lesion (as seen in recent important paper in pancreatic cancer evolution and colon cancer development).—Ecotypes, a term coined in 1922, to get at the local environment of tissue and cancer, was repurposed in this new project. Good metaphor: neighborhoods. And emphasis on location , location, location like real estate.—In the clinic today, the only window to TME is via a biopsy. But decisions for treatment are not based on TME, they are based on biomarkers like tumor mutation burden (TMB), PD-L1 levels , or volume of tumor DNA by liquid biopsy.—TME is dynamic and changes over time so a single snapshot won't cut it. —Spatial 3D maps of TME from 10 million cells, 10 cancer types led to 9 spatial ecotypes (with the Spatial Ecotyper machine learning). Validation across 3D grids (such as Visium) and multiple cohorts. The cell location base within TME is striking. —These 9 neighborhoods are conserved and very different. SE4-immune system is asleep, hypoxic; SE 7/8 are “war zones” rich with immune cells, hot tumor; SE 5 exhibits intense immunosuppression, hostile vs immune system, portends poor survival, SE9 deep in core, driving angiogenesis (new blood vessels)—Now rich information from these 9 SEs needs to be extrapolated to a holistic blood test of TME. It turns out an extension of tapping into methylation as used by some liquid biopsy cell-free DNA tests works very well, providing cell identity from the DNA fragments leaked into the blood. To get to TME spatial biology in a tube of blood. Akin to wastewater surveillance form municipals for detection of infectious disease pathogen sequence variants and circulating levels. A triumph of AI analytics made this possible!—The Liquid Ecotyper was validated in 78 patients with malignant melanoma pre-treatment from Yale University. SE 7/8 benefited from immune checkpoint therapy; SE4 resisted treatment, shorter survival. Matched with tissue biopsy work. —Work beyond publication ongoing in many types of lung cancer, bladder cancer, mesothelioma, and response to other therapies like CAR T and bispecific antibodies. This is critical since we have slew of different cancer immunotherapies (see my pyramid Ground Truths review) and we're not sure who, when, how to use them to drive optimal cancer outcomes in patients. May also help predict other types of therapy (not just immunotherapy) for cancer.—The blood test can performed serially which is a major advance compared with how we are currently “flying blind” and misled by imaging. —Started a company Liquid Cell Dx to make the TME blood test commercially available. May be available sooner in the academic centers in the current study.—The use of SEs may extend beyond cancer!A big thanks to Ground Truths subscribers from every US state and 212 countries. Your subscription to these free essays and podcasts makes my work in putting them together worthwhile. If you're not a subscriber, please join!If you found this interesting PLEASE share it!Paid subscriptions are voluntary and all proceeds from them go to support Scripps Research. They do allow for posting comments and questions, which I do my best to respond to. Please don't hesitate to post comments and give me feedback. Let me know topics that you would like to see covered.Many thanks to those who have contributed—they have greatly helped fund our summer internship programs for the past two years. It enabled us to accept and support a record number of 51 summer interns coming in 2026! These are high school, college and medical students selected from thousands of applicants. We couldn't do this expanded program without the funds coming in through Ground Truths.Thank you Dr Poonam Desai, Harshi Peiris, Ph.D., YOUR DOCTOR KLOVER, KL, Jessica Coffman, and >400 others for tuning into my live video with Aaron Newman! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Ground Truths at erictopol.substack.com/subscribe

Michael Whiting, Nathan Schmook and Bharat Sundaresan bring you the latest footy news on AFL Daily. The Brisbane Lions face off against the Cats tonight at GMHBA Stadium in a must-win contest with a top four spot on the line. Adelaide and Port Adelaide are coming down from the Showdown in 2 very different ways, and can the Giants cause the upset of the season ending the Dockers 14-game winning streak? Subscribe to AFL Daily wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we perceive the angst-ridden words of a maiden, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 277, penned by Karuvoor Nanmarban. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands Landscape’, the verse sketches dynamic similes involving birds and animals to etch the situation at hand. தண் கதிர் மண்டிலம் அவிர் அறச் சாஅய்ப்பகல் அழி தோற்றம் போல, பையெனநுதல் ஒளி கரப்பவும், ஆள்வினை தருமார்,தவல் இல் உள்ளமொடு எஃகு துணை ஆக,கடையல்அம் குரல வாள் வரி உழுவைபேழ் வாய்ப் பிணவின் விழுப் பசி நோனாது,இரும் பனஞ் செறும்பின் அன்ன பரூஉ மயிர்,சிறு கண் பன்றி வரு திறம் பார்க்கும்அத்தம் ஆர் அழுவத்து ஆங்கண் நனந்தலை,பொத்துடை மரத்த புகர் படு நீழல்,ஆறு செல் வம்பலர் அசையுநர் இருக்கும்,ஈரம் இல் வெஞ் சுரம் இறந்தோர் நம்வயின்வாரா அளவை ஆயிழை! கூர் வாய்அழல் அகைந்தன்ன காமர் துதை மயிர்மனை உறை கோழி மறனுடைச் சேவல்போர் புரி எருத்தம் போலக் கஞலியபொங்கு அழல் முருக்கின் ஒண் குரல் மாந்தி,சிதர் சிதர்ந்து உகுத்த செவ்வி வேனில்வந்தன்று அம்ம, தானேவாரார் தோழி! நம் காதலோரே. In this trip to the familiar landscape, we get to see striking sights, as we listen to the lady say these words to her confidante, when the man continues to remain parted away: “Akin to how the moon with cool rays, appears during the day, with its glow ruined, making the light of my forehead wane slowly day by day, so as to gain wealth, with a relentless heart, and a spear for company, he has parted away to the drylands, where a tiger with sword-like stripes and having a voice akin to the churning of curd, unable to bear the deep hunger of its huge-mouthed mate, lies in wait for a small-eyed boar, with hair on its neck like the splinters on a palm tree, in those arid and wide open scrub jungles, where in the spotted shade of trees with hollows, wayfarers treading those paths, find a spot to rest. He, who has left to such a scorching drylands, bereft of moisture, still does not return to me, O maiden wearing well-etched jewels! Having feathers, akin to a swaying, sharp-tipped flame, is the hen that lives in a home. Akin to the bristling hair on the cape of its mate, a courageous rooster, in the middle of a fight, blooms the radiant, fire-like coral tree's flowers, upon whose bright buds, bees swarm around and scatter nectar, announcing the arrival of this season of spring, and still that lover of mine returns not, my dear friend!” Let’s brave the sweltering heat and walk on through this domain! The lady observes how the shine of her forehead is fading just like how the moon loses its glow during the day. The reason for that is the absence of her beloved, who has left in search of wealth with much determination in his heart and a spear in his hand, she says, and goes on to describe where he’s at. To do that, she paints an image of a roving tiger, which wanting to end the hunger of its mate, roams the paths, waiting to snatch a boar, whose rough hair is likened to the splinters of a palmyra tree. The lady further describes how these spaces have hardly any trees, and people walking those paths sit down with relief even in the broken shade of small tree. She goes on to then talk about how the season of spring had arrived at their doorstep, knocking with the sight of bees buzzing around coral tree flowers, whose shape is so exquisitely placed in parallel to the bristling fur around the neck of a rooster in the middle of a fight. The lady concludes by crying that though this beautiful season, meant for togetherness had arrived, her man hadn’t!  A case of lamenting for the man, who’s missing even after the promised season of return. In the reference to the male tiger wanting to appease the hunger of its mate, and the bees swarming around the coral-tree flowers with much passion and desire, the lady seems to say, ‘The whole world around is buzzing with expressions of love, whereas my man shows not this to me!’. This curiously reminded me of the concept of ‘social media envy’ and how seeing the idealised posts and reels of others can point to the lack in one’s own life. Two thousand years ago, the natural world was the place of action wheres now the scene has shifted to the world of 1s and 0s. What remains the same is the human nature of comparison of one’s own state to the world around, and perhaps the cure for this timeless crisis is to just feel gratitude for the things that we do have, regardless of what we don’t and what others may have! 

Alex Coffey ends the trading week with insight on the Fed's lasting impacts in corners of Wall Street beyond treasuries. A hawkish tilt from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh hit gold and Bitcoin in ways that Alex says hit traders in those markets harder than expected. It all comes as the AI memory trade gains speed following Micron's (MU) earnings as supply sees a long-term crunch. Alex attributes memory as a new commodity. Elsewhere in tech, he explains why ON Semiconductor (ON) is acquiring Synaptics (SYNA), and reports of OpenAI pushing back its IPO timeline. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode, we listen to words of angst, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 273, penned by Avvaiyaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse employs an exquisite metaphor to etch a person’s state. விசும்பு விசைத்து எழுந்த கூதளங் கோதையின்,பசுங் கால் வெண் குருகு வாப் பறை வளைஇ,ஆர்கலி வளவயின் போதொடு பரப்ப,புலம் புனிறு தீர்ந்த புது வரல் அற்சிரம்,நலம் கவர் பசலை நலியவும், நம் துயர்அறியார்கொல்லோ, தாமே? அறியினும்,நம் மனத்து அன்ன மென்மை இன்மையின்,நம்முடை உலகம் உள்ளார்கொல்லோ?யாங்கு என உணர்கோ யானே? வீங்குபுதலை வரம்பு அறியாத் தகை வரல் வாடையொடுமுலையிடைத் தோன்றிய நோய் வளர் இள முளைஅசைவுடை நெஞ்சத்து உயவுத் திரள் நீடி,ஊரோர் எடுத்த அம்பல் அம் சினை,ஆராக் காதல் அவிர் தளிர் பரப்பி,புலவர் புகழ்ந்த நாண் இல் பெரு மரம்நில வரை எல்லாம் நிழற்றி,அலர் அரும்பு ஊழ்ப்பவும் வாராதோரே. In this trip to the drylands, we don’t get to see any of the familiar sights, and instead, take a detour to the realm of the inner landscape, as we listen to the lady say these words to the confidante, at a time when the man continues to remain parted away, having left in search of wealth: “Akin to a garland of nightshade flowers thrown at the sky, green-legged white birds bend their spreading wings to soar above the uproarious seas, and then settle down among the blooming flowers, in this season of early dew, when the land is done with the task of birthing new crops. At this time, as I waste away, owing to the affliction of pining that steals away health and beauty, does he not know about my sorrow? Even if he knows, not having the gentleness in my heart, perhaps he does not give a thought about my world! What should I think about all this? As this esteemed cold northern wind swells, not understanding its limits, this disease that has bloomed in my bosom sprouts up as a young shoot, and as the sorrow of my heart continues on, thickens its stem, spreads as a beautiful branch, owing to the gossip of the townsfolk, blooms as the tender leaves of unfulfilled love, soars as a shameless huge tree, celebrated by poets, spreading its shade all across the land. Even as the buds of slander upon this tree of suffering bloom, spreading their petals open, he still returns not!” Let’s listen to this lady’s lament and learn more! She starts by describing the seasonal changes around her. She first calls our attention to the white birds flying high and paints them as garlands thrown against the sky. Anyone who has watched the ‘V formation’ of birds in the sky would agree what an apt simile this is! Next, she talks about how the land is all done with birthing of the winter crops, relaying how it was now the early dew season. The lady talks about how the promised season is gone and she suffers endlessly and wonders if the man does not realise this, and even if he does, maybe he does not have her gentle heart to do something about it. She laments asking how is it possible to bear this lack of response from the man. Then reverting back to the season, the lady says, one visitor is sure to arrive without fail at this time, and that’s the cold, northern winds, and talks about how this makes the seed of pining in her heart, shoot up as a tender sprout. Then, as the water of sorrow keeps coursing through her, the stems of this sprout thicken into a trunk. To help it further, winds of gossip swirl around town and make the trunk spread into a branch, and here unfulfilled love sprouts out as the lush green leaves and what was a little shoot, now stands like a shameless tree of suffering, for all to see, spreading its shade far and wide, the lady sketches, and concludes by saying even when the flowers of slander bloom bright on this tree, the man was nowhere to be seen! The prowess of this prolific poet in converting the abstract emotions of the mind into tangible elements of the world can be sensed in that flowing imagery of a seed and sprout turning into that tree of suffering. Perhaps all these songs on separation exist only to teach the world the art of healing by expressing what’s within! 

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, Stewart Alsop sits down with Akin Kadioglu, cofounder of Bondi Finance, to unpack the wild world of tokenized corporate bonds and what it actually takes to bring traditional finance onto the blockchain. They trace the regulatory maze from Bermuda's segregated accounts structure to the global competition between nation states racing to build the best tokenization frameworks, then widen the lens to cover the Genius Act and stablecoin politics, why America's biggest companies have stopped going public, the techno feudalism reshaping Silicon Valley, China's strategy of copying and scaling rather than innovating, and a deep dive into emerging market bonds, default risk, and why countries like Turkey, Mexico, and Indonesia might be more investable than people assume. Find Akin on Twitter at @kadiogluakin, and check out his work at Bondi Finance, bondifinance.io.Timestamps00:00 Tokenization of corporate bonds and Bermuda's regulatory structure05:00 Global tokenization frameworks and the Genius Act's impact on stablecoins10:00 Anthropic's secondary markets, private capital, and why big companies avoid IPOs15:00 Techno feudalism, Silicon Valley's clergy class, and China's distillation strategy20:00 RISC-V, open source robotics, and the AI monopoly risk25:00 American gridlock, constitutional spirit, and crypto as freedom from centralization30:00 Argentina's 2001 default, dollar pegging, and Milei's deficit cuts35:00 Carry trades, US treasury rates, and inflation in emerging economies40:00 Sovereign versus corporate bonds and tokenization's $38 trillion opportunity45:00 Investment grade versus junk bonds and zero default risk explained50:00 Bond credit ratings, Yankee and Samurai bonds, and top emerging market picksKey InsightsTokenization's biggest obstacle isn't technology, it's sovereignty. Akin argues that nation states resist giving tokenized assets the same ownership rights as traditional securities because they're hesitant to cede authority to neutral blockchains, even when the underlying infrastructure already works.The Genius Act protected banks more than it empowered crypto. By separating yield bearing stablecoins from non yield bearing ones, regulators effectively let banks keep customers from earning interest outside traditional savings accounts, a quiet but consequential win for legacy finance.America's biggest companies are opting out of public markets. Stripe, Anthropic, OpenAI, and SpaceX have stayed private far longer than past generations of breakout companies, raising real questions about whether venture capital has replaced the public markets that once defined American finance.Silicon Valley's elite increasingly resemble a modern clergy. Akin frames the founders and labs that gatekeep advanced AI knowledge as inheritors of a medieval power structure, where access to "secret knowledge" converts directly into capital and influence over everyone else.China wins by scaling, not innovating. Rather than leading at the frontier, China consistently lets American labs take the first step, then copies and mass produces at a fraction of the cost, a strategy Akin sees playing out in everything from manufacturing to AI models.Not all bonds carry the same kind of risk. Akin draws a sharp distinction between bonds with zero tail risk, like US treasuries denominated in their own currency, and corporate or foreign currency sovereign bonds, where default is always possible no matter how strong the issuer looks.Emerging market ratings can be misleading. A BB rated company in an emerging market may have a lower default rate than a BBB rated US company, since emerging market firms typically need far more financial maturity just to access public bond markets in the first place.

In this episode, we listen to the rendition of a much-awaited news, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 269, penned by Madurai Maruthan Ilanaakanaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse presents intricate details about the custom of installing hero stones. தொடி தோள் இவர்க! எவ்வமும் தீர்க!நெறி இருங் கதுப்பின் கோதையும் புனைக!ஏறுடை இன நிரை பெயர, பெயராது,செறி சுரை வெள் வேல் மழவர்த் தாங்கியதறுகணாளர் நல் இசை நிறுமார்,பிடி மடிந்தன்ன குறும்பொறை மருங்கின்,நட்ட போலும் நடாஅ நெடுங் கல்அகல் இடம் குயின்ற பல் பெயர் மண்ணி,நறு விரை மஞ்சள் ஈர்ம் புறம் பொலியஅம்பு கொண்டு அறுத்த ஆர் நார் உரிவையின்செம் பூங் கரந்தை புனைந்த கண்ணிவரி வண்டு ஆர்ப்பச் சூட்டி, கழற் கால்இளையர் பதிப் பெயரும் அருஞ் சுரம் இறந்தோர்,தைஇ நின்ற தண் பெயல் கடை நாள்,பொலங்காசு நிரைத்த கோடு ஏந்து அல்குல்நலம் கேழ் மாக் குரல் குழையொடு துயல்வர,பாடு ஊர்பு எழுதரும் பகு வாய் மண்டிலத்துவயிர் இடைப்பட்ட தெள் விளி இயம்ப,வண்டற் பாவை உண்துறைத் தரீஇ,திரு நுதல் மகளிர் குரவை அயரும்பெரு நீர்க் கானல் தழீஇய இருக்கை,வாணன் சிறுகுடி, வணங்கு கதிர் நெல்லின்யாணர்த் தண் பணைப் போது வாய் அவிழ்ந்தஒண் செங் கழுநீர் அன்ன, நின்கண் பனி துடைமார் வந்தனர், விரைந்தே. In this trip to the drylands, we get to see intriguing sights and take a detour to a historic site, as we listen to the confidante say these words to the lady, at a time, when the man continues to remain parted away, having left in search of wealth: “Let the bangles ascend on your arms! Let the suffering cease! Let flower garlands adorn your wavy, dark tresses! After rescuing herds of cattle comprising of prize bulls, without retreating, those fearless men stood and fought against the cattle stealers, who bear thick and curving white spears. To reinstate the good fame of these warriors, near small hills, which appear akin to a seated female elephant, their young helpers wearing resounding anklets, carve on tall and natural stones, which appear as if planted there, inscribing the many names of those fearless fighters in the wide spaces, streaking fragrant paste of turmeric upon the radiant, moist stone surfaces, and adorning them with peeled bark of trees cut by arrows and garlands of woven red globe thistle flowers. Only then do they leave from those formidable drylands, where the man has left to, now. In the month of ‘Thai' when the last cool showers cease, wearing coins of gold around their uplifted waists, along with swaying, many-hued flowers and dark clusters of leaves, as clear notes of music that arises from the huge open mouth of the ‘vayir' horn instrument spreads all around the land, carving dolls of mud on the shore, maiden with fine foreheads perform the ‘Kuravai' dance in those well-watered orchards of the prosperous town of ‘Sirukudi', ruled by Vaanan. Here, amidst the curving crops of paddy blooming in the fertile fields, blooms a shining red lotus that has opened its petals. Akin to this red lotus, are your eyes, and to wipe away the tears dropping down from them, he has come, with much haste!” Let’s walk along with the wandering man through the drylands and explore on! The confidante starts with a jubilant shout, saying the lady’s bangles will not slip away anymore, and her dark days were at an end and that it was time to adorn those tresses with exquisite flowers. Then without saying why, she goes on to talk about the place where the man has left to, and to do that first she brings forth the setting of a cattle theft, and then zooms on to those warriors, who valiantly rode behind and defeated those cattle stealers and recovered the cattle. Though they won in that conflict, they were killed and in honour of their memory, their helpers would choose the perfect stones, which may seem like someone installed them there, but were actually natural, and would carve the names of those warriors, streak turmeric paste, adorn with globe thistle flowers and then only leave that place. The confidante has been describing all this to say the man had left the lady to go to such a drylands region. Then, she goes into another lengthy description of a town called ‘Sirukudi’, ruled by Vaanan, where maiden would come together and carve mud dolls in the month of ‘Thai’, which corresponds to mid-January, a time when the rains are said to cease, and those women would perform the ‘Kuravai’ dance as part of the festivities. Why has the confidante mentioned all this? Only to take us to the lush paddy fields in this prosperous town and point to a red lotus blooming there. She then compares the lady’s eyes to that particular flower and concludes by saying the man was coming there with much speed, to wipe away the dew from the lady’s lotus-like eyes!  To put it in a nutshell, the confidante’s message is ‘The man is on the way home and all your pain is about to be gone’! Wrapping this gift to the lady with those scenes of hero stone worship and celebrations in Sirukudi, the confidante also offers us the gift of travelling to a long-gone time, meeting the people who lived then and witnessing their ways of life!

In this episode, we perceive the angst of a lady, as portrayed in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 264, penned by Umbarkkaattu Ilankannanaar. The verse is situated amidst the blooming white flowers of the ‘Mullai’ or ‘Forest landscape’ and sketches the suffering in being apart from a beloved. மழை இல் வானம் மீன் அணிந்தன்ன,குழை அமல் முசுண்டை வாலிய மலர,வரி வெண் கோடல் வாங்கு குலை வான் பூப்பெரிய சூடிய கவர் கோல் கோவலர்,எல்லுப் பெயல் உழந்த பல் ஆன் நிரையொடு,நீர் திகழ் கண்ணியர், ஊர்வயின் பெயர்தர,நனி சேண்பட்ட மாரி தளி சிறந்து,ஏர்தரு கடு நீர் தெருவுதொறு ஒழுக,பேர் இசை முழக்கமொடு சிறந்து நனி மயங்கி,கூதிர் நின்றன்றால், பொழுதே! காதலர்நம் நிலை அறியார் ஆயினும், தம் நிலைஅறிந்தனர்கொல்லோ தாமே ஓங்கு நடைக்காய் சின யானை கங்குல் சூழ,அஞ்சுவர இறுத்த தானைவெஞ் சின வேந்தன் பாசறையோரே? In this trip to the forest, we encounter a rainy and cold climate, as we listen to the lady say these words to the confidante, in response to the confidante’s request to the lady to bear with the man’s parting: “Akin to stars that fill a cloud-less sky, thick-leaved, white flowers of the midnapore creeper have blossomed. Wearing huge, bent flower clusters of the striped, white glory lilies, cowherds with forked sticks, along with their herd of many cows that had suffered in the day's rain, with water dripping from their garlands, move towards the town. Rain clouds that have traversed a great distance pour down their shower, and so, exquisite floods of gushing water flows through the streets. With a huge, musical roar, a little confused, the day appears in this time of the cold season. At this time, if my lover does not understand my state, at least does he understand his own, as he resides there, in the battle camp of the furious king, surrounded by raging elephants and a fear-evoking army in the middle of the night?” Time to soak in the rain of melancholy! The lady starts with a striking comparison between the midnapore flowers and the stars on a crystal-clear sky, bereft of clouds. You need to look at a picture of these flowers to relish the aptness of this simile. Returning, the lady points to the denizens of this space, cowherds who can be seen wearing white glory lilies on their heads, and wielding sturdy rods, so as to direct their huge herd of cattle back home, after a day of grazing in the rain. Far away, the rains are pouring with relish and the streets are overflowing with water, as the skies beat their drums, and in short, it’s the cold season, which arrives after the rainy season, the promised season of return, the lady details. She turns her attention to the man, who is presently at the battle-camp of the king, intent on war, surrounded by soldiers and elephants in the midnight hour, and concludes by wondering whether the man, who does not seem to care for her state, would at least care about his own! The lady possibly means to ask if the man is aware of the consequences of her suffering and even losing her life in this long separation. Yet again, we perceive a simple time in life, when parting seems to be the greatest challenge in a relationship! In a way, sad to see this portrayal of a woman having nothing to do but to be focused on where her man was and what he is doing. Glad the modern times have endowed more agency for women to make something of their lives, no matter where their partners may be! 

In this episode, we perceive the ecstasy of a person in love, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 262, penned by Paranar. The verse is situated amidst the splashing cascades of the ‘Kurinji’ or ‘Mountain landscape’ and presents a historic incident in vivid detail. முதை படு பசுங் காட்டு அரில் பவர் மயக்கி,பகடு பல பூண்ட உழவுறு செஞ் செய்,இடு முறை நிரம்பி, ஆகு வினைக் கலித்து,பாசிலை அமன்ற பயறு ஆ புக்கென,வாய் மொழித் தந்தையைக் கண் களைந்து, அருளாது,ஊர் முது கோசர் நவைத்த சிறுமையின்,கலத்தும் உண்ணாள், வாலிதும் உடாஅள்,சினத்தின் கொண்ட படிவம் மாறாள்,மறம் கெழு தானைக் கொற்றக் குறும்பியன்,செரு இயல் நல் மான் திதியற்கு உரைத்து, அவர்இன் உயிர் செகுப்பக் கண்டு சினம் மாறியஅன்னிமிஞிலி போல, மெய்ம் மலிந்து,ஆனா உவகையேம் ஆயினெம் பூ மலிந்துஅருவி ஆர்க்கும் அயம் திகழ் சிலம்பின்நுண் பல துவலை புதல்மிசை நனைக்கும்வண்டு படு நறவின் வண் மகிழ்ப் பேகன்கொண்டல் மா மலை நாறி,அம் தீம் கிளவி வந்தமாறே. In this trip to the hills, we get to see plenty of dynamic sights and also take a historic detour, as we listen to the man say these words to his heart, after his successful tryst with the lady: “From the deep and dense jungle, chopping away the intertwined vines, with many yoked bulls, they turned it into cultivable land, scattering the right amount of manure and made it bloom because of their efforts. Into this field, where crops had sprouted with fresh green leaves, a cow had entered and grazed. As a punishment, the owner of that cow, her truthful father was blinded without grace by those ancient leaders known as ‘Kosars'. Distraught seeing their pettiness, without eating any food, and not adorning herself with clean, white clothes, with rage, she took on a vow and did ceaseless penance. News of her state reached the victorious chief of the hill hamlets, the battle-worthy Thithiyan, who wields fine horses. Only when this chief ended the lives of those Kosars, her fury abated. Akin to that proud daughter Anni Mignili,  I too, felt my body brim over with unceasing joy, at that moment when my maiden with sweet words, fragrant akin to the cloud-covered dark hills, brimming over with flowers, resounding with cascades, whose many fine sprinkling droplets moisten bushes all around, a land ruled by the generous Bekan, renowned for his bee-buzzing toddy, came near me!” Let’s tread on those rugged paths and learn more! The man starts by describing the agricultural process of taming a jungle undergrowth and making it a cultivable land, employing oxen, manure and all the hard work it entails. He says this is due to the effort of some leaders from an ancient clan, the Kosars. Now, the Kosars seemed to have had a strong sense of possession over those fields, the man continues, for one day, just because a cow entered those fields with lush green leaves and grazed on it, these Kosars went and punished the owner, by blinding his eyes. Another verse, Aganaanooru 256, where we recently learnt about this ancient punishment of blinding using slaked lime comes to mind. Returning, the man turns to talk about what happened to the daughter of this man, who was punished for letting his cows loose. That maiden seems to be become enraged at the pettiness of the Kosars’ sense of justice and she gave up eating and wearing proper clothes and took on a frenzied penance. Hearing of her plight, a chieftain of the hills by the name of Thithiyan seems to have waged war against the Kosars and killed them. When she learned of it, that girl, Anni Mignili started shivering with emotion, and felt ecstatic joy, the man describes. Note that feeling, that exact feeling, the man says, and concludes by saying that’s what he felt when his beloved lady, who had the fragrance of the generous patron Bekan’s picturesque cloud-covered hills, came to him! In essence, we are hearing the words of a man in love, reliving the joy of meeting his beloved and seeing his love reciprocated! One is a woman, who is fulfilled by revenge, and the other is a man, who is fulfilled by love. The highlight is in how this ancient poet find the threads that link such different individuals, beyond age, gender, situation and time, united just by an expression of emotion at a particular moment!

What does it actually take to build a fintech company in Nigeria for five years with almost no visibility, no big splash, and no shortcut — and still come out standing?Babatunde Akin-Moses had a plan. Work for ten years, save money, then start a business. He did not want to be Bill Gates, he knew he was not from that kind of family. He looked at the Nigerian entrepreneurs he admired and every single one of them had worked first. So that was the plan: Shell for NYSC because the pay was good, then KPMG and PWC to learn the kind of rigor that makes you review a document and send it back because the margin was 1.5 when it should have been 1.6. That kind of rigor.But plans move. By the time he had the idea — a credit business for the growing businesses stuck in the middle, too big for microfinance and too small for the banks to care — he had been through enough to know that the business was not just an opportunity. It was a problem he had lived. He tried to start a digital laundry company in 2013 and could not get a business loan. As an employee, the salary loan was easy. As a business owner, the bank was not interested. That gap never left him.Sycamore started as a peer-to-peer lending platform, built because they had no capital and needed to be the middle, not the lender. For two years before their first VC round, they ran on angels, friends, and family. They were closing transactions on Google Forms. And Babatunde, sitting across from a potential investor, was asked if they were raising a SAFE and had to quietly ask what a SAFE was.In this episode he goes deep on all of it, the five years of building without noise while watching louder fintech companies make headlines and then quietly disappear, the regulatory crisis where someone impersonated Sycamore and got them removed from an approved lenders list, the co-founder he nearly lost and the personal sacrifice he almost made to save the business that he has never spoken about publicly until now.He talks about the milestone nobody knows about: building their own internal financial infrastructure before they could even launch the mobile app, in a shoestring budget, in weeks. He talks about being the first digital lender formally approved in Nigeria in 2022. He talks about coming first out of 7,000 competitors at the NSIA Prize for Innovation, which sent him to Silicon Valley for six weeks and landed him on the front page of Punch. He talks about the private note that was oversubscribed, and the Cascador win that brought ₦1.5 billion and a level of public attention he still cannot fully explain.But more than the milestones, this conversation is about the philosophy underneath all of it. How he built trust in fintech — an industry where trust is the whole product — by personalizing the brand, keeping every single promise, and staying long enough for customers who were doing ₦100k transactions to grow into customers doing ₦5 million. How he thinks about servant leadership, about not being able to overcommunicate, about the tension between rewarding exceptional performance and maintaining team cohesion. How he almost never applies for grants or competitions and still keeps winning them.And what he is actually building toward: not small business support, but a platform for growing businesses — the ones with 100 employees who need debt to become the ones with 1,000. The ones who will become the Interswitches and Dangotes of tomorrow if someone will just give them the credit line they need. And eventually, a financial services product that works for Africans wherever they are in the world.

Dave Kiehn leads a panel discussion on the upcoming SBC in Orlando, FL. Panelists Nate Akin, Dave Russell, and Ben Lacey discuss important issues heading up to the SBC, including the presidential election, Al Mohler's proposed Truth and Unity Amendment, and more. This audio is from a network-wide Zoom call from May 28, 2026.

Nate Akin gives a talk on Multiplying Men, Marriages, and Ministry at the 2026 Pillar Intensive at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.

At Encompass, we believe every child deserves the support and opportunities they need to thrive. But belief isn't enough. To truly support our children and families, we must work to shape the systems that affect them every day. In part one of a two-part discussion, Encompass Executive Director Nela Cumming breaks down why advocacy isn't a sideline project—it is core to our purpose for families. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for part two of this podcast. We'll be joined by Dave Newell of Akin and Maryanne Barnes from Birth to Three. Along with Nela, these three powerhouse leaders from Washington nonprofits share their challenges and how we can drive systemic change for families. We invite you to listen and discover how advocacy can turn compassion into lasting change.

After the tech-led parabolic rally, Thomas Hayes now expects a "sell the news" situation in markets on a resolution surrounding the Strait of Hormuz reopening. He also attributes the record call-buying options activity to the meme stock craze of 2021, urging caution in staggering optimism. Thomas adds that the Mag 7 stands with record market cap but near-zero cash flow. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

In this episode, we listen to a lady’s lament, as depicted in Sangam Literary work, Aganaanooru 249, penned by Nakiranaar. Set in the ‘Paalai’ or ‘Drylands landscape’, the verse etches the generosity of a king and the beauty of his domain. அம்ம வாழி, தோழி! பல் நாள்இவ் ஊர் அம்பல் எவனோ? வள் வார்விசி பிணித்து யாத்த அரி கோல் தெண் கிணைஇன் குரல் அகவுநர் இரப்பின், நாடொறும்பொன் கோட்டுச் செறித்து, பொலந்தார் பூட்டி,சாந்தம் புதைத்த ஏந்து துளங்கு எழில் இமில்ஏறு முந்துறுத்து, சால் பதம் குவைஇ,நெடுந் தேர் களிற்றொடு சுரக்கும் கொடும் பூண்பல் வேல் முசுண்டை வேம்பி அன்ன என்நல் எழில் இள நலம் தொலையினும், நல்கார்பல் பூங் கானத்து அல்கு நிழல் அசைஇ,தோகைத் தூவித் தொடைத் தார் மழவர்நாகு ஆ வீழ்த்து, திற்றி தின்றபுலவுக் களம் துழைஇய துகள் வாய்க் கோடைநீள் வரைச் சிலம்பின் இரை வேட்டு எழுந்தவாள் வரி வயப் புலி தீண்டிய விளி செத்து,வேறு வேறு கவலைய ஆறு பரிந்து, அலறி,உழை மான் இன நிரை ஓடும்கழை மாய் பிறங்கல் மலை இறந்தோரே. In this trip to the drylands, we also get to meet a Sangam era king, as we listen to the lady say these words to her confidante, when the confidante was upset about the lady’s state, at a time when the man continued to remain parted away, having left in search of wealth: “Listen my friend, may you live long! Why has this town been spreading slander for so many days? Carrying ‘Kinai' drums with a clear sound, tied together with a firm leather strap and drumming sticks, when those bards with a sweet voice come seeking, day after day, he would assemble before them, bulls, whose horns are covered in gold dust, and whose sandalwood-streaked, upraised, handsome humps are adorned with golden garlands, and then shower mounds of food. In addition, he would render tall chariots and elephants to those who had come seeking. Such is the nature of the many-speared Musundai, clad in curving ornaments, the ruler of Vembi. Akin to this town of Vembi, was my splendid, young beauty. Even though it's now in ruins, he renders not his grace! Residing in the swaying shade of many-flowered forests, drylands robbers wearing garlands made of peacock feathers, slay a wild cow and feast on it. The open-mouthed summer wind that enters this flesh-reeking arena, then rushes, roaring aloud, making herds of deer scatter upon many different paths, screaming in fear, thinking it's the sound of an attacking strong tiger with radiant stripes that had risen in the tall mountain slopes, seeking a prey. Such are those soaring mountains, shrouded by bamboos, that he has left me and parted away to!” Let’s march on through those scorching spaces and learn more! The lady starts with an exasperated question about why the townsfolk won’t stop spreading slander. Then, she meanders to talk about the generosity of a king named Musundai, who would give bulls, adorned with gold, lots of food, chariots and elephants to sweet-voice bards with resounding ‘Kinai’ drums. She has mentioned this king to turn our attention to the beauty of his capital town of Vembi. The lady now connects her own beauty to that of this town, and says how the man does not seem to have any compassion even when that beauty is turning to ruins. Now, we can understand why the townsfolk are gossiping. It’s an outcome of their observation of the lady’s ruined health in the man’s absence. This is also an indicator that the parting has happened at a time before the man’s marriage with the lady. Returning, the lady then concludes by painting a picture of the place where the man’s at, those wild spaces, where robbers wearing peacock feather garlands eat the meat of a wild cow, and then the summer wind rushes through that space, picking up that reeking smell of flesh, and roars through, which makes deer scatter away thinking it’s a hungry tiger on the prowl. In essence, it’s a complaint by the lady that the man has left her exposed to the harsh eyes of the town and left in search of wealth. At a time when you cannot make a call, send a message, or write a letter to the parted one, it must have been difficult to bear with parting. All that the lovers had then was the thoughts and feelings that arose, across the miles, and it’s this unseen wave of energy that roars like the summer wind, even across the ages from the pages of the past!

When mom and dad go to war, it's the children who suffer the most. Family tension bleeds into every aspect of their lives, and frequently, they have nowhere to hide or even space to process the external and internal strife. As a kid, we fled to stories. Whether it was E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial or Mrs. Doubtfire, fiction helped us process the big emotions we witnessed flowing from our parents. This week on the podcast, we're talking with collaborators Jimmy Gaspero and Amber Akin about their new all-ages graphic novel, Penny and the Yeti. It's a comic designed to help kids navigate the world when the adult voices in their home get too darn loud. Currently, divorce rates in America fall between 40 and 50 percent. Whether a kid is personally affected by this rate or not, they'll certainly encounter divorce among friends. They will rely on stories like Penny and the Yeti to clarify this reality. And creating such stories bears an incredible responsibility. With Jimmy Gaspero and Amber Akin, we discuss Penny and the Yeti's origins, its ties to Gaspero's own daughter, and the joys of visualizing cryptids. Why a Yeti? If you know Jimmy and his work as a podcaster and journalist, you know the answer already. And we get into that specific aspect of his life as well. Penny and the Yeti is out now from Papercutz. It's written by Jimmy Gaspero, illustrated by Amber Akin, color flatted by Charlie Akin, and lettered by Buddy Beaudoin. You can continue this conversation by following Jimmy Gaspero on Instagram and BlueSky and Amber Akin on Instagram and BlueSky. This Week's Sponsors The Future is Calling! 2000 AD is the Galaxy's Greatest Comic, with new issues published every single week! Every 32-page issue of 2000 AD brings you the best in sci-fi and horror, featuring characters like Judge Dredd, Rogue Trooper, and more. Get a print subscription to 2000 AD and it'll arrive to your mailbox every week - and your first issue is free! Or subscribe digitally, and you can download DRM-free copies of each issue for only $9 a month. That's 128 pages of incredible comics every month for less than $10! Head to 2000AD.com and click on ‘subscribe' now – or download the 2000 AD app and start reading today! Everyone loves to talk and debate about comics, but few people get to see what it's actually like behind the scenes. Now, IDW Publishing is changing that with the launch of IDW Studios. The first monthly show is CreatorxCreator, a free-flowing, fun, and honest chat between two comic book creators as they discuss their craft, process, inspiration, and what life is really like as a creative. The second monthly show, Superlatives, brings IDW's knowledgeable and spirited editors head-to-head to debate each of these categories, with another editor stepping in as the moderator to pick the winner once the pros have made their arguments. Other Relevant Links to This Week's Episode: Subscribe to the Comic Book Couples Counseling YouTube Channel Watch The Stacks, Comic Creators Name Their Favorite Comics Help Send Chris Hacker to SDCC GoFundMe Previously on CBCC: Kevin Alvir on Lisa Chees and Ghost Guitar Book 2 Comic Book Club: Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees at Meanwhile...Coffee in Herndon, Virginia, on 5/3 at 3:30 PM Final Round of Plugs (PHEW): Support the Podcast by Joining OUR PATREON COMMUNITY. And, of course, follow Comic Book Couples Counseling on Facebook, on Instagram, and on Bluesky @CBCCPodcast, and you can follow hosts Brad Gullickson @MouthDork & Lisa Gullickson @sidewalksiren. Send us your Words of Affirmation by leaving us a 5-star Review on Apple Podcasts. Continue your conversation with CBCC by hopping over to our website, where we have reviews, essays, and numerous interviews with comic book creators. Podcast logo by Jesse Lonergan and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.

"Amrum" is a 2025 German historical drama film directed by Fatih Akin and co-written by Akin with Hark Bohm, based on Bohm's childhood on the German island of Amrum during the last months of World War II. It stars Jasper Billerbeck, Kian Köppke, Laura Tonke, Diane Kruger, Detlev Buck and Matthias Schweighöfer. The film had its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reviews for its direction, writing, and lead performance from Billerbeck. Bohm died two months after the film's German theatrical release, and the film is dedicated to his memory. Akin was kind enough to spend some time talking with us about his work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, now playing at the Quad Cinema in New York and opening at the Laemmle Royal in Los Angeles on April 24th from Kino Lorber. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices