One of the four census regions of the United States of America
POPULARITY
As I continue to advance the tree and perennial food nursery here at my farm, I'm always on the lookout for new resources on anything about growing and breeding perennial food sources, the history of their cultivation, and the cultures that were and are connected to these woodland and orchard based staple foods. For that reason I was super excited to see the new title “Feed us with Trees” from my friends at New Society Publishers, by author Elspeth Hay. Elspeth is a writer, public radio host, and creator of the Local Food Report, a weekly feature that has aired on CAI, the Cape & Islands NPR Station, since 2008. Deeply immersed in her own local food system, she writes and reports for print, radio, and online media with a focus on food and the environment. Elspeth's work has been featured in the Boston Globe, NPR's Kitchen Window, Heated with Mark Bittman, The Provincetown Independent, and numerous other publications. Through her conversations with growers, harvesters, processors, cooks, policy makers, Indigenous knowledge-keepers, scientists, researchers, and visionaries, she aims to rebuild our cultural store of culinary knowledge—and to reconnect us with the people, places, and ideas that feed us. In this session, Elspeth shares her journey of developing a passion for perennial food systems, particularly focusing on nuts and tree-based staple crops. Her early exposure to nature evolved into an obsession with acorns and other tree nuts. Her research went on to reveal the extensive use of tree nuts as staple foods across the northern hemisphere and the historical as well as the cultural shifts that led to their decline in favor of annual grain crops. Elspeth delves into the nutritional and ecological benefits of these perennial foods, the complexities of modern industrial agriculture, and the resurgence of interest in tree crops, especially in the American Midwest. She also explores innovative recipes and culinary uses of nuts, especially acorns and chestnuts, while emphasizing the importance of integrating perennial crop systems into modern diets and agricultural practices. This conversation covers a lot of ground from land management, economic models, and the promising future of perennial food systems. As with all the books that I focus on from my friends at new society publishers, we're running a book giveaway for “Feed us with Trees.” By now you know the drill. Send me a message on our Discord community. If you're not already a member you can sign up through the links on our homepage or the bio on Instagram. I'll choose a winner one week after this episode goes live, and If you live anywhere in North America we'll send a physical copy. Everywhere else you'll receive a digital version.
Tonight, we'll read “O Pioneers!” a 1913 novel by American author Willa Cather. Set on the windswept prairies of Nebraska, “O Pioneers!” tells the story of Alexandra Bergson, a determined young woman of Swedish-American descent who takes over her family's farm. Cather's quiet, poetic prose captures both the hardships and beauty of prairie life at the turn of the twentieth century, and Alexandra's journey reflects broader themes of endurance, transformation, and connection to the land. The novel marked the beginning of Cather's Great Plains Trilogy, which also includes The Song of the Lark and My Ántonia. Though she wrote this trilogy while living in New York City, Cather drew inspiration from her own upbringing in Nebraska and from the lives of immigrants who shaped the American Midwest. — read by 'V' — Sign up for Snoozecast+ to get expanded, ad-free access by going to snoozecast.com/plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode #206 of World Awakenings celebrates 50 years of A Course in Miracles with a board member of the Foundation for Inner Peace, Celina Granato. From a young age, Celina she wanted to understand the nature of reality. By her mid-twenties, she had explored various paths in search of genuine peace when she was introduced to A Course in Miracles, which became her primary spiritual practice, guiding her through life's challenges by focusing on a thought system of true forgiveness. Originally from the American Midwest and raised in a salt-of-the-earth community with a multicultural upbringing, Celina sees interpersonal relationships as some of the greatest opportunities for doing inner work. Now a student of the Course for over 20 years, she understands the Course as a self-study practice for the mind and being uncompromising to the principles of the Course leads to genuine spiritual growth. She is currently the Chief International and Communications Officer at the Foundation for Inner Peace. The official publisher of A Course in Miracles!If you would like to subscribe to the new TV network, New Reality TV, just click this link.To see the list of the top 20 metaphysical podcasts in the world on feedspot.com, click this link https://podcast.feedspot.com/metaphysical_podcasts/The book discussed by Karl & Celina is "The Disappearance of the Universe" by Gary RenardFor more information about A Course in Miracles, and to easily read the entire book online, go to https://acim.org/acim/en/
One-on-one pod today, Chris is in Jackson Hole, WY, and Jason is home in Glendale. We discuss how early is too early in the day to wash your car, a trip to the OC, the Citizen, and NextDoor apps, the fertility clinic bombing in Palm Springs, Raising Cane's in the Middle East, Chris' running retreat, extreme activities for extreme people, trouble at Taylor Swift's lake house, the Foo Fighters just lost a foo, when the sound of someone eating drives one to a murderous rage, Chris adopted a TJ travel tip, a recent podcast appearance from Chris, and a deep dive into Domenique Ansel's back catalog of treats. ~See us live in the American Midwest this summer~ twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, we are travelling back to the American Midwest, where I will chat with Cincinnati-based James Beard nominated chef Jose Salazar. And we will revisit my 2024 interview with Chicago-based James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal.Heritage Radio Network is a listener-supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Eat Your Heartland Out by becoming a member!Eat Your Heartland Out is Powered by Simplecast.
In this week's episode, we take a look at how research can both help and hinder writers, and offer tips for effective research for fiction. This coupon code will get you 25% off DRAGONTIARNA: OMNIBUS ONE at my Payhip store: DRAGONOMNI25 The coupon code is valid through April 14th, 2025. So if you need a new book to read for spring, we've got you covered! 00:00:00 Introduction and Writing Updates Hello, everyone. Welcome to Episode 245 of The Pulp Writer Show. My name is Jonathan Moeller. Today is March 28th, 2025, and today we are looking at some of the challenges of research for writers. Before we get into that, we'll do Coupon of the Week, an update my current writing and audiobook projects, and then Question of the Week. First up, Coupon of the Week. This week's coupon code will get you 25% off the ebook of Dragontiarna: Omnibus One at my Payhip store, and that is DRAGONOMNI25. This coupon code will be valid through April the 14th, 2025. So if you need a new ebook to read for spring, we have got you covered. Let's have an update on my current writing projects. I'm currently 70,000 words into Shield of Battle, which I believe will put me on chapter 16 of 24, so I'm about two thirds of the way through the rough draft. I'm still hoping to have it out towards the end of April, if all goes well. I am 7,000 words into Ghost in the Corruption, which will be the sequel to Ghost in the Assembly, and hopefully that will be out sometime after Shield of Battle. In audiobook news, recording is underway for both Shield of Deception and Ghost in the Assembly. Brad Wills will be recording Shield of Deception and Hollis McCarthy will be recording Ghost in the Assembly. So I am looking forward to both those audiobooks and that's where I'm at with my current writing and audiobook projects. 00:01:25 Question of the Week Now it's time for Question of the Week, which is intended to inspire interesting discussions of enjoyable topics. This week's question, do you read comics books or graphic novels, Marvel, DC, indie manga, whatever? No wrong answers, obviously, including “I don't read comics.” Ryan says: I don't read comic books, they just don't appeal to me. I prefer world building through writing as opposed to images, and I think you don't get the same feel for characters in a comic as you do in a novel. Justin says: Once upon a time, I did read comics. It's been a long time since I knew of the mainstream comics interested me, sadly. I have read some manga in the last year, but any associated light novel wins handily. There are a few web comics to keep up with. I have bought books and merch from the Foglios for Girl Genius and Tayler for Schlock Mercenary, but even then, it's been years since my last purchase. Juana says: I love Batman. End of story. John says: I enjoy graphic novels, mainly for the art. Most recent read was The Wizard of Earthsea graphic novel, which is a true work of art published just this month. Randy says: Marvel/DC stuff, not much anymore. I can sit down and read Peanuts, Pearls Before Swine, etc. collections anytime, probably not the “comics” you meant. Jenny says: Rat Queens! So good! Gary says: I don't read comics. Bob says: Nope. Used to devour DC and Marvel as a kid. Wish I still had some of them. Probably worth big bucks now. Tom says: I used to be a Marvel Zombie. Seriously, I have 20-30 long boxes filled with comics. I had to kick the habit though. Nowadays it's mostly just a few TV show based series. Would love to read some Frostborn graphic novels though! And finally, Tracy says: I don't read comics. For myself, I agree with many of the commenters where my answer is I don't read comics. It's not out of snobbery or disdain for the art form. It just doesn't speak to me or hold my interest. Of course not all art speaks to all people at all times. I was curious about this topic because I see people discussing comic books online all the time, but apparently the industry is in bad shape financially with multiple bankruptcies and closures and so forth. So I was wondering if comics were kind of more of a vintage art form that is less popular with younger generations as the older generations start to die off. But you never know. Things always are on a wheel and come around again. 00:03:36 Main Topic of the Week: Writing Adjacent Activities: Research So now back to our main topic or to start with our main topic, research challenges for writers. As I mentioned two episodes ago, I'm working on a new podcast series about what I call writing adjacent activities. What do I mean by this? I'm talking about tasks that seem like they're part of the writing process but really belong in a different category. These tasks are important, but they can also be a pitfall if you spend too much time on them or don't use that time correctly. In this series, we will focus on a few of these tasks and how they can benefit or hinder your writing process, even though they seem like good uses of time and may be beneficial. In this episode, we'll talk about research for fiction writing. How much research is necessary and how does research help? When does it get to the point where it becomes a pitfall instead of an asset? What are some things that work well for me when researching matters for my books? First of all, why should writers even have to research in order to write a work of fiction? Why can't we just make up details since the characters and the plot are also made up? Why research? Research can help provide crucial information for the plot. For example, of a spy novel set in World War II focuses on the Canadians battling the British is inaccurate to the point of farce. Knowing which countries were Axis and which were Allies is an important piece of research that should have been done for that story in advance of writing it. There's a British TV series called The Goes Wrong Show about a group of inept actors putting on bad plays that's quite funny, and one of the episodes has them putting on a play that is widely criticized for its lazy historical research, which includes such things as Winston Churchill being a prime minister during the Vietnam War. In the show, of course, this is played for comedy as part of how bad the actors are, but you don't want to do this in real life. Research prevents factual errors that can distract readers. Some of the biggest examples of this are military terminology, the British peerage system, and information about weapons like guns. All of these things have very distinct details that avid readers in a certain genre will notice and be upset about if they're incorrect. You'll notice that successful thriller writers tend to put a lot of time into researching and lovingly describing various pieces of military hardware in their books. For a genre like historical romance, the distinction seems unimportant to a modern American, but to a debutante in Regency England, the difference between marrying a baron and a duke is immense and the titles can't be used interchangeably in a work of historical fiction. For example, the duke and baron would be addressed differently and enter a room in a different order, but more importantly, in a status conscious marriage market like the debutante season, a duke would be a highly sought after potential husband while a baron might be less of a catch, especially if the family is not so wealthy. This detail changes the characters and plots completely. To return to the firearm examples, for one of the famous errors that sometimes new writers do is a character puts a silencer on a revolver, which doesn't work because you can't silence a revolver. Much of the noise comes from the rear of the weapon when it's fired in addition to the muzzle flash and muzzle noise, so there are little details like that (both for weapons and the British peerage system) that you do need to watch out for. Research can give you ideas or add depth through details. For example, someone writing a romance novel about two rival managers in a theme park could discover that this particular theme park has an intricate underground system of tunnels that includes storage areas and staff break rooms. The writer realizes this would give good opportunities for the characters to have a conversation or confrontation in a more private place than outside of a busy ride. What are some good sources for research? Not all research is going to the library and looking at books that haven't been checked out in 10 years or so. Sometimes research for writing fiction is about checking or learning basic facts like street names, what the word is for cat in Spanish, or what a certain chain store was named in 2008. Making these details up only makes sense if the places and languages are completely fictional. Where more academic and in depth research comes in is when a high level of informational accuracy is required by genre convention, like in thrillers, historical fiction, a legal drama, or a medical thriller. One of the criticisms of the relatively recent Disney Plus show She Hulk was that although She Hulk's profession is a lawyer and she spends all of her time doing lawyer things, none of the writers had a background in law and it seemed like their legal advisor was quite hands off in their approach. They tried to write around it instead, and the results were disappointing to both fans of the source material and new viewers because as I've often said before, you don't need to be totally accurate, but it needs to feel accurate. Anyone watching the show would know that the American legal system works nothing like the way it's portrayed, not even in the abstract. One of the additional complaints about the show is that they missed the chance to showcase the character by barely showing them doing any actual work or to only show it as a farce, making She Hulk seem more frivolous and unlikable without her defining trait of being a really good lawyer. Trying to write around factual information is usually not the best solution, and it could hurt the reader's feeling of immersion or cause them just to feel annoyed. For genres that require a high level of information accuracy, try starting with the general overview books and then looking at more specific information as needed. You don't need to become an expert in every piece of medieval weaponry to write a historical or a fantasy book, but you do need to know the basics in order to have the characters use them in a convincing way. As I've said before, I often talk about how verisimilitude is the goal in writing. You need to know and share just enough to make the reader feel convinced and have the characters be able to act in a believable way in the world there inhabiting. Often writers are advised to use YouTube for research because it's free and usually easy to understand. However, YouTubers usually don't cite their sources and incorrect information often gets reshared this way. That said, it can still be useful. For example, if we go back to our example of the theme park romance novel, the writer could find YouTube footage of what the line looks like for a certain ride without having to go see it in person and determine from the footage if a child could really climb over a railing to escape their parents, for example, if that was one of the plot contrivances the writer wanted to put in the book. I would strongly recommend you don't use a LLM program like ChatGPT for research, and if you do, you should cross-reference and double check its answers for accuracy because ChatGPT essentially makes stuff up. Unlike a search engine ChatGPT essentially guesses at its answers instead of retrieving them. For example, if you ask ChatGPT who the spouse of one reality star is, it confidently lists her brother as her husband because the names are very frequently paired and they had the same last name, ChatGPT made a guess and that guess was quite wrong. It's also important to note that it's not trained on recent information. It won't, for example, be able to tell you on what date a movie is going to come out in two weeks because it may not have access to that information yet, and it might instead give you the premiere date for previous films or guess at a date. How much research is necessary and when is it a pitfall instead of an asset? Too much research can keep you from starting to actually write. It's a real temptation if you enjoy research to spend months bogged down in every possible source of information. It's also good to take a step back, look at your book's outline, and determine what's truly needed. When you're writing, you can add a note, “research this” and note about what fact you need to look up and then keep going. It isn't a great idea to stop writing every time you need to look up a specific fact. Doing that can often lead to research spirals that take too much time and then you lose your writing momentum. Having researched too much can also drag down the plot with a lot of info dumps. We've all encountered books where the writer very clearly put in a lot of research into a very specific topic, so they were going to put all that research into the book, even if it was to the book's detriment. It's natural to want to use as much of your research as possible, but in reality, the only research that is good for the reader is what benefits the plot or adds to the feeling of verisimilitude without stopping the plot in its tracks. What are some things that have worked for me when researching subjects for my books? Because I write fantasy and science fiction, I tend not to do that much research. Usually it's if I need to look up a specific fact to increase the verisimilitude. I had to do that quite a bit with Silent Order because that's science fiction and therefore a bit more fact-based. So I wanted to make sure I had things like the speed of light in kilometers or the amount of kilometers in a light year, for example, make sure that I had those numbers accurate. However, when I'm writing and there's something I want to look up later, I tend to literally just type “look this up later” and then keep going in the book. This actually happens quite a bit in the Cloak Games and Cloak Mage series because while that's set in a fantasy setting, that fantasy setting is a version of our own world. I do need to look things up reasonably frequently, like where this town is located or how long you would take to fly from Chicago to Boston, for example. So very often I will just type “look this up later”, and then in the editing process, I will actually look that up and make sure that I have a good information source, not ChatGPT, and then add that fact into the book as necessary. One thing I would recommend watching out for is that if the entire plot of the book hinges on a certain fact, like for example, say that you have in your book, the entire plot revolves around the fact that on average it takes about seven to eight hours to drive from Milwaukee to Detroit, it's a good idea to look it up and make sure that is actually true. If for example, you, let's talk hypothetically, if you weren't familiar with the geography of the United States and you had the plot being that it takes only three hours to drive from Milwaukee to Detroit, your book will not work because anyone remotely familiar with the American Midwest knows that if you are driving from Milwaukee to Detroit around the southern side of Lake Michigan, it takes at least seven hours and depending on traffic conditions, it can easily go much higher very quickly. So if you do have a fact around which the entire plot of your book hinges, it's a good idea to research that fact first and make sure that's accurate, so you can avoid the scenario where you write the book and then people are laughing at you because you wrote it only takes three hours to drive from Milwaukee to Detroit. So to sum up, research in fiction is very different from in the academic world, but that doesn't mean that's not important. Like so many things in life, it's all about balance. You don't want to go too far down the research rabbit hole to the detriment of finishing your book, but you do need enough information to maintain verisimilitude, but not an excess of detail that will derail the plot or keep you from finishing the book you want, just enough that it makes sense. An example for that for me would be one of the plot lines in Cloak of Spears which revolves around nuclear fusion. The book sold pretty well and people liked it, but I did get a email from an expert in nuclear fusion saying that the way I had described things is not actually how nuclear fusion works, and the fact of the matter was that thankfully for that book, it didn't matter because the actual intricacies of how nuclear fusion works is beyond my grasp and frankly beyond the grasp of most people. So I'd included enough verisimilitude to that the book worked for most people, but it was not enough to fool an actual expert in nuclear physics. So that brings me to a Abraham Lincoln quote I remember where he says, “you can fool some of the people some of the time and the rest of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time.” And that is true with research and fiction. You'll want to do just enough to get verisimilitude so that you can fool most of the people, but you can't always expect to fool everybody. If you are writing about something which has subject matter experts, you may find that you'll have the subject matter experts writing to you and pointing things out. But what's important is that you do it well enough to fool most of the general audience, if not the subject matter experts. So that is it for this week. Thank you for listening to The Pulp Writer Show. I hope you found the show useful. A reminder that you can listen to all the back episodes at https://thepulpwritershow.com. If you enjoyed the podcast, please leave a review on your podcasting platform of choice. Stay safe and stay healthy and see you all next week.
Movie of the Year: 1996Fargo (feat. iFanboy's Josh Flanagan)Is Fargo (1996) Really a True Story? This week on Movie of the Year, our panel of film obsessives takes a deep dive into the Coen Brothers' legendary crime thriller, Fargo (1996). From its bleak, snow-covered landscapes to its uniquely offbeat characters, Fargo is a film that has stood the test of time. But does it have what it takes to be crowned the best movie of the year? Tune in as we dissect this darkly comedic masterpiece.The Genre of Fargo (1996): Crime, Comedy, or Both?One of Fargo (1996)'s greatest strengths is its ability to seamlessly blend genres. Is it a crime thriller? A dark comedy? A neo-noir? The film walks the tightrope between tension and absurdity, crafting a world where violent criminals, desperate schemes, and Minnesota Nice collide in unforgettable ways. Our hosts explore how Fargo defies genre conventions and why this unique blend makes it such a compelling film.For more discussions on genre-bending movies, check out our deep dive into The Big Lebowski or No Country for Old Men.The Setting of Fargo (1996): More Than Just SnowFargo (1996) isn't just a movie—it's an immersive experience of the American Midwest. Despite its title, most of the film unfolds in Minnesota, capturing the distinct speech patterns, mannerisms, and cold, barren beauty of the region. We discuss how the Coen Brothers use the setting as a character itself, influencing the tone, the story, and even the humor. Would Fargo be the same film without its chilling, small-town backdrop? We break it all down.For more insights on film settings, read our analysis of There Will Be Blood.Is Fargo (1996) a True Story? The Real vs. the FictionalFrom the opening title card claiming “This is a true story,” Fargo has left audiences debating its origins for nearly three decades. Is Fargo (1996) really based on actual events? Or was that just another Coen Brothers trick to pull us deeper into their world of deception? We uncover the truth behind the film's inspiration and discuss how its true crime aesthetic enhances its mystique.Want to learn more about real vs. fictionalized crime films? Check out our episode on Zodiac.Special Guest: Josh Flanagan from iFanboyJoining us this week is none other than Josh Flanagan from iFanboy! As a longtime film and comic book expert, Josh brings his signature wit and insight to the discussion. He shares his personal experience watching Fargo (1996) for the first time, his thoughts on the Coen Brothers' unique storytelling, and how Fargo fits into the larger landscape of 1996 cinema.For more of Josh's takes on film and pop culture, visit iFanboy.Does Fargo (1996) Deserve to Win Movie of the Year?After breaking down the film's genre-bending brilliance, its unforgettable setting, and the enduring mystery of its “true story” origins, we finally ask the big question: Does Fargo (1996) deserve the title of Movie of the Year? Listen in as we debate its legacy, compare it to other contenders from 1996, and ultimately decide whether Marge Gunderson's world of crime and comedy is worthy of the top spot.Subscribe now and join us for this deep-dive into Fargo (1996), a film that remains just as sharp, chilling, and darkly hilarious as it was in 1996.Recommended Further Reading:IMDB - Fargo (1996)Rotten...
Our ongoing series, The Forgotten Seconds, explores the lives and legacies of vice presidents who never reached the presidency. These individuals played crucial roles in shaping American history, yet their contributions are often overshadowed by those who held the highest office. Today, we continue with Hubert Humphrey, a man whose influence on civil rights, social policy, and American politics remains significant despite his near-miss at the presidency. Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr., the 38th vice president of the United States, left an indelible mark on American politics. He was a champion of civil rights, a key figure in the Democratic Party, and a man whose career was shaped by both triumph and controversy. His life, however, did not begin in the corridors of power but in the small town of Wallace, South Dakota, where his family had deep roots in the American Midwest..., Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/hubert-humphrey-the-forgotten-seconds/ Genealogy Clips Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
Picture a child who's equally at home running around Hawaiian beaches and sampling new foods on bustling Jakarta streets. This glimpse of youth belongs to Barack Obama, whose life story began long before he took office as the 44th President of the United States. Tracing his family history from Kenya and the American Midwest to his current endeavors shows us how different cultures and experiences laid the groundwork for his journey—complete with achievements, struggles, and lessons he carries forward. Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/from-kenyan-shores-to-the-white-house-tracing-barack-obamas-roots/ Genealogy Clips Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips
Welcome back to Not A Bomb podcast, the show where we tackle cinema's biggest box office failures and decide if they deserve a second chance. Troy and Brad bid farewell to the cinematic "bombs" of 2024 with an ambitious journey into the American frontier. Their latest viewing: Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, a three-hour epic Western directed by none other than Kevin Costner. Banking on his vision, Costner poured $38 million of his own money into the project, envisioning it as the first chapter in a four-part saga that weaves together the lives of diverse characters navigating the rugged American Midwest. However, whispers of production drama have cast shadows over Horizon's future, raising the question: will it ascend as a masterpiece or be remembered alongside Costner's infamous Waterworld and The Postman? To assist with discussing this epic, the gang welcomes Jose from Watch Skip Plus. As usual, Jose brings his unique take on this box office bomb and also gives an update on the Watch Skip Plus podcast. Horizon: An American Sage - Chapter 1 is directed by Kevin Costner and stars Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Will Patton, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Giovanni Ribisi. Not A Bomb has has plenty of spooky designs in our Merch store! Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check them out. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs! We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose
When you hear the term “American Heartland,” you probably think of fields of wheat, barns, quilts, and farmers—probably of northern European descent. There might be a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps even the sense that, as the non-multicultural counterpoint to the more diverse United States as a whole, this is the region that represents the core of the country, a core whose essence must be protected at all costs. Especially from people who seem like outsiders.That's not what the term meant at first. It didn't even refer to the United States. Originally, it was part of a theory that whoever controlled the central Eurasian landmass – that was “the heartland” – would control power globally. It wasn't until the Cold War that it was used to describe the American Midwest. Even then, it was about United States' ability to wield global power. It was even more recently that it started to be about agrarian nostalgia. But whether during the Cold War or since, “the Heartland” has often been about denying the ways the American Midwest has been involved with global forces, shaped by them, built by them, home to Native Americans, Latin Americans, Haitian Americans, and more.This episode springs from a panel I hosted at the conference of the Midwestern History Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan, last May. To understand the global roots of the Midwest, I also talked with historian Kristen Hoganson, about her book, The Heartland: An American History. You'll hear snippets from the Midwestern History Association panel. If you'd like to listen to the whole thing (it's worth it!), it's available on their website.Many thanks to the organizers of the Midwestern History Association, especially Cory Haala, for helping to make this happen, and to the panelists: Cory Haala, Kristy Nabhan-Warren, Andrew Klumpp, Emiliano Aguilar, and Camden Burd.CreditsInner States is produced and edited by Alex Chambers. Special thanks to our associate producer, Dom Heyob, for helping to make this episode happen. Our master of social media is Jillian Blackburn. Our intern is Karl Templeton. We get support from Eoban Binder, Natalie Ingalls, LuAnn Johnson, Sam Schemenauer, Payton Whaley, Lisa Robbin Young and Kayte Young. Our Executive Producer is Eric Bolstridge.Our theme song is by Amy Oelsner and Justin Vollmar. We have additional music from the artists at Universal Production Music.
Kentucky Chronicles: A Podcast of the Kentucky Historical Society
Many of us have seen images of a naturalization ceremony in the United States, where a group of individuals become citizens. Or perhaps you have participated in a naturalization ceremony yourself. But did you know that the process to become a citizen used to be quite different? Join us today for a discussion with a research fellow who talks about how a person could go about becoming a citizen of the United States in the nineteenth century and who will help us understand why that process was so complex. Sara Egge is the Claude D. Pottinger Professor of History at Centre College. She holds a Ph.D. in history from Iowa State University. Her first book (Woman Suffrage and Citizenship in the American Midwest) won prizes from the Western Association of Women Historians and the State Historical Society of Iowa. She has articles in the Middle West Review, the Annals of Iowa, and was a co-guest editor of the Summer/Autumn 2018 issue of the Register on “Agriculture and Rural Life in Kentucky.” She is now turning her attention to her second book project: “The Nature of Naturalization: Exploring Citizenship by Consent.” Kentucky Chronicles is inspired by the work of researchers from across the world who have contributed to the scholarly journal, The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, in publication since 1903. https://history.ky.gov/explore/catalog-research-tools/register-of-the-kentucky-historical-society Hosted by Dr. Daniel J. Burge, associate editor of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, and coordinator of our Research Fellows program, which brings in researchers from across the world to conduct research in the rich archival holdings of the Kentucky Historical Society. https://history.ky.gov/khs-for-me/for-researchers/research-fellowships Kentucky Chronicles is presented by the Kentucky Historical Society, with support from the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation. https://history.ky.gov/about/khs-foundation Our show is recorded and produced by Gregory Hardison, and edited by Gregory P. Meyer. Thanks to Dr. Stephanie Lang for her support and guidance. Our theme music, “Modern Documentary” was created by Mood Mode and is used courtesy of Pixabay. Other backing tracks are also used courtesy of Pixabay. To learn more about our publication of The Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, or to learn more about our Research Fellows program, please visit our website: https://history.ky.gov/ https://history.ky.gov/khs-podcasts
Rob is chatting round the campfire with Kevin Fannin from Kefa Studios (https://www.kefastudios.com), a small studio in the American Mid-West, once a miniature painting studio, it is now a full fledged production studio that is capable of so much more, including their second kickstarter Complete Guide to Jousting 5e! It is live till the 12th Dec 2024, check it out here https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kefastudios/complete-guide-to-jousting-5e?ref=47lv2a Thanks to Jen Toher for video editing and Wraithe for podcast editing #--------------------------------------# Friends, Fans and Fine folk If you enjoyed this video and you want to support me financially, so I can make more of this sort of content, you can do so on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/RobertHartleyGM If you want to wear or drink from my logo or designs on some merch, check out my store. https://shop.roberthartleygm.com Another way to support me is to browse some things that I am affiliated with: Dice Goblin for lovely dice: https://dicegoblin.co.uk/?af=roberthartleygm Modular Realms for epic magnetic terrain: https://www.modularrealms.com/RobertHartley Simply clicking the links will help me, but buying some items via my affiliate link helps me, the companies AND you! SOCIALS: Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/roberthartleygm Discord: https://discord.gg/Tam2QpufaK Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberthartleygm Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/roberthartleygm Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AEITpjYEbeOM4hUmvv08N Website: https://roberthartleygm.com Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/roberthartleygm
Cat Rambo lives, writes, and edits in the American Midwest. Their work has appeared in such places as Asimov's, Weird Tales, and Strange Horizons. They were the fiction editor of award-winning Fantasy Magazine (http://www.fantasy-magazine.com) and appeared on the World Fantasy Award ballot in 2012 for that work. Their story "Five Ways to Fall in Love on Planet Porcelain" was a 2012 Nebula Award finalist. John Barth described Cat Rambo's writings as "works of urban mythopoeia" -- their stories take place in a universe where chickens aid the lovelorn, Death is just another face on the train, and Bigfoot gives interviews to the media on a daily basis. They has worked as a programmer-writer for Microsoft and a Tarot card reader, professions which, they claim, both involve a certain combination of technical knowledge and willingness to go with the flow. In 2005 she attended the Clarion West Writers' Workshop.
A conversation with Kevin Wolz, CEO of Canopy Farm Management and former founder of the Savannah Institute. Canopy provides tree planting and management services to farmers and landowners in the US Midwest. They establish perennial crops, timber plantings, conservation practices, and integrated agroforestry systems.We have been talking about agroforestry systems and investing before (see link at the bottom of this page!): trees were the answer to whatever your question was. But how do you start an agroforestry industry right in the middle of the belly of the beast, the American Midwest, where corn and soy are everywhere, leases are 1 to 3 years, and there are no trees as far as the eye can see? And especially here, trees are needed, not as magical carbon sequestration tools but as climate adaptation, against erosion, wind breaks, to protect animals and crops, nutrient leaking into streams, and, of course, to produce a lot of food integrated into the fields. What does it take to build an agroforestry industry here? What about finance, equipment, planting, seedlings, tree nursery, harvesting, markets, and much more?---------------------------------------------------Join our Gumroad community, discover the tiers and benefits on www.gumroad.com/investinginregenag. Support our work:Share itGive a 5-star ratingBuy us a coffee… or a meal! www.Ko-fi.com/regenerativeagriculture----------------------------------------------------More about this episode on https://investinginregenerativeagriculture.com/kevin-wolz.Find our video course on https://investinginregenerativeagriculture.com/course.----------------------------------------------------The above references an opinion and is for information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice.Thoughts? Ideas? Questions? Send us a message!https://foodhub.nl/en/opleidingen/your-path-forward-in-regenerative-food-and-agriculture/ Find out more about our Generation-Re investment syndicate:https://gen-re.land/Support the showFeedback, ideas, suggestions? - Twitter @KoenvanSeijen - Get in touch www.investinginregenerativeagriculture.comJoin our newsletter on www.eepurl.com/cxU33P! Support the showThanks for listening and sharing!
Stream the show LIVE IU recently reopened the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology with six exhibits and interactive experiences. The museum, which opened on Indigenous Peoples' Day, tells the stories of indigenous cultures in the American Midwest — with an inventory of over five million objects of cultural heritage. Read more: IU's Archaeology Museum reopens The museum previously consisted of separate museums known as the Mathers Museum of World Cultures and the Glenn A. Black Laboratory of Archaeology. “Whispers from the Divide,” an exhibit presented since the museum's reopening, tells the story of the U.S-Mexican border through a series of interactive videos. A new attraction is the Virtual Reality Dome, where curators and artists will feature exhibits. “City on the River” will be the first exhibit in the dome in 2025. The museum currently has these exhibits: “Divine Adornment: Community Stories of Belonging”; “Through Our Eyes: A Reclamation”; “Locally Based”; “Globally Relevant”; “Woven Through Time and Place”; and “Mapping the Midwest.” This week on Noon Edition we'll talk with curators and the director of the museum to learn more about the exhibits and the process of merging the museums. You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org. You can also record your questions and send them in through email. Guests Brandie Macdonald, Executive Director and Chief Curator of the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Jean-Luc Howell, Director of Curatorial Affairs Kaila Cogdill, Curator of Collections Impact
Ep 170 One World in a New World with Andrew Crosby How does cultivating a regenerative mindset and engaging in meaningful dialogue help create a world that balances technological advancement with human empathy and connection? In this insightful episode of "One World in a New World," host Zen Benefiel engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Andrew Crosby, a visionary leader in the field of regenerative development and social innovation. As the founder of Third Horizon Earth, Andrew Crosby has dedicated his career to cultivating innovative approaches that bridge the gap between technology, social equity, and sustainable practices. With a deep-rooted passion for creating a "world that works for all," Crosby shares his experiences growing up in the heart of the American Midwest, where his love for nature and connection with diverse communities sparked a lifelong journey of curiosity and empathy. Throughout the discussion, Andrew delves into his unique journey—from biking across America as a teenager to working as a Merchant Marine and a political consultant—each experience shaping his understanding of how interconnected our world truly is. He explores the importance of listening, understanding, and building empathy to foster authentic human connections, which he believes are crucial for addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, such as climate change, social inequality, and technological disruption. Zen and Andrew also discuss the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance human capabilities, while emphasizing the need for a mindful approach that prioritizes human well-being over mere technological efficiency. The conversation highlights the power of collaborative innovation, grounded in empathy and a shared vision for a regenerative future. Join them as they explore how to nurture a regenerative mindset, create meaningful dialogue, and work together to build a more equitable and thriving world. Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcrosby/ Third Horizon Website: https://thirdhorizon.earth #RegenerativeDevelopment #SocialInnovation #Empathy #HumanConnection #SustainablePractices #MindfulLiving #ArtificialIntelligence #ClimateChange #SocialEquity #MeaningfulDialogue #CollaborativeInnovation #HumanWellBeing #FutureOfWork #ConsciousLiving #PlanetaryCitizens Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZl_29zHxehqeL89KSCWFA/join _______ Connect with Zen: https://linkedin.com/zenbenefiel Zen's books: https://amazon.com/author/zendor Zen's Coaching: https://BeTheDream.com Zen's CV et al: https://zenbenefiel.com The Octopus Movement (non-linear thinkers): https://theoctopusmovement.org Live and Let Live Global Peace Movement: https://liveandletlive.org Activation Products: https://bit.ly/btdactivation Assisting in harmony among people and planet: https://planetarycitizens.net
In this heartfelt interview, Jessica, a Korean adoptee raised in the American Midwest, shares her journey of self-discovery that led her to embrace Orthodox Judaism and reconnect with her birth family. She opens up about her search for identity, love, and acceptance, blending two worlds that seem worlds apart. Today she goes by, Nomi Spain-Levy and her story is filled with moments of courage, humor, and insight into what it means to truly belong. Watch for an inspiring look at family, resilience, and finding roots in the most unexpected places. Nomi's website: https://www.nomiknows.com/ Email: Nomi@nomiknows.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/nomiknowsnutrition/ WhatsApp Biz: +19179246318 ✬ SPONSORS OF THE EPISODE ✬ ► TheDreamRaffle: Win a $1M Apartment in Jerusalem Help support some of the most amazing organizations in Israel AND get entered into the chance to win a gorgeous apartment in the heart of Israel. Use Code LL for $10 OFF + 2-FOR-1 Tickets Get your raffle tickets here: → https://bit.ly/3CvehAz ► Touro: Your Dreams Can Come True If you or someone you know is thinking about next steps post-Israel, come to Lander to see the campus and meet the dean, faculty, rebbeim and students at the open house on Sunday November 17th at 12:45 pm. → Visit lcm.touro.edu/openhouse for more info and to register. Your future could start there! ► Twillory: HUGE SALE Use promo code: INSPIRE for $18 OFF → Here: https://Twillory.com/ ► BitBean: Industry Leading Enterprise Software for Innovative Seeking to optimize operations and scale your business? Bitbean empowers ambitious businesses with tailored software solutions. Automate workflows, streamline data management, and empower your workforce all while reducing your employee overhead by 30% or more. Contact Bitbean today for a FREE CONSULTATION → https://bitbean.link/HTWCXU ► Lchaim Legacy: An Interview For a Lifetime Record the stories of your life on video, giving future generations the chance to learn from your experiences and connect with their family history. → https://www.livinglchaim.com/lchaimlegacy ✬ IN MEMORY OF ✬ This episode is in memory of: • Shimon Dovid ben Yaakov Shloima • Miriam Sarah bas Yaakov Moshe ✬ Donate and Inspire Millions (Tax-Deductible) ✬ Your generous donation enables us at Living Lchaim to share uplifting messages globally, enrich lives, and foster positive change worldwide! Thank you! https://www.LivingLchaim.com/donate Our free call-in-to-listen feature is here: • USA: (605) 477-2100 • UK: 0333-366-0154 • ISRAEL: 079-579-5088 Have a specific question? email us hi@livinglchaim.comWhatsApp us feedback and get first access to episodes: 914-222-5513 Lchaim.
Lina Suh grew up in Seoul, Korea, the American Midwest, and New York. She received an MFA from the University of Southern California in film production, and previously a BFA from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in Dramatic Writing. Lina produced award-winning fiction shorts in New York and Los Angeles, and directed a short humanitarian documentary FLOW ON THROUGH in Cambodia that was in a World Bank-issued “Water and Sanitation” guide distributed to NGOs in developing countries. Lina has taught screenwriting at ESRA (Ecole Superieure de Realisation Audiovisuelle) a French film school satellite in NYC. She directed short films SO F*CKING HAPPY FOR YOU and GOOD FACE (now in development as a one-hour drama series) as well as music videos for Los Angeles artists. Lina is in development to write and direct film and TV projects with an eye toward co-productions with Korea. Lina is also passionate about empowerment through education, and has volunteer tutored regularly. She was the story editor on DR. BRAIN, Apple TV+'s first Korean language series. Lina recently completed her first feature film MEETING YOU, MEETING ME as a writer/director.
Three World War II veterans, two of them traumatized or disabled, return home to the American Midwest to discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed.Support the show
A conversation between artist Samia Halaby and Sanna Almajedi, recorded live following a performance at e-flux on September 10, 2024. In the performance, Halaby used a computer program that she coded in the early '90s to generate abstract shapes. These were manipulated in real-time alongside sonic improvisation by musician Amir ElSaffar. Samia Halaby is a trailblazer in contemporary abstract art internationally. In her distinctive painting style, Halaby draws inspiration from nature and historical movements such as early Islamic architecture and the Soviet avant-garde. Displaced from Palestine in 1948 with her family when she was eleven, Halaby was educated in the American Midwest at a time when abstract expressionism was popular but female abstract painters were marginalized. Halaby believes that new approaches to painting can transform our ways of seeing and thinking, not only within aesthetics, but also as a way to discover new perspectives for advances in teaching, technology, and society at large. This conviction has inspired her to pursue additional experiments in drawing, printmaking, computer-based kinetic art, and free-from-the-stretcher painting. Halaby's work is collected by many museums such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum of Art (New York and Abu Dhabi); Cleveland Museum of Art; Institut du Monde Arabe; and Birzeit University (Ramallah).
What legal and extra-legal challenges did Ottoman Syrian Muslim immigrants face when they immigrated to the American Midwest before World War I? What opportunitiesdid they have? Join our host Sahar Aziz in her discussion with Professor Edward Curtis to learn how these Midwesterners built their communal power, creating a life that was American, Arab, and Muslim all at the same time. Support the Center for Security, Race and Rights by following us and making a donation: Donate: https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/csrr-support/20046.html Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rucsrr Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/rutgerscsrr Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/rucsrr Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/rucsrr Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://csrr.rutgers.edu/newsroom/sign-up-for-newsletter/
Chris Jamroz is the CEO and chair of the board of Roadrunner, a less than truck load, (LTL) trucking company. You get to learn, as I did, all about this industry as described by a fascinating man who clearly understands leadership and how to build companies as he did with Roadrunner and other companies before his current one. Chris was born in Polland. Throughout his life he also has lived in France, England, Canada and now he calls the United States home. Chris tells us that he greatly values the American way of life and finds that here he, and the rest of us, can exercise our entrepreneurial spirit like nowhere else in the world. As I said, we get to learn about the trucking industry with Chris. He also talks about the economy in general including discussing the forces that lead to events such as recessions and successes. Chris and I even discuss AI and how it will in some ways affect his industry. Chris is quite a thought-provoking individual. I learned a lot not only about his industry, but I gained knowledge about management and leadership. I think you too will value greatly from listening to our conversation. About the Guest: Chris Jamroz is the Executive Chairman of the Board and CEO at Roadrunner. Chris is a highly experienced executive focused on creating shareholder value through active executive management of portfolio companies in transportation, logistics and cyber security. Chris has made great contributions to the open office environment and culture at Roadrunner. Previously, Chris served as the Executive Chairman of the Board and CEO at Ascent, a privately-owned freight forwarding and domestic brokerage services provider. Chris has led the transformative investment in GlobalX (TSXV: JET), a full-service passenger and cargo airline headquartered in Miami, FL. He is the founding partner of LyonIX Holdings LLC, a specialty investment, equipment leasing and direct operations private fund. Before coming to Roadrunner, Chris served in executive roles at Emergent Cold, STG Logistics, and Garda Cash Logistics. He also serves as Governor of the Royal Ontario Museum (‘ROM'), Canada's largest museum. Chris is a lifelong advocate of education, promoting diversity, equity & inclusion, and mentorship. Chris has been a tenured mentor to students at Schulich School of Business. He holds a BA in Business Studies with First Class Honors (Summa Cum Laude) from Birmingham City University in the UK as well as an MBA with Distinction from York University in Canada. Ways to connect with Chris: LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/christopherjamroz Contact email chris.jamroz@rrts.com Roadrunner Company Website www.RoadrunnerLTL.com About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hi everyone, and once again, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We get to interview, well, not interview, because it's the conversation, of course, but we get to talk with Chris Jamroz, who is the executive chair and the board and CEO of Roadrunner. Ah, Chris, it must be lonely at the top, Chris Jamroz ** 01:43 but it's Thank you for having me, Michael and to keep my company. Michael Hingson ** 01:49 There you go. Well, we're really glad that you're here, and I'm glad that we have a chance to visit. It's been a while in coming. I know you've been pretty busy. We we originally chatted last December, but now we get to do it, and that's fine. So I'm really appreciative of your time, and this is all about you and talking about being unstoppable and so on, and so to start that, why don't you tell me a little bit of kind of, maybe, about the early Chris growing up and all that sort of stuff. Chris Jamroz ** 02:21 So little Chris was born in Poland, behind the at that time the Iron Curtain under the socialist regime dominated by the Soviets. And little Chris spent his childhood dreaming of playing with real cars and dreaming of having a vehicle, which was a luxurious scarcity back then in that part of the world, and and looking through the Disney Disney movies, I learned a lot about Road Runner, so little that I knew that 40 years later, Road Runner will die be part of my path. But that journey has taken me through being a farmhand in France, a student in England, a banker in Canada, all the way to be an honest operator in the United States, when I finally make my way over to this greatest country on Earth, Michael Hingson ** 03:19 well, and I agree it's the greatest country, and I hope we continue to do great things. I know we're working at it, and sometimes we all tend to take some missteps, but it all balances in the end. And I think that's one of the neat things about democracy, and I'm sure you have a lot of thoughts about that, as opposed to what life was like in the Iron Curtain, Chris Jamroz ** 03:42 I certainly do. And while we do have our challenges here, and they are undeniable, the spirit of American people is the force to be reckoned with, and one of the most inspirational forces I've ever encountered my life. Michael Hingson ** 03:56 There's a lot of creativity here, and it shows and it continues to advance, and I'm sure that it will, least, that's my belief in the in the whole system, which is cool well, so you have been in a variety of countries, and I'm sort of curious, having had experience in Everything from Poland through France and England and Canada. And here, how would you come other than the country and the politics? How would you compare life in in those different countries? And what did it teach you? Chris Jamroz ** 04:34 I think, listen every every country has the unique history and culture and customs. Which argument wants life experiences when you have a chance to immerse yourself and in the local context, and if you do it truthfully, and not necessarily from a tourist vantage point, but as a as a person who tried to fit into the society. And performs, you know, a function or role, or whatever that may be. I think that that enriches one's lives. At the end of the day, you know, when you think about history, these two are all men and women brave enough to board, you know, ships and embark on a voyage to an unknown. We're willing to cut ties with everything they've ever known and the history and legacy and potential prosecution and all those things that may have not been kind to them or they were escaping from and come to North America and make the United States their home and start fresh. And what I do love about that the nation that now I call home, is that unstoppable force of entrepreneurialism, resourcefulness, resilience, that truly burning desire to accomplish something remarkable with with your life. And that's I've never experienced that anywhere else in the world. Michael Hingson ** 06:01 I've been blessed since escaping from the World Trade Center back on September 11. I've been blessed to be able to travel to a variety of countries and speak and one of the things that I very much enjoy is experiencing different cultures and different attitudes. And sometimes I may not necessarily agree with them, but it isn't about agreement. It's really about understanding and broadening one's horizons and understanding. And I think it's so important to be able to do that, to really understand where various people come from and how they live and what they do. And you know, even in the US, it is such a large country that the way you experience life in Florida or West Virginia is different than what we experience in California. And it is not to say that one way is better or worse than another. It's just all part of the same country. And what's wonderful is to see all of it meld together Chris Jamroz ** 07:01 Absolutely, absolutely, and it's, Michael Hingson ** 07:04 and it's so much fun to be able to do that, but you said that you originally learned about Road Runner a long time ago. And how did that happen? Or what, what did you learn? Or how did you experience Road Runner years ago? Chris Jamroz ** 07:17 Oh, that was, I was just being a little bit joking of watching Disney cartoons, and you know, got Michael Hingson ** 07:24 it? Okay? Wiley Coyote. As I said, there you go. Wiley Chris Jamroz ** 07:28 Coyote, but later that, I knew that would become such an important part of my adult life. Michael Hingson ** 07:33 So do you find Wile E Coyote creeping up every so often today we Chris Jamroz ** 07:38 do have we divided teams between Wiley coyotes and Roadrunners, and we have a contest and and a very healthy rivalry going between the two groups and, but it is, you know, it is nice to have something that is so embedded, and an industry culture and the name is so well known, and, and we Finding, and I think we found a way back to the original glory days of the beginning and the excitement and that kind of youthful and youthful excitement about our brand, which is a delight to me right now. Michael Hingson ** 08:16 I suppose one of the advantages of watching Roadrunner years ago in another country, is that, since it was really a cartoon with very little, if any, talking, it was easy to show without having to worry about translators. Chris Jamroz ** 08:32 But there's, there's a lot of lessons from that Michael to think about sure that that little, that little bugger, was resilient, and, oh, he was absent, and there's, there's a lot of valuable lessons to never let, never let the circumstances get you down, and always find a way to come back on top. Michael Hingson ** 08:50 And no matter which Acme Company Wiley Coyote went to to get something that never worked, correct. I was in Montreal once, and turned on the TV. It was late morning, and there I was listening to the Flintstones in French, which didn't help me a lot, not speaking French, but it was fun to to know that the Flintstones are in different languages. Yeah, Chris Jamroz ** 09:17 that's true. Our chief operating officer Hey, it's from Montreal, and he's now, obviously stateside, but there's and now we've, since we've opened service to the French Province of Canada, we maintain those links, and it's very interesting when we encounter French language in our daily emails and communications, it just gives us the the indication of the the fastness of the culture and and the customs across even this North American continent that we share, which Michael Hingson ** 09:50 is really cool. I was in British Columbia in early October of 2001 I had been invited up to. Because people heard about my story, and I went to a guide dog organization that asked me to come and speak. And we got there on Saturday, and the next day, we were down in the hotel restaurant having breakfast when the news hit the TV screens that the United States had invaded Afghanistan. What a strange feeling to be, not only away from home, but in a foreign country, when our country was responding as they did, and invaded Afghanistan because of september 11, it was, it was a strange feeling. But at the same time, people were so supportive, which was a wonderful feeling, and mostly that was the case. There were a few people who said, well, America got what they deserve, and they were really shut down pretty quickly around Canada. Chris Jamroz ** 10:53 That's correct, that's correct. Yeah. That was a very special time in our show history, Michael Hingson ** 10:58 yeah, yeah, it was and it was strange we when we were at the airport in Newark getting ready to fly across country to Canada. It was Saturday, and the airport was pretty empty, and as my wife said, it's strange to see these 18 year olds with machine guns strapped to their bodies patrolling the airport and And nevertheless, it was, it was an interesting time. Well, Chris Jamroz ** 11:31 strange to us here is actually a common occurrence, and yeah, many places around the globe to see those young men and women patrol airports and train stations with machine guides ready to be deployed Michael Hingson ** 11:43 well, and as my wife said, The problem is these kids probably don't even look old enough to know how to really work the gun, but I'm sure they did, but it was, it was an interesting time, and it's unfortunate that we, we all had to experience that, but that's kind of the nature of The world? Well, tell me a little about Roadrunner, what it is, what it does, and so on, how you got involved, rather than through the Wiley Coyote. Chris Jamroz ** 12:09 That's right. But Roadrunner originally was built as a metro to Metro, direct transportation, trucking service in the sub market referred to as less than truckload, so called the LTL. And what it means is that within you know, when you see a semi tractor, you know, speeding down and very hopefully observing the speed limit, usually about 90% of the market. When you look at those, those trucks, they are full truckloads, or referring an industry as truckloads, it's TL, TL and truckload means that all the contents, all the freight contained within the space of that trailer, is destined to one shipper. And shipper is the term we use for customers here interchangeably. So Lt. The difference of LTL is that within that same trailer, same 53 foot long trailer, you have freight for a lot of different shippers, and LTL is the sub segment of the broader trucking dedicated to service those customers who do not have the need or cannot necessarily afford the cost of chartering the whole trailer, and that may not have any specific need to for that kind of space, and they utilize pallet positions within that trailer to transport the freight from point A to point B. That accounts for about 10% to 20% depending on who you talk to of the overall market, and it's and Roadrunner became an expert and a specialist in taking loads directly across the continent from it started in Milwaukee, in Cudahy, Wisconsin, and Shooting loads directly to America's southwest to, you know, and back that's obviously was linked to the port activity and intake in intake freight input point from Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. But he became an expert, and over time, the different management teams and different constituency of shareholders embarked on a strategy of growing it across different modes and a lot of things, and it became bit of a problematic story for the last four years. We We spend a concerted amount of time and discipline effort to unwind those those layers and bring it back to the specialist metro to Metro, long haul, specialist tracking service, which has kind of helped us resume our path to sustainability and excellence. Michael Hingson ** 14:52 Is there a lot of competition for well among LTL companies? Yeah. Chris Jamroz ** 15:01 I think there's a fair degree or healthy competition among them. It's, it's a fairly limited market of players. It's, I came up through my, through my experience in LTL, I I've coined this phrase that LTL stands for, less than likely to go perfect. It's, you know, despite the fact that you think it's a pretty simplistic concept of picking up the palette in in Philadelphia and delivering it in Dallas, it's actually an extraordinary complex and difficult to execute service, and from a perspective of being on time, of not losing, not damaging, the freight and trust to you. And obviously do it in a sort of in a fairly compressed timeline. So it is, it is a very specialist place. It's very different from what I mentioned, about 80% of the market, which is the truckload market, which is, you know that, you know, full trailers picked up from pay B, they just go to to the destination. This one is a consolidation play. There's, there's different touch points. It's a very complex so while the competition is very healthy, it's a good competition because it's sort of a tide that raises all the bonuses. These are very high quality providers, and as we compete, our customers win, Michael Hingson ** 16:29 yeah, which is kind of important, and as long as everybody recognizes that it makes perfect sense that it ought to be that way. Why are what makes Road Runner kind of unique, or what sets it apart from other companies. Chris Jamroz ** 16:42 What it said that we specialize in doing that one thing, which is taking loads directly and connecting a very far apart points across the United States, Canada in increasing Mexico direct. So a lot of large, large carriers or trucking companies have a very densely populated terminals, and they've, you know, they may have in excess of 300 terminals in the United States alone. What they do is they like very much, like an airline. They created a sophisticated hub and spoke system where the shuttle service connects the entire network. So for example, the freight from picked up from Long Beach destined to a planner may go through five different hubs as the network is designed. The problem with that is that every time you have to go into an LTL trailer, that means the forklift drives inside, lifts the pallet, needs to take it out, then take the cross to CrossTalk, puts in another trailer that's going to be destined to the next point and stop on the way. Damage happens, loss happens, and time is wasted, just and time is wasted. So what we do is we only have 36 terminals, but we we're in major metro, Metro, Metro to Metro connectivity. I always say that if you have a professional sports team, ideally a good one, and you we're going to have a terminal there in those settings, and we use our team drivers, and we just just shoot those votes straight across. So we compress the time that it takes to traverse the distance, and we eliminate those points of rehandling of powers and freight and greatly reduced the risk of loss, the risk of damage, etc. Michael Hingson ** 18:48 And presumably, as part of that, you are very creative in scheduling, so that when you take a load somewhere and you get to the final destination, you also have other material to pick up, to go back or to go elsewhere, so you don't leave trucks idle very often, Chris Jamroz ** 19:06 correct. So that's that's the art and the science of network design. Yeah, the way we execute it. We obviously have tremendous amount of data analytics and algorithmic tools to help us route this way, because at the same time, not just the trucks sitting idle, but the drivers don't like, you know, drivers like to drive, because when they drive, they make money, yeah, and that's we are very good at keeping them on the road and making money. Michael Hingson ** 19:38 So what got you started in deciding to be part of Road Runner and and working up through the system to get where you are. Chris Jamroz ** 19:47 You know, over the last two decades, I've become a sort of a specialist in unlocking trapped value in logistics companies across all modes of supply chain, globally and Road Runner. Certainly one platform with very severe challenges and and I really loved the story. I was completely taken by the strength and of and the resilience of its people. And I really thought it's an incredible opportunity to orchestrate a turnaround like no other in the trucking industry. And while it may sound a little bit arrogant, it's not meant to be. But you know, as I've heard it from equity analysts and bankers, many, many trucking companies have attempted turnaround and restructuring, and very few ever made it. There was a time when Old Dominion road lawyers, which is one of the best, arguably the best LTL carrier in the nation, they used to suffer from terrible reputation. And I remember they were called the referred to as the old smelly onion. Today it's a gold standard for all of us in this business to aspire to. But there was a time in the 90s when they suffered greatly and they orchestrated a spectacular turnaround. And there were there were some others as well, but road run in recent history is definitely the most spectacular comeback in that space. Michael Hingson ** 21:21 Well, it obviously, in part, has to do with being very creative and figuring out ways to do exactly what you do, which is to get material from one place to another, minimum of any transfer from one truck to another, because you're right that can cause a lot of damage, and it does take a lot of time, and I'm sure that the result of that is that drivers appreciate it as well. Chris Jamroz ** 21:46 Drivers do. Drivers are, you know, hardworking people. It's tough to think when, when I do about more a group of of the more patriotic pillars of our society. Drivers are a true American entrepreneurs, and we pride ourselves in empowering them and putting them in business and helping them build their own businesses. And we have, you know, so many success stories that filled our hearts with pride. But at the end of the day, drivers stay and drivers support carrier that helps them make money, that means, helps them busy, stay them enrolled, gives them good loads. And we have become, you know, we've kind of prioritized this as our core competence. Michael Hingson ** 22:32 So with all of that, how was it during the whole period of covid? Because, of course, a lot of things happened. A lot of things shut down, and a lot of things changed because of covid. How did all that affect Roadrunner and what you do, and how did you all come out of it? Chris Jamroz ** 22:53 We certainly, we kind of started the restructuring, and literally in the beginning of March, which was in 2020 which was like two weeks before the entire country shut down. So obviously that made it for a very interesting time in our life. But Trucking is such an essential service, it never stopped, right? Without trucking, nothing gets delivered. You cannot do anything. It's probably next to the sanitation services, I think, the most critical part of American or any economy for that matter. And so we worked, we worked interruptly through the pandemic. We were very focused on rebuilding our business and fixing our operations so everything that was happening external to our business were kind of very much in our peripheral vision, because we had so much work to fix our business from inside out, and that kind of kept us busy for for pretty much the next two and a half years. Michael Hingson ** 23:58 So covid was kind of a good impetus and an excuse to to do the things that you you knew you kind of needed to do anyway. It Chris Jamroz ** 24:06 was a good it was a good time, because we would have had to do it anyway. But the people were so distracted by, obviously, the stress of of the situation, that kind of took the focus completely away from what we were, what we needed to do. And I think that was a blessing. Michael Hingson ** 24:25 Several um, weeks ago, I had the opportunity to chat with a gentleman named Glenn Gao, who lives in Northern California, who's a business leader coach, and he promotes the whole concept of AI and specifically managers using AI to help create ideas to improve what they do and to improve their companies and so on. But one of the discussions we had, um, and he and he said something very interesting during the discussion. But one of the discussions we had was how AI is going to affect. People as we go forward, and one of his positions was artificial intelligence, and all the things that are going on with AI doesn't eliminate jobs. Rather, people eliminate jobs because either they they find that they can do things cheaper, but they're they're not really doing themselves any good by doing that, because what AI should really do is where relevant help redefine jobs. And one of the things that we talked about was exactly the whole concept of truck drivers, when AI and autonomous vehicles come more into existence, what will happen to truck drivers? And his point was, even if you let a vehicle operate autonomously and it's completely safe, what that really should do is not to require a driver to not be in a truck anymore, but rather, you find other responsibilities and other things for the driver to do while monitoring the Driving of the vehicle no matter how safe it is. And so that that prompts the question, what do you think about the whole issue of autonomous vehicles and AI, and where you think that might might go over time? Because I tend to agree with Glenn, it shouldn't eliminate jobs. It may cause some expansion or redefining of jobs, but not elimination. Yeah. Chris Jamroz ** 26:21 I think, listen, this is a, obviously a topic that could take a day, and everybody has no yeah. I always, I always love watching those clips from the news, yeah, news from the 1990s when the first the internet, the World Wide Web, was introduced, and people kind of speculating with it, if it's going to, you know, mean anything you want to. You don't want to be that guy who voices an opinion that gets recorded, and 20 years later your kids get to see it. What you know, What a dumb Damas your dad may have been. This is, this is one of those. So I have a very specific view on this. I, you know, I always kind of think that are certain tools that I invented that help things, and some of them were very useful and don't necessarily make the life easier. An example for that is a vacuum cleaner. You know, when I, when I was born, the vacuum cleaner was still a novelty and not particularly a widely think what was happening that once a year the entire Thai family would gather to take one or two rugs that that were present. Now, take them outside, clean them, usually in the snow, because I was thinking, and come back and just enjoy the freshness for the next year. Now the vacuum cleaner comes a genius invention. Genius invention. What do we do? You know, if my mom would have her way, I would be vacuum cleaning every day, just instead of a once a thing. I have a hobby now that every time my mom is a pond to one thing, I'd better get on that and get it clean. So did it really save us? I don't know, but definitely it's full invention, AI broadly, I think has has an immense impact on our lives, to the to the extent that I don't think anybody can even appreciate right now, in terms of the logistics business, I actually think there's very limited impact of what AI can do. And this is a sort of, and this is very humble opinion, after, you know, spending the two decades and fixing different supply chain businesses, and it's just the unpredictability, the the size of these, you know, statistically viable data samples, the the the the patterns of different outcomes is just impossible to scale and up until you can lift A pallet from Portland and and it can traverse in Metaverse to Chicago. You still need a truck, you still need a forklift, you still need someone to oversee this, right? So definitely impact on jobs and logistics, I'd say minimum. I think basically, maybe quality, the quality of service, perhaps we're using machine learning and AI algorithmic methodologies in our static load plan, which basically means routing the freight the best possible way. But at the same time, it's not an infinite benefit game. At the end of the day, you have a night 10 corridor and you have a truck that can traverse as the speed limit. And what is the best case? It's just there's very limited outcomes to the upside here. So I think the AI in terms of the, you know, in terms of the logistics space, will have probably the most commute. It effects of across the board, if I think about it, and definitely as I'm looking forward to the marginal benefits, I don't see it as a particular needle mover for us here. Well, Michael Hingson ** 30:13 as I said, even if you could completely automate a vehicle so that it could drive itself, and that's fine. I still say that ultimately, I would never want to remove the driver from the vehicle, but rather give the driver other things to do to help the company. And they're the creative people will figure that out, and I think that there is no way that it should eliminate jobs. It's ridiculous to think that it's supposed to enhance and I think that there are ways that it will, whether vehicles will really become fully autonomous anytime in the near or intermediate future, at least, is is open to conjecture. But I I don't like the idea of, well, it's going to eliminate jobs. I don't believe that that's true. And I think that's what you're saying as well, and it makes sense. Chris Jamroz ** 31:07 Yes, yeah. Well, Michael Hingson ** 31:09 so in terms of shipping and logistics, what does, if you will, shipping and logistics indicate about kind of the broader economy, because it's certainly listening to what you said earlier. It continued during the pandemic, and I guess that means economy continues. But in general, just the whole industry. How does that affect or fit into the whole issue of the economy, and what your industry does for the economy? Chris Jamroz ** 31:41 So you know, the American economy, every economy has a different mix of drivers, right? The American economy is a consumer driven economy, right? A percent of the GDP is driven by the discretionary consumer spend. So everything that you and I go and, you know, whether we go to a restaurant or go to the, you know, go to a wonderful vacation spot and buy it, you know, a plane ticket and book a hotel. All those kind of things make a difference. And obviously our discretionary shopping habits, that's critical. LTL is very much driven, you know, the entire supply chain accounts for 8% of American GDP. So it's not insignificant, and it is a sort of a barometer of activity. The broader, the broader trucking index could be an indication of of many drivers in common with this, whether that's industrial out of gage, project driven infrastructure investments by, you know, oil and gas sectors, or public works, or earth moving projects, you have all this kind of interaction with LTL is predominantly linked to e commerce near shoring and a little bit to the Import activity that when we have goods imported, they enter United States either through the port of New Jersey, New York or Long Beach, Los Angeles, and obviously Seattle, Tacoma or Charleston and Houston have all these kind of different entry points and and we monitor this. So we definitely are continued to be in a third year of recession, or this, you know, the tail end of the second year of recession, a freight recession. That is where the the volume of shipments have been dramatically, muted, dramatically, and then we continue to see the excess capacity, the full truckloads that I spoke about earlier, they hurting the most from the truckers. LTL is a fairly protected niche, and again, e commerce, which is still alive and healthy near shore, obviously growing in abundance and significance. That's also helping and so those the LTO is a little bit insulated from their role, and I wouldn't, and it's never particularly good or more reliable, most reliable gage of American economy or its health, the truckload is probably in other modes of trucking are more indicative, I would say. But again, you know we can, you know this was, you know what we experienced in 2021 and beginning of 2022 which was unprecedented peak and that benefited all people in supply chain, that obviously has been a peak in a cyclical business. And no matter what you call it, the transportation business are commodity businesses. And commodity businesses cycle, and some of the modes within that sector cycle more violently than others. And and we are at the trough of that cycle. And and probably will be here for quite some time, because we see before we see any mean. For recovery. Michael Hingson ** 35:00 Why is there such a upright recession right now? Chris Jamroz ** 35:06 What has happened is, if you remember that, there's couple of things, number one, at any cycle, at the peak of a cycle, a lot of people make decisions, and there's this unimpeachable view of self, intellect among them, among some of the decision makers who think, Okay, this time will be different, and this time, we won't let this slip. And there are decisions made at the peak of the cycle that have consequences or carry the consequences through the trough. Those decisions in our industry usually impact capacity, such as the number of new orders for trucks and trailers and terminal expansion when, when you look at this never, ever before in the history of mankind, more tractors, trailers and terminals have been commissioned or ordered than it were in 2021 and 2022 all These orders are now coming, then, creating unprecedented capacity. And now mind you, 2020, and 2021. Tested, you know, tested our ability to function without the ability to interact with each other. So you remember, we all remember, everybody was stocking up on just about any house, good supplies, you know, toilet paper, Clorox and disinfectants and just about anything, and the volume was just that no matter how much capacity you had, you you didn't have enough to satisfy the thirst of the consumer back in those days. So people made a lot of decisions. Most profound were those of ocean shippers who commissioned more supermax container ships than ever, ever in the history of the planet. And all these ships are being launched right now in the second world so soon in the second part of 2024 never before we had such a non swap of new supply in the notion, which obviously collapsed the pricing and in an ocean market. And that has a domino effect through, you know, starts with an ocean, because everything comes from China, Indonesia, India, Vietnam. Nothing comes from, you know, nothing comes from, you know, from the American Midwest anymore to meaningful thing now, thankfully, that's been offset by those near showing trends and the resurgence of Mexico and infrastructure investment in manufacturing on this continent, which is phenomenal. But you know, you had that, that onslaught of capacity and carried from ocean ships through through train cars, through tractor trailers, through new terminals, and, you know, they're just, you know, we, we didn't stay at that peak. You didn't, you know you're not. You don't have a three month supply of paper towels in your cupboard, probably today. And those trends reversed, and they kind of reverted to more historical median. So we went to the median shipping, not not anything dramatic, but we overbuilt capacity to to to support an abnormal volume demand. So you have this, you know, you have anybody who could have a truck, you could became an instant billionaire, right? If you could commit a thing, and you could drive the truck and take somebody's cargo shipment from it from one point to another. You're in business, and you're doing extremely well. And then that, you know, at the same time, the government stimulus, the low, super low interest rate, the financing, those, those things you picked for nearly nothing in terms of financing costs, and those covid leases are still in place. So we have a bit of a delayed effect of people exiting the industry, which is a normal thing in a down cycle, and it's prolonged, because the cost of the equipment is a lot cheaper than ever before in the history of economic cycle. So you have this prolonged exits which have not rationalized the supply demand equation. You have those very committed, serious infrastructure investment in terminals and expanding the infrastructure for handling exuberant amount of freight in this in this country, and that kind of makes it for a fairly miserable outcome for for those who try to make a living in transportation. Michael Hingson ** 39:29 Do you think that there are things that we could have done to prevent what happened? Because it's it seems to me that it is a cycle, but at the same time, how could we have avoided it, given what happened in the pandemic and everybody was stocking up and so on, how could we have avoided doing exactly the thing that occurred, which now leads to the recession in this industry? And I'd be also curious to see if you think that that's going to spread. Further to the rest of the economy. But how could we have avoided it? Or could we have, Chris Jamroz ** 40:06 I don't think so. Now you'd have to convince people to hate making money, and that's that's a tough thing, because at the peak of the cycle, every incremental capacity you know delivers extraordinary monetary benefit. So you would, you would have to ask for restraint and discipline. That is, is not natural to us, a natural to us as humans, and definitely not part of the American, American fabric, which is obviously opportunist, opportunism and entrepreneurialism. So, and it's there's a history of that every unprecedented event, if you go back in history, tend to occur every six to seven years. We have that unprecedented event of of a of a decline in the trough that that one can fully expect we in the decade the smarter people. I mean, that's that's sort of a South tyling Kong. But you know it when, in our business, we really reserved a lot of cash in 2020, and 2021, and I directed all of my management teams to just prepare for inevitable recession and entering entering with a high, you know, high reserves of of cash helps you through the town cycle. People who have leveraged themselves to the tilt and the pursuit of getting access to that capacity can deploy to earning, earning activities, have found themselves disappointed and and at the point of, you know, difficulty or despair at times, and many of them have since exited the industry or the business and all together. But it's not a it's not, I don't think it's avoidable. It's a cyclicality of commodity businesses, a lot of businesses, go through cycles. Oil and Gas is a violent cycle, ocean shipping, transportation, businesses of all coins, all of them are extraordinary. Link to economic gravitas, and that just, you know that just happens. The question is that, can you make the landing as soft as possible? Well, because you cannot avoid not going down, Michael Hingson ** 42:18 yeah, which is really the wisdom and the thing that you have to do, we can't prevent it, but at the same time, we, if we are wise, we can prepare for it. And that makes perfect sense, because it's it is one of those things that just too many people just run right into things, and they do things, they just react. We have too many knee jerk reactions without strategizing, and that's part of the problem. So what you did is clearly the way to go, and the hope is that you're predicting enough of the recession and the level of it that that you'll be able to survive it and it won't become too bad. Chris Jamroz ** 43:02 Yeah. I mean, listen, people at the peak of the cycle have difficulty seeing the cliff. They always try to believe that this time will be different and and it won't end up in tears like every single time beforehand. At the same time, people at the bottom of the cycle can sometimes pass. He passed the doom and gloom of the misery of today. But you know, as Rumi, the poet, says, This shall pass too. Yeah, say, and it's just, you know, you can never predict. And I don't you know, there's just you know all the even you know a broken clock is, is right twice a day, which is one of my favorite sayings, and right if you perpetually predict the negative you one day, you'll be right. If you you know a perpetual optimist, one day, you'll be quoted that you had predicted it. But I don't think there's this ability to put the timing on severity of these swings. What you can do is to do your absolute best to prepare for the cyclicality and inevitability of a of an economic cycle that impacts industry that are commodity industries, and try not to believe your own headlines. That's one of my favorite sayings to the things just when you have this kind of, you know, exuberant confidence in your own ability, but there's always a healthy check in that is, that is required and, and I always tell the management team don't, don't. You know, we very good, but we're not that good, and never, ever believe in your own press releases. Michael Hingson ** 44:27 Yeah. Well, one of my favorite sayings is, don't worry about the things that you can't control. Focus on what you can and let the rest take care of itself. And you can't control the recession concept or recessions, necessarily, but what you can control is how well you prepare for it, and you think about it far enough in advance or sufficiently that you prepare as well as you can, and that's all you can do. Chris Jamroz ** 44:52 Yeah, well said. Michael Hingson ** 44:54 So I assume that right now, rates are cheaper than they have been in the past, and this is a good. Time to ship. Chris Jamroz ** 45:02 It is a good time to ship. It is a good time to ship, particularly from, from a perspective of past. You know, years of 2020, 2122 and but you know, you don't. You know, the rates are byproduct of capacity and demand, right? It's always, there's the markets are very efficient when they find a market clearing price or rate for any service. The key is that you know, what do we do? Like about the LTL industry, that all the carriers are disciplined, so while everybody, nobody will be reporting record earnings this year, the what we do provides an adequate return on capital to provide for continuity and sustainability of our enterprise. Well, Michael Hingson ** 45:49 it sounds like that you and what you do with Roadrunner, and I think in other places, have built companies and made them successful. And I think the most important part about that is that you build good teams. How do you do that? Chris Jamroz ** 46:07 You know, everybody wants to play on the winning team. I've learned that fairly, pretty often, if you want. You know you could be not necessarily the easiest coach or not the kindest general manager of a sports team, but the players who want to join and come and play on the team, if you, if you win in championships and and it's all about the creating the little victories and momentum and creating the positive momentum, because it kind of takes a life of its own. And it's all about velocity of decision making processes. These are sort of a things that when, when I see, when I see organization crippled, you know, by the paralysis by analysis. And they kind of these full of smartest people in the world, but they just cannot make the right decision that they spend endless time through, you know, trying to model different outcomes. You attract top people who believe in the ability to become very effective as leaders, as managers, by combining the intelligence, the talent, the respect for data and analytics, and they empowered to make decisions, and they empowered to make a difference. That, you know, even through my life, you know, I've seen how many changes and the generations that are entering the workforce today are very different in behaviors that even Iowa's. And the contrast is quite stark, but what it is very magnetizing to to them is the ability to be impactful and do something they truly believe in, and do the right thing, and based upon very objective analysis, as opposed to, you know, do it because I say so, or gut based decision making and and so forth. So my teams, my management teams, evolved quite rapidly. You know, the last 1415, years, you know, I've had about probably 90% rotation in 19 million continue to upgrade, and so can people continue to find different paths so they just not good enough as the caliber of challenges I take on increases, but you know, I'm thrilled to see so many incredibly young, young folks on my team doing things that are just almost, you know, I could only describe as inspiring to me. Michael Hingson ** 48:47 There's something to be said for energy, isn't there? Chris Jamroz ** 48:51 Oh, energy is key. And from the leadership perspective, you need, you absolutely need credibility. So you need to act with integrity, authenticity. You need to win the respect of the people by fighting alongside with them in the trenches, you know, and being a very high energy leader, I think, is critical, particularly in industry as ours, right. I love the kinetic movement. I love the energy released by by transport and moving and and I lead the way that I would want to see the people around me behave, and I think that's critically important. Michael Hingson ** 49:33 Yeah, I think there's a lot to be said for the fact that people need to relate to you and to leaders, because if, if they can't relate, if they can't really feel like they're part of the team, then they never will be. And the leaders, the person or the leaders, are the people who need to make that happen. Chris Jamroz ** 49:57 I agree. I think there are different industries that. That that that aspect that you just mentioned is extremely important, logistics, absolutely. But there are different industries like, think about law firms or hospitals. They doctors don't need to be inspired by leadership. Lawyers need to be inspired by the Management Committee, the excellent professionals, and they operate within their own scope of autonomy, and they phenomenal what they do in logistics. It doesn't work. You could be the most brilliant person in the room. If you do not win the hearts and minds of your fellow teammates, you're not going to get anything done. And that is critical, because, if you and that's why logistics business, particularly those who do extremely well, have leaders, who have, you know, extremely personable, personable with a very high degree of energy. They're not, you know what you would have imagined in the past. You can see and sort of even the if you look in SMP and stock performance and and the shareholder value creation. You those firms who have very passionate, charismatic leadership teams tend to outperform dramatically the rest of the peer cohort. But Michael Hingson ** 51:12 even in a law firm, if it's a real firm, and I think that's the issue, if it wants to operate as an entity, even the lawyers have their own cases and so on. But if, if it really wants to operate as an entity and find ways for people to collaborate and work together or work with each other at least, then there's got to be some level of leadership in it. And it sometimes happens, and then sometimes it doesn't. And I think that's true in in a lot of industries, but the best companies are ones where there is a a leader or leaders who can bring people together and make people all work toward whatever the common goals are, absolutely yeah, what's the best part of your job? Chris Jamroz ** 51:58 You know the best part is seeing the people who have worked so hard, committed so much of the personal time and sacrifice of the years come to work, and you see that moment when there there are sparks in their eyes, when they see that their work matters and they Making a difference. And there's nothing more fulfilling, because everybody wants to be, you know, on the winning team. And you know, in the history of roadrun, which is obviously the most current one, but every other business that I've had the privilege of of being at the helm. You When? When, when people who make the companies start really feeling that they've made the difference and their contributions matter, and they're being appreciated, and the work shows there's no greater feeling in the world. So Michael Hingson ** 52:49 what, what influences you? I mean, obviously you learn. You find ways to learn, and things need to probably influence you to to get to think the way you do. What are the things that influence you in the world, other than Acme and the Wiley Coyote? Chris Jamroz ** 53:11 You know, this is I, I've, I've gone through my share of role models and mentors, and, you know, I'm profoundly grateful for the influence they've had on shaping the character of a person that I am and, and the business person that I've become and, and there were many right now, it's really sort of, you know, as you kind of, as I'm, you know, becoming more mature. It's really a kind of creating legacy and living legacy, and doing that through passing the proverbial baton to the new generations and seeing people step up and grow and become more confident in their abilities and truly believe in themselves, that's really is is is tremendous. And I think that's you know, as you know the you know, the my 20s and 30s, and soon the 40s will be over. The next, the next decade in my life will effectively about creating the living legacy, and that's probably the most powerful influence in my life. One Michael Hingson ** 54:18 of the things that I've learned came from being a member of the largest consumer organization of blind people, the National Federation of the Blind, and the president of the Federation, years and years and years ago, started organizing what he called Leadership seminars. And that's continued with later presidents. But one of the things that the President said, well, actually, a question that he asked, I remember it clearly. It was on the Saturday Night of the seminar, is what is the most important thing that the president of the organization can and should be doing? And his response, after hearing what other people said, is. Because the most important thing I think the President has to do is to be looking for his successor, because there will become a time that he doesn't get to be president anymore, and if the organization is going to continue, then the President needs to be the one to find the person who can take over and do what needs to be done going forward. What do you think about that? Chris Jamroz ** 55:28 I think it's very profound. I think it's critical. I I've, you know, through my, through my adventure and logistics, you know, I've been at the helm of, you know, now, the helm of eighth and ninth organization, and I've done, I've executed seven exits, and every single time that I left, what was left behind was a fully sustainable management team that could take, they would take the operation to the new The new level, but it would be their, their story wouldn't be mine anymore, right? And it's, it's tough. It's tough because first you first there's, we're humans, and we develop emotional connectivity. If we have the humans we obviously we relate, relate to fellow humans and and we we like what we do, and we tend to touch so it's difficult to let go. Second of go, particularly things going well. There's, you know, we tend to develop. There's an impeachable view of self, intellect and supremacy and irreplaceability, which is complete and nonsensical, but it is human. And I've maintained a very healthy discipline of not staying at the helm of any organization for more than three, four years, and and that's, you know, that's, that's very healthy. And I think at any given time you you have to create because, to be honest, if especially in today's, today's society, if people do not see the path forward, if they think that their abilities will not be recognized within the meritocracy of the organizational dynamics, they will leave the competition for talented spheres. And it's not a defensive play, but it's makes organization better. I've seen a lot of executives trying to hang on to the spots for decades and and to be honest, all they've accomplished. I think it's time. The the potential that organization could have had doesn't mean the businesses are not performing, but I think the reasons could have gone a lot further. And but it's time. It's difficult, right? We don't want to seem we don't want to see ourselves as impediments to growth. Who wants to think of themselves by that? It's I think, but I think it's a very healthy habits. As much as I'm a firm believer in term limits and in certain government fears, I'm a strong believer in term limits at the helm of commercial organizations, and I've lived by by example of that, having, you know, having exited seven times already. So my average tenure is just under, you know, just about two and three years well Michael Hingson ** 58:12 and and obviously you Leave when you know that you've been able to put together a team, and even possibly including a person at the top of the team who can take over and continue the growth or whatever it is that the organization needs which is important, Chris Jamroz ** 58:28 absolutely, absolutely. So Michael Hingson ** 58:32 on a personal note, what do you do when you're not being CEO or chair of the board? What kind of hobbies or pastimes and other things like that do you do to be a little bit more frivolous in the world? Chris Jamroz ** 58:45 So my absolute thing in the world is kiteboarding, which I don't get to do enough, but it is aspirations. Kiteboarding and sailing. These are the most relaxing things I can ever envision doing in my life, and it's been quite some time since I since I've sailed, and it's been quite some time since I kite board, so like, I'm targeting, you know, the end of this year to maybe get at least a few weekends out in The ocean, as Michael Hingson ** 59:21 long as the sharks leave you alone. Chris Jamroz ** 59:24 Well, if you outrun them, Michael Hingson ** 59:26 well there, there's that. That's fair. Okay. Well, Chris, I want to thank you for taking so much time to be here. My hope that you've enjoyed it and had fun. I certainly have learned a lot, which is what I always like to do. And I really appreciate you taking the time to spend with us and making this, I think, a relevant and memorable podcast for people to hear. I Chris Jamroz ** 59:49 could absolutely and thouroughly enjoyed myself, and thank you so much for inviting me and having me on your show. Michael Hingson ** 59:54 Thanks very much for listening to unstoppable mindset. We hope that wherever you're listening, you'll get. Us a five star rating. We value that very highly. If you want to comment on this podcast, I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me at Michael h i@accessibe.com, A, C, C, E, S, S, I, B, e.com, you can also go hear other podcasts anywhere podcasts are available, especially you could go to www dot Michael hingson, M, I C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, s, o, n.com/podcast, but wherever you listen to us, please give us a five star rating. We value that very highly, and we hope that you'll come back and visit with us again next time. On unstoppable mindset, you music. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:45 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.
Phosphorus is an element that wears many faces. Its overuse as a fertilizer has polluted freshwater ecosystems, transforming rivers and lakes from thriving communities to lethal zones devoid of life. Its role as an explosive has brought fiery death and suffering to many during times of war. And its dwindling global supply poses an existential threat to humanity. Because phosphorus is not just a destructive force - it is essential for all of life on this planet. In The Devil's Element: Phosphorus and a World Out of Balance, author Dan Egan explores the multi-faceted nature of phosphorus and the surprising ways this element has shaped our world. Egan, Journalist in Residence at the Center for Water Policy in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Freshwater Sciences, transports readers from the guano-covered islands off the coast of Peru to the fertile fields of the American Midwest, from the 17th century laboratories reeking of boiled urine to our tenuous future as the demand for this element outpaces its supply. Tune in to learn about this powerful yet underappreciated element. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Future. Faster. The Pursuit of Sustainable Success with Nutrien Ag Solutions
When you have an impressive industry footprint, you've got a big opportunity to make sustainable change. And as the world leader in oil seed processing, Bunge sets the standard in the world of agriculture. So we're excited to announce that our sustainability initiative with Nutrien Ag Solutions and Bunge, which we just launched a year ago, is expanding from two sites in the American Midwest to five. This program creates incentives to help growers reduce tillage, implement cover crops, diversify their crop rotation, and manage nutrients. And, in its first year, it's met with a lot of success. So in this episode, we catch up with Justin McAllister, Bunge's Regenerative Agriculture Lead, to discuss how the program is growing and succeeding, what we've learned in its first year, and how it's helping growers improve their sustainability footprints AND their bottom lines. Visit agrible.com to sign up for Nutrien Ag Solutions' free digital toolkit, and info.nutrienagsolutions.com/SNO to learn more about Sustainable Nitrogen Outcomes.
A book of poetry dedicated to the human experience of the working class poor in the American Midwest... Buy and/or review At Least the Pain is Cheap HERE Get a free copy at: atleastthepainischeap@gmail.com
In May 2024, tractors across the American Midwest stalled. But that was only the first piece of a much larger story. Journalist Jason Koebler takes us to Nebraska and Illinois to find out what is going on with American tractors – and what Ukrainian hackers have to do with it. Read more of Jason's reporting on John Deere and the Right to Repair movement.
A book of poetry dedicated to the human experience of the working class poor in the American Midwest... Buy and/or review At Least the Pain is Cheap HERE Get a free copy at: atleastthepainischeap@gmail.com
Here's your Daily dose of Human Events with @JackPosobiec Save up to 65% on MyPillow products by going to https://www.MyPillow.com/POSO and use code POSO Go to https://www.BlackoutCoffee.com/POSO and use promo code POSO20 for 20% OFF your first order.To get $5000 of free silver on a qualifying purchase go https://www.protectwithposo.com with code POSO Students for Life is the ONLY national organization galvanizing the next generation to stand against the evils of abortion. Go to StudentsforLife.com/POSO to get your FREE guidebook now.Support the show
Ever wondered why firms exist in a market-driven economy? This month's episode promises to unravel this question by diving deep into Ronald Coase's seminal 1937 paper, "The Nature of the Firm." Join me, Mike Munger, as I reflect on our first 16 months of podcasting and share the insights and wisdom that have shaped our journey. You'll gain a thorough understanding of how transaction costs influence economic behaviors and organizational structures, with fascinating examples from Richard Langlois' analysis of the American Midwest's agricultural sector before the railroad era.Ronald Harry Coase, The Nature of the Firm (1937)Michael Munger, Why Bosses Don't Wear Bunny SlippersIf you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at taitc.email@gmail.com ! You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz
In the not to distant future, Nic Cage drives an El Camino and must save America. "In the near future, global warming turns parts of the American Midwest into a desert. In its attempt to take hold of the economic recession, a government agency called The Humanity Bureau exiles members of society deemed unproductive and banishes them to a colony known as New Eden. An ambitious and impartial caseworker Noah Kross investigates a case appealed by a single mother and her son. Knowing the unjust fate of the innocent boy, Kross sets off to save the lives of the mother and child." (Synopsis from Rotten Tomatoes)
What if the tools and stories of our ancestors could teach us more about life and community than the latest tech gadget? Join us for an enriching conversation with Brian Kaller, a prolific writer and deep thinker, as he shares insights from his article "The World Made by Hand." We explore the time-honored significance of inherited tools, wisdom, and story and the dying art of hands-on creation in our disposable society. Brian takes us on a journey through his 20-year experience in rural Ireland, contrasting the cultural shifts he observed upon his return to the American Midwest.Read Brian's articles, read here!Read Brian's blog here!Discuss this episode with us here on our Online Community!Books mentioned in this conversation:Stagtine, GriffithThe Outermost House, Beston
Send us a Text Message.What happens when you're uprooted from a tropical paradise to the American Midwest? Join us on the Wild Chaos Show as we hear from Chris, who shares his extraordinary journey from the Marshall Islands to rural Oklahoma. Discover how cultural shocks and a disciplined upbringing by his Korean War veteran father shaped his resilience. Chris narrates his experiences of parental divorce, frequent relocations, and ultimately, finding a home in Illinois, all while highlighting the adaptability that has defined his life.Ever wondered what it's like to face homelessness during high school and still graduate? Chris's story continues as he recounts the turbulent relationship with his father, leading him to various homes from Colorado to Arkansas. Despite living under dire conditions, Chris's determination led him to join the military, where he faced rigorous training to become an 11 Bravo infantryman. We also explore the trials of basic training, leadership challenges, and the harsh realities of deployment, including personal losses that tested his mental fortitude.The emotional toll of military service is laid bare as Chris opens up about defying military authority and seeking justice amidst adversity. We reflect on his confrontations with poor leadership, battling mental health issues, and the critical role of a supportive veteran community. Chris's candid reflections offer a raw glimpse into the psychological struggles faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of seeking help in building a supportive network. Tune in for a compelling narrative that underscores the triumph of the human spirit against overwhelming odds.Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaosshowYoutube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaos2308?si=8aj6bb-GgcsMhJw7TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wildchaospodX (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thewildchaosMeta (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/wildchaos/LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/wildchaos
When a faceless, hair-covered monster emerged from the wooded hills of Louisiana, Missouri on July 11, 1972, no one could have predicted the fright and frenzy that would follow. Known as "Momo," the story of this alleged Bigfoot creature has become one of the greatest monster tales to ever rise from the hills and hollers of the American Midwest.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/monstro-bizarro/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
When a faceless, hair-covered monster emerged from the wooded hills of Louisiana, Missouri on July 11, 1972, no one could have predicted the fright and frenzy that would follow. Known as "Momo," the story of this alleged Bigfoot creature has become one of the greatest monster tales to ever rise from the hills and hollers of the American Midwest. Join me now for the exciting conclusion!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/monstro-bizarro/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Welcome to Paranormal Spectrum, where we illuminate the enigmatic corners of the supernatural world. I'm your host, Barnaby Jones, and today we have a very special guest joining us:As Seen on the 44th Annual Telly Awards winning series, Expedition Entity, from the PARAFLIXX Paranormal+ Network. Larry is an author, filmmaker, and historian who focuses on lesser-known haunted locations in the American Midwest. His current research project focuses on the Black Hawk War of 1832, where he has published his findings in his book "Ghosts of the Black Hawk War." Larry is also the co-author of the fictional book "Afterlife Anthology," which he wrote together with Dan Norvell and published through Haunted Road Media. "Afterlife Anthology" is a collection of paranormal short stories, where the story is told from the ghost's perspective, that are loosely based on Dan and Larry's paranormal investigations or real life circumstances.All Larry's Links can be found here:https://linktr.ee/LarryEisslerIIIClick that play button, and let's unravel the mysteries of the UNTOLD! Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our channel to stay updated on all the latest discoveries and adventures. See you there!Join Barnaby Jones on the Paranormal Spectrum every Thursday on the Untold Radio Network Live at 10am Central – 8am Pacific and 11am Eastern. Come and Join the live discussion next week. Please subscribe.We have twelve different Professional Podcasts on all the things you like. New favorite shows drop each day only on the UNTOLD RADIO NETWORK.To find out more about Barnaby Jones and his team, (Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society) visit their website www.WisconsinCAPS.comMake sure you share and Subscribe to the CAPS YouTube Channel as wellhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs7ifB9Ur7x2C3VqTzVmjNQ
Half a century ago, deindustrialization gutted blue-collar jobs in the American Midwest. But today, these places are not ghost towns. People still call these communities home, even as they struggle with unemployment, poverty, and other social and economic crises. Why do people remain in declining areas through difficult circumstances? What do their choices tell us about rootedness in a time of flux? Through the cases of the former steel manufacturing hub of southeast Chicago and a shuttered mining community in Iron County, Wisconsin, Amanda McMillan Lequieu traces the power and shifting meanings of the notion of home for people who live in troubled places. Building from on-the-ground observations of community life, archival research, and interviews with long-term residents, she shows how inhabitants of deindustrialized communities balance material constraints with deeply felt identities. McMillan Lequieu maps how the concept of home has been constructed and the ways it has been reshaped as these communities have changed. She considers how long-term residents navigate the tensions around belonging and making ends meet long after the departure of their community's founding industry. In Who We Are Is Where We Are: Making Home in the American Rust Belt (Columbia UP, 2024), Amanda McMillan Lequieu links the past and the present, rural and urban, to shed new light on life in postindustrial communities. Beyond a story of Midwestern deindustrialization, this timely book provides broader insight into the capacious idea of home—how and where it is made, threatened, and renegotiated in a world fraught with change. Michael O. Johnston, Ph.D. is a Assistant Professor of Sociology at William Penn University. He is the author of The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla (Lexington Books, 2023) and Community Media Representations of Place and Identity at Tug Fest: Reconstructing the Mississippi River (Lexington Books, 2022). His general area of study is in the areas of social construction of experience, identity, and place. He is currently conducting research for his next project that looks at nightlife and the emotional labor that is performed by employees of bars and nightclubs. To learn more about Michael O. Johnston you can go to his website, Google Scholar, Twitter @ProfessorJohnst, or by email at johnstonmo@wmpenn.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Half a century ago, deindustrialization gutted blue-collar jobs in the American Midwest. But today, these places are not ghost towns. People still call these communities home, even as they struggle with unemployment, poverty, and other social and economic crises. Why do people remain in declining areas through difficult circumstances? What do their choices tell us about rootedness in a time of flux? Through the cases of the former steel manufacturing hub of southeast Chicago and a shuttered mining community in Iron County, Wisconsin, Amanda McMillan Lequieu traces the power and shifting meanings of the notion of home for people who live in troubled places. Building from on-the-ground observations of community life, archival research, and interviews with long-term residents, she shows how inhabitants of deindustrialized communities balance material constraints with deeply felt identities. McMillan Lequieu maps how the concept of home has been constructed and the ways it has been reshaped as these communities have changed. She considers how long-term residents navigate the tensions around belonging and making ends meet long after the departure of their community's founding industry. In Who We Are Is Where We Are: Making Home in the American Rust Belt (Columbia UP, 2024), Amanda McMillan Lequieu links the past and the present, rural and urban, to shed new light on life in postindustrial communities. Beyond a story of Midwestern deindustrialization, this timely book provides broader insight into the capacious idea of home—how and where it is made, threatened, and renegotiated in a world fraught with change. Michael O. Johnston, Ph.D. is a Assistant Professor of Sociology at William Penn University. He is the author of The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla (Lexington Books, 2023) and Community Media Representations of Place and Identity at Tug Fest: Reconstructing the Mississippi River (Lexington Books, 2022). His general area of study is in the areas of social construction of experience, identity, and place. He is currently conducting research for his next project that looks at nightlife and the emotional labor that is performed by employees of bars and nightclubs. To learn more about Michael O. Johnston you can go to his website, Google Scholar, Twitter @ProfessorJohnst, or by email at johnstonmo@wmpenn.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology
Half a century ago, deindustrialization gutted blue-collar jobs in the American Midwest. But today, these places are not ghost towns. People still call these communities home, even as they struggle with unemployment, poverty, and other social and economic crises. Why do people remain in declining areas through difficult circumstances? What do their choices tell us about rootedness in a time of flux? Through the cases of the former steel manufacturing hub of southeast Chicago and a shuttered mining community in Iron County, Wisconsin, Amanda McMillan Lequieu traces the power and shifting meanings of the notion of home for people who live in troubled places. Building from on-the-ground observations of community life, archival research, and interviews with long-term residents, she shows how inhabitants of deindustrialized communities balance material constraints with deeply felt identities. McMillan Lequieu maps how the concept of home has been constructed and the ways it has been reshaped as these communities have changed. She considers how long-term residents navigate the tensions around belonging and making ends meet long after the departure of their community's founding industry. In Who We Are Is Where We Are: Making Home in the American Rust Belt (Columbia UP, 2024), Amanda McMillan Lequieu links the past and the present, rural and urban, to shed new light on life in postindustrial communities. Beyond a story of Midwestern deindustrialization, this timely book provides broader insight into the capacious idea of home—how and where it is made, threatened, and renegotiated in a world fraught with change. Michael O. Johnston, Ph.D. is a Assistant Professor of Sociology at William Penn University. He is the author of The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla (Lexington Books, 2023) and Community Media Representations of Place and Identity at Tug Fest: Reconstructing the Mississippi River (Lexington Books, 2022). His general area of study is in the areas of social construction of experience, identity, and place. He is currently conducting research for his next project that looks at nightlife and the emotional labor that is performed by employees of bars and nightclubs. To learn more about Michael O. Johnston you can go to his website, Google Scholar, Twitter @ProfessorJohnst, or by email at johnstonmo@wmpenn.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
Half a century ago, deindustrialization gutted blue-collar jobs in the American Midwest. But today, these places are not ghost towns. People still call these communities home, even as they struggle with unemployment, poverty, and other social and economic crises. Why do people remain in declining areas through difficult circumstances? What do their choices tell us about rootedness in a time of flux? Through the cases of the former steel manufacturing hub of southeast Chicago and a shuttered mining community in Iron County, Wisconsin, Amanda McMillan Lequieu traces the power and shifting meanings of the notion of home for people who live in troubled places. Building from on-the-ground observations of community life, archival research, and interviews with long-term residents, she shows how inhabitants of deindustrialized communities balance material constraints with deeply felt identities. McMillan Lequieu maps how the concept of home has been constructed and the ways it has been reshaped as these communities have changed. She considers how long-term residents navigate the tensions around belonging and making ends meet long after the departure of their community's founding industry. In Who We Are Is Where We Are: Making Home in the American Rust Belt (Columbia UP, 2024), Amanda McMillan Lequieu links the past and the present, rural and urban, to shed new light on life in postindustrial communities. Beyond a story of Midwestern deindustrialization, this timely book provides broader insight into the capacious idea of home—how and where it is made, threatened, and renegotiated in a world fraught with change. Michael O. Johnston, Ph.D. is a Assistant Professor of Sociology at William Penn University. He is the author of The Social Construction of a Cultural Spectacle: Floatzilla (Lexington Books, 2023) and Community Media Representations of Place and Identity at Tug Fest: Reconstructing the Mississippi River (Lexington Books, 2022). His general area of study is in the areas of social construction of experience, identity, and place. He is currently conducting research for his next project that looks at nightlife and the emotional labor that is performed by employees of bars and nightclubs. To learn more about Michael O. Johnston you can go to his website, Google Scholar, Twitter @ProfessorJohnst, or by email at johnstonmo@wmpenn.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies
In this episode of the Right Brain Music Podcast we go off the radar to discover hidden talents of the American Midwest - three creative guitarists from Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. They are Scot Ray, Cole Kempcke and Maz Ridgway. Their original music is as edgy as anything from more hyped locales. Photo by Léon McGregor (Unsplash)
Grow member Walter discusses with Emma his journey of learning Irish in Missouri.His fascination with Irish stemmed from his exploration of endangered languages, recognising the cultural importance and identity tied to these languages and their speakers. This, alongside his introduction to Irish music motivated him to start learning Gaeilge.He shares how he uses the language in his family life with his children, as well as at work.See the original video at https://www.bitesize.irish/blog/irish-in-missouri/.Get your podcast-listener discounted membership at offer.irish.Support the Show.Go to www.bitesize.irish/links to find out more about courses and membership #GaeilgeGachLá
Whether it's the Lady who appeared in a forest to young Adele Brise or the Lady atop a golden dome visible for miles from a college campus in northern Indiana, the Blessed Virgin Mary is revered, cherished, and celebrated in the American Midwest. Fr. Edward Looney, author and priest in the Diocese of Green Bay, and Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, chaplain to the University of Notre Dame football team, share the story of Catholicism in the Midwest of the United States, through the lens of Marian devotion and midwestern grit. We would love it if you could leave a written review on Apple and share with your friends! Editing provided by Forte Catholic (https://www.fortecatholic.com/)
In the heart of the American Midwest, "Oklahoma!" unfolds with romance, rivalry, and the promise of a new frontier. Set in the early 1900s, the musical follows the love story between cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey, amidst a backdrop of community tension and the challenges of the Oklahoma Territory. Rogers and Hammerstein hit the nail on the head for a series of upbeat singable show tunes, and Shirley Jones and Gordon McRae belt out the beloved songs in a funny, unforgettable musical!https://www.instagram.com/realoldreels/
Jim talks with Simon DeDeo about their wager concerning the likelihood of civil violence and mass killings in America in the next decade. They discuss the terms of the wager, the appropriate orders of magnitude, Alex Garland's Civil War, the American readiness to use violence, honor cultures, the movement from violence to political violence, industrial mass murder, polarization, the one-dimensionality of current elites, basins of attraction, statistical distributions of violence, Rene Girard's theory of mimetic desire, measuring political distance, the constant motion of contemporary American political views, tribalization around red-blue politics, door-holding & just-so stories, sexual signaling, the unreality of woke debates, accumulating factors that could lead to a brushfire, gun rights, the dilettantism of extremist groups, 3 specific scenarios of inciting conflicts, making sense of a post-ideological world, the question of who rules, and much more. Episode Transcript JRS EP 1 - Simon DeDeo on the Evolution of Consciousness JRS Currents 001: Simon DeDeo on University Censorship JRS Currents 028: Simon DeDeo on Explaining Explanation JRS EP 202 - Neil Howe on the Fourth Turning JRS EP 190 - Peter Turchin on Cliodynamics and End Times JRS EP 104 - Joe Henrich on WEIRD People JRS EP 230 - James Lindsay on a National Divorce JRS Currents 058: John Robb on Russia-Ukraine Outcomes Simon DeDeo is an Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of Social and Decision Sciences, and External Professor at the Santa Fe Institute. He is also affiliated with the Cognitive Science program at Indiana University, where he runs the Laboratory for Social Minds. For three years, from 2010 to 2013, he was an Omidyar Fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. He and his collaborators study how people use words and signals, and the ideas they represent, to create a world. They have studied a diverse set of systems that includes the French Revolution, the courtrooms of Victorian London, the research strategies of Charles Darwin, the insurgency of modern-day Afghanistan, the emergent bureaucracy of Wikipedia, the creation of power hierarchies among the social animals, and the collusions and conspiracies of petrol stations in the American Midwest. They combine data from the contemporary world, archives from the deep past, statistical tools from cosmology, and models of human cognition from Bayesian reasoning and information theory to understand how cultures grow, flourish, innovate, and evolve.
Milo is in Australia and the time zone difference is killing us, but in his absence we convened Joe Kassabian and Francis Horton to discuss the American Midwest with Hussein. We cover the strange post-industrial wasteland of pretty much the entire region, the concept of Precious Moments ceramic figurines (Funko Pops for meemaws), and Hussein reads us a list of supposedly foundational Midwest Emo bands that we have 99% never heard of. Get the whole episode on Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/midwestology-3-102918403 *STREAM ALERT* Check out our Twitch stream, which airs 9-11 pm UK time every Monday and Thursday, at the following link: https://www.twitch.tv/trashfuturepodcast *MILO IN AUSTRALIA ALERT* Check out Milo's upcoming Australian tour shows here: www.linktr.ee/Miloontour *WEB DESIGN ALERT* Tom Allen is a friend of the show (and the designer behind our website). If you need web design help, reach out to him here: https://www.tomallen.media/ Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)
In this episode, we cover the case of the notorious I-70 Killer, a spree murderer who terrorized the highways of the American Midwest in the early 1990s. As detectives retrace the steps of law enforcement's intense manhunt and analyze forensic evidence, haunting interviews with survivors offer a glimpse into the harrowing experiences of those who narrowly escaped the killer's grasp. Stay tuned as we unravel the enigmatic motives behind the killer's rampage, shedding light on one of the most perplexing unsolved cases in criminal history. Download June's Journey here on Apple iOS or Android. * * * DISCLAIMER: This episode contains explicit content. Parental guidance is advised for children under the age of 18. Listen at your own discretion. #crimehub #truecrime #truecrimepodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A spokesman for the IDF said Monday that Israel will respond to Iran's attack, but was intentionally vague as to what that response might be. 5) Lapid criticizes Netanyahu, suggesting he may now have Biden's backing; 4) Democrats suddenly (and probably temporarily) support Israel after Iran attack; 3) Iran trying to destabilize Jordan; 2) Gender sanity; 1) Trillions of cicadas prepare to emerge in American Midwest and Southeast.. For information on the Gilberts' Solidarity Mission to Israel May 6–13, 2024, go to www.gilberthouse.org/travel/. FOLLOW US! X: @Five_In_Ten and @WatchSkyWatchTV YouTube: @SkyWatchTVnow @SimplyHIS @FiveInTen Rumble: @SkyWatchTV Facebook: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHIS @EdensEssentials Instagram: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHisShow @EdensEssentialsUSA TikTok: @SkyWatchTV @SimplyHisShow @EdensEssentials SkyWatchTV.com | SkyWatchTVStore.com | EdensEssentials.com | WhisperingPoniesRanch.com
Illinois is situated in the heart of the American Midwest, and it's known as the "Prairie State" because over 60% of it is covered in farmland. Despite the number of natural wonders found in Illinois, what attracts most visitors is the vibrant city of Chicago ("The Windy City").Situated on the scenic shore of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a hot spot for music lovers and art enthusiasts. It's not only home to world-class museums and iconic architecture, it's where today's guest, Jackie Katsis, is from! Jackie is an ESL teacher and a well-known YouTuber from the channel "Ask Jackie."We'll begin today's episode by getting to know this wonderful Chicagoan, and then we'll discover her state with her. You'll hear about Jackie's experience with tornadoes, learn the nuances of the Chicago accent and we'll take a deep dive into the culture she grew up in (we cover mouth-watering food, music, lifestyle and more). Let's get a local's perspective on how to make the most out of our next trip to the beautiful state of Illinois! :)Jackie's Chicago RecommendationsPortillo's - Italian Beefs + Chicago-Style Hot DogsKingston Mines - Listen to Jazz / BluesDo an architecture tour on the Chicago RiverTake a walk in Millenium Park and see "The Bean" (Cloud Gate)Go shopping on Michigan AvenueWalk a lot and enjoy the art and architecture!Learn with JackieJackie Katsis is a well-known ESL teacher from Chicago. You can find her content here! Website - https://www.askjackie.com.br/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/AskJackie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjackiebr/Premium Content: Season 4 (Episodes 150 - 200) = Each episode includes a quiz, the PDF transcript (the text of the audio) with definitions of challenging words and the mp3 file.All Premium Content for Seasons 1, 2 and 3 (Episodes 001 - 150)Support the show
It's January 11th. In 1888, a massive and quick-moving storm swept across the American Midwest, trapping hundreds of school-children in their schoolhouses. Jody and Niki discuss why the storm was so severe, and deadly — and how the poor preparation for the storm led to a change in weather forecasting. Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch! Find out more at thisdaypod.com This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories. If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.com Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypod Our team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia This Day In Esoteric Political History is produced by Jody Avirgan's Roulette Productions.