Podcasts about Atacama Desert

Lithium Extraction in Chile: Ontological, Ecological and Economic Dimensions (Routledge, 2025) is a new book from Dr Daniela Soto-Hernández, a Social Anthropologist currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sussex. In this book, published with Routledge, Dr Soto-Hernández uses ethnographic methods during her intensive fieldwork in Chile, specifically in and around the Atacama Desert, to take a relational view on lithium mining in the region. Chile is the largest and oldest producer of lithium in South America and the second largest in the world, accounting for nearly 32% of the global supply in 2022. Dr Soto-Hernández's book, Lithium Extraction in Chile, is a crucial and new way of seeking to understand not only lithium, but the worlds that are created around the resource; inclusive of sacred, indigenous relations, the ubiquitous role of water, the discursive and practical dimensions of lithium production, and the social tensions manifest throughout these processes. Dr Soto-Hernández first explores the ways in which the Chilean Atacama Desert has been constructed as a ‘desolate-scape' through mechanisms and relations of coloniality and capitalism, to render the territory as lifeless and only appropriate for extraction. Then, and by using the rich fieldwork central to the book, Dr Soto-Hernández puts forward the notion of ‘desertscape' to express the ways of living for indigenous peoples in the territories of the Atacama Desert, such as for the Lickanantay peoples. This paints a direct contrast to the colonised view of the desert as a ‘desolate-scape', which serves capital, and instead expresses the abundance, world-making, and life-giving properties of the landscape as ‘desertscape'. This relational view of the Atacama Desert, inclusive of non-people, people, and the sacred, is then used to understand the role of lithium, brine, and water extraction in this crucial territory, with implications for a truly transformative energy transition. Elliot Dolan-Evans is a sessional lecturer and tutor in law at Monash University and RMIT. His research investigates the political economy of global capitalism, forms of international governance, and questions of war and peace. His first book, Making War Safe for Capitalism: The World Bank, IMF and the Conflict in Ukraine, is now out with Bristol University Press. 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

We went around the world for this Out Takes, featuring some of the latest queer films on offer this May from Chile, Germany and the UK . With the 2026 HSBC German Film Festival back on in Melbourne until May 28, we had the opportunity to speak with director Faraz Shariat about their film ‘Prosecution’ which is one of the featured Australian Premieres in this year’s festival. Winner of the Audience Award at the 2026 Berlinale, ‘Prosecution’ is described an engrossing tale of good versus evil that cleverly combines legal drama and thriller for a powerful and urgent story about the realities of Germany's judicial system. Our exclusive interview with Faraz Shariat saw us cover a wide range of topics related to the film and its exploration of queerness for the main character. We also reviewed ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo‘, an intense and at times fantastical drama written and directed by Diego Céspedes that is streaming now on Mubi. The film unfolds in the early 1980’s in Chile in a dusty mining town nestled in the Atacama Desert, where eleven-year-old Lidia is the only child raised in a household of queer performers working at a local cantina. With his widely acclaimed feature debut, Céspedes emerges as a distinctive cinematic voice, crafting a poetic vision of love and resilience that also reflects the marginalisation and violence faced by queer communities today. Our final review for this program was ‘Mother Mary’, directed by David Lowery and featuring an incredible all female ensemble cast including Michaela Coel, Anne Hathaway, Hunter Schafer, Kaia Gerber and FKA Twigs, the film explores the complicated professional and personal relationship between iconic pop star Mother Mary (Anne Hathaway) who reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer Sam Anselm (Michaela Coel) on the eve of her comeback performance. ‘Mother Mary’ is in cinemas now and features original music written and produced by Charli XCX, FKA Twigs and Jack Antonoff and sang by Anne Hathaway. The post German Film Festival with special guest Faraz Shariat and reviews of The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo and Mother Mary appeared first on Out Takes.

We embark on the first part of a series from 2024 by Jack Eidt spotlighting the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, and its rich yet troubled history with mining. We delve into the environmental and social impacts of mining in this region, the historical context of Latin American exploitation, and the legacy of colonialism and neoliberal policies. Featuring poignant quotes from local authors and music that reflects Chile's cultural heritage, this episode is a profound exploration of eco-justice, history, and art. For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Resources/Articles: Green Extractivism: Can Our Deserts Survive Our Thirst for Lithium? PBS SoCal: https://www.pbssocal.org/shows/artbound/green-extractivism-can-our-deserts-survive-our-thirst-for-lithium Victor Loyola has a thirty year history working in the mining industry in the Atacama Desert of Chile and presently works in tourism at the Municipal Museum in Maria Elena, Chile. Jack Eidt is an environmental journalist, urban theorist/designer, and advocate for the wild, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes for a PBS SoCal Artbound project called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. He also publishes articles and podcasts on Substack [https://jackeidt.substack.com/]. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 229 Photo credit: Jack Eidt

In early January, Volker left on a six month road trip through South America. In March we recorded our first podcast as he wound up a two month visit to Peru. In today's episode, he recounts his travels through Chile from the Atacama Desert in the North to Tierra del Fuego in the South. Deserts, Lakes, Ice fields, Fjords and Tierra del Fuego: a country of dramatically diverse climates and landscapes.

The US Senate recently voted to reverse a moratorium on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, a million acres on the US-Canada border that's teeming with wildlife and crystal-clear waters. The region is also rich in valuable copper, nickel, and cobalt, but Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) says mining in the same watershed as the Boundary Waters poses unacceptable risks.   Also, while electrifying transportation is essential to addressing the climate crisis, the mining of nickel, copper, and lithium required to build out these green technologies brings its own environmental and social costs. To understand these impacts, author and political scientist Thea Riofrancos traveled to the Atacama Desert in Chile, home to one of the largest lithium reserves in the world. She discusses her book, Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism.   And Nigerian conservation ecologist Iroro Tanshi rediscovered the short-tailed roundleaf bat in 2016, after decades when it was believed extinct in the region. The species is still critically endangered, with habitat loss from wildfires as one of its top threats. So Iroro joined with local groups to start a community-led program to develop safer field burning practices and wildfire fighting strategies, and she is the recipient of the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize for Africa.   ---   Did you miss our online event with Dr. Hannah Ritchie and Host Steve Curwood discussing Clearing the Air? You can watch the full recording on our website at loe.org/events! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's show the conversation takes us to Italy where we have an excellent chat with ultra runner Michele Graglia. I had never met Michele before but the conversation really flowed and we ended speaking for over an hour! Michelle is an elite ultramarathoner who transitioned into the sport after a successful career as a professional model. He discusses his upbringing in the Italian Alps, explaining how his childhood connection to the mountains eventually led to leave the high-fashion industry for the world of extreme racing. Graglia details his victories in prestigious events like Badwater 135 and his record-setting run across the Atacama Desert, emphasizing the mental discipline and logistical precision required for such feats. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of ultrarunning, touching on the financial challenges professional athletes face as the sport grows more commercial. He also recounts a harrowing encounter with an Arctic wolf during a race in the Yukon, illustrating the profound solitude and primal nature of her adventures. Finally, Graglia shares his future aspirations, including her current training for the Tor des Géants, a notoriously difficult 220-mile mountain race.For the FREE BOOK GIVEAWAY ENTER: HEREOstrich Running: HEREHettas Running: HEREFull Transcript: HERESupport the showSubscribe to Running Scared Media wherever you get your podcasts for more episodes!RunningScaredMedia.comVisit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merchEmail us at: therunningscaredpodcast@gmail.comFollow us:Instagram @runningscaredmediaJoin our FB Running Group 

Today on the podcast, I'm talking with Erin Ton. Erin is a professional mountain runner and endurance athlete who has built a remarkable life around chasing fastest known times all over the world. She has close to 200 FKTs to her name, with efforts that range from all-out sub-hour mountain pushes to 24-plus hour and multi-day adventures. In this conversation, Erin shares what draws her to this style of running and why she is so inspired by self-supported and unsupported efforts in the mountains. We talk about the beauty and challenge of moving through remote places alone, what it takes to prepare for these routes, and how she approaches safety, fear, and decision-making in extreme environments. Erin also reflects on a recent trip to South America, where she set the short-course women's speed record on Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. She talks about the emotional side of these big efforts too, including what it feels like when an attempt does not go to plan, why some unfinished goals still keep calling her back, and how she has learned to sit with both success and failure. This episode is a little different from the track, road, and marathon conversations I often have on the show, and that is exactly why I loved it. Erin's story is full of adventure, perspective, and a deep love for wild places. I think you are going to really enjoy getting to know her. Topics Discussed: What fastest known times are and the difference between supported, self-supported, and unsupported efforts Why Erin is drawn to self-supported and unsupported mountain efforts Her recent South America trip and setting the short-course women's speed record on Aconcagua The difference between the short and long Aconcagua records How she trains for very different kinds of FKTs, from short mountain efforts to 24-plus hour and multi-day routes Strength training, nutrition, sleep, and the more structured side of her preparation Wilderness safety, gear, and learning to move safely in big mountain environments Managing fear and using visualization before committing to dangerous terrain Beautiful places she recommends, including the Atacama Desert in Chile and the Khumbu Valley in Nepal Living out of a van and what that lifestyle looks like in practice Her unfinished pursuit of Nolan's and what repeated attempts have taught her Why she is more drawn to adventure-style mountain efforts than traditional racing Growing up in Colorado and how leaving home made her appreciate the mountains more The law school path she once imagined and how running became both an outlet and a calling The bigger goals she has for the future, including chasing women's speed records on the Seven Summits Her encouragement to get outside, explore, and experience more of the world Book recommendations: A Sand County Almanac Support our Sponsors: Lagoon Sleep — If you're ready to upgrade your sleep, Lagoon pillows are truly a game changer. Their customizable pillows are designed to help you fall asleep faster, stay cool, and wake up without neck or shoulder pain. You can adjust the fill to make it perfect for you. Save 15% by going to https://lagoonsleep.com/lindsey and using the code LINDSEY at checkout. Sign up for the Marathon Project! The Marathon Project is a fast, flat race weekend in Chandler, Arizona designed to give amateur runners a pro-style marathon experience, with features like personal bottles, pace groups, indoor warmup space, and a highly supported race environment. Sign up now at themarathonproject.com and use the code “lindsey” (all lowercase!) for $25 off! Indy Mini Marathon Join me on May 2nd for the half marathon or 5k! It's such a fun race weekend.

Artemis II is the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17, and riding alongside the crew is one of the most ambitious biology experiments ever sent to space. It's called AVATAR, short for A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response: tiny organ chips grown from the astronauts' own cells, flying the same trajectory around the Moon, exposed to the same deep-space radiation and microgravity as the crew themselves. Lisa Carnell, director of NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division, explains what this experiment could mean for the future of human exploration. Then, Alain Maury, asteroid hunter and Planetary Society Shoemaker Near-Earth Object grant recipient, tells the story of how his MAPS survey in Chile's Atacama Desert spotted a faint, fuzzy object that turned out to be something extraordinary. C/2026 A1 (MAPS) is a sungrazing comet now falling toward the Sun on a path that will bring it within 162,000 kilometers (100,000 miles) of the solar surface on April 4th. If it survives that encounter, it could become one of the most spectacular comets in decades. And finally, Planetary Society Chief Scientist Bruce Betts joins us for What's Up, including how to spot the comet yourself, if it makes it through. Discover more at: https://www.planetary.org/planetary-radio/2026-avatar-and-sungrazerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An international team of astronomers, led by a PhD student at University of Galway, have made the groundbreaking discovery of a second planet in the same system where they discovered another planet last year. Detected at an early stage of formation in the disc around a young star, the young planet named WISPIT 2c is estimated to be about 5 million years-old and most likely ten times the mass of Jupiter. The star, WISPIT 2 is located in the constellation of the Eagle, a prominent equatorial constellation visible in the summer northern hemisphere (July-November) along the Milky Way. The study was led by PhD student Chloe Lawlor from the Centre for Astronomy at the School of Natural Sciences and the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, in collaboration with PhD student Richelle van Capelleveen, Leiden Observatory, Netherlands and postdoctoral researcher Guillaume Bourdarot, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany. This major find for the field of astronomy makes WISPIT 2 only the second-known young (and still forming) multi-planet system. WISPIT 2 may resemble the young Solar System with now two gas giant planets embedded in its multi-ringed dust disk. This includes the now confirmed planet WISPIT 2c and the planet WISPIT 2b, which was discovered last year by the same research team (led by Richelle van Capelleveen at Leiden Observatory and Dr. Laird Close from the University of Arizona). The new planet is a very young gas giant based on the temperature and its radius from the atmosphere spectrum. It is twice as massive as the previously detected WISPIT 2b and orbits four times closer to its host star, which makes it incredibly difficult to detect with ground-based telescopes. The study has been published in Astrophysical Journal Letters. The presence of this second planet was detected using the European Southern Observatory's (ESO's) Very Large Telescope in Chile's Atacama Desert. By linking several telescopes together to act as one giant instrument, the research team was able to observe regions very close to the star. The team detected carbon monoxide gas, a chemical that is commonly found in the atmospheres of young giant planets. Carbon monoxide leaves a strong and distinctive chemical signature in telescope data, providing the crucial evidence needed to confirm the planet's existence. Chloe Lawlor, PhD student, Centre for Astronomy, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: "After the initial discovery of WISPIT 2b, which I was also involved in, we suspected there might be another object in the system. At first, we weren't sure if it was a planet or a very large dust clump. We very quickly made follow-up observations using the Very Large Telescope Interferometer, an incredible setup where multiple telescopes can be connected to form a large virtual telescope. This allowed us to take what we call a spectrum, which is essentially a chemical fingerprint, revealing the elements and molecules in an object's atmosphere. "Carbon monoxide is one of the key signatures we are looking for in young giant planets. When we saw it clearly in the data, that was when we knew we had something significant. There was definitely an element of disbelief. I didn't expect to be the one to find a second planet in the system. When I sent the spectrum to my supervisor Dr Christian Ginski, it was a huge shock and upon further examination, he confirmed I'd found a planet! "WISPIT 2 will become an important laboratory to study planet formation." To uncover the hidden planet, the research team used the European Southern Observatory's (ESO's) Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI), which captured an image of the object and allowed also for the first study of its atmosphere. The team specifically used the recently upgraded instrument GRAVITY+, which allows the light from all four of the eight metre telescopes of the ESO to be combined. This challenging technique using cutting-edge instrumentation was fun...

Journey to the driest place on Earth as travel writer Debbie Stone takes us to the Atacama Desert in Chile. From the hissing Tatio Geysers at 14,000 feet to the surreal "white gold" salt flats and the ancient paths of the Inca Trail, discover why this destination is a must for any "bucket list" traveler.  Debbie shares her insider tips on acclimating to the altitude, finding the best local guides, and where to spot the three distinct species of Andean flamingos. Whether you're interested in world-class stargazing or traditional Chilean quincho barbecues, this episode is your ultimate guide to an epic South American adventure. Read Debbie's Article: https://vacationstationtravel.substack.com/p/atacama-desert  Plan Your Adventure: https://nayaraaltoatacama.com  Follow Big Blend's "Global Adventures with Debbie Stone" Podcast & Magazine 

This is a follow up interview with Dr. Aaron Breidenbach.  In our first episode (EOTR 326), we discussed the crystals of Zn-Barlowite and Herbertsmithite that he grew and studied in his PhD at Stanford.  These crystal have the potential to be used in applications in future quantum computers.  See our first episode here:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/5YlHkGM3p6nfzSGU4yZjAv These crystals also grow naturally in the Atacama Desert in Chile.  Aaron recently returned from an expedition with Chilean Anthopologist Vincente Carrasola Vega.  They were successful in finding natural crystals of Herbertsmithite.  These crystals are likely to be purer than laboratory synthetics, and this could enable new experiments in quantum physics.  Tragically, however, these crystals are currently being destroyed in massive quantities as low-grade copper ore in ecologically damaging mining practices.  We discuss the implications of this discovery, and the irony and tragedy of overextraction. We conclude this episode by talking about the relation of this disovery to Ayni, the local indigenous system of animistic reciprocity with the land.  Aaron proposes a return expedition to Chile to look for one of the country's most famous lost archeological artifacts; a crystal ball found at the summit of the sacred volcano Licanabur.  He believes that the ancient people of the land may have used these spheres to focus sunlight onto mineral samples to learn more about their properties.  He hopes to replicate this experiment with the help of indigenous Aymara and Atacamenian collaborators.  Aaron can be reached at: https://thequantumarcheologist.org/ This podcast is available on your favorite podcast feed, or here:https://endoftheroad.libsyn.com/episode-336-aaron-breidenbach-quantum-physicsanimism-ii Have a blessed weekend!  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/family-devotions/20260309fam.mp3 Listen to Devotion The whole Israelite community . . . camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.” Moses replied, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?” But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. Then Moses cried out to the LORD “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” Exodus 17:1-7 (selected verses) Worth More Than Water In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Have you ever been REALLY thirsty? Like after recess? Or soccer practice? Or playing outside on a super hot day? Without food, a person can live for quite a while. But without water? Only about three days! That means water isn't just nice to have. It's something our bodies absolutely need. Most of us can just turn on a faucet and—splash!—there's water. We use water to drink, brush our teeth, shower, wash dishes, water plants, and even have water balloon fights! We have LOTS of water. But not everywhere is like that. Some places are called deserts. A desert is a place that gets very, very little rain. One of the driest deserts in the whole world is called the Atacama Desert in Chile. It is said to be 100 times drier than Phoenix, AZ. Some parts of the desert have gone years without rain! Imagine waiting years for rain! Plants that grow there have to survive with almost no water. But people? People can't survive like that. Now imagine the Israelites. They had just left Egypt, and they were traveling through the desert. It was hot. It was dry. And they were thirsty. Very thirsty. They started to complain. But they forgot something important: They were not alone. God was with them. And God promises to take care of his people. So God told Moses to do something amazing. He said, “Strike the rock, and water will come out of it.” Water. From a rock! And it worked. God gave his thirsty people exactly what they needed. But God didn't just give them water. And he doesn't just give us water either. God gives us food, water, homes, and families. But he gives us something even more important. He gives us salvation. Just like a desert can't make its own water, we can't make our own salvation. We can't be good enough to earn heaven. We can't fix our sins by ourselves. And when we complain like the Israelites did—or forget to trust God—that shows us how much we need a Savior. And God gave us one. He didn't just bring water from a rock. He sent Jesus. That is worth more than water. That is worth everything. Let's never forget it. Prayer: Dear Lord, you alone provide everything that I need for my body and life. Most of all, you provide what I need for eternal life: Jesus. Thank you! Now help me to trust you and not complain. Amen. The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire. Questions for Younger Children Where were the Israelites traveling that made it hard to find water? We need water to live physically. We need God's Word to live spiritually. How is the Bible like water for our faith? Questions for Elementary Age Children The Israelites complained to Moses—but who were they really complaining against? What does that teach us about complaining? In your own words, what did Jesus do to save you? Why couldn't we save ourselves? Questions for Middle School and Above Where do you complain the most (Homework, chores, siblings, bedtime)? God gave the Israelites water in the desert. Water can remind us of Baptism. How does your Baptism show that God has already given you forgiveness and made you his child? Download Family Devotions Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Chile's Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth – often likened to Mars. It is also home to piles of dumped clothes from fast fashion labels across the world. Because it is so dry nothing decomposes. And that means that clothes ditched 10 to 20 years ago still look recognisable. Sometimes the mountains of clothes are burnt causing toxic fumes which harm the local community of Alto Hospicio. This environmental crisis has been going on for years. It is a complex situation with multiple players involved. But different groups are starting to take action. Jane Chambers travels to the Atacama Desert to meet activists and locals trying to raise awareness. An enormous giant – El Gigante Vestido – is being created in the desert out of used clothes to get people talking. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from Assignment, investigations and journeys into the heart of global events.

When COVID effectively ended his music career, Cody reinvented himself as a an endurance athlete. From running across the Atacama Desert to setting an FKT on the Bruce Trail in the wilderness of Canada, he's been searching for his limit and hasn't found it yet.

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 9In this episode of SpaceTime, we unravel the enigma of the universe's mysterious little red dots, delve into groundbreaking insights from Jupiter regarding the evolution of our solar system's planets, and mark the commencement of construction on Earth's largest gamma-ray observatory.The Mystery of the Little Red DotsA fascinating new study reveals that the enigmatic little red dots observed in early images from the NASA Webb Space Telescope are, in fact, young black holes cloaked in ionized gas. Researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute's Cosmic Dawn Center have determined that these black holes, much smaller than previously thought, are in the process of consuming gas, which creates immense heat and radiation, giving them their distinctive red appearance. This discovery sheds light on the formation of some of the universe's earliest black holes just 700 million years after the Big Bang.Jupiter's Role in Planetary EvolutionNew simulations indicate that Jupiter may contain up to 50% more oxygen than the Sun, providing fresh insights into how the planets in our solar system formed. By developing a comprehensive model of Jupiter's atmosphere, researchers have resolved a long-standing debate regarding the gas giant's chemical composition. The findings suggest that Jupiter's atmosphere circulates much more slowly than previously believed, which could alter our understanding of planetary migration and formation processes.Construction of Earth's Largest Gamma-Ray ObservatoryEngineers have officially begun construction on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory, set to be the largest gamma-ray telescope ever built. Located in Chile's Atacama Desert, this observatory will significantly enhance our ability to study high-energy cosmic phenomena, such as black holes and supernovae. With over 60 telescopes across two sites, the observatory will allow astronomers to observe gamma rays with unprecedented accuracy, potentially unlocking new discoveries about dark matter and the fundamental laws of physics.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesNature JournalPlanetary Science JournalAdvances in Atmospheric SciencesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support.(00:00:00) New study reveals little red dots in Webb images are young black holes(00:07:30) Jupiter may have 50% more oxygen than the Sun, reshaping planetary formation theories(00:15:45) Construction begins on the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory(00:22:00) New data confirms 2025 saw record ocean heat storage(00:25:30) Advances in autonomous driving technology showcased at CES 2026.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it has also escalated a shadow war against the West. Using cyberattacks, destruction of property, arson, assassinations, and information operations, Russian agents sow chaos and fear, while probing and testing capabilities and responses in the event of a broader full-scale war. In a wide-ranging conversation, host Bakhti Nishanov talks to shadow war and energy expert Benjamin Schmitt about his experiences tracking Russia's sabotage attempts across the globe. They delve into Schmitt's quest to show the world how Russia's actions affect the lives and livelihoods of people throughout the West, a journey that has taken him from Chile to the Arctic to the Baltic Sea and beyond.  Read "Underwater Mayhem: Countering Threats to Energy and Critical Infrastructure Across the NATO Alliance and Beyond," here: https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/subsea-sabotage-protecting-energy-infrastructure-from-hostile-aggression/  --- Benjamin L. Schmitt is a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, where he holds a joint academic appointment with the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. He is also a senior fellow and the director of the graduate program at Perry World House. At Penn, Schmitt focuses on the project development and field deployment of the Simons Observatory, a new set of experimental cosmology telescopes and energy support infrastructure under construction at a high-altitude site in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile. In his joint role at Penn, he also pursues research and teaching with the Kleinman Center related to European energy security, critical infrastructure protection, export controls policies, and modern sanctions regimes. At Perry World House, Schmitt focuses on national security analysis focused on the transatlantic community and the Indo-Pacific, as well as emerging space security challenges. Previously, Schmitt was a research associate and project development scientist at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, where he supported the technical design, project management, and deployment of novel instrumentation and infrastructure for next-generation experimental cosmology telescopes at the South Pole. For this work, he traveled to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica in early 2020 and received the U.S. Antarctica Service Medal. Schmitt remains an affiliate of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and is also an associate of the Harvard-Ukrainian Research Institute. Schmitt is a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is co-founder of the Duke Space Diplomacy Lab, where he is also a fellow of Duke's Rethinking Diplomacy Program. Schmitt is also a senior fellow for Democratic Resilience at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). Previously, Schmitt served as European energy security advisor at the U.S. Department of State, where he advanced diplomatic engagement vital to the energy and national security interests of the transatlantic community, with a focus on supporting the resilience of NATO's eastern flank and Ukraine in the face of Russian malign energy activities. Schmitt has been an invited lecturer on energy, national security, and science policy at Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, the National Defense University, and more. He also regularly publishes in Foreign Policy, The Daily Beast, Newsweek, The Hill, Atlantic Council, and Harvard International Review. Schmitt regularly provides expert commentary for print, television, and radio, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy, NPR's Marketplace, BBC World Service, Slate, Vox, The Sunday Telegraph, Voice of America, Deutsche Welle, Bild Zeitung, Handelsblatt, and the Kyiv Post. Schmitt is a past recipient of the Government of Poland's Amicus Poloniae Award, has been honored as "Ukraine's Friend of the Week" by the Kyiv Post, and has received both Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards from the U.S. Department of State. Before entering government, Schmitt served as a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow while pursuing doctoral research in experimental cosmology at the University of Pennsylvania. For this work, Schmitt received both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in experimental physics from the University of Pennsylvania. Schmitt has also previously served as a U.S. Fulbright Research Fellow to the Max-Planck-Institute for Nuclear Physics in Heidelberg, Germany. Schmitt is an Eastman School of Music trained classical vocalist with multiple leading operatic roles and solo concert performances on his resume. He is also a member of the United States Golf Association. Schmitt is a proud native of Rochester, New York. He resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. --- This podcast is hosted by Bakhti Nishanov and produced by Alanna Novetsky, in conjunction with the Senate Recording Studio.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: From Delayed Flights to Lifelong Lessons: Jordi's Opportunity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-01-13-23-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: L'aeroport de Barcelona-El Prat bullia d'activitat, una simfonia de veus i rodes de maletes lliscant pel sòl.En: The Barcelona-El Prat Airport was buzzing with activity, a symphony of voices and suitcase wheels sliding across the floor.Ca: Era un matí fred d'hivern i Jordi, un jove ambiciós, creuava ràpidament les terminals, el cap ple de plans.En: It was a cold winter morning and Jordi, an ambitious young man, was swiftly crossing the terminals, his head full of plans.Ca: Havia treballat durant mesos per aconseguir aquesta oportunitat de negoci a Nova York, i el seu vol era crucial.En: He had worked for months to secure this business opportunity in New York, and his flight was crucial.Ca: Però la mala sort va aparèixer.En: But bad luck appeared.Ca: Unes nuvolades grises s'acostaven i el seu vol estava endarrerit.En: Gray clouds were approaching, and his flight was delayed.Ca: Jordi va sentir com l'angoixa s'enfilava pel seu pit; el temor de perdre aquell important acord el consumia.En: Jordi felt anxiety climbing up his chest; the fear of missing that important deal consumed him.Ca: Mentre mirava el panell de sortides amb frustració, una veu familiar el va interrompre.En: As he looked at the departure board in frustration, a familiar voice interrupted him.Ca: "Jordi?!" va cridar algú entre la multitud.En: "Jordi?!" someone called out from the crowd.Ca: Era Arnau, un amic de la universitat que acabava de tornar d'una llarga aventura per Amèrica del Sud.En: It was Arnau, a friend from university who had just returned from a long adventure in South America.Ca: Els ulls d'Arnau brillaven amb històries i descobriments.En: Arnau's eyes sparkled with stories and discoveries.Ca: Jordi, sorprès però content de veure el seu amic, va explicar-li la seva situació amb el vol i la seva ansietat.En: Surprised but happy to see his friend, Jordi explained his flight situation and his anxiety.Ca: Arnau va somriure, tranquil.En: Arnau smiled, calm.Ca: "Per què no prenem un cafè i t'oblides una estona del problema? Potser et farà veure les coses d'una altra manera."En: "Why don't we grab a coffee and you forget about the problem for a while? Maybe it will give you a different perspective."Ca: Al principi, Jordi estava reticent.En: At first, Jordi was hesitant.Ca: El seu cap deia que no podia perdre ni un minut.En: His mind told him he couldn't waste a minute.Ca: Però el somriure sincer d'Arnau el va fer dubtar.En: But Arnau's sincere smile made him doubt.Ca: Finalment, va acceptar.En: Finally, he agreed.Ca: Els dos van seure a un petit cafè dins l'aeroport.En: The two sat at a small café inside the airport.Ca: Mentre Arnau parlava sobre les seves aventures a la selva amazònica i el desert d'Atacama, Jordi es va adonar que havia estat massa centrat en els seus objectius i havia oblidat gaudir del procés.En: As Arnau talked about his adventures in the Amazon jungle and the Atacama Desert, Jordi realized he had been too focused on his objectives and had forgotten to enjoy the process.Ca: Les històries d'Arnau no només el distreien, sinó que també li obriren els ulls a un món més ampli fora del negoci.En: Arnau's stories not only distracted him but also opened his eyes to a wider world beyond business.Ca: Amb cada paraula, Jordi va començar a relaxar-se.En: With each word, Jordi began to relax.Ca: El món no s'acabaria per un vol endarrerit.En: The world wouldn't end due to a delayed flight.Ca: L'estona amb Arnau li va recordar que hi ha més a la vida que només treballar sense parar.En: The time with Arnau reminded him that there is more to life than just working non-stop.Ca: Es va adonar que les connexions humanes i les vivències compartides tenien un valor igual, si no més gran.En: He realized that human connections and shared experiences held equal, if not greater value.Ca: Quan va ser hora de decidir, Jordi va fer un salt de fe.En: When it was time to decide, Jordi took a leap of faith.Ca: Les idees espontànies que van sorgir de la xerrada amb Arnau li van donar una nova perspectiva.En: The spontaneous ideas that emerged from the chat with Arnau gave him a new perspective.Ca: Va haver de córrer per agafar el seu vol en l'últim moment, però no li importava tant com abans.En: He had to run to catch his flight at the last moment, but it didn't matter as much as before.Ca: Un cop assegut al seu seient, va sentir una calma interior que feia temps que no experimentava.En: Once seated, he felt an inner calm he hadn't experienced for a long time.Ca: El món dels negocis seguia sent important, però la reunió amb Arnau li havia donat el regal de veure la importància d'equilibrar l'ambició amb les relacions personals.En: The business world was still important, but the meeting with Arnau had given him the gift of seeing the importance of balancing ambition with personal relationships.Ca: Volant cap a Nova York, Jordi sabia que havia guanyat més que un simple tracte de negocis; havia guanyat una nova manera de veure la vida.En: Flying to New York, Jordi knew he had gained more than just a business deal; he had gained a new way of seeing life. Vocabulary Words:the airport: l'aeroportbuzzing: bulliathe suitcase: la maletaswiftly: ràpidamentthe terminal: les terminalsto secure: aconseguirthe opportunity: l'oportunitatcrucial: crucialthe luck: la sortthe cloud: el núvolapproaching: s'acostavendelayed: endarreritthe anxiety: l'angoixato consume: conduirthe deal: l'acordthe departure board: el panell de sortidesthe crowd: la multitudto sparkle: brillaventhe adventure: l'aventurathe jungle: la selvathe desert: el desertthe objective: l'objectiuto focus: centrarthe process: el procésto distract: distrairthe connection: la connexióthe experience: la vivènciato share: compartirthe faith: la fespontaneous: espontànies

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) 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

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/latin-american-studies

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/economics

Patagonia is one of the world's great frontier landscapes – a region shaped by ice, wind and the long histories of those who have lived and travelled there.In this episode of The Thinking Traveller, we are joined by Dr Chris Carter who traces how Patagonia's dramatic environment has shaped its people, cultures and national parks.Chris is an archaeologist with over 25 years' experience leading tours, including over 30 tours to South American countries. His PhD research was based on excavations he carried out at coastal sites in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers with a strong interest in history, archaeology, architecture, the visual arts and the performing arts.Learn more here - https://academytravel.com.au/

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ultra running rarely comes with ordinary stories, but Allie Gibbons' recent season pushed the boundaries of what most people think is possible. In this episode, Josh sits down with Allie to talk about running nearly 300 miles across Chile's Atacama Desert during The Speed Project while 22 weeks pregnant, where she not only finished but won as the first female.They discuss the physical and emotional realities of racing while pregnant, from monitoring health and managing risk to navigating the mental waves that come with multi-day efforts in extreme environments. Along the way, Allie reflects on racing the Bigfoot 200 at six weeks pregnant, her transition from road to trail running, and the community and competitive spirit that continue to draw athletes into the wild edges of ultra running.For runners fascinated by the limits of endurance and the stories that redefine them.Please give us a follow, rate the podcast, and give a review.Presented by Kiprun.----Find us at Borderlands.cc and sign up for the newsletter.Want to run in the Salt Lake area? Check out the Salt Lake Foothills Trail Races happening May 30, 2026.And if you haven't checked out Wylder yet, it's worth a look. iOS or Android

This week, we're honored to welcome Ricardo Kaljouw from the Netherlands, the first Dutchman to conquer all seven volcanic summits. Growing up in a country below sea level, Ricardo developed an early fascination with mountains and exploration that eventually evolved into something deeper—a calling to stand on the crater rims of the world's most powerful volcanoes.Ricardo takes us on a journey through his transformation from Royal Navy serviceman to passionate volcano mountaineer. He describes that pivotal moment standing on the rim of Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, watching the world's largest lava lake bubble beneath him through the night, and feeling an immediate connection that would shape his future. That initial visit sparked what would become a decade-long mission to climb volcanoes across all seven continents, from the icy slopes of Mount Sidley in Antarctica to the nearly 7,000-meter heights of Ojos del Salado in the Atacama Desert.In this episode, we explore the profound difference between climbing mountains and climbing volcanoes, the unique character of each volcanic summit, and how Ricardo's journey became a testament to taking life one step at a time. Join us for a deep and moving conversation about finding purpose through passion, embracing adventure through small steps, and what it truly means to follow your inner fire—even when it leads you to the most isolated and dangerous places on Earth.

Threat to the Atacama Desert: Scientists are raising alarms over a massive renewable energy project near Chile's Atacama Desert, home to the Paranal Observatory. Concerns include potential light pollution, dust interference, and atmospheric heating that could compromise the region's exceptional astronomical conditions. The scientific community is advocating for solutions to minimize these impacts while balancing sustainable energy needs.Blue Origin's New Innovations: Blue Origin has unveiled exciting new hardware, including the Blue Moon Mark One robotic lander set to fly by 2026, a more powerful version of the New Glenn rocket, and Blue Ring, a space tug designed to support logistics in Earth orbit. These advancements highlight the company's commitment to building a sustainable space infrastructure.Starquakes and Cosmic Mysteries: NASA's TESS has detected unusual starquakes from a red giant orbiting the black hole Gaia BH2. The star's rapid spin and curious chemical composition suggest it may be the result of a merger between two stars, showcasing the power of astroseismology in uncovering cosmic histories.Time on Mars: A fascinating revelation indicates that time moves slightly faster on Mars compared to Earth due to its weaker gravity and slower orbit. This difference, while minuscule, poses significant implications for future Martian missions, necessitating a standardized time system for coordinated operations.Innovative Martian Construction: Researchers propose a groundbreaking method for building on Mars using local resources. By combining Martian soil with Earth bacteria, scientists aim to create bioconcrete for construction, while also producing oxygen, offering a dual solution for habitat creation and life support in the harsh Martian environment.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Avery and Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and exploring the wonders of our universe.✍️ Episode ReferencesThreat to the Atacama Desert[Astronomy Journal](https://www.astronomy.com/)Blue Origin Innovations[Blue Origin](https://www.blueorigin.com/)Starquakes Research[NASA TV](https://www.nasa.gov/tess)Time on Mars Studies[Physics Today](https://www.physicstoday.org/)Martian Construction Research[NASA Mars](https://mars.nasa.gov/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.Sponsor Details:Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click HereThis episode includes AI-generated content.

From the publisher:“There Is Life on the Planet Mars” ―New York Times, December 9, 1906This New York Times headline was no joke. In the early 1900s, many Americans actually believed we had discovered intelligent life on Mars, as best-selling science writer David Baron chronicles in The Martians, his truly bizarre tale of a nation swept up in Mars mania.At the center of Baron's historical drama is Percival Lowell, the Boston Brahmin and Harvard scion, who observed “canals” etched into the surface of Mars. Lowell devised a grand theory that the red planet was home to a utopian society that had built gargantuan ditches to funnel precious meltwater from the polar icecaps to desert farms and oasis cities. The public fell in love with the ambitious amateur astronomer who shared his findings in speeches and wildly popular books.While at first people treated the Martians whimsically—Martians headlining Broadway shows, biologists speculating whether they were winged or gilled—the discussion quickly became serious. Inventor Nikola Tesla announced he had received radio signals from Mars; Alexander Graham Bell agreed there was “no escape from the conviction” that intelligent beings inhabited the planet. Martian excitement reached its zenith when Lowell financed an expedition to photograph Mars from Chile's Atacama Desert, resulting in what newspapers hailed as proof of the Martian canals' existence.Triumph quickly yielded to tragedy. Those wild claims and highly speculative photographs emboldened Lowell's critics, whose withering attacks gathered steam and eventually wrecked the man and his theory—but not the fervor he had started. Although Lowell would die discredited and delusional in 1916, the Mars frenzy spurred a nascent literary genre called science fiction, and the world's sense of its place in the universe would never be the same.Today, the red planet maintains its grip on the public's imagination. Many see Mars as civilization's destiny—the first step toward our becoming an interplanetary species—but, as David Baron demonstrates, this tendency to project our hopes onto the world next door is hardly new. The Martians is a scintillating and necessary reminder that while we look to Mars for answers, what we often find are mirrors of ourselves.David Baron's website is https://davidbaronauthor.com/ Information on his book can be found at https://wwnorton.com/books/9781324090663He is on social media at https://x.com/dhbaron?lang=enAxelbankHistory.com is designed by https://www.ellieclairedesigns.com/Axelbank Reports History and Today" can be found on social media at https://twitter.com/axelbankhistoryhttps://instagram.com/axelbankhistoryhttps://facebook.com/axelbankhistory

Ever seen a giant hand sticking out of the desert like it lost a game of hide-and-seek with the planet? Welcome to the Atacama Desert, where things get weirder than your dreams after midnight snacks. In this video, we're digging (not literally... okay, maybe a little) into the mystery of the Giant Hand and other bizarre places that'll make you question if Earth is just one big art project. Ancient civilizations? Just someone with a really dramatic sense of sculpture? Who knows—but one thing's for sure: it's going to be a wild, sandy, mysterious ride. So hit play and bring your curiosity (and maybe sunscreen). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happened at the GB Cup this week? Mikey and Buck do their own research and reveal the truth behind the headlines. We also ride shotgun with Mick Fanning, drive deep into the Atacama Desert, and find ourselves face-to-face with surfing's most digitally-inept superhuman. If you listen to this pod, you can support us by supporting: Veia, FCS, Living in Sunshine.

Wildflowers are blooming in the Atacama Desert, an inhospitable stretch of land west of the Andes Mountains that normally gets just 2 millimeters of rain every year. But this July and August, a rare alignment of conditions led to a beautiful, fleeting burst of color that has drawn tourists and scientists alike. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Wildflowers are blooming in the Atacama Desert, an inhospitable stretch of land west of the Andes Mountains that normally gets just 2 millimeters of rain every year. But this July and August, a rare alignment of conditions led to a beautiful, fleeting burst of color that has drawn tourists and scientists alike. William Brangham reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The numbers are mind blowing. According to Roadkill authors Henrietta Moore and Arthur Kay, cars have killed more people than both world wars combined. That's how toxic our relationship with cars has been over the last century, they argue. The UN figures they cite—60 to 80 million direct deaths since the automobile's invention—don't even include premature deaths from air pollution or the millions seriously injured. Yet we've become “car blind,” Moore and Kay contend, unable to see how we've surrendered 80% of urban public space to vehicles that sit idle 96% of the time, creating what they call a hidden “car industrial complex” that reshapes cities in its image. So what to do? They advocate for “choice not obligation”—redesigning cities so people can drive if they want but aren't forced to. They point to successful experiments from Barcelona's superblocks to Dallas's highway cap parks, where reclaimed streets have actually increased business revenue by up to 34% in some cases. Their goal isn't to ban cars but to stop letting them dominate every aspect of urban planning and life.1. The Deadly Math of “Car Blindness” Cars have directly killed 60-80 million people since their invention—more than WWI and WWII combined. Yet we've normalized this death toll and become “car blind” to how thoroughly automobiles dominate our lives, with 80% of urban public space dedicated to vehicles that sit unused 96% of the time.2. Electric and Self-Driving Cars Aren't Silver Bullets Moore and Kay argue that EVs and autonomous vehicles like Waymo don't solve the fundamental problem: they're still cars taking up urban space. Plus, EVs bring their own issues—from lithium extraction devastating places like Chile's Atacama Desert to the question of whether electricity generation is actually clean.3. “Choice Not Obligation” - A New Freedom Framework The authors aren't advocating car bans but rather redesigning cities so driving becomes optional rather than mandatory. They argue true 21st-century freedom means being able to walk to school safely, access nearby shops, and move through cities without car dependence—not just the 20th-century freedom to drive anywhere.4. Global South Solutions Leading the Way Surprisingly, innovations aren't coming from Copenhagen but from places like Nairobi's matatu system (on-demand informal transit) and Dallas's highway “cap parks.” These demonstrate that car reduction isn't just for wealthy European cities but can work across diverse economic contexts.5. Follow the Money - It Actually Works When done properly, reducing car dominance boosts business. Times Square restaurants saw revenue jump 34% after pedestrianization. The key is integrated planning with communities rather than top-down mandates, ensuring alternatives exist before removing parking.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we welcome Javiera Barandiarán, a persistent advocate for environmental justice, as she shares insights from her research regarding the Puna de Atacama of Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina. We explore the delicate ecosystems of the Atacama Desert and the challenges posed by lithium mining. Javiera discusses her upcoming book, "Living Minerals: Nature, Trade, and Power in the Race for Lithium," and delves into the importance of restorative environmental work, the complexities of environmental justice, and the urgent need for sustainable practices in a rapidly changing world. Join us for an enlightening conversation that reveals the intricate connections between nature, community, and the vagaries of capitalism. We include musical interludes from Illapu [https://illapu.cl/], a Chilean folk and Andean musical ensemble that was formed in 1971 in Antofagasta. They are known for their participation in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement and their exile under the Pinochet regime. Support the Podcast via PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Javiera Barandiarán PhD [https://www.global.ucsb.edu/people/javiera-barandiaran] is an Associate Professor in the Global Studies program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Barandiarán received her Ph.D. in 2013 from the University of California, Berkeley in Environmental Science, Policy and Management. She holds a Masters in Public Policy also from Berkeley and received her B.A. in politics from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. For her work on lithium she was selected for a Bellagio Residency by the Rockefeller Foundation and a Berlin Prize from the American Academy. Her research has been awarded support from the National Science Foundation, the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, Chile's National Agency for Science (ANID) and others. Her work explores the intersection of science, environment, and development in Latin America. She is Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Restorative Environmental Work (CREW) [https://crew.global.ucsb.edu/] Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He writes a column on PBS SoCal called High & Dry [https://www.pbssocal.org/people/high-dry]. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 268 Photo credit: American Academy in Berlin

At the time of recording this conversation in 2019, Sparta Chicks Radio celebrated its 2nd birthday (or anniversary).And there is no-one I'd rather share that celebration with than this week's return guest, Lucy Barnard!Lucy is attempting to become the 1st woman to walk the length of the world.She set off in February 2017 from Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego in Argentina to walk all the way to Barrow, Alaska; a journey of 30,000km /20,000mi across 15 countries that will take her about 5 years.Yes, years.Lucy was first on the podcast back in March, 2018 (you can find that episode here).And in preparing to speak to Lucy for that episode, I realised we share a unique connection; we both started our respective journeys - Lucy started walking and I published the first podcast - on the very same day in 2017.That conversation turned into our first anniversary/birthday celebration and we agreed to catch up for a yearly update throughout her expedition.In this episode, we cover everything that has happened during the 2nd year of Lucy's expedition, including her experience of crossing the Atacama Desert (the oldest, driest and hottest place on Earth).

We recently talked about Tamara's trip to the Galapagos but today we are talking more about the logistics about traveling to Ecuador and some travel tips. Tamara spent 17 nights in Ecuador, including 5 nights in the Galapagos and found it a warm and welcoming country with beautiful and diverse landscapes. Amazing Ecuador helped Tamara organize her trip. Episode Highlights Most flights from the U.S. come into Quito or Guayaquil It is only 3.5 hours from Miami There are many regions including the Cloud Forest, Rainforest, volcanoes and mountains, National Parks, Galapagos, and more Tamara spent: 5 nights in the Galapagos, 1 night at Hacienda La Danesa, 2 nights in Cuenca, 1 night in Cotopaxi National Park, 3 nights in Quito, 2 nights in the Cloud Forest at the Mashpi Lodge, 2 nights at Hacienda Zuleta It helps to work with someone to figure out your priorities and build an itinerary around your interests Generally you want to spend at least two to three nights in each place Cuenca is a UNESCO heritage city with plenty of outdoor adventure nearby too Cotopaxi is at a higher elevation, making hikes challenging If you just have a week, fly in and out of Guayaquil and do the Galapagos and Hacienda La Danesa Safety - you need to be very careful after dark in Quito and other cities and beware of pickpockets. Don't walk around after dark, especially alone Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar as their official currency but most places also take credit cards but you will want small bills for tipping and the handicraft markets Many of the hotels are all-inclusive with meals and some activities Ecuador is a huge exporter of roses and through some regions you will see many roadside stands of 25-50 roses for less than $5 Tamara recommends getting a driver because the roads are not very well marked, some aren't in the best condition, Google Maps isn't reliable, and drivers are very aggressive There are a range of four star boutique hotels and luxury hotels Ecuadorian food is very fresh and utilizes year-round produce of veggies and fruit Most meals start with a soup and then have a salad or vegetables. Fish and ceviche is quite popular. Quinoa is a popular grain You shouldn't drink the tap water in Ecuador but the produce at good restaurants and hotels are washed in filtered water Guinea pig is also popular in Ecuador as it is in Peru Chocolate and coffee are also grown in Ecuador and very popular Ecuador is the most densely populated country in South America If you have liked Costa Rica or Belize, you will probably also like Ecuador Related Episodes: Galapagos cruise Mother-daughter trip to Peru Winelands of Chile Chile's Atacama Desert

An explosion of color takes place in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, makes it exceptional. Some areas receive only a few millimeters of rain each year, and when it does rain, the landscape can be transformed in just a few weeks. Also, NASA is planning to launch a rocket mission to study the turbulence where Earth's atmosphere ends and outer space begins sometime over the next two weeks. The earliest the agency expects to launch the three sounding rockets is Saturday, with the launch window closing Sept. 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

August 2010. Deep beneath the Atacama Desert, thirty-three Chilean miners are buried alive under thousands of tons of rock—half a mile underground. With only two days of food, no light, and no way out, their survival seems impossible. On the surface, desperate families build a city of hope, engineers and drillers from around the world converge, and NASA lends a hand. In today's episode Ben and Pat tell a story of leadership, faith, and pure badass perseverance, as the world unites to pull off one of the most daring rescues in history.

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we're joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. Based in Dubai and previously living in Scotland and the U.S., Tania shares her path into ultrarunning—from a reluctant marathon finisher to tackling self-supported races across the Gobi, Atacama, Namib, and Antarctica. We dive into her experience navigating extreme heat, physical stress, and the emotional highs and lows of ultra-endurance. Tania also opens up about the physiological toll of training, dealing with cortisol imbalances, the decision to undergo back surgery, and why she and her husband launched the Ultra Happy Podcast to bring more real, relatable stories to the running world. Whether you're chasing your own desert dreams or looking for inspiration to keep putting one foot in front of the other, this episode is packed with heart, humour, and hard-earned wisdom.  New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast drop every Tuesday at 7 AM (UK time)! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss the inspiring journeys and incredible stories of tough women pushing boundaries.  Do you want to support the Tough Girl Mission to increase the amount of female role models in the media in the world of adventure and physical challenges? Support via Patreon! Join me in making a difference by signing up here: www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.  Your support makes a difference.  Thank you x Show notes Who is Tania Ultrarunner, coach and podcast host Being based in Dubai, born in Mexico and previously living in Glasgow, Scotland  Growing up in Mexico City in a small family  Being into swimming when she was little Being a national swimmer  Deciding to stop swimming at 15  Moving to Chicago to do her Masters Getting into running in Chicago after being inspired by the Chicago Marathon  Starting running with a free group 3x a week Finishing her first marathon and deciding to never run again at 20 Needing to make new friends after moving back to Mexico Deciding to give running another go A spartan race…. 2016 Finding trail running! Hiring a coach  Signing up for a 50k Meeting her Scottish husband, Andy Moving from Mexico City to Scotland! Deciding to sign up for longer, harder races and how her lifestyle started to change The 5 Desert Grand Slam  Wanting to do Cocodona 250km race  The 5 different, self supported races Dealing with the heat Gobi Desert in Mongolia - more trails and more hard packed terrain - very similar to Scotland Running with really old shoes Running in Antartica over 5 days - living on an expedition boat  Atacama Desert in Chile and why it was one of her most favourite races Reducing those feelings of overwhelm Focusing on the first step first Taking a year off to focus on running  Working with a running coach  Recovery runs and resting  Dealing with gut issues and periods problems The impact on her body with spikes of cortisol  Developing a cortisol hump on her back Not sleeping well The evening routines and life admin after a race  Having surgery on her cortisol hump (7 cm by 1.5 cm deep) on her back Dealing with more stress, by moving to Dubai Ultra Happy Podcast  Co-hosting with her husband Andy Documenting the journey  How to connect with Tania Mini films from each dessert available to watch on YouTube  Final words of advice Live your life with curiosity  Don't do it for the likes  Think about what else you could do    Social Media Website: taniacarmona.komi.io  Instagram: @taniaruns_theworld TikTok: @taniaruns_theworld  Youtube: @Tania_Carmona  

Send us a textStep into the world of global storytelling with Mark Johanson, an American journalist who's crafted a remarkable career from his base in Santiago, Chile. With bylines in National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The Guardian and CNN, Mark takes us beyond the typical travel narrative to share how location, language and cultural immersion shape authentic storytelling.Mark reveals the pivotal moment that transformed his career path—a quarter-life crisis that propelled him from New York's film industry into travel blogging and eventually professional journalism. His perspective on living and working in South America offers fascinating insights into how geographical positioning creates unique opportunities. "The good thing about being based in a random part of the world is that work often comes organically to you," he explains, describing how this advantage helps him tell stories that might otherwise go unexplored.The conversation delves into Mark's methodical approach to discovering hidden destinations, from reading local-language news sources to maintaining comprehensive lists of emerging trends. We journey alongside him to remote corners of Peru's ancient  Qhapaq Ñan road network and Armenia's burgeoning wine country. These experiences highlight his commitment to spotlighting underreported regions and cultures that deserve attention beyond the typical tourist circuit.Perhaps most compelling is the story behind his book "Mars on Earth"—born from a moment of stark contrast during Chile's 2019 social uprising when he found himself sipping champagne on a luxury hotel rooftop while protesters below faced tear gas. This jarring juxtaposition launched a 1,200-mile journey through Chile's Atacama Desert that became both geographical exploration and personal reckoning. Mark's thoughtful reflections on responsible tourism and the importance of supporting destinations in the Global South offer valuable perspective for travelers seeking more meaningful connections with the places they visit.Curious about Mark's adventures or want writing inspiration? Follow him @markonthemap across social platforms or visit markjohanson.com to explore his portfolio spanning guidebooks, magazine features and environmental reporting.Purchase Mark's book here. Please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe to the Media in Minutes podcast here or anywhere you get your podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/media-in-minutes/id1555710662 

By 2007, the 25,000 residents of a Chilean mining town had moved out of their homes due to concerns about pollution levels from one of the largest copper mines in the world.Today, the ghost town of Chuquicamata, located in the Atacama Desert, lies empty.But once a year, the former residents return to celebrate the life they once had there with a weekend of partying, during which they sing happy birthday to the town.Patricia Rojas revisits and reflects on her 25 years living in this now-deserted desert town with Robin Markwell. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina's Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall' speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler's List; and Jacques Derrida, France's ‘rock star' philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world's oldest languages.(Photo: Chuquicamata. Credit: BBC)

Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Lebanon, Chile, Pakistan and France.Sectarian violence has erupted again in Syria, this time between Druze and Bedouin communities, leaving hundreds of people dead. The country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, blamed the violence on ‘outlawed factions' and has vowed to protect the Druze. Though as Jon Donnison heard in the Druze-majority town of Suweida, locals are also blaming government forces for the violence.Meanwhile in Lebanon, thousands of Alawite Syrians - the same Shia Muslim sect of the former President Bashar al-Assad - have fled across the border in recent months to escape a previous bout of sectarian violence which broke out back in March. Emily Wither travelled to Tripoli where she met young Alawites looking to define themselves beyond the Assad regime.In Chile we visit a ghost town in the Atacama Desert as it's brought back to life for one day a year. Former residents of Chuquicamata return to where they once lived for an annual party - though the former mining town is now too polluted for humans to live in. Robin Markwell paid a visit.In the Pakistan province of Punjab, authorities have launched a crackdown against people keeping big cats like lions and tigers as household pets. The BBC's Pakistan correspondent Azadeh Moshiri joined wildlife rangers on a raid on an illegal big cat farm.And we're in Marseille where a group of eminent restaurateurs have come together to protect the heritage of a much-treasured French dish - Bouillabaisse. Rob Crossan went to sample a bowl, to see if it lives up to the hype.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Tyler Andrews is a good friend with whom I've done trips with to Peru, Ecuador, and most recently, the Atacama Desert of Chile where we climbed up to almost 20,000 feet.  Ty was a self-described high school nerd musician who went on to be an average D3 cross country runner. After battling depression, Ty dedicated himself to becoming a pro mountain runner, which has seen him set numerous FKTs on some of the most iconic tall peaks in the world, including Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, and Cotopaxi. One recent FKT in the Himalayas has been commemorated in the very cool short film “9 Hours on Manaslu” that you can watch on YouTube and is definitely worth 27 minutes of your time. To show his breadth, Ty also holds the record for the Leadville Marathon and has run in the U.S. Olympic marathon trials. He is a La Sportiva-sponsored athlete and is founder of the Chaski Endurance Collective, which coaches ultramarathoners. Which all leads us to this riveting WASP appearance, on which we chat about his recent attempts to set the FKT for running up Mt. Everest, both with and without supplemental oxygen. How incredible does that sound? I won't ruin the story for you, but Ty will talk about the what, when, how, and why for this audacious project and all of the logistics and challenges involved. For some really great content that gets very granular about how Ty did this, I highly recommend you go listen to his 21-part podcast series called Ty's Training: Talking with my Dad.  It's fascinating hearing some of the innovative methods Ty used to train for this quest that pushed him harder than he's ever been challenged before. I'm sure you'll love this story.Tyler Andrews:Facebook Tyler Andres AndrewsInstagram and Twitter: @tylercandrewsChaski Endurance Collective:www.chaski.run/linktreeInstagram: @chaski.enduranceBill Stahlsilly_billy@msn.comFacebook Bill StahlInstagram and Threads @stahlor and @we_are_superman_podcastYouTube We Are Superman PodcastPlease support Team Leadville and Warriors' Ascent help prevent veteran suicide! Donate here:https://give.classy.org/BillStahl2025Thank you!Subscribe to the We Are Superman Newsletter!https://mailchi.mp/dab62cfc01f8/newsletter-signupSubscribe to our Substack for my archive of articles of coaching tips developed from my more than three decades of experience, wild and funny stories from my long coaching career, the wit and wisdom of David, and highlights of some of the best WASP episodes from the past that I feel are worthwhile giving another listen.Search either We Are Superman Podcast or @billstahl8

One of the most badass racers I know is Kat Edwards Anderson. She has been on the WASP twice before, most recently on episode #327 in January, chatting about her runs at the Sedona Canyons 125 and the Moab 240. I first met her in Chile in March, 2024, where she impressively conquered many new challenges for her in the high Atacama Desert. She built on these experiences by overcoming blisters on her feet, menstrual cycle irregularities, heat, and mental hurdles to get on the podium at Moab. In this episode, Kat shares some great insights on her run in May at the Cocodona 250, where she finished as the 6th female. Kat took many of the lessons from Moab, along with input from her coach, Tyler Andrews, to dial in the minutiae that is required to have success at such a grueling race. Kat shares much about the custom-designed gear she used to suit her needs, and the many very sound practices that she employed for Cocodona. Naturally, there were uncontrollables like the weather, and once again, her cycle. Most notably, she generously shares her mental battles through the race, and how her crew and her faith both came through for her to get to a finish line that at times seemed improbable. This is a great chat inside the mind of a tough, focused endurance beast of a runner. Next up for Kat is some “speedwork” as she comes out here to Colorado to slay the Leadville Trail 100.Kat Edwardskatedwardspt.comInstagram @kat.elizabeth_For coaching inquiries: www.chaski.runBill Stahlsilly_billy@msn.comFacebook Bill StahlInstagram and Threads @stahlor and @we_are_superman_podcastYouTube We Are Superman PodcastPlease support Team Leadville and Warriors' Ascent help prevent veteran suicide! Donate here:https://give.classy.org/BillStahl2025Thank you!Subscribe to the We Are Superman Newsletter!https://mailchi.mp/dab62cfc01f8/newsletter-signupSubscribe to our Substack for my archive of articles of coaching tips developed from my more than three decades of experience, wild and funny stories from my long coaching career, the wit and wisdom of David, and highlights of some of the best WASP episodes from the past that I feel are worthwhile giving another listen.Search either We Are Superman Podcast or @billstahl8

Here's what to expect on the podcast:Jim's journey that sparked his passion for travel.Jim's unique view of purposeful travel.How travel can deepen your connection to the world and yourself.What made Jim decide to become an author and share his unique travel experiences?Jim's books and his inspiring poetry collections.And much more! About Jim:Jim Menge, a travel raconteur, published author, and global adventurer, has set foot in over 100 countries and six continents. Jim's passion for exploring the world—and sharing its wonders—shines through his acclaimed books like Never Travel in a Straight Line and Ode of the Traveler. A blogger, poet, and traveler at heart, Jim has made travel not just his profession but his purpose. With a unique ability to blend humor, insight, and the bittersweet beauty of exploration, he inspires others to embrace the journey, wherever it may lead.Jim Menge has been at the forefront of travel innovation for over three decades, leading at American Airlines, Sabre, and Virtuoso. His unique blend of strategic leadership and personal passion for exploration gives him rare insight into both the business of travel and the human connections that shape it.Whether trekking the Atacama Desert, walking the ancient Camino de Santiago, or navigating boardrooms in the world's largest cities, he approaches each journey with curiosity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the unexpected.His book, Never Travel in a Straight Line, captures his philosophy that life's most meaningful moments emerge from detours, not destinations. Through engaging storytelling and practical wisdom, he challenges us to look beyond rigid itineraries—both in travel and in life.As a keynote speaker and executive coach, Jim helps individuals and organizations embrace change, turn challenges into opportunities, and redefine success on their own terms. His coaching explores how stepping outside comfort zones drives transformation—and how neglecting self-care can lead to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion, diminishing both productivity and well-being.Because in the end… the road less traveled isn't just an adventure—it's a mindset. Connect with Jim Menge!Website: https://www.jimmenge.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmenge/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.menge.12Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmenge/Books:Never Travel In A Straight Line: Discovering Travel's True Purpose https://tinyurl.com/5d67nwknNever Travel In A Straight Line: Self Leadership Strategies to Discover Your Life's Purpose and Live Your Passions https://tinyurl.com/2tahs7fnThe ODE Series: Travel. In Verse. Love. Solitude. Frustration. Each book is a journey. (Upcoming releases and more information available on Jim's website.)----- If you're struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp.Visit https://betterhelp.com/candicesnyder for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.*This is a paid promotionIf you are in the United States and in crisis, or any other person may be in danger -Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dial 988----- Connect with Candice Snyder!Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdrPassion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

Scottish tour guides tell us about the most famous castles in a country that's brimming with the imposing structures. Then a Santiago-based American travel writer embarks on a 1,200-mile odyssey through one of the driest places on earth — Chile's Atacama Desert — as he searches for a deeper understanding of his adopted homeland. And listeners call in to share stories and find inspiration for their next travel adventures. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

“If you're someone who's always dreamed of going to Mars but you don't have the time to become an astronaut, you can just visit the Atacama Desert.” –Mark Johanson In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Mark talk about how Mark became interested in the Atacama Desert, and his experience in other world deserts (1:45); what Mark sought when he traveled through the region (16:00); what it's like to experience the area, and why it's known as "Mars on Earth" (26:00); what travelers can do there, and what it's like for Mark to live in Chile (36:30). Mark Johanson (@markonthemap) is an American journalist and travel writer based in Santiago, Chile. His first book is Mars on Earth: Wanderings in the World's Driest Desert. Notable Links: Atacama Desert (desert plateau located in Chile) Coober Pedy (town in the Australian Outback) Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey (book) The English Patient, by Michael Ondaatje (book) The Songlines, by Bruce Chatwin (book) Man in the Landscape, by Paul Shepard (book) Chinchorro mummies (ancient remains in the Atacama Desert) Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road system) Arica (province in Chile) Altiplano (Andean Plateau) Lands of Lost Borders, by Kate Harris (book) Pan-American Highway (road network) Cusco (city in Peru) San Pedro de Atacama (town in Chile) Elqui Valley (wine and astronomy region in Chile) Gabriela Mistral (Nobel Prize-winning poet) Pisco (fermented spirit made from grapes) Pisco sour (cocktail) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don't host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.

“If you’re someone who’s always dreamed of going to Mars but you don’t have the time to become an astronaut, you can just visit the Atacama Desert.” –Mark Johanson In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Mark talk about how Mark became interested in the Atacama Desert, and his experience in other world deserts (1:45); what Mark sought when he traveled through the region (16:00); what it’s like to experience the area, and why it’s known as “Mars on Earth” (26:00); what travelers can do there, and what it’s like for Mark to live in Chile (36:30). Mark Johanson (@markonthemap) is an American journalist and travel writer based in Santiago, Chile. His first book is Mars on Earth: Wanderings in the World's Driest Desert. Notable Links: Atacama Desert (desert plateau located in Chile) Coober Pedy (town in the Australian Outback) Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey (book) The English Patient, by Michael Ondaatje (book) The Songlines, by Bruce Chatwin (book) Man in the Landscape, by Paul Shepard (book) Chinchorro mummies (ancient remains in the Atacama Desert) Qhapaq Ñan (Inca road system) Arica (province in Chile) Altiplano (Andean Plateau) Lands of Lost Borders, by Kate Harris (book) Pan-American Highway (road network) Cusco (city in Peru) San Pedro de Atacama (town in Chile) Elqui Valley (wine and astronomy region in Chile) Gabriela Mistral (Nobel Prize-winning poet) Pisco (fermented spirit made from grapes) Pisco sour (cocktail) The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber. Note: We don't host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.