Podcasts about Baltic

While the crusades raged across the Holy Land in the southern Levant, the kingdoms of central and northern Europe were engaged in their own battle to extend Christendom. Speaking to James Osborne, Aleks Pluskowski details how and when the Baltic crusades – or Northern crusades – began, and examines their links to the broader crusading culture of the Middle Ages. ----- GO BEYOND THE PODCAST To learn more about the medieval history of central and eastern Europe, listen to our episode on the role of the Rus people in the formation of the lands that are now Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia: https://bit.ly/4k7dF68 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we pass the fourth anniversary of Putin's full-scale invasion, Patrick Bishop and Saul David explore whether the tide of the war is finally turning in Ukraine's favour. Following a winter of stasis, Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 400 square kilometres in mere weeks—outpacing Russia's entire December gains. In this episode, we dive into the factors driving this sudden shift: The Starlink Effect: How Elon Musk's decision to block Russian access has been exploited to the maximum by Ukrainian forces. The Personnel Crisis: With Russian casualties reaching a critical watershed, we discuss the "contract-niki" system and the ominous new legislation that could see Russian reservists deployed for "special tasks." Economic "Death Zone": We analyse the state of the Russian economy—where military spending is consuming the country faster than it can be repaired. The "Zero Line": A chilling look at a recent BBC documentary detailing Russian commanders executing their own men. In the second half, Patrick and Saul tackle listener questions from across Europe. We discuss the vulnerability of the Baltic states, the potential for a UK independent nuclear deterrent in a post-Trump NATO landscape, and a heated debate over the BBC's controversial decision to scale back its Ukraine coverage. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the geopolitical cesspool. Today, we are taking a hard look at the crumbling, jury-rigged mafia state operating just across the border, and the exiled "Good Russians" who think they are magically going to inherit it.First, we dive into the blood-soaked mud of the zero-line with the leaked audio of Major General Roman Dimurchiev. From troops hunting for a prosecutor's missing underpants amidst artillery fire to commanders earning state medals for sapper-shovel executions, we examine the true operating system of the Russian military. Frankly, comparing these guys to the armies of Mordor is a massive, unforgivable insult to the logistical competence of the Uruk-hai.Then, we cross the border into Europe to check on the High Elves of Rivendell—the exiled Russian liberal opposition. While actual people are dying in the mud, the architects of the "Beautiful Russia of the Future" are busy playing Dungeons & Dragons in rented seminar rooms, running multi-million-dollar offshore laundromats, and hiring Baltic street thugs to kneecap their political rivals with meat hammers.From the Z-patriots desperately rebranding themselves as the Mongol Horde, to the sheer, Bond-villain absurdity of the FSB utilizing South American dart frog neurotoxins, this episode is a deep dive into an empire built entirely out of stolen myths, hallucinations, and pure rot.Support the War Effort: The Ukrainian military doesn't need PowerPoint presentations; they need armor. Please support Car4Ukraine as they weld heavy armor onto civilian pickup trucks and send them straight to the front line:

A round-up of the main headlines in Sweden on February 26th 2026. You can hear more reports on our homepage www.radiosweden.se, or in the app Sveriges Radio. Producer/presenter: Sujay Dutt

A party of campers on a deserted Baltic island is terrorized by a huge wolf... or is it?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A party of campers on a deserted Baltic island is terrorized by a huge wolf... or is it?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A party of campers on a deserted Baltic island is terrorized by a huge wolf... or is it?Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Amber isn't technically a stone — it's fossilized tree resin, hardened sunlight, and ancient memory preserved in gold.In this episode of The Crystal Library, Ashleigh explores the science, mythology, and energetic properties of amber — from Baltic trade routes and Dominican fluorescence to Chinese lore that says the souls of tigers live on within it.This episode is also a quiet tribute to her mom, Amber, whose birthday falls on February 23 — honoring themes of warmth, protection, ancestral healing, and the way love persists across time.Inside this episode:What amber actually is (and why it's not a mineral)Where it's found around the worldAmber in folklore and Chinese mythologyIts connections to Leo and AquariusSolar plexus + crown chakra activationPast-life and intergenerational healing workWhy amber teething necklaces are used — and what science actually saysA reflection on healing family stories and alchemizing inherited patternsAmber reminds us: protection doesn't always look like armor. Sometimes it looks like warmth.Stay curious. Stay protected. Stay luminous.Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!Please message me with any questions or comments. bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

After diving deep into Nebbiolo in Episode 248, Janina knew it was time to go further into Piemonte - but this time beyond Barolo and Barbaresco. In this episode, she's joined by Baltic wine expert and educator Agnese Gintere to explore the lesser-known indigenous grapes of the Langhe. From the so-called “white Barolo” Nascetta to Pelaverga, Freisa, Dolcetto, Barbera, Arneis and Favorita, this is a love letter to the region's unsung heroes. Expect producer recommendations, travel tips, value alternatives to Barolo - and yes, a little Nebbiolo obsession too.   04:04 Why Langhe? The recent rise of Barolo & Barbaresco and why the region feels magical. 06:04 Falling in love with Langhe - the wines first, then the fog, hills and landscape. 08:33 If not Nebbiolo, then what? The real unsung hero grapes of Langhe. 10:31 Nascetta explained - the so-called “white Barolo” and its revival from near extinction. 12:45 What Agnese learned about Nascetta's history and ageing potential. 15:05 Pelaverga - the sommelier's insider grape with earthy, herbal character. 17:17 Pelaverga experimentation - sparkling styles and white versions. 18:53 Freisa - Nebbiolo's close relative and its quiet revival. 23:27 Dolcetto - “little sweet one” or gentle hills? Style, structure and best areas to explore. 26:45 Dogliani DOCG, ageing potential and value bottles. 28:47 Barbera - plush fruit, high alcohol and the future of north-facing slopes. 31:49 Link to Janina's previous podcast episode (Ep 166) featuring Braida (Barbera specialists). 33:12 Respecting terroir - why Barbera and Nebbiolo shouldn't compete for the same vineyard sites. 33:46 White grapes of Langhe - Arneis vs Favorita (aka Vermentino). 37:05 Agnese's must-visit place - Serralunga d'Alba and the magic of the hills. 39:51 Best-value Nebbiolo outside Barolo & Barbaresco - Roero, Gattinara and Ghemme. 41:08 A magical winery visit - Enrico Rivetto and other iconic estates. 41:33 Estates mentioned - Rivetto, Gaja and Aldo Conterno. 44:06 Best time to visit Langhe - truffle season vs early autumn. 46:17 If you could only drink one non-Nebbiolo Langhe wine - Grignolino (“baby Nebbiolo”). 49:42 Next week - Switzerland, Chasselas, Petit Arvine and DNA expert José Vouillamoz.   Watch Agnese's YouTube Channel No Sediment HERE.

For review:1. Iran and the United States continued to slide rapidly toward military conflict at the weekend, as hopes faded for a diplomatic solution. Israel and Iran's Gulf neighbors now consider a conflict to be more likely than a settlement.2. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that it struck three Hezbollah command centers belonging to the terror group's missile force in the Baalbek area, in eastern Lebanon's Beqaa Valley.3. Officers from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have effectively taken charge of Hezbollah in anticipation of a war with the US and Israel, Saudi outlet Al-Arabiya reported Saturday, as Lebanese officials were said to assail the possibility of their country getting dragged into battle.The IRGC officers, some of whom recently arrived in Lebanon from Iran, are tasked with rebuilding Hezbollah's military capabilities.4. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said Friday that his terror organization is open to international peacekeeping forces in Gaza, but rejected any interference in the territory's “internal affairs.”5. Estonia has started public procurement of 600 modular bunkers as part of a joint push by the Baltic states to secure their border with Russia and Belarus.6. Germany does not want to pursue nuclear weapons of its own, but is interested in incorporating French and British atomic bombs in a deterrence arrangement reminiscent of NATO's U.S.-based nuclear umbrella, according to Chancellor Friedrich Merz.7. France-Germany-Spain FCAS 6th Generation Fighter Dead.8. Shipbuilder Austal Defence Australia has been selected to build 8 x Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels for the Australian military under an approximately $4 billion Australian dollar ($2.82 billion) contract, the company announced today.

Estonia's medieval charm, beautifully preserved naturescapes, and Baltic culture are cultivating a burgeoning tourism scene. Bradt guidebook author and Estonian authority Neil Taylor lets us in on the abundant appeal of the former Soviet republic. And a certified Cicerone — that's "craft beer expert" — takes us on a tour of European suds and helps us tap into the best pints across the continent. For more information on Travel with Rick Steves - including episode descriptions, program archives and related details - visit www.ricksteves.com.

It's still mighty Baltic with the northerly outflow chilling the hills and in the valley: layer up

Greetings, comrades! The "Voice of the Eastern Border" has temporarily fallen victim to a biological attack (the flu), so today, Evita is taking over the microphone to translate Kristaps's angry, feverish gesturing into a brand new episode.While the Russian propaganda machine continues to broadcast imaginary victories, the reality on the ground - and in the supermarket - is telling a very different, much darker story.In this episode:

PNL (Paranormal NL) Podcast -S4/E7-UPRN Segment #67 “ February 17th, 2026 Deja-Vu” Special -Pre-recorded event with a Live-Chat Watch-Party on UPRN. Host Jen Noseworthy from Newfoundland & Labrador (NL), Canada talks with author Aleksander Czeszkiewicz from Poland. Aleksander Czeszkiewicz is a Polish researcher, and author. Alek's novels include: DeJa-Vu and Giza Pyramids Alignment Guide. His first book was written at the age of 17, followed by many articles & other works. Alek has collaborated in numerous podcasts all around the world, including Earth Ancients Podcast with Cliff Dunning. Alek's main areas of research & interest are lost civilizations, Atlantis, lost history of humanity, consciousness and the Universe. Alek also Co-Hosts “Atlantis Bros' Podcast with historian Michael Le Flem on YouTube. Follow Aleksander Czeszkiewicz at https://www.czeszkiewiczglobal.com/ and https://linktr.ee/czeszkiewiczglobal Poland is located in Europe with a Northern Region that borders the Baltic sea, on the CET (Central European Time Zone). Poland is bordered by Lithuania & Russian exclave of Kaliningrad Oblast to the North; Czech Republic & Slovakia to the South; Ukraine & Belarus to the East; and Germany to the west. Poland is the ninth-largest country in Europe, with it's capital city of Warsaw. Poland has seen a lot of sadness during the World Wars. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, over 17 million Ukrainian refugees crossed the border to Poland. Shout out to Mark Eddy from Third Eye Live Podcast (with Sir Knight Bryan Bowden). Mark introduced me to Ken Goudsward. Mark and Bryan are both PNL Alumni-Guest members from PNL S3/E53 (UPRN Seg 60). Shout out to ancient tech & UFO author, and publisher Ken Goudsward PNL Alumni-Guest member from PNL S4/E2 (UPRN Seg#62) dimensionfold.com Shout out to UPRN Producer Michelle Deroches.com from Ontario, Michelle is also host of The Outer Realm Radio & Beyond the Outer Realm on UPRN www.linktr.ee/michelledesrochers_ PNL (Paranormal NL) Podcast is sponsored by the BOG team. It's a “Boots On Ground” (BOG) Paranormal investigation team doing local historic investigations in Newfoundland. Follow PNL Podcast & the BOG team, and grab your Merch & BOG Team Music on their Linktree. Smash those SUBSCRIBE buttons. It all helps ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/paranormalnlpodcast PNL airs every Tue at 5pm EST on all digital platforms of UPRN (United Public Radio Network) 107.7 FM New Orleans & 105.3 Gulf Coast ⁠⁠https://www.uprntalkradio.com⁠⁠ (JV) Jennifer Vallis-Noseworthy, RN (Jen) PNL Podcast & BOG Team Newfoundland & Labrador (NL), Canada Founder/Host: PNL ("Paranormal NL" Podcast) Founder/Team Lead: BOG ("Boots on Ground" Paranormal Investigation Team) Email: paranormal.nl.podcast@gmail.com Follow PNL & BOG Team at https://linktr.ee/paranormalnlpodcast and https://uprntalkradio.com/

In this Visegrad Insight podcast, Wojciech Przybylski speaks with Sigita Struberga (Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, Organisation Women for Security) about what the 2026 Munich Security Conference revealed about Europe's strategic direction, defence-industrial reality and the eastern flank's expectations of partners.We discuss:– Why ‘national interests' rhetoric is back and what it means for the Euro-Atlantic community– ‘Rearmament without warmongering' and the politics of long war preparation– Baltic ‘total defence' thinking, societal resilience and the demand for measurable results– EU defence industry modernisation and the coming competition inside EuropeRead Sigita Struberga's article based on this conversation: https://visegradinsight.eu/europe-is-preparing-but-baltic-states-want-action/Subscribe to Visegrad Insight: https://visegradinsight.eu/membership-account/membership-levels/Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/EIA6GLeJW7MListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4uoWUeqvhpI5ddsrbxjJnz?si=rUW2CrKqTNeGtyDafbl-VwListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/europe-is-preparing-the-baltics-want-action/id1515725435?i=1000750307371&l=en-GB

Lithuania isn't exactly a Eurovision powerhouse, but their lengthy selection processes have been showcases for the country's music industry. We take a look at the Baltic nation and how their approach to the Contest may be serving a different purpose than competition. Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

In dieser Folge nehmen wir dich mit auf eine außergewöhnliche Reise durch die polnische Bierwelt – von den ersten Hobbybrau-Erfahrungen im eigenen Keller bis zur spektakulären Wiedergeburt des legendären Grodziskie. Wir sprechen mit Marcin Osterjewski, der nicht nur seine Abneigung gegen Rauchbier überwunden, sondern einen beinahe ausgestorbenen Bierstil mit Mut, Kreativität und echter Leidenschaft zurück ins Rampenlicht gebracht hat. Du erfährst, wie nationale Identität, Traditionsbewusstsein und moderne Braukunst in Polen eine einzigartige Symbiose eingehen – und warum Offenheit manchmal der beste Wettbewerbsvorteil ist. Wir zeigen, wie ein offenes Rezept und geteilte Hefe einen weltweiten Trend lostreten können, und was das für die Zukunft vergessener Bierkulturen bedeutet. Lass dich inspirieren von einer Geschichte, die beweist: Bier ist viel mehr als nur ein Getränk – es ist gelebte Geschichte, Innovation und Gemeinschaft.

Welcome to the 39th edition of the Russian-language podcast Then & Now with me, Teresa Cherfas. Among the first guests on the podcast was Dmitry Oreshkin, the well-known political scientist. At that time we talked with him about the significance for Russia of that fateful day – 24 February – when Putin launched his war of aggression against the sovereign state of Ukraine.Today, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, we have invited Dmitry Borisovich on to the podcast again, this time to comment on the progress of Putin's war and to talk about the current state of Russia against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world and shift in global politics.A geographer by education, Oreshkin has extensive experience as a professional observer of the political, economic and social life of Russia today.This podcast was recorded on 12 February 2026My Questions1. A report published last month by the think tank Centre for Strategic and International Studies claimed that since February 2022, Russian troops have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties, more than any major power in any war since World War II. What do Russians still in Russia think about how the war is going?2. How is the war affecting people's daily lives?3. When Donald Trump ran for president of the United States, he promised to conclude a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours. A year later, how do you assess Trump's efforts to reach a peace agreement?4. The well-known Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk recently asked a question on social media: “ Why has Trump's year of negotiations been the deadliest for civilians in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion? The number of deaths and injuries has increased by 31 percent compared to the previous year.Why did Putin not allow himself such brutal strikes on civilian infrastructure under Biden, whom Trump calls ‘weak,' but totally destroys peaceful cities and disregards the ‘strong Trump'?” How would you answer her?5. The same think tank I mentioned earlier ranks Russia as a second or third world country in terms of its economy. Can Putin continue the war indefinitely without fear that the economic consequences will be devastating for Russia?6. Trump's indecisiveness regarding Ukraine contrasts sharply with the US operation to capture Venezuelan President Maduro a few weeks ago. How do you think Putin and the Kremlin perceived Trump's boldness regarding Venezuela?7. This was followed by Trump's demand to incorporate Greenland into the US. How did the Kremlin react to Trump's declamatory speech in Davos and his subsequent climb-down when he saw the strength of opposition to his plan?8. Many believe Trump is not interested in helping Ukraine and thinks this conflict is a problem that America's European allies should resolve. What would that mean for Ukraine?9. If Europe does not unite decisively to defend Ukraine, will Putin continue, say, with an attack on the Baltic states?10. The real rival of the United States today is, of course, China. How would you describe Putin's relationship with President Xi Jinping? Do Putin's nuclear weapons compensate for Russia's economic weakness in its own relations with China?11. Many people are talking about the collapse of the rules-based old world order. Do you agree with this interpretation? How do you think the situation will develop over the next few years? How will this affect Putin's future actions?

Hey “Everybody”! Estonia and Latvia were the first two new countries to win Eurovision after the EBU expanded its membership in 1993. As we get ready for the Eesti Laul and Supernova selection processes, “I Wanna” take a look at the Contest history of these two Baltic nations. Baltic Buddies Summary Estonia at Eurovision (1:03) Join the EuroWhat? AV Club (17:34) Latvia at Eurovision (18:45) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here. Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social. Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you want even more EuroWhat? in your life, join the EuroWhat? AV Club on Patreon! You can join for free to get virtual high fives and a monthly newsletter featuring: previews of upcoming episodes, North America tour dates for Eurovision alumni National Selection dates Tidbits we can't get to on the main show We also have the EuroWhat? AV Club Podcast, a monthly bonus episode for paid members exploring Eurovision-adjacent TV, movies, books, and more. And if there is a season 2 of the American Song Contest... well... :::monkey's paw intensifies:::

VOV1 - Ngày 30/1, Estonia, Latvia và Litva đã ký một tuyên bố chung về việc thành lập Khu vực cơ động quân sự Baltic (MMA) nhằm loại bỏ các rào cản hành chính và thủ tục trong thời bình, cho phép quân đội và thiết bị di chuyển nhanh chóng giữa ba quốc gia.Tuyên bố chung do Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng ba nước Estonia, Latvia và Litva ký kết, trong đó nhấn mạnh việc giảm thiểu giấy tờ và sự trì hoãn trong các hoạt động quân sự của ba nước Baltic, cho phép quân đội di chuyển nhanh chóng, bao gồm cả trên bộ, trên biển và trên không.Một trong những mục đích chính của việc thành lập Khu vực cơ động quân sự Baltic là tạo ra một mạng lưới phòng thủ liên kết chặt chẽ, nâng cao khả năng phản ứng nhanh chóng của quân đội các nước Baltic trong các tình huống khẩn cấp. Điều này sẽ góp phần bảo đảm an ninh khu vực, đồng thời hỗ trợ các đồng minh châu Âu và NATO đảm bảo tính liên tục trong di chuyển quân và trang thiết bị.Các Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng các nước Baltic ký Tuyên bố chung về việc thành lập Khu vực cơ động quân sự Baltic ngày 30 tháng 1 năm 2026 (Ảnh-news.err.ee).

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-28-20261900 PRINCETON CANE RUSHBased on your notes, here are all 16 segments formatted for January 28, 2026:1.General Blaine Holt, USAF (Ret.), outlines the mission to rescue Iran from the brutes, detailing strategic options for liberating the Iranian people from the oppressive regime ruling in Tehran.2.Michael Bernstam of the Hoover Institution explains how Russia prospers with the price of gold, analyzing Moscow'seconomic resilience as precious metals revenues offset sanctions and sustain Putin's war machine.3.Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black explains Blue Origin and SpaceX next missions, previewing upcoming launches and milestones as both companies push forward with ambitious spaceflight development programs.4.Bob Zimmerman explains Roscosmos failures without credit, examining how Russia's space agency stumbles through technical setbacks while refusing accountability, diminishing Moscow's once-proud position in space exploration.5.Victoria Coates and Gordon Chang identify the Baltic states as most vulnerable to Russian annexation, warning that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania face persistent threats from Putin's expansionist ambitions.6.Ann Stevenson-Yang and Gordon Chang comment on the low spirits and isolation of mainland Chinese singles, examining the demographic and social crisis as young people struggle with loneliness and economic pressures.7.Charles Burton and Gordon Chang observe the contest in Arctic waters, analyzing competing claims and military positioning as Russia, China, and Western nations vie for polar strategic advantage.8.Charles Burton and Gordon Chang comment on Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada's future with the United States and PRC, assessing Ottawa's delicate balancing act between its powerful neighbors.9.Tevi Troy remarks on the new book McNamara at War, exploring Robert McNamara's tenure as Defense Secretary and his controversial management of the Vietnam War under two presidents.10.Tevi Troy observes McNamara dealing with the rude President Lyndon Johnson, examining the difficult working relationship between the cerebral defense secretary and the domineering, often abusive commander-in-chief.11.Kevin Frazier analyzes how AI can fail like Western Union, warning that excessive concentration and lack of innovation could doom today's artificial intelligence giants just as the telegraph company declined.12.Kevin Frazier warns of regulatory capture in AI governance, cautioning that dominant tech companies may co-opt oversight mechanisms, stifling competition and shaping rules to entrench their market dominance.13.Simon Constable reports from temperate France with commodities analysis, noting copper and gold trading dear as industrial demand and safe-haven buying drive precious and base metals prices higher.14.Simon Constable faults Prime Minister Starmer's lack of leadership, criticizing the British leader's failure to articulate vision or direction as the United Kingdom drifts through economic and political uncertainty.15.Astronomer Paul Kalas explains planetary formation in the Fomalhaut system twenty-five light years distant, revealing how observations of this nearby star illuminate the processes that create worlds around young suns.16.David Livingston explains his twenty-five years hosting The Space Show, reflecting on a quarter century of broadcasting interviews with astronauts, engineers, and visionaries shaping humanity's journey beyond Earth.

Victoria Coates and Gordon Chang identify the Baltic states as most vulnerable to Russian annexation, warning that Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania face persistent threats from Putin's expansionist ambitions.1950

2026-01-29 | UPDATES #117 | Today, Europe just fired a legal warning shot across the bow of Russia's “shadow fleet” — the aging, murky armada that keeps Putin's oil money flowing, and increasingly turns the Baltic into a grey-zone battlefield. But stern words and legal warnings have never intimidated Putin before, in fact, he takes these as a sign of weakness, unless they are accompanied by action. Fourteen European coastal states say the basics of maritime safety are being shredded — by GNSS jamming, AIS manipulation, and sanctions-evading tankers that treat international rules like optional extras. And the subtext is clear: we're done letting this fleet ghost through chokepoints uncontested. What did Europe announce? Are they claiming jurisdiction over the waters, or over the grey fleet? What are the conditions for interception? And does this make confrontation more likely? How far would Putin go to keep this economic lifeline going? ----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------SOURCES: UK Government (26 Jan 2026) — “The growing risks to maritime safety” (open letter; signatories; UNCLOS Art 92; SOLAS/AIS/LRIT requirements) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-growing-risks-to-maritime-safety/the-growing-risks-to-maritime-safetyFinnish Government / Ministry of Transport and Communications (26 Jan 2026) — Press release on the joint letter and GNSS interference - https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410829/itameren-ja-pohjanmeren-rantavaltiot-gnss-hairinta-on-lisannyt-merenkulun-turvallisuusriskeja-1Denmark — Danish Maritime Authority (Jan 2026) — Notice referencing the open letterhttps://www.dma.dk/news/2026/january/coastal-states-warn-of-threats-to-maritime-safety-in-the-baltic-and-north-sea-regionERR (Estonia) (Jan 2026) — Summary of the warning and signatorieshttps://news.err.ee/1609924184/all-vessels-are-at-risk-14-countries-warn-shadow-fleet-vessels-to-follow-rulesMaritime Executive (26 Jan 2026) — Reporting and technical context on GNSS/AIS and the letterhttps://maritime-executive.com/article/european-nations-warn-shadow-fleet-shipowners-to-play-by-the-rulesgCaptain (Jan 2026) — Coverage framing the enforcement shift and compliance frameworkhttps://gcaptain.com/europe-signals-new-phase-in-shadow-fleet-enforcement/Insurance Journal (27 Jan 2026) — Coverage of the 14-nation warninghttps://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2026/01/27/855788.htmAtlantic Council (22 Jan 2026) — Analysis: shadow fleet as hybrid tool; argues for stronger interpretation/enforcement - https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/dispatches/the-us-is-taking-action-against-russias-shadow-fleet-in-the-baltic-sea-europe-should-follow-suit/Emmanuel Macron on X (Jan 2026) — Public statement on French Navy boarding of a sanctioned tanker - https://x.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/2014341199507706242----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2026 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------

Victoria Coates warns that the Kremlin may use the presence of Russian-speaking populations in the Baltic states as a justification for future aggression, replicating the strategy currently deployed against Ukraine. She notes that this established pattern, which claims that Russian speakers belong to Russia, poses a threat not only to the Baltics but also to Moldova, although she expresses concern that European powers like Germany are failing to heed these warning signs.1923 PETROGRAD

In this What's Working in Ag segment, we highlight a growing trend we're seeing across agriculture heading into 2026: farmers investing in skills instead of opinions.Agris Academy is hosting a 2026 Winter Workshop on Merchandising and Futures Risk Management on February 19th in Baltic, South Dakota, with both in-person and online options available. What makes this workshop stand out is what it doesn't promise.This session focuses on:Teaching real merchandising skills farmers can use immediatelySharing practical “tricks of the trade” from professional risk managersHelping producers build repeatable systems, not one-off tradesCreating skills that become a permanent asset to a farm or businessWhat it won't do:Predict market directionPush trading strategiesReact to daily headlinesIn a year where volatility, tight margins, and uncertainty continue to dominate agriculture, farmers are realizing that better decisions come from better understanding — not better guesses.This short segment explains why educational workshops like this are gaining momentum, why farmers are choosing to attend in person, and how developing merchandising discipline can change how farms manage risk long-term. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

preview for later. Guest: Ivana Stradner, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Summary: Stradner suggests that while Putin is unlikely to militarily support Iran, he may soon challenge NATO in the Baltic states. She predicts Russia could use "false flag" operations involving Russian speakers to test Western resolve and attempt to expose NATO as a "paper tiger".1898 Brussels

**Discussion of Finland coffee facts begins at 6:27****Discussion of conspiracy theory begins at 10:00**What if I told you one of the world's happiest, most peaceful countries… doesn't actually exist?  I'm talking about the happiest country on earth, Finland.  Land of saunas, coffee, Nokia phones, and endless lakes and forests.   But what if this so-called nation was nothing more than a convenient illusion created to fuel Japan's love of Sushi and avoid any regulatory oversight?  Today, we're diving into one of the internet's strangest conspiracy theories, the claim that Finland… isn't real.  The land mass we see on maps?  Not even real, that's just open Baltic ocean. And the people who claim to be Finnish?  They're just residents of eastern Sweden or Norther Estonia led to believe they reside in Finland.  We'll trace how this theory started, who supposedly benefits from it, and why thousands of people online actually believe it.  Join us on another deep dive as we try to find out if Finland really exists.Send us a textSupport the showTheme song by INDA

As a port city Liverpool has long been open to a wide variety of global influences and languages that developed into a way of speaking that's termed 'Scouse' - from a word that probably originates in the Baltic region derived from the word 'lobscouse'. Tony Crowley grew up in the heart of Liverpool. When he left home and went to Oxford University he became increasingly aware of his accent and his interest in the way his fellow Liverpudlians use language grew. He has written two books on the subject. He and Michael Rosen discuss the rich and humorous language of the city.Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Maggie Ayre in partnership with the Open University. Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Did you know that Vikings did raids on the Baltics? What did it mean 'to go viking'? Tune in and get a glimpse of the much expanded world of vikings, thanks to Alex Harvey's latest research.The paperback of his best-selling book The Forgotten Vikings is out now, published by Amberley.Get Forgotten Vikings: https://www.amberley-books.com/forgotten-vikings.htmlGet Little Kingdoms:https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Little-Kingdoms-Hardback/p/56542Alex' First Book Riddles of the Isle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Riddles-Isle-History-Axholme-Normans/dp/1739191641Find Alex here: https://x.com/AlexHarvv https://bsky.app/profile/alexharvv.bsky.socialhttps://www.amberley-books.com/author-community-main-page/h/alex-harvey.htmlMore from Alex:https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/how-a-new-book-by-a-yorkshire-archeologist-lifts-the-lid-on-britains-forgotten-vikings-4898331https://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/about/news/news2024/epartment-alumnus-vikings-book2/Find Baroque:https://www.ifitaintbaroquepodcast.art/https://www.reignoflondon.com/https://substack.com/@ifitaintbaroquepodcastSupport Baroque:https://www.patreon.com/c/Ifitaintbaroquepodcast/https://buymeacoffee.com/ifitaintbaroqueIf you would like to join Natalie on her walking tours in London with Reign of London:Saxons to Stuarts:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/london-the-royal-british-kings-and-queens-walking-tour-t426011/Tudors & Stuarts:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/royal-london-tudors-stuarts-walking-tour-t481355/The Georgians:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/royal-london-the-georgians-walking-tour-t481358/Naughty London:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/london-unsavory-history-guided-walking-tour-t428452/For more history fodder please visit https://www.ifitaintbaroquepodcast.art/ and https://www.reignoflondon.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lauma: a Baltic sky-spirit of kindness, only spotted by the river when disappointment turns her guardianship into something with teeth. https://www.eeriecast.com/podcasts/freaky-folklore #Lauma #Laume #LaumaLegend #BalticMythology #LatvianFolklore #LithuanianFolklore #RiverSpirits #LakeLegends #SkySpirits #FolkloreMonsters #ProtectorSpirit #FolkloreJustice #MythicHorror #ForestFolklore #LegendRevealed #FreakyFolklorePodcast #EerieMyths #CreepyLegends #MythologyShorts #FolkloreCommunity #ScaryFolklore #FolkloreTok #HorrorAnthology #MythicEncounters #AncientLegends  **EXPLORE MORE SPINE-CHILLING CONTENT:**

On this episode, Razib talks to returning guest, Francis Young, a historian who teaches at Oxford. Young specialises in the history of religion and belief from ancient times to the present day, and provides expert indexes for academic books and translates medieval and early modern Latin. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University and is the author, editor or co-author of over 20 books. On his last visit to the podcast, he discussed his book Pagans in the Early Modern Baltic, an account of the practices and persistence of Baltic paganism down to the 16th-century, the age of the Renaissance and Reformation. Today he discusses his new book, Silence of the Gods: The Untold History of Europe's Last Pagan Peoples. Razib and Young first discuss what it means to be "pagan" in a European context, first during Classical Antiquity, but more recently in Northern Europe down to the early modern period. Young discusses how it is difficult to understand and define paganism without reference to Christianity, which was a major force in shaping the nature of pagan religion in Northern Europe. Razib asks about the specific nature of northeast Baltic paganism, and in particular, the late survivals of pre-Christian religion among Lithuanians and Estonians, and the differences between the two groups. Young explains his understanding of different religious practices and the various forms of non-Christian practice that persisted among different groups, including mixed "creole" identities. Razib also inquires about the Mari El, a Finnic group in the Urals that might be the only continuously officially pagan people in Europe, as well as evidence Young reports that Estonian peasants were never truly fully Christianized.

2026-01-10 | UPDATES #095 | Russia grey fleet transporting illicit oil to keep its war machine ticking over, is becoming the Apocalypse Fleet – a transportation route for covert intelligence operations, military equipment and gear for dictatorial regimes, and potentially illegal nuclear materials, as well as platforms for launching hybrid operations against Russia's adversaries. It must be stopped. Europe's front line is not only in the trenches of Donbas and air defence batteries around Kyiv and Odesa, Dnipro and Kharkiv. It is also sea lanes, chokepoints, and the floating junkyards we politely call Russia's “commercial shipping” lifeline, the grey fleet tankers crawling the globe. “The Apocalypse Fleet” or Russia's ‘shadow' fleet is not just a sanctions-evasion machine for illicit oil. The newest reporting and enforcement actions point to something bigger and uglier: a maritime ecosystem that can move contraband, enable hybrid operations, and — at minimum — create plausible cover for weapons shipments and sensitive technology transfers across an emerging global authoritarian network. Surely the rules of free maritime passage do not apply if Russia is at war with us, and using its fleet as floating bases to launch operations? ----------SOURCES: InformNapalm (Jan 2026): investigation alleging contraband links tied to “Vostok-Akhmat / 291st regiment” and shadow-fleet logistics Reuters (Jan 8–9, 2026): reporting on US/UK-supported seizure of the Marinera and subsequent developments The Guardian (Jan 8, 2026): tankers under US sanctions transiting the English Channel; UK framing of shadow-fleet disruption The Guardian / Lloyd's List analysis (Jan 8, 2026): shadow-fleet vessels reflagging to Russia Reuters (Jan 2, 2026): Finland cable-breach investigation update Reuters analysis (Jan 2026): Baltic maritime incidents and the hybrid-security framing EU Council (Dec 18, 2025): sanctions on additional shadow-fleet vessels; explicit reference to military-equipment transport and undersea infrastructure threats Reuters (Nov 18, 2024): EU sanctions on Iranian shipping; allegations of transporting UAV/missile-related tech and Caspian transfers Reuters (Feb 21, 2024): claims of Iranian missile shipments to Russia, including by ship via the Caspian Reuters (Jun 2023): US declassified assertion of Iranian UAVs shipped across the Caspian to Russia Reuters graphics (Apr 2025): OSINT tracking of repeated North Korea-to-Russia munitions shipments by sea Reuters (Apr 2024): satellite imagery and moorage claims re vessel tied to DPRK–Russia arms transfers ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

Have Europeans become desensitized to Moscow's actions? 2025 saw Moscow fly armed drones into Poland; aerial incursions in Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, and The Netherlands; seaborne and subsurface reconnaissance and attacks on the seabeds of the Atlantic Ocean, North, Baltic, and Norwegian seas; numerous incidents of water poisoning in Germany; parcel bombs being sent through the courier system; propaganda, cyber, information attacks and disinformation campaigns across European outlets; armed military personnel crossing Europe's borders; power outages across European countries; and political interference in most elections. President Putin has been orchestrating campaigns of sabotage, subversion, and attacks on most European states for 12 months (and hence attacks against the global economy), as well as continuing his long conventional military campaign that seeks the end of Ukraine as a country. According to Keir Giles we can expect more of the same in 2026.

This episode of the Baltic Ways podcast welcomes Dr. Liina-Ly Roos, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the German, Nordic, Slavic+ department. The discussion centers on Liina-Ly's recent book: The Not-Quite Child: Colonial Histories, Racialization, and Swedish Exceptionalism (University of Washington Press, 2025), in which she analyzes films and literature that portray Indigenous Sámi, Tornedalian, and Finnish-speaking children and how these figures disrupt the normative understanding of growing up in Sweden. These cultural texts are filled with tensions of assimilation, invisibility, and the struggle to grow in a society that demands conformity to a specific “Swedishness.” The discussion also considers parallels to the Baltic context. Dr. Roos is a graduate of the University of Washington and a grant recipient from the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies.Baltic Ways is a podcast from the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, produced in partnership with the Baltic Initiative at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of AABS or FPRI.Image: Adobe Stock This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fpribalticinitiative.substack.com

Day 1,408. At the start of the fifth calendar year of the full scale invasion, attacks across Ukraine saw the beginning of 2026 marked with yet more death, injury and destruction across Ukraine. It has also seen General Budanov named as Andrii Yermak's replacement, a remarkable double-cross operation by Budanov's military intelligence department and a rebuttal by the CIA into claims by Moscow earlier this week that Ukraine tried to attack Putin directly. We report how Australian tanks have been in action around Pokrovsk, Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov has been rushed to hospital and Finnish authorities have boarded and seized a Russian vessel in the Baltic. Plus, we have an interview with a journalist looking at Colombian fighters who have joined Ukraine's foreign legion. ContributorsDominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.With thanks to Natalie Gallon (Journalist). @natalielgallon on Insta.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Colombian soldiers fighting for Ukraine, WLRNhttps://www.wlrn.org/americas/2025-10-28/ukraine-russia-war-colombia-soldiersA Colombian amputee soccer player's new battle in Ukraine, WLRNhttps://www.wlrn.org/americas/2025-10-29/ukraine-russia-war-colombian-soldiers-soccer-amputeeFrontline report: Australian Abrams tanks enter combat at Pokrovsk, bolstering Ukrainian counterattackshttps://euromaidanpress.com/2026/01/01/frontline-report-2025-12-31/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we have the pleasure of sharing an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, the Lit Ladies Podcast. Here is more about their show: We are three writers and moms exploring how to live out our faith in our literary lives. We span the country—from the coasts to the Midwest—and with different stages of life, careers, and favorite genres, we are sure to cover the literary landscape. In every episode, we'll discuss books we love, reading life, and writing craft, using the Bible as our guide for beauty, goodness, and truth. New episodes drop every other Friday! Historical Fiction, War Stories, and What We Sip While We Read This Lit Ladies Podcast crossover with the Historical Bookworm team covers why historical fiction matters, how war settings shape stories, and what everyone is reading right now. Key takeaways Historical fiction makes history personal, which helps you see how everyday people lived. Accuracy matters most when it grounds the characters and the social pressures of the era. War settings work best when the focus stays on human cost, resilience, and the ripple effects on families. Reading older books can mean meeting older blind spots, which calls for discernment instead of reflexive dismissal. Lesser-known conflicts can add fresh perspective, especially when anchored in solid research. Welcome to the crossover Karissa: Hello and welcome to the Lit Ladies Podcast. Today we’re doing a special crossover episode with our friends KyLee Woodley and Darcy Fornier and their historical fiction podcast. We’re so excited to have you here today. Darcy: So excited to be here. We have so much fun hanging out with you guys. KyLee: Thanks for the invite. Glad to be here. Karissa: KyLee Woodley is a podcaster and author of the Outlaw Hearts series, adventure romances set in the American Wild West. Darcy Fornier is a podcaster and author of The Crown and the Axe, and they are both the hosts of the Historical Bookworm podcast, which is in its fifth season. It’s for lovers of inspirational historical fiction, and the show features author interviews, bookish and historical segments, and a wide variety of guests, from Christy Award-winners to high-quality indie authors. Favorite reading beverages Karissa: Before we jump in today, I want to know what is everyone’s favorite reading beverage of choice? Christie: I usually drink water, or else I don’t really drink anything because I’m too busy speed reading. But today for the podcast, since we’re doing it in the morning, I get to drink coffee. Darcy: Usually coffee. If I said anything else, my sisters would say I was lying. But I also enjoy hot chocolate or tea. Anything hot. I’m not going to be drinking lemonade even in the summer. KyLee: The nice thing about being in the South is that the AC is always blasting. So it’s hot cocoa, coffee, soup, any time of the day. My current favorite beverage to go with my reading, which I seldom read, but audiobooks, big on audiobooks these days, is the Iced Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte. I don’t usually go to Starbucks. I find their coffee very bitter, but this is a blonde espresso. I get it without the foam. It’s too sweet and it takes up too much in my cup. Karissa: I like to drink herbal tea. That’s my main comfort drink. Why historical fiction Karissa: What draws you to historical fiction? KyLee: For me, I like the nostalgia. I grew up very sheltered. We didn’t have a TV until I was 12. My mom would just drop us off at the library, then go shopping, then pick us up whenever. We always had audiobooks or books on tape. When we did get a TV, it was black and white. We watched a lot of black and white shows. For me, I remember those good times with old classic films and literature. There’s also this idea of, “What was.” Historical and fantasy are best friends because there’s that sense of wonder. But historical is like, this really did happen. This was really true. I like to dig into history and see who someone was, and go back to where they were if that’s possible. I love to research the way people lived and thought, the things they invented, and how resourceful they were. Darcy: Mine is similar. It’s about the people that came before, and how their stories influenced our lives today. You can go to historical sites and almost touch the lives that they had there. We tend to study history as the big overview. This person was king, these wars happened, all this stuff. Historical fiction lets you dive into what it was like for the day-to-day person. Even if you’re writing about a king, you’re asking what motivated him and what it felt like. People are people as long as they’ve lived. Karissa: That’s my favorite part too. How did people actually live, what challenges did they face, and what did they wear? KyLee: I also like when an author challenges what we accept as historical norms. Bring out something different that we wouldn’t expect. Like a female rancher who ran a ranch with hundreds of cowboys. I heard on a podcast that there was an African-American college in Waco in the 1860s. I had never heard of that. I want to learn the things that go against what people believe as a whole. I want to see the people who were counterculture in their time. Christie: Whoever wins writes the history book. There’s so much that was lived and done that you don’t know about because it was shut down, or the history books made it seem nice and clean. Favorite eras and the appeal of time travel Karissa: Christie, do you have a favorite era to read or write about? Christie: I haven’t read much historical in a while. I used to read a lot of Jen Turano because her voice is funny, witty, and sharp. For an era, late 1800s to 1940s. If there’s too much work to live, it pulls me out. I’m modern. I don’t want to learn about churning butter. Darcy: A few modern conveniences is okay. Christie: I would do a castle, like medieval, every now and then. KyLee: That’s what’s fun about time travel or slip time. You get the comparison. Especially time travel, when someone modern comes into the past and you see how they react to everything. Karissa: I just discovered Gabrielle Meyer. It’s sort of time travel. KyLee: In those books, the women exist in two timelines until a certain age. Then they have to choose which timeline they’ll live in. What’s fun is that she explores different eras. You get contrast between two past timelines, like the Civil War and the 1920s. Christie: I’d choose the ’20s, not the war. Karissa: I love the Victorian era and the Regency era. I also love reading classics written in the period. You get the perspective of someone who lived in that era and took so much for granted. Darcy: If you read Jane Austen, she doesn’t explain everything because her readers would understand it. Then you read a Regency novel by a modern author, and they explain everything. It’s cool to do both. Karissa: Darcy and KyLee, do you have favorite time periods? Darcy: Medieval is my favorite to read in and write in. Then the Regency era, then the American West. I probably read mostly Westerns. Some people say cowboys are the truest heirs to medieval knights. There are similarities in how unlawful it could feel. There was law in both places, but it only extended so far. Christie: I watch black and white westerns with my mom. The body count is wild. They’re just shooting people in the street and it’s cool. I would never want to live back then. KyLee: I overanalyze it too. It’s set in the 1800s, but it was made in the ’40s or ’50s. So I’m thinking about their worldview and ideologies, and how that shaped what they presented. Christie: They’re pretty racist. Sometimes I’m like, how is this still on TV? Darcy: Everything we write is a product of our time. It’s just more glaring the further back you go. KyLee: I started Gone with the Wind. It’s too long for my taste. Some language made me pause. Karissa: We never see the sins of our own era. Our descendants will look back and see the sins of today. Darcy: Grace Livingstone Hill wrote in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You see elements of racism and classism, and ideas like bloodline influencing character. Looking through modern eyes, it’s horrible. She’s still one of my favorites because her stories are sweet and encouraging in faith, but you see how even a good person is a product of their time. KyLee: That’s why it’s important to be kind. I’m not going to stop reading her because I can see flaws. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Karissa: That comes up in English teaching too. How do you teach classics responsibly without canceling them completely? War settings in historical fiction Karissa: I wanted to talk about books set during wars. We see a lot set with the backdrop of World War II. Do you have a favorite war setting to read about, and any favorite books? KyLee: I’ve always been drawn to the Civil War. When I was growing up, there were quite a few Civil War movies and books in the Christian genre. The brother against brother aspect pulls me in. As an adult, I look at the events that led up to it and grimace, hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. More recently, the Franco-Prussian War, partly because some of my ancestors' sisters came over during that time. It only lasted about a year. France declared it, and France lost. Their people suffered. Germany demanded huge remunerations in gold. By today’s standards, I did the math before we started, it was about 84 to 95 billion dollars. (FACT CHECK – In today’s purchasing power, estimates for that 5 billion francs generally range between $80 billion and $100 billion USD.) France had promised not to tax people during the war, but afterward they charged back taxes. There was a civil uprising in Paris, and a week-long massacre called the Bloody Week. That history comes into book one of the Outlaw Heart series. It’s lesser known French history. My people were German, and my characters are French, but I was fascinated by it. You don’t hear about that war as much. Darcy: That’s obscure for Americans because it didn’t affect us directly, so it doesn’t make it into our history books. But it made a huge difference in Europe. KyLee: My dad’s side always wrote Prussia on census records, not Germany. That led me to dig into where Prussia was and how that history unfolded. Writing trauma and war without being gratuitous Karissa: What challenges did you find writing about something so difficult in a way that worked for your story? KyLee: The main character in book one, Lorraine, lived through the Bloody Week. She’s in America now. I looked at where she is as an immigrant and how she tries to settle when there is nothing left for her in France. People were rounded up, imprisoned, and shipped off to New Caledonia, a penal colony near Australia, I believe. No trial. Later, there were pardons, but many people were still imprisoned because they were never tried, and their names were never even taken down. Lorraine is haunted by the past and has post-traumatic stress disorder. She refuses to speak English even though she understands it. She holds tightly to French roots, clothing, and food, and stays close to other French people. Jesse challenges her to put down roots in a country where she feels like an alien. That Bible phrase kept coming up to me, be kind to the immigrant, the alien, the foreigner. Remember when you were in Egypt and you were a stranger in a strange land. For research, I relied on as many documents as I could find, plus academic papers written about the Bloody Week and why it happened. I want to respect history and the people who lived it. Karissa: I love how you included the war because we feel the weight she carries without putting everything on the page in an overly graphic way. Christie: The Bandit’s Redemption is the first in the series. It has such a pretty cover too. Darcy: It’s such a good one. Darcy's pick: World War II Karissa: Darcy, do you have a favorite war setting? Darcy: Probably World War II, because it’s so vast. You have the European theater and the Pacific theater, plus the home front in America and Britain. Every time I pick up a World War II book, it’s like, “I did not know that.” The Civil War is hard for me. I grew up in Georgia, and in some places it feels like it happened this century. It was my country. World War II lets me detach a bit more. I did read one Civil War book by Rosanna M. White that was fabulous, Dreams of Savannah. It handled the loyalty conflict very gracefully. Karissa: What makes a good war book? Christie: Accuracy doesn’t matter much to me because I’m not going to catch mistakes. I want characters and their journeys, battles and close calls, romance, and a happy ending. Darcy: I appreciate historical facts because I want to be grounded in the setting. But if I’m reading fiction, I’m there for story and characters. I want to see what the war is doing to them, to their society, to their family, and how it changes their lives. KyLee: I want it at the character level too. I also like seeing people on both sides. I want everyday heroes, and small choices that mattered. I also love surprising historical technology I didn’t know about. Karissa: Accuracy matters to me, but not at the expense of story. I just want what happens to feel believable for the era. In Regency romances, for example, two people being alone in a room can be a big deal. A kiss behind a barn could ruin lives. Darcy: Historical characters in books sometimes have a modern disregard for societal pressure, which is inaccurate. We all feel societal pressure today too. It’s just different pressures. When classics meet modern retellings Christie: Karissa, you like reading the Brontës because they wrote in that time. Do they have stolen kisses, or is it different because they were writing then? Karissa: If it’s Emily and Wuthering Heights, it’s more dramatic and Gothic. With Jane Eyre, I think it’s more bound by the era. Darcy: If someone did a modern retelling, I think they’d put stolen kisses in. KyLee: It depends on the character and how they were raised. There were orphanages and homes for widows who were pregnant, and women who had gotten pregnant outside marriage. There are records showing pregnancies starting before marriage dates in some places in the 1700s. On the whole, the societal expectation mattered. So you need to look at your character. If she’s proper and ladylike, she probably won’t have modern levels of physical intimacy. Karissa has proofread my stuff and told me, this would never happen. She was right. It pushes you to be creative. Make the little things special too. Karissa: What might seem small to us might be very steamy to someone in the Regency era. Like touching a hand without a glove. Darcy: He’ll be proposing within the week. War book recommendations and lesser-known conflicts Christie: I read The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski. That was during the Russian Revolution in 1917. I remember really liking that one. Darcy: Rosemary Sutcliff does this well in her books about Britain after Rome officially withdrew. It spans generations. The first is The Eagle of the Ninth. It’s technically YA and she wrote in the 1950s or ’60s. Sword at Sunset is an adult book with some adult content. She personalizes the conflict and shows conflicting loyalties, and friendships across cultures. It’s history, not fantasy. Karissa: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Not to be confused with anything else. It’s YA historical set during World War II, but it focuses on Stalin’s reign and deportations to Siberia. It takes place in Lithuania and the Baltic states, where there were multiple occupations. It’s about a girl whose family is sent to a prison camp. I studied abroad in Lithuania, so that history sticks with me. Ruta Sepetys researches a lot and her books are well done. Kelly mentioned The Women by Kristin Hannah, set during the Vietnam War. Darcy: I had someone tell me she read The Women three times because it was so good. It's on my list. My sister highly recommends Kristin Hannah. She read The Nightingale and said it was worth the pain. Christie: I need happy ones. I can only do one super tearjerker a year. What everyone is currently reading KyLee: I borrowed The Dark of the Moon by Fiona Valpy. I’ve read The Dressmaker’s Gift and The Beekeeper’s Promise by her. They're World War II, like French resistance. Melanie Dobson does this well too, like The Curator’s Daughter, a time slip about a woman married to a Nazi soldier. I like books that feel sobering, like they changed my life. I also borrowed Angel from the East by Barbara A. Curtis. I borrowed The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson, a World War II story about a lady who helps rescue Jewish children. Darcy: I just finished The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender by KyLee Woodley. I had never read it cover to cover. I helped brainstorm, and apparently the villain is my fault. I enjoyed it so much. I’m also reading a contemporary by Becky Wade, Turn to Me, in her Misty River romance series set in Northeast Georgia. I know exactly what she’s describing. Christie: I’m reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. Karissa: I'm listening to the audiobook of Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It’s about a police officer in Philadelphia. Her sister struggles with addiction, then goes missing. There are flashbacks and a modern timeline, plus mysterious murders. I can't stop listening. Where to find Historical Bookworm and Lit Ladies KyLee: You can connect with us at HistoricalBookworm.com. You can find me at KyLeeWoodley.com and Darcy at DarcyFornier.com Darcy: I’m most active on Instagram, DarcyFornierWriter Karissa: Thank you for joining us today on our literary journey. If you love the podcast, share it with a friend and rate and review. And don’t forget to follow us on social media at Lit Ladies Pod. Our quote today is from Barbara Tuchman: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled. Thought and speculation are at a standstill.”

860 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/860 Presented by:  Intrepid Camp Gear, Togiak River Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia   Today, I sat down with Marcus Bohlin of Nam Products to talk through the things Scandinavian anglers think about differently. Rod length. True line weight. Leader diameter. Presentation. We get into why a 14-foot 7-weight can actually feel easier to fish on rivers like the Deschutes, how Baltic salmon behave compared to Atlantic salmon and steelhead, and why Sweden keeps coming up as a place more anglers should be paying attention to. We also dig into Nám's leaders, why six-piece two-hand rods make more sense than most people expect, and how line choice matters less in some situations and more in others. This one reshaped how I think about modern spey gear and where it really comes from.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/860

SHOW 12-17-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE US CONFLICT WITH VENEZUELA... 1926 USS OMAHA IN THE PANAMA CANAL. Colonel Jeff McCausland discusses the US "blockade" of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and the potential for escalation into a regional conflict involving Colombia. He also analyzes the Pentagon's refusal to release videos of destroyed drug boats, suggesting possible war crime concerns, and notes stalled Ukraine negotiations. Colonel McCausland reports on NATO's eastern flank "digging in," with Baltic states building defensive bunkers and Germany significantly increasing military spending. He highlights a divergence where European allies prepare for existential Russian threats while US leadership may prioritize "strategic stability" and economic cooperation with Moscow. General Blaine Holt warns that integrating Artificial Intelligence into military command increases the risks of deliberate, inadvertent, and accidental escalation. He argues that while AI accelerates decision-making, it lacks human judgment, potentially leading to catastrophic miscalculations if adversaries rely on algorithms during crises. General Holt explains that AI models in war games demonstrate a bias toward violent escalation, often prioritizing "winning" over negotiation, which leads to nuclear conflict. He emphasizes the necessity of keeping humans in the loop and maintaining direct communications between rival nations to prevent automated catastrophe. Simon Constable reports from France on high copper prices and slowing European energy demand. He describes protests by French farmers burning hay to oppose government orders to cull cattle exposed to disease and notes a significant rise in electric vehicle sales across the European Union. Simon Constable discusses the political troubles of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the suspension of a US-UK tech deal due to clashes over AI regulation. He explains that Britain's "Online Safety Act" aims to tax and regulate tech giants, which threatens to stifle American AI companies operating there. Bob Zimmerman highlights a record-breaking year with over 300 global rocket launches, driven largely by private enterprise competition. He notes that Amazon was forced to contract SpaceX for satellite launches due to delays from rivals like Blue Origin and reports on safety concerns involving Russian launch pad negligence. Bob Zimmerman reports on the success of commercial space station company Vast and orbital tug tests that outperformed government efforts. Conversely, he details problems with NASA's Maven orbiter at Mars, which has lost communication, potentially jeopardizing data relays for surface rovers. David Shedd critiques the bipartisan failure of allowing China into the World Trade Organization in 2001, which was based on the false assumption that economic engagement would lead to democratization. Instead, this decision facilitated a massive transfer of intellectual property, fueling China's rise as a predatory economic rival. David Shedd explains how China's Ministry of State Security operates as a massive intelligence entity combining the functions of the CIA, FBI, and NSA. He traces this economic espionage to Deng Xiaoping's 1984 strategy, noting that Chinese officers view theft as repayment for past Western oppression. David Shedd details espionage cases, including an Apple engineer stealing "Project Titan" car schematics for a Chinese competitor. He also describes a Google employee who stole AI data while secretly working for a Chinese firm, highlighting how corporate greed and weak internal security enable intellectual property theft. David Shedd outlines strategies to counter Chinese espionage, advocating for "partial decoupling" to protect critical technologies like semiconductors and AI. He argues for modernizing legal deterrence to prosecute theft effectively and warns that Chinese platforms like DeepSeek harvest user data to advance their "Great Heist" of American wealth. Nury Turkel discusses the plight of Guan Hang, a whistleblower facing deportation from the US despite documenting Uyghur concentration camps. Turkel criticizes the inconsistent enforcement of forced labor laws and highlights new evidence linking Uyghur slave labor to the excavation and processing of critical minerals. Rebecca Grant argues against the planned retirement of the USS Nimitz in 2026, suggesting it should be kept in reserve given delays in new Ford-class carriers. Despite the ship's age, Grant asserts that retaining the carrier offers crucial strategic depth against threats like China's PLA Navy. Rick Fisher analyzes the emerging race to build AI data centers in low Earth orbit, noting advantages like natural cooling and zero real estate costs. While Elon Musk's Starlink positions the US well, Fisher warns that China has detailed plans to use space-based data centers to support expansion into the solar system. Alan Tonelson evaluates China's economic strengths, acknowledging their dominance in rare earth processing and solar panels, often achieved through subsidies. He argues that China's heavy investment in industrial robots attempts to offset a looming demographic crash, while questioning the true market demand for their subsidized electric vehicles.

Colonel McCausland reports on NATO's eastern flank "digging in," with Baltic states building defensive bunkers and Germany significantly increasing military spending. He highlights a divergence where European allies prepare for existential Russian threats while US leadership may prioritize "strategic stability" and economic cooperation with Moscow. BRUSSELS

C Judy Dempsey examines fears that Russia will shift military forces to the NATO border if a Ukraine peace deal is reached. She discusses reported US pressure on Kyiv to surrender the Donbas, noting that both Ukraine and the EU oppose such concessions due to sovereignty concerns and lack of security guarantees. Judy Dempsey addresses the industrial crisis in Germany, specifically the auto industry's struggle against Chinese electric vehicles. She notes that Chancellor Merz is avoiding necessary pension reforms due to political pressure, while the rise of the AfD and a shifting transatlantic relationship further complicate Germany's economic stability. Mary Kissel argues that Ukraine cannot surrender the Donbas without ironclad security guarantees, citing past broken agreements like the Budapest Memorandum. She validates Finnish and Baltic fears regarding Russian aggression and questions whether the Trump administration's business-centric approach can effectively manage Vladimir Putin's ideological brutality. Mary Kissel characterizes China's economy as collapsing under Xi Jinping's mismanagement. She highlights the plight of Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen imprisoned in Hong Kong, and urges Western leaders to use economic leverage to demand his release as a prerequisite for any improved relations. Jonathan Schanzer critiques the slow Australian police response to the Bondi Beach attack, linking the shooters to ISIS training in the Philippines. He warns that the Albanese government's political "virtue signaling" regarding Palestine may have emboldened radicals, while noting Hezbollah is reconstituting its money and weapons pipelines in Lebanon. Jonathan Schanzer analyzes the "murky" killing of US servicemen in Syria, attributing it to jihadist elements within the government's security forces. He describes the situation in Gaza as a deadlock where Hamas remains armed because no international force, other than the unacceptable option of Turkey, is willing to intervene. Gregory Copley details how the Bondi Beach attackers trained in the Philippines' insurgent areas. While praising Australian intelligence agencies, he blames the Albanese government for encouraging anti-Israel sentiment, arguing this political stance has given license to radical groups and undermined public safety. Gregory Copley reflects on the 25-year war on terror, arguing that Western governments have become distracted. He contends that elevating terrorists like Bin Laden to "superpower" status was a strategic error, as the true objective of terrorism is to manipulate political narratives and induce paralysis through fear. Gregory Copley observes a 2025 shift toward nationalism and decisive leadership, asserting that globalism is declining. He notes that nuclear weapons are becoming "unusable" due to changing military doctrines and warns that Western democracies are sliding toward autocracy, drawing historical parallels to Oliver Cromwell's rise as Lord Protector. Gregory Copley reports on King Charles III's improving health and his unifying role within the Commonwealth. He contrasts the stability of the constitutional monarchy with the historical chaos of Cromwell's republic, suggesting the Crown remains a vital stabilizing force against political turmoil in the UK and its dominions. Joseph Sternberg challenges the Trump administration's antagonistic view of the EU, citing polls showing the institution remains popular among Europeans. He argues that US policy should not be based on the expectation of the EU's collapse, noting that the UK's exit was unique to its specific history and not a continental trend. Joseph Sternberg condemns the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong as a failure of UKdiplomacy. He argues that Hong Kong's economic success cannot be separated from its political freedoms, warning that the erosion of the rule of law threatens the territory's viability as a business center. Joseph Postell discusses the 1983 INS v. Chadha decision, which eliminated the legislative veto. He explains how this ruling stripped Congress of its ability to check the executive branch, transforming a once-dominant legislature into a weak institution unable to reverse administrative decisions on issues like tariffs. Joseph Postell suggests correcting the Chadha precedent by adopting a view of severability where delegations of power are unconstitutional without the accompanying legislative veto. He notes that the War Powers Resolutionremains a rare exception where Congress still retains a mechanism to reverse executive actions via simple majority.

Mary Kissel argues that Ukraine cannot surrender the Donbas without ironclad security guarantees, citing past broken agreements like the Budapest Memorandum. She validates Finnish and Baltic fears regarding Russian aggression and questions whether the Trump administration's business-centric approach can effectively manage Vladimir Putin'sideological brutality. 1855 CRIMEA

War-War: NATO Provocations and American Detachment from Europe — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius reports on escalating aggressive rhetoric from NATO and fortification initiatives throughout the Baltic region, questioning whether these military deployments constitute "false flag" provocations deliberately designed to entrap the United Statesin direct warfare with Russia. Germanicus contends that European elites are systematically manufacturing an external Russian crisis to maintain institutional power and governmental legitimacy against ascending populist movements and deep-seated fear of abandonment by the new American "Emperor." Germanicus draws a historical parallel to the permanent schism of the Roman Empire in 395 AD, characterizing the United States as the prosperous, militarily secure Eastern Empire (Byzantine Constantinople) and contemporary Europe as the economically weak, militarily collapsing Western Empire facing irreversible institutional decay. Germanicus argues that just as Constantinople eventually ceased attempting to save the disintegrating Western Empire from Vandal invasions and territorial collapse, the United States is strategically detaching from European geopolitical failures, recognizing that continued military commitment represents strategic wastage of American resources without corresponding security benefit. Germanicus emphasizes that European strategic incompetence and political cowardice render European salvation impossible through Americanmilitary intervention, making strategic withdrawal the rational American policy response. 1944 GOLD BEACH H-HOUR

Amidst ongoing U.S. efforts to mediate a Russia–Ukraine peace and the release of a new U.S. national security strategy that has sent shockwaves through Europe, I'm sitting down with the foreign minister of Latvia, Baiba Braze, to get her unique perspective.Latvia is a small Baltic country bordering Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, and Russia. In the 1940s, the Soviets occupied Latvia and its neighboring countries—a reality that has made Latvia hyper-vigilant against potential Russian expansionism.Latvia joined both the EU and NATO in 2004, alongside Lithuania and Estonia.Latvia is one of the few NATO countries that spends considerably more than 2 percent of its GDP per year on its military.“We keep reminding [other NATO countries] that it's possible to do that, and we are showing you as our example. In our case, it's 5 percent hard defense capabilities,” Braze said.Latvia is working to reallocate state funding to hit a target of 4.91 percent of GDP in defense spending by 2026 and 5 percent in subsequent years.In our wide-ranging interview, Braze discusses the Ukraine war, how she sees a potential peace agreement taking shape, and how pressure can be mounted on Russia. She's traveled four times to Ukraine in the 18 months since her appointment as Latvia's minister of foreign affairs.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

PREVIEW — Anatol Lieven — Baltic States Fortifications and the Improbability of Russian Invasion. Lieven discusses Baltic state border fortification initiatives responding to legitimate security anxieties generated by Russian military operations in Ukraine and historic patterns of Russian territorial expansion and sphere-of-influence assertions. Lievenargues, however, that an actual Russian military invasion of NATO member states remains strategically improbable because attacking alliance members would catastrophically ruin Putin's geopolitical objectives by forcibly uniting Western powers in collective defense and risking direct great-power nuclear confrontation, rather than achieving Putin'sapparent goal of dividing European cohesion and fractioning the transatlantic alliance through coercive diplomacy and limited military operations short of direct NATO engagement. 1913

SHOW 12-9-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1916 MONTENEGRO THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE HUBBLE CONSTANT. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Baltic Defenses and NATO's Uncertain Resolve: Colleague Blaine Holt discusses the Baltics preparing defensive "Mino lines" and bunkers fearing a potential Russian attack, noting Baltic citizens feel trapped between NATO bureaucracy and Russian hybrid warfare while doubting NATO's resolve to intervene, arguing diplomatic solutions are necessary as Europe lacks resources for a cohesive defense. 915-930 NATO's Viability and Europe's Demographic Shifts: Colleague Blaine Holt questions NATO's viability through 2050, citing rising US sentiment to withdraw and Europe's demographic shifts due to mass migration, warning that diverging values and economic instability could lead to civil unrest or new geopolitical alignments between Russia, China, and the US. 930-945 European Leaders Meet Zelenskyy Amid Strategic Dilemmas: Colleague Judy Dempsey discusses the "Big Three" European leaders meeting Zelenskyy, questioning their ability to resolve the war without wider coalitions, noting the EU is bypassing unanimity rules to seize Russian assets but struggles with the dilemma of offering Ukraine EU membership while demanding territorial concessions. 945-1000 Europe's Lack of Self-Confidence Facing Global Challenges: Colleague Judy Dempsey criticizes Europe's lack of self-confidence and ambition when facing Trump's transactional administration and Chinese aggression, arguing European leaders complain about US criticism rather than leveraging their own economic power, noting they are "sleepwalking" regarding the auto industry and dependencies on China. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 The National Security Strategy and the First Island Chain: Colleague Steve Yates analyzes the National Security Strategy's focus on the "first island chain" and deterrence against China's bullying of Japan and the Philippines, noting the CCP's obsession with WWII-era Japan for propaganda fails to resonate regionally as neighbors face modern Chinese aggression and grey zone tactics. 1015-1030 Nvidia Chip Sales to China Raise National Security Concerns: Colleague Brandon Weichert reports on the Trump administration approving Nvidia H200 chip sales to China while taking a 25% cut, warning this transactional approach compromises national security by aiding China's military AI, signaling a shift from hawkish policies to favoring business interests like soybeans. 1030-1045 SpaceX Dominance and the Golden Dome Defense Project: Colleague Bob Zimmerman highlights SpaceX's dominance with record-breaking booster reuse and launch frequency compared to rivals, discussing the secretive "Golden Dome" defense project, defects on the Orion capsule's hatch threatening the Artemis mission, and Airbus surprisingly choosing a Chinese satellite constellation for in-flight internet. 1045-1100 Cosmological Crises and Mars Rover Progress: Colleague Bob Zimmerman details cosmological crises including the "Hubble tension" where expansion rates conflict and a baffling 7-hour gamma-ray burst, reporting on Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS images confirming it is a comet rather than a spacecraft, and the Perseverance rover moving toward promising mining terrain on Mars.           THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The 1605 Gunpowder Plot and Catholic Desperation: Colleague Claire Jackson explains the 1605 Gunpowder Plot as a desperate attempt by Catholics, frustrated by James I's retention of penal laws and peace with Spain, to destroy the Protestant establishment, with the plotters aiming to kill the king and install a puppet Catholic monarch amidst the ensuing chaos. 1115-1130 The Mirror of Great Britain and James I's Violent Childhood: Colleague Claire Jackson explains the "Mirror of Great Britain" jewel symbolizing James I's union plans, though it was destroyed during the Civil Wars, detailing his violent childhood in Scotland, his father Darnley's murder, and his separation from his mother Mary Queen of Scots, which shaped his intellectual upbringing. 1130-1145 The Hampton Court Conference and the King James Bible: Colleague Claire Jackson describes how James I convened the Hampton Court Conference to resolve religious differences, resulting in the King James Bible, highlighting his unique role as an author of works like Basilikon Doron, using print to converse with subjects and establish the divine right of kings. 1145-1200 James I as Ecumenicist Amid Confessional Complexity: Colleague Claire Jackson portrays James I as an ecumenicist seeking accommodation, provided Catholics recognized his temporal authority via an Oath of Allegiance, noting he faced a "confessional complexity" ruling Protestant Scotland and England alongside Catholic Ireland, aiming to isolate radical Jesuits from the loyal majority. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Commodities Update from France: Colleague Simon Constable reports from France on unseasonably warm weather and rising copper prices driven by tech demand, noting cocoa prices dropped while coffee remains expensive, discussing farmers' effective non-violent protests in Europe and contrasting European energy shortages with the electricity needs of AI development. 1215-1230 UK Labour's Struggles and the Workers' Rights Bill: Colleague Simon Constable analyzes the UK Labour Party's struggles despite a large majority, citing Keir Starmer's low approval, warning that the return of "Red Rayner" and a new workers' rights bill preventing easy firing could stifle economic growth and deter foreign investment, worsening Britain's debt. 1230-1245 The National Security Strategy as Transatlantic "Divorce Papers": Colleague Blaine Holt argues the National Security Strategy resembles "divorce papers" for a perilous transatlantic relationship, contending Europe, having de-industrialized, refuses Trump's diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war, fearing the aftermath of a conflict they cannot sustain against a re-industrialized Russia. 1245-100 AM Penang's Boom Contrasts with China's Decline: Colleague Charles Ortel contrasts Penang's economic boom and diverse hardworking culture with China's decline, discussing China's suppressed financial data and property crisis with Gordon Chang, arguing Western elites were "bought off" by Beijing while investors should demand transparency regarding assets trapped in ChiNA.

Baltic Defenses and NATO's Uncertain Resolve: Colleague Blaine Holt discusses the Baltics preparing defensive "Mino lines" and bunkers fearing a potential Russian attack, noting Baltic citizens feel trapped between NATO bureaucracy and Russian hybrid warfare while doubting NATO's resolve to intervene, arguing diplomatic solutions are necessary as Europe lacks resources for a cohesive defense. 1848

3/4,   Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Ga/.mes — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives.

1/4.  Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Games — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives. The discussion covers NATO's eroding relevance, particularly regarding Ireland's vulnerability to Russian surveillance and potential sabotage of critical undersea communication cables. Copley assesses a war game scenario in which Russia directly challenges NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment in the Baltics.

2/4.  Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Games — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives.

4/4,   Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Ga/.mes — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives.