Podcasts about benevolent

 Can the promise of economic progress ever justify conquest, coercion, and control over other people's lives? Economist William Easterly joins EconTalk's Russ Roberts to argue no--and to rethink what "development" really means in theory, in history, and in our politics today. Drawing on his new book, Violent Saviors: The West's Conquest of the Rest, Easterly explores how colonial powers and later regimes like the Soviet Union claimed to increase people's material well-being while stripping them of freedom, dignity, and any say in their own fate. Russ and Easterly dig into the idea of agency--the ability of people to choose for themselves--through the lens of Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, Kant, Frederick Douglass, and modern debates over foreign aid, autocrats, and technocratic "solutions" imposed from afar.

Say no to gifting e-scooter, says Vancouver Coastal Health (0:49) Guest: Mahyar Saeedi, founder of E-SK8, which represents the official Personalized Electric Vehicle community of Vancouver Vancouver's patio program receives major overhaul (12:31) Guest: Mike Klassen, ABC Vancouver City councillor B.C. cuts off slot machine revenue to horse racing industry (20:14) Guest: David Milburn, President of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C. Why the Exxon Valdez disaster looms over B.C. and Alberta's ongoing pipeline debate (29:53) Guest: Rick Steiner, retired marine conservation professor from the University of Alaska, and was part of the emergency command team for Exxon Valdez in 1989 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: David Milburn, President of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guest: David Milburn, President of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kass and Mike Lazerow who are serial entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and co-authors of Shoveling Sh!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success joined me for one of the most honest conversations I've had about what it really takes to build companies and build a life. They share the unvarnished truth about their journey: surviving the dot-com crash, buying Golf.com back from bankruptcy, founding and scaling Buddy Media (eventually acquired by Salesforce for $745 million), and raising three kids while raising capital. They talk about the choices that shaped them, including why they walked away from a bigger offer from Google and how radical transparency kept their team committed during a three-month period when they couldn't make payroll.We also dive into the patterns they see in the 100+ startups they've backed like how ego, secrecy, and shiny-object syndrome derail founders along with the essential habits that help leaders stay grounded. And because they work together and live together, they open up about how they divide responsibilities, handle stress, and stay connected through exits, pivots, health scares, and everything in between. Their upcoming book distills 50 hard-earned lessons about leadership, resilience, and building a life that actually works. This episode gives you a powerful preview and a reminder that the entrepreneurial path is messy, human, and absolutely worth it.Where to find Kass and Mike:InstagramFacebookMike's LinkedIn Kass' LinkedInTimestamps:(00:00) The beauty in the struggle: why entrepreneurship is a love story(01:10) Resilience as identity and getting punched 10 times for one win(19:19) Creating a workplace people stay in through loyalty and learning(20:16) Radical transparency: telling the team you might not make payroll(21:06) Bad news vs. surprises: the leadership rule that protects trust(22:21) Benevolent dictatorship vs. democracy: choosing decisive leadership(23:53) Honesty as the most valuable currency in a downturn(37:30) The pivot mindset: knowing when to throw things away(52:23) Life after a big exit and leaving ego at the door(53:45) Why working under others made Mike a stronger leader(58:26) Founders and the guilt tax: the emotional cost of ambition(01:08:45) The long-term power of paying it forward(01:10:01) When cofounding goes wrong: misalignment, fallout, and repair(01:12:50) Picking the right partner—in life and in business(01:13:29) Cofounder “prenup” talks: values, work ethic, commitment(01:14:05) No shortcuts: filtering for grit and willingness to shovel(01:15:16) Why overlapping founder roles create conflict(01:21:12) A simple lens for evaluating opportunities without the jargon(01:22:14) Imposter syndrome and grounding yourself under pressure(01:24:22) What they wish they'd kConnect with Alisa! Follow Alisa Cohn on Instagram: @alisacohn Twitter: @alisacohn Facebook: facebook.com/alisa.cohn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisacohn/ Website: http://www.alisacohn.com Download her 5 scripts for delicate conversations (and 1 to make your life better) Grab a copy of From Start-Up to Grown-Up by Alisa Cohn from Amazon

924,990 views Streamed live on Nov 17, 2025 #energoatom #inukraine #mindich#arestovich #rustle #zelensky #died #putin #war #nabu⛑️ Help for children of the Donetsk region. Benevolent fund SYNERGY OF LIFE.

Welcome to Episode 211 of Unfiltered and Undiscovered! Join Curly, Braggy, and Rossy—three lifelong music lovers—as they dive deep into the stories, songs, and legends of music you might not have heard yet. This week, we're joined by special guest Ben Evolent, an award-winning songwriter whose journey spans from South Australia's Barossa Valley to Malawi, Africa, and the vibrant music scene of Darwin. Discover how travel, raw emotion, and diverse influences shape his unique blend of folk, reggae, blues, and more. Hear about his creative process, the power of sharing your gift, and what's next for this truly eclectic artist. If you love discovering hidden musical gems and hearing real stories behind the songs, you're in the right place!Benevolent, Ben Eve, Unfiltered and Undiscovered, Australian independent music, Darwin music scene, folk reggae blues, music podcast, undiscovered artists, songwriting stories, African music inspiration,If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE! Drop a comment with your favorite moment or song. Follow us on social media and check out our playlists for more undiscovered music. Want to showcase your music? Reach out via the contact info below.Vote for Laura Frank “ What Do We Tell the Kids” for the Environmental Prize https://environmentalmusicprize.com/vote-now/ ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️:00:00:00 - Meet the Hosts and Guest: Ben Eve's Musical Journey Begins00:08:43 - Discovering Music in Africa: Inspiration, Songwriting, and Unique Instruments00:17:26 - Darwin Life, Drunken Blues, and the Australian Music Scene00:26:09 - Songwriting Process: Diaries, Influences, and Eclectic Styles00:34:53 - Recording Albums, Collaborations, and Global Musical Connections00:43:36 - Musical Diversity: Genres, DIY Instruments, and International Stories00:52:19 - Protecting Your Art, Marketing, and Finding Your Audience Online 

Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, calls into the program to discuss the reappointment of Jessica Tisch as NYPD Commissioner amidst skepticism about the incoming administration's support for the police force. Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, highlights Tisch's effective leadership and the need for new Mayor Mamdani to back her and the department to ensure public safety. Concerns were raised about potential resignations, the impact of administrative policies, and the negative influence of figures like Linda Sarsour on Mayor-elect Mamdani's decisions. Vallelong emphasizes the importance of addressing issues like police pay, respect, and resources to prevent further weakening of the NYPD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textWhat if most of the economy can be automated without anything we'd call real general intelligence? That provocative idea launches a candid tour with Ben Goertzel through the difference between LLM “breadth” and the kind of generalization that marks true AGI. We unpack why today's models are powerful yet limited, how they'll reshape work in the near term, and what ingredients are missing for systems that reason, invent, and move beyond the data that formed them.We dig into a practical path forward: blending deep neural networks with logic engines, evolutionary learning, and a massive knowledge graph so each part amplifies the others. Ben shares how the Hyperon framework and the ASI chain bring AI on-chain, not just coordinated by it. That means a new AGI language, MeTTa, serving as a smart contract language, enabling formal verification, rich composability, and an integrated reputation layer. Together, these tools aim to embed trust into the stack while opening the door to decentralized AI networks that resist capture by any single company or state.Culture, narrative, and emotion matter just as much as code. A robot-led band nearly got booed off stage until the performance was reframed as exploration, not replacement—proof that context shapes how people accept new tools. We follow that thread into creativity, where AI can mix stems, spark ideas, and widen access for musicians, even as some roles compress. The larger question becomes not whether AI can do the job, but what humans will choose to do for meaning, connection, and joy. Along the way, we weigh openness versus control through a proactionary lens and point you to resources to explore decentralized, trustworthy AI.If this conversation challenged your assumptions or sparked new ones, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. Your thoughts shape where we go next—what part of decentralized AGI are you most curious about?This episode was recorded at Web Summit in Lisbon on November 13, 2025. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/creating-benevolent-decentralized-agi-at-singularitynet/..........................................................................

In this week's Talking Life, Jessica is joined by Mark Harding, Veteran and Army Benevolent Fund Ambassador, and Peter Monteith, Veteran and Chief Operating Officer for the Army Benevolent Fund, to discuss how the charity supports soldiers, veterans, and their families.

It might look like anything Mike Curb touches turns to gold. But he says he's never been great at anything – just passionate. After more than 60 years in the record business, Curb is still looking for the next big hit. He's also looking for a way to preserve the thing that brought him to Nashville and made his career so successful — Music Row. In this career-spanning interview, Curb talks music and business, politics and philanthropy. Further Reading: 'Music Row is the new Sunset Strip' Mike Curb's Belmont Partnership Looks to Bolster Future Music Business At the opening of the Curb Gallery at the Rock 'n Soul Museum in Memphis Mike Curb Donates Funding For New Student Recording Facility At UCLA The 71st Mike Curb Gold Cup Race Curb challenges Tennessee's transgender bathroom law in court New York Times profiles Curb as Lt. Gov of California (1979)

Ep 158: November 12, 2025 - Are UFO glowing orbs NOT benevolent? Feedback from Earthfiles viewer on interview with 2 commercial airline pilots' encounter with UFO lights in the sky   Luis Elizondo's new book: “Imminent: inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs” he writes about personal encounters with “green-glowing orbs about the size of a basketball that invaded his home on and off for seven years” “They did not appear to be benevolent” “We know we are not alone”   Interview with abductee and author K. Rose Golden Author of “Into the Grey's Abyss” https://www.amazon.com/Into-Greys-Abyss-Rose-Golden-ebook/dp/B0DJHHTL95   Linda reveals for the FIRST TIME her experience with an glowing orb   ==== Upcoming Appearances: Conscious Life Expo 2026 February 20th-23rd, 2026 https://consciouslifeexpo.com/linda-moulton-howe-2026/?ref=njyynty   ====   #LindaMoultonHowe #Earthfiles — For more incredible science stories, Real X-Files, environmental stories and so much more. Please visit my site https://www.earthfiles.com — Be sure to subscribe to this Earthfiles Channel the official channel for Linda Moulton Howe https://www.youtube.com/Earthfiles. — To stay up to date on everything Earthfiles, follow me on FaceBook@EarthfilesNews and Twitter @Earthfiles.  To purchase books and merchandise from Linda Moulton Howe, be sure to only shop at my official Earthfiles store at https://www.earthfiles.com/earthfiles-shop/ — Countdown Clock Piano Music:  Ashot Danielyan, Composer:  https://www.pond5.com/stock-music/100990900/emotional-piano-melancholic-drama.html  

Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss his history with the show and his opinions on current political endorsements and public safety in New York City. Vallelong explains why the SBA has not endorsed a candidate in the upcoming mayoral election, stating the decision is based on member consensus and a focus on public safety. He expresses dissatisfaction with the current candidates, particularly criticizing one for dishonesty and ideological issues. The conversation also touches on the impact of bail reform, the importance of remembering September 11, and the future of the NYPD and public safety under different potential administrations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We heard a little bit from El-Sayed in the final episode of our Carbon Bros miniseries, and today we're bringing you the full conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Lori Spagna follows up on last week's discussion about spiritual transformation and shares insights on aligning with your most benevolent life path and eradicating fear. Lori shares her personal journey of transformation over the past year, including her move from Florida to upstate New York and how she has documented her travels and healing process on her YouTube channel. Lori emphasizes the importance of eliminating fear-based energies and aligning with your soul's agenda to achieve your highest fulfillment. She also announces a brief hiatus for the podcast but encourages listeners to stay connected through her website and upcoming live events, including the 1111 Master Stargate Portal. Join Lori as she explores the processes of clearing fear, developing divine virtues, and achieving spiritual alignmentLori talked about:

The IPFBA (Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association) held a very successful Golf Classic at the Galway Bay Golf Resort on Friday last.  The association was set up to help former footballers who may have fallen on hard times or need help with medical bills.  Members Gerry Daly and John Mannion joined John in the studio and they were also joined by David Morrissey who won the signed Johnny Giles Leeds Jersey from the 1972 FA Cup Final. 

Rob Gauthier is one of the world's most respected trance channelers. Known for his deep connections with channeled extraterrestrial beings, Rob has worked with entities such as Treb (a benevolent reptilian hybrid), Aridif (an ancient being from Deneb), and Metatron to bring forward galactic wisdom for over a decade. In this episode, Rob shares his life-changing contact experiences, including his first encounter with Treb, which occurred during a deep meditation practice inspired by Hemi-Sync. We explore the truth about reptilian ETs, soul contracts, starseed awakening, and how multidimensional realities shape our path of soul evolution. We also dive into: The misunderstood role of reptilian beings in Earth's history The structure of densities and dimensions How benevolent ETs guide our healing and awakening Rob's role in The Channel Panel — the world's largest gathering of trance channelers This is a powerful conversation for anyone curious about channeled extraterrestrials, consciousness expansion, and the evolution of the soul across lifetimes and galaxies. ✨ Learn more about Rob and The Channel Panel: https://thechannelpanel.com 

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Nikunj Kothari, Partner at FPV Ventures, to explore his journey from product leader at LinkedIn, Opendoor, and Meter to early-stage investor. Nikunj shares candid insights on why the best companies thrive under benevolent dictatorships, how AI is reshaping SaaS pricing models, and what makes founders truly exceptional.From his early years growing up in India to becoming one of the most thoughtful voices in venture, Nikunj opens up about his decision to leave operating roles, his angel investing beginnings, and his transition to VC at storied firm Khosla Ventures before joining FPV. He also dives deep into evaluating founders, navigating hypergrowth, and why outcome-based pricing may define the next decade of SaaS.Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor trying to spot the next breakout company, or simply curious about how AI is rewriting business models, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and bold ideas.A Quick Word from our Sponsor, FaskenAt Fasken, our clients don't wait for the future. They build it. As the first and largest dedicated emerging tech practice in Canada, our team is composed of founders, ex in-house counsel, developers and business advisors who have guided clients from startup, to scale-up, to exit. The trust of our clients has enabled us to consistently rank at the top of every major Canadian M&A, Capital Markets and Venture Capital league table. With deep industry knowledge and experience across all areas of emerging and high growth technology including ClimateTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and AgTech we're your partners within the innovation ecosystem as you transform the landscape of what's possible.Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us.For more information, visit fasken.com/emergingtech and follow us on LinkedIn.From India to Silicon Valley: Nikunj's Early Journey (00:08:21)How his blend of engineering, design, and business led him to product management at LinkedIn and startups.Learning From Hypergrowth at LinkedIn and Opendoor (00:011:23)Why talent density and ambitious missions drive scaling organizations.The Investor's Lens: Spotting Latitude in Founders (00:013:32)Nikunj's framework for evaluating founder vision and depth at the earliest stages.Why the Best Companies Are Benevolent Dictatorships (00:015:39)How companies like Shopify and Coinbase thrive under strong, opinionated leaders.The Tension for Non-Founders in Dictatorship Environments (00:21:09)Nikunj's personal lessons as a PM executing a founder's vision.The Pivot to Investing: From Angel Checks to Khosla Ventures (00:23:26)Why he left operating roles, and what he had to unlearn as he became a VC.Joining FPV Ventures and Betting on Founder POVs (00:27:18)How FPV approaches concentrated early-stage investing with diligence and conviction.Gross Margins, Kingmaking, and the VC Trap (00:32:09)Why focusing on revenue quality matters more than chasing top-line growth.AI and the Future of SaaS Pricing Models (00:39:31)How outcome-based and usage-based pricing will disrupt per-seat SaaS models.Navigating Enterprise AI Adoption (00:44:22)The role of champions in enterprise sales and lessons from scar tissue in early adoption.Competing in Crowded Markets: The Series A Challenge (00:47:31)Why exceptional founders and market depth matter more than being first.Hot Takes: Solo Founders in the AI Era and the Future of IPOs (00:54:24)Nikunj's contrarian views on solo founders and whether Canva will go public.About Nikunj KothariNikunj Kothari is a Partner at FPV Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments with a founder-first approach. Previously, he was a product leader at LinkedIn, Opendoor, and Meter, where he helped scale hypergrowth startups and navigate tough product challenges. Nikunj began angel investing while at Opendoor and later joined Khosla Ventures, before moving to FPV to pursue concentrated, high-conviction seed and Series A investments. Known for his sharp writing on venture and product strategy, Nikunj has become a leading voice on topics ranging from benevolent dictatorships to the future of SaaS pricing.Connect with Nikunj Kothari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjkVisit the FPV Ventures website: https://fpvventures.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

Another mind bending podcast.  We begin with a general conversation about the terrible event yesterday where a political commentator was gunned down. I mentioned how we've spoken in the past to people on the flipside including Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy, JFK and others who have been killed for their political views.  Unusually, there's a voice that can be heard saying something when I mentioned Robert Kennedy (Bob? Bobby?) that seems to be correcting me. Be that as it may, we begin by speaking to Luana about the "Ohoponopono prayer" (I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you, I love you) that our friend Office K introduced me to recently - and the data that shows that there's a positive effect with people who've used it.  I asked Luana Anders, our moderator on the flipside to give us some guidance or explanation about the prayer and why it might be effective. Then Luana wanted to talk about the UAP conference given in Washington DC yesterday.. I don't know if Jennifer had seen it, but I did - and so we got into a discussion about "aliens" and "alien aircraft" from the perspective of FIVE - the head librarian of Akashic libraries (in this region he once told us.) FIVE has appeared in a number of session I've recorded - with other people, 5 appears in the book DIVINE COUNCILS IN THE AFTERLIFE, also on the podcast if one looks up the word "Five" - he uses the number as there's no gender associated with it.  So people won't be confused about 5 being a god or goddess, or librarian. Another term which has no gender attached to it. Five has often been funny and deeply profound, and is the same in this podcast.  Five talks about how aliens are interdimensional, but also how they cannot appear on the planet without "permission" or "being allowed to do so for benevolent reasons."   Five protested that my use of the word "Benevolent" was too strong a word, as it seemed he was saying "they cannot do harm." Prince weighs in at the end to talk about how music is frequency and from the heart. As usual - mind bending conversation about mind bending stuff. I am aware of the high pitched hum in the recording, but did not hear it while recording and tried to tune it out without harming the quality of voices. So apologies for those who are hearing it. Thanks for tuning in!

A conversation with Ariana (the Golden Venusian) about connecting with benevolent ancestors, her spiritual practices, astrology, and tarot.Ariana, also known as The Golden Venusian runs a beautiful spiritual business where she provides clients with a mixture of tarot, oracle, and astrological insight to aid them in working through any blockages they may have. In her  free time, you can catch Ariana laughing at her own jokes, creating amazing art or, her  personal favorite, playing with fire (candle magick).Ariana's websiteAriana's IGOTD websiteThe Psychic Path Podcast on SpotifyThe Psychic Path Podcast on Apple

Where are you listening from?Wesley Holloway brings a refreshing perspective to the cannabis industry through his company, Benevolent Bakery. After leaving the profit-driven medical device world where financial incentives often overshadowed patient care, Wesley found his true calling by combining cannabis entrepreneurship with social responsibility.The journey wasn't without challenges. Wesley openly shares how his first cannabis venture collapsed in 2022, leading to a period of deep self-reflection. Rather than blaming external factors, he took ownership of his mistakes and, with encouragement from industry friends, channeled those lessons into creating Benevolent Bakery, a company that donates portions of its proceeds to nonprofits supporting their local communities.The product line itself offers a thoughtful alternative to standard edibles. With just-add-water brownie mixes and other baking products, Benevolent Bakery creates intentional, communal experiences rather than quick consumption. Try Benevolent Bakery for yourself and make a difference with your purchase. Use code BITEME20 at checkout for 20% off your order and join the movement of cannabis consumers who believe in giving back.Continue the conversation and start connecting—head to JoinBiteMe.com right now. You'll find a private community of cannabis growers, makers and lovers who are just as obsessed or curious as you are.Support the show Visit the website for full show notes, free dosing calculator, recipes and more.

This week we have comedian (and bow-tie enthusiast) Mike Goodwin joining Dadville to share his blend of *wit, warmth, and wisdom.  Mike is celebrated for his clean, clever comedy that makes audiences think AND laugh.  Goodwin discusses his deeply personal look at the gut-wrenching experience of dropping his daughter off at Vanderbilt University and the emotional shift in fatherhood, including his daily "Good morning, buddy" texts. Mike also reveals the backstory of his viral "two things" bit, the meticulous craft of comedy, and how he hones new material. Catch up with Mike: https://www.mikegoodwin.com/ Join us: http://dadville.substack.com Thanks to our sponsors! Nutrafol - Get $10 off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to http://nutrafol.com and enter the promo code DADVILLE. Quince - Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://quince.com/dadville for⁠⁠⁠⁠ 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! The Road to Kaeluma - Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jesusfilm.org/kaeluma-dadville⁠⁠⁠⁠ to listen, learn more, or access discussion guides and other bonus content! Boll & Branch - Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at http://bollandbranch.com/dadville Exclusions apply. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association will hold a Golf outing at Galway Bay Golf Club on Friday, September 12th.  The association was set up to help former professional footballers who may have fallen on hard times financially or those with health issues and a Galway branch was set up by Gerry Daly, John Mannion, Ronan Kinneen, amongst others. The launch of the golf outing took place this morning in City Hall, hosted by Mayor Mike Cubbard, was attended by a large number of former League of Ireland players. The guest speaker at the launch was former Republic of Ireland striker Niall Quinn who is one of the patrons of the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA) and he spoke to Mike Rafferty.

Air Canada strike ends: What's next for passengers? (0:39) Guest: John Gradek, Faculty lecturer and academic coordinator for Supply Networks and Aviation Management at McGill University, and former Director at Air Canada D.I.Y iPhones? Apple introduces new self-service repair program (9:00) Guest: Anthony Rosborough, Assistant professor of Law and computer science at Dalhousie University, and co founder of the Canadian Repair coalition Fraser Downs closure leaves horse racing community in shock (19:42) Guest: David Milburn, President of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of B.C. How Vancouver's housing struggles inspired a thrilling futuristic action novel (31:42) Guest: John D'Eathe, Developer and author of Broadway Corridor: The Great Social Divide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashtar and the Ascended Masters are currently sending messages to earth letting us know that they are ready to assume command of earth!Don't worry, their AI which will run everything has safeguards against anything malicious and the Ascended Masters are extremely benevolent, trustworthy and only looking out for the "common good". Trust them! Don't ask questions! It will all be amazing! Just ask them......Email us at: downtherh@protonmail.com

Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of Scotland. Benevolent ruler or tyrannical despot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, joins Sid live in-studio to talk about his concerns about the future political landscape, particularly focusing on the candidacy of the radical socialist Zohran Mamdani, and its potential impacts on crime, public safety, and local businesses. Arguments about the detrimental consequences of electing such a candidate and the social media support among millennials are highlighted. Vallelong emphasizes his commitment to staying and fighting for New York despite potential challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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What's at stake for humanity amid the arms race to AGI? Dr. Ben Goertzel should know. He legit coined the term AGI.

Season 18, Episode 21: The kids have taken over the classroom. Ben Jones joins Cameron Ponsonby in a rare double-guest-hosting of our weekly show. What to make of Wiaan Mulder's declaration when in sight of Brian Lara's 400*, and just how bold is saying he could have but didn't want to? We swing by the County Championship and the Kookaburra ball experiment before also taking a look at just how cool MS Dhoni legally trademarking a nickname really is. The uncertainty in the Australian top-order won't go away, and we get excited about the prospect of some thunderbolt bowlers in women's cricket. Off the field, a new ICC chief executive has been appointed and you'll never guess who. To finish, our tyros lock horns over the proposed Club Champions League revival. Support the show with a Nerd Pledge at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/thefinalword⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Maurice Blackburn Lawyers - fighting for the rights of workers since 1919: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mauriceblackburn.com.au⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out Noobru to give your brain a boost: 15% off at our link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠noobru.com/finalword⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tickets for our Wormsley match, August 18: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠uk.emma-live.com/WormsleyFinal2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to Wisden and never pay full price for the Almanack again: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.wisdenalmanack.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get your big NordVPN discount: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠nordvpn.com/tfw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get 10% off Glenn Maxwell's sunnies: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠t20vision.com/FINALWORD⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find previous episodes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠finalwordcricket.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Title track by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Urthboy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Chicagoland racing on the decline, Fairmount Park near St. Louis has become the one track in Illinois where the sport is on the rise. This week the Collinsville venue plays host for this on-the-road episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Vince Gabbert, a former executive at Keeneland, talks about his decision to run Fairmount Park since it was bought last year by the publicly traded gaming company Accel. He also discusses the recent opening of a casino inside the 100-year-old site, making it the first racetrack in Illinois to take advantage of that revenue stream. Jim Watkins, the president of the Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, discusses the challenges facing owners and trainers like him who continue to race their horses at both Fairmount and at Hawthorne in suburban Chicago. He also expresses his optimism about the potential expansion of racing at Fairmount beyond its current Tuesday-and-Saturday schedule. With the Saratoga summer getting an early start, handicapper Ed DeRosa offers tips for the Saturday's card highlighted by the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational. He also has analysis for other races from the holiday-weekend menu across the country. Fairmount track announcer Keith Nelson fills in for John Cherwa as this week's co-host. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

(Insight Meditation Society - Forest Refuge) Bringing to mind and resonating with benevolent occasions in one's life to build up a solid resonant sign to sit with.

Join Steve, Gabe, and Greenhouse Coach Erik Borggren, for a dynamic discussion on leadership postures in this episode. This fresh perspective goes beyond traditional leadership styles, focusing on how you show up—your presence, energy, and influence in any environment. From a spirited ode to Chicago's vibrant culture to a deep dive into intentional leadership, the trio explores how postures like curiosity, generosity, and vulnerability shape team dynamics and workplace culture. Erik shares insights on embodying values authentically, while Steve wrestles with the concept of influence, and Gabe ties it to the holistic nature of leadership. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own postures and try a team exercise to boost trust and collaboration. Key Discussion Points Chicago's Hidden Gem Status: Erik and Steve celebrate Chicago's diverse neighborhoods, creative energy, and world-class food scene—from Michelin-star dining to iconic hot dogs. Defining Leadership Postures: Erik introduces postures as the how behind actions, emphasizing that culture is shaped by both what you do and how you do it. Embodied Leadership: As whole beings—mind, body, and soul—leaders bring their full selves to work, with postures like decisiveness or vulnerability reflecting their values. Reframing Influence: Steve questions whether influence equals manipulation; Erik redefines it as the natural way we shape spaces through authentic presence. Why Postures Matter: Your posture impacts your own leadership experience and your team's engagement, fostering connection and a thriving culture. Shifting Postures: Erik suggests reflecting on what's not working, envisioning desired postures, and drawing inspiration from past leaders. Benevolent vs. Malevolent Postures: Feigned curiosity breeds distrust, while genuine, attentive postures create positive, authentic environments. Team Application: Steve proposes a team exercise to discuss default and aspirational postures, enhancing trust, vulnerability, and collaboration. Resources Mentioned Greenhouse Coaching: Explore holistic coaching at Greenhouse Coaching. Seven Leadership Postures: Decisive, Generous, Curious, Teachable, Vulnerable, Caring, Authentic Episode Highlights “Culture is what people say about their workplace to their friends at dinner.” – Guest from Work Vibes “You're already influencing the space—be intentional about how.” – Erik “Postures are how you direct your power and influence as a leader.” – Gabe Timestamps (0:00) Intro (1:02) Celebrating Chicago's Unique Vibe (4:08) Introducing Leadership Postures (5:33) Erik's Journey to Postures (7:27) Leadership as Whole-Person Presence (10:21) Experiencing Work Through Postures (12:35) Why Your Posture Matters (14:15) How to Shift Your Posture (17:57) Wrestling with “Influence” (24:08) The Role of Postures in Leadership (27:21) Benevolent vs. Malevolent Postures (31:58) Steve's Key Takeaway Connect with Greenhouse Subscribe to RootsUp on your favorite podcast platform. Follow Greenhouse Coaching for leadership insights. Share your thoughts on leadership postures using #RootsUpPodcast. Take Steve's challenge: Gather your team to discuss default and desired leadership postures. See how it transforms your collaboration and share your experience at with us!

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, joins Sid to thank him for being at the center of negotiations regarding a tentative five-year unit agreement the city has come to with the Sergeants Benevolent Association (SBA), covering approximately 4,400 New York City Police Department (NYPD) sergeants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Supercoach, Michael wrote "The world is what you think it is, but there's a world beyond your thinking". This week, listen in for an invitation to participate in a thought experiment with profound implications for how you live and experience your life, relationships, and work!

Vincent Vallelong, the President of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association, calls in to discuss a story regarding the ongoing contract battle between the Sergeant's union and the city, urging the Mayor to kill 12-hour shifts for cops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Curtis Yarvin smart?? Of course not lol. ALSO: The deadly, juvenile dreams of the right wing. PLUS: Bill Burr rises to the occasion! A song of the week from Wintersleep!Wintersleep - "Amerika": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yik5P7Gcf2cCold Brew Patreon: Patreon.com/ChrisCroftonChannel Nonfiction: ChannelNonfiction.com

James Gilliland describes the incredibly powerful transformative energies sweeping our planet and how this raises suppressed emotional issues that trigger discomfort, anxiety and illness. He believes that the chaotic energies starseeds and lightworkers are facing are ultimately healing discordant energies need to be integrated in ways unique to each person.Gilliland discusses different factions of extraterrestrials working with humanity ranging from more military-oriented organizations such as the Galactic Federation of Worlds, to more spiritual organizations such as the Confederation of Planets, etc. He believes that the latter group contains very highly evolved ET up to 8th and 9th dimensional consciousness who are quietly helping humanity behinds the scenes. Gilliland believes 2025 is not going to be an easy year as around 10% of Deep State and negative ET-controlled DUMBs still have to be cleared by teams of Earth Alliance and benevolent ETs.  Ultimately, he believes humanity is going to undergo a separation into 3D and 5D Earths, and we need to to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.James Gilliland's website is https://www.eceti.org/Index00:00:0006:27:18 Lunar Eclips15:18:17 Benevolent ET Groups25:49:15 Higher Dimensional Path37:24:23 Synthetics51:52:09 the Split01:06:46:09 final thoughts

Have you ever wrestled with knowing when to jump into a problem and when to step back? Felt overwhelmed by the weight of an issue and the anxiety swirling around it? Wondered how to find some relief without falling into apathy? Today, Chris and Sammy share a conversation about these very questions. In this episode, Chris and Sammy talk about the concept of benevolent detachment and how they process their own experiences of learning to lean in or let go. Links to learn more:Learn more about Back2Back MinistriesLearn more about Benevolent Detachment and the Pause App

What do you do when a ghost might have saved your life? Patricia's chilling tale starts when they were just a baby—choking in their crib, but mysteriously saved by a figure in white. Was it a spectral guardian ensuring their survival, or something far darker? With a father's terrifying encounter, a series of eerie nightmares, and a mystery that's lingered into adulthood, Patricia still grapples with the question: Was the Woman in White a benevolent force—or something more sinister? If you have a real ghost story or supernatural event to report, please write into our show or call 1-855-853-4802! If you like the show, please help keep us on the air and support the show by becoming a Premium Subscriber.  Subscribe here: http://www.ghostpodcast.com/?page_id=118 or at or at http://www.patreon.com/realghoststories Watch more at: http://www.realghoststoriesonline.com/ Follow Tony: Instagram: HTTP://www.instagram.com/tonybrueski TikToc: https://www.tiktok.com/@tonybrueski Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.brueski 

Themes in this personal episode: The importance of set, setting, and safe facilitators. Individual and Collective healing in a group setting. Noticing my analytical mind before and during ceremony. Healing the feminine wound - the resonant emotional waves we would go through. Boundaries of not caretaking other women (for all of us). Up front and personal with my shadow material. Whoa! The presence of a Benevolent spirit (AKA God, the Universe, Spirit). Feeling my emotions on the deepest level. The power and impact of sound (moaning, grunting, humming, and releasing). We were held in the feminine (The divine mother, the facilitators, nature). Mirrors (Everyone is a mirror). We are here to grow, learn, and open our hearts. The beauty of being alive is magical and mysterious. ginaminardi.com ginaminardi.substack.com  

Norman Seabrook, former law enforcement officer and union leader who was the president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association from 1995 to 2016, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss two upstate prisons being thrown into chaos when corrections officers launched illegal strikes to protest their work conditions after a violent uprising at one of the facilities last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Norman Seabrook, former law enforcement officer and union leader who was the president of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association from 1995 to 2016, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss two upstate prisons being thrown into chaos when corrections officers launched illegal strikes to protest their work conditions after a violent uprising at one of the facilities last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The dangers of a half open door. Invading Northern Mexico to stop the cartels.How do ambushes know where to be. Do chicken wings suck? Buying parts of the border wall. What can churches do to attract men? Sounding bad to Norma and Norma by acting like a barbarian. Who’s primary loss would send the loudest message? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode #612: Another day under our overlord, Benevolent King Zan, of the Alpha Male Kingdom. He sits in his rocking chair and waxes poetic! VP Debate TCB Minus Mempho Hurricane Helene P. Diddy Bryan's green pool PUA Zan! 10 Ways To Be An Alpha Male The Manosphere A bolo tie Daddy, help us get some pussay! What exists because of you? Some misogynistic views by Zan Rocking chairs Reverend John Zan Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB Follow Us: IG: @thecommercialbreak TikTok: @tcbpodcast YT: youtube.com/thecommercialbreak www.tcbpodcast.com Executive Producer: Bryan Green Hosts: Bryan Green & Krissy Hoadley Producer: Astrid B. Green Producer & Audio Editor: Christina Archer Christina's Podcast: Apple Podcasts & Spotify To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices