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Ever wondered what happens when a circus performer's act goes "wrong"? In this intimate conversation with East German circus artist Antje Pode, we explore how the most powerful moments of connection often emerge from embracing unexpected challenges on stage.Ancha shares her extraordinary journey through the fall of the Berlin Wall – a time when her entire professional identity was upended as state-sponsored circus dissolved overnight. We explore the magnificent marble circus buildings of the Soviet Union, where performers were celebrated like opera stars, receiving flowers from adoring audiences. Her transition from government employee to freelancer reveals the profound personal impact of political change that went far beyond headlines.The heart of our conversation centers on Ancha's accidental creation of a revolutionary aerial apparatus. What began as an attempt to make a standard rope less painful led to a breakthrough when she deconstructed it into 86 separate strings. The resulting visual effect creates mesmerizing patterns like tornados or water vortices as she performs. But this innovation comes with inherent unpredictability – strings occasionally tangle, creating unexpected challenges during performance.What started as frustration evolved into profound insight: audiences engage more deeply when witnessing performers overcome obstacles. As we discuss, "Your true character can really come out when you're facing a problem." In an age of digital perfection, witnessing a performer struggle and triumph creates a uniquely human experience that no flawless execution can match.Whether you're a performer yourself or simply fascinated by the human capacity for adaptation and creativity, this conversation offers valuable perspective on finding opportunity in apparent setbacks. Subscribe to the podcast to join us for more explorations of showmanship across disciplines and traditions.Support the show...Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast project. Become a proud parader of your passion for Showmanship and our glorious Craft whilst simultanously helping to gather more followers for the Way.You'll find the store here: https://thewayoftheshowman.printdrop.com.auIf you want to help support this podcast it would be tremendous if you wrote a glowing review on iTunes or Spotify.If you want to contact me about anything, including wanting me to collaborate on one of your projects you can reach me on thewayoftheshowman@gmail.comor find out more on the Way of the Showman website.you can follow the Way of Instagram where it is, not surprisingly thewayoftheshowman.If you find it in you and you have the means to do so, you can suport the podcast financially at:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/captainfrodo
A resident of the University of Iowa International Writer's Program speakers with Ben Kieffer, plus we unpack the latest headlines with Iowa reporters.
Send us a textWhy does freedom matter? How can we defend it in an age of rising authoritarianism? In this episode, I sit down with Tom Palmer to explore the ideas, virtues, and strategies that keep liberty alive.We cover:· The rise of authoritarian movements and global threats to liberty· The morality of freedom: how to know what to fight for and when· January 6th as a failure of duty, and what true constitutional leadership requires· Trump, responsibility in office, and the role of virtue in political life· How persuasion, clarity, and even humor (à la Bastiat) can advance freedomPalmer draws on decades of experience—from supporting dissidents in the USSR before the Berlin Wall fell to working in Ukraine's struggle against Russia today, and fighting for self-defense rights, marriage equality, and freedom from conscription in the U.S.The through line is clear: defending freedom takes more than theory—it requires virtue, duty, and clarity of purpose to make liberty resilient and worth fighting for.Support the showNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
NATO, the 76 year old defence pact of 32 countries that has weathered the Cold War, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, collapse of the USSR and liberation of Eastern Europe without firing a shot, faces new challenges: the Third Age. Renewed super power rivalry, the rise of populism and political disarray among liberal democracies, as well as European fears about US defense commitments, are angst inducing developments for Western security built around Atlanticism.
Step back in time to a vanished world of state-run circus schools, train journeys across the Soviet Union, and the dramatic moment when the Berlin Wall fell. In this captivating conversation, foot juggler Antje Pode shares her remarkable journey from a young gymnast in East Germany to an internationally acclaimed circus artist.Antje reveals the fascinating, rarely-discussed reality of the communist-era circus system, where performers were government employees with guaranteed lifetime positions. Selected from hundreds of applicants at age 17, she trained in the prestigious East German circus school before touring with the state circus. Her vivid descriptions transport us to a time when circus was considered high art, performers lived in caravans on flatbed train cars rolling through Russia, and elephants walked from train stations to circus lots as mobile advertisements.The political and personal merge dramatically as Antje recounts being thousands of miles from home in Moldova when the Berlin Wall unexpectedly fell in November 1989. Through her eyes, we experience both the hope and uncertainty of that pivotal moment in history, learning how the peaceful Monday demonstrations eventually led to revolution without violence.Beyond historical insights, Antje shares the technical mastery behind her extraordinary foot juggling act, where she manipulates suitcases with remarkable precision while balancing, spinning, and juggling simultaneously. Her description of needing three weeks to adapt to a new suitcase reveals the invisible precision required in circus arts.Whether you're fascinated by political history, circus traditions, or the dedication required for artistic mastery, this conversation offers a unique window into a world that has largely disappeared. Subscribe now to hear more conversations that explore the intersection of showmanship, art, and human experience.-You can find Antje Pode on social media and on her website Antjepode.deSupport the show...Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast project. Become a proud parader of your passion for Showmanship and our glorious Craft whilst simultanously helping to gather more followers for the Way.You'll find the store here: https://thewayoftheshowman.printdrop.com.auIf you want to help support this podcast it would be tremendous if you wrote a glowing review on iTunes or Spotify.If you want to contact me about anything, including wanting me to collaborate on one of your projects you can reach me on thewayoftheshowman@gmail.comor find out more on the Way of the Showman website.you can follow the Way of Instagram where it is, not surprisingly thewayoftheshowman.If you find it in you and you have the means to do so, you can suport the podcast financially at:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/captainfrodo
The Conjuring returns in the fourth and final installment of the franchise and it feels like a natural continuation thanks to the return of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren. After watching the movie last night, in my opinion, the movie is terrifying, emotional, thrilling, pure horror magic and it's a must-see epic conclusion. Rebecca and I went into a deep conversation about her role in the movie, some behind the scenes secrets, and what it was like to film a movie based on a true haunting. What she had to say about all of that is justly remarkable. The details given in this interview explain a lot about the haunting and what actually happened. Brace yourselves for a phenomenal interview with gifted and wonderful Rebecca Calder as she delivered one of these best roles in The Conjuring Universe. In my humble and honest opinion, the ‘Smurl Case' is the darkest in the series because in the 1980s the whole country was on edge with everything going on: serial killers, more hauntings being reported across the United States, The Berlin Wall, and much more. Senses were heightened and spirits are drawn to that.
Paddy O'Connell speaks to Professor Francis Fukuyama about the threats to liberal democracies around the world. The American political economist and international relations scholar, who is currently a senior fellow at Stanford University, has written widely on issues about development and international politics. He is best-known for his 1992 book ‘The End of History and the Last Man'. He argued that the end of the Cold War, marked by the fall of the Berlin Wall and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, represented the end point of mankind's ideological evolution, and the universalisation of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.But three decades on, Western liberal democracy appears to be struggling to adapt to the many challenges of the 21st century. Amid geopolitical instability, its future does not appear as universal as Fukuyama once proposed, even in the US. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Paddy O'Connell Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Nick HollandGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Professor Francis Fukuyama. Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
Kay Sparling is an international opera and sacred singer. Nowretired, she lives in the Upper Midwest with her feline writingbuddy, the invincible Paducah. When not teaching voice lessonsor writing, Kay enjoys gardening, hiking, adventure travelling, andcooking for family and friends.More information about Kay can be found at: Kay Sparling – AuthorNear the end of the Cold War, Kaitlyn Stewart lands anapprenticeship at the Vienna State Opera. Soon after arriving,she is recruited by the CIA as the only female high profileoperative in Mission: THAW. Both CIA and MI6 are in a raceagainst time to uncover a human trafficking cartel set up byfascist Western politicians who are in business with the EastGermans and KGB. They are exploiting refugees from theformer satellite countries of the USSR. Mission: THAW mustinfiltrate the cartel in order to shut down the trafficking anddestroy the slave labor in East Germany. If the GDR economyfails, the Berlin Wall will come down. Covering as an opera singer, Kaitlyn infiltrates theinner circle of the KGB and neo-Nazis, only to find out that they have a much moredeadly, lucrative plan in the making: blueprints for a dirty bomb. MI6 agent CliveMatthews, who is considered the best secret agent in the free world, skillfully guidesKaitlyn through the crazy maze of the mission. Based on fact.Amazon.com: Mission Thaw: A Kaitlyn Stewart Spy Thriller: 9781779419071: Sparling, Kay: Books
Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values
Few forerunners of the modern conservative movement are as important, little known, and underappreciated as Frank Meyer. Meyer possessed the IT factor that made women want him and men want to be associated with him. He used that in his early years to advance Marxism in England—building an impressive Marxist organization that had the attention of UK's government, dating the Prime Minister's daughter while calling for the violent overthrow of the Prime Minister's government, and becoming a national celebrity as the nation debated whether he should be exiled. But later in life, when he turned to the Right, that same charisma was used to help William F. Buckley build a fledgling conservative movement that ultimately changed the politics of the nation. Joining Josh to discuss this most remarkable life is Daniel J. Flynn, author of his latest book: The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer. About Daniel J. Flynn From spectator.org Daniel J. Flynn, a senior editor of The American Spectator, serves as a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution for the 2024-2025 academic year. His books include Cult City: Harvey Milk, Jim Jones, and 10 Days That Shook San Francisco (ISI Books, 2018), Blue Collar Intellectuals: When the Enlightened and the Everyman Elevated America (ISI Books, 2011), A Conservative History of the American Left (Crown Forum, 2008), and Intellectual Morons: How Ideology Makes Smart People Fall for Stupid Ideas (Crown Forum, 2004). In 2025, he releases his magnum opus, The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer. He splits time between city Massachusetts and cabin Vermont. About The Book Frank Meyer devised the blueprint for American conservatism—fusionism—championed by Barry Goldwater, Ronald Reagan, and so many to this day. Yet long before and far away, Communists in London chanted “Free Frank Meyer!” to block the deportation of a comrade who was their cause célèbre. Those fervent Marxists could never have predicted that their hero would one day provide the intellectual energy necessary to propel conservatives to political power. The Man Who Invented Conservatism unveils one of the twentieth century's great untold stories: a Communist turned conservative, an antiwar activist turned soldier, and a free-love enthusiast turned family man whose big idea captured the American Right. This intellectual migration coincided with a clandestine affair inside 10 Downing Street, service as a lieutenant to the man who later constructed the Berlin Wall, and neighborly chats with the pop-star and poet celebrity next door. Present at the creation of National Review, Meyer helped launch Joan Didion's writing career. From H. G. Wells to Henry Kissinger to Milton Friedman, he rubbed shoulders with everyone who mattered. Having discovered Meyer's previously unexamined correspondence in an old soda warehouse, Daniel J. Flynn documents this saga in The Man Who Invented Conservatism, exposing the rivalries, jealousies, friendships, and fights that shaped the movement and what it means to be a conservative today.
In this deeply moving conversation, Yonat Friling - Frühling—Senior Field Producer at Fox News with 20 years in the field—shares her journey from a tiny desert community in Israel to the Oval Office and war zones around the world. Starting with a child's determination to witness history firsthand after watching the Berlin Wall fall on TV, Yonat built a career that puts her at the center of breaking news. The conversation explores how she fought gender barriers to get into the field, why she called every field crew member to apologize after her first day on location, and what it means to carry the weight of covering tragedies like October 7th. Yonat opens up about breaking the "shields" journalists build around themselves, the importance of vulnerability in a profession that demands toughness, and how she's learning that having your dream job doesn't mean sacrificing your dream life. Key Topics: "I want to be THERE"—watching the Berlin Wall fall at age 9 Why everyone in the control room should spend a day in the field Covering October 7th and losing friends on both sides Breaking the shame barrier around journalists' mental health The fragility of life: from Morocco's earthquake to Gaza's war Finding ways to have both your dream job AND dream life Notable Quotes: "If you assume that you already have the no, you already lost. So have the no and try to work around it." "I want to be there...in the front seat of history"—at age 9 watching the Berlin Wall fall "The first day I was out in the field...I called all the people I used to work with and apologized." "You're not the tiny child from Sde Boker...standing behind the president in the Oval Office" "When you try to bury down [your pain], the toll is even greater because you lose so much of yourself." "Even the most devastating days of your life can be a stepping stone for moving forward." Yonat's Powerful Questions: "Was it a good day?"—Asked daily, finding at least three good things "Is there something that I haven't asked that I should have?"—The magic happens after the interview ends Key Lessons: The "no" is just the starting point—work around it Everyone thinks about failures; rewire your brain to think about successes Mental health is just health—there's no shame in seeking help You can build shields to protect yourself, but they also keep people away Being afraid in dangerous situations is healthy—everyone should be asked Progress for women in journalism: yes, but not enough Resources Mentioned: Yonat on Fox News—20 years as Senior Field Producer Yonat's Linkedin Brené Brown's work on vulnerability Gravitas - 1:1 accelertaors for biz owners stepping into their founder era The Curiosity Lab - Strategy sessions for leaders by Chedva You're Gonna Want to Sit Down for This - bi-weekly email packed with lessons and free tools Chedva's newsletter - Weekly musings and questions
Air Date 9/1/2025 The way people consume almost every variety of media, entertainment, and art is different now than it was only 10-15 years ago. That means that the way protest music, revolutionary art, and even mass market productions and performances are going to be different, feel different, and likely find you in different ways than in the past. But the drive to create never dies and art will always be part of the resistance to oppression. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Use our links to shop Bookshop.org and Libro.fm for a non-evil book and audiobook purchasing experience! Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS (00:49:08) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the strength of diversity that comes through in art DEEPER DIVES (00:56:08) SECTION A: CULTURE (01:29:28) SECTION B: ART (02:20:20) SECTION C: MUSIC (02:46:54) SECTION D: ANDOR SHOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of street art depicting a stenciled version of Putin and Trump kissing a la the art on the Berlin Wall satirically depicting the “fraternal kiss” between the leaders of the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic. Credit: “Hamburg 2020” by Ittmust | CC BY 2.0 | Changes: Slightly cropped
Globalization is dying, maybe even dead. Borders are back, baby. That's the message in Jonn Elledge's sparkling Brief History of the World in 47 Borders. In this romp around world history , Elledge introduces us to 47 of the world's oddest borders including particularly weird ones in Detroit, Kaliningrad and Bolivia. So should be celebrating or mourning the rebirth of the border? Elledge is in mourning. A self-described progressive who grew up on Star Trek dreams of planetary unity, he sees nationalism's resurgence since 2016 as "quite a bad thing." He blames economic stagnation—when the pie stops growing, generous approaches to migration and distribution become much harder to sustain. I'm more sanguine. Whatever globalist bureaucrats at the UN or EU promised us, borders were never going away. As a species, we humans are agoraphobic. The Trekkies are wrong. The claustrophobia of the border is what gives us our sense of space. 1. Borders are having a political moment - The "liberal hegemony" that promised borderless globalization has been collapsing since 2016 (Brexit, Trump), making nationalism and territorial division the dominant political force again.2. Economic stagnation drives border obsession - When economies aren't growing and people aren't getting richer, generous policies on migration and wealth distribution become much harder to sustain politically.3. Maps shape leaders' minds - Trump's fixation on his Oval Office Ukraine map shows how visual representations of territory directly influence foreign policy decisions and geopolitical thinking.4. Most "historic" borders are recent inventions - What we assume are natural, ancient boundaries (like the Berlin Wall, Bangladesh, or even Germany's division) are often just decades old, showing how arbitrary our sense of "normal" geography really is.5. Borders create unexpected consequences - From Bolivia maintaining a navy despite being landlocked to Detroit's expansion bankrupting the city, where you draw lines has profound, often unintended effects on politics, economics, and culture for generations.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
Send us a textA chance encounter with the remains of the Berlin Wall unleashed a flood of unexpected emotions during my vacation in Germany. Walking these streets 35 years after my first visit as a young backpacker, when the city was still divided by concrete and barbed wire, brought history vividly back to life in ways I wasn't prepared for.What does it mean when your neighborhood is suddenly cut in half by armed guards, barbed wire, and bricks laid at gunpoint? How do families cope when they're separated with no means of communication? The resilience of Berliners who lived through the wall's construction reminds us how quickly "normal" can vanish and how humans adapt to unimaginable circumstances. Standing at the spot where I once crossed into East Berlin, I couldn't help but reflect on those who attempted escapes—some successful, many tragically not.This experience has me thinking about modern preparedness challenges. While enjoying the vibrant, unified Berlin of today, with its street festivals and overflowing cafés, I've been contemplating what would happen if a serious situation prevented international travel while abroad. Even a minor air traffic control glitch delayed my flight from Newark—what if something more serious occurred? Do you have backup communication methods when traveling? Could you manage if suddenly cut off from home? These aren't just academic questions for preppers; they're practical considerations for anyone who ventures beyond their comfort zone. I encourage you to travel when possible—whether across the world or just to another state—but always with awareness and contingency plans. The lessons of Berlin's wall continue to teach us about human resilience, the fragility of our connections, and the importance of preparation.Support the showHave a question, suggestion or comment? Please email me at practicalpreppodcast@gmail.com. I will not sell your email address and I will personally respond to you.
In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we're live from TechMentor at the Microsoft campus with two incredible guests: longtime advocate, educator, and PM on the PowerShell team at Microsoft - Jason Helmick and newcomer Troy Brown. This special episode captures the heart of community, innovation, and the transformative power of PowerShell—from seasoned insight to beginner breakthroughs. Jason drops serious knowledge on two game-changing technologies: AI Shell: Think ChatGPT, but built directly into your terminal. Learn how it enhances shell UX, assists with command building, explains parameters, and keeps you focused without switching contexts. DSC v3 (Desired State Configuration): Now fully cross-platform and decoupled from PowerShell, DSC v3 is lighter, more extensible, and suitable for everything from servers to IoT. Jason walks us through the evolution, real-world use cases (like flipping Windows from dark mode to light mode!), and what's next for the configuration platform. Highlights: Microsoft's hidden campus lore, including a piece of the Berlin Wall! The evolution of PowerShell ReadLine and its impact on productivity AI Shell's support for OpenAI, Azure Copilot, ollama, Gemini, and even custom agents Exporting configs from existing machines—a long-awaited DSC feature Why DSC v3 might be the most developer- and sysadmin-friendly release yet The cultural backbone of the PowerShell team: being “scrappy” and driven by customer success Troy Brown's First TechMentor Experience First-time conference-goer Troy Brown shares his experience diving into PowerShell: How a PowerShell workshop with Sean Wheeler, Steven Judd, and Jason Helmick helped him finally understand modules The journey from using PDQ to push basic PowerShell scripts to deeper automation potential Navigating the learning curve with community support His message to fellow newcomers: “Don't take things personally, and embrace the journey.” Resource Links: DSC v3 on GitHub Leanpub DSC v3 Book by Gijs https://leanpub.com/thedscv3handbook The Phoenix Project (book) (a must-read for IT pros) https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Project-DevOps-Helping-Business/dp/0988262592 https://discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_f5oYxzkinI The PowerShell Podcast Hub: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast
In Part 1 of our interview with journalist Claire Hoffman, Claire shares what it was like growing up in an Iowa trailer park community built around the Transcendental Meditation (or TM) movement and its charismatic leader, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi–whose followers included The Beatles. Claire shares what the daily routine was like in the TM community, how it felt believing every adult she knew could levitate, and the powerful mystique of Maharishi.Plus, she tells how the fall of the Berlin Wall and her subscription to Cosmopolitan magazine helped lead to her eventual awakening about the guru being a mere mortal, and the book she wrote about that experience, Greetings From Utopia Park.SOURCES:Greetings From Utopia ParkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marcus and Corey What You Know 'Bout That trivia game for Wednesday August 20th, 2025.
Bruce Davis is a veteran journalist and editor who spent 45 years shaping how the tire industry receives its news, data, and insights. As a founding staff member of Tire Business, he helped launch the publication in 1983, transforming it from an ambitious idea into one of the most trusted voices in the global tire market. Over the years, Bruce pioneered cornerstone features like the Global Tire Report, chronicled the industry's evolution through import/export statistics and dealership rankings, and built a reputation for delivering business-focused journalism with credibility and depth. His career included 13 years in Germany as editor of the European Rubber Journal, where he gained a front-row seat to historic moments like the fall of the Berlin Wall, giving him a unique global perspective on the tire trade. In this episode… What does it take to turn a scrappy start-up into an industry institution? On this episode of Gain Traction, Mike Edge sits down with Bruce Davis to uncover the story behind Tire Business's rise to prominence. Bruce shares how a chance phone call from a college friend led him into the world of trade journalism, how a sprained ankle almost delayed his entry into the field, and how just two years later he was handed the challenge of launching a bi-weekly publication for tire dealers. At 27 years old, Bruce rolled out the first issue, setting the stage for decades of tire industry insights that would influence manufacturers, distributors, and retailers worldwide. Bruce recounts the origins of the Global Tire Report in 1985, including the painstaking process of gathering international data before the digital era—shipping research in steamer trunks, sending telexes, and forging relationships with manufacturers across borders. He explains why Tire Business has maintained the rigor of a business journal, why the print edition and annual stats book still matter in a digital-first world, and how their data remains a trusted benchmark for the industry. Bruce also opens up about his life outside the newsroom, from witnessing the Berlin Wall come down to his retirement plans focused on travel and genealogy. If you're curious about the history of the tire trade, the value of accurate industry data, or the mindset it takes to build a trusted media brand, this conversation is packed with perspective and personality. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: [02:34] How Bruce landed his first job in the industry right after college [04:51] The launch of Tire Business in 1983 and Bruce's age at the time [05:24] Bruce's original career goal to work for a major national newspaper [07:29] Meeting his future wife while working in Germany [08:26] Living in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and its tense atmosphere [09:14] Bruce's perspective on Reagan's “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” speech [11:19] Writing for both Tire Business and Rubber News simultaneously [11:52] The origin story of the Global Tire Report [16:16] Why Bruce believes everyone in the industry should subscribe to Tire Business [22:22] The mantra that's guided Bruce throughout his career [23:24] Bruce's favorite movies and the story behind them [28:04] A Corvette road trip through Eastern Europe shortly after the Berlin Wall fell Resources mentioned in this episode: Tire Business https://www.tirebusiness.com/ Bruce Davis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bruce-davis-aba02b21/ Tread Partners https://treadpartners.com/ Gain Traction Podcast https://gaintractionpodcast.com/ Mike Edge on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgemike/ One last bow to industry legend Bruce Davis https://www.tirebusiness.com/opinion/one-last-bow-industry-legend-bruce-davis Quotable Moments: “Never be satisfied. Even if it's just 1% better, keep improving.” “The Global Tire Report became the benchmark the entire industry looks to.” “We treat the tire business like a business journal; factual, rigorous, and rooted in context.” “Sometimes history unfolds right outside your office window, like the Berlin Wall coming down.” “Print still matters when your audience values trusted, tangible information.” Action Steps: Maintain the rigor of a business journal, even in a niche industry. Track and publish industry data consistently to become the go-to source. Build credibility by connecting with all segments of your industry; manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Preserve historical context; it strengthens your authority over time. Adapt to digital trends without abandoning the formats your audience still values.
My Story Talk 24 Developing the curriculum and choosing the faculty Welcome to Talk 24 where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was talking about all the improvements we were able to make to the campus at Mattersey. We were, of course, grateful to the Lord for these improvements, especially for the provision of sufficient finances to build the new hall of residence and the beautiful new Chapel and classrooms. But these were never an end in themselves. They were the means to an end. Their purpose was to facilitate the training and education of men and women to understand the Bible and to become more effective servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. But even more important than the erection of buildings was the development of the curriculum and the choosing of the faculty. And to do that it was first necessary to determine our aims and objectives. What follows is taken from one of our early college prospectuses. If the terminology sounds a little old-fashioned today, please remember that it's now almost half a century since I first wrote them. The NIV had only just been published and much of our preaching was based on the text of the Authorised Version (KJV) of the Bible. But even if the language might need updating, I believe that these aims and objectives would still be highly appropriate for any pentecostal or charismatic Bible college today and would form an excellent basis for its curriculum. They should certainly be the goal of every local church! Aims and Objectives The general purpose of the college is to train men and women for Christian service at home and overseas. This training involves not only the imparting of a comprehensive theological education but also emphasises the development of Christian character and spiritual growth. Because the college takes a positive stand for the authority and inspiration of Holy Scripture, its aims are essentially biblical. They may be summarised as follows: 1. That opportunity might be given to those who are called to the work of the ministry to fulfil the will of Christ that his servants should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach (Mark 3:14). 2. That through their ministry the gospel might be preached to every creature (Mark 16:15) and that disciples might be made of all nations (Matthew 28:19). 3. That the gospel might be preached with signs following (Mark 16:20) and the churches be established in the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4). 4. That God's servants might be able always to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3: 15) and to speak the things which become sound doctrine (Titus 2:1). 5. That God's workmen might be approved unto God, being able rightly to divide the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) and to contend earnestly for the faith once for all time delivered to the saints (Jude 3). 6. That God's people might come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ and that each individual part of his body might so function in its proper order that the church will make edification of itself in love (Ephesians 4:13-16). 7. That the word of God may be entrusted to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2). 8. That those who seek to love God with all their heart and soul might also love him with all their mind (Matthew 22:37). 9. That the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit might be manifested in the lives of all God's people (1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Galatians 5:22-23). 10.That the church which is the bride of Christ might be ready and prepared for his coming (Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11: 2; Revelation 19:9, 21-22). Developing the curriculum In using the word curriculum, I am referring to the entire College programme, not just the academic timetable. This included worship in chapel five mornings a week, weekly student prayer groups, days of prayer at least once a term, and church on Sundays with opportunities for students to sing, testify or preach, as invited by the local pastors. We experienced some wonderful times of blessing, particularly in our Wednesday morning Chapel services, which were longer than on the other days and where the resident faculty and staff were present as well as all the students. It was the spiritual life of the College that provided the inspiration and motivation for the academic discipline of study in the classroom. But there was, of course, plenty of inspiration in the classroom too. That derived from the quality of our teaching staff – more of which in a moment – and the subject matter of the courses most of which were directly related to the Bible, the inspired word of God. Of course, the structure of the timetable varied over the 27 years I was Principal, but the underlying principles remained the same. What follows is just an example of what we were offering towards the end of my time as Principal. Courses available included: Certificate in Biblical Studies (One Year) Diploma in Biblical Studies (Two Years) BA in Biblical Theology (Three Years) and for suitable candidates who completed all three years we also awarded our Diploma in Christian Ministry. In addition to all this we were also validated to award an MA in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies which was a part-time two-year course. This was much appreciated by people already in church leadership some of whom had no formally recognised theological qualification. This was only possible because we had sufficient faculty members who had earned a Ph.D. But, without question, our most important course for people who wanted a thorough preparation for Christian ministry was our three-year B.A. in Biblical Theology combined with our Diploma in Christian Ministry. Over the three years these included teaching on the following YEAR ONE Bible Survey, Hermeneutics and Homiletics, Evangelism, Care and Counselling, Christian Doctrine, Christian Leadership, Church History Survey, Children's and Youth Work, Other Faiths, and New Testament Greek. (For those who did not opt for Greek, there were special courses on the English Language, John's Gospel, and Luke/Acts). YEAR TWO O.T. General, N.T. Christian Origins, Early Church History, The Holy Spirit, Mark in Greek, Christian Apologetics, Christian Ethics, 1 Corinthians in English, Romans in English, Anthropology, Hebrew, Media Work, Church Planting. YEAR THREE O.T. Theology, N.T. Theology, Pentecostal Distinctives (The Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Divine Healing), History of Revival, Philosophy of Religion, John in Greek, Hebrew Set Texts, Christian Missions, Ecclesiology, Youth Work, Pastoral Training. But no matter what course we provided, our aims and objectives remained the same throughout. Any qualification gained was never intended as an end in itself. Personally, I saw my own academic qualifications rather like the apostle Paul saw his Roman citizenship. He certainly would not glory in it. It meant nothing compared with the excellency of knowing Christ, but he wasn't afraid to make use of it when appropriate (Acts 22:25-28). I knew that the success of the curriculum could only be measured by the extent to which its aims and objectives were being fulfilled in the lives of the students. And that could certainly not be accomplished by academic learning alone. Our students were accepted on this understanding. Any academic achievement they might gain would be a bonus. Their primary motivation must be a sense of calling, a desire to serve Jesus. Choosing the faculty And, of course, our biblical aims and objectives so important to the development of our curriculum were equally relevant to the choosing of those who would be teaching its courses. They must not only be in agreement with our AoG Statement of Faith but also be people of experience in the work of God and have a divine anointing to teach. Academic ability in itself was not enough. I had had enough experience at Oxford where some of those teaching no doubt had great academic ability, but whose communication skills left much to be desired! But of course, however great your ability to communicate, you need to know what you're talking about! I have listened too often to people with great communication skills preaching absolute nonsense! Even in some national and international conferences! So our choice of faculty was influenced by the need to find people who believed the Bible, were filled with the Spirit, knew their subject, and had a God-given ability to teach it. And that meant the ability, not to make simple things sound difficult, but to make difficult things easy to understand. I think the greatest compliment I was ever paid about my preaching came from old George Hurt when he said to me, The thing I like about your preaching, Pastor, is that you never say anything I can't understand. And if Eileen were still with us, she would readily confirm that wherever we went people would say the same. I am so grateful to God for that ability. I did not learn it. It was just the way he made me. But not just me. It's the true evidence of the ministry of every teacher, and I'm so grateful for those the Lord sent to work alongside me endowed with a similar gifting. I have already mentioned Ernest and Joan Anderson who moved back into pastoral ministry in 1980 and John Carter who died at Mattersey in 1981 and their significant contribution to the life of the College. After their departure I was so pleased that Colin Warner, who had started with us as a visiting lecturer, accepted the invitation to come to us in a full-time capacity as our Director of Studies in 1980 and saddened by his decision to leave us in 1983. Colin, who is now with the Lord, was a gifted man with great academic ability and did much in those early years to steer us towards a more academic curriculum. His decision to leave arose from a difference of opinion between us and I am aware that I could probably have handled things better. However, I'm glad to record that he went on to a fruitful ministry in the Coventry assembly and as a lecturer at Birmingham Bible Institute. A few years later we also worked happily together on the AoG Executive Council. David and Beryl Allen joined us in September 1983 and faithfully served the College throughout my principalship, retiring in 2005, a year after me. Beryl taught the first-year English course and as College Librarian did a great job in turning what had previously been little more than a collection of books into a well organised and properly classified library. Towards the end of her time she was assisted by Anne Dyer, who caried on the great work after Beryl retired. Dave, as he preferred to be called, had, like Beryl, formerly been a schoolteacher before entering the AoG ministry. He taught a variety of subjects including Church History, his knowledge of which never ceased to amaze me. He later became the College Dean, taking the responsibility for matters of discipline. Dave is now with the Lord, but I, along with many generations of Mattersey students, have every reason to be grateful for the massive contribution he and Beryl made to the success of the College. Colin Hurt also joined us in 1983. Colin and Julia had been AoG missionaries in Malaysia and, on hearing him preach, I instantly recognised a man with an outstanding teaching ministry. Colin had no formal theological qualifications, but, for that matter, neither had I! Julia had received a word from the Lord that I was going to invite him to teach in the College, so when I asked to see him he happily accepted and the served the College full-time from 1983-85 and again, after a few years back on the mission field, from 1988-93. He taught a wide variety of subjects and was greatly appreciated by students and both he and Julia, who assisted Eileen on the domestic side, were great assets to the life of the College. William and Anthea Kay joined us in 1984. Eileen and I already had a strong relationship with William and Anthea because of the years we spent together in Basingstoke. My only reluctance in inviting them to come to Mattersey was that I wasn't sure if the Board of Governors would approve. Three things might count against William. He was a personal friend, and the appointment might look like favouritism. He was not an AoG minister, and he had a PhD which might be seen as a negative rather than a positive because of the anti-academic attitude of some of our ministers at the time. But the Lord encouraged me with a verse in Isaiah which lit up for me as I was praying about William: I have called him, I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission. So I shared my concerns with the Board and was delighted to hear George Forrester, the chairman, say, Well brothers, I think that if David feels that we should appoint this brother, we should do so and the Board unanimously agreed. Anthea ran the College's Correspondence Course Department for several years and William taught a variety of courses until his departure in 1994 to a post with the University of Wales. But his main contribution to the College was his firsthand knowledge of Higher Education, his personal encouragement to me to do an MTh and then a PhD, and his help in enabling us to get accreditation for our BA in Biblical Theology. He went on to help other Pentecostal colleges across Europe and beyond to gain similar accreditation and did indeed succeed in the mission to which God had called him. The next member of faculty to join us full-time was Vernon Ralphs who served as Director of Studies from 1986 until his retirement in 2000. Along with those I have already mentioned, Vernon was a key player in helping the College upgrade its academic programme. He also had a clear prophetic edge prophesying in 1986 that within three years the Iron Curtain that divided Eastern Europe from the West would be removed, and it was of course in 1989 that the Berlin Wall was broken down. Teaching staff who joined us full-time late on included Richard Davis, Glenn Balfour, Andrew Davies, Dave Garrard, and Robin Routledge. Richard Davis replaced Brian Quar as Bursar but also taught some of our courses after he had completed our MA in Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies. He served the College from 1994 until some time after I retired. Glenn Balfour and Andrew Davies were both former students who had taken our London BD course back in the eighties. They had gone on to acquire Master's degrees and eventually PhDs in Theology. They started to lecture part-time in 1994 and in 2000 took up permanent posts with us. They continued to serve well beyond my principalship, Glenn becoming Principal for a short period and Andrew a Professor at Birmingham University. Dave and Ruth Garrard were Canadians who served as missionaries in Africa. They came to Mattersey in 1996, Ruth working with Eileen on the domestic side, and Dave, who had a PhD relating to Missions, bringing fresh insights on the subject and teaching a variety of other courses too. He was still teaching at Mattersey when I left. And finally, at about the same time, Robin Routledge joined the faculty. A local Baptist minister with a charismatic experience and a PhD in Old Testament Studies, Robin was a highly valued member of our team and eventually became full-time during Paul Alexander's time as principal. But of course the full-time faculty, important as they were, were by no means the only reason for the success of the College. Over the years there were many visiting lecturers, as well as various chaplains, secretaries, cook supervisors, kitchen and domestic staff, gardeners, and maintenance engineers. These all got a mention in my final report to Conference in April 2004 the text of which I will include in a later talk. For now, it is enough to say that I will always be profoundly grateful to all concerned for their contribution, however great or small. As I have often said, We could not have done it without you.
Berliners awoke on 13th August, 1961 to find their city divided in half. East German troops had worked overnight to roll out barbed wire and barricades, turning neighbourhoods into no-go zones. It became known as ‘Barbed Wire Sunday' Before the wall's construction, East Germans had been bolting westward at the unsustainable rate of nearly 2,000 a day; notably skilled professionals the East couldn't afford to lose. The Berlin wall stopped the flow of people, but also turned the city into a dystopia, complete with ghost train stations, split families, and a massive fortified structure with a deadly no-man's-land of guard dogs, watchtowers, and landmines. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly discover how the wall wasn't actually finished until the 1970s; reveal the escape routes travailed by daring civilians; and uncover the “Wall woodpeckers” who took souvenirs home with them when the wall finally fell... Further Reading: • ‘Why the Berlin Wall rose—and how it fell' (National Geographic, 2019): https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/why-berlin-wall-built-fell • ‘Berlin Wall History: Everything You Need To Know' | HistoryExtra: https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/berlin-wall-history-facts-fall-why-built-destroyed-how-long-deaths-killed-graffiti-east-west-life-today/ • ‘The Berlin Wall - How it worked' (DW Documentary, 2018): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khXGMcX59YE Love the show? Support us! Join
The German Democratic Republic has come to stand as a symbol of communist tyranny, a source of Cold War nostalgia and socialist kitsch, and a failed alternative to the worst excesses of 21st century capitalism. In this book, Ned Richardson-Little delves into the central contradictions of the GDR state: This book illustrates the fault lines of GDR society, the worldviews and experiences of not only those who ruled the GDR, but also those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship. The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (Bloomsbury, 2025) is a succinct and comprehensive history of East Germany that traces its story from the country's origins as the Soviet Zone of Occupation after World War II through key events such as the 1953 Uprising, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Helsinki Accords, and the collapse of state socialism in 1989. Some of the themes explored include the memory of Nazism and national identity, everyday life under dictatorship, including consumerism, sexuality, and racism, the global politics of the GDR, the diversity of dissenting voices, and the competing visions for East Germany's democratic future. Guest: Ned Richardson-Little (he/him) is a Research Fellow in Department V: Globalizations in a Divided World at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF), in Germany. He is a historian of modern Germany, with a focus on the GDR, socialism, far-right extremism, and the history of international law and international crime. He is the author of The Human Rights Dictatorship: Socialism, Global Solidarity and Revolution in East Germany (2020), and co-editor of Socialism and International Law (2024). Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
The German Democratic Republic has come to stand as a symbol of communist tyranny, a source of Cold War nostalgia and socialist kitsch, and a failed alternative to the worst excesses of 21st century capitalism. In this book, Ned Richardson-Little delves into the central contradictions of the GDR state: This book illustrates the fault lines of GDR society, the worldviews and experiences of not only those who ruled the GDR, but also those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship. The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (Bloomsbury, 2025) is a succinct and comprehensive history of East Germany that traces its story from the country's origins as the Soviet Zone of Occupation after World War II through key events such as the 1953 Uprising, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Helsinki Accords, and the collapse of state socialism in 1989. Some of the themes explored include the memory of Nazism and national identity, everyday life under dictatorship, including consumerism, sexuality, and racism, the global politics of the GDR, the diversity of dissenting voices, and the competing visions for East Germany's democratic future. Guest: Ned Richardson-Little (he/him) is a Research Fellow in Department V: Globalizations in a Divided World at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF), in Germany. He is a historian of modern Germany, with a focus on the GDR, socialism, far-right extremism, and the history of international law and international crime. He is the author of The Human Rights Dictatorship: Socialism, Global Solidarity and Revolution in East Germany (2020), and co-editor of Socialism and International Law (2024). Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history
The German Democratic Republic has come to stand as a symbol of communist tyranny, a source of Cold War nostalgia and socialist kitsch, and a failed alternative to the worst excesses of 21st century capitalism. In this book, Ned Richardson-Little delves into the central contradictions of the GDR state: This book illustrates the fault lines of GDR society, the worldviews and experiences of not only those who ruled the GDR, but also those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship. The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (Bloomsbury, 2025) is a succinct and comprehensive history of East Germany that traces its story from the country's origins as the Soviet Zone of Occupation after World War II through key events such as the 1953 Uprising, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Helsinki Accords, and the collapse of state socialism in 1989. Some of the themes explored include the memory of Nazism and national identity, everyday life under dictatorship, including consumerism, sexuality, and racism, the global politics of the GDR, the diversity of dissenting voices, and the competing visions for East Germany's democratic future. Guest: Ned Richardson-Little (he/him) is a Research Fellow in Department V: Globalizations in a Divided World at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF), in Germany. He is a historian of modern Germany, with a focus on the GDR, socialism, far-right extremism, and the history of international law and international crime. He is the author of The Human Rights Dictatorship: Socialism, Global Solidarity and Revolution in East Germany (2020), and co-editor of Socialism and International Law (2024). Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/german-studies
This Day in Legal History: East German Border SealedOn August 13, 1961, the East German government abruptly sealed the border between East and West Berlin, cutting off one of the last open crossings between the Eastern Bloc and the West. Overnight, streets were blocked, barbed wire unrolled, and armed guards posted, turning neighbors into strangers by force. For years after World War II, Berlin had been a divided city within a divided Germany, but its open border allowed thousands of East Germans to flee to the West. By 1961, East Germany's leadership, with Soviet backing, viewed the steady exodus as both an economic drain and a political embarrassment. The border closure was quickly followed by the construction of the Berlin Wall — initially a rudimentary barricade, later reinforced into a heavily guarded concrete barrier. Families were split, jobs lost, and daily life in the city transformed, as movement between the two halves became nearly impossible. West Berlin became an isolated enclave of democracy surrounded by a communist state, symbolizing Cold War tensions. The Wall also became a stage for daring escape attempts, some successful, others tragically fatal. Its legal underpinning rested on East Germany's assertion of sovereignty and border control, which the West rejected as illegitimate. International condemnation followed, but geopolitical realities left the Wall in place for nearly three decades. The border closure and Wall construction intensified the East–West standoff, influencing Cold War diplomacy, military posturing, and propaganda. The Wall finally fell on November 9, 1989, marking the beginning of German reunification. The events of August 13, 1961, remain a stark reminder of how governments can physically enforce political divisions.The American Bar Association has voted to eliminate its longstanding rule that reserved five Board of Governors seats specifically for women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ members, and people with disabilities — what can only be described as a stunning kowtowing to authoritarianism. Instead, those positions will now be open to anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, regardless of personal demographic background. The change was approved by the ABA's House of Delegates during its annual meeting in Toronto, where members also considered, but rejected, proposals to shrink the size of both the House and the Board. Advocates for the shift argued that broadening eligibility could help the ABA sidestep potential lawsuits, while critics noted it follows years of political pressure from the Trump administration and conservative legal groups. That pressure has included threats to strip the ABA of its law school accreditation role and formal complaints alleging its diversity programs discriminate against non-minorities. The ABA has already paused its law school diversity accreditation requirement until at least 2026. Membership in the association has also sharply declined over the past decade, falling from nearly 400,000 in 2015 to about 227,000 in 2024, with leadership citing the elimination of free and low-cost memberships as one factor. Previously, eligibility for the diversity-designated seats was based strictly on identity, but the new rules rely on factors such as lived experience, involvement in relevant initiatives, and resilience in the face of obstacles. While the ABA did not cite political motives, the timing and surrounding context suggest a strategic retreat in the face of escalating ideological confrontation.ABA ends diversity requirements for governing board seats | ReutersAT&T has reached a settlement with Headwater Research, ending a wireless patent infringement lawsuit just days before trial in a Texas federal court. Headwater, founded by scientist Gregory Raleigh, claimed AT&T used its patented technology for reducing data usage and easing network congestion without permission, allegedly copying the inventions after a 2009 meeting with company employees. The suit, filed in 2023, targeted AT&T's cellular networks and devices, with the telecom giant denying infringement and challenging the patents' validity. The case was set for trial Thursday, but both parties asked the court to pause proceedings due to the settlement. Headwater has had recent success in the same court, winning $279 million from Samsung and $175 million from Verizon in separate wireless technology disputes earlier this year. Terms of the AT&T settlement were not disclosed.AT&T settles US wireless patent case before trial | ReutersA federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to restore part of the $584 million in federal grants it recently froze for UCLA, finding the move violated a prior court injunction. Judge Rita Lin, ruling from San Francisco, said the National Science Foundation's suspension of funds breached her June order that blocked the termination of multiple University of California grants. The decision affects more than a third of the frozen amount, which had been halted amid President Trump's threats to cut funding to universities over pro-Palestinian campus protests. The administration has accused UCLA and other schools of allowing antisemitism during demonstrations, while protesters — including some Jewish groups — argue the government is conflating criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with bigotry. The funding freeze comes as UCLA faces a proposed $1 billion settlement demand from the administration, a figure the university says would be financially devastating. Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, have labeled the offer as extortion, raising broader concerns about free speech and academic freedom. UCLA has already settled a separate antisemitism lawsuit for over $6 million and faces litigation tied to a 2024 mob attack on pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The administration has reached settlements with other universities, including Columbia and Brown, while talks with Harvard continue.Judge orders Trump administration to restore part of UCLA's suspended funding | ReutersA federal appeals court has upheld Arkansas's ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, reversing a lower court's ruling that found the law unconstitutional. In an 8-2 decision, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cited the U.S. Supreme Court's recent approval of a similar Tennessee law, concluding that Arkansas's restrictions do not violate the Equal Protection Clause. The majority also rejected claims that the ban infringes on parents' constitutional rights to seek medical treatment for their children, finding no historical precedent for such a right when the state deems the care inappropriate. The dissent argued the law lacked evidence to support its stated goal of protecting children and would harm transgender youth and their families. Arkansas passed the first statewide ban of its kind in 2021, overriding a veto from then-Governor Asa Hutchinson, and it has since been followed by similar laws in 25 states. The ruling represents a significant victory for Republican-led efforts to restrict gender-affirming care and comes amid a wave of federal and state litigation over such policies.US appeals court upholds Arkansas law banning youth transgender care | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
The German Democratic Republic has come to stand as a symbol of communist tyranny, a source of Cold War nostalgia and socialist kitsch, and a failed alternative to the worst excesses of 21st century capitalism. In this book, Ned Richardson-Little delves into the central contradictions of the GDR state: This book illustrates the fault lines of GDR society, the worldviews and experiences of not only those who ruled the GDR, but also those who rebelled against the strictures of state socialism, and those in between who sought a normal life under dictatorship. The German Democratic Republic: The Rise and Fall of a Cold War State (Bloomsbury, 2025) is a succinct and comprehensive history of East Germany that traces its story from the country's origins as the Soviet Zone of Occupation after World War II through key events such as the 1953 Uprising, the building of the Berlin Wall, the Helsinki Accords, and the collapse of state socialism in 1989. Some of the themes explored include the memory of Nazism and national identity, everyday life under dictatorship, including consumerism, sexuality, and racism, the global politics of the GDR, the diversity of dissenting voices, and the competing visions for East Germany's democratic future. Guest: Ned Richardson-Little (he/him) is a Research Fellow in Department V: Globalizations in a Divided World at the Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF), in Germany. He is a historian of modern Germany, with a focus on the GDR, socialism, far-right extremism, and the history of international law and international crime. He is the author of The Human Rights Dictatorship: Socialism, Global Solidarity and Revolution in East Germany (2020), and co-editor of Socialism and International Law (2024). Host: Jenna Pittman (she/her), a Ph.D. student in the Department of History at Duke University. She studies modern European history, political economy, and Germany from 1945-1990. Scholars@Duke: https://scholars.duke.edu/pers... Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jennapittman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies
Chuck Heinz and Jamie Lent talk about a New Met HR King, the Berlin Wall, what we are worried about for Tech Football, least favorite Red Raider, and right handed and left handed people.
National Filet Mignon day. entertainment from 1971. Azted Empire ended, South Park TV series began, Berlin Wall began being constructed. Todays birthdays - Annie Oakley, Burt Lahr, Alfred Hitchcock, Don Ho, Dan Fogelberg, Danny Bonaduce. Florence Nightengale died.Intro - God did good - Dianna Corcoran https://www.diannacorcoran.com/Filet Mignon is yummy - The Hungry Food BandHow can you mend a broken heart - Bee GeesI'm just me - Charley PrideBirthdays - In da club - 50 Cent https://www.50cent.com/Tiny bubbles - Don hoLeader of the band - Dan FogelbergThe Partridge Family TV themeExit - Wine down - Elyse Saunders https://www.elysesaunders.com/countryundergroundradio.comHistory & Factoids webpage
Today, the Two Mikes spoke for a few minutes with Dimitri Makarov, who is senior assistant to the Russian Foreign Minister. Mr. Makarov noted that Russia's government is tired of Trump's constantly changing positions and threats on Ukraine. Ukraine, he said, is a genuine problem for Russia. Even before the current war began, the Ukrainian government had been killing thousands of ethnic Russians in eastern Ukraine. This was made worse by United States and NATO overthrowing a legitimately elected pro-Russia president, eventually replacing him the addicted clown Zelensky, and then helping his regime to wage war against Russia. Makarov said none of the actors in this mess showed any interest in Russia's national interests, and NATO and The U.S. did nothing but force war to start and then send many billions of dollars of arms to Zelinsky. Makarov said that Russia will now end the war on its term and apparently without any Western help. So be it, Russian security comes first he said, and while Moscow would welcome general cooperation with NATO, that organization clearly wants war with Russia, and Trump seems to have again kowtowed to NATO's position on Ukraine, an organization he does not seem to realize died the day the Berlin Wall fell. Overall, Makarov said, Russia “really does not care what the United States and its leaders think about Russia.” Russia could work with the United States, he added, if it miraculously reacquired its adulthood, but as long as Trump is riding the Zelensky-forever train to hell, Moscow will serve its own interests as it sees them, and the Western morons can take the hindmost. SPONSORS Triangle Fragrance: https://trianglefragrance.com/?sca_ref=4171318.dUndUHDKz3 Cambridge Credit: https://www.cambridge-credit.org/twomikes EMP Shield: https://www.empshield.com/?coupon=twomikes Our Gold Guy: https://www.ourgoldguy.com www.TwoMikes.us
How has the past thirty years of American politics impacted our present? In this episode, Atossa Araxia Abrahamian speaks to journalist and author John Ganz about how the 1990s were the perfect storm that created a new America that birthed the Donald Trump Era. Many today look back on the 1990s with a sense of nostalgia. With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the election of Bill Clinton, Americans of the 90s were ready for a “kinder, gentler America.” But as Ganz argues, the decade was far more turbulent than it seemed. Beneath the surface ran the aftershocks of Reagan-era economics, the rise of anti-establishment rhetoric and a hunger for strongman-style leadership. In retrospect, the decade was a precursor to today's fractured political landscape. Looking to the present, Ganz reminds us that while history may be shaped by deep structures, it's just as often steered by chaos and chance. Whether that's a warning – or a window of opportunity – is up to us. John Ganz is the author of the widely acclaimed Unpopular Front newsletter for Substack and writes a monthly column for the Nation. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, New Republic, New Statesman and other publications. Today we're discussing his new book, When The Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracies, and the Origins of Trumpism, an analysis of the tumult of the early 1990s and the rise of a new America that birthed the Donald Trump Era. --- If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Stephen Culp is one of Chattanooga's most prodigious and low-key entrepreneurs. In this episode, Stephen shares why curiosity is the driving force behind most of his decisions, what it was like being in Europe when the Berlin Wall fell (and participating in it), and how going to Stanford forced him to be entrepreneurial, which ultimately led him to start Smart Furniture and Delegator, as well as to come back to Chattanooga. Stephen Culp founded Smart Furniture and co-founded Delegator. You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/stephenculp). If you like this episode, we think you'll also like: Cam Doody's Morning Cup (E63) Christian Höferle's Morning Cup (E76) Dave Kinzler's Morning Cup (E102) My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter here and be the first to know who upcoming guests are!
Show Notes Episode 502: Way Down In Kosovo Part 4 of Summer Series 2025 This week Host Dave Bledsoe was savagely ejected from a bar in the Little Serbia neighborhood of Queens when he ordered a Belgrade Car Bomb. (Yes, there is a Little Serbia in Ridgewood Queens) On the show this week we finished up the Summer Series with that time the United States bombed the Balkans because the President couldn't keep his dick in his pants. We talk about 1999's Operation Allied Force in Kosovo. Along the way we hear about yet another time Dave almost got kicked out of the military but didn't. (It's like they never should have let him in!) Then discover why the Balkans is such a trouble spot in Europe. (Colonialism, but in this case, Roman Empire colonialism.) Then we dive right into post World War Two Yugoslavia. (Do we mention the car, you know that we do!) and how this created a lot of people in a small area who all hated each other's guts. When the Berlin Wall dropped, followed by the dropping of Bill Clinton's trousers, the US and our NATO allies found ourselves blowing up some huts and bombing some schools! (Don't worry, a lot of them were Muslim schools!) Finally we examine why doing the right thing for the wrong reasons kind of nullifies doing the right thing. Our Sponsor this week is Safe-Tern,we find interns you won't WANT to have sex with! We open the show with Bill explaining where and why we are bombing and close with Talon Sei demonstrating why Ska can turn even the worst song into something GREAT! Show Theme: Hypnostate Prelude to Common Sense The Show on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/whatthehellpodcast.bsky.social The Show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatthehellpodcast/ The Show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxP5ywpZ-O7qu_MFkLXQUQ The Show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatthehellwereyouthinkingpod/ Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/kHmmrjptrq Our Website: https://www.whatthehellpodcast.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Whatthehellpodcast The Show Line: 347 687 9601 Closing Music: https://youtu.be/TDDC7-Ymfeg?si=nA5xcFZ8YSlFoCOq&t=481 Buy Our Stuff: https://www.seltzerkings.com/shop Citations Needed: ‘It's getting out of hand': genocide denial outlawed in Bosnia https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jul/24/genocide-denial-outlawed-bosnia-srebrenica-office-high-representative Wikipedia: Operation Deliberate Force https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Deliberate_Force The Kosovo War in Retrospect https://warontherocks.com/2019/03/the-kosovo-war-in-retrospect/ From Watergate to Monicagate https://archive.org/details/fromwatergatetom00foer/page/132/mode/2up Where's the Evidence of Genocide of Kosovar Albanians? https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-29-me-27493-story.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Time travel in real time as for the first time ever Tom plays audio recordings he made with a friend 50 years ago in Munich West Germany (before the fall of the Berlin Wall!). Now shocking improv efforts reveal the 1970s, an era when adult comedy knew no bounds and "cancellation" was only something people did with an unneeded airplane reservation.
On this episode, director of Global Missions, Jim Ritchie, interviews Dr. Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene, and Dr. Franklin Cook, former regional director of Eurasia for the Church of the Nazarene and founding editor of Holiness Today. Jim speaks with Dr. Sunberg and Dr. Cook about a book they recently co-authored, Pulling Back the Curtain on the Former Soviet Union (The Foundry Publishing). This book chronicles the experiences of missionaries in the former Soviet Union following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Iron Curtain. It details the challenges and efforts involved in establishing a ministry and sharing the gospel in this challenging world area.
In this episode of the HODGEPOD, Rob Fredette welcomes U.S. Foreign policy expert Ronald Bee to discuss pressing global issues. Ronald Bee, with his extensive background in international relations and national security, shares his insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the historical impact of the Cold War, and the complexities of the Middle East crisis. Listeners gain a deep understanding of how past events shape current international dynamics and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace. Tune in to learn from Ronald's rich experiences and expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of global affairs. Ronald has worked as a public affairs analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna, Austria), as a foreign policy analyst at the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service (CRS, DC), as a Special Assistant for National Security Affairs at Palomar Corporation, with projects conducted for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Energy, the DoD Office of International Security Affairs, and the Presidential Commission on Chemical Warfare Review (DC), as a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow for American Leadership working for the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament (Bonn) and the Governing Mayor of West Berlin the year before the Berlin Wall fell. In addition he served in fellowships at the Princeton Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, the Aspen Institute, Berlin, and the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria. RECORDED JULY 29, 2025 Thank you for listening to HODGEPOD which can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and the PODBEAN APP
In this episode of the HODGEPOD, Rob Fredette welcomes U.S. Foreign policy expert Ronald Bee to discuss pressing global issues. Ronald Bee, with his extensive background in international relations and national security, shares his insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the historical impact of the Cold War, and the complexities of the Middle East crisis. Listeners gain a deep understanding of how past events shape current international dynamics and the ongoing efforts to maintain peace. Tune in to learn from Ronald's rich experiences and expertise in navigating the intricate landscape of global affairs. Ronald has worked as a public affairs analyst at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA, Vienna, Austria), as a foreign policy analyst at the Library of Congress Congressional Research Service (CRS, DC), as a Special Assistant for National Security Affairs at Palomar Corporation, with projects conducted for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Department of Energy, the DoD Office of International Security Affairs, and the Presidential Commission on Chemical Warfare Review (DC), as a Robert Bosch Foundation Fellow for American Leadership working for the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the German Parliament (Bonn) and the Governing Mayor of West Berlin the year before the Berlin Wall fell. In addition he served in fellowships at the Princeton Center for Energy and Environmental Studies, the Aspen Institute, Berlin, and the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria. RECORDED JULY 29, 2025 Thank you for listening to HODGEPOD which can be heard on APPLE, SPOTIFY, IHEART, AUDACY, TUNEIN and the PODBEAN APP
This month we appear to be teleporting between CBGB's, Studio 54, The 100 Club, The Berlin Wall and some kind of prog gig in a field in Cambridgeshire as we battle over our favourite songs of 1977!We've each chosen our 10 favourite songs of the year and sent them over to Colin's wife Helen, who put the playlists together and distributed them so we were each given a playlist of the 20 songs from the other two hosts, along with our own 10. We then ranked the playlists in order of preference and sent them back to Helen, who totalled up the points and worked out the order.She also joined us on the episode to read out the countdown, which we found out as we recorded so all reactions are genuine.Now, admittedly, in parts we're a little bit brutal to some of the songs in the list as we're three separate people with differing music tastes, but please remember that to be in this episode at all the songs have to have been in one of our top 10's of that year.Bands featured in this episode include (In alphabetical order, no spoilers here!) - David Bowie, Chic, Commodores, Elvis Costello, The Damned, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Dean Friedman, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, Heldon, Richard Hell, Billy Joel, Kiss, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley & The Wailers, Anthony Phillips, Pink Floyd, Plastic Bertrand, Iggy Pop, Queen, Ramones, Suicide, Talking Heads, Television, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, John Williams & The London Symphony Orchestra, Wire, Bill Withers, & X-Ray SpexFind all songs in alphabetical order here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Gh83sLsD9mCpQAIliafVB?si=49b9628e338d4c77Find our We Dig Music Pollwinners Party playlist (featuring all of the winning songs up until now) here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/45zfDHo8zm6VqrvoEQSt3z?si=Ivt0oMj6SmitimvumYfFrQIf you want to listen to megalength playlists of all the songs we've individually picked since we started doing best of the year episodes (which need updating but I plan on doing them over the next few months or so), you can listen to Colin's here – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5x3Vy5Jry2IxG9JNOtabRT?si=HhcVKRCtRhWCK1KucyrDdgIan's here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2H0hnxe6WX50QNQdlfRH5T?si=XmEjnRqISNqDwi30p1uLqAand Tracey's here - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2p3K0n8dKhjHb2nKBSYnKi?si=7a-cyDvSSuugdV1m5md9NwThe playlist of 20 songs from the other two hosts was scored as usual, our favourite song got 20 points, counting down incrementally to our least favourite which got 1 point. The scoring of our own list of 10 is now slightly more complicated in order to give a truer level of points to our own favourites. So rather than them only being able to score as many points as our 10th favourite in the other list, the points in our own list were distributed as follows -1st place - 20 points2nd place - 18 points3rd place – 16 points4th place – 14 points5th place – 12 points6th place – 9 points7th place – 7 points8th place – 5 points9th place – 3 points10th place -1 pointHosts - Ian Clarke, Colin Jackson-Brown & Tracey BGuest starring Helen Jackson-Brown.Playlist compiling/distributing – Helen Jackson-BrownRecorded/Edited/Mixed/Original Music by Colin Jackson-Brown for We Dig PodcastsThanks to Peter Latimer for help with the scoring system.Part of the We Dig Podcasts network along with Free With This Months Issue & Pick A Disc.Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/wedigmusic.bsky.socialInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/wedigmusicpcast/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wedigpusicpcast/Find our other episodes & podcasts at www.wedigpodcasts.com
History gets the draft treatment in this blast-from-the-past episode as Ben and Dylan go head-to-head drafting the biggest news events of 1989 — the year when the world turned a serious page. Round by round, they pull headlines from a year packed with political upheaval, scandal, and seismic shifts (literally). From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the Tiananmen Square protests, Soviet withdrawals, celebrity shame spirals, and an earthquake in the middle of the World Series — 1989 had it all. Will Ben's Cold War power plays dominate the board, or will Dylan's scandal-slinging strategy shake things up? Round 1 - 2:00 Round 2 -12:00 Sponsor - 20:10 Round 3 - 23:45 Round 4 - 45:00 Duel - 57:00
Babe Ruth's called shot. JFK's moon shot. Reagan's demand to tear down the Berlin Wall. All remarkable calls that led to remarkable moments in American and world history. Blaise Ingoglia is no Babe Ruth. Ending property taxes in Florida isn't exactly a “moon shot”. However, on a relative level, the impact throughout the state of Florida might be the equivalent locally of tearing down the Berlin Wall.
1990 was the European Year of Tourism. The map of Europe was also changing, as the fall of the Berlin Wall and the movement toward what would become the European Union started to redefine the concept of borders. We'll be taking a look at how the 1990 Contest in Yugoslavia reflected this new era in Europe, as well as how the 2025 Contest mirrors those reflections 35 years later. Yugoslavia 1990 Summary #EurovisionAgain, again (1:55) A Brief History of Mascots and Postcards (4:14) The European Year of Tourism (10:20) How Yugoslavia Handled Tourism (15:21) Yugoslavia at Eurovision (18:53) The Year between Lausanne and Zagreb (22:47) The 1990 Eurovision Song Contest (28:12) After the Year(s) of Tourism (43:43) Subscribe The EuroWhat? Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts. Find your podcast app to subscribe here (https://www.eurowhat.com/subscribe). Comments, questions, and episode topic suggestions are always welcome. You can shoot us an email (mailto:eurowhatpodcast@gmail.com) or reach out on Bluesky @eurowhat.bsky.social (https://bsky.app/profile/eurowhat.bsky.social). Join the EuroWhat AV Club! If you would like to help financially support the show, we are hosting the EuroWhat AV Club over on Patreon! We have a slew of bonus episodes with deep dives on Eurovision-adjacent topics. Eurovision Podcast Podcrawl What is the Eurovision Podcrawl? It's where the Eurovision podcast community picks a topic ("a year when a country first hosted Eurovision") and we all publish our episodes in our own styles. At the end of an episode, we'll point to the podcast with the next episode, and so on, through the summer! Here's the crawl: ESC Insight: France 1959 (https://escinsight.com/2025/06/18/eurovision-insight-podcast-the-eurovision-podcrawl-starts-in-cannes-1959/) Wind Machine Podcast: Austria 1967 (https://windmachinepodcast.com/2025/06/30/episode-103-1967-podcrawl-oh-vienna-and-the-barefooted-mistress-of-puppets/) The EuroWhat? Podcast: Yugoslavia 1990 (hey, that's this one!) Niall Points: Latvia 2003 (week of July 28) 12 Points from America: Belgium 1987 (week of August 11) That Eurovision Site: Denmark 1964 (week of August 25) Douze Points: Azerbaijan 2012 (week of September 8)
In this engaging segment of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards fields a call from a Black woman in Covington, Kentucky, who offers a refreshing and nuanced perspective on the ongoing debate over a Confederate monument in Brandon, Mississippi. The caller, a longtime listener celebrating a belated birthday shoutout from Clay, dives into the controversy surrounding the 1908 Civil War-era statue located just outside Jackson's city limits in the conservative suburb of Brandon. She firmly advocates for keeping the monument in place, arguing that "no Confederate flag, no Confederate statue, building, monument is not gonna come alive and say 'Hey Black girl, I want you back in slavery.'" Emphasizing its historical value, she notes it's been standing for over 100 years and, while sometimes offensive, deserves respect as part of America's past—people can simply choose to avoid those who embrace such symbols without demanding removal. The caller shares her recent research on Jefferson Davis, a Kentucky native and Confederate leader, revealing complexities like his adoption of a free Black orphan and allowing free Black soldiers to fight for the Confederacy. She stresses the importance of teaching "all of history, not just the selected parts," warning that erasing the "ugly" aspects makes it easier to repeat mistakes. Drawing parallels to preserved sites like the Berlin Wall, she aligns with Clay's view that judging historical figures solely through modern lenses is unfair, as they were "men of their times" with complicated legacies. Clay praises her viewpoint, critiquing "white savior" attitudes from locals like a Brandon school principal who spoke as if representing all Black students' offense, assuming uniform reactions without input from the community. This call comes amid heated local discussions, where Brandon residents recently weighed in at a July 8, 2025, board meeting on potentially relocating the statue—perhaps to the Confederate section of the city cemetery—to balance heritage with inclusivity. Arguments echoed national debates: some see it as a symbol of white power erected decades after the war, while others view removal as disrespecting Southern ancestors and erasing history. Despite the mayor's earlier claim that any move was hypothetical, the meeting highlighted growing pressure for change. Clay uses the exchange to underscore diverse Black opinions, challenging stereotypes and calling for unfiltered dialogue on history's role in progress. Tune in for more raw conversations, listener calls, and Clay's take on preserving the past without repeating it. Follow @SaveJXN on social media for episode clips and updates!
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comEd is the US national editor and columnist at the Financial Times. Before that, he was the FT's Washington Bureau chief, the South Asia bureau chief, Capital Markets editor, and Philippines correspondent. During the Clinton administration, he was the speechwriter for Larry Summers. The author of many books, his latest is Zbig: The Life and Times of Brzezinski, America's Great Power Prophet.For two clips of our convo — on how China played Trump on rare minerals, and Europe's bind over Russian energy — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: growing up in West Sussex near my hometown; the international appeal of English boarding schools; the gerontocracy of the USSR; Ed making a beeline to the Berlin Wall as it fell; Fukuyama's The End of History; Brzezinski's The Grand Failure — of Communism; enthusiasm for free markets after the Cold War; George Kennan warning against Ukraine independence; HW Bush and the Persian Gulf; climate change and migration; a population boom in Africa; W Bush tolerating autocracy in the war on terrorism; Trump tearing up his own NAFTA deal; the resurgence of US isolationism; the collapsing security umbrella in Europe leading to more self-reliance; Germany's flagging economy; the China threat; Taiwan's chips; TACO on tariffs; the clean energy cuts in OBBBA; the abundance agenda; national debt and Bowles-Simpson; the overrated Tony Blair; Liz Truss' “epic Dunning-Kruger”; Boris killing the Tory Party; the surprising success of Mark Carney; Biden's mediocrity; Bernie's appeal; and the Rest catching up with the West.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Tara Zahra on the revolt against globalization after WWI, Scott Anderson on the Iranian Revolution, Shannon Minter debating trans issues, Thomas Mallon on the AIDS crisis, and Johann Hari turning the tables to interview me. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
In this episode of The Clay Edwards Show, host Clay Edwards kicks off a lively "Fa Fo Friday" with personal anecdotes and local news from Jackson, Mississippi. He apologizes for missing the previous day's show due to a sty in his eye, sharing a humorous story about his vision challenges and a nod to the classic song "A Tear in My Beer." Clay dives into his recent meals, raving about red meat spaghetti, club sandwiches, and red beans and rice from a local spot, emphasizing how he's rediscovered his love for certain dishes after years of preferences. Shifting to an open forum, Clay opens the floor for listener topics but reflects on the week's heavy coverage of Epstein-related revelations. He expresses strong disappointment in the administration's handling, calling it a "black eye" and a reminder that government often disregards the public, eroding trust and demanding full transparency moving forward. He criticizes the bipartisan dismissal of public demands for information, likening it to being treated like "plebs." The show then covers a chaotic shootout in Jackson's Brook Hollow subdivision, where multiple individuals fired over 100 rounds without hitting anyone. Clay details the arrested and wanted suspects—18-year-old Linden Ford, 20-year-old Quinn Marion Chrissler, and 39-year-old Jamal Santez Henderson—mocking unusual names and tying into a theory about vowels in names predicting criminal behavior, inspired by Freakonomics and observations from a colleague. He laments the inefficiency of local violence and calls out the police chief for an admission that he finds "disgusting," though specifics lead into broader critiques of Jackson's ongoing issues under new leadership. Clay shares fun, satirical stereotypes of Jackson metro areas generated by ChatGPT, poking fun at Flowood as a soulless strip mall escape, Brandon as a conservative haven obsessed with sports and smokers, Northeast Jackson as old-money denial, Ridgeland as suburban ambition with mall vibes, and Madison as HOA-strict perfection. He encourages listeners to contribute their own stereotypes for areas like Pearl, Clinton, and others. The discussion heats up on local controversies, including a heated debate from a recent livestream about school choice as a cure-all (which Clay opposes) and the push to relocate a Civil War memorial statue in Brandon. He argues against moving it, citing hypocrisy among leaders and double standards in free speech, where conservatives face backlash while others don't. A caller shares a powerful firsthand experience touring Berlin Wall remnants in Germany, emphasizing the importance of preserving history to avoid repeating tyranny, drawing parallels to not hiding America's past. Clay touches on a scandal involving local figure Vernon Hartley, humorously analyzing a viral post about his personal escapades that backfired on the poster, turning into unintended promotion. He wraps with criticism of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's claims that violence stems only from MAGA supporters, countering with examples of Democrat-led urban violence and riots. Throughout, Clay interacts with listener texts and comments, blending humor, personal health tips on testosterone benefits, and calls for accountability in leadership. The episode ends on a high note previewing an upcoming wildlife event, delivering a mix of local gossip, political rants, and community banter perfect for a Friday wind-down.
This special 4th of July Progrum features the fellas reminiscing about their favorite American moments and traditions. They share personal anecdotes and iconic historical clips, from the Wright Brothers' first flight to the Miracle on Ice, discussing moments that embody American ingenuity, resilience, and patriotism. Join the fellas as they count down the greatest moments on film, and watch their analysis of unforgettable scenes, like Trump's assassination attempt. PLUS your comments and a fond farewell to the beloved Spaghetts. Good luck, Nick! 00:00 - Happy 4th of July & Patriotic Beginnings 08:00 - Iconic American Moments: NASCAR & Creed 12:15 - The Great "First in Flight" Debate 18:15 - Defining Moments: Miracle on Ice & Bin Laden 29:57 - Trump's "Fight, Fight, Fight" & American Resilience 36:00 - Iwo Jima, Moon Landing 45:30 - Your Comments from YouTube 54:30 - A Fond Farewell to Spaghetts Our Sponsors: -Help Trump get his big, beautiful, bill. Go to https://protectprosperity.com/ -Find out the true power of America's oil and natural gas. Go to https://lightsonenergy.org/
An immigration reporter's chance encounter in the desert reveals how borders shape our actions, our beliefs, and the way we see the world around us.Open BordersIf you're new to the show (thanks Apple Podcasts!) here are some favorite episodes to get you started:Freedom House Ambulance ServiceOne-Nil to the ArsenalGuerrilla Public Service ReduxTowers of SilenceThe House that Came in the MailThe Real Book Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of 99% Invisible ad-free and a whole week early. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.
What if the key to building your dream Airbnb business was hidden inside a bold decision—and one life-changing Facebook ad? In this powerful episode of The STR Sisterhood podcast, I sit down with Anja Schaer, a fearless short-term rental investor whose journey is anything but ordinary. From growing up behind the Berlin Wall to building a thriving portfolio of Airbnb and mid-term rental properties in Atlanta, Anja's story is a masterclass in reinvention and real estate success. We talk about her surprising pivot—from running a lighting store to diving headfirst into the world of Airbnb hosting and property investing. It all began with a single Facebook ad and a $35,000 coaching program that changed the trajectory of her life. Anja shares the mindset shifts that helped her break free from limiting beliefs, the power of risk in growing a short-term rental business, and how her East German upbringing shaped her relentless pursuit of freedom and financial independence. But this episode isn't just about real estate—it's about reclaiming your story and designing a life you love. Anja also reveals how she's using hybrid rental strategies (think Airbnb meets mid-term stays) to scale smarter—and how she's empowering other women to build wealth through property-backed income. If you've ever felt the pull to do something bigger, this episode is for you. You'll walk away with inspiration, practical takeaways for your Airbnb business, and a fresh reminder that sometimes the boldest leaps bring the biggest rewards. Tune in now—and get ready to dream bigger, invest smarter, and live life on your terms. HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS: [01:30] A short introduction about our guest Anja Schaer and a glimpse on her short-term rental portfolio [02:47] How Anja's journey from East Germany to the U.S. shaped her mindset around risk, freedom, and money [09:22] How the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany impacted her emotionally and shaped her worldview [13:44] Anja shares how her early life experiences influence her entrepreneurial mindset [17:38] Anja and her husband's transition from a lighting business to real estate investing [24:06] Anja's view on balancing education and action when taking a leap into something new [35:52] How building and being part of communities provided Anja with emotional support, strategic feedback, and validation during pivots in her business journey [41:32] Anja shares how her coaching journey began organically, as women started reaching out to her after seeing her success with short-term rentals. [45:41] Anja talks about her book, The Hybrid Rental Strategy —based entirely on her real-life experiences and experiments [50:32] The lightning round Golden Nuggets: “We just have to be open to new things, to be ready to adapt, not holding onto old structures for too long, keeping our eyes open for opportunities.” “There's always good things and bad things. It's just weighing your options and making a decision that aligns with your goals, that aligns with your values.” “Jump and grow your wings on the way down.” “Learning to get comfortable with the uncomfortable is a skill. It's simply a muscle that can be built and just because you may not feel like you have that skill right now doesn't mean that that's not a skill that you can start building today.” “It might feel hard and uncomfortable for now, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep on going, push through.” “The power of a community is not only having the ability to ask questions and get plugged into formalized education, but also learning from other people's challenges before it ever occurs in our own businesses.” Resources Mentioned: Live Big Book : https://tinyurl.com/mvdvetb6 The Hybrid Rental Strategy : https://tinyurl.com/48hskfrs Let's Connect! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anja_invests/ Enjoyed the show? Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
This is the story of a Communist family in East Germany whose world was turned upside down by the implosion of the GDR. The story is told by Katja Hesse, whose father was a Vice Admiral in the Volksmarine, the East German Navy. We start the episode with Katja crossing into West Berlin on the night of 9th November 1989 and journey through the emotional landscape of certainties overturned by the opening of the Berlin Wall. Using her father's diaries Katja shares in detail her memories and reflections. From her father's shock upon learning she crossed into West Berlin, to the complexities of navigating a new reality in a reunified Germany. It's an intimate glimpse into the struggles of her family as she recounts the legacy of the GDR and the profound impact it had on her upbringing and identity. Buy Katja's book here https://www.engelsdorfer-verlag.de/Belletristik/Romanhafte-Biografien/Ostprinzessinnen-tragen-keine-Krone::7605.html Episode extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode409/ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You'll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you'll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Love history? Join Intohistory https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President George H. W. Bush presided over the Gulf War, the conclusion of the Cold War, the collapse of the USSR and the fall of the Berlin Wall during what proved an eventful single term of office from 1989 to 1993. But what was his answer to the burning question of the age, the legacy of which rumbles on down to this very day: 'What next?' Don's guide to this pivotal presidency is Professor Jeremi Suri author of The Impossible Presidency and host of the podcast This Is Democracy.Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Freddy Chick. Senior Producer is Charlotte Long.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast.
After a tragedy in the Florida Straits, a dramatic tug of war takes place between Castro and America - all centred on a five-year-old boy. A new leader in the Soviet Union comes to power with fresh ideas which terrify Fidel. The Berlin Wall crumbles, putting Cuba on the brink. As riots break out in Havana, rebellion is in the air... A Noiser podcast production. Narrated by Paul McGann. Featuring Alvaro Alba, Michael Bustamante, Anthony DePalma, Lillian Guerra, Irene Lopez Kuchilan, Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo, Rogelio Martinez. This is Part 9 of 10. Written by Edward White | Produced by Ed Baranski and Edward White | Exec produced by Joel Duddell | Sound supervisor: Tom Pink | Sound design & audio editing by George Tapp | Assembly editing by Dorry Macaulay, Anisha Deva | Compositions by Oliver Baines, Dorry Macaulay, Tom Pink | Mix & mastering: Cian Ryan-Morgan | Recording engineer: Joseph McGann. Get every episode of Real Dictators a week early with Noiser+. You'll also get ad-free listening, bonus material and early access to shows across the Noiser podcast network. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started. Or go to noiser.com/subscriptions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Voicemail: 951-292-4377; The Tens and Aces Podcast; Poker floor ruling follow-up; Berlin Wall at Main Street Station; Borgata renovation; 100x odds; Black Hawk advice; The benefits of a player's card; You Can Bet on That Vibe
TODAY WE'RE LEARNING ABOUT THE BERLIN WALL, cute Germany!!
In 1987 Uunied States President Ronald Reagan spoke at the Berlin Wall. In his speech he called on the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall". The famous words were met with applause and cheers by the large crowd of West Berliners who had lived in a divided city since 1961 when the wall was built. However, that phrase was very nearly omitted from the address. The speechwriter, Peter Robinson, tells Tim O'Callaghan what happened.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Ronald Reagan speaking outside the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate in 1987, Credit: MIKE SARGENT/AFP via Getty Images)