Podcasts about Brilliant

Howie Kurtz on the continuing search for Nancy Guthrie and the efforts by TMZ founder Harvey Levin to assist the FBI investigation, the profile of California Governor Gavin Newsom, including details about his dyslexia, and the passing of acclaimed actor Robert Duvall at the age of 95. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeannette sits down with Panos Almyrantis, the Chief Growth and Commercial Officer for Ella Resorts and President of the European Hotel Managers Association.  Panos shares his journey from starting as a busboy to becoming a top hospitality executive, offering a unique look into the expansion of Ella Resorts and their €700 million investment plan. Together they dive deep into the evolving definition of luxury focusing on authenticity and lifestyle, and the critical balance between high-tech AI tools and the irreplaceable human touch in the guest experience. You'll Learn Why: “Leader-ment" is the future of management Authenticity is the new luxury Diversification is a key business strategy AI should amplify, not replace, humanity Pressure is a catalyst for growth This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

Beat Migs! Imagine if Emo Nite and Steve's wrestling had a baby.

This week's Gospel Matthew 17:1-9  shares the story of God's confirmation that Jesus is God's Son. Imagine being surprised by someone you know being transformed into a glowing, white presence! Peter said, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here'. The brilliant light of Jesus lifted his heart! When God confirmed Jesus as God's son, Peter was struck with awesome fear.  I can't help but think of who we follow these days- those who illuminate themselves with light. It might be an Instagram influencer with a ring light, or a news reader under the studio spotlight- we listen carefully to the news they bring and we try to follow in the paths they might lead us. But Jesus was lit with an inner light- a brilliant glow that signified He is the Son of God. When God spoke, he brought this realisation into Peter's heart, transforming him. It was Jesus who told him not to be afraid.  Let's think again about those influencers and their spotlights. They use artificial lights that help to enhance their message but the paths they draw us down often lead to fear, anxiety or doubt that peace will ever reign. What instead if we turn to Jesus, whose pure light from within signifies that He is the true guide to follow? He speaks peace, and casts away fear. Let's imagine ourselves surrounded by that ‘bright cloud' that holds God's glory this week, and seek to be true followers of Jesus, with peaceful hearts. Amen.Message Presented by Rev. Dr. Don Wicklman.  Support the show

An episode with a special guest! Scott Harrison, celebrity personal trainer and founder of The Six Pack Revolution invites Sophie Forrest-Lavery from Forrest Group into his home to talk about her experience with the programme. https://thesixpackrevolution.com/ https://www.theforrestgroup.co.uk/Support the show

We may have a new name but it's still time for another BIG and BRILLIANT adventure into the world of science on this week’s Science Quest! In Science in the News, could a mound in North West England contain the remains of Ivar the Boneless, a lost Viking? We also discover why porpoises go quiet when boats pass by, and hear from Dorota Skowronska-Krawczyk from UC Irvine about how Greenland sharks can live for hundreds of years. It’s time for your questions too. Lydia wants to know why ice cracks when you put it in water, and Joe Williams from Exeter University helps answer a huge question from Thomas: what caused the Big Bang? Dangerous Dan introduces us to the unusual Greeningi Frog, and in Battle of the Sciences, Sam Sedgeman explains the fascinating science behind solar eclipses and why they happen. Plus, join Marina Ventura on her first Ocean Adventure as she explores the exciting world of ocean research. From the birth of the Universe to mysterious Viking kings and shadowy solar events, this episode is packed with big questions and brilliant discoveries! What we learn about: How scientists think the Universe began What might have caused the Big Bang How solar eclipses happen Why porpoises change their behaviour around boats How Greenland sharks live for so long Why ice makes cracking sounds The mysterious greeningi frog How ocean research helps us explore the seas All that and more on this week’s Science Quest!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony and Sara return to talk about another Re-Animator movie. This time it's for Bride of Re-animator. A movie crazier and possibly better than the first.https://youtube.com/live/cD3zcnUpk7shttps://rumble.com/v75q8tg-bride-of-re-animator-is-a-brilliant-sequel-hack-the-movies.html?e9s=src_v1_upp_a

Hello Beautiful, I'm so grateful you're here with me.

Scotland destroyed England 31-20 to win the Calcutta Cup!From the stands at Murrayfield Alfie Reynolds, Mark Palmer and Will Kelleher try to unpick a crazy match.The ghosts of Calcutta Cups past came back to haunt England as they once again produced a lacklustre performance in Edinburgh. Their losing streak in the Scottish capital continues. But Scotland were brilliant and bounced back from defeat to Italy the week before.What does this tell us about both sides? Are France the best side in the 6 Nations by some distance? And, why can't England win away?***The Ruck Live!Before the final whistle is blown on the 2026 Guinness Men's Six Nations, there's the small matter of Super Saturday. This year the final round promises to be even more explosive, with rivals England and France going head-to-head in the very last match of the competition at the Stade de France.Tough-tacklers Courtney Lawes and Serge Betsen will join Charlie Morgan, Senior Rugby Writer at The Times, and Alfie Reynolds — host of our podcast The Ruck — to compare notes on Le Crunch and the biggest moments of this year's tournament.Book tickets on thetimes.com/events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show from five years ago (2-12-2021), PWTorch.com editor Wade Keller and PWTorch's Nick Barbati to discuss WWE Friday Night Smackdown including big Elimination Chamber Universal Title developments including qualifying matches and more brilliant performances from Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Jey Uso, and Adam Pearce. Also, the return of Seth Rollins, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair interact, and more with live callers and emails.Then, in a bonus segment, we bring you a previously VIP-exclusive Wade Keller Hotline reviewing the year-ago episode of WWE Smackdown from Feb. 14, 2020 including the Mandy Rose-Otis date night, a “We Want Cowbell” chant highlights a Sami Zayn and Cesaro protest concert, The Fiend and Hulk Hogan interact, Daniel Bryan revealed as Roman Reigns Mystery Partner against Miz & Morrison, Sheamus gets cheered, Carmella challenges Bayley, more Super Showdown developments, and more in front of a hot sold-out Vancouver crowd.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wade-keller-pro-wrestling-post-shows--3275545/support.

2026-02-13 | UPDATES #130 | This is just a delicious story. Starlink Honeypot: Russia Paid Ukraine to Doxx 2,420 Terminals. Ukrainians have mounted an extraordinary strong operation. The honeypot: how Russia “unblocked” Starlink… and gave away 2,420 locations. If you want a snapshot of this war in 2026 — here it is: Russia got cut off from Starlink and then tried to cheat the system by paying for a workaround. But there are no shortcuts and that opportunity to unbrick their Starlink terminals turned out to be a Ukrainian trap.----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformation----------A REQUEST FOR HELP!I'm heading back to Kyiv this week, to film, do research and conduct interviews. The logistics and need for equipment and clothing are a little higher than for my previous trips. It will be cold, and may be dark also. If you can, please assist to ensure I can make this trip a success. My commitment to the audience of the channel, will be to bring back compelling interviews conducted in Ukraine, and to use the experience to improve the quality of the channel, it's insights and impact. Let Ukraine and democracy prevail! https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrashttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/scaling-up-campaign-to-fight-authoritarian-disinformationNONE OF THIS CAN HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!So what's next? We're going to Kyiv in January 2026 to film on the ground, and will record interviews with some huge guests. We'll be creating opportunities for new interviews, and to connect you with the reality of a European city under escalating winter attack, from an imperialist, genocidal power. PLEASE HELP ME ME TO GROW SILICON CURTAINWe are planning our events for 2026, and to do more and have a greater impact. After achieving more than 12 events in 2025, we will aim to double that! 24 events and interviews on the ground in Ukraine, to push back against weaponized information, toxic propaganda and corrosive disinformation. Please help us make it happen!----------SOURCES: Maryna Vorotyntseva LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maryna-vorotyntseva-a863917a_the-ukrainian-team-informnapalm-created-a-activity-7427751482172751872-0vBG/RBC-Ukraine — Defence Ministry claims operation collected data on 2,420 terminals, $5,870 donated, terminals blocked; includes Fedorov quote (12 Feb 2026). Ukrainska Pravda (EN) — Summary of operation; notes 2,420 terminals, donations, and 31 Ukrainians identified (12 Feb 2026). Babel (EN) — Reports based on 256th Cyber Assault Division statement; includes SBU context and collaborator identification (12 Feb 2026). UNN (EN) — Repeats Stratcom framing and operation summary (12 Feb 2026). Business Insider — Detailed write-up of the Telegram honeypot mechanics; notes it couldn't independently verify screenshots; includes “Operation Self-Liquidation” and the “155s” quote (13 Feb 2026). Interfax-Ukraine (EN) — Fedorov at Ramstein: “beginning of our asymmetric actions” (12 Feb 2026).Reuters — Background on Starlink deactivation/whitelist and Russian “Two Majors” reaction (5 Feb 2026). Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (official site) — Whitelist process, daily updates, and confirmation Russian terminals blocked (5 Feb 2026). Business Insider — Background on Russia coercing/tempting Ukrainians to register terminals; POW family pressure (11 Feb 2026). ----------

Jeannette is live on stage with the remarkable Juliet Barratt, co-founder of ultra-successful sports nutrition brand Grenade, which was sold for £200 million.  Juliet shares her entrepreneurial journey, starting from her early days as a teacher to her pivotal meeting with her business partner, Al, and the challenges and triumphs of building a brand that stands out in a crowded market, the importance of gut feeling in decision-making, and the dynamics of working with a partner in both business and life You'll Learn Why: Success is not solely defined by monetary gains but by the experiences and choices made along the way Trusting one's instincts and gut feelings can lead to significant breakthroughs in business.  Decisions should be made based on what feels right, rather than overanalysing every aspect. Building a strong team with complementary skill sets is essential. Having the right people around can significantly impact the business's culture and success The ability to pivot and adapt to changing circumstances is vital.  Recognising when to pull back from opportunities, such as entering a new market too early, can save a business from potential pitfalls. This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

When Travel, Humor & Human Connection Collide: A Joyful Conversation with Melissa Rodway Some of the best stories on The Debbie Nigro Show start with a "premonition." You know… that little voice that says to someone, "I should reach out to Debbie." And when that voice belongs to someone with great energy, curiosity, and a whole lotta heart? I listen. That's exactly how I connected with Melissa Rodway—Toronto-based travel storyteller, longtime host of Fly Travel Radio, part-time adventurer, occasional stand-up comic, and author of the five-star Amazon hit The People You Meet. And let me tell you… this conversation was pure joy. From Airport Observations to Life Adventures Melissa's book was born from heartfelt emails she sent home while traveling through Southeast Asia and China—emails so good, friends begged for more. Sixteen years later, she finally turned them into a book. (Proof that timing is everything, people!) Right out of the gate, she hooks you with humor—like watching President Obama on TV in an airport while wondering why the woman next to her didn't care… "Maybe she already has dental."

Have you ever wondered what trees taste like? That's the thought that spurred our guest, Ben Branson, to launch his latest venture, Sylva. We meet in Essex at his woodland, distillery and lab, where he crafts non-alcoholic drinks that capture the natural flavours of trees. Also the founder of Seedlip, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Ben has now turned his focus entirely to nature to make Sylva 'a tree company that makes drinks'. Join us to explore the production process, admire a centuries-old oak that could offer a new flavour, and discover Ben's mission to encourage others to love trees as much as he does. We also learn how Ben's ADHD and autism help fuel his curiosity and innovation, and inspired him to launch The Hidden 20%, a charity, podcast and movement finding and sharing the truth about neurodiversity. Don't forget to rate us and subscribe! Learn more about the Woodland Trust at woodlandtrust.org.uk  Transcript You are listening to Woodland Walks, a podcast for the Woodland Trust presented by Adam Shaw. We protect and plant trees for people to enjoy, to fight climate change and to help wildlife thrive. Adam: Well, in today's episode of Woodland Walks, I'm off to see a man who invented the world's first distilled non-alcoholic drink. It was called Seedlip and effectively he created it in his kitchen and took it to 40 countries and in the process, I think it's fair to say, helped change the world of adult drinks and it certainly spurned lots of imitators, which you may well know. He also has a different mission. Really, I think it's fair to say his mission is now at least partly to involve the environment in much of what he does. He has, for instance, won two golds at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, and last year launched Pollen Projects, which aims to continue to disrupt the drinks industry, in particular though, by harnessing the flavour powers of trees. And that's something I suppose I've really never thought about. Anyway, so I met him at his farm, his home, his laboratory - they're all more or less the same thing - somewhere in Essex. Ben: My name is Ben Branson. I'm the founder of Sylva. Adam: Fantastic. So first of all, we've lots to talk about. Ben: We do. Adam: Because we are sitting in an amazing, is this a laboratory? Ben: Yeah, I guess. Adam: It doesn't feel like a laboratory, it feels something much more designery. It feels like a Porsche should be made here or something. Anyway, looking over an extraordinary landscape, and we're going to go for a walk through that. But first of all, would you tell me a little bit about what, I suppose, what's brought you here and your history and why, why you're doing what you're doing. Ben: So I grew up on a farm and my family have been farming up in Lincolnshire for 320 years now. So that's nine generations and we're still farming. And I guess that meant I enjoyed a childhood largely outside and trees played a big part of that. Animals did, fields, produce, and hard work, I guess, not from me, but from my family. Adam: Right. So did you ever work on the farm? Ben: I did, yeah. And I would spend summers... Adam: So you got your hands dirty? Ben: Yeah, I would spend summers sitting on a tractor or going and sitting with my grandfather on a combine. Adam: Right. And you came to prominence for something completely different. I mean, not sheep or potatoes or anything, but the non-alcoholic drink called Seedlip. So briefly, how on earth did that happen? Ben: Yeah, Seedlip was a, I guess, a series of sort of curious accidents. Adam: I suppose we should pause, just tell, for those who don't know, what on earth we're talking about, what is Seedlip? Ben: So Seedlip was the, or is, the world's first distilled non-alcoholic spirit. Adam: Fine. Ben: So botanicals, distilled. and made into various different blends that you could have with tonic or in a cocktail. Adam: Will you get annoyed or too crude to describe it as a non-alcoholic gin? Ben: Too crude in that it is illegal to describe it as a non-alcoholic gin now *both laugh* Adam: Oh okay, not just too crude! Okay, incorrect. But okay, in my mind, I saw it as a... Ben: Akin to. Adam: Akin to. Ben: In that, in that world of a clear, botanical-driven liquid. Adam: Fine. So we know what it is. Ben: We know what it is. I've never worked for somebody else's drinks business before. I've never worked in manufacturing. Yeah, I learned how to distill ingredients partly through YouTube, partly through a book that was originally published in 1651. I have a 1664 copy of here called The Art of Distillation that details apothecaries' experiments for herbal remedies using distillation. So I, this started with me growing herbs at home and down the rabbit warren of Wikipedia looking at different lists of ingredients. Adam: So why did you want to do that? Ben: Because I'm the kind of guy that has a collection of 4,000 1940s Penguin books. And I'm the kind of guy that learned how to do taxidermy in an ancient church on a family farm in Lincolnshire. And I'm the kind of guy that likes to tinker and experiment and go really deep into things that I'm interested in. Adam: So it was just a, it wasn't, this wasn't, 'I'm going to be a businessman', you just fancied having a go? Ben: Nothing to do with drinks. I was just curious. Adam: Amazing. Ben: And taking mint from my garden and then making a liquid that smells and tastes like that plant was really magical. Adam: I mean, I don't want to talk about Seedlip a lot. Ben: Me neither *laughs* Adam: No, but just, I suppose, the last question on that, it must have come a point at which you've gone, this is a project in my garage to, hey, we could do this. How important was that? How significant a moment was that? Ben: Yeah, so the two key turning points were one, driving into London to go out for dinner, obviously not drinking alcohol and being served the most disgusting, pink, fruity, sweet, horrible mocktail and thinking, why is it so difficult to get a decent option? That was one key moment. And the second key moment was I made 1,000 bottles of Seedlip two years after I'd started distilling and I thought they'd last six months and they sold out in Selfridges in three weeks. And that went from my kitchen to, yeah, 35 countries and set this movement alight, which is all part of, yeah, we're slowly meandering towards now where we've got to today. Adam: So you sold that to Diageo? Ben: I sold the majority of that to Diageo in 2019. Adam: You own a bit of it. Ben: Yes. Adam: And now you're starting a new venture. Ben: Yes. Adam: Which is? Ben: Which is a company called Pollen Projects that has two brands. Seasn, which is a pair of cocktail bitters. So people may know Angostura. Very intense, concentrated, strong liquids that transform your sparkling water or your cocktail. And then my favourite, favourite project, which is Sylva, which is all about trees and making aged non-alcoholic spirits. Adam: So we'll talk about the trees, we'll, let's go for a trip about that. But before we get into all of those specifics, I think I'm right in saying that you, one of the purposes, one of the sort of foundations of the work you do is a sort of purpose-led business. Again, is that a fair description? Ben: Absolutely. Adam: And the business talks about that. Now, I'm a business journalist. It's now ubiquitous for businesses to go, we're purpose-led and we feel we're strong in the community. And one of the problems for journalists, and I think the public at large, is distinguishing between those who have some sort of genuine purpose here and those who feel we need to add that as our marketing strand. Ben: Yeah. Adam: Do you recognise that issue and if so, how do you overcome that? It must be very difficult to go, no no, I know everyone's saying this, but I really believe it. Ben: I am very, very clear that the reason why I'm doing this is because this is a way in which I can express myself. This isn't work for me. This is how I express myself because it's what I'm interested in. I'm very interested in trees and I'm incredibly curious and I really want to learn. And so I believe that trees are this most incredible, underestimated source of flavour, as well as all the other wonderful things that we already know about trees. And I want people to love trees. And so that is, if I can make a product that meets a need in people's lives and tastes delicious and they want to drink again, that for me is a real win-win rather than, I don't know, any other kind of business purposes or made-up, I'm really clear, like half of this is really selfish. Adam: Selfish in what way? Ben: In the sense that I want to keep working with trees. And I want to explore trees in my working life rather than it being a hobby at the weekends. Adam: And is it about that? Is it about like, I like trees and I want to work in the environment and it's great because I've got a sort of commercial reason to do that. Is there something, I get that, is there something also about social purpose, about feeling that the business should do some good or not? I don't mean to judge it in either way because it's perfectly fine for business not to do that. Ben: Sure. I think it's baked in. Seedlip, Sylva, Seasn. Someone said to me, probably about 12 months ago, they're born good. They don't have any alcohol in them. They are there to offer choice and they are there to include people. That's already baked in, in terms of the product. And so, yeah, there's lots of details we have with Sylva of some of the environmental credentials around our packaging or what we do with our waste, all that, but they are sort of below the surface, as it were. Ultimately, we want people to have a delicious drink and a great option and great choice. Adam: And how important do you think the public feel that sort of role for companies? It feels to me that certainly since COVID, there was a bigger demand for the public to hear companies stand up for something. Do you see that or do you think that was there and has gone away or what's your view on that? Ben: I, or we, are big believers that our brands or the company should have a point of view and part of your company having a point of view is how you're positioned in the market and against your competitors and ultimately what makes you unique and different. Adam: The weather's been so good to us, so I don't want to stay in too long. But I suppose the last question, I read other interviews you've done talking about other business leaders who've inspired you. Who and why? Ben: So David Hieatt was one of the team behind howies jeans. And then he went on to, he's a Welshman, he moved back to Wales to a town that used to be famous for making jeans. And over a, I don't know, 10, 12 year period, he got that town making jeans again. And those jeans were typically worn by lots of creative people. I hate jeans, so I never bought a pair. Adam: Sorry, here I am wearing a pair of jeans, you should have said. *both laugh* Ben: I just hate wearing them. I hate wearing them. And I just followed, I can't even remember how I came across him. I followed his work. He then, I was amazed to be included in one of his, he calls them mavericks and makers. I was included in one of his lists of people doing interesting things. And then I was invited to give a talk at his sort of cult following retreat called the Do Lectures. Adam: The Do Lectures? Ben: The Do Lectures. And it's an amazing retreat on a farm in Wales. Everyone's sort of in wigwams and you kind of, you're in this old, old barn giving this, giving this talk. And I sort of plucked up a bit of courage to actually talk to him, but was quite starstruck actually. And I've just followed his writing and and he came out with a brilliant phrase that we used or adopted or adapted, which was Hiut Denim was an ideas company that made jeans. And I loved that. And we adapted that for Seedlip to be a nature company that made drinks. And I've adapted it again for Sylva to be a tree company that makes drinks. And so we are not just our product and the thing that we make, I guess. So David is, he's a wonderful writer, great thinker, and yeah, I love him. Adam: Okay, brilliant. Which is a good point. You raised the trees, which is why we're here. Let's go hug some. Ben: That's the most important room. That's the wood room. Adam: Okay, so this is, right. Sorry, what's the dog called? Ben: The dog is Pesto. Adam: Pesto, enormous Pesto. Enormous Pesto. So we're in a shed. That's an ultrasound you can hear in the background, which Ben will explain why. So you've got bits of wood with numbers on, so you're just trying out, oh, so you chipped up the wood? Ben: Yeah, we chip up the wood, that's plum. Adam: Right. Ben: So everything's from the UK. That'll be probably apple... So we process all the wood here. Adam: Right. And then, okay, so we can hear the ultrasound next door. So you've got lots of chips of apple, let's say. You dry it out in a domestic oven. You've got a couple of ovens. The point of putting it in this ultrasound is what? Ben: Yeah, so we want to extract the flavour and the character from the wood. So we distill grain in the lab where we just were. And then we fill a keg with the wood chips and the grain distilled. So you've got liquid and wood together. We add lots of oxygen to that to make it a really rich environment. And then we put it in our ultrasound machine. Adam: And the ultrasound does what? Ben: And the ultrasound gets into the wood and forces out all of the aromatic compounds. So we're talking esters, the tannins, the colour, all the bits that taste yummy, we take out, and that's cycling on 28,000 kilohertz ultrasound at temperature for varying different amounts of time. Adam: And then you have a liquid. Ben: Then we have a liquid. Adam: Which has got flavours in it. Ben: Exactly. And then we're separating the wood from the liquid, and we want all the wonderful flavour from the wood to go into the grain liquid. Adam: And is that literally just, well, I've got a bit of liquid, I'm going to add a bit of flavour to that? Is that sort of... Ben: Yeah, I mean, this process for me started 14 years ago. There's nobody in the world doing this. I've had to basically develop and create a whole production process. Adam: Wow, amazing. Ben: I'm interested in the whole tree, yeah, and what flavour is there in different parts of the tree, different ages of tree, different growing conditions of trees. I mean, the scope when there's 73,000 tree species is enormous. Adam: So you've got that... Ben: And then we have silver walnut, which was a very small, we only made 300 bottles. All of the wood comes from here. And that was a real, I wanted to try and capture kind of the forest in winter, so a dormant forest. And that uses black walnut wood, sweet chestnut wood, elm wood. We had an elm tree fall down and so we took some of that. And then we sourced some reindeer moss, which is actually a lichen from Scotland. And so, yeah, silver walnut, which comes in packaging made of the forest floor. So mycelium, you get a couple of glasses. Adam: So are you never cutting down a tree? Are you taking bits of it? Ben: I'm not saying we're never cutting down a tree, but we are being very choiceful with how we source and where it comes from. And look, trees are falling down all the time. Adam: Yeah, no, I understand. Ben: And we don't need to... Yeah, we can, basically, we can use a very small amount of wood for a lot of bottles. Adam: And what happens, so you get all this wood, you've chipped it up, you're extracting all the flavours, now you have a lot of wood without any flavour in it. So what happens to all that stuff? Ben: So the spent wood, two things. One, at the moment, because we are small and new and kind of figuring out what we're doing, everything goes back to the forest. So to compost, back to the forest floor. Adam: You just spread it around? Ben: Yeah. What we'd, I mean, we can use it as mulch in the orchard. What we'd love to do is, you know, I know we could dry that wood out and make incense from it, for example. I know that we could dry that wood out and make a surface. And there are lots of, there is terrazzo type products called ferrazzo. Adam: I don't know what those are. Ben: Terrazzo is the, you'll see it, it's speckly kitchen surfaces that have got bits of ceramics and yeah, well, somebody's launched ferrazzo with bits of wood in. Adam: *laughs* Okay fair enough. Ben: So yeah, I think there's a lot that we could do in the future. We can't eat wood, because our bodies can't process lignin. But in terms of, yeah, the afterlife of what happens when we've extracted the flavour and the colour, there's going to be options. Adam: So this whole area of using trees for a drink, I've not, I mean, I'm ignorant of loads of stuff, so maybe this is common and I just don't know about it, but how novel is this? Ben: It's, if you think about maple syrup, birch water, we've tapped trees for a long time. And then you think about aged alcoholic spirits, specifically whisky, I guess. And then you think... Adam: And oaked wines. Ben: And oaked wines. Or you think about barbecued food, smoked food. We actually do have this connection and a lot of history in terms of the flavour and power of wood for things that we kind of consume. But in non-alcoholic drinks, yeah, not in the process that we're using or to the breadth of trees that we're working with. Adam: It's quite primal in a way, the way you describe it there. You can imagine early cooking would have taken place on wood, wouldn't it? Ben: Yes, yes. Adam: So, and then we go, oh, actually that tastes quite nice, that sort of woody flavour to it. Ben: I liken it to, or the picture I have, the most perfect rose-tinted picture I have in my mind is, I am sat by a fire, a wood fire, on a wooden chair, at a wooden table, with a piece of paper, and a pen that uses oak gall ink. Adam: Right, yeah. Ben: And I am drinking, probably from a wooden vessel, some Sylva. Adam: OK. Ben: And that is, you know, that's kind of, that's pretty heavenly, I think, in my head. Adam: Have you ever... Ben: Here's a sweet chestnut tree. Adam: Have you ever written with oak gall? Ben: I haven't. Have you? Adam: Yes. Ben: Have you! And? Adam: Yeah, I mean... *both laugh* We just did it in the forest, so I'm sure you can improve the quality of the ink. But it is extraordinary that you go, I think, I could have got this wrong, but I think Shakespeare wrote with oak gall. Ben: Absolutely. A thousand years of printing history. Adam: Yeah, I mean, it is extraordinary and it sort of worked. You know, it wasn't great, but then we didn't know what we were doing. So it is interesting that you just go, take that off the tree, grind that up, let's write. And you go, it worked. That's extraordinary that that worked at all, really. So yeah, yeah. *both laugh* Ben: All because of a little wasp. I mean, it's kind of... Yeah, it is it is wild. Adam: Amazing. So I know you're running a business and this is both your home and then the business and whatever, but what do you think about the environmental debate? We live in interesting times where, I mean, even really recently, people have been talking about moving to net zero and then lots of very serious political figures talking about, well, no, that's actually not going to work and stepping back from commitments to electric cars, and I think politicians are doing that partly because they feel there isn't the public support for the costs of supporting the environment. What's your take on all this? Ben: I've been probably a few, maybe three, four years ago, I was really hopeful. I think there was some real energy behind COP and there was some just, there was, it felt like there was just a lot happening. And then the last couple of years, I guess, I felt less hopeful in terms of the, sustainability has lost its edge and lost, maybe just lost being a priority. Or we've got bored of it or lots of things have been set up which are brilliant and there is a bit of lack of interest from the public. Or we've stopped worrying so much about the future of the environment because other things have come in for us to worry about. Adam: Right, so you think we have a limited scope for worrying and that's full? Ben: Yeah, I do. So I don't know, I kind of, you know, and it's obviously it's incredibly geopolitical and dependent on the time in terms of who's in charge and therefore what energy this gets given and therefore what then seeps into the media, the narrative, the public discourse on this. And I can't speak for everybody, but if I had a sense, it would probably be, I'm doing my bit now. You told me I need to recycle this or turn this off or get an electric car or I don't know, like I'm doing that. Adam: Yeah. Ben: So what are you guys doing? You know, I don't know. Not that I'm not hopeful, but I feel like the sentiment has become less hopeful. Adam: You think these things change? Ben: Absolutely. I mean, look at the, yeah, I, if I... hold on to the last 10 years of seeing our attitudes towards alcohol and the non-alcoholic drinks options to now where we are, things can change. Adam: Yeah. It is interesting. I mean, which way? Because we've got... Ben: I just wanted to draw this wonderful oak tree to your attention. Adam: Oh I see, yes. This is something from Harry Potter, the great whomping willow. Ben: The whomping willow. Adam: That's right, yeah, which it's not a willow, but go on. Ben: So our woodpecker... Adam: Oh, yes, look at that. Ben: Look at that. I mean, absolutely perfect, perfect hole. So this oak tree, probably at least 400 years old and struck by lightning last year. Adam: Wow, is that what the damage we're seeing? Ben: This natural char. Adam: Yeah, I was going to say, we can see this very charred bit of it. Gosh, and there's bits fallen down, is that from the lightning strike? Ben: This is what we've taken down. Adam: Oh, you've taken that down. Ben: So that is naturally charred. So to me that is... Adam: Ahh, is that flavour? Ben: Yeah. Adam: Everyone else goes, oh my God, the tree got hit by lightning. Ben rushes out and goes, fantastic, a new flavour! Ben: I am, that takes me to A, we've got some of that back at the lab. So we've, we've seen what it tastes like, which is wonderful. B, this is what barrels do to the, you know, it's what they do to the inside of a barrel, they char it. And 3, I start thinking, how can you engineer lightning to strike wood? Adam: Right. Ben: Not a tree, but wood. Adam: Right, okay. Ben: To create this natural char. Adam: Okay, amazing. So we might see that in a drink sometime soon. Ben: *laughs* Yeah, we love we love this tree. Adam: You also run, well not run, you present a podcast about ADHD. Is that correct? Ben: I set up a neurodiversity charity two years ago following my autism and ADHD diagnosis. And yeah, we set up a podcast called The Hidden 20% where on a weekly basis I sit down with everything from neuroscientists to top researchers, psychologists, celebrities, people running neurodiversity charities. And yeah, we kind of try and get to the truth. Adam: And you having ADHD, is that significant for you? Ben: It's significant in the sense that I didn't know that I was autistic and ADHD until I was 39. That's quite significant, and that's been a big learning. Adam: But whether it was diagnosed or had a label or whatever, is sort of separate from what I was trying to ask, you must have noticed some characteristics? Ben: Oh, I was the last to know, apparently. Adam: Right. You didn't feel, or even looking back on it now, you don't feel that your ADHD has had some sort of influence on what you've done? Ben: It's my brain, so it absolutely has influenced everything that I've done. But given that I saw my first psychiatrist when I was 8, and I've seen multiple psychologists, psychiatrists, you know, I've been in rehab in my early 20s, and no one ever, ever had talked about autism, ADHD. And so to get to 39, and I'm not alone, unfortunately, and a huge amount of people who've been missed, because we thought it was only little boys. Adam: Right. Do you think it's been, whatever challenges or difficulties that's brought, in looking in retrospect, do you think it's brought some positives as well? Ben: Oh, I think one of the biggest challenges around people and understanding or having more understanding around neurodiversity is that it's not all bad and that it's not a disease. And there are huge, you know, I have, I'm a synesthete, so I can taste colour and I see flavour and colour. Adam: Ok so that's a very clear benefit isn't it! Ben: Really helpful. I have a pretty photographic memory, which is incredibly helpful when you're analysing or trying to memorise lots of different plants or trees and behaviour around how a tree performs. Adam: Seems to me you're also very focused. Is that fair? Ben: Very focused. Adam: And that's often a symptom, isn't it, super focus? Ben: Yeah, so we talk about, in ADHD, people talk about hyper-focus. And in autism, people talk about special interests. Adam: Right. Ben: And I have both of those *laughs*. And trees, so trees is my special interest and being ADHD allows me to hyper-focus on that. I'm only learning that I can harness it and use it and I have a really good understanding of how my brain works now and that's massively empowering. Adam: Okay, brilliant. All right. Well, you've taken us on a circuit. We're back to, not the shed, that's a terrible... Ben: The lab. Adam: The barn. Very nice barn. So shall we go back in? Is there something to taste? Ben: Yeah, I think we should have a drink. Adam: I shouldn't leave without tasting it. Brilliant. Ben: No *laughs* You can go and see all this apple wood as well. Adam: Oh yeah. Oh look, the apple wood van is leaving. So has he deposited his apple wood? Yes. Okay, that was quick. So while Ben prepares some rather nice non-alcoholic tree tipples for us, I wanted to take this opportunity of thanking you for joining us on this particular podcast. And wherever you are and whenever you do it, I wanted to wish you from all of us, to all of you, some very happy wanderings. Thank you for listening to the Woodland Trust Woodland Walks. Join us next month when Adam will be taking another walk in the company of Woodland Trust staff, partners and volunteers. And don't forget to subscribe to the series on iTunes or wherever you are listening. And do give us a review and a rating. If you want to find out more about our woods and those that are close to you, check out the Woodland Trust website. Just head to the Visiting Woods pages. Thank you.  

In Hour 4, the WIP Afternoon Show roll out their Top 5 at 5—breaking down the five things they never expected to hear today. From surprising headlines to out-of-nowhere comments, nothing is off limits. Plus, the guys react to a bold rule-change proposal the Eagles are pushing at the NFL meetings… and they think it's absolutely brilliant.

The Eagles have reportedly been pushing for the past three years to eliminate the onside kick in favor of a 4th-and-15 play from the 30-yard line. Is it a smart innovation or messing with football tradition? The WIP Afternoon Show debate whether they like the idea and what it could mean for late-game comebacks across the NFL.

Welcome to Indulgence Gospel After Dark! We are Virginia Sole-Smith and Corinne Fay, and it's time for your February Extra Butter episode! Listen to hear about:⭐️ Anti-diet GLP-1 life⭐️ Who gets left out when the tradwife aesthetic takes over influencer culture⭐️ Interrogating the ableism of not wanting to be on medication your whole lifePlus, serious stuff, like:⭐️ Corinne in a prairie dress⭐️ How long Virginia will last in a zombie apocalypse ⭐️ Why hot cheese is in for FebruaryTo hear the whole thing, read the full transcript, and join us in the comments, you do need to be an Extra Butter subscriber.Join Extra Butter!This transcript contains affiliate links. If you're going to buy something we mention, shopping these links supports Burnt Toast at no extra cost to you! Episode 232 TranscriptCorinneToday we are talking about the state of GLP-1 discourse. A few recent media pieces have us wondering if the GLP-1 backlash is finally beginning, and if so, why is all of the coverage still so anti-fat?VirginiaWe're going to use two primary texts for this conversation, but I also want us to talk more generally about how we're seeing the conversation shift, because I feel like there's been an amorphous shift.CorinneI think the initial craze has died down and we're starting to see a more nuanced conversation.VirginiaWhich in many ways is good. There's more nuance on both sides, but there's still a lot of harm being done in the way the media is framing this conversation.CorinneFor sure. VirginiaExhibit A on that front is a piece by Dani Blum that ran on January 15 in the New York Times. The headline is The Hard Truth of Weight-Loss Drugs: You Probably Need Them Forever. Corinne what is your immediate first reaction to that headline?CorinneNo shit, Sherlock. Why were people confused about this?VirginiaI guess people were. It seemed obvious that if a drug makes you lose weight, and you go off the drug, you won't continue to lose the weight.CorinneUnfortunately, except for maybe antibiotics, that seems to be how drugs work. You have to stay on them.VirginiaThere's a lot that comes up for me in this piece. It's looking at new research, bringing to light the fact that when people go off the weight loss drugs, which many people do because they can't tolerate the side effects and it's too expensive, they just get tired of it. There are lots of reasons that people fatigue about being on a weekly injection drug. They're seeing now that people regain the weight. This is being framed as a grave disappointment and a surprise in the article.CorinneNot to me, but to Oprah.VirginiaOprah particularly. Oprah was surprised. They referenced the fact that even Oprah said that she had stopped taking a weight loss drug cold-turkey for a year and then gained back 20 pounds. "I tried to beat the medication," she told People Magazine. It was then she realized it's going to be a lifetime thing. Brilliant marketing for Weight Watchers, Oprah. She thought she could go off it, but you can't. You should be on it forever. So buy your GLP-1s from Weight Watchers. Of course she wants us to be on it forever. She has a business incentive to make that work. It gets into ableism. Why is it problematic to be on a medication for the rest of your life? I have asthma. I expect to use an inhaler to manage that for the rest of my life. I have sleep apnea. I expect to use a CPAP for the rest of my life. Most people with mental health conditions expect to be on an SSRI for the rest of their life. Why is that a problem?CorinneI think there's something about human nature where people think, I don't want to be on a medication for the rest of my life. I've heard so many people say that.VirginiaOften it's the main resistance to starting a medication. Why? What is it about that that makes us sad?CorinneWe want to believe that we're strong and independent and don't need pills to make us ok.VirginiaYou and I are going to wear glasses for the rest of our lives.CorinneI am extremely screwed. So many medications, so many glasses.VirginiaIf the zombie apocalypse comes, I'm out in the first week because if they break my glasses or I lose an inhaler, I'm sorry, I'm not going to try that hard to survive. Even my acid reflux medication - I don't have debilitating acid reflux - but it's irritating. I would be out.CorinneSame. VirginiaTake me now. CorinneI take multiple medications every single day that I would be lost, if not dead, without.VirginiaI don't understand the aversion to that because it's great that I get to breathe through the help of medication. I'm a big fan.CorinneI think what you're hinting at is it's ableism.VirginiaIt's ableism. We want to believe we can overcome these challenges. We see it especially in conditions that are weight linked in any way. This is why people get told to diet before starting a blood pressure or cholesterol medication when those drugs work really well to manage those conditions ... Corinne... and diets don't.VirginiaAnd diets tend to not do so. Is it such a moral failing to have to go on a statin? I don't think so.CorinneThe other thing they're not talking about directly is - and we've talked about this before - that studies show people who take these drugs for conditions like diabetes and/or insulin resistance, don't tend to stay on them long-term because they're hard drugs to be on. VirginiaYeah.CorinneThis article is so sad for people who got to lose weight on these because they will have to be on them forever if they want to "keep the weight off." It's also sad for people who need to take them to manage chronic conditions. These drugs suck in a lot of ways and people don't want to be on them.VirginiaThat's a valid reason to think, I don't want to be on a drug for the rest of my life if it's giving me terrible side effects. My inhalers don't give me terrible side effects. I just like breathing and want to do it all the time. I'm an oxygen addict. If it's a medication that's giving you side effects, I understand not wanting to be on it for life. For folks who are pursuing this just for weight loss, independent of metabolic health, maybe that's a reason to reflect on whether you need to do that. It is a depressing thing to say, "I will be on a medication that gives me diarrhea, fatigue or whatever side effects, but at least I can be a smaller size." That feels like something to reflect on. That reflection is nowhere in this article, however.CorinneThe article doesn't mention side effects at all, does it? VirginiaIt mentions that it's why a lot of people in the studies are going off the drugs. It's this Catch-22 where they're saying, Oh, people are saying, wow, it's so expensive, or, wow, I have terrible side effects, so I go off it. Then they're framing it like those people were quitters. That they gave up. On the other hand, some of this aversion around "you wouldn't want to be on this medication for the rest of your life" is another layer of anti-fatness. The message is we shouldn't let fat people get away with thinness this way. We don't want them passing for thin because they can stay on a GLP-1 forever. We want them to do the "real work" of weight loss.The idea that you could only achieve weight loss by staying on the medication forever makes the weight loss feel fake to people. It's interesting because all intentional weight loss is fake to some extent. It's all manipulating your body in a direction it doesn't naturally want to go in. So why do we penalize medication-based weight loss versus excessive-running-based weight loss?There's also a nice shout-out to RFK, Jr., who also thought the drugs would just be a short-term fix for people and then we'd go back to eating beef tallow to stay thin. Turns out that's not science, but I don't think we're surprised he's not science. Another flavor of anti-fatness in this piece is the casual normalization that you could do this the old fashioned way. In talking about folks who are able to lose the weight even after they go off, the article says:It's not impossible, but it is extremely difficult. Dr Hauser estimates that fewer than 10% of her patients have successfully kept off 75% or more of the weight they lost after going on a GLP-1 without turning to another weight loss medication or undergoing bariatric surgery. "Those are the people that are working out two hours a day, tracking what they eat. They're working really hard," she said. "I haven't had anyone that just tapers off and isn't really putting that much thought into it and just keeps the weight off. I've never seen that happen."That's just casual normalization of eating disorder behavior. Working out two hours a day and tracking what you eat is not a normal way to live.CorinneThe choice is either drugs or an eating disorder.VirginiaThat's not interrogated by this piece, or in any of the discourse I've seen around the whole idea that you have to be on it forever. It's either you have to be on it forever, or we expect you to do this the old fashioned way, like a good fat person would.CorinneIt's also getting into the Rosey Beeme of it all. She lost some weight with a GLP-1 and then was like, Well, I guess weight loss surgery is the way to go here.VirginiaRight, to continue her health journey. I haven't checked on her in a while. Do you know how that's all going?CorinneNo, I don't and I don't honestly want to know. I just think that will become a more common storyline where people are saying, I didn't want to stay on this drug. It didn't lead to permanent weight loss, but maybe bariatric surgery will.VirginiaWell, that's depressing.CorinneSpeaking of influencers, the second article that we wanted to discuss today ran at the beginning of January in Vulture. It's titled ‘Less People Click If You're a Size 16' How plus-size influencers are faring in a GLP-1 world.VirginiaThis one is paywalled. CorinneI'm glad we're talking about this article because I saw so many people whispering about it on social media before I saw it, and then I saw a lot of folks sharing it. The gist of it is that plus-size influencers are not making as much money as before. They're not getting as many brand deals, etc.VirginiaThey're not getting brand deals from fashion brands and other lifestyle brands, which was interesting to me. The plus-size mom influencers, brands don't want them to show the car seat or the stroller anymore.CorinneI think a lot of plus-size influencers would make money from beauty skincare deals. That seems to be where a lot of the marketing money is. Even that area is slowing.VirginiaThe article talks about how one explanation, in addition to the rise of GLP-1s, is the rise of the tradwife aesthetic. An influencer named Joanna Spicer is interviewed quite a bit in the piece. She says:People in the industry, according to Spicer, are “afraid to say anything. It's being danced around. I've been told that I don't fit the criteria to work with the brand because they're more into the tradwife aesthetic. I'm like, ‘Got it.'”With the tradwife aesthetic, a baseline of thin is a given, right? They're all willowy thin blondes like Ballerina Farm. It's interesting that it's not just thin, but the whole Little House On the Prairie conservative fundamentalist perspective. That's what is trending right now. CorinneIt's very depressing. I like Joanna Spicer and that is not her aesthetic. There are plus-size influencers that lean more in that direction who are also suffering.VirginiaBecause they're not leaning enough in that direction.CorinneThey're not living on farms in Utah. I also thought an interesting part of this was her saying that it's being danced around, that no one's straight up saying what's going on.VirginiaOn the flip side, we've also seen (and reported on) a lot of plus-size influencers becoming not plus-size, or attempting to become not plus-size by sharing their GLP-1 journey. While we've had valid criticisms of the way Rosey Beeme and others have articulated those journeys by using a lot of anti-fat rhetoric, I do understand that when you've made your body your business, and now the business is changing, you feel a lot of pressure to change your body to keep up with things.CorinneThis article doesn't mention it, but there have been a couple of brands recently announcing they're not going to make plus sizes anymore, one of which is Christy Dawn, which is a big tradwife aesthetic brand.VirginiaI never did get a Christy Dawn prairie dress while they made them in my size. Now I guess I never will.CorinneI did try one once. It's really not my aesthetic, but it didn't seem nice.VirginiaI kind of wish you had photos. I really can't picture you in a tradwife dress.CorinneI put it on and was horrified.VirginiaYou had a reaction to that like I have to those boiler suit jumpsuits where I feel trapped, have a panic attack and I can't get them off.CorinneThere was too much shoulder. I didn't like it.VirginiaIt's the whole milkmaid thing.CorinneI like my shoulders covered.VirginiaYeah, not your aesthetic. All of this tradwife aesthetic taking over influencer culture and who's getting brand deals also very much ties into how much this is driven by the political climate right now, which is obviously a dumpster fire. Here is another excerpt from the piece:One vice president and an influencer marketing agency who asked to remain anonymous, said that while they haven't seen brands explicitly push back against working with plus-size creators. They are far more hesitant to sponsor any creator who gets even remotely political. What is acceptable now politically may not be in the future, and to avoid any issues, they don't want any voices that are not controlled internally from their side, he said.That made me wonder if fat influencers are more likely to be left wing and progressive than thin influencers. We don't have any data, but my instinct is yes.CorinneThey're probably more likely to be outspoken about size inclusivity, at least.VirginiaPeople think fat liberation is not political or it's not considered part of political action, and it is part of it. They also wrote:"The trend to move away from plus-size clothing aligns with the trend to move away from DEI. It's all related,” says Monica Corbin, a stylist at a plus-size fashion brand. “We had this big explosion during COVID around inclusivity, and I just think there's been the biggest backlash."So what's happening in influencer culture is just a microcosm of our whole country right now?CorinneThere is a part of this article that was so sad. Joanna Spicer was talking about how not being able to get work in your area of expertise makes you feel like a loser. That it's demoralizing and you feel like you've done something wrong. And you don't want to speak out about it because you don't want to screw yourself over in the future. It sounds so isolating.VirginiaThere's often a lot of pressure on influencers not to be transparent about the business model and the money, which is something we see in almost every female dominated industry. Anytime you have an industry that's majority women, people tend to be underpaid and you're encouraged not to talk about money, which is why all of my writer friends know I am extremely transparent about money. Because I feel like this is how any of us make any. It doesn't surprise me that people were so hesitant to go on record for this story because they think they have so much to risk if they say these brands are paying them less. But it also enrages me because these brands are treating you terribly. How else do we put pressure on them to do something different and make different choices?CorinneI don't know, but it's scary to do that now, especially when it feels like there's fear of political retaliation.VirginiaMaybe this is me grasping at a strand of hope, but I do wonder if the fact that Vulture did this story is a positive sign. Will this kind of media coverage put pressure on brands to be more inclusive again? You could read this piece and think, What is Virginia talking about? There's no GLP-1 backlash. The fact that the piece exists feels like a tiny bit of backlash. Or am I just grasping?CorinneWe'll see. It's probably going to take eight years, but I think at least some of the shine is off.VirginiaIt's hard to say that we're definitively in a backlash, or in a moment of change. I don't think we are. I think we are in a moment of increased nuance, and that's where we've landed. There's value in that. There's value in the conversations becoming more nuanced. The last piece we wanted to talk about was Amanda Richard's recent essay about her own experience taking GLP-1s and her take on where we are in this moment. It's called The return of thinness, without the reckoning. What are your thoughts on this piece?CorinneI thought it was really interesting. I read it this morning and haven't fully digested it. The most interesting part to me was this part near the end where she says:What this moment reveals isn't hypocrisy, it's preference, preference for ease over effort, relief over reckoning, for changing bodies instead of changing the rules that they're judged by. Fat acceptance faltered not because it was wrong, but because it asked more of people than a weight loss transformation ever could.She's getting at this moment in culture where people have lower tolerance than ever for friction. We want everything to be as easy as possible, myself included. That's not always what's best for the world, or even ourselves.VirginiaShe's arguing that we're not in a backlash, but that the rise of GLP-1s has legitimized the pursuit of thinness in new ways. She wrote:What's changed isn't the desire to be thin, but the way that desire is explained. It no longer has to pass through shame, discipline or denial, instead arriving framed as care, responsibility and common sense. we've had moral alibis for thinness before diets, program, supplements, lifestyle changes, but they were always imperfect because they still smelled like wanting. They required visible discipline. They demanded effort. They asked people to accept failure when their bodies didn't cooperate. Medicine is a better alibi.I thought that was pretty dead on.CorinneThat's interesting, although we had health as an alibi before.VirginiaWe definitely did. But she's right that making it something that doctors prescribe, that you have to do, and you have to do in very specific ways in order to adhere correctly to it, does feel different from when doctors say, Try to lose some weight and, you know, walk more. It's vague and nebulous and pushes people over to diet culture.Because you're accessing it through consumerism it feels more like something you want, like a choice you're making. There's aesthetic components. I'm doing this celebrity's plan, you know. It feels legitimate now that you're doing it as a responsible choice for yourself because a doctor prescribed it. It's not to say that the medical choices people are making to do these drugs are always wrong, or that it's a bad choice for everybody. Again, it's a great medication for managing diabetes. Because all of the research dollars in the world go towards these drugs, they are discovering other new benefits of them, and that's great if we don't want people to not have those benefits. CorinneWe didn't mention that the whole premise of the piece is that she's taking a GLP-1 for a condition, and it has helped tremendously.VirginiaShe's had some weight loss as a side effect, but that wasn't the primary goal. Fat acceptance needs to keep making more space for those stories and that reality. That is why we added the Anti-Diet Ozempic Life chat room on Burnt Toast, because I was hearing from readers ashamed and confessing to me that they were on a GLP-1 and not having a place to talk about how to do that with integrity and in alignment with their fat liberation values. I was thought, Well, we're doing something wrong if we're making people feel bad about their own individual choices. That's what the other guys do. That's not what we're about. The conversations there have been fascinating and super instructive to me. I've learned a lot. Everybody who's navigating this, if you've identified that fat liberation is one of your values, you have a responsibility to interrogate this thing that Amanda's articulating, how much of this is a moral alibi for thinness, and what does that mean if you're using medicine as your alibi to achieve thinness because of all the other reasons that thinness is valued.CorinneAlthough, in our culture, how can you not? There's always some element of "Being thin is good? Being thinner Is better?"VirginiaBeing prettier? I'll have better access to things. I don't think wanting that for yourself is "wrong" because how could you not want it?CorinneIt's the water we're swimming in. It's hard to make a neutral choice.VirginiaThere is no neutral choice. Articulating that tension to yourself is valuable versus just dressing it up in "I am doing this for x, y and z health reason. I don't care about being thin." Let's be honest. Of course we all care about that a little bit. We're in an interesting place with this stuff. I'm curious to hear what folks think. How you resonated with these articles and what else you're seeing in the discourse. I am glad for the increasing nuance and I wish mainstream media could spot its anti-fat bias even sometimes.

Who is Arup?Arup Biswas is a dynamic entrepreneur at the forefront of AI-driven marketing solutions. Recognizing that true innovation lies in customer outcomes, Arup has dedicated his career to making powerful marketing accessible for all. He identified three key audiences—marketing agencies, recruitment firms, and SME owners—who often found traditional radio advertising out of reach due to high costs and lack of expertise. With a passion for breaking down barriers, Arup's work centers on helping these businesses connect with audiences more effectively, using cutting-edge technology to solve longstanding challenges and drive real, measurable success.Key Takeaways* Arup Biswas, founder of Klaxon AI, shared how AI can make radio and podcast advertising accessible, affordable, and targeted—even for small businesses. Breaking down barriers is reshaping who gets to be heard.* Removing technical barriers in media isn't just about cost. Klaxon AI lets anyone create professional audio ads in minutes, not days, changing who gets to participate in the advertising landscape.* Culture shifts when technology puts power in new hands. DIY audio ads, as Arup describes, give small business owners a voice where only big brands used to play. That shapes narratives—and who gets to tell them.* Targeted messaging is more than a marketing tactic. Klaxon AI shows that when we speak directly to our audience, we foster deeper connections and more inclusive cultural conversations.* Audio advertising isn't just for radio. Arup encourages using your audio ad everywhere—on your site, social, emails. Culture today is cross-media, and your voice can travel further than ever before.Don't forget: If you want to connect, ask questions, or get notified about upcoming guests like Arup, subscribe to the Systemise.Me newsletter here. You only need your first name and email—easy as (coffee) pie!Thanks for sharing a cup with us this week. Here's to strong coffee, smart hiring, and believing in the dreams you're just starting to imagine.And don't forget: keep an eye out for next guest. To submit your own questions, subscribe to our newsletter and join the conversation!P.S. Loved this episode? Hit reply and let us know what resonated most_________________________________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to our newsletter and get details of when we are doing these interviews live at www.systemise.me/subscribeFind out more about being a guest at : link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/beaguestSubscribe to the podcast at https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/podcastHelp us get this podcast in front of as many people as possible. Leave a nice five-star review at apple podcasts : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/apple-podcasts and on YouTube : https://link.thecompleteapproach.co.uk/Itsnotrocketscienceatyt!Do You Need a P.A.T.H. to Scale?We help established business owners with small but growing teams:go from feeling stuck, sceptical, and tired of wasting time and money on false promises,to running a confident, purpose-driven business where their team delivers results, customers are happy, and they can finally enjoy more time with their family -with a results-based refund guarantee: if you follow the process and it doesn't work, we refund what you paid.This is THE P.A.T.H. to scale your business.————————————————————————————————————————————-TranscriptNote, this was transcribed using a transcription software and may not reflect the exact words used in the podcast)SUMMARY KEYWORDSsmall business hiring, remote work, hybrid companies, digital marketing agencies, coaches and consultants, e-commerce businesses, hiring process, HR departments, bad hire costs, hiring mistakes, onboarding, job candidate selection, concierge hiring service, affordable recruiting, job post templates, freelancer pricing guides, virtual assistants, customer service hiring, company culture fit, soft skills, work from home, moms working remotely, freelancing, home-based businesses, job boards, local business networking, HireMyMom platform, Hire Thy Neighbor, faith-based business, church directory, entrepreneurial journeySPEAKERArup Biswas, Stuart WebbStuart Webb [00:00:00]:Hi there and welcome back to It's Not Rocket Science. Five questions over coffee. I have in front of me my coffee mug. I hope Arup has his drink with him, whether or not it's coffee or something else. But I'd love to welcome Arup as well. Arup is the founder of something called Claxon AI which I'm hoping we will learn more about in the next 15, 20 minutes. But from initial introduction I'll say that Klaxon AI is one of those game changing type AI systems that really should be shaking up the podcast advertising, media advertising landscape, enabling us all to produce those really game changing ads cheaper, faster and with more specificity.Stuart Webb [00:01:14]:So Arup, welcome to It's Not Rocket Science five questions over coffee.Arup Biswas [00:01:19]:Thank you, Stuart. I'm delighted to be here.Stuart Webb [00:01:22]:Terrific. Well, you know, let's start with who the who the who. The ideal audience for Klaxon AI is what's the sort of characteristics that anybody who's listening to us at the moment might be thinking? Well, I wonder if this is for me.Arup Biswas [00:01:38]:Yeah, well, there are three key audiences for what we do. And I should say that actually, yes, we are an AI business, of course, but actually it's all about the outcome for the customer. And the outcome for the customer is reaching people effectively in a powerful way. So our core market is marketing agencies are already working with clients, but offering traditional marketing methods, recruitment agencies who may be looking to recruit volume numbers of staff and owners of SMEs. So those business owners who are struggling hard to, to make their business business a success. But I've always thought that radio advertising in particular has been out of their reach because of lack of knowledge or price cost. Those kind of traditional factors have always been the issue. So that's our traditional market, that's our marketplace that we focus on and our solution is all about helping them overcome those issues.Arup Biswas [00:02:31]:And we provided a, created a solution which we think does all that.Stuart Webb [00:02:36]:And let's just sort of understand that. I mean you talked about the fact that it's a solution. So what are the sort of problems that you noticed that you were trying to solve with this? Obviously cost is one, but there must a bunch of other things that you're looking at this solution in AI that will actually help solve.Arup Biswas [00:02:55]:Absolutely. And the biggest, one of the biggest issues other than price, price is always an issue for small business owners is knowledge and technical expertise.Stuart Webb [00:03:03]:Yeah.Arup Biswas [00:03:03]:Particularly when it comes to broadcast advertising, whether it's TV or radio, people think, and traditionally this has been the case. So this is completely justified why people think this way. You need to go to a recording studio, you need a sound engineer, you need a voiceover artist, you need to create a script. And traditionally the cost of creating an audio advert has been thousands and thousands of pounds. Typically a recording studio can be upwards of £300 an hour to just hire the recording studio. So the costs are really high. But also the technical expertise, you know, if you're a business owner running whatever your business is, you know, how much do you actually know about creating a radio advert? You think you might have to outsource that, but it's not typically something you think you can do yourself. So there were high barriers to entry to get into radio advertising and there traditionally always has been high barriers to entry.Arup Biswas [00:03:56]:So when we came up with the concept for doing this, and I should say myself and my co founder, we come from a media background, so we were very experienced in working with small business owners who were looking to promote their businesses in normal market ways, but struggled with things like broadcast advertising. So we came with it from a problem point of view of how do we make it easier for these business owners to get their message out via radio advertising and increasingly podcast advertising. So we know that we know the pain. We, you know, we see the pain every day. And historically the pain's been there, been there. So what we've done is create a system which removes every, every barrier to entry. And I'll, you know, we'll talk a little bit more about what we offer, but essentially one of the services we offer is a self serve advert creation system where anybody can go in and create a professional audio advert with no technical expertise in less than five minutes. So that's what we've tried to do, is remove barriers to entry.Stuart Webb [00:04:55]:So let's, let's just deal into that and I guess we're going to get into some of the sort of the offerings and services that you've got. And I hope that there's going to be a valuable offer, a piece of advice that you'd like to give to the audience. But let me just explore for a moment. I mean, how does this system work? What does the business owner do to, to solve the problem they've got? Having sort of looked at the cost of this and thought this is going to be too expensive for me to be able to sort of put a radio advert, a podcast advert, TV advert, whatever, out this might be a solution to it. What's the steps that they take? What are the different services you Offer.Arup Biswas [00:05:33]:Yeah, well, the first thing to say is when we talk to business owners is to forget everything they know about creating radio adverts. Because most of us, or most people come to this thinking expensive techniques, technically complex, all those kind of things. As I said, we've created a system that removes all that. So we've got two services. One is a self serve system I mentioned where anybody can go in, they can just write a few words of text. We use AI to create a script for the, for the company owner or the marketing executive. So you just need to put in a few words about your business. You know, for example, you know, ABC is a marketing company that works in Chester.Arup Biswas [00:06:11]:Our AI will automatically create a 30 second advert script using that text, or you can put in the exact text that you want to be read out. What happens is our system automatically creates the script, automatically adds an AI voice, and these are high quality AI voices. We use the best AI voices in the industry. You would never know it's an AI voice. And we add background music to it as well and we patch it up as a, as a 30 second advert. Now that process is super quick. Anybody can go into the site now, they could do it now and they'll see that they'll have an advert there to listen to literally within less than a minute, you know, no more than five minutes if they want to translate it, because we offer a translation facility as well. So that's fine, they could do that, then they could download the advert, do whatever they want with it.Arup Biswas [00:06:56]:But what we also know is quite often somebody will produce something like an audio file and they won't know what to do with it. It's great having an advert on your desktop or what the hell do you do with it. So what we do is we don't see ourselves so much as a tech company, we see ourselves as a full service tech and advertising agency. So we offer what we call a fully managed service where we'll create the advert for the client for the same cost. It's the same low cost. So we'll create the advert for the client and then we work with our media partners. So we have media partnerships with the largest radio station owners in the UK and the world's largest podcast advertising network. And, and these are companies that own every commercial radio station you've heard of, the big ones, you know, Heart Great Sits Radio, lbc, Capital Jazz fm, Classic fm, all the ones you, you've heard of, which get millions and millions of listeners every week.Arup Biswas [00:07:49]:And we partner with those guys to actually broadcast the advert for the client. So we offer a full one stop shop solution where the client can just say to us, yes, create the advert for us and we want it broadcast in Chester in, in September for two weeks. And we want to target a particular demographic now because more and more people are listening to radio adverts, not on traditional radios but on what you call connected devices, smart speakers, phones, game stations, Alexas, all those kind of things that gives you a lot of data about who's listening. And because the media owners have that data, we could target really effectively. So nowadays if a business owner says to us, oh my target audience is Eastbourne for example, but I only want to target 45 year old business owners in Eastbourne, within a 10 mile radius of Eastbourne and they have to be female business owners, we can do that. We could target exactly that audience through our media partners and deliver the advert exactly to that audience. So nobody else other than those target audience people will hear the advert which makes the advertising spend really effective of course. So what we do for the client is we create the advert, we manage the broadcast for them, we get it broadcast and we send them analytics at the end of it.Arup Biswas [00:09:02]:So, and obviously they can hear the advert when it's live on air. So we offer a full service solution.Stuart Webb [00:09:09]:And I think it's really important to, to, to, to, to sort of emphasize in this, if it's not become very obvious, that makes this really very, very cost effective, doesn't it? Because you're not paying for the normally 95% of people who don't want, you're targeting the very specific people that you know that you have a solution to their problem and therefore that advert becomes extremely relevant and very much more targeted.Arup Biswas [00:09:35]:That's right. And actually some of the campaigns we've already run for clients, they've been very targeted campaigns. So we've got one coming up actually in the next couple of weeks which is targeting business owners in Birmingham and it's just targeting Birmingham city centre. So like a mile, a couple of mile radius of Birmingham city centre. It's only targeting business owners because that's who the business the advertiser wants to target. We can even set the age range. If they only want to target business owners over 25, for example, we could do that. So yeah, it makes it very effective and it means you're not, you're not wasting your ad spend on people hearing your advert who aren't in your target audience.Arup Biswas [00:10:13]:So why why waste money doing that?Stuart Webb [00:10:15]:Terrific. So that brings me on to the sort of third question. Is there a piece of advice, an offer, something that you can give, give to the audience listening at the moment, the people watching us on YouTube, LinkedIn who might say, well, this sounds like it's interesting. So how do I get some advice from this guy and understand whether or not this is for me?Arup Biswas [00:10:34]:Yeah, well, the first thing I would do is I'd say look at one of the challenges is people often think that radio listenership in particular is declining. They know podcast listenership is increasing because podcasts are booming massively around the world, but they think radio listenership generally is declining. And that's not the case at all. Radio listenership is really, really strong in the and around the world. So in terms of free advice, free resources, I would tell people to go to a couple of the industry websites. These are completely in industry official websites. One is called radiocentre.org which is kind of the voice of the radio industry in the uk. The second one is a site called Rajar R a j a r.co.uk which is run by the BBC and the Radio center which gives the stats on how many people listen to different radio stations.Arup Biswas [00:11:24]:So if you go there and even if you look for your local radio station, so you might want to know how many people listen to heart radio in your part of the world, you can go there and you can see the actual stats of how many people are listening to heart radio in your area. So you'll know how big the audience is. The second bit of advice I'd give, and this may sound a bit self serving, is just go onto our website, go into register for our free advertising service. There's no cost to create the advert. The only, the only cost is if you want to download the advert at the end of the process. But you don't have to do that if you just want to go in, have a look, see how it works, actually create an advert yourself, see how it sounds, do that, go in there, have a play with it, see how easy it is to create a professional audio advert and that you'll, that will make you very familiar and comfortable with knowing it's really easy. Now you don't need the traditional ways of creating adverts now. What we've done is created a disruptive way to create an professional audio ad cheaply and quickly.Stuart Webb [00:12:21]:So anybody who's just tried to sort of write down all of that information, I can promise you, and I've put it on screen. Now, if you go to our vault, which is systemize S Y S T E M I s e.me forward/free hyphen stuff that's systemized me free hyphen stuff, all of those links that ARIP has just, just mentioned will be there. You don't have to try and write them down. Just remember, systemize me free hyphen stuff, dead easy. Go on that, pick up all of that links, pick all of the information that we've got and we'll be able to direct you to all of that stuff that ARUP has just mentioned. And that will save you having to try and remember a lot of information which is actually going to help you to understand exactly how you can create these adverts. Low cost, highly targeted, very relevant to the person, has a problem that you can solve for them. And if that doesn't bring in leads, then nothing else will.Stuart Webb [00:13:17]:Arab, you've mentioned a little bit about how you sort of began your journey towards this. You were, you were obviously in the media world yourself. Was there a, was there a moment, a book, a course and in a meeting, something which sort of struck you as, okay, I've got a solution to a problem. I need to, I need to start telling the world about this. What brought you to who you are at the moment, as it were?Arup Biswas [00:13:38]:Yeah, well, as I said, myself, my co founder, Monok, we come from the media sector and actually we both started off as traditional newspaper journalists back in the day when, you know, newspaper readership was huge. So we started in the media sector. We moved into different areas of media operations in terms of managing news websites and operations, those kind of things. But we worked quite closely with advertising teams in our media companies. So we were working with colleagues who were working with local businesses who were looking to promote themselves via. In those days it was all newspaper advertising. You'll remember, Stuart, back in the day, all the job listings weren't on. Indeed they were in your local paper.Stuart Webb [00:14:16]:And all the properties, I don't remember those times.Arup Biswas [00:14:18]:I'm only 21, I'm obviously older than you.Stuart Webb [00:14:24]:21 in a few months. I just haven't counted the number of months recently.Arup Biswas [00:14:29]:But trust me, in, in, I'm going to say in the old days, job listings, property listings, they're all in your local paper. That's where you would go, you know, Thursday used to be job paper day. You know, you'd get a paper on a Thursday and that's where your jobs were. Wednesday was for property. Now all that has moved online. But working with commercial teams in media organizations. Like I said, we understood how SME owners, business owners were evolving, what they wanted to do. They were Google AdWords was a new thing at the time.Arup Biswas [00:14:55]:You know, the, the power of advertising online became a new thing and more and more were shifting away from traditional print advertising into online advertising. But there was a growing band who wanted to go further and want to do things like radio advertising. But there just wasn't the capability to do it. A low cost, easy to, easy to use and understand way and it hasn't been for years. You know, we set up to solve that problem, to fix that problem. We, we knew AI could solve that problem and we built our own system to enable us to do it. So we have our own proprietary system that uses AI. Now if you're into AI, yeah, it's fine, it's exciting.Arup Biswas [00:15:31]:But if you just focus on the outcome of I want to reach potential large audiences in a really effective and powerful way. Radio advertising, podcast advertising is number one. And actually it's not me saying that numerous bodies, including the Guardian newspaper and Tapestry research, they did some analysis a few years ago about the effectiveness of podcast advertising, for example, and what they found, what they found was podcast advertising is more, it's the most effective form of advertising around, much more effective than online advertising, a lot more effective than TV advertising. And actually what they found in their in depth analysis and research was 52% of of podcast listeners who heard an advert in a podcast wanted to buy something from the brand. 38% of people who heard an advert on radio wanted to buy something from the brand. And there's a whole stack of literature about the science of audio and the fact it goes in your ear and it sticks in your brain and it, and you digest it and you, and it works its way into your brain in a different way to things you see visually, for example. So there's a lot of science about how audio is the most effective method of getting a message in, in your brain and also the most effective message method of advertising and getting the customers to recall your brand, recall your message and go onto your website and make a purchase.Stuart Webb [00:16:55]:Terrific. I'm very aware of the fact that you've given a huge amount of very detailed answers to questions that I've given you, but probably I've not yet asked you the one question that I should have asked and that's probably my fault for having not realized. There's an important question here, but there must be one important question that you keep thinking. When's he going to ask this really, really important question. So I'm going to ask you now to tell me what that question was. And obviously, as you know what the question is, you're also going to have to answer it for me because I can't answer that question.Arup Biswas [00:17:25]:That's fine. Well, I guess a really obvious question is what do I do with an advert? And I know it sounds really obvious because we've been talking about advertising on radio, we've been talking about advertising podcasts and Absolutely, you know, create the advert. That's where it'll go. That's where you're going to get your biggest audience when it's broadcast on radio or broadcast in podcast. However, an audio advert doesn't have to be just used in that way. There's lots of other things you can do with an audio advert. You can stick it on your website, you can stick it in your newsletters, you can stick it on your email, you can use on social media. So if you never want it to be on radio or you don't think you can afford the cost of it, going out on radio or podcast doesn't mean that an audio advert won't be effective.Arup Biswas [00:18:06]:It will be effective and there's lots of ways you can use it. So, you know, if you don't want it on Heart FM or Greatest Radio or in the podcast or whatever, fine. Use it on your website, Use it on your, in your blog section if you've got one. Use it in your emails. User on social media, people still digest it in the same way. It's still going through people's ears. They're still hearing the message. It's just a different medium that's going out.Arup Biswas [00:18:29]:So that's the one thing I think people should get, should really understand that using our system or using any system to create an advert doesn't necessarily mean you have to broadcast it on radio. An audio file, an audio advert can be used in lots of different ways and it's a powerful mechanism whichever way they use.Stuart Webb [00:18:48]:And now it's as cost effective as you described, Eric. There's no reason not to do five, six, seven of them and use them in different ways, different channels where, you know, there'll be different audiences. I'm always very keen on talking to business owners who are sort of unsure about whether or not they should target and get very much more niche in there trying to solve particular problems. And I keep saying to them the niche person is the one that actually it's where the money is really made. So actually creating a very niche advert might sound like a really crazy idea, but actually it's the one which is probably going to be the most effective in bringing the person that has a problem that you solve to get to know who you are and start to know and trust you. And it's a much more effective way of doing it by something as simple as creating an audio advert like you're describing than it is by blasting a message to the entire world and hoping, which is just a very ineffective strategy.Arup Biswas [00:19:41]:Yeah. And, you know, with our services, there's two ways to, to look at that. One is, as I said, with the radio advertising, it can be really targeted at who you want to reach and the demographics. But podcast advertising is a really interesting space. I mean, everyone know how big podcasts are getting? You know, they're huge globally in the UK and globally. But with podcasts, obviously there, it's a bit like websites. There's podcasts for everything and podcasts for very niche subjects. So if you want a podcast just on marketing, you'll come to your podcast Stuart.Arup Biswas [00:20:11]:But if you want a podcast on business growth that you, you know, sorry, your business growth podcast will come to you. If you want one on marketing, if you want one on cars, whatever, there'll be a podcast about it. I mean, if you. Everybody knows about the Peter Crouch podcast, you know, and he's got some really successful podcasts out there now, music podcasts that appeal to people, they're funny, that the comedy podcast, but the podcast for everything. And whatever sector you're working in, there will be a podcast that relates to that sector. So that means you can have an advert in that particular podcast, which means only people that be hearing it are people that you want to target, people who are, who are looking for those services or looking for knowledge and experience. So you can be really, really highly targeted. Which is why some podcast advertising can be a bit more expensive because it's so targeted.Arup Biswas [00:21:04]:But going back to your point, it's exactly that point, you're not wasting a single penny on people that aren't in your target audience.Stuart Webb [00:21:11]:Brilliant. Brilliant. Arab. I think you've really, really hit the nail on the head with that. And I'm just going to, once again, if you, if I would encourage you, go to Systemize me free hyphen stuff, go and find out Those email, those URLs, those websites that are mentioned, they will be in the vault. You can go there, you can pick up those, those valuable links and find out just how quickly and easily you can create an advert like Arup has just described to you. I'm going to back up what he's saying. I've been doing some sort of helping people launch their own podcast just recently.Stuart Webb [00:21:47]:When you look at the number of blogs there are in the world and yet there are so few podcasts and blogs are something that I know every web expert tells me, you must have a blog, you must have a blog. If you've got a blog but you haven't got a podcast, you've missed out on a huge section of potential audience I happen to have to attend. Not because I, because I was doing something else there, but I was attending an event recently in the middle of Derby which was around the train industry and there were no less than 12 YouTube and podcast people there, all creating podcasts about the trains that they were seeing. So there are some really huge audiences for these people. If they hadn't expected there to be a huge audience for their stuff, they wouldn't have been there. So go think about it. Go have a look at what you can do with podcasts, look at what you can do with an advert to promote your stuff on a podcast and get out there and do it. Arup, I've got to thank you for, for what you've just said.Stuart Webb [00:22:46]:I think it's brilliant stuff and really, really appreciate you coming on and spending a few minutes with us.Arup Biswas [00:22:50]:Thank you, sir, I really enjoyed it. Thank you for the opportunity.Stuart Webb [00:22:53]:No problem. If you'll excuse me, I'm just going to now encourage people to subscribe to this podcast and website. Go to once again, Systemize Me subscribe you just, it's a simple format, asks you for what two things, your first name and your email address. And every week you'll get an email with me from me telling you who's coming up on this so that you can join live on LinkedIn or YouTube and actually get the sort of valuable free advice from experts such as Eric. We don't have people on here who have got something really valuable to say. So if you want to listen to more people like Arup who've got really valuable free advice for you and really will help get your business motoring, come and subscribe at Systemize Me Forward slash subscribe. Arup, thank you very much. Thank you for indulging me for a few minutes in making my own little self promotion there.Stuart Webb [00:23:42]:It's not an advert. Maybe I need to start thinking about one of those as well, but thank you very much for being here.Arup Biswas [00:23:47]:Thank you, Stuart.. Get full access to It's Not Rocket Science! at thecompleteapproach.substack.com/subscribe

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Episode 4: Why Coherence Is the New IQ | The Polymathic Perspective Podcast * What happens when the measurements that once defined your intelligence suddenly stop working, and your identity fractures before you can explain why? Description A man sits across from me. Brilliant by every metric we're taught to trust. High scores. Strong credentials. A lifetime stabilized by numbers. Then, casually, he tests himself against a machine. The machine surpasses him effortlessly. He smiles. Makes a joke. But something quietly collapses inside him, not his confidence, not his capability, but the story that held his intelligence together. . This episode isn't about IQ. It isn't about AI. And it isn't even about intelligence as we've been taught to define it. . It's about identity coherence, and what happens when measurement outruns meaning. In Episode 4 of The Polymathic Perspective, we examine why traditional intelligence metrics fail under pressure, why highly intelligent people become brittle when identity is threatened, and why coherence, not cognition, is the capacity that determines who adapts and who fractures in this moment of history. . If you've ever felt too broad, too contradictory, or too complex to explain in a single sentence, and quietly wondered whether that made you less intelligent, this episode is for you.

Are we in an intimacy and loneliness crisis? And if so, what's so bad about that? A lot more than you might think. Dr. Justin Garcia's new book The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love details why intimacy is VITAL for survival in the human species. We are social animals, and that's not something the digital age can get around. Join DB for this BRILLIANT conversation with Dr. Justin Garcia all about what intimacy is, how it works, and why we need it. GUEST DETAILSDr. Justin Garcia is an evolutionary biologist and international authority on the science of sex and relationships. Since 2019, he has served as the Executive Director of the world-renowned Kinsey Institute, where he is also a Senior Scientist and Ruth N. Halls Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University. His latest book, The Intimate Animal, explores the science behind why we live for love and is available now for purchase. https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/executive-director-justin-garcia.html https://kinseyinstitute.org/research/intimate-animal.html https://www.instagram.com/kinseyinstitute https://www.instagram.com/drjustingarcia/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinsey-institute/ https://x.com/kinseyinstitute https://x.com/DrJustinGarcia FIND DR. JUSTIN GARCIA'S BOOK HERE The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love (This is an affiliate link to our Bookshop.org shop! We'll receive a percentage back if you buy with our link -- and we hope you will!) AND FIND THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE ON OUR NEWSLETTER SOON! Subscribers to our paid tier (THE SLEEPOVER) on our newsletter will get an extended version of this episode -- AND our monthly premium-only editions with TRUE sexy stories, questions from listeners, product recommendations, deep dives, and more!!! sexedwithdb.substack.com ARTICLES ON THE "MALE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC" "Why Are Women Leaving – And Men Are Calling It 'Loneliness'" "Why the 'Male Loneliness Epidemic' Is Largely Down to Men Themselves" "OPINION: The male loneliness epidemic is severely misleading" TAKE OUR SMUT QUIZFind your page-turning turn-on with our new SMUT QUIZ! In just 5 questions, you'll get right to the good stuff with curated pages, poems, and audios. No slow burn. No fluff. Just pleasure. Take the quiz here: https://sexedwithdb.fillout.com/smutquiz ABOUT SEASON 13 Season 13 of Sex Ed with DB is ALL ABOUT PLEASURE! Solo pleasure. Partnered pleasure. Orgasms. Porn. Queer joy. Kinks, sex toys, fantasies -- you name it. We're here to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and a whole lot more turned on to help YOU have the best sex. CONNECT WITH USInstagram: @sexedwithdbpodcast TikTok: @sexedwithdbThreads: @sexedwithdbpodcast X: @sexedwithdbYouTube: Sex Ed with DB SEX ED WITH DB SEASON 13 SPONSORS Uberlube, Magic Wand, LELO, and Happy V. Get discounts on all of DB's favorite things here! GET IN TOUCH Email: sexedwithdb@gmail.comSubscribe to our BRAND NEW newsletter for hot goss, expert advice, and *the* most salacious stories. FOR SEXUAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Check out DB's workshop: "Building A Profitable Online Sexual Health Brand" ABOUT THE SHOW Sex Ed with DB is your go-to podcast for smart, science-backed sex education — delivering trusted insights from top experts on sex, sexuality, and pleasure. Empowering, inclusive, and grounded in real science, it's the sex ed you've always wanted. ASK AN ANONYMOUS SEX ED QUESTION Fill out our anonymous form to ask your sex ed question. SEASON 13 TEAM Creator, Host & Executive Producer: Danielle Bezalel (DB) (she/her) Producer and Growth Marketing Manager: Wil Williams (they/them) Social Media Content Creator: Iva Markicevic Daley (she/her) MUSIC Intro theme music: Hook Sounds Background music: Bright State by Ketsa Ad music: Soul Sync by Ketsa, Always Faithful by Ketsa, and Soul Epic by Ketsa. Thank you Ketsa!

In this episode, Stephen Martin discusses the challenges dyslexic entrepreneurs face when it comes to self-promotion and selling their services. He highlights the common struggle of translating their skills and value into effective communication, leading to a lack of confidence in selling themselves. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's perspective and simplifying the message to bridge the gap between the seller and the buyer. Stephen also introduces a course designed to help dyslexics improve their self-promotion skills.TakeawaysDyslexics often excel at selling others but struggle with self-promotion.The issue is often a lack of belief in oneself rather than a lack of skill.Dyslexia can be viewed as a communication challenge rather than an intelligence issue.Over-explaining can confuse potential buyers and hinder sales.Simplifying the message is crucial for effective communication.Perfectionism can block clarity in sales conversations.Selling is about translating your value to the customer.Understanding your audience's level of knowledge is essential.Clarity in what you're offering builds trust with potential buyers.Courses and resources can help dyslexics improve their selling skills.Dyslexia, self-promotion, selling, confidence, entrepreneurship, communication, business, marketing, personal branding, overcoming challenges, ADHD, adults with dyslexia, support for adults.Join the clubrightbrainresetters.comGet 20% off your first orderaddednutrition.comIf you want to find out more visit:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠truthaboutdyslexia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/groups/adultdyslexia⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If you're looking for a breakdown of stats and analysis we'd ask that you kindly fuck off.Footy is well and truly back! And Jacks ot a bone to pick with one Dragons player...Leave us a message for the Pod: https://www.speakpipe.com/BloodyBrilliantbeers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unai Emery needs Villa Park to be at its brilliant best to build momentum in a crucial part of the season. On this week's Claret & Brew: An open discussion on the atmosphere at Villa Park.

Matthew Spriegel, CEO and founder of Atium, shares his fascinating journey from spending 12 years in China to developing a cutting-edge behavioural change technology for frontline workers.  Matthew explains how Atium uses gamification, AI-driven playbooks, and a "TikTok-style" micro-learning approach to boost employee engagement and operational efficiency in sectors like hospitality. He dives deep into the necessity of a growth mindset, the importance of niche-focused scalability, and how embracing a sense of curiosity can transform both personal identity and business trajectory. You'll Learn Why: Micro-learning is the future for the forgotten workforce of frontline employees. Owning a vertical is the secret sauce to scaling a tech startup globally. AI is an opportunity for human enhancement rather than a threat to job security. Complementary partnerships are the best cure for shiny penny syndrome in entrepreneurs. Curiosity-led leadership can bridge cultural gaps and mend complex personal relationships. This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

BRILLIANT

We have a happy podcast for the first time in a while for you! The boys are back and discussed the Bradford win in more detail plus we did a player focus on Kasey Palmer.

Kliff Kingsbury has officially joined the Rams' offensive staff, and Chris Russell calls it a brilliant move, explaining how this opportunity will help Kingsbury continue to grow and refine his skills as a play caller in the NFL. Russell breaks down why the collaboration makes sense for both Kingsbury and the Rams, highlighting the potential impact on game planning and offensive strategy. Shifting gears from X's and O's to the biggest stage off the field, Russell shares his initial impressions of Bad Bunny's highly anticipated NFL Super Bowl halftime show, offering insight into what fans can expect from the performance and how it fits into the spectacle of the championship weekend.

Breadwinner Energy® Is No Longer Just Coaching We Are Building an InstitutionIn this episode, I'm sharing something massive.Breadwinner Energy® is evolving from a coaching brand into a Licensing + Leadership Institution for women who are ready to build real wealth, real power, and real legacy together.For years, women have been told to build alone.Alone in business.Alone in leadership.Alone in wealth building.I'm done with that model.This next era of Breadwinner Energy® is about infrastructure, intellectual property, licensing, leadership, and putting powerful women inside something bigger than just another program.After over a decade across the service industry and coaching industry, I saw the same pattern:Brilliant women.Powerful ideas.But still building alone.Still capped by time, energy, visibility, and reach.Licensing changes that.Instead of building next to each other we build under the same institution, using shared infrastructure, shared brand authority, and shared visibility.Women will now be able to:• License the Breadwinner Energy® brand, IP, and frameworks• Be trained in thought leadership and brand representation• Be listed inside a public directory of certified leaders• Be featured across podcast, media, and institution opportunities• Be part of a high-level Alumni Leadership MastermindThis is not a course.This is not just a certification.This is institutional placement.The certification process is 4 months and teaches:• Thought Leadership• Brand Standards + Representation• Licensing Integrity + Use• Movement-Level Leadership• Wealth + Sovereignty Business InfrastructureFirst Certification Class Begins:April 6, 2026The first 15 women entering this institution will be our Founding Mothers.They will receive:• Priority placement in the public directory• Early access to leadership and collaboration opportunities• Founding level positioning inside the institution• Special recognition as first movers in this modelThere are only 15 spots.Annual Licensing Fee: $3,333 per yearThis includes:Directory ListingAlumni Leadership MastermindInstitution Access + OpportunitiesBrand + Licensing RightsPrivate + Founding Enrollment is currently open.Initial Enrollment Window:Open through February 28After Founding spots fill, pricing and placement will change.This is about women becoming breadwinners of their own lives.Breaking generational cycles.Building wealth in community.Creating power structures that include us — not exclude us.This is not just business scaling.This is movement building.If you are a woman who knows your work is bigger than your current container…If you are ready to stop building alone…If you are ready to step into leadership at an institutional level…This is your invitation.Follow & DM me on IG: https://www.instagram.com/itstaydaniels_llc/Join the Waitlist: https://itstaydaniels.myflodesk.com/headquarters Join the Free Fire Pit: https://www.skool.com/breadwinner-energy-club-7485 Breadwinner EnergyWomen in leadershipWomen licensing programCoaching industry evolutionWomen building generational wealthLicensing intellectual property coachingThought leadership certification for womenWomen business institutionFemale leadership certificationWomen business licensing modelHigh level mastermind for women entrepreneursBuild wealth in community womenWomen business directory listingFemale founder leadership programInstitution model for women entrepreneursWhy I Moved Away From One-on-One CoachingThe Breadwinner Energy® Licensing + Certification ModelCertification Program DetailsFounding Mothers — First 15 WomenLicensing Investment + StructureEnrollment WindowWhy This Matters (Bigger Than Business)If You Feel Called Into This LevelKEYWORDS (SEO)

We may have a new name but it's still time for another BIG and BRILLIANT adventure into the world of science on this week’s Science Quest! In Science in the News, scientists discover that Norwegian polar bears are healthier and fatter than ever, old boats are being sunk around the UK to create brand-new habitats for wildlife, and Meganne Christian from the UK Space Agency joins Dan to talk about the importance of women in science ahead of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It’s time for your questions too. One listener wants to know why cats meow, and language expert Mercedes Durham from Cardiff University explains why our planet is called Earth. Dangerous Dan is back with a strange and mysterious creature called the olm, and in Battle of the Sciences, things get rocky as Shaunna Morrison from Rutgers University makes the case for geoscience and why understanding the Earth beneath our feet really matters. Plus, in Geology Rocks: Earth’s History, join Finley on a journey through time to explore fossils, volcanoes, and how rocks helped form our planet and even our universe. What we learn about: Why cats meow How polar bears in Norway are doing and why it matters How sinking old boats can help wildlife Why women in science are so important The strange underground creature called the olm How rocks, fossils, and volcanoes reveal Earth’s history All that and more on this week’s Science Quest!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeannette examines the top 10 most-asked business questions she receives from global leaders and entrepreneurs, offering practical advice on topics such as time management, business growth, leadership, and maintaining personal well-being.  Drawing from her 30 years of experience, she reveals all you need to know about the importance of focus, strategy, and consistency over sheer effort and motivation You'll Learn: Strategic Time Management: How to shift focus from busy work to high-impact activities like strategy, team-building, and revenue driving. The Difference Between Hard Work and Smart Growth: Effort alone doesn't guarantee success and that results come from clarity, not chaos. Effective Leadership and Hiring: The nuances of building a high-performance team, emphasising the "hire slow, fire fast" philosophy. Value-Based Pricing: Overcoming the guilt of charging what you're worth by focusing on outcomes rather than just time. The Power of Consistency and Storytelling: Consistent habits outperform fleeting motivation and how authenticity builds a unique brand in a crowded market. This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

Today on What's Right:Did Trump post a racist video?Anti-ICE protesters freely call black ICE agents the N wordElon Musk puts XAi inside SpaceX in a brilliant moveChinese bio lab found in La VegasHow politicians scheme their way into wealthMamdani casts Muhammad as the ideal migrant in NYC speechThanks for tuning into today's episode of What's Right! If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and make sure you leave us a 5-star review.Have personal injury questions? Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sam & Ash Injury Law⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get free answers 24/7.Connect with us on our socials:TWITTERSam ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@WhatsRightSam⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠What's Right Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@WhatsRightShow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FACEBOOKWhat's Right Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WhatsRightShow/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠INSTAGRAMWhat's Right Show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@WhatsRightShow⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠EMAILSam sam@whatsrightshow.comProducer Robbie robbie@whatsrightshow.comTo request a transcript of this episode, email ⁠⁠marketing@samandashlaw.com

A federal judge denied Elon Musk's attempt to avoid a deposition in the USAID lawsuit, rejecting the apex doctrine defense and ruling that sworn testimony is the only way to determine who authorized the agency's dismantlement during DOGE operations.00:00 Elon Musk Ordered to Testify on USAID Shutdown01:05 Legal Arguments and the Apex Doctrine02:29 Judge's Ruling and Its Implications04:00 Impact of USAID Dismantlement05:29 Call to Action for Viewers06:07 Lack of Alternative Witnesses07:43 Broader Legal Context and Constitutional Questions09:40 Focus of Upcoming Depositions

Rachel Knutton, founder and CEO of Alluvia Studio, shares how a 30-year healthcare journey—from hospital marketing and public relations (PR) at HCA Healthcare to medical device commercialization, product launches, and sales—shaped her belief that everything in MedTech ultimately comes down to storytelling. Rachel explains how her “been there” experience in hospitals, cases, and value analysis environments helps her create messaging that's compelling, compliant, and built to endure. She also opens up about becoming an “accidental entrepreneur,” discovering unexpected fulfillment in leading people, and building an agency culture grounded in authenticity, humor, and joy.    Guest links: www.alluviastudio.com | www.linkedin.com/rachelknutton | www.linkedin.com/alluviastudio  Charity supported: Sleep in Heavenly Peace Interested in being a guest on the show or have feedback to share? Email us at theleadingdifference@velentium.com.  PRODUCTION CREDITS Host & Editor: Lindsey Dinneen Producer: Velentium Medical   EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Episode 073 - Rachel Knutton [00:00:00] Lindsey Dinneen: Hi, I'm Lindsey and I'm talking with MedTech industry leaders on how they change lives for a better world. [00:00:09] Diane Bouis: The inventions and technologies are fascinating and so are the people who work with them. [00:00:15] Frank Jaskulke: There was a period of time where I realized, fundamentally, my job was to go hang out with really smart people that are saving lives and then do work that would help them save more lives. [00:00:28] Diane Bouis: I got into the business to save lives and it is incredibly motivating to work with people who are in that same business, saving or improving lives. [00:00:38] Duane Mancini: What better industry than where I get to wake up every day and just save people's lives. [00:00:42] Lindsey Dinneen: These are extraordinary people doing extraordinary work, and this is The Leading Difference. Hello, and welcome back to another episode of The Leading Difference podcast. I'm your host, Lindsey, and today I'm delighted to welcome Rachel Knutton. Rachel is founder and CEO of Alluvia Studio, a strategic medtech marketing agency based in Tennessee that supports some of the largest medtech brands in the world. Her experience in healthcare spans 30 years, including hospital marketing and PR for HCA Healthcare, as well as various roles in medical device commercialization, sales and marketing. Right. Well, welcome to the show, Rachel. It's so nice to you for having me. Of course. I would love if you would start off by just, uh, telling us a little bit about yourself, your background and what led you to medtech. [00:01:36] Rachel Knutton: Yeah, so I actually have a pretty interesting background and I bet I'll cover a little bit more of it as we go through the discussion, but currently I have an MedTech marketing agency. We have 16 employees. been in business technically since 2011, so 14 years. And just really focused on this industry. My path to getting into MedTech actually came through HCA Healthcare. I started working in hospital world back in 1996. And actually it was accidental. I, you know, I was pretty new outta school, a couple years outta school and I'd answered an ad and I dove right into a really exciting world. It's, you know, of course headquartered here in Nashville. Learned all about hospitals. I supported I think eight different hospitals at that time that were in region, the Nashville region, doing marketing and public relations, walked into my first open heart surgery case, helped feed employees at midnight, handled all kinds of interesting PR events because we're hearing Nashville, a lot of country music stars might get hospitalized. And I did that for about 10 years. And then I ended up moving into devices a recruiter, and it's when Kimberly Clark Healthcare had gone into the medical devices arena through the purchase of Ballard. so honestly I really didn't know much about it. But I had, you know, I did have my MBA, I had been working in healthcare, which sort of met the qualifications at that time. And I got a early start in marcom. Learned so much, got back into the hospital through that role from the other side of the coin and I had the chance to do product management, launch a product, and then I moved into sales and sold the product a whole bag and then got back into the hospital, you know, working through the whole value EIS ecosystem and working with physicians and being in cases. So it's been a very interesting path for sure. [00:03:37] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that. And so I'm curious about a lot of things, but I'll start with this. So what do you find are some of the differences and similarities between marketing and PR for the hospital side of things versus the device side of things? [00:03:55] Rachel Knutton: I mean, certainly I think PR piece is a much bigger aspect, the community aspect. Um. Every hospital is such an important part of the community. So there's a heavy weight there on that. And then of course, the regional aspect of it. So whereas in the device world, you know, all targeting like very large geographies, maybe either the US or outside of the US. And so in the hospital world, that tends to be more regionalized. I would say. That's like one of the big differences for sure. And then honestly, hospital world, it's more business to consumer. is a lot of physician related marketing as you're trying to drive preference to, you know, using your hospital for surgeries or trying to recruit physicians, but it's a lot more B2C in the, medtech world. world. [00:04:44] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. So, okay, so you mentioned know, you responded to an an ad and that led you to was sort of like, well, a say, um, synergy, whatever you wanna say. that was was marketing and communications something that you always had a passion for or what led you to kind of pursue that? [00:05:05] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. Well actually I was a little bit more of a writer. would say telling stories is origin story. So I wanted to work in magazines. This is back when we still did print and newspapers and things like that. And always wanted to work in the magazine um, industry and I, and it started out writing for a business magazine. Started working for an agency for Ford, doing writing for a sales focused magazine. And so it just sort of morphed into that. I would say in the marketing and PR world, we were telling stories about patient stories, pitching those to newspapers. We were telling stories about physicians doing new types of procedures employees, you know, trying to promote them within the hospital world. That's also important to that ecosystem. And so I think that's kind of where that transition happened. And I would say that's still what I do today. So it's taken a lot of different forms and product management and working in Excel files and figuring out demand forecast isn't really about telling stories what it is, right? Everything is about telling a story in the end. [00:06:06] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. So it sounds like you have the strategist side, the analytical side, and the creative side, which doesn't always, you know, align. And so tell us a little bit about your approach maybe to, say, there's a client of yours that is interested in bringing a product to market, and story tell to help them achieve their goals, and within compliance, because obviously that's a component. [00:06:35] Rachel Knutton: yeah, I mean, that's certainly in our industry, you know, figuring out are the guardrails. course in marketing, I always think, you know, we, know the rules. But we're also going to make sure that we're not self-limiting within those rules. So I let the regulatory people and the legal people push back. But I know what not to risk, right? So I think one of the things that's very helpful is having sold devices, having launched devices myself, having worked in the hospital system, I spent a lot of time on the floors watching how devices are used. I spent time in ICU collecting data. I think really having been part of that environment helps feed the story building process. It's almost like a natural part of what goes into building that story. So because of that experience, because I've walked those halls, I've been in those shoes, I kind of know what some of those limitations are and that just automatically configures into the storytelling process. I know what the product managers are up against when they're trying to launch a product. And theoretically, I should know the right questions to ask and how they got to the product that they have today and how they've, you know, customer feedback has fed into that. And then how do we take that and make sure that the messaging meets the same requirements? Like you have a, you know, you have design requirements, well, your messaging should have the same requirements and achieve a goal. So I think that's the analytical side is making sure, does the message achieve the goal? Are we being very committed to what's the business objective? How is the marketing objective supporting that? And then is the, how is the messaging fitting into that? I think that's a very important part of the discipline. We also are very familiar with, you know, claims matrices and the importance of having, you know, data and research to support claims. And so kind of knowing that framework, I think is helpful when you're building messaging because helps you think through like, okay, here's how the client is going to need to organize the messaging. Here's how they're gonna have to reuse the messaging. You know, how can we be very consistent in how we roll that out so they're not having to go back through and through their approval process every time. It's really important part of the discipline in the medtech world that we have to deal with that industries as well, of course, but it's certainly very important in ours. [00:09:01] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. I, I really appreciate that insight and I think, you know, it's so interesting to see-- you're totally speaking my language about the consistency of, it's something I've, I've preached so much is you have to be consistent with your messaging and your branding. And it's not like everyone has to have the same cookie cutter language, but when you're aligned, that really translates. [00:09:25] Rachel Knutton: And it works. this is, you know, I, think this is a little bit of a, it's not a pet peeve, it's a passion project rather of mine is to get people to be consistent because I think what happens is internally, people get tired very quickly of their messaging or their creative. And I do think you need creative variability. We know with AI you need some of that, like that's gonna be important. But probably your customer, your target audience isn't tired of it and they might not have even seen it yet. And it's that very old, like nine times someone has to hear a message. And so my favorite clients are the ones that work very hard to get the messaging right in the first place. They go through the discipline process of doing it, knowing why we're doing it, getting full buy-in from an extended team, and then just keep with it, with some obviously refinement and tweaking when you get customer feedback. But you know, sadly, I'm sure we've all had this instance where it's like, "Oh, Dr. like this ad. We need a new ad campaign." And it's like, "Well, that's okay. I'm really glad he noticed it." You know? That's all right. That, might be okay. So, it, I think that the best companies are consistent and, you know, one of our clients is um, intuitive Surgical, and one of the things that we see is like, of course there's fresh creative. Of course there's brand evolution, but the overall message is very consistent and that's, it's fun to see how fruitful that consistency has been for them. [00:11:06] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, absolutely. Love that. So you worked for other companies and then you took a leap and became an entrepreneur and a leader of your business. What was that like? Were you prepared, so to speak? I'm not sure anyone's actually prepared to be an entrepreneur, but you know, how did that go for you? [00:11:24] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. was certainly an accidental entrepreneur. Some lifestyle choices, particularly marrying someone in the military at the time when we didn't do Zoom calls forced me to look at my career path and go, you know what? I'm not gonna climb the corporate career ladder moving. At that time, it wasn't a thing. And I thought, you know, I'm gonna need to do consulting in order to, you know, support family and then keep my business going. So I had lifestyle reasons that I became an entrepreneur and wasn't really sure how it was gonna work out, to be perfectly honest with you. And, you know, felt like a lot of people say, "Well, I'm consulting," which just means they don't have a job right now. And I, I know, you know, nothing bad about saying that, that can be very true, but for me, I was like, this is actually something I'm gonna need to do. And I did it as a as a solo consultant for several years, and then when I, we finally settled down and stopped moving said, "Well, it's time for me to get some help." The thing that was really interesting to me is I never really wanted to manage people even when I was in the corporate world, I just wanted to do great work. I wanted to, you know, I, felt like people slowed me down. You know, I just, I'm like, "Just let me go. I'm a star player." And it was really nothing that I was interested in at all. And now I have, you know, all these employees and I spend a very large portion of my time managing people. And the thing that has been so surprising is how gratifying that is, how fulfilling it is. One, to, you know, go beyond your comfort zone and find, I've learned so much. I've made a lot of mistakes. I've thought about other leaders that I've been lucky to work with in the past and follow what they do. And maybe some people who had some tendencies that I try not to do or I'll check myself and go, "Oh, am I, you know, am I doing that?" But I think managing team, developing people is the most exciting piece of it. always loved helping clients, so as I started out in this venture, I had a couple of offers to go work full time for those clients, but at that point I had been helping a few people and I was like, "Well, I can't say no to to the guy at this company, I can't say no to her because she needs my help. And if I have a full-time job, I'm not gonna be able to do that." So I really just wanted to help as many people as possible and I felt like owning my own business will allow me to do that. Now that I have a team, we are able to help so many more people and that is really gratifying. The other thing is. Where I am, my community is outside of Nashville and we're a micropolitan, which means we're kind of just far away for our commute to Nashville to be impractical. We have a local university here, and so one of the things I wanna do early on was work with the local university talent for people who wanna stay in this upper Cumberland area and have a great profession. And it's somewhat limited still. It is growing, but there's not a lot of big corporate jobs. So what I love to do is I bring that corporate experience into my small business in terms of professional development, evaluations, how we coach people. And then I try to get rid of all this stuff that I didn't really care about working in the corporate land, you know, and increased flexibility. Let's not have politics and things like that, and so that people can just grow and flourish. And so it is, I'm very passionate about it. I love helping clients and I love helping my team, and so it's really like the best of both worlds for me. [00:14:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Excellent. So you have an interesting name for your company and I would love if you would share a little bit what led to that? [00:15:07] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. Thank you for asking about that, actually. So when I was the first name for my company was called Good Day Marketing, and when I realized I was really going to stay in medtech, at that time when I launched it, I was like, well, maybe I won't do medtech. Maybe I'll just do other marketing. I was like, "Well, medtech is where people want me. This is what I know. I have expertise. This is where I need to be." It made a lot of sense. I was like, okay, I need to rebrand, and I had gone through a period of testing. And so I'm a Christian and I'm familiar with scripture. You know, where you're like, you get refined in the fire, you're refined like silver and like gold. And I was like, "Okay, I need to have something about gold." And I discovered there's a type of gold called alluvial gold. And it's the kind of gold that you find in riverbeds. And soil in uh, riverbed is very, very rich because you have so much, you know, marine life and you know, plant life flowing over it, but then there's gold deposited there, and I was like, "That's we do, right?" Like when we're working with medtech companies, there's so much rich content, there's so much intelligence and innovation baked into what they're doing. Our job though, is to find the pieces of gold that will really help them tell that story and distill that, right? And like purify it. And it goes through a refining process to make sure the message is really clear. leave the extra behind. And then once we get it into a good spot, we shine it and we just like make the best part of that messaging, pull that forward. So it just made a lot of sense for the agency to be called Alluvia Studio. [00:16:42] Lindsey Dinneen: That's, that's perfect. That's such a great story too. I love the intentionality behind it and the thought process of it. Um. So yeah, so you have some core values with the company, and I'm assuming this also derives from yourself, and three me were the values of authenticity, joy, and humor. Can you speak to those and how you came up with that? [00:17:06] Rachel Knutton: Sure. Well, authenticity is, I, I just can't not be authentic. So one of the things you and I had talked about before is, I have a hard time talking about myself. just am naturally a little bit humble and I have to ask other people to tell me what I'm good at, right? And they're like, "Well, such a thought leader. You know what this industry so well, you're so great at telling this story." And I think just being able to say, "Hey, I don't know how to frame myself is something that's just innate to me." [00:17:40] Lindsey Dinneen: Hmm. [00:17:42] Rachel Knutton: I think I wanna work that way with people. It means that if you need to have a tough conversation with a client, you can have it. something doesn't feel right, I wanna pick up the phone and say, "Hey, this didn't feel right to me. I don't like how this conversation went. I don't like how this project's going 'cause I don't, I sense that you're dissatisfied, I wanna talk about it, I wanna understand it." from the client side, that's how authenticity works. And then with my team as well. So, for me, their personal lives are very important. I know we all bring our personal life into our work. If we say that we don't, we're lying. And so I ask that, you know, if someone's having a rough day or going through something as much as they're comfortable, at least just let us know so that other people aren't impacted by maybe, you know, a down day or, or take it personally because you know how we all do that, right? We read into it, go, "Oh, did I do something to upset them?" "No, I'm just, I'm not here today." And so I just think it's really important one, and I want people to feel comfortable with them, to feel themselves. And I think it helps with like diverse perspectives well. And then fun. So like humor, fun to me are lumped together and I just think when you have fun at work, you do your best work. And reminded of a couple of stories with our clients. So a lot of times we think in medtech, like everything's so serious. Everything, you know, and it is, it's a serious business. We're doing important things. There's nothing flip about what we do. However, we're all human beings. And we all need to have fun while we're working together. So we like our clients to have fun working with us, and I like sharing things that are fun about me. I had someone just this week who is from a very high level financial position in a big company comment that he loved that I had a roller skater in my LinkedIn profile. Now, I never would've thought that, right? I never thought that person would have really appreciated that, but that just goes to show that we all need to have fun. And even if we're working hard, we just like work hard, play hard, like let's just, and when we're stressed, let's just laugh it off and keep going. [00:19:58] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah, and the joy aspect, just curious because that is, uh, the huge core value of mine, and so I would just love to hear your take on it. [00:20:06] Rachel Knutton: It is my purpose life. I have identified that. I got go through a leadership development class about 20 years ago with Kimberly Clark, and we identified our purpose, and bringing joy into other people's lives was mine and what that means for me-- it is funny, early on in my career I, didn't think I was gonna work in medtech. I thought it was more in like hospitality, tourism, something, you know, that's fun, you know, obvious fun. But what I really realized is that joy, um, joy comes from completing a project, feeling very good about what you do. We are often a very important part when people are presenting about themselves. So they do a lot of presentations. They're presenting to their boss or to a board. We wanna make them look good. We wanna make them feel very confident and relieving that stress is a joyful experience for them. So for me it's very personal. know, as much as we can, we want to help them feel that and experience that, and that comes down to how we communicate with them. You know, let's laugh a little bit. Our job is to look good. We, this business is not about Alluvia. This business is about you, and we are here to be a partner with you in that process. [00:21:29] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Oh my goodness. Yes. That resonates very much. Um, yeah, so, you know, you've you've had an amazing career and you've worked, like you said, on the hospital side, you have had the device side and now your own business. Are there any moments along your journey that really stand out as affirming to you that "Yes, I'm in the right place at the right time?" [00:21:52] Rachel Knutton: Definitely. When I started my consulting business, I wasn't sure that I was going to be in medtech. So I had been in the hospital world for about 10 years and I had been in medtech for about 10 years, and I thought, "Well, am I supposed to be doing something different?" You know, that's that's a nice time to like, and my relationships and my reputation drew me back in. So it was almost one of those like. I'm meant to be here because I do have the experience that people value and I do have a way of thinking that's very helpful for people and it's a unique perspective that help. And so through my consulting business, I ended up launching two more products through very large publicly traded companies. And I thought, "Well, okay, obviously I'm supposed to be doing this." [00:22:48] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. Excellent. Yes, and I think makes sense too because it's, it's also rather niche, you know? So, so having the skill sets really play a good part into-- it's, it's-- basically what I'm trying to get at is it's not an necessarily an easy path. So it's helpful to have had that background to, you know, you've got the communications and the marketing, but also the nitty gritty of, you know, I remember when I first joined, you know, somebody would say a sentence and it was like, half of it was acronyms and it was, it's just such a steep learning curve, [00:23:21] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. Mm-hmm. [00:23:21] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. [00:23:22] Rachel Knutton: It's, it really, and it still is. I mean, there's no way to know about every specialty in the world or all of the, you know, technical or clinical issues that our clients customers need to deal with. But being able to figure out which parts you need to understand and which you don't, I think is good. Like, what do you need to filter? do you really need to go in order to help them communicate their message is. Is helpful. And I think having that experience does provide that filter. And you know, it's funny because I was thinking about your podcast and I love what you're doing with it. Like I love that you're trying to shine a light on our community and it is about so many people trying to help people and save lives. And yes, I mean, I work so heavily with the investor community and startup community that sometimes it starts to feel a lot like it's about money. think money follows great ideas, right? Because there's an economic value to an innovation that's gonna save our healthcare system money, save lives and outcomes and, things like that. So I think it's all important. One of the things that I've thought about though is. Our unique position is we help people that help people save lives. So, you know, we are not on the frontline innovating new devices. We are not really on the frontline working with the patients. But if they don't tell their story, if there's not awareness of their solution, if it's not implemented correctly-- we think, I think a lot about that at the at the sales level, having been in, in those shoes-- if those things aren't done correctly, then the patient's not gonna be helped and making sure that we make that as easy as possible. people don't really wanna think about marketing, right? Like they wanna think about the clinical aspect. They wanna think about the innovation and the know, technical issues that they need to solve. And new product development, but the marketing piece is really important. All [00:25:28] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah, and it's just a fun, well, it's really a special role to play, I think. And I've always felt really grateful for that because, right, if somebody doesn't know that it exists, then they can't buy it. And so even though my role is small in comparison to maybe the scientists and the engineers and everything like that, I still get to play a part, and I think that's just delightful. Yeah. [00:25:55] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. Yeah, it really is. And it's really helpful too. So, you know, running an agency, I have a lot of creative people. Well, in our industry, we don't get to be quite as creative as other industries, right? Because as you mentioned, you know, we have regulatory reasons and it's a slightly more conservative industry for sure and should be. We're always looking to figure out how do we inject that joy? How do we inject that fun and authenticity into something that still feels as professional, as innovative, and as buttoned up the product is, as the quality process has been, as the clinical study has been, but still, how do we have a unique voice within that? And so that's really helpful with my creative team too, to say, right, like our guy boundaries are a little bit different, but what we're doing is so much more important than selling a consumer product. Maybe like a luxury item or jewelry or marketing a, I don't know, something sexier, you know, like a vacation. I don't know. To me that'd be like the ultimate, send me around the world and have me market a travel. That'd be very good. [00:27:05] Lindsey Dinneen: You go. [00:27:06] Rachel Knutton: But at the end of the day, like it, it's making a really big impact and I think that's really helpful to help people in that. We're always looking for ways to try to get that experience. Like I'm always looking for ways to get experience from my team to be able to do that. I think that's probably my next big goal is like, how do I get them into the hospital? How do I expose them to what the day-to-day life is of a sales rep? You know? think that's really important in our industry to have some sort of exposure to feed on the streets in the hospital setting, how it works, what the sales rep has to go through to get the product implemented, how long it takes for it to actually succeed, right? Because it's not just one sale, it is a long process, a long journey, and an ongoing journey to make sure that that it sticks and that people understand how to use it. And I think having that like empathy or at least point of view can be really helpful to anyone marketing in our industry. [00:28:10] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. I I really like that. That's, that would be a really helpful thing for anyone, especially if they're newer to the industry, to have that sort of boots on the ground, this is what it's actually like, kind of experience. [00:28:24] Rachel Knutton: Yeah. [00:28:25] Lindsey Dinneen: So, okay, so pivoting the conversation just for fun. Imagine that you were to be offered a million dollars to teach a masterclass on anything you want. It could be within your industry, doesn't have to be, what would you choose to teach? [00:28:39] Rachel Knutton: I think it would really be about this, like how to find joy. Like how to find joy in everything. You know, how do you cultivate a joyful outlook on life so that even when you're sitting in traffic or doing something you don't really love to do, how can you integrate that? You know, I think that one thing that's really important to me is my faith. So my values, I'm, Christian, and I really believe the only true joy that we have is when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ. And so that's not part of my business, that's part of my life mantra, but like if I could help people get to the real joy, that would be like the ultimate goal, right? If I can't get them there, if I can get them to, you know, experience joy in the day to day or experience joy in their trials, think that would be something worth, I'd do it for free. I don't even need a million dollars. a million dollars would be great. [00:29:34] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Right. Excellent. Excellent. Yes. Okay. And then how do you wish to be remembered after you leave this world? [00:29:43] Rachel Knutton: I think it's that point I just made there, right, is that, maybe, I mean, it's so cliche, but I left things better than I found them. I left people better than I found them. And, you know, and ultimately, you know, if I lead them to Jesus, that is like the ultimate goal for me as a Christian. So for me, that would be a metric that if it was, you know, one person, if it was 1 million people, it doesn't matter. That's the goal. [00:30:13] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. Yeah. And then final question, what is one thing that makes you smile every time you see or think about it? [00:30:22] Rachel Knutton: It is my business. It really is. I mean, okay, obviously my family and my pets and things like that, but I really love coming to the office. This, we have our own building. Every time I come here, my spirits are lifted. I love seeing my team members and I love working with the clients and just hearing from them and building those relationships. Everything about this is so deeply personal to me that the money piece of it is like the very last thing that I think about. It's the last way that I run my business. It's the last way that I measure success. It's the last way I hire. It is really just follows that, that positive feeling of making an impact and having fun. I, it's just, I know it sounds crazy. We keep saying that, but I think it's really fun to do what I do. I'm [00:31:18] Lindsey Dinneen: Yeah. I love that answer. That's that's wonderful. And it, I think that's one of those affirmations that yeah, you are in the right place at the right time because you're having fun and you're joyful. I love that. [00:31:30] Rachel Knutton: Sometimes it's temping to work from home, and then I work from home, and then I come to the office. I'm like, "Why did I wanna work from home? It's so much lighter here. We have a disco ball here and I don't have a disco ball at home." [00:31:40] Lindsey Dinneen: Oh. Brilliant. I love it. Oh my goodness. Well, this has been such a fantastic conversation, Rachel. I so appreciate you and your time today, and I love the way that you bring joy and fun into medtech and into the lives of the people that you touch. And we're excited to be making a donation on your behalf, as a thank you for your time today, to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds for children who don't have any in the United States. So thank you for choosing that charity to support. Again, thank you so much for everything you're doing to change lives for a better world. [00:32:18] Rachel Knutton: Thank you. This is a great interview, so I appreciate it. You made it easy. [00:32:23] Lindsey Dinneen: So glad to hear that. Alright, well thank you so much again, and thank you also to our listeners for tuning in and if you're feeling as inspired as I am right now, I'd love it if you'd share this episode with a colleague or two and we'll catch you next time. [00:32:40] Dan Purvis: The Leading Difference is brought to you by Velentium Medical. Velentium Medical is a full service CDMO, serving medtech clients worldwide to securely design, manufacture, and test class two and class three medical devices. Velentium Medical's four units include research and development-- pairing electronic and mechanical design, embedded firmware, mobile app development, and cloud systems with the human factor studies and systems engineering necessary to streamline medical device regulatory approval; contract manufacturing-- building medical products at the prototype, clinical, and commercial levels in the US, as well as in low cost regions in 1345 certified and FDA registered Class VII clean rooms; cybersecurity-- generating the 12 cybersecurity design artifacts required for FDA submission; and automated test systems, assuring that every device produced is exactly the same as the device that was approved. Visit VelentiumMedical.com to explore how we can work together to change lives for a better world.

Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeIs This God's Sneaky and Brilliant Plan for Young Men? // Coming Up Next from Washington State // Fake Christian, James “Jimmy” Talarico Wants to Abort JesusEpisode links:https://x.com/Rightanglenews/status/2018771169579872750?s=20Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson, who repeatedly stated that his uncle is a Jesuit priest, has seized control of a Catholic Sacrament. A new Soviet Style law will see Catholic Priests answerable to the state for what they hear in the Confessional Protecthing the kids???WA Democrats preparing to release 5 sexually violent predators into neighborhood with 7,400 children; SVPs are designated Level 3 sex offenders, the highest risk category under state and federal law, and most likely to re-offend.Fake Christian, James “Jimmy” Talarico: Texas Democrat US Senate candidate James Talarico claims the Bible is pro-choice: “The Angel comes down and asks Mary if this is something she wants to do. To me, that is an affirmation in one of our central stories.”

No Sam today. Dusty shirt is maize; get it before we play MSU again. Things Discussed: Men's & Women's Basketball win at Breslin: 40 basketball wins. Jeremy Fears's instant karma for his dirty play. Impossible not to see all the extra stuff that guy does when you rewatch the games: yankbacks, pulldowns, more trips. Ira counted 80 yards in penalties and a targeting. MSU game: Brilliant defensive first half, all MSU could do consistently was get to the free throw line. Calling out their dirty play goes right to their heart because it's the best thing they can do. Going 2-3 zone out of halftime made good tactical sense but ball betrayed them a bit, good resilience to fight back. More tactics: Michigan was getting it down to Mara but he's not big enough on the block to make that. McKenney love: He's played his way to Michigan's best two—Burnett and Gayle are losing minutes to him. Anticipates screens, is big, and his midrange pullups are a good floor for possessions that help you against an elite defense. Really important for what this team needs to be going forward. Who's M's best draft pick? We'd take Morez. Who's the best five? Depends on opponent and context. Might not play Mara vs a 5-out team, can go three bigs against an MSU-like opponent. Who's the best team in the Big Ten? Illinois. They go to Breslin and host Michigan but the rest of their schedule are the mids Michigan already played, they got the best player in the league from the composite 250s in Wagler—worst scouting miss in history? Hope Underwood calls out MSU's assist lies so Wagler gets his laurels for his real assists. Michigan next year? Might only have to replace Yaxel (McKenney and Cason take Gayle and Burnett minutes), can go to the portal for a difference-maker and run it back. Penn State preview: They have Mingo back but Yuric played out of his mind last time and think he's not coming back from a 103-degree fever on Saturday to play like that again. Have a bunch of questionable guys tonight. Think University Park atmosphere is similar to Saline 7th Grade Middle School game. WEAR PINK (I can't; I don't have any). What's the reverse Dusty May for Izzo? Sing he's a jolly good fellow, or bring out the newspapers. Hockey: MSU series could be for the conference since Wisconsin is wilting and Penn State just lost McKenna to a bar fight. Michigan needs to get more than a split because MSU has Minnesota, Notre Dame, and Ohio State left, and Michigan still has to play the other contenders. Put me down for this: Mick Cronin is going to complain about Michigan buying players when he comes to Ann Arbor. Craig says he'll dog his own players.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by YouTube phenomenon Huw Richards to talk about his journey from smallholding childhood to seven-acre experimental plot, and the ideas behind his hit book Veg in One Bed. They'll also cover exactly what to sow in late winter, and what'll perform best when sown later – from chillies and aubergines to peas, onions and tomatoes. In this episode, discover:How Huw Richards went from helping on his parents' Welsh smallholding to building a seven-acre experimental food-growing siteThe story behind Huw's first book, Veg in One Bed, and the sheer potential in a single 10x4ft bedHow Huw blends creativity with just enough science to keep things productiveExactly what Huw is sowing in late winter, and why timing mattersHow Huw's now using his land to grow for education, biodiversity and foodEpisode Cover Photo Credit: Dorling Kindersley: Jason IngramProducts mentioned:Pepper 'Padron'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/pepper-padronCourgette 'Black Beauty'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/courgette-black-beautyAubergine 'Slim Jim'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/aubergine-slim-jimSpring Onion 'North Holland Blood Red'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/spring-onion-north-holland-blood-redTomato 'Sungold'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-sungoldTomato 'Tigerella'https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-tigarellaTomato 'Honeycomb' F1https://www.sarahraven.com/products/tomato-honeycomb-f1Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/Get in touch: info@sarahraven.comShop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeuFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/Order Sarah's latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest

Roofing Market Report: https://roofmarketreport.com/---Tim Brown runs one of roofings most well known marketing agencies… and now he's starting his own roofing company. He's entering the market in one of the worst times in recent history. Will his expertise as a marketer give him a competitive advantage, or will his strategy fail?I interviewed Tim to find out how a professional marketer like him would launch a new roofing company in 2026. I openly disagreed with some of his strategies, but I'm open to being proved wrong. And I truly admire his vulnerability and desire to challenge the status quo.P.S. Even though I don't agree with Tim on everything he's doing, I sincerely appreciated our conversation. I believe ‘Like-mindedness' creates a cult and echo chamber. I like surrounding myself with people who share my values but think differently. That way I can learn from diverse perspectives, just like I did in this interview. This is the type of culture you'll find inside RSRA. Rich conversations where we challenge the status quo and help each other grow. Learn more or apply to join us: https://www.rsra.org/join/ =============FREE TRAINING CENTERhttps://adamsfreestuff.com/ FREE ROOFING MARKET REPORT:https://roofmarketreport.com/FREE COACHING FROM MY AI CLONEhttps://secure.rsra.org/adams-cloneJOIN THE ROOFING & SOLAR REFORM ALLIANCE (RSRA)https://www.rsra.org/join/ GET MY BOOKhttps://a.co/d/7tsW3Lx GET A ROOFING SALES JOBhttps://secure.rsra.org/find-a-job CONTACTEmail: help@rsra.orgCall/Text: 303-222-7133PODCASTApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3fSQiev Spotify: https://bit.ly/3eMAqJe Available everywhere else :)FOLLOW ADAM BENSMANhttps://www.facebook.com/adam.bensman/   https://www.facebook.com/RoofStrategist/ https://www.instagram.com/roofstrategist/ https://www.tiktok.com/@roofstrategist https://www.linkedin.com/in/roofstrategist/#roofstrategist #roofsales #d2d  #solar #solarsales #roofing #roofer #canvassing #hail #wind #hurricane #sales #roofclaim #rsra #roofingandsolarreformalliance #reformers #adambensman

Have we just found the universe's missing matter?Astronomers know exactly how much visible matter the entire universe should contain. The problem is, that for decades, 40% of it has been missing. Nowhere to be found. For the first time in history, we may have finally found where the missing mass of the universe has been hiding… And it's in plain sight.▀▀▀▀▀▀If you love learning about science as much as I do, head to http://brilliant.org/astrum to learn for free for a full 30 days. You'll also receive 20% off a premium annual subscription, giving you unlimited access to everything on Brilliant.▀▀▀▀▀▀Astrum's newsletter has launched! Want to know what's happening in space? Sign up here: ⁠https://astrumspace.kit.com⁠A huge thanks to our Patreons who help make these videos possible. Sign-up here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4aiJZNF

The AI competition everyone's watching isn't the real one. While ChatGPT and Claude fight for consumer attention, the enterprise market tells a different story. We explore why Anthropic is gaining ground in corporate boardrooms, what Fortune 500 companies actually want from AI, and why the boring stuff might determine who wins the entire AI race.

Have you ever been told you're brilliant, but inconsistent? Or maybe you're that high performer who looks completely put-together on the outside, but inside, you feel like you're running a marathon just to stay at baseline. We've been taught to call this "burnout," but for so many women, it's actually a neurobiological reality that a vacation just won't fix. In this episode, I'm giving you the cliff notes on why undiagnosed ADHD is the hidden tax on your career—and why it shows up as unsustainable overperformance rather than a lack of talent. We're moving beyond the jargon today for a much-needed reality check. I've got a short, six-question assignment to help you determine if your brain and your work environment are actually out of alignment. This isn't about being "broken"; it's about understanding how you're wired so we can stop trying to "fix" the humans and start fixing the systems instead. Whether you're a leader watching talent slip through the cracks or a woman tired of working twice as hard to look organized, join me for a conversation that could change the trajectory of your career. Download the pdf questionnaire here.  Stacie For more episodes, visit StacieBaird.com.

Jeannette welcomes Samantha Sheriff, the Chief People and Places Officer at Allwyn UK, the operator of the National Lottery, as she shares her inspiring journey from early leadership roles to her current executive position, emphasising the importance of resilience, inclusion, and workplace innovation.  They delves into the significant impact of the National Lottery on society, highlighting how a portion of every ticket sold supports good causes across the UK. Samantha discusses the challenges and triumphs of leading organisational change during a major transition, including the integration of two teams and the modernisation of technology You'll Learn Why: Every time a ticket is purchased, approximately a quarter of the proceeds goes to good causes How charitable contributions often go underappreciated by the public. The organisation has undergone significant cultural changes, merging two teams from Camelot and Allwyn.  Focus should be placed on creating an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing personal issues The National Lottery's technology had not been updated for years, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul Emphasising authenticity in leadership has been a priority, fostering a culture where executives are approachable and relatable This episode is living proof that no matter where you're starting from — or what life throws at you — it's never too late to be brave, bold, and unlock your inner brilliant. Visit ⁠https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/⁠ for free tools, guides and resources to help you take action now

Most biotech breakthroughs don't fail in the lab.They fail when science meets manufacturing reality.And by the time this bottleneck appears, tens of millions are already sunk.This episode examines the most under-discussed failure point in modern biotech: the gap between scientific discovery and scalable, usable healthcare solutions.While science has never been stronger—and big pharma excels at market access—companies that can translate breakthrough biology into industrialized medicines remain rare. Manufacturing, regulation, clinical design, usability for patients and physicians, and global scalability still form a narrow bottleneck where most value is lost.In this conversation, Björn Cochlovius, CEO of Eleva, explains why so many promising biologics fail late—and how Eleva deliberately built a platform designed not to replace existing systems, but to rescue projects that would otherwise be abandoned.Drawing on decades across immunology, biotech leadership, and translational medicine, Björn offers a grounded, operator-level view on what it actually takes to move from elegant science to real-world impact.As he puts it:(00:28:59) “In biotech, courageous decisions often look wrong—until years later.”This discussion goes beyond manufacturing alone. It explores why turning scientific concepts into ready-to-deploy healthcare solutions—complete with clinical data, regulatory pathways, scalable production, and high usability—remains one of the hardest industrial challenges of our time.What You'll Learn in This Episode1️⃣ Why biologics often fail late—after science already worked2️⃣ Why manufacturing is only one part of a deeper industrial bottleneck3️⃣ How Eleva approaches risk when others walk away4️⃣ Why courage, not optimization, drives breakthrough biotech decisions5️⃣ How AI supports discovery—without replacing human judgment6️⃣ What Europe gets right—and still gets wrong—about scaling biotech

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] are trying to fight back, Trump continues to counter them by using tariffs. They will never learn. Blue states are feeling the economic pain, they are following the globalist plan and they will fail. Trump is changing the economic calculations. Inflation is below 1%. Trump nominates Kevin Warsh to restructure the Fed. The [DS] is panicking. They tried to trap Trump in the Epstein files, that did not work, the other part of the plan is to muddy the waters but this also failed. Trump is now preparing for mass round ups across the country. DHS is purchasing warehouses to hold the illegals. Trump is leading the [DS] down the path of no return. The insurrection is coming and Trump is preparing the counterinsurgency.   Economy   through this very same certification process. If, for any reason, this situation is not immediately corrected, I am going to charge Canada a 50% Tariff on any and all Aircraft sold into the United States of America. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2016988052317409756?s=20   like he did in my First Term. I am confident that Brett has the expertise to QUICKLY fix the long history of issues at the BLS on behalf of the American People. Brett Matsumoto is a Brilliant, Reputable, and Trusted Economist who will restore GREATNESS to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Congratulations Brett! https://twitter.com/USTradeRep/status/2017747044350280104?s=20      extensive research in the field of Economics and Finance. Kevin issued an Independent Report to the Bank of England proposing reforms in the conduct of Monetary Policy in the United Kingdom. Parliament adopted the Report’s recommendations. Kevin Warsh became the youngest Fed Governor, ever, at 35, and served as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System from 2006 until 2011, as the Federal Reserve’s Representative to the Group of Twenty (G-20), and as the Board’s Emissary to the Emerging and Advanced Economies in Asia. In addition, he was Administrative Governor, managing and overseeing the Board’s operations, personnel, and financial performance. Prior to his appointment to the Board, from 2002 until 2006, Kevin served as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and Executive Secretary of the White House National Economic Council. Previously, Kevin was a member of the Mergers & Acquisitions Department at Morgan Stanley & Co., in New York, serving as Vice President and Executive Director. I have known Kevin for a long period of time, and have no doubt that he will go down as one of the GREAT Fed Chairmen, maybe the best. On top of everything else, he is “central casting,” and he will never let you down. Congratulations Kevin! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Warsh has compared Bitcoin favorably to gold as a “sustainable store of value,” indicating a positive view of gold’s role in the financial system.  However, his nomination led to sharp declines in gold and silver prices (e.g., silver fell up to 26% in one day), as markets interpreted him as an inflation hawk who might pursue tighter monetary policy, reducing the appeal of precious metals as inflation hedges.  This reaction stemmed from fears of less dovish Fed actions, which had previously driven gold’s rally amid uncertainty over Fed independence.  Warsh’s broader hawkish stance on inflation aligns with “hard money” principles that could indirectly support gold, but his emphasis on shrinking the Fed’s balance sheet and normalizing policy suggests he prioritizes institutional reform over promoting gold as a standard. Is Kevin Warsh Pro-Sound Money?Yes, Warsh is a strong advocate for sound money principles, emphasizing disciplined, anti-inflationary monetary policy. He views inflation as a “monetary phenomenon” and “a choice” driven by excessive government printing and spending.  As a former Fed Governor, he was often the most hawkish voice, opposing aggressive rate cuts during crises due to inflation risks.  He criticizes the Fed’s “mission creep,” oversized balance sheet, and reliance on quantitative easing (QE), arguing these enable fiscal irresponsibility and distort markets. Warsh calls for “regime change” at the Fed, shifting away from Keynesian models toward rules-based policy that incorporates money supply considerations and reduces interventionism. He stresses credibility, clear rules, and accountability to maintain sound money.   In a 2025 Hoover Institution paper, he advocated scrutinizing monetary policy under a framework that could include constitutional measures for prosperity and idea diffusion. Warsh has been vocal against Powell’s leadership, echoing Trump’s frustrations with high interest rates and calling for “regime change” at the Fed. He has moderated his hawkish stance to support lower rates, arguing AI-driven productivity allows growth without inflation. Credibility and Market Reassurance: Warsh is seen as a “traditional” pick with Fed experience, reassuring investors amid fears of a loyalist appointment that could undermine independence. Trump highlighted Warsh’s ability to deliver lower rates and growth, though some economists note Warsh’s independence could lead to tensions if he prioritizes data over demands. Analysts suggest the pick balances Trump’s desire for cuts with a credible figure. Political/Rights https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2017774819823984722?s=20 Trump Administration Begins Suing Illegal Migrants Who Have Not Self-Deported The Trump administration has begun suing individual illegal migrants for ignoring removal orders and refusing to self-deport back to their home countries, a report says. The administration has filed suit against an illegal migrant living in Virginia, and is seeking $941,114 plus interest, alleging that Marta Alicia Ramirez Veliz has remained in the country despite being told her request for admittance was rejected by a Justice Department appeals panel in 2022, Politico reported. The filing notes that Veliz has refused to pay a $998 per-day fine for the 943 days since she was told to return to her home country, and reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement sent her an official notice of her total fine in April. The lawsuit describes Veliz as “an individual and noncitizen residing in Chesterfield County, Virginia,” and does not identify her nationality. source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2017404446230323358?s=20 BREAKING: Disturbing photos in the Epstein files appear to show Prince Andrew on all fours over a woman lying on the ground. https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2017792445979791448?s=20   for everyone, or is connected through some opaque web of professional and personal ties. A supposedly random figure from the squalor of Uganda rises all the way to mayor of New York, only for it to later emerge that his mother is deeply embedded in elite circles. The same pattern shows up again and again. James Comey's daughter just happened to be a lead federal prosecutor on the Epstein case. The judge who presided over the trial of Hillary Clinton's lawyer, the one who helped seed the Russiagate hoax, is married to Lisa Page's lawyer. Page, of course, was involved with Peter Strzok, who is one of the central figures in that same hoax. And to complete the circle, Merrick Garland officiated their wedding. None of this requires conspiracy theories. It requires only acknowledging how small, closed, and self-protecting these elite worlds are. Fix elite incestuousness, and a lot of other problems will disappear on their own. https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2017734119334232544?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2017474860700877105?s=20   https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2017762585878069630?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2017694490614763591?s=20   written from Nikolic's perspective. At the time, Nikolic was Gates's top scientific investment advisor. The emails suggest Gates was firing Nikolic in response to marital problems with Melinda. In June 2013, Nikolic emailed Gates and asked if he wanted to go to the “legendary Crazy Horse in Paris” an erotic show, while they were in France. Gates declined, saying he would be too tired and didn't want to take the risk, adding that he might have done it when he was younger. On July 1, 2013, Gates emailed Nikolic: “We should meet on Wednesday to discuss your job. There is going to have to be a transition. I feel very bad about it but I don’t see a way around it.” Nikolic shared these emails with Epstein. Epstein later commented on the Paris erotic show email, writing: “This is pretty bad and might have been the cause of her bad mail in paris.”—apparently referring to Melinda. Nikolic appeared unhappy about being fired while potentially being used as a scapegoat, and he sought greater financial compensation as he prepared to leave and launch his own investment fund. In these emails, Epstein—writing as Nikolic—references alleged knowledge of Gates's extramarital affairs, STDs allegedly contracted from Russian women, and drug use as justification for why Nikolic deserved more money. Taken together, it appears Jeffrey Epstein was drafting or shaping a message for Boris Nikolic that effectively functioned as blackmail, pressuring Bill Gates for financial compensation. It remains unclear whether Nikolic ultimately sent these messages to Gates. However, later emails suggest Gates helped Nikolic launch his next investment fund and maintained a working relationship with him afterward. Epstein later listed Nikolic as a backup executor of his will, indicating the two were close confidants. https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/2017769194159210784?s=20 Billionaire Reid Hoffman, Who Bankrolled the E. Jean Carroll Lawsuit Against Trump, Is Featured Extensively in the New Epstein Files, Visiting Zorro Ranch and Pedophile Island  Hoffman went to the Island. A man who used his fortune to bankroll a lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump is now featured extensively in the new DOJ-released Jeffrey Epstein documents. The three and a half million documents from the latest – and apparently last – have been released by the DOJ following the approval of the House Resolution 4405, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Documents from this massive release show the close ties between LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and the late pedophile. The pair ‘discusses visits to Epstein's infamous private island, his New Mexico ranch, and his New York apartment'. The New York Post reported: “'Reid will spend the night at 71st', according to one email from Hoffman's team included in the latest Justice Department dump of Epstein files, in reference to his Upper East Side townhouse.”   A 2014 memo states that Epstein hosted will have (venture capitalist) Joi Ito and Reid Hoffman on the infamous Zorro Ranch for a weekend. “An email Epstein penned to his assistant Saida Sapieva under the heading ‘Trip to the Island' states: ‘Reid will take a Virgin America Flight from SFO to Fort Lauderdale, departing at 8:20 am, landing at 4:40 pm'. In 2023, Hoffman visited to Epstein's former Caribbean private island, Little St. James, also known as ‘pedophile island', The Post previously reported.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2017106848311366064?s=20 https://twitter.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/2017789344103145647?s=20   https://twitter.com/MikeBenzCyber/status/2017772724093849926?s=20     https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2017930408650772495?s=20 https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/2017329765863039432?s=20       Israel had Trump by the balls so much that… Epstein was arrested? Ghislaine Maxwell was arrested? Jean Luc Brunel was arrested? Les Wexner stepped down? NXIVM sex cult ended? And now we're getting those files? These people don't think very hard https://twitter.com/JD_Cashless/status/2017349780922408973?s=20 https://twitter.com/TaraBunner2/status/2017619821634977889?s=20 https://twitter.com/Jordan_Sather_/status/2017399510809645263?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2017789280693735748?s=20 politically. “I didn't see it myself but I was told by some very important people that not only does it absolve me, it's the opposite of what people were hoping – you know, the radical left. Wolff, who's a 3rd rate writer, was conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to hurt me politically or otherwise…” Don't fall for all the clickbait doomers pushing the anti-Trump narratives. It's all bullshit. Lots of people not looking good though after today's release. Will be interesting to see how this plays out. To muddy the waters is an idiom that means to make a situation, issue, or discussion more confusing, unclear, or complicated—often deliberately. For example: “The politician’s vague statements only muddied the waters during the debate.” It originates from the idea of stirring up mud in water, making it murky and hard to see through. DOGE Geopolitical War/Peace Iran Hits Back At EU: Designates European Armies As ‘Terrorist Entities’ Iran is saying two can play at the West’s game: on Friday the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council blasted the EU’s decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a “terrorist organization,” warning that Europe’s own militaries would now be viewed through the same lens. “The European Union certainly knows that… the armies of countries that have participated in the European Union’s recent resolution against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are considered terrorist entities,” Ali Larijani wrote in a post on X. He added bluntly: “Therefore, the consequences of that shall be borne by the European countries that undertook such an action.” However, there’s probably nothing in the way of European military assets for the Islamic Republic to sanction, so this ‘action’ by Tehran will remain largely symbolic. Iran does have assets held in various places of Europe though. EU foreign ministers agreed on Thursday to formally classify the IRGC as a “terrorist organization” and urged member states to implement the designation without delay – after a few longtime holdouts flipped. source: zerohedge.com [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/rhodeislander/status/2017361344018739231?s=20 https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2017331445195211254?s=20   at Place of Worship COUNT 2: 18 U.S.C. § 248(a) (b), § §2(a) – FACE Act: Injure, Intimidate, and Interfere with Exercise of Right of Religious Freedom at a Place of Worship. Full indictment in replies. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2017755569097003394?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2017426372860190991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2017426372860190991%7Ctwgr%5Efafd5c6b893c0c4815868b0fd8490482712f780e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.breitbart.com%2Ft%2Fassets%2Fhtml%2Ftweet-5.html2017426372860190991 Maxine Waters Incites Violent Leftist Rioters in Los Angeles – Threatens ICE, “We're Going to Fight You Every Inch of the Way” (VIDEOS) Far-left Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) was in Los Angeles on Friday, inciting her radical left followers to riot against law enforcement before several were arrested.  Rioters were seen hurling objects at shielded federal agents who pushed back with pepper balls and nonlethal munitions. Via ABC 7: Anti-ICE Rioters Clash with Federal Agents and Local Police Outside Los Angeles ICE Facility Eventually, the rioters moved a dumpster toward the entrance of the ICE detention facility and set it ablaze. Over 100 Los Angeles Police officers reportedly responded in riot gear to quell the violence. Multiple videos circulating on social media show Maxine Waters at the front lines of the riot as leftists were told to disperse for surrounding the federal building, trespassing on federal property, and later assaulting federal officers. After pepper spray was deployed, Waters returned to the front of the riot with a mask and continued leading the insurrection. Waters was seen pulling up to the scene early in the day in a black SUV before stepping out to rally her troops, flailing her arms and leading chants of “ICE Out of LA.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/DOGEai_tx/status/2017736355665641700?s=20   Martinez's gang alliance pitch isn't just reckless; it's a calculated distraction from ICE's indiscriminate sweeps that tear families apart over paperwork. Federal law requires deportation for specific crimes, yet bureaucrats weaponize broad mandates to meet quotas. The solution? Enforce existing laws precisely, stop manufacturing crises, and end the performative politics that put both officers and communities at risk. President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2017769322723082564?s=20   constitutional dike, It is so ORDERED” – “Feb. 31” doesn’t exist – LinkedIn shows he liked a TDS post about ICE today – Includes a photo of the kid in the order – Unprofessionally antagonistic language WTF?! This is a JUDGE?! @ElonMusk and @NayibBukele were right all along. We can’t have a saved republic until we mass impeach the courts. H/t @BillMelugin_ https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2017574838143959310?s=20 https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2017636699157811696?s=20       one of the safest cities in America – Likewise, numerous other once very dangerous cities! Republicans, don't let these Crooked Democrats, who are stealing Billions of Dollars from Minnesota, and other Cities and States from all over the Country, push you around. They are using this aggressive protest SCAM to obfuscate, camouflage, and hide their CRIMINAL ACTS of theft and insurrection. They should all be in jail. I was elected on Strong Borders, and Law and Order, among many other things. Thank you to Secretary Kristi Noem. Remember, ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP     Federal Government Property. There will be no spitting in the faces of our Officers, there will be no punching or kicking the headlights of our cars, and there will be no rock or brick throwing at our vehicles, or at our Patriot Warriors. If there is, those people will suffer an equal, or more, consequence. In the meantime, by copy of this Statement, I am informing Local Governments, as I did in Los Angeles when they were rioting at the end of the Biden Term, that you must protect your own State and Local Property. In addition, it is your obligation to also protect our Federal Property, Buildings, Parks, and everything else. We are there to protect Federal Property, only as a back up, in that it is Local and State Responsibility to do so. Last night in Eugene, Oregon, these criminals broke into a Federal Building, and did great damage, also scaring and harassing the hardworking employees. Local Police did nothing in order to stop it. We will not let that happen anymore! If Local Governments are unable to handle the Insurrectionists, Agitators, and Anarchists, we will immediately go to the location where such help is requested, and take care of the situation very easily and methodically, just as we did the Los Angeles Riots one year ago, where the Police Chief said that, “We couldn't have done it without the help of the Federal Government.” Therefore, to all complaining Local Governments, Governors, and Mayors, let us know when you are ready, and we will be there — But, before we do so, you must use the word, “PLEASE.” Remember that I stated, in the strongest of language, to BEWARE — ICE, Border Patrol or, if necessary, our Military, will be extremely powerful and tough in the protection of our Federal Property. We will not allow our Courthouses, Federal Buildings, or anything else under our protection, to be damaged in any way, shape, or form. I was elected on a Policy of Border Control (which has now been perfected!), National Security, and LAW AND ORDER — That's what America wants, and that's what America is getting! Thank you for your attention to this matter.   PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP he will use DHS/ICE and, if necessary, the US MIL to protect federal property. It sounds like Trump knows something is coming. It sounds like the Dems want DHS/ICE to get caught up in policing these riots, hoping more of their deranged followers take it too far and get shot. Trump is instead going to hold and force local Democrat politicians to police their own riots, or agree to work with him. And if the Dems choose to not police these riots, they will force Trump to use the US MIL to suppress the chaos.  https://twitter.com/unseen1_unseen/status/2017334056292143173?s=20 https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/2017585812599087241?s=20   EXCLUSIVE: Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge Allegedly Removed For Slow-Walking Election Fraud Investigation  Reports are emerging on social media that Paul Brown, the FBI Special Agent in Charge at the Atlanta Field Office, was “forced out of that job earlier this month,” according to MSNOW's Ken Dilanian. According to MSNOW, Brown “was forced out this month after questioning the Justice Department's renewed push to probe Fulton County's role in the 2020 election” after “expressing concern” about “unsubstantiated allegations of voter fraud” in Fulton County. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2017632517596045581?s=20      of evidence that the judge authorized us to collect. And what we're gonna do next is go through the voluminous amounts of information collected and continue our investigation. At this point there's not much more I can say publicly because we have to go through a lot more material. But it was predicated on a finding of probable cause by a judge in Georgia.” Time for people to go to jail! We all watched it stolen in real time, and we're all still pissed off about it! https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/2017201516768026738?s=20  the election safe, and she's done a very good job. And as you know, they got into the votes. You've got a signed judges order in Georgia and you're gonna see some interesting things happening.” We've waited a long time for this. Let's get it. https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/2017668286196932654?s=20 https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2017631484908024035?s=20     (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

The podcast kicks off with Lino chatting Foo Fighters, football, and faith at...a bar, of course. After that, the guys do Brilliant Brackets: Strange Stories in the Bible. Then, it's Atheist Parable Review. And the podcast wraps up with Lino and Claire and some Daddy/Daughter Time!

Do you enjoy your science fiction with humor, while still delivering big ideas, hard-SF concepts, action, and genuine heart?In this episode, I (Jim) dive into We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor, the first book in the wildly popular Bobiverse series. This is smart, funny, binge-worthy science fiction that asks huge questions about identity, AI, and what it really means to be human… even when you're technically a self-replicating space probe.After wanting to expand my sci-fi reading and hearing many of you recommend this series, a two-for-one Audible sale finally pushed this book to the top of my TBR. And let me tell you, I had so much fun that I immediately committed to reading the rest of the series in order. Time to binge, baby.In this spoiler-lite review, I talk about:• Why Bob Johansson is such a wildly relatable protagonist• How the clone/replication premise actually works• The balance of hard science and accessible storytelling• The humor, heart, and hopeful tone of the story• Who this book is perfect for — and who it might NOT work for• And why this is such a great entry point into modern science fictionIf you've been curious about the Bobiverse, or if you're looking for a sci-fi read that's both clever and incredibly fun, this might be exactly what you're looking for.⸻

Alan hosts a BLACK DINNER where someone dramatically dies but nothing is more dramatic than Raheel's defense of Rob R.

We may have a new name but it's still time for another BIG and BRILLIANT adventure into the world of science on this week’s Science Quest! In Science in the News, we meet an incredible 8-year-old set to become one of the youngest Britons to visit Antarctica, hear about a jaw-dropping archaeological dig uncovering two of the rarest Iron Age objects ever found, and find out how horses can actually smell fear with Roberta Blake from Anglia Ruskin University. Got questions? We have got answers. Learn why cheetahs purr instead of roar, and hear animal expert Jackie Boyd explain why dogs and cats fight in the first place. There is also a brand-new Dangerous Dan featuring the dinosaur Nigersaurus, and in Battle of the Sciences we shine a spotlight on the unsung hero behind every experiment, discovery, and invention: Mathematics. Neil Saunders from the University of London reveals why maths really is the language of science. And do not miss An Age Old Problem, where Detective Mathema finally works out the age of his Great Aunt Maud using mathematics, of course. Packed with animals, adventures, and mind-blowing science, let’s dive in. What we learn about: Why dogs and cats fight and what their behaviour really means How horses can smell fear A child visiting Antarctica and what life is like there Why cheetahs purr instead of roar And why mathematics is essential to all science All that and more on this week’s Science Quest!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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