Podcasts about Brussels

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE  9-11-25 GOOD EVENING: The show begins in Brussels at the Article Four meeting called by Poland. 1942 FIRST HOUR 9-915 McCausland: Jeff McCausland analyzes Russia's drone probes into Poland, viewing them as Vladimir Putin's attempt to intimidate NATO and gather military intelligence. He notes Dmitry Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric against Finland. McCausland also discusses Israel's strike against Hamas in Doha, impacting US-Qatar relations, and US military posturing near Venezuela to intimidate Nicolás Maduro. He warns against "gunboat diplomacy" and a "war on cartels," stressing the dangers of escalation and historical lessons. 915-930 CONTINUED McCausland: Jeff McCausland analyzes Russia's drone probes into Poland, viewing them as Vladimir Putin's attempt to intimidate NATO and gather military intelligence. He notes Dmitry Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric against Finland. McCausland also discusses Israel's strike against Hamas in Doha, impacting US-Qatar relations, and US military posturing near Venezuela to intimidate Nicolás Maduro. He warns against "gunboat diplomacy" and a "war on cartels," stressing the dangers of escalation and historical lessons. 930-945 Mary O'Grady analyzes Argentine President Javier Milei's significant election loss in Buenos Aires, attributed to a corruption scandal involving his sister and the slowing economy. His brash style, while initially appealing and celebrated internationally, now alienates potential congressional allies and conservative voters. O'Grady suggests this approach is ill-suited for governing, hindering his economic reforms, as he struggles with high inflation and cuts to public subsidies, impacting public perception.945-1000 Chris Riegel, CEO of scholar.com, counters AI doomsayers like Geoff Hinton, emphasizing AI's transformational potential as a tool. He highlights the  mmense investment, hundreds of billions, in building gigawatt-plus data centers across the United States. This infrastructure drive is creating new industries and jobs, establishing the US as a global leader in AI, while also noting Asia's keen interest in US AI technology and Europe's lack of a cohesive strategy. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Jonathan Conricus observes Qatar's unprecedented move to engage beyond conventional tools, which Israel is closely monitoring. He suggests Israel's recent strike could signify a new deterrence doctrine, making Hamas leaders in Doha more vulnerable. This pressure might compel Hamas to accept Israel's terms for ending the conflict, which include releasing hostages and surrendering, thereby preventing further destruction and suffering in Gaza, despite the significant costs involved for Israel.1015-1030 CONTINUED Jonathan Conricus observes Qatar's unprecedented move to engage beyond conventional tools, which Israel is closely monitoring. He suggests Israel's recent strike could signify a new deterrence doctrine, making Hamas leaders in Doha more vulnerable. This pressure might compel Hamas to accept Israel's terms for ending the conflict, which include releasing hostages and surrendering, thereby preventing further destruction and suffering in Gaza, despite the significant costs involved for Israel.1030-1045 Ben Baird reveals US government agencies, under both Obama and Biden administrations, continuously funded extremist Muslim groups. Despite warnings and previous Trump administration cuts, over $25 million in grants went to organizations with alleged ties to terrorism, antisemitism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Hamas. This included partnering with groups like CAIR, which also provided firearms training to radical mosques, raising serious questions about oversight and vetting standards for federal funds.1045-1100 Jonathan Speyer reports on Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping and Israel, sustained by Iranian, Iraqi, Hezbollah, and even Chinese support. He describes the Houthis as fanatical, religiously and tribally motivated, aiming for "death to America, death to Israel, and curse the Jews." While cutting their supply chain and taking Hodeidah port is militarily feasible for a Western-backed force, a lack of political will currently prevents such aggressive action against their sophisticated smuggling operations. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Anatol Lieven explains that Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus is a Soviet loyalist, not a Putin stooge, but was driven to Russia by Western sanctions. He discusses Russian drone incursions into Poland, likely an intentional message to NATO to test air defenses and warn against deploying troops to Ukraine. Russia may also seek to maintain Belarus firmly in its orbit by disrupting its multi-vector foreign policy initiatives, particularly any attempts at détente with the West.1115-1130 CONTINUED Anatol Lieven explains that Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus is a Soviet loyalist, not a Putin stooge, but was driven to Russia by Western sanctions. He discusses Russian drone incursions into Poland, likely an intentional message to NATO to test air defenses and warn against deploying troops to Ukraine. Russia may also seek to maintain Belarus firmly in its orbit by disrupting its multi-vector foreign policy initiatives, particularly any attempts at détente with the West.1130-1145 Veronique de Rugy critiques US tax "carveouts," identifying them as inefficient special interest deductions that often fail to incentivize desired behaviors, citing employer health insurance and mortgage interest deductions. While a flat tax would streamline the system and boost economic growth by focusing on consumption, de Rugy emphasizes that no tax system alone can resolve the severe US debt crisis; crucial reforms to Social Security and Medicare are indispensable.1145-1200 Ronan Wordsworth addresses a persistent recruitment and retention crisis in Five Eyes militaries, spanning decades. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, favor STEM careers offering flexibility and better pay over military discipline. Militaries are responding with increased advertising, flexible service models, lateral entry for skilled professionals, and significant pay raises and bonuses. Low morale, stemming from unpopular past wars and perceived institutional guilt, also significantly impacts retention rates. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's complex political landscape under unpopular President Dina Boluarte, its strategic importance due to mineral resources, and substantial economic ties with China, including the Chancay deepwater port. He also addresses the escalating Venezuelan situation, with a US Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment and bounties on Nicolás Maduro, suggesting potential military action. Additionally, he touches on Bolsonaro's trial in Brazil and Guyana's newfound oil wealth amid Venezuelan threats.1215-1230 CONTINUED Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's complex political landscape under unpopular President Dina Boluarte, its strategic importance due to mineral resources, and substantial economic ties with China, including the Chancay deepwater port. He also addresses the escalating Venezuelan situation, with a US Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment and bounties on Nicolás Maduro, suggesting potential military action. Additionally, he touches on Bolsonaro's trial in Brazil and Guyana's newfound oil wealth amid Venezuelan threats.1230-1245 CONTINUED Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's complex political landscape under unpopular President Dina Boluarte, its strategic importance due to mineral resources, and substantial economic ties with China, including the Chancay deepwater port. He also addresses the escalating Venezuelan situation, with a US Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment and bounties on Nicolás Maduro, suggesting potential military action. Additionally, he touches on Bolsonaro's trial in Brazil and Guyana's newfound oil wealth amid Venezuelan threats.1245-100 AM CONTINUED Professor Evan Ellis details Peru's complex political landscape under unpopular President Dina Boluarte, its strategic importance due to mineral resources, and substantial economic ties with China, including the Chancay deepwater port. He also addresses the escalating Venezuelan situation, with a US Marine Air-Ground Task Force deployment and bounties on Nicolás Maduro, suggesting potential military action. Additionally, he touches on Bolsonaro's trial in Brazil and Guyana's newfound oil wealth amid Venezuelan threats.

This week on The Bulletin, Russell, Mike, Clarissa lament the assassination of political activist and evangelical Christian Charlie Kirk at a rally in Utah. Then, Dalibor Rohac from the American Enterprise Institute helps us understand the significance of the nineteen Russian drones shot down in Polish airspace. Finally, Chris Butler stops by to talk about the crackdown on immigration in Chicago and what effects it could have on crime. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW:   -The National Guard Debate Needs a Dose of Honesty - Chris Butler GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.    ABOUT THE GUESTS:   Chris Butler is the director of Christian civic formation at the Center for Christianity and Public Life, and he has pastored at Ambassador Church in Chicago for nine years. Chris co-authored Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign's Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement.  Dalibor Rohac is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, where he studies the political economy of the European Union and transatlantic relations. He is concurrently a research associate at the Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies in Brussels. ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor in chief) and Mike Cosper (director, CT Media). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producers: Erik Petrik and Mike Cosper   Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Probiotics, prebiotics, or fermented foods....which actually help your gut? Let's break down the research, if I recommend taking any of these and what to consider before starting.   Mentioned in this episode:  What's your poop personality? https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/657789ba420624001409ca1a Join the MASTER Method Membership: https://www.ibsmastermethod.com/master-method   Thank you to our partners:   FODZYME is the world's first enzyme supplement specialized to target FODMAPs.   When sprinkled on or mixed with high-FODMAP meals, FODZYME's novel patent-pending enzyme blend breaks down fructan, GOS and lactose before they can trigger bloating, gas and other digestive issues.   With FODZYME, enjoy garlic, onion, wheat, Brussels sprouts, beans, dairy and more — worry free! Discover the power of FODZYME's digestive enzyme blend and eat the foods you love and miss. Visit fodzyme.com and save 20% off your first order with code THEGUTSHOW. One use per customer.     This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.   Gemelli Biotech offers trusted, science-backed at-home tests for conditions like SIBO, IMO, ISO, and post-infectious IBS.    Their Trio-Smart breath test measures all three key gases: hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide to detect different forms of microbial overgrowth. And for those with IBS symptoms, IBS-Smart is a simple blood test that can confirm post-infectious IBS with clinical accuracy.   You simply order the test, complete it at home, send it back, and get clinically backed results in about a week that you can take to your provider!    Find out which tests are right for you at getgutanswers.com and use code ERINJUDGE25 to save $35 on your order!

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm speaks with Dom Hallas, Executive Director of the UK's Startup Coalition, to explore how the organization is influencing policy at the intersection of startups, venture capital, and government. From immigration reform to capital access and regulatory red tape, Dom brings a candid view on what it takes to create real impact for founders across Europe.They dive into the power of founder-first advocacy, the evolving lobbying landscape in Europe, and the urgent need for a united tech voice across the continent.Here's what's covered:01:10 Why Policy is a Competitive Sport03:42 GDPR, Brussels & Lessons from Tech Regulation05:12 What is the Startup Coalition & Who Funds It?07:13 The Three Buckets: Talent, Capital, Regulation11:20 Why Founders Need Their Own Voice in Politics16:31 Making Advocacy Fun, Human & Effective17:56 What Startups Can Learn from Farmers21:30 Time Horizons & Playbooks in Policy Work26:18 How the Coalition Sets its Agenda31:46 A Crossroads for European Tech35:46 The Current Policy Agenda: Talent, Finance & Reg43:27 Funding the Underfunded: Inclusion as Policy47:01 Regulation That Clears the Way for the Next Thing

On this special 300th episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Matt Dempsey, whose career spans multiple decades and various roles in agricultural journalism and beyond joins host Catherine Egan.   Matt has been instrumental in driving innovations in Irish agriculture through his work as a journalist, farmer and chairman of various industry groups and he gives his outlook for the Irish beef industry.  Matt discusses intervention, suckler incentive scheme, beef tribunal, BSE and Foot and Mouth to name but a few. Matte highlights the work done by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation as a significant breakthrough as well as the emphasis on easy calving, and also of marbling of beef. He also comments on the emergence of grazing management, fertiliser, and especially grass varieties and reseeding that have been revolutionary. Matt discusses a previous campaign that the Farmers' Journal and the IFA carried out in relation to Brazilian beef which succeeded in getting the actual import regime changed at Brussels level when the beef trade in Ireland and Europe looked as if it was going to be fundamentally undermined. A huge thanks to everyone that has appeared on the Beef Edge podcast over the past 300 episodes and to all the listeners for making the podcast such a success. Be sure visit us at the Teagasc stand at the Ploughing next week! For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

"I'm entering a new era where I'm prioritizing myself and my happiness, and also looking for more ways to do what the goal is at the end of the day, which is to make myself the best athlete I can be in this small amount of time that I get to do this in my life." Heather MacLean has had a big summer. In this conversation, she talks about the decision to leave Team New Balance Boston and coach Mark Coogan, and to be trained by Juli Benson. Heather spent much of the summer in Flagstaff, AZ, training alongside fellow Juli Benson-coached athletes Nikki Hiltz and Helen Schlachtenhaufen, and she explains the importance of finding like-minded training partners. Plus, Heather shares her reflections on her 2025 outdoor season, including finishing fourth in the 1500m final at U.S. Outdoor National Championships, and capping off the season in Europe with three Diamond League races (including a personal best in the 1500m in Silesia!). (Heather ended up scratching from the Fifth Avenue Mile due to illness.) SPONSOR:  New Balance: Click here to get your hands on the just-released New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v5! In this episode: How Heather is feeling about turning 30 (4:55) What's making Heather happy today? (11:00) Before scratching, how Heather was feeling about running the Fifth Avenue Mile (14:15) All about Heather's big life changes, including leaving Team New Balance Boston to be coached by Juli Benson (18:15) On training with fellow 1500m runner Nikki Hiltz (29:00) Heather's takeaways from U.S. Outdoor National Championships, where she finished fourth in the 1500m final (35:05) Heather's reflections on the rest of her outdoor racing season, racing the Diamond League circuit in Silesia, Brussels, and Zurich (39:25) Heather's take on The State of Race Bibs (53:55) Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Join the Facebook group Support on Patreon Subscribe to the newsletter SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you're enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!

GUEST NAME: Judy Dempsey HEADLINE: Populism Rises Across Europe Driven by Sovereignty and MigrationSUMMARY: Judy Dempsey explains the rise of populist parties in Europe. National sovereignty concerns against perceived EU control and migration are the key drivers. 1849 BRUSSELS

Peter Craddock joins us once again to discuss the recent EDPS v Single Resolution Board decision by the Court of Justice of the EU. Although it builds on the previous Scania and Breyer cases to settle on the “relative” nature of personal data, its practical implications on everything we do in the Marketing Technology and digital advertising spaces cannot be overstated.Peter is a lawyer as well as a software developer. He is based in Brussels, heads the EU Data/Cyber/Tech Law team at Keller & Heckman, and helps international companies with their global data strategy and with EU data litigation.References:* Peter Craddock on LinkedIn* When is data no longer personal? And what are the implications? (Peter Craddock)* EDPS v. SRB (full text of the decision)* Peter Craddock: ePrivacy exceptions, advertising, analytics, the limits of consent and server-side processing (Masters of Privacy, 2024) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mastersofprivacy.com/subscribe

Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:(1) French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou lost a confidence motion in parliament, forcing a third change in government in just over a year and reviving uncertainty over how the country can tackle its mounting debt burden.(2) House Democrats on Monday released an alleged birthday note that they said Donald Trump sent to Jeffrey Epstein, raising pressure on the president over questions about his past interactions with the late disgraced financier.(3) US stocks have been on a tear, setting more than 20 all-time highs this year, but the Federal Reserve’s next move threatens to curb investors’ zeal, JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s trading desk warns.(4) Rupert Murdoch and his children settled litigation over a trust that controls two influential public companies, ensuring that Fox News keeps its conservative slant and favored son Lachlan Murdoch remains in charge of the globe-spanning media empire.(5) European car executives are walking a fine line at this week’s Munich auto show: Touting how swell their new electric vehicles are, while on the other hand warning Brussels that they can’t possibly sell only EVs in ten years’ time.(6) Barclays' Chief Executive Officer CS Venkatakrishnan said a windfall tax on banks in the UK could hinder the government’s push to boost growth in the economy and urged the government to consider other measures.Podcast Conversation: Londoners Flock to E-Bikes, Boats as Tube Strike Chaos HitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley in Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2025), an experiment in "how much illiberalism the electorate would bear". With Kaczyński and PiS now in opposition but threatening a return in 2027, Donald Tusk's liberal administration is road-testing how effectively illiberalism can be unpicked without antagonising the voters it needs to stay in office. Stanley Bill is Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley is an associate professor at the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. Tim Gwynn Jones is policy analyst at Medley Advisors and a writer/podcaster at 242.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley in Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2025), an experiment in "how much illiberalism the electorate would bear". With Kaczyński and PiS now in opposition but threatening a return in 2027, Donald Tusk's liberal administration is road-testing how effectively illiberalism can be unpicked without antagonising the voters it needs to stay in office. Stanley Bill is Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley is an associate professor at the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. Tim Gwynn Jones is policy analyst at Medley Advisors and a writer/podcaster at 242.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley in Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2025), an experiment in "how much illiberalism the electorate would bear". With Kaczyński and PiS now in opposition but threatening a return in 2027, Donald Tusk's liberal administration is road-testing how effectively illiberalism can be unpicked without antagonising the voters it needs to stay in office. Stanley Bill is Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley is an associate professor at the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. Tim Gwynn Jones is policy analyst at Medley Advisors and a writer/podcaster at 242.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley in Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2025), an experiment in "how much illiberalism the electorate would bear". With Kaczyński and PiS now in opposition but threatening a return in 2027, Donald Tusk's liberal administration is road-testing how effectively illiberalism can be unpicked without antagonising the voters it needs to stay in office. Stanley Bill is Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley is an associate professor at the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. Tim Gwynn Jones is policy analyst at Medley Advisors and a writer/podcaster at 242.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

In Poland between 2015 and 2023, Jarosław Kaczyński and his Law and Justice Party (PiS) attempted a novel experiment. Could a governing party sustain a coalition committed religiously inspired social conservatism, old-school left-wing welfarism, and antipathy to Moscow and Brussels while also unravelling democratic institutions? It was, write Stanley Bill and Ben Stanley in Good Change: The Rise and Fall of Poland's Illiberal Revolution (Stanford University Press, 2025), an experiment in "how much illiberalism the electorate would bear". With Kaczyński and PiS now in opposition but threatening a return in 2027, Donald Tusk's liberal administration is road-testing how effectively illiberalism can be unpicked without antagonising the voters it needs to stay in office. Stanley Bill is Professor of Polish Studies at the University of Cambridge, and Ben Stanley is an associate professor at the Centre for the Study of Democracy at the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Warsaw. Tim Gwynn Jones is policy analyst at Medley Advisors and a writer/podcaster at 242.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

In this episode I dive deep with the incredible visionary artist and podcaster Alex Coma.  Our conversation is an incredible discussion about spiritual practice, astrology, and the synchronicities to help guide us on the path of expanding our consciousness.  --------------------------Alex Coma is an interdisciplinary artist exploring the complex intersections between symbolism, consciousness, and esoteric knowledge. A graduate in photography from Concordia University and former scholarship recipient at the Montreal Fine Arts Academy, Coma's practice draws on figures like Arnold Böcklin and Carl Jung. His work navigates between visual art, philosophical investigation, and spiritual exploration, deploying a rigorous methodology that questions symbolic systems, cryptographic elements, and ritual methodologies. For the past decade, Coma has studied under Egyptian spiritual teacher Shri Amir Mourad, developing meditative techniques that enable deeper access to unconscious realms and inform his artistic practice—a disciplined inner exploration that has become instrumental in his ability to perceive increasingly more profound symbolic content and archetypal energies. His works, exhibited internationally at venues including the Visionary Art Collective in New York, the Affordable Art Fair in London and Brussels, and recognized in collections such as Colart and Ubisoft, have been acclaimed by media including CBC Arts, Vie des Arts, and La Presse. In 2023, Coma founded Roze Umbra, an initiative and platform dedicated to visionary artists, extending his commitment to collaborative artistic research that examines the subtle connections between symbolic languages and collective consciousness. As part of this initiative, he created "The Blue Hour Podcast," where he engages with visionary artists worldwide. His approach to all he does is constantly seeking a delicate balance between empirical knowledge and the ineffable mystery, offers an exploration of the borderlands of artistic creation.Websites:  www.alexcoma.worldVisionary Roze Grant: www.rozeumbra.com/visionaryrozegrantInstagram:@alexcoma.world⁠@rozeumbraFollow Martin Benson for more insights:*To stay updated on the podcast and related content, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠my Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠*To support the show and access exclusive content, consider subscribing for $0.99/month on Instagram (link above).Credits: Special thanks to Matthew Blankenship of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Sometimes Island⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for our podcast theme music!Support this podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/martin-l-benson/support⁠⁠⁠

Edition No242 | 06-09-2025 - Europe gears up—again—for tougher sanctions on Russia but always seems to keep one foot on the brake at the same time as the accelerator. In Paris, the U.S. envoy, Witless Witkoff stormed in, then stormed out again, of a high stakes meeting with Zelenskyy and European leaders. And in Washington, the Trump White House talks tough, yet holds back on hitting Putin directly — every single time – while scolding Europe about Russian oil that still seeps in through economic cracks. Let's connect the dots, call out the pressures, and say the quiet part out loud: neither Europe, nor the U.S. have done anything that has real deterrence power. No wonder Putin is intent on continuing his war, with a sense of complete impunity. Europe's Sanctions Jitters, Paris Drama, and the Fine Art of Trump ManagementFirst the good news: Europe does understand the threat. After a Paris summit of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” European Council President António Costa confirmed that a team is flying to Washington to co-write a joint Russia sanctions package—explicitly including secondary sanctions in the draft. His words in Uzhhorod were unambiguous: “We are working with the U.S. and other partners to intensify our pressure through additional sanctions, both direct and secondary sanctions.” (Kyiv Independent, Sept. 5, 2025) Ukrainska Pravda reported the same: Brussels has already begun work on the next package and is sending a team to coordinate it with U.S. counterparts. (Українська правда)----------SOURCES: https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-delegation-us-prepare-joint-sanctions-russia-ukraine-war/https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/09/5/7529510/https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-announces-upcoming-talks-with-trump-on-strengthening-sanctions-against-russia/https://kyivindependent.com/europe-sends-team-to-washington-to-work-on-russia-sanctions-eu-council-chief-says/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/inflection-points/its-time-for-trump-to-put-maximum-pressure-on-putin/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/01/why-does-trump-hold-back-on-punishing-russia-and-putin.htmlhttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-02/us-holds-back-china-trade-threats-as-it-weighs-russia-sanctionshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g7dze5n1vohttps://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/witkoff-walks-out-of-coalition-of-willing-1756986589.html----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------DESCRIPTION: Europe's Sanctions & America's Mixed Signals: The Real StoryIn this episode of Silicon Bites, we dissect the fraught geopolitical landscape between the US, Europe, and Russia. Explore how Europe prepares for tougher sanctions against Russia while simultaneously trying to avoid economic disruptions. Understand the discrepancy between the strong rhetoric from the Trump administration and its actual actions. Get insights into Paris meetings, American diplomatic stunts, and the rumored hidden agendas behind political maneuverings. Discover why Europe's cautious approach and Washington's indecisive stance might be giving Putin a strategic advantage in the ongoing war. Learn what actions are urgently needed to create a significant deterrent and pressure on Russia, and why Europe may need to take the lead without waiting for U.S. cooperation.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Channel Support00:28 Europe's Sanction Dilemma03:21 US and Europe's Mixed Signals04:55 Paris Drama and Diplomatic Tensions09:12 Washington's Paradox and Critique12:54 Europe's Strategy and Trump's Influence15:46 Conclusion and Future Steps----------

Broadcasting from Florence and Los Angeles, I Had One of Those Conversations...You know the kind—where you start discussing one thing and suddenly realize you're mapping the entire landscape of how different societies approach technology. That's exactly what happened when Rob Black and I connected across the Atlantic for the pilot episode of ITSPmagazine Europe: The Transatlantic Broadcast.Rob was calling from what he optimistically described as "sunny" West Sussex (complete with biblical downpours and Four Seasons weather in one afternoon), while I enjoyed actual California sunshine. But this geographic distance perfectly captured what we were launching: a genuine exploration of how European perspectives on cybersecurity, technology, and society differ from—and complement—American approaches.The conversation emerged from something we'd discovered at InfoSecurity Europe earlier this year. After recording several episodes together with Sean Martin, we realized we'd stumbled onto something crucial: most global technology discourse happens through an American lens, even when discussing fundamentally European challenges. Digital sovereignty isn't just a policy buzzword in Brussels—it represents a completely different philosophy about how democratic societies should interact with technology.Rob Black: Bridging Defense Research and Digital RealityRob brings credentials that perfectly embody the European approach to cybersecurity—one that integrates geopolitics, human sciences, and operational reality in ways that purely technical perspectives miss. As UK Cyber Citizen of the Year 2024, he's recognized for contributions that span UK Ministry of Defense research on human elements in cyber operations, international relations theory, and hands-on work with university students developing next-generation cybersecurity leadership skills.But what struck me during our pilot wasn't his impressive background—it was his ability to connect macro-level geopolitical cyber operations with the daily impossible decisions that Chief Information Security Officers across Europe face. These leaders don't see themselves as combatants in a digital war, but they're absolutely operating on front lines where nation-state actors, criminal enterprises, and hybrid threats converge.Rob's international relations expertise adds crucial context that American cybersecurity discourse often overlooks. We're witnessing cyber operations as extensions of statecraft—the ongoing conflict in Ukraine demonstrates how narrative battles and digital infrastructure attacks interweave with kinetic warfare. European nations are developing their own approaches to cyber deterrence, often fundamentally different from American strategies.European Values Embedded in Technology ChoicesWhat emerged from our conversation was something I've observed but rarely heard articulated so clearly: Europe approaches technology governance through distinctly different cultural and philosophical frameworks than America. This isn't just about regulation—though the EU's leadership from GDPR through the AI Act certainly shapes global standards. It's about fundamental values embedded in technological choices.Rob highlighted algorithmic bias as a perfect example. When AI systems are developed primarily in Silicon Valley, they embed specific cultural assumptions and training data that may not reflect European experiences, values, or diverse linguistic traditions. The implications cascade across everything from hiring algorithms to content moderation to criminal justice applications.We discussed how this connects to broader patterns of technological adoption. I'd recently written about how the transistor radio revolution of the 1960s paralleled today's smartphone-driven transformation—both technologies were designed for specific purposes but adopted by users in ways inventors never anticipated. The transistor radio became a tool of cultural rebellion; smartphones became instruments of both connection and surveillance.But here's what's different now: the stakes are global, the pace is accelerated, and the platforms are controlled by a handful of American and Chinese companies. European voices in these conversations aren't just valuable—they're essential for understanding how different democratic societies can maintain their values while embracing technological transformation.The Sociological Dimensions Technology Discourse MissesMy background in political science and sociology of communication keeps pulling me toward questions that pure technologists might skip: How do different European cultures interpret privacy rights differently? Why do Nordic countries approach digital government services so differently than Mediterranean nations? What happens when AI training data reflects primarily Anglo-American cultural assumptions but gets deployed across 27 EU member states with distinct languages and traditions?Rob's perspective adds the geopolitical layer that's often missing from cybersecurity conversations. We're not just discussing technical vulnerabilities—we're examining how different societies organize themselves digitally, how they balance individual privacy against collective security, and how they maintain democratic values while defending against authoritarian digital influence operations.Perhaps most importantly, we're both convinced that the next generation of European cybersecurity leaders needs fundamentally different skills than previous generations. Technical expertise remains crucial, but they also need to communicate complex risks to non-technical decision-makers, operate comfortably with uncertainty rather than seeking perfect solutions, and understand that cybersecurity decisions are ultimately political decisions about what kind of society we want to maintain.Why European Perspectives Matter GloballyEurope represents 27 different nations with distinct histories, languages, and approaches to technology governance, yet they're increasingly coordinating digital policies through EU frameworks. This complexity is fascinating and the implications are global. When Europe implements new AI regulations or data protection standards, Silicon Valley adjusts its practices worldwide.But European perspectives are too often filtered through American media or reduced to regulatory footnotes in technology publications. We wanted to create space for European voices to explain their approaches in their own terms—not as responses to American innovation, but as distinct philosophical and practical approaches to technology's role in democratic society.Rob pointed out something crucial during our conversation: we're living through a moment where "every concept that we've thought about in terms of how humans react to each other and how they react to the world around them now needs to be reconsidered in light of how humans react through a computer mediated existence." This isn't abstract philosophizing—it's the practical challenge facing policymakers, educators, and security professionals across Europe.Building Transatlantic Understanding, Not DivisionThe "Transatlantic Broadcast" name reflects our core mission: connecting perspectives across borders rather than reinforcing them. Technology challenges—from cybersecurity threats to AI governance to digital rights—don't respect national boundaries. Solutions require understanding how different democratic societies approach these challenges while maintaining their distinct values and traditions.Rob and I come from different backgrounds—his focused on defense research and international relations, mine on communication theory and sociological analysis—but we share curiosity about how technology shapes society and how society shapes technology in return. Sean Martin brings the American cybersecurity industry perspective that completes our analytical triangle.Cross-Border Collaboration for European Digital FutureThis pilot episode represents just the beginning of what we hope becomes a sustained conversation. We're planning discussions with European academics developing new frameworks for digital rights, policymakers implementing AI governance across member states, industry leaders building privacy-first alternatives to Silicon Valley platforms, and civil society advocates working to ensure technology serves democratic values.We want to understand how digital transformation looks different across European cultures, how regulatory approaches evolve through multi-stakeholder processes, and how European innovation develops characteristics that reflect distinctly European values and approaches to technological development.The Invitation to Continue This ConversationBroadcasting from our respective sides of the Atlantic, we're extending an invitation to join this ongoing dialogue. Whether you're developing cybersecurity policy in Brussels, building startups in Berlin, teaching digital literacy in Barcelona, or researching AI ethics in Amsterdam, your perspective contributes to understanding how democratic societies can thrive in an increasingly digital world.European voices aren't afterthoughts in global technology discourse—they're fundamental contributors to understanding how diverse democratic societies can maintain their values while embracing technological change. This conversation needs academic researchers, policy practitioners, industry innovators, and engaged citizens from across Europe and beyond.If this resonates with your own observations about technology's role in society, subscribe to follow our journey as we explore these themes with guests from across Europe and the transatlantic technology community.And if you want to dig deeper into these questions or share your own perspective on European approaches to cybersecurity and technology governance, I'd love to continue the conversation directly. Get in touch with us on Linkedin! Marco CiappelliBroadcasting from Los Angeles (USA) & Florence (IT)On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-ciappelliRob BlackBroadcasting from London (UK)On Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-black-30440819Sean MartinBroadcasting from New York City (USA)On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartinThe transatlantic conversation about technology, society, and democratic values starts now.

Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, joins The Winston Marshall Show for a sweeping conversation on free speech, censorship, and the dangers of state overreach.Lukianoff warns that Britain is sliding into authoritarianism with the Online Safety Act, the arrest of comedian Graham Linehan for “offensive tweets,” and thousands of citizens detained each year for speech crimes. He explains why Americans should be alarmed—not only because of cultural ties, but because UK and EU laws like the Digital Services Act now risk exporting censorship to the United States.They discuss the chilling effect of “non-crime hate incidents,” the hypocrisy of politicians who ignore Islamist extremism while cracking down on online speech, and why Big Tech is tripping over itself to appease Brussels bureaucrats. Lukianoff contrasts this with the Trump administration's free speech battles on university campuses, where anti-Semitism and harassment rationales are being used to justify speech codes.They also dive into the deeper history—Lenin, Marx, communism, and why the West never reckoned with the crimes of socialism—leaving us vulnerable to a new wave of ideological totalitarianism.All this—Britain's speech crisis, EU overreach, Trump and the universities, and the global struggle to preserve freedom of expression in the 21st century…-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters 00:00 - Introduction & Guest Welcome 02:49 - Graham Linehan's Arrest and Free Speech in the UK 05:08 - Arrests for Offensive Speech in the UK 07:34 - Non-Crime Hate Incidents and Social Attitudes 10:03 - Malcolm Gladwell, Trans Issues, and Chilling Effects 14:03 - The Online Safety Act and Censorship of Americans 17:04 - Why Americans Care About British Free Speech 19:14 - The EU Digital Services Act and Global Censorship 22:20 - Protecting Children Online: Policy and Parental Controls 28:41 - Free Speech in America: Trump, Wokeism, and Ideology 32:31 - Communism, Fascism, and Totalitarianism: Historical Parallels 36:30 - Reckoning with Socialism and Communism 39:30 - Karl Popper, Tolerance, and Hate Speech Laws 42:30 - Trump Administration, Campus Speech Codes, and Harassment 45:32 - Political Correctness and Speech Codes in Higher Ed 51:02 - Harvard, Civil Rights Act, and Federal Oversight 55:56 - The Right Way to Reform University Funding 58:52 - Free Speech for Pro-Palestinian Students and Deportation 1:10:19 - Why Harvard Ranks Lowest for Free Speech 1:13:21 - FIRE's New Books and Campus Free Speech Rankings 1:13:56 - Closing Remarks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Icarus has so much to say to us now, a few weeks before Rosh Hashanah.According to Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun with wings made of feather and wax. The sun's heat melted the wax, and Icarus fell into the sea and drowned.In 1560, the Netherlandish master Peter Bruegel the Elder painted a masterpiece entitled Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. This painting is now displayed in a museum in Brussels. The title is so evocative. To Icarus, no story was more important than Icarus. To Icarus, his flying so high, falling so low, and meeting an untimely end in a cold sea in a cold world was all-important. It was THE story. But there is a broader landscape where the fall of Icarus was not only not the story. It was not noticed at all. There are three peasants each doing their thing, plowing, herding and fishing. They are totally absorbed in their own world. They neither see nor care about Icarus.The pathos of the painting—the desperate pain of one, utterly unseen by others—has inspired poetry by William Carlos Williams and W.H. Auden. The last stanza of Williams's poem expresses this dissonance so clearly:a splash quite unnoticedthis was Icarus drowningThe painting, and the poetry of Williams and Auden, convey the world as it is: a splash quite unnoticed. Judaism has a lot to say here. Hillel's famous teaching in Pirkei Avot is a response. Hillel would not be comfortable with the three peasants not seeing and not caring. Yes, they have their own lives to attend to. That is legitimate. But Icarus drowned. How could they not notice? In attempting to move the dial on human indifference, Hillel teaches: If I am not for me, who will be?If I am for myself alone, what am I?And if not now, when?(Pirkei Avot 1:14) This dialectic of Hillel animates our High Holiday liturgy. Take a look at Bruegel's masterpiece. Who are the three peasants today? Who is Icarus today? Where are we in the paining? Who and what are we not seeing? What are we focused on? What is our version of plowing, herding and fishing? What does Hillel say to us?

Guest Name: Anatol Lieven • Affiliation: Eurasia Project Director of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft • Summary: The conversation critically examines a proposal for a Eurocentric security force in Ukraine, highlighting its practical unfeasibility given European military limitations and domestic fiscal challenges, particularly in France. It suggests the proposal might be political grandstanding or a strategy to "trap" the US. Ukraine's strategy aims to wear Russia down to concede on demands, recognizing they cannot achieve a full military victory. continued 1914 BRUSSELS 

Guest Name: Anatol Lieven • Affiliation: Eurasia Project Director of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft • Summary: The conversation critically examines a proposal for a Eurocentric security force in Ukraine, highlighting its practical unfeasibility given European military limitations and domestic fiscal challenges, particularly in France. It suggests the proposal might be political grandstanding or a strategy to "trap" the US. Ukraine's strategy aims to wear Russia down to concede on demands, recognizing they cannot achieve a full military victory. 1914 BRUSSELS

This week, we're dedicating the entire episode to Gaza. We have a lot of questions about the EU's role in what's happening there: Why is the EU not suspending trade with, or at the very least banning weapon sales to, Israel? Why is Israel being treated differently than the way Russia has been? And what will inaction mean for the credibility of the EU?  We put those questions to two esteemed guests: Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, who served as the EU's representative to Palestine from 2020 until July 2023, and Shada Islam, Lahore-born, Brussels-based commentator who has recently written some incredibly moving and thought-provoking pieces about the EU's complicity in the war in Gaza. And we round out the episode with a brief Inspiration Station recommendation: the book Enter Ghost by British-Palestinian author Isabella Hammad. This podcast was brought to you in cooperation with Euranet Plus, the leading radio network for EU news. But it's contributions from listeners that truly make it all possible—we could not continue to make the show without you! If you like what we do, you can chip in to help us cover our production costs at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/europeanspodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in many different currencies), or you can gift a donation to a superfan. We'd also love it if you could tell two friends about this podcast. We think two feels like a reasonable number. 00:00:46 Introduction: The cucumber season is over 00:02:53 What's been happening in Gaza for the past two years 00:06:45 Interview: Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff 00:29:00 Interview: Shada Islam 00:46: 16 The Inspiration Station: the book Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad Producers: Morgan Childs and Wojciech Oleksiak Editorial support: Katz Laszlo Mixing and mastering: Wojciech Oleksiak Music: Jim Barne, Mariska Martina and Morrisella by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). YouTube | Bluesky | Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Mastodon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | hello@europeanspodcast.com  

Bloating is one of the most common and frustrating gut symptoms. But what actually causes it? And why does it feel so different from person to person?   In this episode, we break down:

In this charged episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown is joined by Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani, along with regular contributors Cory Bernard in Manchester and Mike Donahue in Los Angeles, to lay bare the harrowing conditions in Gaza and the political cowardice of the West. With over 60,000 Palestinians killed and famine declared by the IPC, the panel asks a blunt question: why does the so-called democratic world continue to stall, excuse, and equivocate?Rabbani underscores the systematic assault not just on Gaza, but on the Palestinian people as a whole — from military aggression and forced displacement to attempts at erasing Palestinian refugees from political consideration. The conversation pivots to the deafening silence from Washington, London, and Brussels, and the wider consequences for international law, human rights, and geopolitical credibility. Meanwhile, domestic shifts are underway: US support for Israel is fracturing along generational lines, while in the UK, groups like Palestine Action face state repression under terrorism legislation — raising questions about civil liberties and the hypocrisy of Western democratic claims.Finally, the guests wrestle with the viability of a two-state solution. Mouin Rabbani insists that any hope for Palestinian sovereignty must come with political renewal and an end to the current PA-Hamas schism. But even that hinges on one thing Western governments refuse to offer: meaningful pressure on Israel. For now, the focus must be immediate — stop the famine, stop the bombs, and stop the enabling.Selected Quotes"The PA has essentially assumed the role of a powerless spectator." — Mouin Rabbani"It's Marjorie Taylor Greene saying, 'Why are we supporting genocide?' That's how much the conversation has shifted." — Roifield Brown"You should not be able to break into an RAF base. That says more about our military than it does about Palestine Action." — Cory Bernard"The West has made Israel a special case because of the Holocaust. That indulgence is eroding — and fast." — Mouin Rabbani"We can talk about statehood tomorrow. But tonight, people are starving. Get them food." — Roifield BrownFurther Reading & ResourcesFamine Review Committee / IPC: https://www.ipcinfo.orgHaaretz Podcast & Coverage: https://www.haaretz.comInternational Court of Justice – South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Case): https://www.icj-cij.org/case/192Palestine Action: https://palestineaction.orgUN Headquarters Agreement: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/host-country Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Taking Stock Susan Hayes Culleton convenes a panel of some of Ireland's busiest entrepreneurs when she talks to Pat McDonagh of Supermac's, Lorriane Heskin of Gourmet Food Parlour and John Purdy of Ergo. We hear what they think the government needs to do to improve the landscape for indigenous Irish companies.Plus, with a possible IMF bailout being mentioned in France, Susan talks to Sarah Collins of the Business Post in Brussels about where France is heading.

Welcome to the Daily Compliance News. Each day, Tom Fox, the Voice of Compliance, brings you compliance-related stories to start your day. Sit back, enjoy a cup of morning coffee, and listen in to the Daily Compliance News. All, from the Compliance Podcast Network. Each day, we consider four stories from the business world, including compliance, ethics, risk management, leadership, or general interest, relevant to the compliance professional. Top stories include: EU fines Google and Shein a total of $553.9 million over cookie abuse. (WSJ) EU prosecutor and Brussels elite go head-to-head over corruption. (ftm.eu) What CEOs think of Stankey Memo. (Business Insider) Reforming the Wells Notice process. (Bloomberg Law) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The leaders of China, Russia and North Korea together for the first time - at a major military parade in Beijing. The three nuclear powers have shared interests, but competing ones too. Is a new bloc being formed to challenge the US and the West? In this episode: Olga Krasnyak - Associate Professor at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Shirley Ze Yu - Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics. Theresa Fallon - Director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels. Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Each week, Paul Foster & Simon Alexander catch up for coffee. This week: Cooking Unfiltered - Paul's new YouTube Channel, Brussels, waffles, Belgian beer, lobster rolls, Meatopia, 670 grams, AI menus and chewing the industry fat. We are delighted to be in partnership with Unilever Food Solutions. You can download and read through their comprehensive Future Menus report here, just go to ufs.com/NightcapFutureMenus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Dixon left school at 16 and began selling hot dogs before building a bread roll business. In 1989 he founded Regus, spotting the need for flexible offices after watching people hold meetings in coffee shops. From a single site in Brussels, he grew the business into IWG — now the world's largest provider of flexible workspace, with thousands of locations in more than 120 countries. Along the way he faced fierce competition and survived the dotcom crash. Mark speaks to Evan Davis about his journey from hot dog stands to global boardrooms, the setbacks that nearly ended it all, and how he built a company now worth billions.Producer: Osman Iqbal Series Producer: Simon Tulett Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Gareth Jones Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison

First up on Inside Business this week is the plight of independent Irish breweries, who, like so many now, are finding the cost of doing business to be far too high.This is despite an explosion in the popularity of craft beers here in the last decade. What costs are forcing some operators out of business? How are they coping with competition from far larger, commercial breweries? And will these increasing costs be passed onto consumers?To get into all this, host Cliff Taylor was joined by Irish Times Business Reporter Hugh Dooley and founder and chief executive of the Carlow Brewing Company, Seamus O'Hara.Plus, it's a deal decades in the making and would seem to make sense in the context of the aggressive tariffs imposed on the EU and Latin American countries by Donald Trump. And the expectation is that the EU Commission will try to ratify the Mercosur trade deal despite push back from several EU countries, not least Ireland. But why is the trade deal so divisive and what impact could it have here if it goes ahead? Irish Times acting Europe Correspondent Jack Power joined Cliff on the line from Brussels.Produced by John Casey with JJ Vernon on sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Dominic Bowen and Dr. Jamie Shea unpack NATO at a moment of historic change. Find out more about how fear has re-emerged as a unifying force within the Alliance, the political and economic challenges of reaching unprecedented defence spending levels, industrial bottlenecks and Ukraine's role as a partner in innovation and supply, the rising threat of hybrid warfare from cyberattacks to sabotage and disinformation, the volatility of United States diplomacy and the implications of a “big three” world dominated by Washington, Moscow, and Beijing, the long-term challenge of sustaining support for Ukraine, NATO's expanding ties with the Asia-Pacific, and the future of medium powers seeking autonomy in an era of great power competition, and more.Dr. Jamie Shea CMG is Professor at the College of Europe Natolin, Senior Fellow for security and defence at Friends of Europe, and Senior Advisor at the European Policy Centre in Brussels. He is also Senior Counsel to the Founder and CEO of Fanack/The Chronicle and Fanack Water. Previously, Dr. Shea was Professor of Strategy and Security at the University of Exeter, and for 38 years he served as a member of NATO's International Staff, holding senior positions including Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges, Director of Policy Planning, and NATO Spokesman. He has also taught at institutions including the College of Europe in Bruges, the University of Sussex, and the American University in Washington DC, and is a Senior Transatlantic Fellow of the German Marshall Fund and Associate Fellow at Chatham House.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter. The International Risk Podcast – Reducing risk by increasing knowledge.Follow us on LinkedIn and Subscribe for all our updates!Tell us what you liked!

This week on Jazz After Dinner, Joe features Pianist Earl Hines, from his 1992 record, recorded in 1965, Sony Music Records recording, titled “Reunion In Brussels.”

Geopolitical analyst and commentator Xoaquin Flores comes back to the podcast to discuss a number of topics in the wake of the Trump/Putin Summit in Alaska on August 15th.  From Turkey's unfocused aggression to the repeated attempts to isolate Serbia, there are no shortage of responses from the "usual suspects" in City of London and Brussels.  Xoaquin breaks these things down in granular detail for us which, to me, is required listening.Show Notes:Atlantic - Did the White House Not Understand What Putin Was Really Offering?Xoaquin's New Resistance Xoaquin's PatreonTom on XGold Goats 'n Guns Patreon

Today's guest is a truly remarkable creative – novellist, screenwriter, playwright, producer, past resident of the Royal Court Theatre, co-founder of the Harvard Human Rights Journal, winner of the John Cassavetes Award for film, as well as the first American to receive a fellowship to the European Court of Human Rights. I spoke with Alice Austen about her debut book, 33 Place Brugmann, which is a suspenseful, emotive portrait of a Brussels apartment block during the Second World War. It's always a pleasure to speak with such a fascinating polymath, and I hope you all enjoy listening.Lit with Charles loves reviews. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a review of your own, and follow me on Instagram at @litwithcharles. Let's get more people listening – and reading!Alice Austen's four books were:Dubliners, James Joyce (1914)100 Years of Solitude, Gabriel García Márquez (1967)Tropisms, Nathalie Sarraute (1939)Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Thomas Hardy (1891)

Dinkar P. Srivastava joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1978. He has served in Karachi in the early 90s. Also served in the Middle East, Washington, Brussels and Tehran.In 1993-94, as Director (UNP), he was part of successful Indian lobbying efforts against four Pakistani attempts to have resolutions on J&K adopted in UN General Assembly and UN Commission on Human Rights. He was involved in the drafting of National Human Rights Commission statute. As Joint Secretary (UNP), he participated in Indian lobbying efforts to contain the diplomatic fallout of the Pokhran II nuclear tests and prevent the internationalization of the J&K issue during the Kargil war (1999).He dealt with Indian candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, UN Peace-keeping and Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. He was a member of the Indian delegations to the World Conference on Human Rights in 1993, and the International Court of Justice in the case of Aerial Incident of 1999 (Pakistan v. India). In 2011-15, as Indian Ambassador to Iran, he negotiated the MOU for Indian participation in Chabahar Port.His book 'Forgotten Kashmir: The Other Side of the Line of Control' examines the evolution of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) over the past seven decades. His latest book 'Pakistan: Ideologies, Strategies, Interests' examines the ideology of Pakistan

What is endometriosis and how does it overlap with IBS?   During this episode of The Gut Show I talk to Katie from @endogirlsblog about how endometriosis can be masked as or overlap as IBS, when to suspect endometriosis (even if you don't think you have it), fertility concerns, and treatment options.   Connect with Katie: https://endogirlblog.com https://www.instagram.com/endogirlsblog     Thank you to our partners:   @FODZYME is the world's first enzyme supplement specialized to target FODMAPs.   When sprinkled on or mixed with high-FODMAP meals, FODZYME's novel patent-pending enzyme blend breaks down fructan, GOS and lactose before they can trigger bloating, gas and other digestive issues.   With FODZYME, enjoy garlic, onion, wheat, Brussels sprouts, beans, dairy and more — worry free! Discover the power of FODZYME's digestive enzyme blend and eat the foods you love and miss. Visit fodzyme.com and save 20% off your first order with code THEGUTSHOW. One use per customer.     This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.     @gemellibiotech offers trusted, science-backed at-home tests for conditions like SIBO, IMO, ISO, and post-infectious IBS.    Their Trio-Smart breath test measures all three key gases: hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide to detect different forms of microbial overgrowth. And for those with IBS symptoms, IBS-Smart is a simple blood test that can confirm post-infectious IBS with clinical accuracy.   You simply order the test, complete it at home, send it back, and get clinically backed results in about a week that you can take to your provider!    Find out which tests are right for you at getgutanswers.com and use code ERINJUDGE25 to save $35 on your order!     Connect with Erin Judge, RD:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/erinjudge.rd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erinjudge.rd   Work with Gutivate:  https://gutivate.com/services   

Brussels sprouts are perhaps one of the most disliked veggies for Aussie kids. But for Mayu, they're a favourite. This recipe, which she calls “Endless Brussels Sprouts,” will have the kids coming back for more. - 今週の「食薬」は芽キャベツ。都丸真由さんのお気に入りの野菜のひとつですが、苦手なオージーキッズも多いかもしれません。そんなキッズでもパクパク食べられるのが、真由さんが「無限芽キャベツ」と呼ぶこのレシピです。

On this episode of Anchored, Soren is joined by Dr. Cornelis J. Schilt, Professor of History and Philosophy of Knowledge at the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, and Founder and President of Lux Mundi, a new Catholic university in Belgium. Dr. Schilt shares his unique educational journey from a small town in the Netherlands to prestigious institutions like Oxford. He discusses the challenges he has faced in academia in Europe, and his vision for Lux Mundi as a transformative educational institution that emphasizes character development and the pursuit of truth.

The official framework for the EU-U.S. trade truce has been released, aiming to halt escalating trans-Atlantic trade tensions and steady container flows. This agreement, though not yet legally enforceable, maintains existing tariffs on most European Union exports to the U.S. and on automobiles until reciprocal tariff reductions are implemented by Brussels. DHL Global Forwarding is expanding its cold chain logistics capabilities in Asia Pacific with the opening of a dual-certified pharmaceutical facility at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This 38,000-square-foot site, the first in KLIA's Free Commercial Zone, offers flexible storage certified for both 15–25°C and 2–8°C, enhancing DHL's leadership in healthcare logistics and addressing rising demand for temperature-sensitive transportation. Ceva Logistics has been targeted by a crime ring in eight separate incidents over the past year, resulting in the theft of high-value electronics exceeding $18.3 million. These thefts are largely attributed to repeated breakdowns in security policy, including outsourcing to unvetted motor carriers and inadequate warehouse security, amidst a broader 13% year-over-year increase in cargo theft incidents in the second quarter, where warehouses are significant targets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Max sat down with Matthew Kaminski—co-founder of Politico Europe, former editor-in-chief and current editor-at-large of Politico—to discuss the ethos of Politico Europe, why it's been successful, and how it fits into the political journalism landscape in Brussels. Please submit your questions or feedback to ⁠erep@csis.org⁠ with “Eurofile Listener Feedback” in the subject line.  Learn more:   ⁠Russian Roulette | CSIS Podcasts⁠

EU: Tariffs and morale. Theresa Fallon, Brussels. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2014/05/20/eus-mood-a-country-by-country-tour/ 1898 BRUSSELS

SHOW SCHEDULE  8-25-25 Good evening. The show begins in Seoul, where the new President Lee Jae-myung has directed raids on churches and US military sites according to POTUS. 1927 VENEZUELA CABINET First Hour 9:00-9:15 ROK: President Lee Jae-myung in the Oval Office. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 9:15-9:30 PRC: Guangdong Province in shadow. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 9:30-9:45 Pakistan: Meets Bangladesh. Husain Haqqani, Hudson 9:45-10:00 Pakistan: Favored by POTUS. Husain Haqqani, Hudson Second Hour 10:00-10:15 Israel: Gaza propaganda and the final assault. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_Pres @MHoenlein1 @ThadMcCotter @TheAmGreatness 10:15-10:30 Armenia: Railroad to Baku. Malcolm Hoenlein @Conf_of_Pres @MHoenlein1 10:30-10:45 PRC not welcome in Kyiv. Victoria Coates, Heritage, @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill 10:45-11:00 EU: Tariffs and morale. Theresa Fallon, Brussels. @GordonGChang, Gatestone, Newsweek, The Hill Third Hour 11:00-11:15 Syria: At the UNGA. Ahmad Sharawi, FDD 11:15-11:30 Syria: And Israel accommodations. Ahmad Sharawi, FDD 11:30-11:45 #NewWorldReport: US flotilla off Venezuela. Joseph Humire @JMHumire @SecureFreeSoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #NewWorldReportHumire. Alejandro Pena Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and geopolitical commentator. 11:45-12:00 #NewWorldReport: Bolsonaro and lawfare. Joseph Humire @JMHumire @SecureFreeSoc. Ernesto Araujo, former Foreign Minister Republic of Brazil. #NewWorldReportHumire. Alejandro Pena Esclusa, Venezuelan writer and geopolitical commentator. Fourth Hour 12:00-12:15 Iran: And Afghanistan. Jonathan Sayeh, FDD 12:15-12:30 Iran and YEMEN. Jonathan Sayeh, FDD 12:30-12:45 India: Trump fences with Modi. Josh Rogin, WaPo 12:45-1:00 AM India: Trump fences with Modi. Josh Rogin, WaPo continued

High school 800m superstar Cooper Lutkenhaus has gone pro as a 16-year-old. What do we think? Fireworks in Silesia, Lausanne and Brussels have paved the way for the Weltklasse Diamond League final in Zurich where Josh Hoey and Yared Nuguse will be running for history and a chance to keep their Worlds dream alive. What's up with Athing Mu? Should the Footlocker Cross Country Championships be saved? What do we think of the Sydney Marathon's debut as a World Marathon Major with Sifan Hassan and Eliud Kipchoge? Show notes: 00:00 Lutkenhaus Goes Pro + Diamond League Final 00:27 Introduction and Upcoming Events 4:28 Cooper Lutkenhaus goes pro 17:39 Diamond League Final Preview 22:37 Jakob Ingebrigtsen's Controversial Exclusion 31:35 Men's 1500m: The Unpredictable Race 38:51 Laros vs Koech vs Nuguse Round 2 42:57 Supporters Club and Podcast Benefits 43:42 How should Hoey run final? 45:08 How should Nuguse run final? 49:16 Saving it for Zurich correction 51:35 Grand Slam Track Debate: Shoul MJ be blacklisted from sport? 01:00:18 Footlocker Cross Country Championships - should they be saved? 01:11:07 Sydney Marathon has Kipchoge and is a WMM this Saturday 01:22:42 Who has better chance Hoey or Nuguse? Links: 2025 Sydney Marathon men's field: Is it great? Or greatly hyped? - LetsRun.com Get a VPN: https://www.letsrun.com/vpn Become a LetsRun VIP: https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Contact us: Email podcast@letsrun.com or call/text 1-844-LETSRUN podcast voicemail/text line. Want a 2nd podcast every week? And savings on running shoes? Join the LetsRun.com Supporters Club today for exclusive content, a bonus weekly podcast, shoe savings, and more. Cancel anytime .https://www.letsrun.com/subscribe Check out the LetsRun.com store. https://shop.letsrun.com/ We've got the softest running shirts in the business. Thanks for listening. Please rate us on your podcast app and spread the word to friend. Find out more at http://podcast.letsrun.com Send us your feedback online: https://pinecast.com/feedback/letsrun/8aa80bd4-6bca-44ee-bbe1-f7d6f08f9deb

Today on Valentine in the Morning:We asked our listeners to tell us what their best dupe finds are! Is it knockoff Lulu Lemons? Dupe versions of Disney backpacks? You let us know! Also shout out the co-worker that helps you laugh at your absurd workplace: Jill and Brian love Val's impressions and jokes, and Jon appreciates our iHeart video producer Konstantin! We also asked Chat GPT if coffee flavored Brussel Sprouts would be great for business? Chat says #BrewedBrussels!Listen live every weekday from 5–10am Pacific: https://www.iheart.com/live/1043-myfm-173/ Website: 1043myfm.com/valentine Instagram: @ValentineInTheMorning Facebook: facebook.com/valentineinthemorning TikTok: @ValentineInTheMorning

408: Cam Myers | National Cross Country Championships | Lausanne & Brussels DL  This week's episode is sponsored by Precision Fuel & Hydration,  their free online planner has you covered! It calculates exactly how much carb, sodium, and fluid you need to smash your goals. Listen to the show for an exclusive discount. Cam Myers guest hosts to share his season on the European circuit and his training in the lead up to the World Championships in Tokyo. Brad prioritises recovery this week. Brady feels the intensity increase with a double threshold session. This week's running news is presented by Axil Coffee. On a rainy Lausanne Diamond League, Claudia Hollingsworth ran 1:58.81 in the 800m. In the B race, Catriona Bisset ran 2:01.18 and Bendere Oboya ran 2:03.22. Jack Rayner ran 13:31.22 in the Men's 5000m with Isaac Kimeli winning in 13:07.67. Lausanne Diamond League Results Linden Hall second in Brussels Diamond League 3:56.33 PB, just behind winner NIkki Hiltz in 3:55.94. Neils Laros won the Men's 1500m in 3:30.58, while Agnes Ngetich won the Women's 5000m in 14:24.99. Brussels Diamond League https://runnerstribe.com/latest-news/australian-athletes-shine-at-brussels-diamond-league/    Bronte Oates led from the start to win her first National Cross Country Championships at Victoria Park, Ballarat. Jenny Blundell placed second for NSW, with Georgia Hansen third for Victoria. In the women's team competition New South Wales were the winners, followed by Victoria and Queensland in third. Zach Facioni won the National Championship making a break in the final stages of the race, with Aiden Veltan and Matt Buckell representing Victoria rounding out the podium. Victoria won the Men's Teams, with NSW in second and the ACT in third. Moose joins as a correspondent reporting on the results and vibes of the day. Official Results https://runnerstribe.com/latest-news/facioni-and-oates-claim-breakthrough-wins-at-2025-australian-cross-country-championships/    Abbey Caldwell came second in the B 800m in 1:58.02, with Georgia Griffith running 1:59.22 and Tess Kirsop-Cole breaking two minutes in 1:59.95. Lauren Ryan won the 1500m in 4:03.79, Maudie Skyring ran 4:04.51 for third place. Jack Anstey ran 3:34.23, Oli Hoare ran 3:36.45 with Narvre Nordas of Norway winning in 3:30.26 Results via World Athletics xNew York Marathon Elite Fields announced, Pat Tiernan NYRR Press Release Enjoy 50% off your first Axil Coffee order! Use code IRP50 at checkout. Shop now at axilcoffee.com.au Whispers makes note of athletes preparing for the heat of Tokyo, as well as some absences to be made around the Sydney Marathon. This episode's Listener Q's/Training Talk segment is proudly brought to you by Precision Fuel & Hydration. Is there a right way to do strides and are they important? Visit precisionhydration.com for more info on hydration and fuelling products and research, and use the discount code given in the episode.  Check out the IRP socials to get onto the events, panels and activations around the Sydney Marathon weekend - featuring a free beer from Better Beer. Len Johnson comes on to chat about his upcoming book “Past Times of Changing Champions” with Brian Lenton and John Gilbert, compendium of the training and running of the modern era. Patreon Link: https://www.patreon.com/insiderunningpodcast Opening and Closing Music is Undercover of my Skin by Benny Walker. www.bennywalkermusic.com Join the conversation at: https://www.facebook.com/insiderunningpodcast/ To donate and show your support for the show: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9K9WQCZNA2KAN

Preview: EU in the White House. Colleague Theresa Fallon comments on the concerns of the EU powers when meeting with POTUS. More later. 1898 BRUSSELS

Last time we spoke about the crossing of Nanjing's Rubicon. By November 1, Shanghai had become a lost cause, the Chinese were forced to retreat. In the wake of this turmoil, the Japanese set their sights on Nanjing, keenly aware that its fall would spell disaster for Chiang Kai-Shek's government. Despite the desperate situation, guerrilla fighters began fortifying the city as civilians rallied to support the defense, preparing for the inevitable assault that loomed. However, political divisions plagued the Chinese leadership, with some generals advocating for abandoning the city. After intense discussions, it was decided that Nanjing would be a hill worth dying on, driven largely by propaganda needs. As November 12 approached, Japanese troops rapidly advanced west, capturing towns along the way and inflicting unimaginable brutality. On November 19, Yanagawa, a commander, took the initiative, decreeing that pursuing the retreating Chinese forces toward Nanjing was paramount.    #164 The Battle of Lake Tai Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. As the Chinese troops fled westwards, at 7:00 am on November 19th, Yanagawa issued instructions to his troops in the field. “The enemy's command system is in disarray, and a mood of defeat has descended over their entire army. They have lost the will to fight. We must not miss the opportunity to pursue the enemy to Nanjing.” The order went out to the 10th Army, sending, the 6th, 18th, and 114th Divisions west along the southern shore of Lake Tai, passing through Huzhou before turning right towards Nanjing. The Kunisaki Detachment, trained for rapid movement by water and land, was ordered east along the Yangtze River near Wuhu city and, if possible, cross the river to cut off the Chinese Army's retreat from Nanjing. Yanagawa envisioned an operation unlike any other conducted by the Japanese Army in recent history. He believed this could not only end the war but also surpass previous victories, such as the defeat of tsarist Russia more than three decades earlier. Confident in a swift victory, he wrote in a follow-up message to his commanders, “The day is near when the banner of the Rising Sun will fly over Nanjing's city wall.” However, Yanagawa's order elicited panic in Tokyo once it became known. His superiors viewed it as an outrageous attempt to entirely change the war focus away from the north. They understood that taking Nanjing was primarily a political decision rather than a strategic one. There was still hopes of finding terms through the Germans to end the conflict, thus carving up more of China. The Japanese did not want to become bogged down in a real war. Major General Tada was particularly opposed to increasing efforts on the Shanghai front. He belonged to a faction that believed the best way to avoid a quagmire in China was to deliver a swift, decisive blow to the Chinese Army. This mindset had turned him into a major advocate for landing a strong force in Hangzhou Bay in early November. Nevertheless, he had initially resisted expanding operations to the Suzhou-Jiaxing line, only relenting on the condition that this line would not be crossed under any circumstances. Tada's immediate response was to halt the 10th Army's offensive. Shimomura Sadamu, Ishiwara Kanji's hardline successor as chief of operations, strongly disagreed, arguing that field commanders should have the authority to make significant decisions. Undeterred, Tada insisted on restraining the field commanders, and at 6:00 pm on November 20th, the Army General Staff sent a cable to the Central China Area Army reprimanding them for advancing beyond Order No. 600, which had established the Suzhou-Jiaxing line. The response from the Central China Area Army arrived two days later whereupon the field commanders argued that Nanjing needed to be captured to bring the war to an early conclusion. To do otherwise, they argued, would provide the enemy with an opportunity to regain the will to fight. Moreover, the officers claimed that delaying the decisive battle would not sit well with the Japanese public, potentially jeopardizing national unity. On the same day it responded to Tokyo, the Central China Area Army instructed the 10th Army to proceed cautiously: “The pursuit to Nanjing is to be halted, although you may still send an advance force towards Huzhou. Each division is to select four or five battalions to pursue the enemy rapidly”. The remainder of the troops were instructed to advance towards Huzhou and prepare to join the pursuit “at any time.” Meanwhile Chiang Kai-shek officially appointed Tang Shengzhi as the commandant of Nanjing's garrison. Born in 1889, Tang embodied the era of officers leading China into war with Japan. They straddled the line between old and new China. During their youth, they lived in a society that had seen little change for centuries, where young men immersed themselves in 2,000-year-old classics to prepare for life. Like their ancestors across countless generations, they were governed by an emperor residing in a distant capital. Following the 1911 revolution, they embraced the new republic and received modern military training, Tang, for instance, at the esteemed Baoding Academy in northern China. Yet, they struggled to fully relinquish their traditional mindsets. These traditional beliefs often included a significant distrust of foreigners. Before his appointment as garrison commander, Tang had led the garrison's operations section. During this time, Chiang Kai-shek suggested that he permit the German chief advisor, General Alexander von Falkenhausen, to attend staff meetings. Tang hesitated, expressing concern due to Falkenhausen's past as a military official in Japan and the current alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan. “That's not good, is it?” he asked. Chiang reassured him that Falkenhausen was an experienced officer who remembered earlier loyalties despite political shifts in Berlin. “It's all right,” Chiang insisted, “we can trust him.” Reluctantly, Tang acquiesced but never fully trusted the German officer. Tang also faced issues with morale. He was Hunanese, the majority of his troops were locals, many from Nanjing. Tang also suffered from many ongoing illnesses. While he put on a bravado face, its unlikely he expected to be able to defend the capital for very long. On November 19th, the IJA 16th division and Shigeto Detachment conquered Changshu, a crucial point along the Wufu defense line, spanning from Fushan on the Yangtze to Suzhou and then to Wujiang sitting on the shores of Lake Tai. The fight for Changshu had surprised the Japanese. As they approached they ran into a network of interlocking cement pillboxes that had to be taken individually, resulting in heavy casualties. Frequently, when the Japanese believed they had finally destroyed a position and advanced, they were dismayed to discover that some defenders remained alive, continuing to fire at their flanks. Another obstacle facing them was Chinese artillery. During the night's capture of the city, the Japanese makeshift camps were hit relentlessly by bombardment. That same day further south, the IJA 9th division captured Suzhou , reporting to the press they did so without firing a single shot. General Matsui wrote in his diary “The enemy troops near Suzhou have completely lost their morale. Some soldiers are discarding their equipment and surrendering, while others flee westward in utter chaos. Our forces have not encountered the resistance we anticipated. So far, the Shanghai Expeditionary Force has achieved all its objectives. I am thrilled by this.” In reality, this was mere propaganda. The IJA 9th Division actually had to overpower a series of Chinese pillboxes outside the city. Once they entered through the medieval walls, they faced the task of eliminating pockets of resistance one by one. According to Japanese sources, over 1,000 Chinese soldiers were killed during these clearing operations. The Japanese found a wealth of spoils in Suzhou. Among the booty were 100 artillery pieces and other military equipment. Historically known as one of China's wealthiest cities, Suzhou still contained an abundance of loot even after months of conflict. Many Japanese soldiers had their pockets filled with cigarettes after raiding a tobacco factory, while others transported barrels filled with coins after robbing a bank. Meanwhile the government had officially moved from Nanjing to Chongqing. Chongqing was an unusual choice for the new capital as it was historically something of a backwater, not very cosmopolitan such as the great coastal cities in the east. However it was distant enough to be out of reach from the Japanese land forces, but not so distant that it would make governing China impossible. Not all the governmental agencies moved to Chongqing at once. The foreign ministry first moved to Wuhan, as did most of the foreign diplomats. Yet out of some several hundred foreign nationals, 30 American and 19 British did stay behind in Nanjing. Tang Shengzhi met with the remaining foreign community and began promising them guarantees of their lives and property would be protected to the fullest. In turn the foreign community were thinking up ways to help defend the city's civilian population. They formed a special demilitarized district, akin to the one in Shanghai. They named it the Jacquinot Safety Zone after its founder, French Jesuit Robert Jacquinot de Besange. An international committee for establishing a neutral zone for noncombatants in Nanjing was formed on November 19th and famously John Rabe chaired it. The committee knew their neutral zone depended solely upon Japan respecting it, thus Rabe was an ideal pick for chairman. Meanwhile Chiang Kai-Shek was determined to stay for as long as possible in Nanjing, and remain in the public view to maintain morale. Song Meiling also went around touring the capital by automobile to raise public spirit. Preparations for battle were being dished out in haste. Du Yuming, the commander of Nanjing's armored regiment was called up to the headquarters of He Yingqin, then chief of staff. There Du was briefed on Chiang Kai-Shek's war plans and how his tiny armored force would fit in. He Yingqin said “It has been decided that Tang Shengzhi is to defend Nanjing. Chairman Chiang wants the German vehicles to stay in Nanjing and fight.” This was referring to their Leichter Panzerspahwagen or “sd KFZ 221” armored cars. These were recent purchases from Germany. Du questioned using them however “The German vehicles are the best armor we have at the moment, but they have no cannon, only machine guns, so their firepower is limited. We just have 15 of them. And they are not suited for the terrain around Nanjing, with all its rivers and lakes.” Du instead argued for using the British-made Vickers Carden Lloyd tanks. Of these China had recently purchased the amphibious variants. Du said “Those tanks both have machine guns and cannon, and they can float. They are much more useful for the Nanjing area.” He further suggested the tanks might even make it to the other side of the Yangtze once all hope was out. To this He replied “No, don't even think about crossing the Yangtze. The chairman wants the tank crews to fight to the death.” As far as war strategy was concerned, China had actually developed one against Japan decades prior. Ever since the nasty conflicts between the two nations had broken out back during the Great War days, China sought an answer to Japan's aggression. One man rose to the occasion, a young officer named Jiang Baili. In 1922 Jiang wrote “The only way to prevail over the enemy, will be to do the opposite of what he does in every respect. It will be to his advantage to seek a quick resolution; we should aim for protracted warfare. He will try to focus on a decisive blow at the front line; we should move to the second line of defense and rob him of the opportunity to concentrate his forces in one place.” Soon Jiang became the forefather in China for theories involving protracted war. One could also call it a war of attrition, and it was the type of war suited to China. In the words of Jiang “We should thank our ancestors. China is blessed with two major advantages, a vast land area and a huge population. Abstaining from fighting will be enough. And if we do fight, we should drag it out. We should force the front to move west, and turn our weakness into strength, while allowing the enemy to overstretch himself”. China's geography significantly influenced Jiang's military strategy. In his works titled Organization of Mechanized Forces, Jiang wrote “The flat North Chinese plain offers ideal conditions for a large mechanized army. In contrast, the agricultural regions further south, characterized by their mix of rice paddies and waterways, are far less suitable.” Faced with a technologically superior enemy, China had no option but to draw the opponent away from the north, where their armored units would dominate the battlefield, to the Yangtze River area, where their mobility would be severely restricted. Jiang served as the director of the prestigious military academy at Baoding, near Beijing, where he could instill his philosophies in the minds of upcoming leaders of the Chinese armed forces, including Tang Shengzhi. Tang was able to put Jiang's theories into practice. In the autumn of 1935, he played a crucial role in planning and executing the decade's largest military maneuver. Conducted south of the Yangtze, between Nanjing and Shanghai, this drill involved over 20,000 troops, allowing for a realistic simulation of battle conditions. Its primary objective was to test the strategy of "luring the enemy in deep." Upon concluding the maneuver, Tang described the location as exceptionally well chosen, a tank commander's nightmare. The area consisted of steep hills alongside rivers, with very few robust roads and virtually no bridges capable of supporting tanks. Countless small paddy fields were divided by dikes that rarely exceeded a few feet in width, perfectly suited for swift infantry movements but utterly inadequate for tracked vehicles. It appeared to be a graveyard for any mechanized army. As the war broke out with Japan, Jiang's ideas initially seemed validated. Chiang Kai-shek deliberately refrained from deploying his best troops to the northern Beijing area. Instead, he chose to instigate a significant battle in and around Shanghai, where the terrain presented the exact disadvantages for Japanese armor that Jiang had anticipated. Although the Japanese gradually introduced tactical innovations that allowed them to navigate the partly submerged paddy fields north and west of Shanghai, their tanks often found themselves forced along elevated roads, making them vulnerable targets for hidden Chinese infantry. For several weeks during September and October, the Shanghai area indeed resembled a quagmire, seemingly poised to ensnare the Japanese forces until they were utterly depleted. However, the successful Japanese landings in early November, first in Hangzhou Bay and then on the south bank of the Yangtze, dramatically changed things. The stalemate was broken, allowing the Japanese Army to advance despite the persistent challenges posed by the local geography. What would happen next would determine whether Jiang's theories from a decade earlier could work or if Japan's tanks would ultimately triumph even in the river terrain south of the Yangtze.  The Japanese field commanders' decision to shift their focus from defeating Chinese forces near Shanghai to pursuing them all the way to Nanjing, sent ripples throughout the ranks. Every unit had to reconsider their plans, but none felt the impact more acutely than the 6th Division. As one of the first contingents of the 10th Army to come ashore in Hangzhou Bay in early November, its soldiers had advanced with remarkable ease, cutting through the defenses like a knife through butter. Now, with orders to drive west towards Nanjing, they were required to make a huge U-turn and head south. Geography hurt them greatly, specifically the presence of Lake Tai. The original Shanghai Expeditionary Force, bolstered by the 16th Division and other newly arrived units, was set to advance north of the lake, while the 10th Army was tasked with operations to the south of it. This situation implied that the 6th Division had to hurry to catch up with the rest of the 10th Army.   Upon turning south, they reached Jiashan on November 21, only to face a brutal outbreak of cholera among their ranks, which delayed their advance by three days. Meanwhile the other elements of the 10th Army, including the Kunisaki Detachment and the 18th and 114th Divisions advanced  rapidly, entering Huzhou on November 23. To speed up their advance they had commandeered every vessel they could grab and tossed men in piece meal across the southern bank of Lake Tai to its western shore.  However the 10th army was unaware that they would soon face a brutal fight. As the Chinese government evacuated Nanjing, fresh troops from Sichuan province in southwest China were being unloaded at the city's docks and marched toward imminent danger. Starting to disembark on November 20, these soldiers formed the Chinese 23rd Group Army. They presented an exotic sight, sporting broad straw hats typical of southern China, often adorned with yellow and green camouflage patterns. While some appeared freshly uniformed, many were ill-prepared for the colder central Chinese winter, dressed in thin cotton better suited for subtropical climates. A number looked as ragged as the most destitute coolie. Nearly all wore straw shoes that required repairs every evening after a long day of marching. Their equipment was rudimentary and often quite primitive. The most common weapon among the newly arrived soldiers was a locally produced rifle from Sichuan, yet many had no firearms at all, carrying only “stout sticks and packs” into battle. Each division had a maximum of a dozen light machine guns, and radio communication was available only at the brigade level and above. The absence of any artillery or heavy equipment was quite alarming. It was as if they expected to be facing a warlord army of the 1920s. They were organized into five divisions and two brigades, supplied by Liu Xiang, a notable southern warlord. Remarkably, Liu Xiang had been one of Chiang Kai-shek's worst enemies less than a year prior. Now, Liu's troops fought alongside Chiang's against Japan, yet their loyalties remained fiercely provincial, listening to Liu Xiang rather than Chiang Kai-shek. China's warlord era never really ended. Chiang Kai-Shek was actually doing two things at once, meeting the enemy but also getting warlord troops away from their provincial powerbase. This in turn would reduce the influence of regional warlords. Now the Chinese recognized the had to stop the Japanese from reaching Wuhu, a Yangtze port city due south of Nanjing, basically the last escape route from the capital. If it was captured, those in Nanjing would be effectively stuck. General Gu Zhutong, who personally witnessed the chaotic evacuation of Suzhou, had already dispatched two divisions from Guangxi province to block the Japanese advance. However, they were quickly routed. Liu Xiang's troops were then sent to fill the gap on the battlefield. By the last week of November, the Japanese 10th Army and the newly arrived Sichuan divisions, were converging on the same area southwest of Lake Tai. Marching as quickly as possible, they were fated to clash in one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Nanjing campaign. As the Sichuanese troops reached the battlefield at the end of November, they  quickly realized just how ill-equipped they were to confront the modern Japanese Army. The Sichuan divisions hurried towards Lake Tai, primarily marching after sunset to avoid harassment from Japanese aircraft. A significant challenge for the soldiers was the condition of the roads, which were paved with gravel that wore down their straw shoes. Despite their best efforts to repair their footwear late at night, many soldiers found themselves entering battle barefoot. Along their route, they encountered numerous Chinese soldiers retreating. One particular column caught their attention; these troops were better uniformed and equipped, appearing as though they had not seen battle at all. They looked rested and well-nourished, as if they had just emerged from their barracks. This prompted unspoken doubts among the Sichuanese soldiers. Upon arriving in Guangde, the 145th Division quickly began fortifying its positions, particularly around a strategic airfield near the city and dispatched units towards the town of Sian. On November 25, skirmishes erupted throughout the day, and on the following day, the Chinese soldiers began facing the full force of the advancing enemy. Japanese planes bombed the Chinese positions near Sian, followed by rapid tank assaults from the 18th Japanese Division. Unaccustomed to combat against armored vehicles, they quickly routed. The Japanese forces rolled over the shattered Chinese defenses and advanced to capture Sian with minimal resistance. To make matters worse, amidst this critical moment when the Sichuan troops were engaged in their first battle against a foreign enemy, Liu Xiang, fell seriously ill. In his place, Chiang Kai-shek assigned one of his most trusted commanders, Chen Cheng. The Sichuanese soldiers were not happy with the new alien commander. Meanwhile, the Nine Power Treaty Conference in Brussels held its final session. The delegates concluded three weeks of fruitless discussions with a declaration that immediately struck observers as lacking any real substance. The decree stated “Force by itself can provide no just and lasting solution for disputes between nations,”. This was met with approval from all participants except Italy, one of Japan's few allies in Europe. They strongly urged that hostilities be suspended and that peaceful processes be pursued, but offered zero consequences for either belligerent should they choose not to comply. As they say today in politics, a nothing burger. China found itself resorting to shaming the international community into action, with barely any success.  In Berlin, the evening following the conference's conclusion, diplomats gathered as the Japanese embassy hosted a dinner to mark the first anniversary of the Anti-Comintern Pact. Among the guests, though he probably really did not want to be there, was Adolf Hitler. The Japanese Communications Minister, Nagai Ryutaro, speaking via radio stated “The Sino-Japanese conflict is a holy struggle for us. The objective is to hold the Nanjing government accountable for its anti-Japanese stance, to liberate the Chinese people from the red menace, and to secure peace in the Far East.” By hosting such an event, Germany was basically signalling that she would abandon her old Chinese ally to forge a stronger partnership with Japan. This was driving the world into two camps that would emerge as the Axis and Allies. My favorite boardgame by the way, I make a lot of goofy videos on my youtube channel about it.  Back at the front, a city sat midway along the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Nanjing, Jiangyin. By Chinese standards, Jiangyin was not a large city; its population numbered just 50,000, most of whom had already fled by the end of November. The city's military significance had considerably diminished after a naval battle in late September resulted in the sinking of half the Chinese fleet, forcing the remainder to retreat upriver. Nevertheless, the Chinese still maintained control on land. This became a pressing concern for the Japanese after the fall of Suzhou and Changshu led to the collapse of the Wufu defensive line. Consequently, the next line of defense was the Xicheng line, of which Jiangyin formed the northern end. The city stood directly in the path of the 13th Japanese Division, positioned at the far right of the front line. Jiangyin featured 33 partially fortified hills, and like many other cities in the region, its primary defense was a robust 10-mile wall constructed of brick and stone. Standing 30 feet high, the wall was reinforced on the inside by an earthen embankment measuring up to 25 feet in diameter. Defending Jiangyin alone was the 112th Division, comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers. Only in November did it receive reinforcements from the 103rd Division, which had previously participated in the brutal fighting in Shanghai and withdrew westward after the Japanese victory there. Like the 112th, the 103rd also consisted of around 5,000 soldiers from former warlord armies, though they hailed from the hot and humid southwest of China rather than the cold and arid northeast. Both divisions faced an adversary with far superior equipment and training. Just hours after Japanese observation balloons appeared on the horizon, their artillery opened fire. The initial shells fell at approximately 30 second intervals, but the pace quickly accelerated. Most of the shells landed near the river, obliterating the buildings in that area. The explosions tore up telephone wires, severing communication between the scattered Chinese units. As the first shells began to fall over Jiangyin, Tang Shengzhi gathered with Chinese and foreign journalists in Nanjing, openly acknowledging the monumental challenge ahead but resolutely vowing to defend Nanjing to the bitter end. “Even though it is lagging behind in material terms, China has the will to fight. Since the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, we have suffered defeats in various theaters, but we will continue to fight until we achieve final victory.” Tang then promised that Nanjing would be fought to the last man. As early as November 14, the central government had ordered the evacuation of women and children from Nanjing, calling for all means of transportation available to be dedicated to this purpose. However, this directive proved to be an empty proclamation. Almost all resources were directed toward relocating government officials westward. Moving office furniture and filing cabinets took precedence over evacuating people. The government commandeered 600 trucks and 220 boats and ships to aid in this effort, but once those means of transportation were exhausted, little remained for the common people. In the final days of November, Nanjing's mayor, Ma Chaojun, attempted to rectify this dire situation. He sent a cable to the Ministry of Communications requesting that the ships used to relocate government agencies be returned to Nanjing as soon as possible to assist with the evacuation. For most vessels, there wasn't enough time to make the journey back. The people of Nanjing were left to fend for themselves. Meanwhile the battles south and west of the Lake Tai continued to rage in late November. While the 18th Japanese Division advanced toward Guangde, aiming eventually for Wuhu and the Yangtze River, the 114th Japanese Division received different orders. It turned right along the western bank of Lake Tai, clearly intending to push onward to Nanjing. Awaiting them was the 144th Chinese Division, consisting primarily of Sichuanese soldiers. They dug in across the one viable road running west of the lake, with a large body of water on one side and rugged terrain on the other. This terrain forced the Japanese to attack over a narrow front, constraining the advantage they held due to their technological superiority. The Chinese were able to concentrate their limited artillery, primarily mountain guns that could be disassembled and transported by mules or even men, on the advancing Japanese attackers, and utilized it effectively. They allowed the Japanese to shell their positions without immediate retaliation, waiting until the infantry was within 1,000 yards before ordering their mountain guns to open fire. The result was devastating; the Japanese column became disorganized, and their advance stalled. However, just as the Chinese artillery appeared on the verge of achieving a significant victory, the decision was made to withdraw. The officers responsible for the mountain guns argued that the Japanese would soon overrun their positions, and it was preferable to take preemptive measures to prevent their valuable equipment from falling into enemy hands. The commanders of the 144th Division reluctantly concurred. The Chinese did their best to maintain the facade that their artillery remained in position, but the Japanese quickly noticed the weakened defense and attacked with renewed fervor. Despite this setback, Chinese soldiers found their morale boosted as their division commander, Guo Junqi, led from the front, issuing orders from a stretcher after sustaining a leg injury. However, deprived of their artillery, the Chinese faced increasingly dire odds, and they were pushed back along the entire front. As the Chinese front neared collapse, the officers of the 144th Division faced yet another challenge: Japanese infantry approached across Lake Tai in boats commandeered in previous days. With no artillery to defend themselves, the Chinese could only direct small arms fire at the vessels, allowing the Japanese to make an almost unimpeded landing. This was the final straw. Under pressure from two sides, the 144th Division had no choice but to abandon its position, retreating westward toward the main Chinese force around Guangde. Jiangyin endured two days of continuous shelling before the Japanese infantry attack commenced, but the city was fortified to withstand such a bombardment of this magnitude and duration. The 33 hills in and around the city had long served as scenic viewpoints and natural strongholds. The tallest hill, known as Mount Ding, rose 900 feet above the area, providing a commanding view and boasted over 100 artillery pieces. By late November, when the Japanese Army reached the area, most civilians had fled, but their homes remained, and the Chinese defenders effectively utilized them, converting them into concealed strongholds. The attack by the Japanese 13th Division on November 29 was led by the 26th Brigade on its right flank and the 103rd Brigade on its left. The advance proved challenging, constantly disrupted by Chinese ambushes. As a row of Japanese soldiers cautiously crossed an empty field, gunshots would erupt, striking down one of their ranks while the others scrambled for cover, desperately trying to identify the source of the fire. The Chinese launched frequent counterattacks, and on several occasions, individual Japanese units found themselves cut off from the main body and had to be rescued. Despite some setbacks, the 13th Division made satisfactory progress, bolstered by both land and ship-based artillery, and soon nearly encircled Jiangyin, leaving only a narrow corridor to the west of the city. However, the Chinese artillery was well-prepared, effectively targeting Japanese vessels on the Yangtze River. This led to an artillery duel that lasted three hours, resulting in several hits on Japanese ships; however, the Chinese batteries also suffered considerable damage. In the sector of the 103rd Chinese Division, the defenders had taken time to construct deep antitank ditches, hindering the advance of Japanese armored units. During the night of November 29-30, the Chinese organized suicide missions behind enemy lines to level the playing field. Armed only with a belt, a combat knife, a rifle, and explosives, the soldiers infiltrated Japanese positions, targeting armored vehicles. They quietly climbed onto the tanks, dropping hand grenades into turrets or detonating explosives strapped to their bodies. Though reducing Japanese armored superiority granted the Chinese some time, the attackers' momentum simply could not be stopped. On November 30, the Japanese launched a relentless assault on Mount Ding, the dominant hill in the Jiangyin area. Supported by aircraft, artillery, and naval bombardments, Japanese infantry engaged the entrenched Chinese company at the summit. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Japanese succeeded in capturing the position. The Chinese company commander, Xia Min'an, withdrew with his troops toward Jiangyin to report the loss to the regimental command post. When the deputy commander of the 103rd Division, Dai Zhiqi, heard the news, he was furious and wanted to execute Xia on the spot. However, Xia's regimental commander intervened, saving him from a firing squad. Instead, he insisted that Xia redeem himself by recapturing the hill from the Japanese. Xia was put in command of a company that had previously been held in reserve. What followed was a fierce battle lasting over four hours. Eventually, the Japanese were forced to relinquish the hill, but the victory came at a steep price, with numerous casualties on both sides, including the death of Xia Min'an. The last days of November also witnessed chaotic fighting around Guangde, where the unfamiliar terrain added to the confusion for both sides. For the Chinese, this chaos was exacerbated by their upper command issuing contradictory orders, instructing troops to advance and retreat simultaneously. Pan Wenhua, the Sichuanese commander of the 23rd Army, prepared a pincer maneuver, directing the 13th Independent Brigade to launch a counterattack against the town of Sian, which was held by the Japanese, while the 146th Division would attack from the south. Both units set out immediately. However, due to a lack of radio equipment, a common issue among the Sichuanese forces, they did not receive the new orders to withdraw, which originated not from Pan Wenhua but from Chen Cheng, the Chiang Kai-shek loyalist who had taken command after Liu Xiang fell ill and was eager to assert his authority. Fortunately, the officers of the 13th Independent Brigade were alerted to the general order for withdrawal by neighboring units and managed to halt their advance on Sian in time. The 146th Division, however, had no such luck and continued its march toward the Japanese-occupied city. It was joined by the 14th Independent Brigade, which had just arrived from Wuhu and was also unaware of the general retreat order. Upon reaching Sian, these Chinese troops engaged in intense close combat with the Japanese. It was a familiar scenario of Japanese technological superiority pitted against Chinese determination. The Japanese brought armor up from the rear, while the Chinese lay in ambush, tossing hand grenades into tank turrets before jumping onto the burning vehicles to kill any surviving crew members. As the fighting around the flanks slowed, the area in front of Guangde became the focal point of the battle. Japanese soldiers advanced toward the city during the day, passing piles of dead Chinese and numerous houses set ablaze by retreating defenders. At night, the situation became perilous for the Japanese, as Chinese forces infiltrated their positions under the cover of darkness. In the confusion, small units from both sides often got lost and were just as likely to encounter hostile forces as friendly ones. Despite the chaos along the front lines, it was evident that the Japanese were gaining the upper hand primarily due to their material superiority. Japanese artillery bombarded Guangde, igniting many structures, while infantry approached the city from multiple directions. The Chinese 145th Division, led by Rao Guohua, was nearing its breaking point. In a desperate gamble, on November 30, Rao ordered one of his regiments to counterattack, but the regimental commander, sensing the futility of the move, simply refused. This refusal was a personal failure for Rao, one he could not accept. Deeply ashamed, Rao Guohua withdrew from Guangde. As darkness enveloped the battlefield, he and a small group of staff officers found a place to rest for the night in a house near a bamboo grove. Overwhelmed with anguish, he penned a letter to Liu Xiang, apparently unaware that Liu had been evacuated to the rear due to stomach issues. In the letter, he apologized for his inability to hold Guangde. Telling his bodyguard to get some rest, he stepped outside, disappearing into the bamboo grove. Shortly thereafter, his staff heard a single gunshot. When they rushed out and searched the dense bamboo, they found Rao sitting against a tree, his service weapon beside him. Blood streamed thickly from a wound to his temple. He was already dead. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As the Japanese forces advanced on Nanjing, tensions escalated within the Chinese leadership. While Commander Tang Shengzhi fortified the city, some sought retreat. Japanese Commander Yanagawa, confident of victory, pushed his troops westward, disregarding high command's hesitations. Meanwhile, ill-equipped Sichuanese reinforcements hurried to defend Nanjing, braving cholera and disorganization. Intense battles unfolded around Lake Tai, marked by fierce ambushes and casualties. 

One of the best-liked MPs in Westminster, Chris Bryant has led an incident-packed life as the title of his new autobiography A Life And A Half  proves. In a frank, astonishing, sometimes dark but also very funny interview he explains how he went from a painful childhood to becoming an Anglican priest to winning a very traditional South Wales seat as an out gay man. From early encounters with Boris Johnson to bizarre stories in Brussels, it's one of the most remarkable interviews we've done. “My mum looked after Shirley Bassey's wigs, which may explain my sexuality,” he tells Seth Thévoz and Marie le Conte.  • Don't forget you can watch full video on Spotify.  Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse which some listeners may find difficult. ESCAPE ROUTES  • Chris saw the BBC Symphony Orchestra at the Edinburgh Festival.  • Marie recommends The Door by Magda Szabó. • Seth has been watching old episodes of Doctor Who with Tom Baker, some of which were good... ... and some of which weren't. When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop, you help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too. • Get our exclusive NordVPN deal here https://nordvpn.com/ohgodwhatnow. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money back guarantee!  • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more • Back us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow for ad-free listening, bonus materials and more.  Written and presented by Seth Thévoz and Marie Le Conte. Audio and video production by Chris Jones and Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Art direction: James Parrett. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Preview: NATO vs Russia Colleague Anatol Lieven measures the NATO confusing and confused perception of the Russian threat for the next five years. More later. 1910 BRUSSELS

Several European leaders are to join the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Washington on Monday, where he's due to hold talks with Donald Trump at the White House. During a virtual meeting in Brussels, the "coalition of the willing" said they would seek robust security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of any deal with Russia. Earlier the US president's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said land concessions to Russia would be a choice for Ukraine. Also: huge crowds have gathered in Israel calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war in Gaza; and the actor Terence Stamp, who starred as Superman villain General Zod, dies aged 87. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk