Podcasts about cimic

Welcome to the One CA Podcast. I'm your host, Jack Gaines.  Today, Colonel Andreas Eckel, commander of the NATO CIMIC Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss the center's work to prepare the alliance for future crises or disasters.    So, let's get started.  --- One CA is a product of the civil affairs association  and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership. We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.  To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com  or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www.civilaffairsassoc.org --- Special thanks to Jan Křtitel Novák, Jimmy McHugh, and Dorothy Fields for the original version of Diga Diga Do, which aired in 1928 and was then performed by Duke Ellington.  Ellington's version can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3aJ_9IAIjQ&t=1s --- Transcript 00:00:05 JACK GAINES Welcome to the One CA podcast. This is your host, Jack Gaines. Today, Colonel Andreas Echel, commander of the NATO Civic Center of Excellence, joins us to discuss the center's work to prepare the alliance for future crisis and disasters. So let's get started. 00:00:19 ANDREAS ECKEL What we need to understand a little bit better, and I think that was a very brutal lesson we identified in Afghanistan and in Mali as well, is that military functions in different societies. very, very differently. We have an idea how military looks like and how it works. It might work more the Italian style or the German style or the US style. But basically, I think we have a common set of ideas how military works. And military works completely different in Mali than in Afghanistan than in Germany. And that is based on different societies. So how do we figure that out? It's a very good question. If I had a quick and sharp answer to that one, I think I would be the winner of the $1 million question. There are some ingredients to tackle that problem. And one of the ingredients is to understand the environment a little bit better. And that leads to civil military cooperation. The one centerpiece of civil military cooperation is to understand the environment better. to nest military activities in the civil environment in a better way. It creates more converging effects and creates less harm to the civil population. And I think the next thing is you need to have long -lasting relationships. Relationship that is built up, that's great. If it lasts one year, that's great. And if you just end it then, Basically, you have achieved almost nothing. So long -lasting relationships and to understand the civil environment better. And we have to understand that we are not the ivory tower of knowledge. What do we know? What does the military know about Mali and Afghanistan? Basically nothing. We have to be more and better in contact with the civil organizations, with academia, with knowledge centers. that are engaged in those areas since 20, 30, 40, 50 years. And we have to be in a dialogue with them and have to extract their knowledge about the key civil factors and have to integrate that better in military considerations. 00:02:32 JACK GAINES So you have to be a diplomat in two directions because you've got to be reaching out to the partner nation like Mali, working with her counterparts there. You have to be a diplomat with partner agencies within the government and academia, as you were saying, or else you're going to miss a step. So you really have to work your way across the spectrum. 00:02:52 ANDREAS ECKEL Yeah, I like your picture of being a diplomat because exactly as you mentioned, it's a diplomat in both ways, but you have to be a translator as well. So civil environment, civil actors, civil counterparts speak a different language than we. And we really have to make sure that what they say. is understood by the military and what the military means properly translated in how the civilians understand it. 00:03:17 JACK GAINES You know, and that's a good point because I've seen civil affairs civic officers come in and try to brief leadership on certain issues. And if it wasn't absolutely clear and in the language that that matter knew, they usually were dismissed and it wasn't as effective an operation because of it. 00:03:34 ANDREAS ECKEL And by the way, at the beginning of my career in the military function of CIMIC, it happened to me too. So one of my first appearance of the stage briefing the commander about some civil factors was a complete disaster because I underestimated how many minutes I only have to bring over some key messages to the commander. So I talked too long and did not come to the point. And I think that's the point where the CCOE is really in a responsibility. We have to provide in our courses the overview, the background, and we provide expertise and challenge them with tasks to apply the expertise. But at the very end of every course, we tell them, hey, CIMIC is important, and it is important to understand the environment, and it is important to integrate civil factors and military considerations. However, when you are confronted with decision makers, Your product needs to be crisp and sharp. If you provide a product to your commander, which exceeds three pages, then you can throw it in the dustbin. By the way, one page is better than three pages. And I think simakers have the tendency, and I include myself specifically into that one, to speak too long and to explain too long and not to come to the point. And if at the end of your statement there is no so what and what's next, well, then don't say anything. That's better. 00:05:08 JACK GAINES Well, for this podcast, I appreciate you speaking too much. That's a good thing. But I also understand it's a challenge, but once you get used to it, I think it's super, super helpful. 00:05:19 ANDREAS ECKEL helpful. What we both concluded coming to the point should not be mixed up with not doing your analysis. Only because you have two minutes to brief your commander about a major actor that will impact his operation. doesn't mean that your analysis should only be two minutes. So you have to provide the analysis for an in -depth briefing, if required, to integrate that knowledge and your assessment in the staff work of the other branches. So it needs to be both a very in -depth, precise analysis and assessment. And then it is your time on the stage. The light will shine on you for two minutes. That's it. 00:05:59 JACK GAINES That brings up a story on my side. sent one of my pitch decks to a former boss. And he took it, he read it, and then he read all of the sources that I had put in the back. And so he knew the subject just as well as I did when we met. And I was like, holy cow. Yes, it's important to do good research before you put together your summary because you never know how deep somebody's going to dive into an issue. And if you've done bad research and they catch it, you're done. So one of the things that... Being that diplomat, both to the military and to other government bodies. One thing that I found at the Strategic Foresight Conference, and it was in your report as well, is that SIMIC needs clarification of capabilities in peace and crisis. And what feedback I got from meetings was that not all militaries have a strong relationship with their public. That's a big concern because if a military doesn't have the trust. When you get to a crisis or a disaster, you've got to really overcome a lot in order just to provide aid and support. 00:07:07 ANDREAS ECKEL Yeah, that's a crucial point. I have two takes on that. The first one is we have nations that do allow, on the very lowest tactical level, the interaction between military and the civil world. But it is a question of being honest to ourselves. That is not applicable in all countries. Our countries in the alliance are very restrictive interaction with civil environment, with civil authorities, at least on the lower tactical level. And that brings me to my second point. It's a national responsibility. So when we talk about CIMIC as a military function, then we have to look at it from two sides. One is NATO CIMIC is embedded in a NATO command structure, NATO force structure. However, NATO is operating. on the soil of sovereign nations. So we promote and stimulate that nations build up, maintain, and integrate a kind of simic capability. We call that domestic simic. We made a proposal for what domestic simic is. However, nations are completely free to fill that skeleton with their structures. They can call it a domestic simic. They can call it territorial forces. They can call it Homeland Defense Forces. It doesn't matter how they fill in that skeleton as long as they do provide civil factor integration, as long as they execute civil -military interaction. And for the Alliance as a whole to plan and prepare and conduct successful operations, we need to plug in to the national simic domains and the domestic simic domains. And we have to do that. via the national military structures. So what we do in deterrence and defense -related scenarios is a little bit differing from what we have done in international crisis management in the past. When CIMIC teams from the alliance or whatever security force was implemented in that, we very often did the civil -military interaction with civil partners on the ground by ourselves without using any layer in between us. But when we do that now as NATO in Germany and Poland, Lithuania, Romania, and we have to plug into their military structures and via them with the civil actors on the ground. And nations consider that very differently. So there are nations that say, hey, great that you're in. Please feel free to speak to our civil organizations by yourself. It would be nice if you inform us afterwards. Everything's great. The nations are more restrictive and say, hey, guys. a ministry, whenever you talk to an organization, whenever you talk to civil partners, please do that via us and ask us first. So there is a variety of how nations would like to have that executed, and we as Symmakers have to adapt. 00:10:08 JACK GAINES Right. What I've seen is that disaster relief and crisis coordination between the military and the civil governments is fairly good, but I'm not seeing the emotional side as much. What I mean is, We just had the Marine Corps Marathon. And people all crossed D .C. and around the country came. They ran their 24 miles. These kind of military events where people go, they see some type of form of patriotism, honor guards at sporting events or marathons or the military band performing on the park plots. Those things make a difference. And I don't know if that was also included in your... Have you seen anything like that? 00:10:55 ANDREAS ECKEL In the last years, when we talked about the use of military assets in our nations, it was to overcome disasters. It was to provide military assistance to civil organizations to overcome flooding, fires, or whatever. But the situation has changed a little bit. And now it is not so much about military assistance in case of man -made big disasters. It's more about civil defense. It's more about stimulating the civil support to military operations and the mutual support in case of crisis and war. And I think that notion is quite new to many European countries. In Germany, it was... support of the military to the civil authorities in case of disasters. But when you look into Sweden, Norway, and Finland, they have since decades a kind of total defense strategy. They have a DNA about that the whole of the nation needs to be ready to defend the nation. And that starts already when you go into your cellar. Is there water? Is there food? Are there batteries? And when you do that in Finland, Sweden, Norway, the answer is yes, there is food and there is water. And I was quite astonished. A couple of years ago, I had a NATO course in Helsinki. At that time, when Helsinki was still a NATO partner and not a NATO nation. And it was an exported course from NATO School of Ammergau. And during the weekend, we had the opportunity to visit Helsinki. And we... came across a protection infrastructure was located to protect the civilians. And the lady asked us, do you have an idea for how many citizens of Helsinki we have shelter? And I said, well, 50%. And she was smiling and she was collecting all the numbers. And then she came up and said, for every citizen in Helsinki, there is shelter. And that's the difference. A regularly trained system of civil defense. And military defense working hand in hand. I think that makes a difference. And I see that coming up in Europe. And again, I would like to use the example of Germany. Since the last couple of years, a lot of more effort has been put into the training and the exchange of information and the exercising of those structures. And I think we are getting there. The point is... When you have dismantled those structures, those strategies since 1990, because our enemy was disappearing, never disappeared. He was just dormant and has been woken up a couple of years ago. But to reinstall that, reactivate that, revitalize that, that takes years and years. So we are at the beginning. I'm a very optimistic person. I strongly hope that we are getting to a point quick enough that when The Russian beer is looking again to Europe when he has solved his problem in Ukraine, that we are ready at that point. And there are substantial measurements that we need to be ready latest in four to five years. And CIMIC plays a role in that because your armed forces can be as good as possible when the civil environment is vulnerable and stays vulnerable and is not able to absorb shocks and to compensate the shocks at a better level after the shock. then you will lose the conflict. That's crystal clear. Even in that time in 2023, where it seemed, at least for some time, that the Ukrainians have regained the initiative, the Russians did attack the civil infrastructure, the energy infrastructure, the transport infrastructure, the health infrastructure. And they were still winning at that battlefield, although they had massive casualties on the fighting battlefield. And I think where Ukraine will run into massive problems this year is that the Russians may not have the big tactical victory. They may not have the breakthrough through the Ukrainian defense lines. But what they will do is they will seriously damage the Ukrainian energy infrastructure, health infrastructure, transport infrastructure. Third year in a row. And I'm not sure if the Ukrainians will be really able to compensate that this time. 00:15:40 JACK GAINES It's a real challenge. The thing that I see with Ukraine is that there's also a recruiting issue. They're struggling to keep up with manpower. And there's some international volunteers coming in, but probably not enough compared to what the Russians are bringing in. So it's a challenge of numbers in a lot of ways. They do build that trust and that familiarity with the military. So having the military band come out and play on the Konigstrasse makes a difference. Or like they did in Poland, having American and Polish troops go with a vehicle and park in the middle of a Platz and take photos with kids, it makes a difference. 00:16:24 ANDREAS ECKEL You're right. Your argument is good. And it connects pretty well with the... decisions we have to make in Europe right now. And that decision is that we have to nest the military better into the societies. But what needs to be installed, reactivated, and built up is a whole of society approach for resilience and civil defense. 00:16:52 JACK GAINES Okay. The biggest challenge right now is sabotage, which has been happening. in and around Europe, the Chinese ship that cut the communication lines, the water poisoning in Germany. So there seems to be already challenges in security. 00:17:09 ANDREAS ECKEL SIMIC plays, first of all, a vital role in understanding the impact of such events, as we do not only look at the impact on military infrastructure and military organizations and units, but it's our task to look how those events impact the civil actors in the civil environment. And that will have definitely a result on the capability of a civil environment to provide support to military activities. So it's a kind of circle. And we are pushing that constantly to have a permanent assessment cycle on what we do, what happens to us, how does that impact the civil environment and the impacted civil environment? How is that still able? to provide the support to the military. And I think as we are in that position to have those connections to the other organizations and to provide a holistic assessment about the civil environment, that plays a vital role in that one. Absolutely. 00:18:11 JACK GAINES So do you see that as the future of CIMIC from now going forward is to build that more holistic partner nation? 00:18:17 ANDREAS ECKEL I would like to use the... definition of multi -domain operations as it is currently used in NATO, and that is the orchestration of all military activities to achieve converging effects. And I see the future role of CIMIC very much in that synchronization effort. So military capabilities are much, much less available than in the past. So when we think about what we need about capacities and resources to achieve our military strategic objectives, when we go into the details, 60, 70, partly 80 % of what we need as resource is not generated within the military. It needs to be contracted and provided by a civil environment. And that means that there needs to be a constant assessment process about the availability of those 60, 70, 80 % civil support. And it needs to be thoroughly assessed because that has a pushing out effect on the civil environment. When we use the trains for military equipment, then those trains cannot be used to support and supply the civil environment. So I think the future of CIMEC is in that synchronization bit with the non -military activities to reach those converging effects. And that pretty much fits into the whole of government, whole of society approach of defense. 00:19:49 JACK GAINES Interesting. So CIMIC is in multi -domain operations, has its own multi -domain operation because it's coordinating the civil, government, NGOs, whoever is not formal military. in cooperation or in conjunction with the military's multi -domain operations. So you've got a multi -tiered coordination process. 00:20:12 ANDREAS ECKEL process. I think we do not run our own multi -domain operations. A multi -tiered task, I think that that captures it quite well. But I personally prefer to speak more about cooperation because coordination is a very tricky expression, especially in Europe. as coordination requires someone who allows to be coordinated and someone who has a coordinating authority. And in the interaction with our civil partners, it's more cooperation, ranging from we do exist beside each other to full integrated planning and operations. There's a continuum of that area of cooperation. So I do really prefer to speak more about cooperation than coordination. 00:21:04 JACK GAINES Is there any other topics or thoughts that you want to add to the conversation? 00:21:11 ANDREAS ECKEL For me, it's really important to highlight the future concepts like multi -domain operations and to establish and maintain the connection with the current concepts. So it is important to keep the future world of NATO connected to the current operational world of NATO. That is exactly why we run the annual Simic Foresight Conference, is to connect the here and now with the time period of one to two years to the future concepts, 10, 20 years. And secondly, the closer connection and the better synchronization of the national efforts with the alliance efforts. That is really, I think, a key centerpiece of our future success. So in my understanding, it is ongoing. It is happening in the alliance as we speak right now. So alliance, joint headquarters, strategic headquarters have established contacts to national military authorities and do exchange information. But I think that needs to become more intensive, more regularly and more information flow to both sides. And that needs to be not only... foreseen conceptually and structurally, it needs to be trained and exerciseda reagularly. And I think that's really a clear measurement of success if we are able to exercise it in the future massively. And thirdly, I think the aspect of human security and protection of civilians, that is something which creates a dilemma for every military leader because he would like to achieve his military objectives. That is either to defeat the enemy or to force him to do something or to force him to stay away from something, which means the application of massive violence to the enemy. However, when we learn something from the recent international crisis or from the war in Ukraine, then what we have learned is the battlefield is full of civilians that have requirements, that have needs. The battlefield is full of organizations, non -governmental governmental organizations that try to provide a certain amount of services to the civilians. And it doesn't matter if it is a war zone or the rear area or the area behind the rear area. We have to realize that it is and will remain full of civilians. To evacuate a city like Kiev is nonsense. That will never happen. 23 million people. Yeah, good luck with that one. And even if you try, the majority of the capabilities will be provided by the civilian world. So human security, protection of civilians are concepts which are mandatory for NATO. NATO has adhered to it. We have adopted it in our strategies, in our plans, into our operations. But what does that really mean? How do we really translate protection of civilian and human security? into operations on the operational and even on the tactical level. And I think that needs some assistance, how to operationalize it, how to conduct, how to do it. This assistance, in my understanding, is called mindset and SIMIC. Terrific. It's good to do SIMIC, but you have to talk about it. It's good to increase the awareness, but you have to publish it. So I am very grateful and very thankful to have the opportunity to talk with you. Thank you very much. I appreciate you coming on. Thank you very much and have a good day. 00:25:00 JACK GAINES working with a partner nation's people or leadership to forward U.S. relations. Thank you all for what you're doing. This is Jack, your host. Stay tuned for more great episodes, One CA Podcast.

Everyone understands that civil agencies and institutions do not operate in the same way as military organisations. The culture, aims, objectives, and funding models are different, as is the way they run activity. So when militaries and these agencies interact, a sense of friction and misunderstanding often emerges. A small group of military staff stand between the behemoths of civil and military leaders – the CIMIC staff; it is their understanding of both sets of cultures that smooths activity in the 97% of military activity that is not combat operations. Kathleen Porath, academic advisor at the NATO CIMIC COE, talks about areas for improvement, the impact of technology, and the investments needed to improve relationships for the future.

Welcome. Today, we bring Dr. Stanislava Mladenova to discuss the NATO CIMIC Foresight Conference.  Book: Rambo Meets the Red Cross. Found at: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538187722/When-Rambo-Meets-the-Red-Cross-Civil-Military-Engagement-in-Fragile-States --- One CA is a product of the civil affairs association  and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership. We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.  To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com  or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org --- Special thanks to Ambience Lord for the sample of OKTOBERFEST Music  Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/Kb_lr32vcrk?si=_V4vM_4BBv2zNxY2

Welcome to the One CA Podcast. Today, Commander Jörg Grössl from the NATO Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence will discuss the center's contribution to the maritime domain. From research, I found that 80 percent of the world's population lives near a coast, and 90 percent of world's trade is carried by ships. So, we are bringing in Commander Grössl to discuss the CIMIC role in the maritime environment and cooperation with Government and Non-Governmental Organizations to build awareness and mitigate the potential impact of military operations at sea or in the littoral regions. --- One CA is a product of the civil affairs association  and brings in people who are current or former military, diplomats, development officers, and field agents to discuss their experiences on the ground with a partner nation's people and leadership. We aim to inspire anyone interested in working in the "last three feet" of U.S. foreign relations.  To contact the show, email us at CApodcasting@gmail.com  or look us up on the Civil Affairs Association website at www civilaffairsassoc.org Music  Afternoon Lounge Jazz - Relaxing Jazz Music for Work & Study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRyJe-0Uie0

Nvidia chief Jensen Huang says AI is creating a ‘new computing era' The strength of the Qantas brand has been dented by high airfares, negative publicity and performance issues, according to new analysis of the world's top airlines. Australians have enthusiastically embraced champagne since the end of lockdowns and Covid-19 restrictions, propelling the nation to become the sixth-largest champagne market in the world.Many among the 900-strong partnership at PwC Australia fear the firm is descending into a civil war that could take years to recover from.The ACTU wants the Albanese government's upcoming same job, same pay laws to target major companies such as CIMIC, Qube, BHP and Qantas for using labour hire-like structures to push down pay.Follow my socials on: https://twitter.com/leongettlerhttps://www.instagram.com/leongettler/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leongettler/https://www.facebook.com/talkingbusinesspodcasthttps://business.google.com/dashboard/l/17460167277811417147?hl=en&gmbsrc=au-en-z-z-z-gmb-s-119-u~mhp-ns_hom_8-u&omec=EI_z6RYYASIBATIBATotZ21ic3JjPWF1LWVuLXotei16LWdtYi1zLTExOS11fm1ocC1uc19ob21fOC11QAFKEwjq4cCIj5D3AhXNnWMKHUB5Cqg%3Dhttps://www.youtube.com/c/LeonGettler/discussion?app=desktop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final education episode for this season, we are very pleased to welcome Len Granowetter, CTO for MAK Technologies. For those that don't know Len, he has been at the forefront of some of the most demanding simulation challenges and applications on large scale projects. Most notably MAK's software is integral to the UK Gladiator and Australian Army's Land Sim Core projects (to name but two).There is a lot of discussion about common or ‘single' synthetic environments these days. To understand this better, Len takes us through a short tour of the component parts of a simulation platform, talking about how interoperability is a different challenge from deployment (the infrastructure side). Semantic interoperability is the real challenge now - how to seamlessly integrate terrain for example. Finally, Len talks about some of the different approaches taken by real world projects, and the trade off taken between technology innovators and technology integrators. Not often are these the same sorts of organisations.Episode Sponsor: ConductrrVIDEO of Colin being put through his paces on Conductrr's crisis training platform can be found here: https://youtu.be/wrNEthnofm4Conducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:Len Granowetter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-granowetter-615358/Links:Conductrr's Video: https://youtu.be/wrNEthnofm4Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkgiH-cwmyc2I2Iyc8MLYtgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WarfighterPod

My guest today is former Canadian Army Lieutenant, host of the Hard2Kill Podcast, and host of the Dave Morrow PT channel on YouTube, Dave Morrow. Dave was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. He graduated High School in 1999. Shortly after that, he joined the Canadian Army. He completed recruit training in 2001 and was assigned to the Canadian Grenadier Guards, a reserve infantry unit in Montreal. He deployed in 2010 to Kandahar, Afghanistan with the Royal 22nd Regiment also known as the Van Doos. He deployed as part of an Influence Activities (IA) unit, working in the Civilian-Military Cooperation or CIMIC section. Dave later received a commission and became an officer. He left the military as a Lieutenant in 2016.

Continuing our Education series we are very pleased to Welcome Björn Möller who, whilst serving as the President of Pitch Technologies, is also one of the leading authorities in distributed simulation standards. Bjorn has been deeply involved in shaping the HLA simulation standard for the past 30 years.Bjorn expertly breaks down what can be a complex subject into easily understandable concepts, during this fireside chat. From his lake cabin in Sweden. We hope you're sitting comfortably.We cover some of the history behind the development of the HLA standard, and what it sets out to do along with some key terminology. Bjorn then goes on to describe some of the key features for the standard, above what legacy standards such as DIS can achieve. He also covers the use of FOMs across a number of use cases, from pilot training to C2 applications and space.To end we cover the future developments planned for HLA, which is an ever evolving standard that aims to support ambitious projects across the training and simulation spectrum.Episode Sponsor: ConductrrConducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:Björn Möller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjornmoller/Links:Conductrr's Video: https://youtu.be/wrNEthnofm4Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkgiH-cwmyc2I2Iyc8MLYtgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WarfighterPod

We are joined by the CEO of Conductrr, Robert Pratten, who takes the time to provide us with a masterclass in the development of virtual copies of the internet - or synthetic internet.While not necessarily a new idea, Robert explains some of the more recent approaches and applications for this type of technology, which is especially relevant to multi-domain operations and the ‘grey zone'.Robert explains typical use cases, the need for a digital twin of the internet, the advantages for such a sand-pit environment, as well as the type of training objectives that can be supported.In an ever complex threat environment, this type of training can be used to support multi-agency training, allowing operators to rehearse how they might collaborate in real time and respond to emerging threats. The discussion moves to where the technology might lead and how large a synthetic internet might need to be in the future.VIDEO of Colin being put through his paces on Conductrr's crisis training platform can be found here: https://youtu.be/wrNEthnofm4Episode Sponsor: ConductrrConducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:Robert Pratten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertpratten/Links:Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkgiH-cwmyc2I2Iyc8MLYtgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WarfighterPod

For this episode we are very lucky to be joined by John Hoggard from the Defence Academy of the UK, in Shrivenham. John is a full time lecturer in Defence Simulation and Modelling, and teaches on a number of courses delivered to civilian and military personnel who go on to work on major simulation projects across industry, defence and the civil service.We invited John to speak about anything he wants, and his particular passion is real time graphics, which leads on nicely from a previous episode on 3D modelling. John guides us through a range of concepts, including how computers draw the virtual world, polygons and pixels, refresh rates, how graphics cards work and the difference between frame and refresh rates.John takes us through the latest developments in photo-realistic graphics, as well as the future development path for VR, Ray Tracing, mobile graphic and advanced sampling techniques.All this might seem a heavy technical subject, but John never fails to bring concepts to life with his enthusiasm and humour. Recording this was an absolute pleasure.Episode Sponsor: ConductrrConducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:John Hoggard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hoggard-a8399b12/Links:Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkgiH-cwmyc2I2Iyc8MLYtgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WarfighterPod

This episode, continuing our Education series, Tom and Colin are joined by Ian Ferguson who is a QGI working at the Royal School of Artillery, teaching and advising on simulation and training matters for the British Army. Ian has spent the last 3 years working in the Simulation Wing of the RSA, trialling and experimenting with a range of XR technologies. (We would like to note that the views expressed on this podcast are from Ian's personal experience, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the UK Ministry of Defence).Ian provides a helpful overview and clarification, covering:XR, VR, MR and AR termsConsiderations for selecting VR systemsCommon issues with XR systems (nausea, compute power, cloud access)Likely development direction for key technologiesAs ever, this topic is deeper than it initially appears. Ian guides us through a discussion around some of the strengths and weaknesses of the various technologies that are involved in XR systems, with some strategies and approaches for dealing with introducing systems into the training pipeline.Tom provides a bit more detail on the challenge he's set within the Synthetic Internet that Colin will face in a forthcoming episode. How's that for a cliffhanger?Episode Sponsor: ConducttrConducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Hosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:Ian Ferguson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ferguson-12a492130/Links:Sword of Damocles: https://vrsource.com/meet-the-sword-of-damocles-the-first-vr-headset-in-the-world-17233/Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkgiH-cwmyc2I2Iyc8MLYtgTwitter: https://twitter.com/WarfighterPod

Tom & Colin introduce the first episode of Season 1's education episodes.This episode is designed to be referred to when you (the listener!) have a need to 'gen up' on 3D modeling. Specifically related to the defence industry.3D Modeling Topics Covered:1. Scoping the work/DesignA careful process that can take several discussions with a new client. Setting expectations; defining deliverables. Most projects succeed or fail in the planning phase, and it happens all the time (e.g., recent M4A1 model).a. Technical SpecificationsTarget engineFile format requirementsShader inputsPBR (metal/rough)Spec/glossSpecial texturesa. Thermalb. FresnelAnimation requirementsSpecial functionality requirementsGeo LODShadow stencil LODDimensional precision requirementsPolycountTexel densityNaming conventionsStylistic requirements (photorealism, stylized, brand new or grungy?)b. Reference GatheringPhoto referencesTechnical drawings/blueprints3D scansMeasurement data2. ModelingThe beginning of the “real work”. There are many different pipelines.a. Highpolyb. Low PolyUV MapOverlapping vs non-overlapping UVs, number of UVs.UDIMs -an automatic UV offset system that assigns an image onto a specific UV tileTexture bakingAONormal (world space, global space) , Y-/+ (OpenGL vs DirectX), Mikk-T vs notCurvatureTexture authoring3D authoring has become standardGloss/Rough the most important for overall “feel” of materialsLODsAuto-LODs (there are some limitations)Do one or two by hand, the rest automatically3. Export4. Rigging/Integration5. TestingHosts:Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/Colin Hillier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinhillier/Guest:Chris Torchia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjtorchia/Website: https://vigilante.us/Episode Sponsor: ConducttrConducttr is a hybrid warfare/crisis simulation platform that supports a wide range of realistic command post and field exercises. Its synthetic Internet delivers a realistic virtual information environment ideal for exercising in information operations, media operations, social media, OSINT, cyber, CIMIC, and foreign affairs as well homeland security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian disaster relief.Conducttr can be used solo or with operational systems (as a “digital wrap”) during live exercises that can last from an hour to several weeks. Available on cloud, on premises with VMware and deployable on laptop as needed.Links: Website: https://www.warfighterpodcast.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warfighter-digital/YouTube:

Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich discuss their study of US civil affairs and NATO CIMIC doctrine. Commissioned by the NATO CIMIC Centre of Excellence, the document compares and contrasts the two capabilities' doctrinal tasking and highlights shared challenges. The CIMIC doctrine also charts a potential path forward, through which civil affairs and CIMIC might make an evidence-based case to the forces they support for the value of their outputs and their worthiness for better integration and resourcing. Dr. Krohley is the founder of FrontLine Advisory and proprietor of www.civilreconnaissance.com. Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich is the branch chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities at the NATO-accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence. Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.      

Nicholas Krohley, Ph.D., and Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich discuss their study of US civil affairs and NATO CIMIC doctrine. Commissioned by the NATO CIMIC Centre of Excellence, the document compares and contrasts the two capabilities' doctrinal tasking and highlights shared challenges.   It also charts a potential path forward, through which civil affairs and CIMIC might make an evidence-based case to the forces they support for the value of their outputs and their worthiness for better integration and resourcing.   Dr. Krohley is the founder of FrontLine Advisory and proprietor of www.civilreconnaissance.com. Lieutenant Colonel Stefan Muehlich is the branch chief of Concepts, Interoperability, and Capabilities at the NATO-accredited Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence.   Hosted by John McElligott. The One CA Podcast is a production of the Civil Affairs Association. Sponsored by Tesla Government and LC38 Brand.    

Yesterday, our local market started the new trading week with an impressive gain of 1.1%, with all eleven industry sectors closing in the green. The energy sector posted the largest gains, up 2.6%, closed followed by the real estate sector and consumer discretionary sectors, which were both up around 2% each. Looking at the ASX200 leaderboard, one of the best performers was Imugene (ASX:IMU), which lifted nearly 13% yesterday. Also performing well was coal producer New Hope Corporation (ASX:NHC) and real estate investment trust, Ingenia Communities (ASX:INA). Meanwhile, Magellan Financial Group (ASX:MFG) came under pressure, sinking 10% after its co-founder and former Chief Investment Officer, Hamish Douglass had been offloading a significant quantity of his shares in MMG. The most traded stocks by Bell Direct clients yesterday were the BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Hedge Fund (ASX:GEAR), BHP Group (ASX:BHP) and the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (ASX:VAS). Wall Street was closed for the Independence Day holiday but in Europe the DAX fell 0.3% and the FTSE rose 0.9%, and US futures are pointing to declines tonight.What to watch today:The Australian share market is set to open flat, going by the SPI futures.Economic news wise, for the third month in a row, the RBA is all but certain to lift interest rates, with the majority of economists believing a 50 basis point increase is locked in, which would take the official cash rate to 1.35%. Stay tuned for this announcement at 2:30pm AEST. Moving to commodities, the WTI crude oil price is trading 2% higher at US$110 a barrel, as supply concerns boosted prices despite fears that a recession is looming. Gold is trading flat at US$1,809 an ounce. And the spot iron ore price trades 3.7% lower at US118 a tonne.If you hold National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), Incitec Pivot (ASX:IPL) or CIMIC Group (ASX:CIM), you will receive your dividend payment today.Ardent Leisure Group (ASX:ALG), and Clime Capital (ASX:CAM) are set to go ex-dividend today. Trading Ideas:Citi have maintained its Buy rating on Australia's global shipbuilder, Austal (ASX:ASB) with an increased price target from $2.35 to $2.91. At its current share price of $2.38, this implies 22%. share price growth in a yearTrading Central has a bullish signal on Immutep (ASX:IMM) indicating that the stock price may rise from the close of $0.32 to the range of $0.44 - $0.46 in the next 21 days according to standard principals of technical analysis.  

Australia's biggest construction company, CIMIC, has been accused of underpaying hundreds of workers, subcontractors and banks in its Middle East operations.   The biggest movie cinema chain in the world, AMC, is going to charge more for tickets to the new Batman movie - as part of a new variable pricing experiment.   Ford is going to split its car business into two divisions - one for regular petrol cars, and another for electric cars.   ---   Download the free app (App Store): http://bit.ly/FluxAppStore Download the free app (Google Play Store): http://bit.ly/FluxappGooglePlay Save money and win cash prizes up to $250k weekly: https://www.flux.finance/win-the-week Get your credit score for free: https://bit.ly/fluxcreditscore Daily newsletter: https://bit.ly/fluxnewsletter Instagram: http://bit.ly/fluxinsta TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flux.finance   ---   The content in this podcast reflects the views and opinions of the hosts, and is intended for personal and not commercial use. We do not represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, statement or other information provided or distributed in these episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Aussie share market fell 3.2% (Mon-Thu), weighed down by Thursday's loss, the market's worst day since September 2020. Consumer staples managed to advance more than 4%, while tech shares dropped 10%.In this week's wrap, Sophia covers:(0:12) The Russia-Ukraine war and its impact on oil prices(1:58) Why Cimic Group's (ASX:CIM) share price jumped 35%(3:11) Life360 (ASX:360) falling 29% after releasing its result(3:47) The most traded stocks by Bell Direct clients(4:16) Bell Potter's stock upgrades and downgrades this week(5:20) Three economic news releases to watch

Market nerves turned into outright contagion after Russian President Putin attacked Ukraine mid-afternoon Sydney time. The S&P/ASX200 reacted and fell 215 points or -3%; the biggest one-day loss since September 2020. Gold stocks were the sole gainers, rising 4.3% after gold prices hit their highest level in over a year as investors flocked to safe-haven assets. Miners overall posted their worst intraday slump in five months. Despite oil rising, energy stocks retreated. Reporting season updates had to be stellar to remain positive, Nine Entertainment and NextDC eased in afternoon trade but still closed in the green. CIMIC closed up 33% after major shareholder Hochtief AG offered $22.00 per share for all remaining stock. Life360 and Appen were already down on poor reports and closed -30%, joined by double-digit losses in the tech space as investors sought safety. Our top three VODs:Six sexy stocks for sticking to your playbookWhy it's a ‘no brainer' to have travel exposure in your portfolioDigital and diversified: Nine Entertainment staving off inflationary cost pressures See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Yesterday, the Aussie share market charged over 1% higher to 7,268 points. That marks a two-week high for the benchmark ASX200 index. The lift follows CBA's strong half-year results, which also helped the other major banks post decent gains. Looking at the sector performances, the tech sector outperformed, up 4.2%, after it took a solid lead from Wall Street, while both the materials sector and energy sector posted losses, partly due to the fall we saw in the iron ore price. Computershare (ASX:CPU) lifted 11.2% after the company released a strong half-year and guidance upgrade. Imugene (ASX:IMU) also gained, after its company director acquired 15 million shares, displaying his confidence in the company. Meanwhile, Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) dropped nearly 9% after following its mixed results that recognised a loss in both revenue and statutory profit.The most traded stock by Bell Direct clients yesterday was Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG). Its share price fell 3.6% following the rapid decline in the iron ore price as Chinese officials step up their efforts to control the iron ore price. Also highly traded was Lake Resources (ASX:LKE), Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) and CSL (ASX:CSL). In the US, all three benchmarks closed in the green, with the Nasdaq jumping as investors continued to buy the January tech dip. Tech stocks like Shopify, Etsy, Meta and Zoom all rose. And investors are now preparing for Thursday's consumer price index report, which will give an update on the inflation picture. The result could push the Federal Reserve closer to considering its single-largest rate hike in more than two decades.Today, following the positive session over on Wall Street, the futures are suggesting the Aussie share market will open 0.31% higher this morning. What to watch today:National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB) is one to watch today when it releases its first quarter update. Bell Potter analysts are forecasting around $1.59 billion in cash earnings and 49 cents cash earnings per share.AGL Energy (ASX:AGL) is set to release its half-year 2022 results. It is widely expected that the energy company's results will disappoint the market, after the company faced a very tough half. The analysts at Morgans are expecting AGL's first-half earnings to sink to $97 million. Also reporting results today is ASX (ASX:ASX), AMP (ASX:AMP), Downer EDI (ASX:DOW), Mirvac Group (ASX:MGR), Cimic Group (ASX:CIM) and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX:URW). Virgin Money UK (ASX:VUK) is set to go ex-dividend today. In commodities, the oil price remained stable at US$90 a barrel. The gold price gained 0.26% on a softer dollar and yields, while the seaborne iron ore price is trading 0.8% lower to US$147 a tonne. Trading Ideas:After its results yesterday, Bell Potter have upgraded its rating on Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) from a HOLD to a BUY, and have maintained its price target at $108. While Citi has a SELL rating and $97 price target and Macquarie has a Underperform rating and $88.50 price target on the stock. Trading Central has a bearish signal on Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN). This signal indicates that the stock price may fall from the close of $52.72 to the range of $41 -$44 in the next 9 days, according to standard principles of technical analysis. 

This week we bring you a very long, very special, X-Mas edition of the show.  Now we don't talk holiday stuff but we do have a guest that is a friend of Mikey's and he is a really funny comedian that comes to us all the way from Washington D.C. and goes by the name Jay Agbon.  Jay and Mikey started comedy together almost 7 years ago and they have had a story that has been waiting to be told for almost 6 years and it is a "wild ride" to say the least!  We had plenty of options for titles of this episode as it is jam packed with laughs as we discuss the rules of our own private islands, comedy, and crime.  We don't want to give too much away here in the description but we will say that our crime story this week features a man that took multiple forms of travel to go from Florida to Illinois to remove a certain body part of his ex-girlfriends new lover.  No you haven't guessed it based on the title but you will enjoy this episode.  Also, don't stop listening towards the end when you hear the music start because there is some s#@t talking that you don't want to miss. Jay's Instagram: JAYAGBONWASHERETwitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we bring back our guest from one of our very first episodes, (episode 4 to be exact) comedian and fellow podcaster, Miles Francis.  You can check out Miles' The Simpsons-based podcast titled, "Best Darn Diddly" on all platforms.  We had another fun and hilarious episode with Miles this time, where we would probably get canceled if any of us actually had successful careers.  In this episode, we catch up on what we've gotten into since our last visit with Miles. We get creative with the QandA, wheels get spun, and we shop a couple of new jokes too. Then on crime stories, a woman robs banks to fund her plastic surgery exploits.  Her name must be as Iconic as her Face, or is it?! As always, tell your friends and coworkers about us and tell them to follow, like, subscribe, and leave us a comment wherever you can.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we bring you another crime filled episode with no guest.  On this episode we cover the Richardson family murder that happened in Medicine Hat Canada.  That's right, the name of the town is Medicine Hat and that is not the only wacky detail of this horrific story.  There is a 300 year old  werewolf, a 12 year old girl, and a man named Steinke.  (pronounced stanky)We had a technological error and apologize for the quality of our audio this week and promise next week we will back too out top notch quality sound that you all have come to know and love.  As always, follow, like, subscribe,  leave a comment, and tell some friends about us.  No lames please. Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week our guest is comedian Gary Williams who comes to us all the way from Oklahoma City!  We had a very fun time and a lot of laughs with Gary where he tells us about a painfully erotic story with hand sanitizer, Mikey tells his story about how he got a super sexy spider bite, and a Wisconsin woman murders her friend with eye drops and tries to make it look like an overdose.  There is a lot more to this episode than what is described here.  Check it out and also check out our social media, (links below) and as always, follow, like, subscribe, comment, and leave us a good rating.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey's Instagram; @MIKEYBTHECOMICGary's Instagram; @WHYNAMEMEGARYSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we are up to our usual shenanigans with guest Shawn Santos in the studio with us and we had a lot of fun and laughs!  We cover two crime stories on this episode.  On the first story a South Carolina teacher accidently gives out some some dope rewards to a student, and by that we mean they were actually marijuana edibles.  The 2nd crime features an elderly man in his 80s that is "tickled pink" after shooting and killing his roommate from his lazy boy recliner.  This is a very fun episode and contains a lot of laughs! Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram for Mikey B.: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we're back with another crime packed episode!  On this episode we feature 2 crime stories.  The 1st containing a scorned lover that just can't let go, and the 2nd covering the story of The Dating Game Killer.  You may have heard of the 2nd story before but you've never heard it from us!  We enjoy covering these crazy crime stories and we hope that you enjoy these crime filled episodes too.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. on Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we return strong with a hilarious episode packed with extra crime, extra jokes, and extra laughs!  The only thing we have less of this week is a guest.  We are working on switching things up and doing more solo episodes and maybe even some new and different content coming soon!  As always, make all of your friends follow, like, subscribe, and comment wherever it is that they are finding us.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. On IG: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

On the latest episode we feature Dallas comedian, Josh Stramiello!  We had a lot of fun with Josh and we also learned a few things about utilizing social media to help build your brand.  Don't worry, we were only serious for the first part of the episode and then we were right back to the usual filthy shenanigans the you have all come to love by now.  Also, on the crime this week, an Oklahoma man heats it up in the freezer section of a grocery store by being shitty.  As always, tell your friends to do what you have already done for us and by that we mean tell them to follow, like, subscribe, leave a comment, and connect with us on social media.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey's Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we bring back comedian Liz Splatt for a very sexy, classy, and probably the raunchiest episode we have ever released!  If you aren't new to this podcast, then you know that is saying a lot!  We had a great time with Liz and it was a lot of fun talking 69s, our turn ons and offs, and we even give you 2 different crime stories on this edition of the podcast.  Tell your friends about us and connect with us on social media.  Live shows are getting closer by the day and we would love to know who would be interested in coming and participating.  As always, follow, like, subscribe, and leave us a good review or comment if applicable. Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey's Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

Overnight, the three major US indices closed lower. Following Wall Street, the futures are suggesting the Aussie share market will fall 0.6% this morning, as investors adjust their portfolios ahead of the end of the quarter. The Aussie share market is approximately 3% off a record high, with the market falling twice over the last 18 months. In September, companies go ex-dividend and investors sell stocks after collecting dividends. What to watch today: At the end of the quarter, investors take profits from well performing stocks. Tech stocks are down the most this week, however the tech sector is one of the best performers this quarter. On the other hand, investors top-up on stocks that underperformed. Energy stocks this week are the best performers, up 5.7%, however energy is one of the worst performers this quarter. The lithium sector is in the spotlight as Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) sold spodumene lithium at a record price. The oil price rose 0.4% to US$70.73, the gold price is steady above US$1,805, while the iron ore price fell again, down 1.5% to US$124. Some analysts believe the iron ore price will bottom at US$115. Additionally, the coal price is at a record high, and Goldman Sachs increased its price target for thermal and metallurgical coal. In economic news, yesterday business confidence improved, and today consumer confidence data will be released at 10:30am AEST. In addition, yesterday the RBA Governor said that the official cash rate won't increase until 2024. However, corporate interest rates will rise after the RBA stop bond buying in February next year. Companies going ex-dividend today include: CIMIC (ASX:CIM), Costa Group Holdings (ASX:CGC), and Lovisa (ASX:LOV).  Trading Ideas: Agriculture and real estate business Elders Ltd (ASX:ELD) was reiterated as a Bell Potter BUY rating with a $13.75 target, implying 18% share price growth in a year. Bullish charting signals have been identified in Origin Energy (ASX:ORG), Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2) and Fletcher Building (ASX:FBU), according to Trading Central. 

This week we are back with a hilarious new guest who goes by the name of Jesus "Midnite" Castillo!  We had a great time kicking it with Midnite where we discussed some of the minutiae of performing standup comedy, dealing with hecklers, getting "too" ready for a sex date, a man that hires 2 other men to kidnap his wife, a rapper who tells on himself in his lyrics, and another man who jumps into gator infested waters to avoid traffic.  If you're already here, you'll see this episode is a lot of fun and we really hope you enjoy it.  Don't forget to connect with us on social media, (links below) and as always, we ask that you follow, like, subscribe, leave a review and comment.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey's IG: @mikeybthecomicMidnite's IG: @midnitecomedySupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we have the final member of The Vatos Chistosos crew, Rafael Sanguily in the studio with us!  On this episode we learn the origin of Rafael's comedy career and how he ended up doing a show at the world famous Comedy Store even though it was only his 3rd time being on stage!?!?!?  Also, Rafael tells us about a very interesting character he met when he was a cable guy and we talk about a police officer who definitely abused his power and gets caught and sentenced to prison for it in our favorite place for crime stories.  This episode was a lot of fun and we know you will enjoy it too.  Don't forget to tell your friends about it and have them check us out on social media, links below.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

You might recognize this week's guest as we comedian and host of The Basement Manifesto podcast Joey Johnson back in the studio with us!  We had a dirty good time with Joey as we talk about a pissload of gross topics and a Florida man sends his grandfather to be with his grandmother but not before he bends his ears more than just a little bit.  Check out Joey's podcast and tell your friends to check us out. Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey's IG: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

The Aussie share market soared to a brand new record high this week (closing at 7,386 points on Thursday), before setting another record high on Friday. While Australia braces for further lockdowns, the US population continues to move more freely, and this has created two very different types of opportunities for investors.In this week's wrap, Jessica covers:(0:22) Lockdowns spelling good news for Healthcare & Consumer Staples(1:26) Why investors are picking Woolworths (ASX:WOW)(2:17) CIMIC (ASX:CIM) rising 10% as new work orders are above pre-pandemic levels(3:23) Medibank (ASX:MPL) benefitting as pay-outs drop while earnings rise(5:12) CSL (ASX:CSL) shares giving the market a shot in the arm(6:39) Next week's economic news that could shake up the market

This week's guest is the very funny and fun loving, Garvey Marcus!  We had an absolute blast with Garvey this week where we weigh the option of losing a nipple or gaining one, Mikey tries some new jokes, and we cover a crime where a woman in New York is looking for a new roommate after being kicked out for being an animal lover.  All of this and loads more fun and gross topics covered in this episode so jump on in and tell your friends to check out this podcast and don't forget to check us out on social media.  Live shows coming soon!Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. on IG @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This morning the futures are suggesting the Aussie share market will rise 0.9%. What to watch today: It's confirmed that Brisbane will host the Olympics in 2032. This means infrastructure will be built over the next 11 years to cater for the Olympic Games. Investors should watch engineering stocks such as Cimic (ASX:CIM) and Downer (ASX:DOW). Also watch construction stocks including Brickworks (ASX:BKW), Adelaide Brighton (ABC) and Boral (ASX:BLD). The oil price jumped 4% overnight, trading above US$70 – and likely to push higher.The iron ore price fell 0.5%, copper rose 0.4% and the coal price eased from its decade high, falling 1.3%. Trading Ideas: Beach Energy (ASX:BPT) was upgraded by Bell Potter with a new $1.85 price target, implying 52% share price growth in a year. BPT is a BUY stock for Bell Potter, Macquarie and Credit Suisse. James Hardie (ASX:JHX), Redbubble (ASX:RBL) and Coda Minerals (ASX:COD) are all giving off bullish charting signals, according to Trading Central.  

Find the full youtube video here: https://youtu.be/eJRe6zEDy-Q

Please note: Given the current restrictions in Sydney, we will be delivering our market updates via audio format. We will revert back to the usual video format once restrictions ease. We thank you for your understanding. The Aussie share market is set for a negative start to the week. The futures are hinting a 0.5% pull back, following all three US major indices closing lower. Watch to watch today: Given the increased restrictions in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia is likely to see economic activity fall in the September quarter by 1.4% from July to September. Sydney's new restrictions include a pause on all construction, with 250,000 construction workers told they cannot work. Additionally, non- essential retail stores are closed and Sydney's public transport has been halved with timetables reverting to Sunday schedules. As the construction industry takes a big hit, watch Boral (ASX:BLD), Brickworks (ASX:BKW), CSR Limited (ASX:CSR), and CIMIC (ASX:CIM) and Fletcher Building (ASX:FBU).  Energy stocks are expected to make strong rebounds this week, while banking will pull back. Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) are offering loan deferrals and Westpac (ASX:WBC) are offering interest free temporary overdrafts. Brisbane may potentially host 2032 Olympics. The announcement will be made on Wednesday. This will be positive news for infrastructure, engineering, travel and tourism and hospitality stocks. The iron ore price rose 0.5%, copper rose 2.4% and coal prices surged to almost $150.00 a ton, to their highest level in a decade. Trading Ideas: Citi has reiterated Afterpay (ASX:APT) as a HOLD with a $125.00 price target. Neometals (ASX:NMT), archTIS (ASX:AR9) and Strike Resources (ASX:SRK) are all giving off bullish charting signals, according to Trading Central. 

This week we have comedian Dan Danzy from the Counting Lights Podcast in the studio for a 2nd time and we had just as much if not more fun than the first time!  Check out this hilarious episode where we come up with a new game show, our fantasy fight matchups, and we talk about some mile high debauchery, (sky crimes).  Take half of your seat and throw it out because you're only going to need the edge of it!Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B. on Instagram: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

In 2008 ben ik als reservist in het kader van Cimic op missie geweest in Uruzgan. We gingen de militairen van de Afghan National Army leren schieten met de M16. We vroegen de Afghanen waar ze liever achter zouden schuilen: beton, hout of een zandzak. De meeste kiezen voor de betonblokken.

This week on the show we feature comedian Cheyenne Rose Martin!  This is a very funny episode with a lot of laughs where we talk about a weird delicacy, things we would not ever eat, and we give you not one but two crime stories and a whole lot more.  Don't forget to force your friends to follow, like, and subscribe.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTMikey B.'s IG: @MIKEYBTHECOMICSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

We had a blast this week hanging out and laughing with comedian David Diaz!  On this episode we discuss an array of gross topics and we cover a very gross crime story from Miami where we discover that you don't have to go to south beach to get soaked.  All of this and more debauchery waiting for you to enjoy.  Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we are back in the studio with the very cool and funny comedian, Sri Raj!  We had a blast this week and hope you enjoy the episode as much as we did recording.  In this episode we cover a lot of hilarious topics and on crime stories, we cover 2 different crime stories, starting with an American rich kid and his friend go to Rhome Italy to clear his mind of his recent charges in America and these 2 boys end up stabbing someone in a botched drug deal, and then a Romanian man allegedly kills his sex partner with a carrot.  That's right, a carrot, just like the one Bugs Bunny can be seen gnawing on.  Enjoy the show and connect with us on social media and please force your friends and family to check us out.  Wouldn't they be a lot cooler if they did?Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

After a brief hiatus where Mikey under went some pretty serious dental work, we are back!  Special return episode this week where we have no guest and we cover the hard hitting topics as you can tell from the title of this one.  On this episode, Jason and Mikey cover some very gross would you rathers, an Utah woman gets charged and has to register as a sex offender after being topless around her step kids, and a woman gets sentenced to 20 years in prison after she is caught with child pornography and evidence of her abusing her own children and the family dog.  Hopefully this monster never gets out of prison.  We really hope you enjoy the show and if you can think of any new slurs for white people, we would love to hear them and you can dm them to us on social media.  Tell your friends to follow, like, subscribe, and leave us many comments.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

Basé au quartier Général Frère à Lyon, le Centre Interarmées des Actions sur l’Environnement (CIAE) est un organisme dont la mission est de permettre aux forces de s’intégrer dans un environnement humain dans lequel les militaires sont amenés à évoluer, comme par exemple au Sahel avec l’opération Barkhane. Des militaires de l’Armée de Terre, de l’Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace, de la Marine Nationale et des civils de la Défense œuvrent dans ce centre pour faciliter le dialogue entre les acteurs locaux et les militaires français en mission à l’étranger. Face à l’évolution des menaces et des modes d’action des adversaires, les Armées ont adopté une approche globale de la gestion des crises qui comporte notamment le développement. Les interactions entre les acteurs civils et militaires sont inhérentes à l’environnement opérationnel dans lequel les armées sont déployées. Ainsi, le CIAE mène des actions de coopérations civilo-militaire (CIMIC) au profit de la population. Pour nous en parler, nous recevons aujourd’hui l’adjudant Nicolas, chef d’équipe CIMIC en opération. Ecoutez

Colonel Mattia Zuzzi, Commander of the Multinational CIMIC Group, discusses the organization's mission and capabilities. Hosted by Captain James Micciche. Sponsored by Tesla Government.

This week on the podcast we feature a member of the Vatos Chistosos comedy group, Fernando "Panda" Chacon.  In this episode Mikey teaches Panda how to cure thigh chaffing (life hack episode here), we come up with a great new merch idea for Mikey (coming soon), and a Florida woman gets some jail time for purposely coughing on a cancer patient.  As long as Florida is around, we will always have crimes to make fun of.  Be sure to check us out on social media and follow, like, subscribe, and leave us a review and comment wherever applicable. Links in the comments Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

After a brief hiatus, the boyz are back!  This week is another special episode with just the creators of the show, Jason & Mikey B.   In this episode, Mikey gives a sneak peek at 1 of the songs he's been working on and tries out several of his new jokes on Jason.  Also, we cut out the spin wheel for this episode to make room to cover a few different crime stories where a man ruins x-mas for his family in a Weekend At Bernie's type situation, and a woman swims through a swampy magic door in a canal in Florida and gets trapped in a drainage tunnel - naked, of course.  We are happy to be back and we really hope you enjoy and tell a friend about us.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's featured guest is none other than the nationally known headlining comedian Jon Stringer!  We had a great time in the studio with Jon where we discuss a very wide range OG topics that include but are not limited to, pube removal, or as Jon would say, "Bagging The Leaves", porn viewing preferences, Mike being human filth, and a man in line in the drive-thru at chick-fil-a opens his truck door to stop and help apprehend a suspect that he sees running from a cop.  As always, this week is a lot of fun and we know you will enjoy it.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's guest is the very funny comedian, Michael Reed.  We had a lot of fun on this one where we discuss bros before hoes and we determine that it's actually hoes before bros, hunting vs. farming, Jeremy Renner's rock song, (it's a real thing, google it pal) and on crime stories, a man robs a Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles late night one night.  Listen in to find out what all he took before flying the coup!  All of this and much more fun packed into this episode for you to enjoy.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's featured comedian is Shahyan Jahani.  This week we discuss everything from religious stories, muscle milk, a man that plans to eat his date, and a whole lot more!  We had a great time getting to know Shahyan and we know you will too.  Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we feature a very funny comedian and member of the Vatos Chistosos, Diego Morales.  In this episode we discuss Mikey getting censored on a live show, Diego's hair loss and effects of Jack in the Box, and on crime stories, a teacher gets caught masturbating in her classroom when someone sees the video she posts of it online!  What ultimately happens to her, and what jokes got Mikey B. censored?  Check out this episode and answer all the questions your heart is desiring.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

In this episode of Engineering Career Journeys, David Armstrong talks with Graham Whitson – Executive General Manager, Operations for Pacific Partnerships – a member of the CIMIC Group (previously known as Leighton Holdings). As a world leading international contractor, with almost 120 years of experience, CIMIC Group has the expertise to deliver large scale and complex construction, infrastructure, mining and minerals projects, and operations and maintenance services.

After a short hiatus, while the new studio was being set up, we are back with a great start to recording in the new digs.  This week we present a solo episode, or maybe you call it a duo episode, as we have no guest and it is just Jason and Mikey.  This week we give you the cure to wash any song out of your head that gets stuck in there, we also discuss the use of the word Oriental, and speaking of which, on crime stories, a man in Tokyo delivers a smear or two of his own poop to an innocent bystander's face.  This is a great episode and we definitely will start doing more of these kind of episodes.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

The ASX200 is eyeing a lift of 0.1% at the open.Companies reporting today:Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA), Insurance Australia Group (ASX:IAG), CIMIC (ASX:CIM), Megaport (ASX:MP1), Centuria (ASX:CNI) and Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN).Yesterday's most traded stocks:Large caps: Zip (ASX:Z1P), ANZ Bank (ASX:ANZ) and Amcor (ASX:AMC) which all lost over 1% yesterday.Small caps: Reedy Lagoon (ASX:RLC) rose 176%, Flexiroam (ASX:FRX) fell 28% and Stemcell (ASX:SCU) rose 30%.Local trading ideas:Macquarie expects Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) shares to rally up to $26.50.Alcidion (ASX:ALC) was initiated as a buy by Bell Potter with a $0.28 target. Alcidion tech is already being used by Queensland Health and in Scotland.Sealink (ASX:SLK), Infomedia (ASX:IFM) and MNF Group (ASX:MNF) are giving off bullish charting signals according to Trading Central.

This week's episode features comedian Peng Dang where we discuss what kind of BJwe would give if the opportunity presented itself. We also discuss choking chickens, and we invented a new term - Gweefing/guy queefing (when your fart gets trapped between your thigh and your balls.) Then on crime stories, a man in Georgia gets caught stealing almost a million dollars from his job at a Kroger grocery store.  How? Listen to find out... also, if you are enjoying this podcast and you want to pitch in and help us out, there is a free way to do that.  All you have to do is leave us a five-star review and a comment if where you listen to us allows and if it doesn't, you can follow, like, subscribe, and connect with us on social media.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTYoutube: https://youtu.be/N-3lt7dd2J8Support the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we feature Dallas comedian Zach Arredondo where we talk about his cute little nips, regret or revenge, and Jason covers a story where a Louisiana man gets off by tricking unsuspecting nurses (plural) into changing his diapers. Now that's a crappy date! Sorry, couldn't help it. Join in on all the fun and keep up with the grotesque madness we call a podcast by checking out our social media and doing the whole follow, like, and subscribe thing we've been begging you to do.  XOXO.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

Over the course of three Canadian army tours in their parched and war-ravaged homeland, Alex Watson came to know and respect the long-suffering Afghan people for their courage, resilience, devotion and unfailing courtesy. As a CiMiC (civilian-military co-operation) officer and later as a company commander attached to an Afghan National Army battalion, Watson became intimately acquainted with the citizens and culture Canadian troops were sent to protect...

This week features comedian Eddy Trevino. On this episode, we discuss the benefits of OldLadies & PS5s, Mike takes on the toilet paper company big business, and we createthe idea of “WeenTones”. Then on Crime stories, we spill some Tea on Rapper Lil Wayne'srecent legal issues and a woman in London gets her karma paid back to her after yearsof making false claims of rape and sexual assault on multiple men who were imprisonedbecause of her.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

On the 43rd episode we feature hilarious Dallas comedian and Comic Roast Champ,Joey Johnson! This week we discuss Joey's relationship with his mother, maskshaming, and on crime stories, 2 female teachers get busted hooking up with a studentwhose text messages reveal "had sex with them for hours through the night and into theearly morning."  This week as always was a lot of fun and we think it really shows!  Don't forget to give us that 5-star rating, leave us a comment, follow, like, and subscribe to this filthy delight we call a show.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's episode was just a damn good time to record with Dallas comedian, DanDanzy! There is a lot of laughs in store for you when you fire up this bad boy. Thisweek we talk about what Jason would call is a "hot button issue" about gender fluidity,also we discuss chainsaw dildos, and on crime stories, a homeless man is arrested forhaving sex with a dead lady. Sometimes it's a little gross but if you are on the 42nd episode you are used to our kind of filth by now.If you like this podcast you can show us for free just how much you like us by giving us a 5-star rating, leaving a comment, following, liking, or subscribing.  Any one of these things or a combination of these actions is greatly appreciated.Twitter: @OPENMIKE5000Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/THEOPENMIKEPODCASTInstagram: @THEOPENMIKEPODCASTYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

Dallas comedian, Phil Garcia is the guest on this week's episode where we discusswhom/what Mario from the video games and cartoon really might've been, also we findout that there is not much that we wouldn't do for one million dollars, and on crimestories a woman overdosed on cocaine in probably one of the worst ways you wouldwant to take cocaine – or at least one of the worst to have to explain to her family andloved ones about what happened. We had a very good time hanging out with Phil and we know you will too.  After you've had that good time, be sure to let us know by giving us a review and leaving a comment and as always, don't forget to follow, like, subscribe, and check us out on social media.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

The 40th episode is hilariously packed with laughs and features one of Dallas' mostcreative comedians, TV Corrales! This week we find out that TV used to have aventriloquist puppet that looked exactly like himself, TV also tells us some veryinteresting stories from his single-guy days, and on crime stories, a woman fakes akidnapping and weird injuries to herself in an attempt to frame her boyfriend. When wesay weird, we mean WEIRD AF!If you are enjoying this podcast and you want to pitch in and help us out, there is a free way to do that.  All you have to do is leave us a five-star review and a comment if where you listen to us allows and if it doesn't, you can follow, like, subscribe, and connect with us on social media.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week we feature comedian Head Richards where we discuss the values that wereinstilled in us as young men and as it turns out, we were raised on blunts! Also, WE discuss wrestling tactics, and on crime stories, a home-based sex change operation is busted in Oklahoma, and take a wild guess what this work from home doctor was doing with all those wieners he was chopping off?  Or, you can just check out this episode and find out.  As always, don't forget to follow, like, and subscribe.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week The Open Mike Podcast has the very funny and extremely hard-workingcomedian Tony Casillas in the studio. We had a hilarious “go at it” with this silly goose!On the episode we try Twinkie infused beer, we talk about bad gigs, lighten the moodwith discussions about super sexy foods, and on crime stories a group of men decides toburglarize a gun store - because we all know the one place that would never ever beprepared to be robbed would be the store that sells guns! All that and a lot more.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's episode features Dallas comedian Stephen Gammill (2 L's). We had a tonof fun in the studio where we talked about a woman bringing her child with her toWalmart to help her build a bomb in the store, Mikey celebrates 25 years of beingstoned, and we learn that Jason is most comfortable at home in a pair of chucks andnothing else.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

This week's episode features two hilarious Oklahoma comedians, Jon McMillan andAdrian Corwin. We had a great time with these guys in the studio where we discussedwhat we hate actually about comedy, moments where we said, "F - this, I'm out!", andon crime stories, ex WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio may face up to 99 years in prisonfor wrestling with his emotions – via his traumatized girlfriend, and likely new ex.FB: The Open Mike PodcastTwitter: @openmike5000IG: @theopenmikepodcastYoutube: The Open Mike PodcastSupport the show (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2866632300953600404)

The Aussie share market is eyeing a gain of 0.9% at the open, following a positive night for U.S. equities and commodities. Overnight in the U.S., the Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold at 0.25% as most expected. Companies reporting today:CIMIC (ASX:CIM) – half year resultsFortescue Metals (ASX:FMG) – quarterly productionWhat to watch today:Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) reported half year results after market close yesterday with its earnings dropping less than UBS expected. Macquarie (ASX:MQG) holds its AGM today. Building permits are out for June, expected to recover from -16% and show a rise of 1.5%. So watch building supplies companies like CSR (ASX:CSR) and Brickworks (ASX:BKW).In the U.S. tonight, we'll learn how much the economy fell in the second quarter, with growth estimated to fall from -5% in Q1 to -34.1% in Q2. Local trading ideas:Bell Potter upgraded family tracking and safety app, Life 360's (ASX:360) buy rating and price target to $5.20, implying 60% share price growth from yesterday's close price of $7.99. This month its shares recovered from its COVID-19 losses after gaining 59%. Life360 delivered maiden positive quarterly cash flows, a US$6.9 million turnaround due to tight cost controls and resilient subscription numbers during the lockdowns. Bell Potter also upgraded Aussie car dealership giant, A.P Eagers' (ASX:APE) buy rating and price target to $9.00, implying 13% share price growth from yesterday's close price of $33.61. APE held its AGM yesterday, announcing first half profit before tax of $40.3 million, which was stronger than expectations. Its corporate debt was $7.6 million, far less than expected, emphasising APE's strong management. Following APRA's capital management guidance released yesterday, easing restrictions around paying dividends, Bell Potter reiterated ANZ (ASX:ANZ), CBA (ASX:CBA) and NAB (ASX:NAB) as buys, reiterating holds for Westpac (ASX:WBC), Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (ASX:BEN) and Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ). 

A very busy week is on the cards for Aussie investors this week, awaiting local business and consumer confidence, and unemployment numbers for April.Kicking the week off, the Australian share market futures are eyeing a lift of 0.1% at the open. It comes as global markets pushed higher on Friday as the US unemployment numbers were better than economists expected with 20.5 million Americans losing their jobs last month, which was bleak but far better than the 21.5 million forecast. Trading ideas for today, AMP's (ASX:AMP) price target was lifted to $2.15 by Bell Potter, implying its shares will grow over 50%. Elders (ASX:ELD) was also raised by Bell Potter to a price target of $10.30, implying its shares will grow by 13%. Investors will be watching GrainCorp (ASX:GNC), Pendal Group (ASX:PDL) and CIMIC (ASX:CIM).