Podcasts about Clegg

On this week's episode of Local Legends Eleanor chats with Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah Clegg.We first met Sarah last year, when she was one of the guests at our Three Ravens Christmas Feast. Sarah had just published her book The Dead of Winter, all about the origins and changing lore of the dark side of Christmas.Sarah has a PhD in ancient history from the University of Cambridge, and you'd struggle to find another person with such an encyclopaedic knowledge and clear passion for Medieval Romances. In addition to The Dead of Winter, she's the author of Women's Lore: 400 Years of Sirens, Serpents and Succubi. We're speaking just ahead of the publication of her latest book Perilous Enchantment: The True History of Faeries. Perilous Enchantment is a meticulously researched history and travelogue which takes us from elf fires in Iceland to a stream in Cottingley and even a fairy ball in Los Angeles. We talk about the book and her research and the shift in fairy narratives, from dangerous and seductive to childish and whimsical, to explore why stories of the fae continue to fascinate us today. It's a conversation which spans medieval chivalric romances, spicy romantasy, nostalgia and some of the world's most magical places.Learn more about Sarah at https://www.sarahclegg.com, and you can keep up with all her adventures on Instagram @readingartefacts.About Three Ravens

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Host: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin) and Co-Hosts: Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

In this episode, we speak about Bledge's return to golf after struggling with serious back problems. He explains how gym work and a different treatment approach have helped him recover, and how much better he feels both physically and mentally after being able to play again.We also discuss his summer golf trips, starting with visits to Ganton and Alwoodley in Yorkshire. We talk about the character and conditioning of both courses, the sand-based ground at Ganton, and the heathland style and historic design influence at Alwoodley, including Alister MacKenzie's role there.A major part of the conversation focuses on measuring firmness and the move away from Clegg readings toward USGA-style numbers. We talk through why firmness numbers can be harder for people to understand than stimp readings, but also why they are important and how golfers and greenkeepers begin to interpret them through repeated use.We then turn to the weather and the long dry period affecting the northwest of England. We discuss rainfall totals, evaporation and water budgets, the difficulty of replacing lost moisture, and the practical limits of irrigation on courses with restricted water sources or mains supply.We also cover how drought is changing agronomy and course management. James explains the impact on different fescue cultivars, the importance of aeration and rooting, the use of wetting agents, and how overseeding choices are being adjusted toward more drought-tolerant grasses.Finally, we discuss Royal Birkdale and the Open Championship setup. We talk about the brown, firm conditions, the way the course played, the importance of bounce and variety, and how the event was presented. We also touch on the broader idea that golf courses need to adapt to changing climate conditions, and James closes by describing a recent combine harvester ride and the appeal of that kind of machinery. Send us a message if you would like anything discussed on the podcast.

John Clegg & Michael Banman of Stantec join Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED Podcast to discuss the recent merger with Page, their approach to large urban developments and the breath of experience that they can leverage as North America's second largest architecture firm

Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives' David Cameron and Liberal Democrats' Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who was the BBC's political editor at the time, and Jo Coburn, who was presenting the Daily Politics.In this second episode of two focussing on the campaign, they look at bigotgate - one of the most legendary campaign gaffes of modern times, as well as the first TV leaders debates.It's the latest of our special Old Newscast series looking back at the moments that shaped the course of modern political history in the UK.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Today, we look at the closest General Election of a generation as three party leaders faced their first national test.There had been building speculation about when Labour Prime Minister Gordon would call the election after taking over from Tony Blair in 2007. When he eventually did, he faced the Conservatives' David Cameron and Liberal Democrats' Nick Clegg. Adam is joined by Nick Robinson, who was the BBC's political editor at the time, and Jo Coburn, who was presenting the Daily Politics.In this first of two episodes focussing on the campaign, they look at the fight to win the argument over how to try to help the country recover after the 2008 financial crash, and Nick reveals his scariest moment in the job.It's the latest of our special Old Newscast series looking back at the moments that shaped the course of modern political history in the UK.You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Chris Flynn with Rosie Merotra. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Temporary traffic lights will be installed at the Western Freeway on-and-off ramps at Leakes Rd in Rockbank after more than 18 months of community campaigns to introduce turn signals to allow for safe entry and exit from the freeway as a result of it being labelled one of the worst intersections in Melbourne. What is the worst one in your opinion? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notre répondeur vocal: https://www.vodio.fr/repondeur/311/Voici un podcast particulier que nous vous conseillons d'écouter jusqu'à la fin. On va parler de Chemsex avec un invité qui connait très bien le sujet, Vincent Goetry. Ex-chemsexer, il aide à présent ses pairs à ajuster ou à arrêter leur consommation. Il anime également des cercles de parole chemsex à Bruxelles. Riche d'une vie pleine de discussions intimes sur le sujet, Vincent est venu au micro pour nous éclairer. Si vous avez envie de vous informer hors des discours moralistes, infantilisants ou jugeants, ce podcast est fait pour vous. Le podcast offre une parole authentique sur un sujet peu compris. Ne nous méprenez pas, le propos n'est ni de faire l'apologie du chemsex, ni de diaboliser les personnes qui le pratiquent. Le chemsex couvre énormément de situations différentes, des situations saines comme des situations dramatiques d'addictions fortes. Condamner n'a jamais résolu les réalités sous-jacentes, et n'a jamais permis d'aller à la rencontre authentique des gens. Hors des faux-semblants, de la honte, des culpabilités et des jugements hâtifs, il est bon de s'informer pour poser un regard qui part du cœur. Le chemsex pourrait concerner des personnes de votre entourage, alors que vous ne le savez pas. Ici on ne parle pas des autres, mais de personnes potentiellement proches de vous. Le sujet associe plusieurs tabous, dont aussi les mal-êtres de la société et des individus. Une société en carence de beaucoup de choses auxquelles certaines personnes sont plus sensibles que d'autres. La société évolue vite, croire qu'on sait est délicat car on n'a accès qu'à une partie de l'information, à une petite fenêtre de la réalité et à certains signaux. On ne peut observer que certains signes et au niveau de la pratique du chemsex, les choses évoluent plus vite qu'il n'y parait. Si vous écoutez ce podcast dans quelques années, la situation aura probablement évoluée. Ceci est une papote entre professionnels à un moment donné pour apporter un regard qui est rarement présenté ailleurs. Un podcast entre douceur, discernement et vigilance. Parole libre et assumée forte d'un savoir rare. Aidez notre podcast : abonnez-vous et partagez à un.e ami.e pour agrandir la communauté.Merci à notre partenaire ThePodcastFactoryOrg qui produit nos podcasts pour le plaisir de tou.te.s.Si vous voulez apprendre à produire un podcast, contactez ThePodcastFactoryOrg de notre part.Liens bonus : - Ligne whatsapp chemsex de Ex Aequo : + 32 2 456 35 15 44- Dispositif chemsex de Ex Aequo et autres informations sur le sujet: https://www.exaequo.be/fr/a-propos-de-nous/nos-services/chemsex- Dispositif chemsex de Centre S (Liège) : https://linktr.ee/centresantesexuelleliege1Quelques sites web : - Chemsex, le site : https://www.chemsex.be, et en particulier la section « Faire le point » - Let's Talk About Chemsex : https://chemsex.be/lets-talk-about-chemsex/- Modus Videndi Belgique : https://www.modusvidendi-be.org- Infor Drogues : https://infordrogues.beQuelques rapports et articles traitant de chemsex, disponibles en ligne au format PDF : - https://www.observatoire-sidasexualites.be/recherche-exploratoire-sur-le-chemsex-parmi-les-gays-bisexuels-et-autres-hsh-dans-la-region-de-bruxelles-capitale/- https://www.aides.org/publication/guide-aller-vers-les-chemsexeurs- https://vih.org/kiosque/swaps-europe-chemsex-dans-8-villes-deurope/- https://prospective-jeunesse.be/articles/chemsex-comment-accompagner-le-public-en-demande-daide/Quelques plaidoyers pour la décriminalisation des usagers de drogues : - https://fedabxl.be/fr/2022/09/decriminaliser-les-usagers-de-drogues-en-belgique/?highlight=décriminaliser%20les%20usagers%20de%20drogues%20en%20Belgique%3A%20une%20mesure%20- https://prospective-jeunesse.be/cpt_article/decriminalisation-de-la-possession-simple-quelles-lecons/- https://www.cliniquenouveaudepart.com/blog/decriminalisation-des-drogues-le-succes-du-modele-portugais/- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY9DcIMGxMs Hari, J. (2016). La brimade des stups. Slatkine & Cie. Quelques livres autobiographiques sur le rétablissement : - Clegg, B. (2011). Portrait d'un fumeur de crack en jeune homme. Arles : JacquelineChambon/Actes Sud.- Clegg, B. (2012). 90 jours – Récit d'une guérison. Arles : Jacqueline Chambon/ActesSud.- Elsen, X. (2024). Addiction escape game : mon parcours pour me sortir de la dépendance au chemsex et à la crystal meth. Amazon.Podcast :- Le podcast « Hors Case », produit par l'association LGBTQIA+ bruxelloise Tels Quels, propose 2 épisodes sur le chemsexEpisode avec Vincent Goetry: CHEMSEX, on en parle avec Ex Aequo : https://telsquels.be/hors-case/Séquençage du podcast :[00:00:20] Introduction au podcast et au sujet du chemsex[00:00:45] L'intention de Vincent Goetry[00:01:13] Présentation de Vincent [00:03:05] L'intention d'Olivier Mangeren[00:03:45] Qu'est-ce que le chemsex ?[00:07:59] Accessibilité de ces drogues[00:09:36] Impact de la période Covid et post-Covid[00:09:51] Évolution du chemsex : isolement croissant et démocratisation[00:13:13] Diversité des pratiques : expérimentation disciplinée et dépendance[00:16:01] Effets individuels, addictions et motivations des minorités[00:20:05] Deux propriétés : empathogène et entactogène[00:20:20] Une intensité immédiate qui remplace la rencontre[00:21:25] Les drogues brisent les barrières, favorisant la mixité[00:24:35] Échanges libres, consentement flouté et risques d'addiction[00:27:13] Dopamine et instantanéité : le court-circuit de la récompense[00:29:22] De l'initiation sexuelle au piège des traumas[00:31:25] Pression culturelle, homophobie intériorisée et interdits[00:33:17] Stigmatisation, héritage du VIH et libération sexuelle[00:34:37] Pornographie, performance sexuelle et retardement de l'orgasme[00:36:20] Échec de la criminalisation et réduction des risques[00:39:00] L'interdiction nie la réalité sans la régler[00:42:01] Double peine, isolement et honte sociale accrue[00:44:19] Ni banaliser ni dramatiser : accompagner sans juger[00:45:15] Ressources bruxelloises, accompagnement et contacts utiles[00:46:11] Consommation libre et nuance face à la criminalité[00:47:01] Le symptôme, la cause et l'approche thérapeutique[00:47:37] Parcours de l'expert[00:48:27] Accompagner plutôt que punir : le message final[00:49:18] Gratitude de Vincent[00:49:58] Clôture du podcast

Couture, Controversy, and the Future of Purebred Dogs with Caroline Clegg [caption id="attachment_17058" align="alignleft" width="300"] Caroline Clegg and Natasha, featured in the Elite Runway Experience.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves is joined by preservation breeder Caroline Clegg to pull back the curtain on the Elite Runway Experience currently rolling out on social media. Fusing the worlds of high fashion and purebred dogs, this groundbreaking project has sparked massive debate across the dog world. Is it a brilliant modern marketing move, or has the fancy lost its way? Laura and Caroline dive headfirst into the social media storm, addressing the critics directly and explaining the deeper "why" driving this bold experiment. The Controversy: Addressing the Backlash The announcement of the Elite Runway Experience immediately got the dog world talking, and not all of the feedback was positive. Laura and Caroline tackle the major criticisms circulating in the community: "It Should Be About the Dogs, Not Modeling":Critics argue that the event focuses too heavily on glitz and glamour rather than the animals themselves. Caroline responds that looking only at the fashion show is a superficial reading of the project. For her, the high-fashion couture is simply a striking visual "hook" designed to grab the public's attention so breeders can "reel them in" and share their passion.The Question of Diversity:Early social media promotions led to questions about whether the lineup would only feature "two skinny white girls with blonde hair" or a highly exclusive group of young, pretty people. Caroline notes that these concerns, while valid, were premature. As the project rolls out its eight founding members, including Willie Santiago from South America, the lineup represents a wide variety of heights, genders, skin tones, weights and body shapes.Breaking the "1986" Mentality:Dog enthusiasts are famously conservative and bound to tradition. Caroline admits she is highly traditional herself, but agrees with Laura who argues that "doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result" is insanity. With dog shows losing public support and battling anti-breeder sentiment for decades, she argues it is time to step out of the comfort zone. If the event fails, "we tried" and everyone can have a good laugh at Caroline falling on her face on a runway, she says. But if it succeeds, it opens invaluable doors for the sport. The "Why": Purpose Behind the Couture Beyond the beautiful dresses and professional cameras, the Elite Runway Experience is built on a foundation of education and advocacy: Daily "Behind-the-Scenes" Care:The core of the project is the professional film crew capturing the breeders' daily lives. Caroline wants to bust the public misconception that show dogs are simply kept "in a box somewhere" and only taken out to run in circles on Thanksgiving Day. Through social media and behind-the-scenes content, they will show that these dogs are celebrated athletes who receive top-tier conditioning, exercise, mental stimulation, and love.A Proven Blueprint for Modern Marketing:Caroline shares fascinating research comparing dog show television ratings to horse racing. While the Kentucky Derby saw declining ratings for years, they turned it around and skyrocketed viewership using two modern tools: a massive TikTok influencer and a behind-the-scenes Netflix documentary. The Elite Runway Experience hopes to use this exact blueprint to reach a younger, digital-first generation through platforms like TikTok and Instagram.Spotlighting Rare Breeds:For Caroline, a major motivation for participating is her breed, the Kuvasz. Because the Kuvasz is so rare that even many dog people don't know what they are, having her dog Natasha on a national, highly visible stage is an invaluable preservation opportunity. Join the Community! Are you looking for a welcoming group of thoughtful, thought-provoking dog people away from the keyboard warriors? Become a Pure Dog Talk patron for as little as $10 a month to gain access to our private Facebook group, private After Dark Zoom rooms, and exclusive Laura Unleashed podcast episodes. Visit puredogtalk.com/patron to join today!

In this special episode of Setting the Standard, Andy Hendrickson, Chief of the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), discusses how his background in both commercial wireless networks and FCC enforcement informs his approach to spectrum management and wireless innovation with Forum CTO Andy Clegg of Valo Analytica. He emphasizes that while technologies evolve rapidly, engineering principles remain constant, and OET's role is to provide objective technical analysis that enables innovation while ensuring spectrum users can coexist effectively.The conversation highlights OET's work supporting FCC decisions on wireless, satellite, public safety, and emerging technologies. Hendrickson explains how the office studies new technologies such as AI-enabled networks, dynamic spectrum sharing, and direct-to-device satellite communications well before regulatory action may be required. He stresses the importance of data-driven decision making, transparent analysis, and collaboration with industry, academia, and standards organizations.A major focus of the discussion is artificial intelligence and its growing role in wireless communications. Hendrickson views AI as a powerful tool for improving network performance, spectrum utilization, interference detection, cybersecurity, and automation. However, he emphasizes that AI should enhance, not replace, engineering judgment and must remain transparent, verifiable, and grounded in sound science.The interview also explores experimental licensing, spectrum sharing, and satellite-terrestrial integration. Hendrickson notes that the FCC is working to modernize the experimental licensing process and sees direct-to-device satellite connectivity as one of the most promising developments in wireless. Across all these topics, he returns to a central theme: using rigorous engineering and coexistence-based spectrum management to support innovation while protecting existing users.

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Ven al repaso de esta aventura de múltiples elementos que surgió de la productora Hammer. De la mano de Peter Cushing conoceremos la historia del Capitán Clegg, unos contrabandistas de brandy y los jinetes fantasma Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

As the day comes to a close, I invite you to slow down, take a gentle breath, and allow yourself to simply be.In this first Stories for Unwinding – A Gentle Story Before Sleep, we begin with a few mindful moments to help your body soften and your mind become a little quieter. Through slow breathing and a simple Positive Intelligence® sensory exercise, you'll gently shift your attention away from the busyness of the day and into the present moment.From there, I'll guide you along a peaceful path beside the ocean at sunset. Feel the sea breeze, listen to the rhythm of the waves, and let your imagination carry you to a place where there is nowhere to be and nothing left to solve tonight.Before we say goodnight, you'll be invited to reflect on one small moment from your day that brought peace, joy, or even the faintest smile. Together, we'll pause to celebrate the quiet gifts that are so easily overlooked and end the day with gratitude, kindness, and self-compassion.Whether you're looking to unwind after a busy day, calm an overactive mind, or simply create a gentle evening ritual, I hope these moments help you find a little more ease before sleep.Thank you for spending this time with me. May you rest well, and may tomorrow arrive gently.Let me know what you'd like to hear more about on the showSupport the showI'm Carol Clegg, your host, an accountability coach and curious conversationalist inviting guests from a wide range of backgrounds to share insights on how they live, think, and navigate change.If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.If you'd like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircleFor those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 90-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.You can learn more at carolclegg.comLet's connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Barry Snell catches up with Team Scotland para-swimmer Stephen Clegg MBE, moments after Stephen won a gold medal in the men's 50m freestyle event (S-13) at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

Psalm 53; Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor at RMC; The 2nd sermon in the series “Summer Psalms 2026”

Barry Snell catches up with Team Scotland para-swimmer Stephen Clegg MBE, moments after Stephen won a silver medal in the men's 100m freestyle event (S-13)  at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Image shows the RNIB Connect Radio logo. On a white and black background ‘RNIB' written in bold black capital letters and underline with a bold pink line. Underneath the line: ‘Connect Radio' is written in black in a smaller font. 

It's Day 6, the final day of racing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games! We kick off the finale with the Women's 200m Breaststroke, where Angharad Evans—fresh off her history-making sub-2:20 at the Aquatics GB Champs—looks to cement her superstar status with another Scottish gold. Then, we dive into what will arguably be the race of the entire Games: the Men's 200m Freestyle. It is going to be an absolute dogfight between Home Nation heroes Duncan Scott, Matt Richards, and Jack McMillan, squaring off against the Aussie depth.We also preview a brutal Men's 1500m Freestyle showdown as Dan Wiffen looks to break a potentially fatigued Sam Short, analyze Keanna MacInnes's flawless pacing in the Women's 200m Butterfly, and highlight Para-swimming stars Bruce Dee and the Clegg brothers in the S7 and S13 Sprints. Finally, we untangle the tactical chaos of the Mixed and Men's 4x100m Medley Relays to see if England and Scotland can end the Aussie relay dominance! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The racing in Glasgow is getting serious, and the Propulsion Swimming Podcast is back to preview an absolutely loaded Day 5 of the Commonwealth Games! We kick things off with the Men's 400m IM, where Max Litchfield will be hunting down a British Record to hold off Lewis Clareburt. We also break down Abbie Wood's golden opportunity in the Women's 200m IM and a blisteringly fast Women's 50m Freestyle led by Australia's Meg Harris. Then, we dive into the sprint chaos of the Men's 50m Butterfly featuring Kyle Chalmers and Josh Liendo, plus the highly anticipated 200m Breaststroke battle between Zac Stubblety-Cook and Jersey's Philip Nowacki.Later, we preview one of the biggest races of the entire week: the Men's 100m Backstroke showdown between Ollie Morgan, Pieter Coetze, and a rejuvenated Luke Greenbank. Finally, we highlight the fascinating S13 50m Freestyle events featuring the Clegg brothers and the Carroll twins, and try to make sense of the tactical nightmare that is the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's talk to another athlete with sight loss taking part in this summer's Commonwealth games. David spoke to Team Scotland para swimmer James Clegg about his Games preparation, his return to the pool and competing alongside his brother…

Let's talk to another athlete with sight loss taking part in this summer's Commonwealth games. David spoke to Team Scotland para swimmer Stephen Clegg about his Games preparation and returning from shoulder surgery

The Dark Side Of Karate Book: https://amzn.to/4ymejDl It only takes 30 seconds online to find martial artists arguing over which style is the best. Style vs. style, endless debates, and unnecessary division. But my experience at an open mat showed something completely different. Martial artists from different backgrounds trained together, shared knowledge, challenged each other with respect, and left as better martial artists. No egos. No arguments. Just people united by a passion for learning. Imagine how much stronger our martial arts community could be if more clubs opened their doors to each other instead of building walls. I believe every martial artist should visit other clubs, attend open mats, and train with people from different styles. We have far more to learn from one another than to argue about. ✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/KFMH⁠⁠⁠ Ever wondered what your karate grading panel is really thinking? In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka takes you behind the grading table to reveal what examiners look for during a karate grading, why a black belt is only the beginning of the journey, and how anxiety can distort our perception of being judged. Whether you're preparing for your first belt, a black belt grading, or simply struggle with performance anxiety, this episode offers reassurance, practical insights, and a unique perspective from someone who has experienced both sides of the examination. Topics covered: Karate grading tips Black belt grading explained What karate examiners look for Overcoming grading anxiety Martial arts mindset The truth about earning a black belt Confidence under pressure

Remember in 2010 when 10 million Brits watched the first ever televised leader debate, and we collectively lost our minds?  We ponder the moment of madness that was ‘Cleggmania', and the associated phrases ‘Cleggstacy' and political fandoms ‘Milifans/ Milibaes'. What was it about Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, a formerly stuffy party that no one could even get excited enough to hate, that drove everybody wild? What was behind the national hallucination that he ‘wasn't like the others'? And why were people taken in by his neat haircut and near-identical class background to Tory leader David Cameron? Little did we know he was destined for a life even greater than politics (working for Meta).  In a rare three-object episode, we follow the trajectory of Westminster's former golden boy Nick Clegg; from students sporting home-made yellow ‘I agree with Nick' t-shirts at flash-mobs, to royal marriage-style mugs commemorating the union of Nick and ‘call me Dave' Cameron in the Coalition government, to finally, inevitably, Clegg's transition from ‘the UK's Obama' to his lucrative multi-million pound life after politics. There is lots to read about Nick Clegg and the Coalition years, but this LSE blog by Katy Parry and Kay Richardson was especially thought provoking. This episode turned out way more ranty than we intended it to, sorry about that!  Also, please do subscribe to the Cursed Objects Patreon! You'll be supporting this work we otherwise do UNPAID, and it's only £4 a month - in exchange for which you get exclusive bonus episodes, in between the free ones on the main feed. There are over 40 bonus episodes on there you could access right away.

Welcome to The Turf Zone podcast. This episode features the article “Anyone for Tennis – Research?” written by Dr. Scott Ebdon – Emeritus Professor, University of Massachusetts – Amherst and Mike Buras – former Director of Grounds, Longwood Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, MA For accompanying tables, graphs, photos and references see the Summer 2026 issue of New England Blade magazine available on www.theturfzone.com Tennis on Grass – USA There are 26 million tennis players in the USA, and these numbers have increased by 33% since the COVID years. Less than 1% of tennis courts are grass with most grass courts found in the Northeast region. Sports grass managers may not truly appreciate the intensity of traffic (wear) observed along grass court baselines. Previous research has shown that the intensity of traffic along court baselines is 6 times the intensity of elite soccer (Newell and Wood, 2000). The term “pace”' in tennis is the speed that tennis play (and the ball) moves and is determined largely by the vertical height of the bounce off the court. The higher the vertical bounce, the slower the play. Slower play is preferred by players. Pace on grass is notoriously fast. Grass Tennis Research – UMass Amherst In 2016 several studies were initiated at the Troll Turf Research Center (South Deerfield, MA). The two main objectives were (i) wear tolerance or carrying capacity (hours of play) along court baselines and (ii) the factors affecting tennis pace. Eight turfgrass species were compared within each of three single courts (planted as replicates). The eight species-cultivars were shown to have superior wear tolerance. The grasses were planted as pure stands. The Troll Center was open to the public for daily play from 2017 to 2024. Play averaged 125 hours during the tennis season (June 1 to September 1). Grass Court Maintenance The maintenance of grass courts at the Troll Center used a daily mowing schedule at 5/16 inches (clippings collected), rolling 4 to 6 times per week with a 2,200 lb. roller, sprayable fertilizers (spoon-feeding) on a 2 to 3-week schedule to apply 3.15 lb. N per 1,000 ft² per season, and sprayable (preventative) fungicides. Heavy rolling and daily mowing was especially important to promoting consistent (uniform) tennis ball bounce and play. Weekly measurements were scheduled after significant soil drying – irrigation was used sparingly to prevent any visible turfgrass dehydration. Tennis Ball Bounce The rules for measuring vertical ball bounce were established in 1925 (Miller, 2006) and are outlined in Table 2. Higher ball bounce (slower pace) on a tennis surface is due to greater velocity of the ball in the vertical direction. Soft grass absorbs more energy indicated by greater surface deformation – less energy is available for ball bounce in the vertical direction. Ball bounce must be uniform-consistent and representative of ball bounce across the entire court surface. Measurements of Hardness – 0.5-kg Clegg Hardness is measured with the Clegg impact soil tester and has been used on grass courts since the mid-1980s (Holmes and Bell, 1986) and used currently to predict tennis ball bounce (Ebdon et al., 2025). Surface hardness is measured as gravities (g, also referred to as “Gmax” in the literature). The energy of impact using the 0.5-kg Clegg (30 cm drop height) conforms closest to the tennis ball bounce test. The 0.5-kg Clegg and the tennis ball bounce test are highly correlated compared to heavier Clegg devices used in sport grass (2.25-kg Clegg, 45 cm drop height) or devices used in golf (USGA TruFirm, 1.95-kg, 48 cm drop height). These heavier devices are not as effective for tennis (Ebdon et al., 2025). Tennis Ball Bounce (BB) and Clegg Hardness – Courts Under Play Over the course of this 10-year study some 3,200-ball bounce impacts and hardness measurements were taken on various grass court surfaces. The results presented in Table 3 for the different surfaces are comparable because accepted (standard) methods were used. Wimbledon center court (perennial ryegrass courts) for the 2011 Championship were bouncing at 52 inches or 91% of concrete. All of the perennial ryegrass courts at the Troll Center and the Tennis HOF satisfied the minimum standard of 70% concrete. Kentucky bluegrass courts at the Troll Center were bouncing near 70% (69%) of concrete. The fine leaf fescue mixture was among the highest in BB averaging 76% of concrete. This species, however, is the least tolerant of tennis traffic, discussed below. Traditional golf species such as creeping bentgrass-Poa grass courts were bouncing below the 70 to 80% concrete standard. Tennis Ball Bounce – Uniformity Consistent BB across the tennis surface is important for uniform play. Smooth-hard concrete is the most unform and consistent surface. All other surfaces are compared to the BB consistency of smooth concrete. The concrete surface has an average hardness of 865 g compared to Wimbledon hardness of 260 g. Smooth concrete has a BB uniformity of “1.” Wimbledon BB uniformity for the 2011 Championship was measured at “2.1” – twice the variability of concrete. Player perception of BB uniformity (relative to concrete) is interpretated as “an odd bounce.” One consistent trend observed in Table 3 indicates that increasing surface hardness promotes uniform ball bounce and the chances for odd bounces decrease. Therefore, selecting species such as perennial ryegrass affording harder surfaces and higher BB (slower play) have a tendency for more consistent (uniform) play. Many bentgrass courts (or greens) and Poa annua courts that are prone to thatch are the least consistent surfaces with BB uniformity of “7” and higher relative to concrete. Court Hardness to Satisfy Standards – 70 to 80% Concrete Research at the Troll Center indicated 150 to 170 g of surface hardness is needed for tennis balls to bounce to standards – 70% (40 inches) to 80% of concrete (46 inches) (Ebdon et al., 2025). Tennis BB of 80% concrete is not easy to achieve. To that end, surface soil moisture is extremely important, discussed below. For the 2011 Wimbledon Grass Court Championship, 100% of all BB impacts were at 80% of concrete. At the Troll Center and the Tennis HOF approximately 16 to 18% of all impacts satisfied the 80% concrete standard. Following uniform drying of the Wimbledon soil, 24% of all BB impacts exceeded the minimum standard for concrete. Tennis play at Wimbledon is ideal for the Grass Court Championships because of the slow pace and consistent BB. Tennis Ball Bounce – Surface Soil Moisture Soil moisture using TDR (3-inch probes) was measured weekly during the tennis season concurrently with surface hardness and ball bounce. In tennis, the ball bounce test is a surface phenomenon. This is the main reason why the low energy impact of the light weight (0.5-kg) Clegg is more effective in predicting tennis ball bounce than heavier devices (2.25-kg Clegg or 1.95-kg TruFirm) (Ebdon et al., 2025). Similarly, longer TDR (5-inch) rods are not as effective as 3-inch probes – it is the immediate surface moisture that matters in tennis ball bounce. Soil drying will promote harder surfaces but this depends on the soil texture and the mineralogy (clay content) of the soil. Table 5 compares soil drying and surface hardness between the Troll Center and Wimbledon soils. The gains in surface hardness from 38% soil drying are very different between the Troll Center soil (silt loam, 12% clay) and Wimbledon soil (sandy clay loam, 23% clay). At the same soil moisture deficit (38% soil drying), 60% greater surface hardness is observed on Wimbledon soil (77 g increase – Wimbledon vs. 48 g increase – Troll Center). The Troll silt loam increases in hardness only 3.2 g with 1% soil drying compared to 5.5 g with 1% drying for Wimbledon soil. For most soils it is believed that soil drying is more important in providing a hard tennis surface than soil compaction by rolling. Any natural soil drying will promote higher ball bounce. Recent research indicates that soil drying to 40% soil moisture depletion causes minimal turf dehydration with fine textured soils (Bruan et al., 2022). Figure 2 presents 1122 pairs of vertical ball bounces and soil moisture (3-inch TDR) measured on Troll Center perennial ryegrass courts during a 17-week period. Prior to soil drying (week 1), tennis ball bounce was below standards (66% of concrete) while after progressive soil drying (week 17) ball bounce exceeded standards (83% concrete). Species Wear Tolerance – Carrying Capacity Grass cover after tennis play ended is presented in Table 6 along with the carrying capacity (hours of play) to wear baselines to 70% grass cover. Following 2-years of study perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass exhibited significantly better wear tolerance (≥ 65% grass cover) and greater carrying capacity (≥ 70 hrs. of play to 70% cover) compared to bentgrass and fine fescue species. Traditional golf species (bentgrass) are comparatively less tolerant of tennis traffic compared to improved cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass – providing the cultivars are tolerant of 5/16-inch mowing heights. Of all the species-cultivars tested, the fine fescue mixture was the least tolerant of tennis traffic (24% grass cover) with the lowest carrying capacity (20 hours). Interestingly, the fine fescue mixture used in the tennis study was the same mixture used on the golf greens at the 2015 US Open (Chambers Bay, WA). This is further evidence as to the intensity of the traffic that is often underestimated in tennis. The Court Playability The highest priority should be given to planting wear tolerant grasses adapted to tennis play. Grasses with significantly lower carrying capacity will wear-down faster under the same hours of play. The loss of grass cover during the tennis season has a significant impact on tennis play (pace) and the uniformity (consistency) of ball bounce. Table 7 summarizes approximately 3000 measurements on perennial ryegrass courts at the Troll Center. Perennial ryegrass represents the most wear tolerant species with the highest capacity for surface hardness for satisfying ball bounce standards – ideal for tennis. All areas of the court satisfied ball bounce standards (≥ 70% of concrete). However, the T-area approached 80% concrete with an average surface hardness of 143 g and BB of 45-inch. Surface moisture was 4.4% drier at the T-area (less grass – more exposed soil for surface drying). It is the soil drying at the worn T-area and baselines that promotes an increase in hardness and ball bounce under tennis play – consistent with soil drying presented in Table 5. These worn areas will play different (slower) because of the increase in the vertical height of the bounce compared to the less trafficked service box. The soil-water relations presented in Table 7 are consistent with golf greens and sports grass under heavy play (McClements and Baker, 1994; Straw et al., 2017). What We've Learned Soil drying promotes harder surfaces and the uniformity of ball bounce approaches the uniformity of concrete. At week 1 before soil drying, BB uniformity relative to concrete was “3.7.” At week 17 following soil drying, BB uniformity across all three courts was “2.6” – approaching the BB uniformity of hard courts. The measured results reported here are consistent with player perceptions. As eight-time Wimbledon Grass Court Champion, Roger Federer, lamented: “This new, fresh grass, we're not quite used to it…as you go deeper in the tournament, the grass court becomes more clay-courty, hard-courty with a bit of grass on it…the ball bounces a bit higher” How fast (low bounce) or slow (high bounce) or consistent (uniform) a grass court plays is dependent on the tolerance of the species-cultivar to traffic and to the properties of the underlying soil and its plant-soil-water relationships. References Braun, R. C., Bremer, D. J., Ebdon, J. S., Fry, J. D., & Patton, A. J. (2022). Review of cool-season turfgrass water use and requirements: I. Evapotranspiration and responses to deficit irrigation. Crop Science, 62, 1661–1684. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20791 Ebdon, J. S., Lu, J., and DaCosta, M. (2025). Comparison of Clegg and TruFirm surface hardness for predicting tennis ball bounce standards on grass courts under match play. Crop Science, 65, e70109. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.70109 Ebdon J.S., James I., DaCosta M., and Lu J. (2020). Interspecific comparisons of C3 turfgrass for tennis use: I. Wear tolerance and carrying capacity under actual match play. CropScience. 2021;61:750–762. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20270 Holmes, G., and Bell, M. J. (1986). Playing surface hardness and tennis ball rebound resilience. Journal of the Sports Turf Research Institute, 62, 207–210. ITF. (2019). Approved tennis balls, classified surfaces, and recognized courts: A guide to products and test methods. International Tennis Federation. https://www.itftennis.com/media/2016/2019-itf-technical-booklet.pdf McClements, I., and S. W. Baker. (1994). The playing quality of natural turf hockey pitches. J. Sports Turf Res. Inst. 70:p. 13-28. Miller, S. (2006). Modern tennis rackets, balls, and surfaces. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40, 401–405. https://doi.org/10.1136/ bjsm.2005.023283 Medicine, 40, 401–405. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.2005.023283 Newell, A. J., and Wood, A. D. (2000). Selection of grass species, cultivars and mixtures for lawn tennis. Journal of Turfgrass Science, 76,53–65. Straw, C. M., Bowling, W. J., and Henry, G. M. (2017). Rainfall versus irrigation influences penetration resistance and surface hardness on a recreational sports field. Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J. 13: p. 1-5. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post Anyone for Tennis – Research? appeared first on The Turf Zone.

Miriam Gonzaléz Durantéz is a force, and Claire loved cooking with her for this episode of 5 O' Clock Apron Podcast. Worth noting here that Claire is keen to get the elephant in the room over with as soon as Claire and Miriam start cooking in Miriam's immaculate London kitchen with Claire quizzing Miriam on her title of Lady Clegg. Miriam is quick to dismiss the title, with characteristic grace, as one she doesn't necessarily identify with, saying it was given to her, because she is the wife of Nick Clegg. Clegg being the one-time deputy prime minister for the U.K. Miriam is a busy woman with a distinguished career to showcase, splitting her week between London and Madrid. An international lawyer, founder of the charity Inspiring Girls and, just as pressing, now shouldering a new responsibility of politician. When Claire and Miriam meet to cook and record this episode, Miriam is in the midst of setting up a new political party in Spain (she can't say the name of the party at the time of the recording), aiming, she tells Claire; “to stop the country from going further right” and as Miriam says; “I've been involved in politics all my life, now is the time for me to stand up”. For the episode, Miriam cooks a Basque tuna stew called Marmitako, clearly an intuitive and skilled cook, she is also quick to hold Claire to account during much of the cooking process; “no Claire, your peppers need to be thinner” and “no, Claire,this is how you prepare the potato, you need to do it like this and you need to listen for the crack as you cut the potato”. Claire is enthralled throughout, because this, in a nutshell, is what this podcast is all about. Food and cookery knowledge shared through the prism of good conversation, two people cooking side by side, chopping and chatting about why a recipe means so much to them, and how it fits into their lives. Miriam's stew is undoubtedly delicious, as the cooking is wrapped up, husband Nick walks into the kitchen introducing himself, meanwhile Miriam's son waits patiently to eat the dish his mum has just cooked; “he's always so hungry, he eats all the time, teenage boys” she says with a chuckle. Conscious of the clock, Claire makes tracks to leave, after all Miriam, has got a lot to do, a plane to catch, a country to run and so on and so on…. Miriam's Marmitako, Basque Tuna Stew  Serves 4  500g fresh tuna, cut into large chunks 2 tbsp plain flour 2 peppers, green, red or yellow  2 onions, finely sliced  3 garlic cloves Small bunch of parsley  200mls dry white wine 1kg waxy potatoes, peeled   Salt and pepper, to taste Olive oil, quite a bit to fry tuna and shallow fry the potatoes    1. Dust the pieces of tuna all over with the flour and season well with salt and pepper. 2. In a large pan, add 3 tbsp of olive oil and fry the onions and the peppers over a moderate heat until softened, around 10 minutes. Push the onions and peppers to one side of the pan, add a splash more olive oil and fry the pieces of tuna to get a little golden in colour, but not cook all the way through, though this will depend on the thickness of the tuna. Remove the pan from the heat and keep to one side.  3. Use a pestle and mortar or use a small food processor or blender to blend the garlic, parsley and white wine together. Keep to one side.  4. Use a small saucepan and fill 1/3 with olive oil (working in batches and using a smaller pan will help you to use less oil). Use a small knife to make small, sharp indentations in the potatoes and “crack off” small pieces of the potato, about the size of a shell on walnut is a good approximation. This is Miriam's way, and she suggests preparing the potatoes likes this gives them a better texture once cooked, see reel for video explanation. Fry the potatoes in hot oil at 180C until nicely coloured and nearly cooked through. 5. Put the tuna, onions and peppers back on the heat, add the parsley, garlic and wine mix and add the fried potatoes, mixing gently to combine. Bring the pan up to the boil and simmer for 30 seconds. Put a lid on the pan and reduce the heat to moderate – low and continue cooking until the potatoes are soft, the tuna will be cooked through. 6. Remove from the heat, check the seasoning and serve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mindset Matters: Sometimes You Need to Step Away to Move ForwardAfter a quiet month away from the microphone, I'm sharing a personal update from Portugal and what this season of slowing down has taught me about grief, restoration, and trusting ourselves one step at a time.Sometimes the bravest thing we can do isn't to keep pushing forward. It's to pause.In this episode I reflect on:Why I intentionally stepped away from the podcast for a few weeksA memorable horse-riding adventure through Portugal's beautiful Alentejo regionWhat solo travel continues to teach me about confidence and self-trustThe surprising gift of putting my phone away and simply noticing the world around meHow movement, presence, and small moments of courage can gently support healingGrief hasn't disappeared, but it is slowly changing. I'm discovering that joy and sadness can exist together, and that healing often happens in ordinary moments like sharing a meal, watching the sunset alone, cantering along a wide open beautiful beach, or simply sitting quietly with yourself.If you've been navigating loss, change, or a season of rebuilding, I hope this conversation reminds you that there is no perfect timeline. Sometimes stepping away isn't falling behind or letting go, it can be what allows us to return with a little more strength, clarity, and peace.Thank you for being here. I'm grateful you're listening.Let me know what you'd like to hear more about on the showSupport the showI'm Carol Clegg, your host, an accountability coach and curious conversationalist inviting guests from a wide range of backgrounds to share insights on how they live, think, and navigate change.If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.If you'd like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircleFor those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 90-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.You can learn more at carolclegg.comLet's connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/KFMH⁠⁠ Ever wondered what your karate grading panel is really thinking? In this episode of Anxious Black Belt, Les Bubka takes you behind the grading table to reveal what examiners look for during a karate grading, why a black belt is only the beginning of the journey, and how anxiety can distort our perception of being judged. Whether you're preparing for your first belt, a black belt grading, or simply struggle with performance anxiety, this episode offers reassurance, practical insights, and a unique perspective from someone who has experienced both sides of the examination. Topics covered: Karate grading tips Black belt grading explained What karate examiners look for Overcoming grading anxiety Martial arts mindset The truth about earning a black belt Confidence under pressure

With grass court season well underway, the TennisWorthy Podcast dives into the science and meticulous care behind Wimbledon's legendary courts with Neil Stubley, Head of Courts and Horticulture at the AELTC. Marking his 31st championships, Stubley reveals to Chris Bowers what it takes to maintain the tournament's iconic "living canvas," sharing everything from his unexpected career pivot as a professional chef to how his team manages high-stakes tournament schedules.Highlights:Busting the Grass Myth: Stubley clarifies the AELTC's shift to 100% perennial ryegrass, explaining how it genuinely improved court longevity and bounce consistency rather than intentionally eliminating serve-and-volley play.The Science of Surface Testing: Learn how his team leverages winter grow lights to mimic the sun and utilizes a tool called a Clegg impact hammer to record 50 daily hardness tests per court.Pro Lawn Tips: Want your lawn to look half as good as Wimbledon? Listen to Neil's advice and keep it simple.Special thanks to the All England Lawn Tennis Club for their assistance with this episode.The TennisWorthy Podcast is presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions.Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.

✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/KFMH⁠ In this episode, I'm hosting Patric Visnovsky Sensei, author of the Karate Kinetics book series. Karate Kinetics book: https://amzn.to/4vAzz6s Karate Kinetics Unleashed: https://amzn.to/4w0sSdP

This week, Lynn hosts solo with Robert Ashton of Albion Theatre talking about the psychological thriller "The Wasp." Then with Haley Clegg, director of "Steel Magnolias" for the Bread and Wine Theatre Company, talking about Robert Harling's acclaimed comedy-drama.

✅ Free Action Plan: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://payhip.com/KFMH Answering your comments is always fun. I get so many Trolls getting frustrated with my clips. Enjoy the clip. If you do, please Subscribe!

Welcome to The Turf Zone Podcast. This episode features the article “How Variability Within and Between Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Athletic Fields Impacts Athlete Safety and Performance” written by Ava Veith, Dr. David McCall, Dr. Chase Straw, Dr. Daniel Sandor, Dr. Jay Williams, Elisabeth Kitchen, Kevin Hensler, Aaron Tucker and Dr. Caleb Henderson Authors Note and Context Ava Veith is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Science at Penn State University under the advisement of Dr. Chase Straw, where her research focuses on studying within-field variability and athlete–surface interactions. However, the research presented in this article was conducted during her master's program at Virginia Tech under Dr. David McCall. This study served as a foundational investigation into how variability within and between natural turfgrass and synthetic turf athletic fields influences athletes. The findings from this work have shaped the direction of subsequent doctoral research. Building on this foundation, the planned Ph.D. project aims to examine athlete lower-limb joint biomechanics across natural turfgrass, synthetic turf, and hybrid (natural turfgrass reinforced with synthetic fibers) surfaces using multi-segment inertial measurement units. At the conclusion of this article, the next phase of research will be briefly outlined to demonstrate how it has grown from the master's study. In this way, the Virginia Tech study presented here represents both a completed project and the starting point for a broader, ongoing effort to better understand how the playing surface can affect athlete movement and injury-relevant mechanics. Introduction A safe playing surface is essential for athletic competition. Natural turfgrass and synthetic turf are common playing surfaces used for field sports, and extensive research has been conducted to compare these two surface types. However, limited attention has been given to within-field variability and its impact on athlete safety and performance. Studies often classify athletic fields broadly as synthetic or natural, overlooking critical surface metrics that fluctuate both within and between fields. Key field characteristics such as surface hardness, rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth (for synthetic fields) play a crucial role in assessing field quality. Variability in these factors can be influenced by environmental conditions, management practices, and field usage patterns. Despite the known importance of these factors, current research often fails to account for field-specific inconsistencies, limiting the effectiveness of broad comparisons between surfaces. To improve field safety and optimize athlete performance, interdisciplinary collaboration among turfgrass scientists, sports scientists, and sports medicine professionals is necessary. Evidence-based field management strategies must be developed to ensure more consistent playing conditions, reducing the risk of injury. Wearable technologies such as STATSports GPS trackers (STATSports, 2025) and ankle inertial measurement units (IMUs) (IMeasureU, 2019) provide critical insights into athlete biomechanics, load monitoring, and more. These technologies allow researchers to quantify how different surface conditions influence athletes during performance, offering valuable data for injury prevention strategies. Beyond data collected by wearable technologies, athlete perceptions of field conditions also play a role in performance and injury risk. Unpredictable surface variability can affect player confidence, movement efficiency, and risk-taking behaviors, making perception-based data collection essential. Understanding how athletes experience and perceive different playing surfaces can inform future improvements in field construction and maintenance. The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of surface variability on athlete safety and performance, both within and between natural turfgrass and synthetic turf surfaces. This research will quantify how variations in key surface metrics, including surface hardness, rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth, affect athletes utilizing data from wearable technologies, such as STATSports GPS trackers and ankle IMUs. Additionally, to further understand the influence of field surfaces, athletes will be surveyed before and after performing drills to gather insights into their perceptions of how surface variability impacts their performance. Methodology Athletic Fields Tested This research was conducted in August of 2024, where four athletic fields on the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, Virginia were studied. Two of these fields were natural turfgrass (bermudagrass), while the other two fields were synthetic turf. For both field types, one field was classified as ‘low usage', while the other was classified as ‘high usage'. This was determined based on traffic frequency, field age, and management practices. Preliminary Data Collection Before live athletes were introduced, surface hardness was assessed on all four fields using a Clegg hammer, with 100 measurements collected per field. The data were then analyzed using ArcGIS Pro to generate surface hardness heatmaps, highlighting variability between and within each field. These maps allowed us to identify specific locations for the athletes to perform drills, where one selected area within each field was slightly harder than the rest of the field, and the other being slightly softer. Additionally, 20 measurements of rotational resistance (using Deltec's rotational resistance tester), thatch depth (using a soil profile sampler), soil moisture (using a TDR 350 Soil Moisture Meter), and infill depth (using a Turf-Tec Professional Model Infill Depth Gauge) were taken in both the softer and harder areas to further characterize each field and understand the relationship between surface conditions and athlete performance. Data Collection During Athlete Involvement Fourteen female athletes participated in the study, equipped with STATSports GPS devices (to measure running speed) and ankle IMUs (to measure lower limb impact intensity) to quantify their movements during drills. The athletes were each given new Nike cleats prior to participation to eliminate variation based on cleat configuration. They completed three drills, including a drop landing or drop jump drill, a T-drill, and a modified acceleration-deceleration drill, which were designed to replicate common athletic movements. Each drill was performed three times in both the softer and harder areas identified within each field. Additionally, each athlete completed pre- and post-performance surveys designed to capture their perceptions of field quality before and after completing the drills, providing insight into how different surfaces may have influenced their performance. Results and Discussion Surface Hardness Data Heatmaps highlight surface hardness variability within each studied field. Surface hardness data (n = 100 per field) were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were separated using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05 to evaluate statistical differences between locations. Both synthetic turf fields had significantly harder surfaces than the natural turfgrass fields (p < 0.0001), and for both surface types, the high-usage field had a significantly harder surface than the low-usage field (p = 0.0029 for the natural turfgrass fields and p < 0.0001 for the synthetic turf fields). Both synthetic fields tested in this study were not constructed with a shock pad, which is typically placed beneath the layer of material that supports the synthetic fibers and utilized to help replicate the cushioning effect of natural turfgrass. The absence of a shock pad, along with the tendency of synthetic turf to harden over time due to infill material compaction from athlete foot traffic, may explain the harder surface values observed on the synthetic fields compared to the natural fields. Further, increased use or foot traffic on both natural turfgrass and synthetic turf leads to compaction, which causes the playing surface to harden over time. Therefore, it is anticipated that the high-usage fields exhibited higher surface hardness compared to the low-usage fields. Data Within Each Hard and Soft Area Resulting rotational resistance, thatch depth, soil moisture, and infill depth (synthetic fields only) measurements taken within each hard and soft area on all four fields are presented in Table 1 (available in the Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine). These measurements (n = 20 per both hard and soft areas within each field) were analyzed using analysis of variance, and means were separated using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05 to evaluate statistical differences between locations. Although the fields tested in this research were not professional-level fields, it is insightful to compare the results with the FIFA natural-pitch rating system (FIFA, 2022). All rotational resistance values fell within FIFA's ‘excellent quality' and ‘satisfactory quality' thresholds, which is important because excessive rotational resistance has been linked to increased lower extremity injuries due to the foot becoming entrapped in the surface during pivoting movements, and too little resistance can increase the risk of slipping. However, soil moisture values exceed 35%, which FIFA classifies as ‘unacceptable quality'. This elevated moisture is likely the primary cause of the low surface hardness values observed on the natural turfgrass fields, which were lower than FIFA's 70-85 Gmax ‘excellent quality' range. Additionally, FIFA considers thatch depths over 25 mm as unacceptable, and 10–15 mm satisfactory. Excessive thatch can cause athlete's cleats to become caught within the surface, increasing knee ligament stress. The low-usage natural turfgrass field had more thatch despite regular maintenance, while the high-usage natural turfgrass field had less, likely due to recent sprigging the summer before. Soft areas in both natural turfgrass fields exhibited higher thatch levels than the hard areas, consistent with previous findings that core cultivation reduces both thatch and surface hardness (McCarty et al., 2007; Atkinson et al., 2012). This supports the understanding that increased thatch can act as a cushioning layer, absorbing impact and thereby reducing surface hardness. The high-usage synthetic turf field exhibited significantly less infill and greater surface hardness compared to the low-usage synthetic turf field, and the soft areas within both synthetic fields had more infill than the hard areas. This aligns with previous research indicating that infill depth decreases with use, which in turn leads to higher surface hardness (Dickson et al., 2022). Additionally, the low-usage synthetic field exhibited greater variability in infill depth between the selected hard and soft areas, likely due to its relatively young age (only one year old at the time of the study). Compared to the older high-usage field, which was approximately ten years old, the infill in the low-usage synthetic field had less time to settle, making it more susceptible to displacement from foot traffic (Fleming et al., 2016). STATSports GPS Unit Data In our study, STATSports GPS units were securely attached to each athlete's upper back. These devices were used to determine if athlete running speed varied based on field type (natural turfgrass or synthetic turf), field usage level (high or low), or hardness (hard or soft areas within each field). However, no statistically significant differences were found. This consistency in speed across conditions is important because running speed can directly affect impact forces and biomechanical measurements. Prior studies have shown that faster running increases the ground reaction force and ultimately lower limb impact load (Leatham, 2004; Jiang et al., 2024). If athletes had run at different speeds on one field type compared to another, it could have affected the reliability of our ankle IMU data. However, since no significant speed differences were found across field types, usage, or hardness, we can confidently attribute the observed differences in the resulting ankle IMU data to the playing surface. Ankle IMU Data Ankle IMUs were utilized to record a metric called average intensity, which is defined as the mean impact intensity derived from every impact propagated into both limbs (IMeasureU, 2022). This metric is recorded in units of gravitational force (g). These devices were securely attached to each athlete's ankle and recorded data as they performed drills on all four fields studied. After running statistical tests that accounted for individual differences between athletes, significant differences were found based on field, field usage, and hardness. Across all three drills, field type had a noticeable impact (p < 0.0001) where athletes showed higher average intensity on synthetic turf fields compared to natural turfgrass. For the drop jump drill, the average intensity was 19.73 g [standard error (SE) ± 1.88] on natural turfgrass and 22.73 g (SE ± 1.82) on synthetic turf, placing the synthetic turf value within the IMU Step ‘high intensity' foot strike range of 21.5–26.7 g (Wong and Finch, 2018). A similar trend was seen in the t-drill, with average intensities of 15.84 g (SE ± 1.20) on natural turfgrass and 18.07 g (SE ± 1.16) on synthetic turf. For the modified acceleration-deceleration drill, average intensity was 17.72 g (SE ± 1.15) on natural turfgrass and 21.35 g (SE ± 1.10) on synthetic turf. Field usage also made a difference in the t-drill (p < 0.0001), where the average intensity on high-usage fields was 18.14 g (SE ± 1.24), compared to 16.49 g (SE ± 1.24) on low-usage fields. Hardness played a role as well, especially in the t-drill (p = 0.0073) and the modified acceleration-deceleration drill (p < 0.0001). In the t-drill, hard areas resulted in an average intensity of 17.43 g (SE ± 1.22), slightly higher than the 17.05 g (SE ± 1.22) on soft areas. For the modified acceleration-deceleration drill, intensity averaged 20.38 g (SE ± 4.28) on hard areas and 18.85 g (SE ± 3.81) on soft areas. Overall, the synthetic turf fields, high-usage fields, and hard areas within fields exhibited higher average intensity values than the natural turfgrass fields, low-usage fields, and softer areas within fields. This aligns with our surface hardness findings, as synthetic turf fields were significantly harder than natural turfgrass fields on average. Additionally, hard areas within synthetic turf were harder than those on natural turf, and high-usage fields were harder than low-usage fields for both surface types. Thus, our data suggest that harder surfaces may explain the higher average intensity values recorded on the athlete's lower limbs compared to softer surfaces. This trend has been heavily supported, as running on harder surfaces increases impact stress, which can ultimately contribute to lower limb injuries. However, all surface hardness values in this study were below 100 Gmax, which is the threshold deemed unsafe by the National Football League (NFL) guidelines (Sports Turf Managers Association, 2019) and unacceptable by FIFA. Yet, a potential positive correlation between surface hardness and impact was observed, as recorded by the ankle IMUs. While further research is needed, it is hypothesized that surface hardness exceeding 100 Gmax could significantly increase injury risk over time due to excessive impact on athletes' lower limbs. Additionally, establishing threshold values for ankle IMU metrics is crucial to determine the point at which these values may lead to injury. Survey / Athlete Perception Data Athletes completed pre- and post-performance surveys to assess field quality and its impact on their performance. Individual responses were recorded and analyzed using one-way analysis of variance to assess statistical differences between fields. Post-hoc comparisons were conducted using Fisher's protected least significant difference (LSD) test at α = 0.05. The low-usage natural turfgrass field received the highest quality rating for both pre- and post surveys, while the high-usage natural turfgrass field, hindered by weeds and poor maintenance, scored the lowest. Synthetic turf fields ranked in between the two natural fields (with the high usage synthetic turf field being ranked lower than the low-usage synthetic turf field), indicating a preference for synthetic surfaces over a poorly maintained natural field. Conclusions Considerable variation in surface hardness was observed both within and between fields, with synthetic turf fields generally being harder than natural turfgrass fields. High-usage fields, regardless of type, were significantly harder than low-usage fields. Other metrics, such as rotational resistance, soil moisture, thatch depth, and infill depth, also showed variability. For natural turfgrass fields, higher soil moisture led to lower surface hardness, while synthetic turf fields exhibited a negative relationship between field usage and infill depth, where frequent foot traffic reduced infill and increased surface hardness. Although achieving perfect field uniformity is not possible, these findings emphasize how field usage and maintenance impact surface variability. Additionally, our data suggest a potential link between surface hardness and the mechanical load on athletes' lower limbs. While this trend was observed, further research is needed to investigate its long-term effects on athlete health, particularly on surfaces that exceed acceptable hardness thresholds. Survey data revealed athletes rated the quality of the low-usage natural turfgrass field the highest, likely due to its softer surface and better aesthetics. In contrast, the high-usage natural turfgrass field, which suffered from poor maintenance and weed pressure, received the lowest ratings, underlining the importance of field condition in shaping athlete perceptions. These results highlight the role of field management and athlete feedback in optimizing field quality. Overall, this study offers valuable insights into how different sports surfaces impact athletes. Our findings suggest that harder surfaces, such as synthetic turf or high-traffic areas, can increase impact and loading on the lower limbs. These results highlight the critical importance of effective field management, maintenance, and consideration of field conditions prior to athletic competition. Next Phase of Research: Ph.D. Project Overview Building on the findings of the Virginia Tech study, this doctoral research at Penn State expands the investigation from impact loading to full lower-limb joint biomechanics during sport-specific movements. While the Virginia Tech study demonstrated that harder surfaces were associated with increased lower-limb impact intensity, the next question is whether different playing surfaces subtly alter how athletes move at the joint level during high-risk tasks such as cutting and decelerating. The planned Ph.D. project uses a multi-segment inertial measurement unit (IMU) configuration placed on the athlete's dominant limb, including sensors at the foot, shank, thigh, and pelvis. Positioning sensors closer to the ground improves sensitivity to surface-related differences, allowing evaluation of not only impact but also ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics derived through inverse kinematics workflows. Female athletes will perform sport-specific movements, including a single-leg drop-landing followed by a 90° cut, as well as an acceleration to deceleration drill, on four playing surface types: natural turfgrass, synthetic turf, carpet-type hybrid reinforced turfgrass, and stitched fiber hybrid reinforced turfgrass. Each athlete will complete multiple trials on each surface in a within-subject, repeated-measures design, allowing direct biomechanical comparisons across surface types. Female athletes are of particular interest given they experience substantially higher rates of non-contact ACL injury compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the importance of understanding how the playing surface may influence movement. Joint angles of interest include knee flexion and frontal-plane knee motion (dynamic valgus), as well as hip and foot orientation variables commonly discussed in the context of non-contact ACL injury mechanisms. Because hybrid systems are increasingly used in elite stadium environments and are required for upcoming international competitions (e.g., the FIFA World Cup), understanding how live athletes respond biomechanically to these surfaces is of particular interest. To date, most hybrid research has relied primarily on mechanical testing devices rather than human movement data. An additional component of the project involves comparing human biomechanical responses to mechanical surface testing metrics, including measurements from the fLEX testing device (Dickson and Sorochan, 2022; SGL System, n.d.). If consistent relationships are identified between device measurements and athlete joint mechanics, field managers may ultimately be able to more confidently use standardized mechanical testing tools as practical indicators of athlete–surface interactions. Collectively, this progression advances a more comprehensive framework that integrates both the playing surface and athlete biomechanics. By focusing on human movement responses within real field environments, this work strengthens interdisciplinary collaboration across field management, kinesiology, and sports medicine. Ultimately, it aims to generate practical knowledge that supports both performance and safety in sport. A full list of references as well as accompanying figures, photos and tables are available with this article in the Spring 2026 issue of Pennsylvania Turfgrass magazine available on www.TheTurfZone.com. You have been listening to The Turf Zone Podcast. Follow The Turf Zone on X, Facebook and LinkedIn for all things turfgrass, featuring podcasts, magazines, events and more. The post How Variability Within and Between Natural Turfgrass and Synthetic Athletic Fields Impacts Athlete Safety and Performance appeared first on The Turf Zone.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with the author Andreas Quast about his new book Atemi. Atemi Book - https://amzn.to/442VIy9 Martial Artists of Ryukyu: A Legacy by Motobu Choki: Volume 3 (Ryukyu Bugei) - https://amzn.to/4g8wdTl

Daniel 9:1-3,20-27; Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor at RMC; the 11th sermon in the series "Daniel: Hope for Exiles."

In this episode of The Steward Chair, Kevin Clegg, CEO of Clegg Auto, shares his journey of transitioning his family's auto shops into the first employee ownership trust holding company in the U.S., exploring how the care factor drives meaningful, long-term success. We discuss transitioning an exit strategy into a daily operating model, guiding employees to own their own lives before owning a company, and replacing traditional management with a 200% accountability culture, providing actionable takeaways for leaders committed to stewardship, integrity, and impact. Key Takeaways Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) protects an organization’s mission in perpetuity, ensuring the business remains evergreen and cannot be sold again. True company ownership requires employees to first own their lives and careers by identifying what they care about most and aligning their vocational track with those values. Traditional management can be replaced by a 200% accountability model where team members are 100% committed to their roles and 100% committed to keeping their peers accountable through peer coaching. Resources Mentioned Visit Clegg Auto at https://cleggauto.com/ Follow Kevin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-clegg-59655a/ Join the ConversationThe Steward Chair is about equipping and inspiring business leaders to build organizations that stand the test of time. If this episode resonated with you, share your biggest takeaway and tag us on LinkedIn: Chat With Leaders Media https://www.linkedin.com/company/chatwithleaders/ and End of the Line Productions https://www.linkedin.com/company/end-of-the-line-productions/. Elevate your podcast, company meeting, or industry event strategies to better engage stakeholders and drive meaningful growth! Visit ChatWithLeaders.com to learn more about how we can help.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Garden interview with Sensei Alison and Sensei Ben from Ryukyukan Shorin Ryu Matsuri Dojo. https://matsuri-karate-essex.co.uk/

In this episode of the Anxious Black Belt Podcast, I sit down with Sensei Neil O'Connor — martial artist, firefighter, bodybuilder, and cancer survivor. Now over 70 years old and still actively training, Neil shares his incredible life journey through karate, strength training, emergency service, and his battle with cancer. We talk about resilience, discipline, mindset, aging, health, martial arts philosophy, and what keeps him moving forward when most people would slow down.

Inductive Automation cofounders Colby Clegg and Carl Gould go deep on the origins of Ignition, the road to 8.3, and what AI means for industrial automation.Vlad and Dave host Colby Clegg, CEO, and Carl Gould, CTO, of Inductive Automation together for the first time to trace the full arc of the company. The story begins in 2003, when Sacramento systems integrator Steve Heckman brought Colby and Carl in to build the missing glue layer between OT data and modern IT tooling. What began as logging values into SQL databases became Factory PMI and eventually Ignition.A key thread is why Ignition broke through when larger automation vendors had superior distribution. Colby points to Clayton Christensen's Innovator's Dilemma. Incumbents could not match Inductive's unlimited per gateway pricing or partner with integrators because their own services groups competed with them. Carl adds the culture piece. Inductive refused to gate downloads, kept the module SDK open, made education free, and ran a public forum when competitors called it reckless, a posture they once called innovation without permission.Ignition 8.3 takes center stage, arriving after a deliberate five year gap from 8.1. Carl frames it as the completion of work that began with 8.0 in 2018. Gateway configuration is now stored in open, readable formats on disk, the gateway web interface was rewritten, and the platform supports orchestration, environmental separation, and infrastructure as code workflows Carl expects to become table stakes. The release also adds event streams, a revamped historian, and perspective drawing tools. For integrators still on 8.1, 8.3 is the version built for distributed deployments across many gateways.On AI, Carl is candid that the new MCP server module is intentionally a minimum viable product. It ships as a raw toolkit for integrators to author MCP primitives that expose Ignition data to agentic systems like Claude Code. First party MCP tools are coming, but Inductive wants to define the guardrails before shipping an API surface they will support for years. Carl frames AI as a new axis of software possibility, comparable to the shift from DOS to Windows. Colby ties it back to legacy SCADA conversion, framing the security and reliability gains as a national security issue. The episode closes with notes on the Inductive ecosystem, including a new collaboration with Tiger Data behind TimescaleDB, plus career advice on soft skills, context, and agentic coding tools.About Colby Clegg and Carl GouldColby Clegg is the CEO and cofounder of Inductive Automation, the California based company behind Ignition, the cross platform SCADA, MES, and IIoT software used by manufacturers and integrators worldwide. Carl Gould is the CTO and cofounder, leading product and engineering direction across Ignition. Both joined founder Steve Heckman in 2003 and have shaped the platform's open, integrator first philosophy ever since.Inductive Automation: https://www.inductiveautomation.comTimestamps0:00 Introduction1:00 Meet Colby Clegg and Carl Gould2:00 The origins of Inductive Automation in 20038:00 Going to market and the Innovator's Dilemma10:30 Innovation without permission as company culture18:50 Ignition 8.0 and the leap to Perspective26:00 The five year journey to 8.338:00 The MCP server module and AI in Ignition45:30 AI in the control plane and guardrails52:30 Tiger Data and the technology ecosystem1:02:30 Career advice for the next generation1:06:40 What is ripe for innovationReferencesIgnition Community Conference: https://icc.inductiveautomation.comAbout Your HostsVladimir Romanov is a cohost of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and the founder of Joltek, an independent manufacturing and industrial automation consulting firm specializing in modernization strategy, digital transformation, and workforce development. Joltek works with manufacturers and investors to reduce the risk of modernization and build the internal capability to sustain results.Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov/Want to go deeper? Vlad and the team at Joltek have covered related topics here:Colby Clegg on Ignition 8.3 and Industrial Automation: https://www.joltek.com/blog/industrial-automation-colby-clegg-ignition-8-3Connecting Allen Bradley PLCs to Ignition: https://www.joltek.com/blog/connecting-allen-bradley-plc-ignitionDave Griffith is a cohost of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and founder of Capelin Solutions, an industrial automation firm helping manufacturers adopt smart manufacturing technology. He brings 15 years of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/Subscribe to Manufacturing Hub: https://www.manufacturinghub.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-networkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManufacturingHub

We slow down for a short Mindset Matters pause and reflect on why feeling stuck doesn't mean we need to start over. I share how staying in the process, taking breaks without quitting, and meeting grief with honesty helps us keep moving forward with more ease.  • bringing back short “bits and bites” style segments between longer guest interviews  • exploring why “new plan” thinking can create extra pressure  • practicing a gentler kind of discipline that leaves room for imperfect days  • staying consistent through seasons of stepping back and returning  • shifting the show's focus to match life now, including widowhood and long-term grief  • carrying one question into the week to build awareness before change  Let me know what you'd like to hear more about on the showSupport the showI'm Carol Clegg, your host, an accountability coach and curious conversationalist inviting guests from a wide range of backgrounds to share insights on how they live, think, and navigate change.If you enjoy reflection, fresh perspectives, and honest dialogue, this space is for you.If you'd like to experience this work in community, I host a complimentary monthly Accountability Circle  a supportive space to pause, gain clarity, and choose a gentle next step forward. More info at https://carolclegg.com/accountabilitycircleFor those ready for deeper, more consistent support, I also offer a 90-day Accountability Package, designed to help you move from scattered ideas to steady, sustainable momentum.You can learn more at carolclegg.comLet's connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or join my LinkedIn Group Flourish: A Community for Women Business Owners

Daniel 6:1-28; Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor; the seventh sermon in the series "Daniel: Hope for Exiles."

In this episode, we explore the creative process behind Randy's new book " The Timeline of Self -Defence" and discuss effective strategies for how to get the best out of it. Randy is renown self protection teacher, speaker and author. Interested in his new book? link here: https://amzn.to/4tXwgWg

In Remedies (Hazel Press) playwright, poet, novelist, biographer, historian and much else besides Julia Blackburn meditates on the images, amulets and incantations that have been used to cure illnesses from ancient times to the present day, offering a set of poetic keys to unlock the mysterious, subtle space between mind and body. Blackburn was in conversation with the folklorist Sarah Clegg, author of The Dead of Winter and Woman's Lore.

Logan Clegg was an international man of mystery, camping in the New Hampshire woods. When Stephen and Wendy Reid went missing while on their usual walk, police began to search for them. They met an "Arthur Kelly" camping, and he turned out to be a bigger monster than they could imagine. Send your scary stories to: mikeohhello@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatchapterpodcast Business enquires : thatchapter@night.co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel 5:1-31; Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor at RMC; the sixth sermon in the series "Daniel: Hope for Exiles."

Daniel 2:24-49; Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor at RMC; the third sermon in the series "Daniel: Hope for Exiles."

Matt Clegg, Associate Pastor at RMC

“The phrase ‘unintended consequences' rarely passes the lips of our most senior lawyers, judges, or academics. Like many in the professional classes, lawyers have become cheerleaders for most fashionable progressive causes, abandoning the caution and prudence that once defined the discipline. Worse, they have become enforcers - shutting down dissenting voices inside and outside the profession”. Damning words from retired barrister Louise Clegg. We cover a multitude of issues in a revealing interview; one of which may surprise you. We take a look at other matters, including climate change. No, the science is not settled. And we check into The Mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The offseason never sleeps on Cougar Tracks, and neither do we. In this episode, KSL Sports BYU Insider Mitch Harper dives into BYU football's initial SP+ rating entering the 2026 season and what those early analytics might be telling us about expectations for the Cougars in the Big 12 and nationally. Mitch also dives into basketball, where the women's basketball team advanced to the WBIT Semifinals after defeating Stanford. He also shares his thoughts on some transfer portal prospects who have caught his attention. Then, finally, he caught up with BYU football sophomore EDGE rusher Hunter Clegg. Subscribe to the Cougar Tracks Podcast to stay up-to-date with all the daily episodes. Cougar Tracks is on YouTube and X every weekday at Noon (MT), and KSL NewsRadio at 6:30 p.m. (MT). Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-tracks/id1146971609 YouTube Podcast: https://kslsports.com/category/podcast_results/?sid=2035&n=Cougar%20Tracks Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2NCF1KecDsE2rB1zMuHhUh Download the KSL Sports app Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bonneville.kslsports&hl=en_US  iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ksl-sports/id143593 Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast daily on KSL Sports YouTube and KSL NewsRadio (SUBSCRIBE). Harper also co-hosts Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL NewsRadio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU athletics in the Big 12 Conference on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram: @Mitch_Harper. Want more coverage of BYU sports? Take us with you wherever you go. Download the new and improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. Allows you to stream live radio and video, keeping you up-to-date on all your favorite teams.

Anthropic is fighting the government in court. Microsoft is turning to Anthropic to get agentic in all its productivity products. A big new hyperscaler startup has raised a monster round. And could the war with Iran be something that could pop the AI bubble? Anthropic is suing the Department of Defense (The Verge) Microsoft announces Copilot Cowork with help from Anthropic — a cloud-powered AI agent that works across M365 apps (VentureBeat) Nscale Raises $2 Billion and Adds Sandberg, Clegg to Board (Bloomberg) Iran War Imperils $300 Billion in Gulf AI Spending (The Information) When Using AI Leads to “Brain Fry” (HBR) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices