Podcasts about Coffeehouse

As a writer, podcaster, and columnist for TRNN, Adam Johnson has been one of the fiercest, sharpest, and most consistent critics of legacy and Western media's roles in laundering, obscuring, justifying, and manufacturing consent for crimes against humanity committed in the Gaza genocide by Israel and with the full support of the United States. But critique is not enough anymore; to ensure that these horrific crimes don't continue, we need accountability for the political actors and media organizations that made it happen, or helped. At a live event hosted by Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore, Maryland, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with Johnson about his new book, How to Sell a Genocide: The Media's Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza, and about how to hold media organizations accountable for their roles in manufacturing the conditions for genocide.Guests:Adam Johnson is a writer, media critic, co-host of the podcast Citations Needed, and a columnist for TRNN. He is the author of the book How to Sell a Genocide: The Media's Complicity in the Destruction of Gaza.Credits:Audio Post-Production: Alina NehlichBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

At a live event hosted at Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore, Maryland, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez got to sit down for a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Smalls, co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union. Alvarez and Smalls discuss Smalls' new book, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class; they recount the incredible story of the formation of the Amazon Labor Union and the unionization of the first Amazon warehouse in the US; and they talk about Smalls' journey from warehouse worker and labor organizer to becoming an internationally recognized public figure and a human rights activist who has sailed with humanitarian flotilla missions to Gaza and Cuba.  Additional links/info:  Chris Smalls X page and Instagram Chris Smalls, Penguin Random House, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class Maximillian Alvarez, TRNN, "Chris Smalls: Sabotage attempts and death threats won't stop Gaza Freedom Flotilla" Featured Music:  Jules Taylor, Working People Theme Song Credits:  Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor

At a live event hosted at Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore, MD, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez got to sit down for a deep and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Smalls, co-founder and former president of the Amazon Labor Union. Alvarez and Smalls discuss Smalls' new book, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working Class; they recount the incredible story of the formation of the Amazon Labor Union and the unionization of the first Amazon warehouse in the US; and they talk about Smalls' journey from warehouse worker and labor organizer to becoming an internationally recognized public figure and a human rights activist who has sailed with humanitarian flotilla missions to Gaza and Cuba. Additional links/info: Chris Smalls X page and InstagramChris Smalls, Penguin Random House, When the Revolution Comes: A Fight for the Future of the Working ClassMaximillian Alvarez, TRNN, “Chris Smalls: Sabotage attempts and death threats won't stop Gaza Freedom Flotilla”Featured Music: Jules Taylor, Working People Theme SongCredits: Audio Post-Production: Jules TaylorBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

James Heale is in Makerfield ahead of one of the most consequential by-elections of all time, where Andy Burnham is hoping to return to Westminster and stop Reform's Robert Kenyon – the local plumber backed by Nigel Farage. On the ground, James hears from voters split between Labour and Reform, with some hoping Burnham can hold the line and others asking what he has really done for the area.He also sits down with Nigel Farage to discuss Reform's chances, the party's NHS policy, Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain challenge, and why Farage thinks Burnham would be even worse than Starmer in No. 10. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If you have a vision, do it 110% and jump all in.” on the Daily Grind ☕️, your weekly goal-driven podcast. This episode features Kelly Johnson @kellyfastruns and special guest Meg Wold @megalattecoffee, who is the founder and owner of Meg-A-Latte Coffee House—a specialty coffee brand that has grown from a single hometown shop into a nine-location business across North Dakota. They are known for its high-quality coffee, commitment to sustainability through partnerships like Dillano's Coffee Roasters, and a culture rooted in passion, hard work, and loving others.S9 Episode 20: 6/4/2026Featuring Kelly Johnson with Special Guest Meg WoldFollow Our Podcast:Instagram: @dailygrindpod https://www.instagram.com/dailygrindpod/  X: @dailygrindpod https://x.com/dailygrindpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dailygrindpodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailygrindpodPodcast Website: https://direct.me/dailygrindpod   Follow Our Special Guest:Website: https://meg-a-latte.com/ Instagram: @megalattecoffee Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megalattecoffee TikTok: @megscoffeehouse

In the Coffee House, John-Mark is joined by Brandon Adams and Benedict Allmand-Smith to discuss Covenant Theology, the Sinai/Mosaic covenant, Paul's argument in Galatians 3, the Abrahamic Covenant and its relationship to the New Covenant, and the different views on Abraham and Moses, particularly expressed in the majority Reformed view and the arguments of Meredith Kline. Swim deep in the questions of Reformed Covenant Theology at the Coffee House.Brandon begins by defining the historic “subservient covenant” view: Sinai is distinct from the covenant of grace and serves it by functioning as a typological covenant of works tied to temporal life and blessing in Canaan, conditioned on obedience. They contrast this with the majority historic Reformed view that post-fall covenants are one covenant of grace, and explain competing readings of Galatians 3:10–12 and 3:15–18 (including the “ad hominem” reading). Adams relates Kline's works-principle approach, critiques attempts to separate the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants, and argues Paul's “promise” centers on Christ blessing the nations, distinguishing the historia salutis from the ordo salutis. Delve deep into Covenant Theology with this episode at the Coffee House.Links and Resources Mentioned:Covenant Theology: From Adam to Christ (Nehemiah Coxe & John Owen) “Same but Different: The Meaning and (Mis)Use of a Reformed Formula” D. Patrick Ramsey. Mid-America Journal of Theology, volume 36 (2025).Reformation21 Summary VersionT.D. Alexander on the Seed[ttps://contrast2.wordpress.com/2024/09/20/the-dichotomous-abrahamic-covenant-of-circumcision-quotes/JIRBS Review Article JIRBS 2020 Paper Editionhttps://contrast2.wordpress.com/2016/09/03/gal-318-generic-law-and-promise-or-sinai-and-messiah/ (elaborated more carefully/fully in JIRBSAbraham not Moses?Lee Irons on works aspect of the ceremonial law, starting at 12:15Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 7: R. Scott Clark Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 6: 1689 Federalism Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 5: Glory Cloud Podcast Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 4: Contradiction Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 3: Royal Grant Proposal Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 2: Typological Merit Kline's Abrahamic Covenant of Works 1: Murray and Shepherd Some Disagreement with Coxe on Galatians 3:1700:00 The Coffee House00:50 Sinai as Subservient03:31 Majority Reformed View08:10 Galatians 3 Key Text09:36 Ad Hominem Reading 13:41 Baptist Reading Explained 21:19 Kline and Works Principle 26:17 What Promise Means 28:16 Historia vs Ordo Salutis 30:56 Offspring Argument in Galatians 32:07 Seed Singular or Plural 32:22 Genesis Clues for One Seed 33:03 Genesis 22 Offspring Shift 34:57 Paul Versus Judaizers 36:48 Law and Promise Timing 39:46 Why Then the Law 41:25 Covenant Redemption Question 44:10 Views on Mosaic Covenant 50:53 Land Promise and Obedience 53:38 Assessing Klinean Appeal 01:00:57 Luke and Nations Blessing 01:03:44 Closing Thanks and ResourcesSupport the showContact Broken WharfeTweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

When it comes to political vision, Keir Starmer's premiership has been something of a vacuum – and power abhors a vacuum. So cue Tony Blair, who this week has rushed in with a 5,000-word essay on what is wrong with Labour and, depending on who you listen to, either an outdated or radical view of where Britain should be as a country.This has galvanised Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and (finally) Keir Starmer to put down on paper their vision for the country and how to solve the biggest issues we face. But whose is more convincing?Oscar Edmondson discusses the question with James Heale and Rachel Wolf, founding partner at Public First and author of the 2019 manifesto.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. In our sample game we look at playing as Austria and aiming for a Diplomatic Victory. And our focus is on puppeting Citty-States, but be I misunderstood and instead of making a Diplomatic Victory easier, it makes it harder. I still managed to get my Diplomatic Victory, but a Science or Domination Victory would definitely have been easier in this scenario. Playing Civilization V, Part 12 A Diplomatic Victory Strategy Civilization V introduced a new Victory type and I thought it might be fun to try this strategy for a sample game to see broadly how this would work. I decided I would play as Austria on Prince level, which means that all players are equal and no one is favored. For my map I chose Fractal, Map Size = Standard, Game speed = Standard. My only Advanced Option was Quick Combat, because I didn't need to see that drawn out, particularly since I plan to avoid combat as much as necessary. My leader is Maria Theresa, and her Austria has a unique ability called Diplomatic Marriage. This allows us to either Annex or Puppet any city-state that has been allied to us for 5 turns with the proper expenditure of Gold. My plan was to use this to Puppet the city-states to control their votes for the Diplomatic Victory, but that was a misunderstanding. I actually implemented one of the hardest ways to win a Diplomatic Victory. But that is what I did. Now to get them to ally with me the most effective way to do this is with cash and lots of it, and of course even more cash to actually effect to Puppeting of them. So my overriding objective in this game is to amass a large Treasury. But of course I cannot ignore my military either, since a weak military invites attacks form greedy neighbors. And I may need to “liberate” the occasional city-state if another player conquers them. Austria also has a Unique Unit, the Hussar, which replaces the Cavalry unit. It can move after attacking, has a flanking bonus, and has one extra movement. And the Unique Building is the Coffee House, which increases the generation of Great People in the city by 25%. So you can expect me to build these in every city as well. With that in mind, I started the game and settled in place, I had Mountains nearby, but also Sheep and Silver within my city, so some useful resources. I immediately started to produce a Scout as my first unit, and sent my Warrior out to explore. In the very early stage I focus on exploring the surrounding area and finding any Goody Huts, i.e. Ruins. My initial city site is not exactly ideal, as it is all hilly with Jungle nearby. After building my two Scouts, my next priority was to build a Worker unit to increase the productivity of my city. And for my first social policy I unlocked Tradition. When I got my second policy I picked Oligarchy, and plan to complete all of the Tradition tree. I cleared out a Barbarian encampment, and then discovered my first City-state, Vilnius. Then I needed to clear out another Barbarian encampment that was blocking me from finishing my exploration. Meanwhile I am focusing on getting techs for sailing the ocean blue, because that is how I plan to get trade routes, discover City-states I can puppet, and so on. Because money is key to my strategy I made a beeline for Currency in the my Science research. And while headed there I completed the Tradition tree. When I can get there I will work on the Commerce tree to maximize my cash, but until then the Patronage tree will let me improve my City-state relations, which is important for improving my relationships with City-states. After all, you need to be allies with them for 5 turns before you can puppet them. I now have three cities, and can probably squeeze out a few more, which should be sufficient to my needs. At Turn 141 I have 6 cities, which is all I will build in this game. I now have the technology to build Workshops, which are the first productivity boosters available, so I set all my cities to building them. For Research my immediate object was to get to Compass so I could build the Galleass, which would let me do more ocean exploration. But to go into deep Ocean I will need to go further to get Astronomy, which will let me build the Caravel which can enter deep ocean. Once I got that I switched to Banking, not just for the money, but as a prerequisite to building the Forbidden Palace, which grants two additional delegates in the World Congress/United Nations. When I get Banking I'll go back to Astronomy, and then Navigation, to advance my seagoing capabilities. By Turn 216 I had gotten Banking and started on the Forbidden Palace. And by luck, just as I got started I got a Great Engineer. I am holding him in reserve in case I need to hurry production, since Great Engineers are the only way to do that in Civ 5. I also picked up Astronomy, which will let me build Caravels to explore the whole ocean. My next research priority will be Gunpowder since it is time to beef up my defenses. At Turn 240 my Caravels started to come out, and I found several new City-States. And since my Treasury is healthy (I started with 6,000 gold, and I'm bringing in 100 each turn), I began the process of puppeting the City-states. Puppeting City-states as Austria Let's look at this in detail since it is important. The requirements are 2 things: Be allied with the City-state for 5 consecutive turns Have the cash needed. This amount is not too much early on, but it rises over time. So, how do you become allies with a City-state? There are a number of things you can do to improve your relationship. You can take on a quest that a City-state has published, which can be things like “Find another Natural Wonder” or “Create a Great Admiral”. These quests pop up continuously throughout the game, and you are free to ignore them, but fulfilling one will improve your relationship. Trade will also improve your relationship, so in this game all of my Trade routes were made with City-states. If you are in a position to have a successful war, you can find a former City-state that was conquered by one of the other Empires, liberate it, and then it will be your ally for the rest of the game. Giving them presents is how I usually do it, though. You can give them units or money. If your purpose is to get allies, money works best. But I do gift units in 2 circumstances. First, if I have obsolete units, giving them away might be better then deleting them. Second, if a City-state is under attack by another Empire. Gifting them units might help them hold out and make life difficult for a rival. The place where all of this is done is the City-state screen which opens up when you click on the bar above the City-state, which is where you handle all of your relationships. At the top of this screen you see your current status, which more often than not will be Neutral, which is how all City-state relationships start out. But you can get them angry by, for instance, moving a unit of your into their territory. If you only do it once, and give them time to get over it, they will go back to Neutral. You can also improve the relationship by pledging to protect them, but be careful. If they get attacked and you do not try to protect them, they will get very angry. Giving a gift opens a pop-up to say what kind of gift: 250 gold, 500 gold, 1000 gold, or a Unit. Note that a Unit is only worth 5 influence points, while 250 Gold is worth 20, so as I said Money is more powerful if your aim is to improve your status with them. So at Turn 242 I found the City-state of Singapore, and it appears that I was the first Empire to find them. So I immediately pledged to protect them. My Influence with them was 20, which is Neutral. We just met, and that is where things stand on first meeting. The be Friends you need to get to 30, and to be allies you need to get to 60. When I clicked Next Turn, I got a Quest from Singapore. They were worried about a Barbarian Encampment nearby, and if I cleared it out I would get additional influence with them. In this case, though, I let that go by. I want to move more quickly, and Singapore is across the Ocean from me. My influence with them at this point was 21, so only a modest increase. But I have 6038 Gold in my Treasury, and I am bringing in 102 per turn. So let's see what a gift of 500 Gold will do. It brings me to 65 influence, so we are now Allies. But when I mouse-over Singapore, the pop-up window reminds me that my Influence will decrease by 1.12 per turn. For an Empire other than Austria this would mean a regular infusion of cash to keep up your status. And I have won Diplomatic victories with other Empires by saving up a lot of cash and dumping it on City-states just before the United Nations vote. But for Austria you have special ability called Diplomatic Marriage that lets you turn the City-state into a Puppet, and that is permanent. But it also presents some obstacles as we will see. We are allies now, but my influence will drop by 1 each turn, and I might lose my allyship before I can puppet them. But I can gift a unit and get another 5, and I happen to have a very obsolete Warrior unit that will serve the purpose. However, it takes three turns for the Unit to arrive, so I lose few more points. At Turn 247 I can now use the diplomatic Marriage option to make a puppet of Singapore. Prior to doing this I was fourth in score with 604, while the leader had 729. My Happiness Level was +25, and I now had 5833 Gold in my Treasury. Then I made Singapore a puppet, and now I am third in the game with a score of 664. My Treasury has fallen to 5258, which means it cost me 575 Gold. But most significant is that my Happiness fell from +25 to +9, which is a huge loss. I have enough gold to puppet 4-5 more City-states at this time but if I did I would have rebellions breaking out and my Empire would eventually collapse. This is the obstacle that Austria has to face. We need to promote Happiness before we go much further with making puppets. Civ is always a game of balances. Links https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/City-state_(Civ5) https://civilization.fandom.com/wiki/Austrian_(Civ5) https://www.palain.com/gaming/civilization-v/playing-civilization-v-part-12/ Provide feedback on this episode.

The Labour leadership contest may be rumbling on in the background, but today Coffee House turns to the Conservatives – and whether Kemi Badenoch can really revive a party still reeling from electoral collapse.Her allies argue that Badenoch is beginning to cut through: from her conference speech to her response to Rachel Reeves's Budget, and her decision to sack Robert Jenrick. Her personal ratings have improved, even as the Tory brand remains deeply damaged. But is that enough? Can Badenoch turn the Conservatives into a serious vehicle for change? Is the Tory brand beyond repair? And could the party eventually find itself forced into some kind of deal with Reform?Tim Shipman is joined by Noa Hoffman and Boris Johnson's former director of communications Lee Cain to discuss Kemi's dilemma – and whether the Conservative party is dead, or merely resting.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Labour leadership contest may be rumbling on in the background, but today Coffee House turns to the Conservatives – and whether Kemi Badenoch can really revive a party still reeling from electoral collapse.Her allies argue that Badenoch is beginning to cut through: from her conference speech to her response to Rachel Reeves's Budget, and her decision to sack Robert Jenrick. Her personal ratings have improved, even as the Tory brand remains deeply damaged. But is that enough? Can Badenoch turn the Conservatives into a serious vehicle for change? Is the Tory brand beyond repair? And could the party eventually find itself forced into some kind of deal with Reform?Tim Shipman is joined by Noa Hoffman and Boris Johnson's former director of communications Lee Cain to discuss Kemi's dilemma – and whether the Conservative party is dead, or merely resting.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living in Vienna, Austria with Nikolett Kustos: An Expat's PerspectiveDiscover the nuances of life in Vienna through Nikolett Kustos's experiences as a Hungarian-born photographer and resident. From cultural differences to practical cost-of-living insights, this episode offers a comprehensive view of what makes Vienna a unique and appealing place to live.In this episode:Nikolett's journey from Hungary to Vienna and her reasons for stayingThe cultural similarities and differences between Austria and HungaryVienna's social attitude and community dynamicsClimate, geography, and proximity to neighboring countriesCost of living: housing, utilities, transportation, and groceriesWalkability and public transportation systemThe vibrant LGBTQ community and safety in ViennaResidency, visa options, and bureaucratic processesLanguage considerations and expat integrationHealthcare system quality and accessCrime levels and safety perceptionsAustrian cuisine and culinary sceneCoffee culture and social habitsTrade-offs of living in Vienna compared to the USWhy Vienna is an ideal place for retirementAustria's tax environment: no wealth tax, no inheritance or estate taxesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Nikolett and her background02:00 - Reasons for moving to Vienna and cultural similarities with Hungary05:15 - Vienna's social attitude and community feel07:30 - Climate, geography, and travel opportunities around Austria10:00 - Cost of housing: old vs. new buildings13:00 - Cost of utilities and telecommunications15:00 - Transportation costs, public transit, and walkability19:00 - Safety and crime rates in Vienna21:45 - Food culture: traditional and international cuisine25:30 - Coffeehouse scene and social habits29:00 - Expat community and language in Vienna33:50 - LGBTQ visibility, pride, and community safety36:45 - Residency options, visa processes, and bureaucracy43:00 - Healthcare system and quality of medical services50:00 - Taxes, income tax, and international tax liabilities55:30 - Austria's healthcare coverage and private insurance60:00 - Crime, safety, and gun laws65:00 - Suitability for different demographics and lifestyle preferences75:00 - Trade-offs: what might not appeal to everyone78:30 - Why Vienna is a great retirement destinationResources & Links:Vienna Tourism BoardAustrian Tourist OfficeÖGK (Austrian Social Insurance)Vienna Public Transport (Wiener Linien)Book: “Living and Investing in Vienna” — Amazon searchAustrian Embassy to the USForeigners and Expats in Vienna and Austria (Facebook Group)Connect with Nikolett:LinkedIn — Nikolett KustosAustria's Tax EnvironmentAustria has no wealth tax and no inheritance, estate, or gift taxes. The inheritance and gift tax was abolished back in 2008. A few nuances worth knowing:Real estate transfers — While there's no inheritance tax per se, real estate received through inheritance or gift is subject to a transfer tax, and a land registration fee of 1.1% of market value is also owed by the heir.Gift reporting obligations — Even though gifts aren't taxed, gifts of cash, shares, and similar assets must be declared to the tax authorities if they exceed €50,000 in the case of relatives, or €15,000 in the case of third parties. Failure to report can result in fines.Could this change? — There's been some political discussion about reintroducing these taxes, though it is considered rather unlikely under the current government.Austria's Healthcare System: What American Retirees Need to KnowResidents are defined as individuals who have legally resided in Austria for 6 months or more and are entitled to healthcare under the state social insurance system. However, access to the public ÖGK system depends heavily on employment status:If you're employed, you're automatically enrolled through your employer the moment you start working.If you're retired and not working, individuals living permanently in Austria who are not covered by the state health system may get coverage by paying monthly fees, similar to coverage from a private insurance company, with a six-month waiting period.If you're self-employed or a freelancer, you can register with a separate body called the SVS, though these individuals need to pay 20% of the cost of treatment, and healthcare will not be completely free.The visa requirement wrinklePersons from third countries (non-EU) will only get a residence permit for staying more than six months if they can first provide proof of having health insurance covering “all risks.” So you essentially need private insurance before you can even get the visa — and then you can transition to the public system once you're established as a resident.Monthly costsContributions to the public ÖGK amount to approximately 7.65% of gross income, split between the employee and the employer.For those self-insuring voluntarily (not employed), student self-insurance at the ÖGK costs around €63 per month.Private plans for expats run roughly €30–€100 per month, depending on age and coverage.Bottom line for listeners:An American retiree moving to Austria would likely need to start with private health insurance to obtain their visa, then, after establishing legal residency, could potentially transition to the public system — but it's worth consulting an immigration specialist given the complexity.Note:Each section offers practical insights for prospective expats and retirees considering Vienna as their new homePlease always consult a professional tax and immigration attorney before making a move.A note on long-term residency for non-EU citizens: Retiring to Austria as a US citizen is possible but genuinely difficult. The primary pathway is the Settlement Permit (Gainful Employment Excepted), which requires sufficient passive income, comprehensive health insurance, proof of accommodation, and basic German language skills. The catch is that only approximately 300 of these permits are issued nationwide each year, quota places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the start of each calendar year, and immigration attorneys note that securing a spot is rarely possible without legal support. If you are serious about Austria, start the process early in the year and budget for professional immigration help.

Living in Vienna, Austria with Nikolett Kustos: An Expat's PerspectiveDiscover the nuances of life in Vienna through Nikolett Kustos's experiences as a Hungarian-born photographer and resident. From cultural differences to practical cost-of-living insights, this episode offers a comprehensive view of what makes Vienna a unique and appealing place to live.In this episode:Nikolett's journey from Hungary to Vienna and her reasons for stayingThe cultural similarities and differences between Austria and HungaryVienna's social attitude and community dynamicsClimate, geography, and proximity to neighboring countriesCost of living: housing, utilities, transportation, and groceriesWalkability and public transportation systemThe vibrant LGBTQ community and safety in ViennaResidency, visa options, and bureaucratic processesLanguage considerations and expat integrationHealthcare system quality and accessCrime levels and safety perceptionsAustrian cuisine and culinary sceneCoffee culture and social habitsTrade-offs of living in Vienna compared to the USWhy Vienna is an ideal place for retirementAustria's tax environment: no wealth tax, no inheritance or estate taxesTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Nikolett and her background02:00 - Reasons for moving to Vienna and cultural similarities with Hungary05:15 - Vienna's social attitude and community feel07:30 - Climate, geography, and travel opportunities around Austria10:00 - Cost of housing: old vs. new buildings13:00 - Cost of utilities and telecommunications15:00 - Transportation costs, public transit, and walkability19:00 - Safety and crime rates in Vienna21:45 - Food culture: traditional and international cuisine25:30 - Coffeehouse scene and social habits29:00 - Expat community and language in Vienna33:50 - LGBTQ visibility, pride, and community safety36:45 - Residency options, visa processes, and bureaucracy43:00 - Healthcare system and quality of medical services50:00 - Taxes, income tax, and international tax liabilities55:30 - Austria's healthcare coverage and private insurance60:00 - Crime, safety, and gun laws65:00 - Suitability for different demographics and lifestyle preferences75:00 - Trade-offs: what might not appeal to everyone78:30 - Why Vienna is a great retirement destinationResources & Links:Vienna Tourism BoardAustrian Tourist OfficeÖGK (Austrian Social Insurance)Vienna Public Transport (Wiener Linien)Book: “Living and Investing in Vienna” — Amazon searchAustrian Embassy to the USForeigners and Expats in Vienna and Austria (Facebook Group)Connect with Nikolett:LinkedIn — Nikolett KustosAustria's Tax EnvironmentAustria has no wealth tax and no inheritance, estate, or gift taxes. The inheritance and gift tax was abolished back in 2008. A few nuances worth knowing:Real estate transfers — While there's no inheritance tax per se, real estate received through inheritance or gift is subject to a transfer tax, and a land registration fee of 1.1% of market value is also owed by the heir.Gift reporting obligations — Even though gifts aren't taxed, gifts of cash, shares, and similar assets must be declared to the tax authorities if they exceed €50,000 in the case of relatives, or €15,000 in the case of third parties. Failure to report can result in fines.Could this change? — There's been some political discussion about reintroducing these taxes, though it is considered rather unlikely under the current government.Austria's Healthcare System: What American Retirees Need to KnowResidents are defined as individuals who have legally resided in Austria for 6 months or more and are entitled to healthcare under the state social insurance system. However, access to the public ÖGK system depends heavily on employment status:If you're employed, you're automatically enrolled through your employer the moment you start working.If you're retired and not working, individuals living permanently in Austria who are not covered by the state health system may get coverage by paying monthly fees, similar to coverage from a private insurance company, with a six-month waiting period.If you're self-employed or a freelancer, you can register with a separate body called the SVS, though these individuals need to pay 20% of the cost of treatment, and healthcare will not be completely free.The visa requirement wrinklePersons from third countries (non-EU) will only get a residence permit for staying more than six months if they can first provide proof of having health insurance covering “all risks.” So you essentially need private insurance before you can even get the visa — and then you can transition to the public system once you're established as a resident.Monthly costsContributions to the public ÖGK amount to approximately 7.65% of gross income, split between the employee and the employer.For those self-insuring voluntarily (not employed), student self-insurance at the ÖGK costs around €63 per month.Private plans for expats run roughly €30–€100 per month, depending on age and coverage.Bottom line for listeners:An American retiree moving to Austria would likely need to start with private health insurance to obtain their visa, then, after establishing legal residency, could potentially transition to the public system — but it's worth consulting an immigration specialist given the complexity.Note:Each section offers practical insights for prospective expats and retirees considering Vienna as their new homePlease always consult a professional tax and immigration attorney before making a move.A note on long-term residency for non-EU citizens: Retiring to Austria as a US citizen is possible but genuinely difficult. The primary pathway is the Settlement Permit (Gainful Employment Excepted), which requires sufficient passive income, comprehensive health insurance, proof of accommodation, and basic German language skills. The catch is that only approximately 300 of these permits are issued nationwide each year, quota places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis at the start of each calendar year, and immigration attorneys note that securing a spot is rarely possible without legal support. If you are serious about Austria, start the process early in the year and budget for professional immigration help.

On today's Saturday shots, James Heale is joined by former Conservative MP Steve Baker to discuss the fallout from Wes Streeting's resignation and the ‘orgy of chaos' that has ensued.Steve takes James inside the dark arts of a Westminster coup: why numbers matter, why you should pay attention to individual grievances, the importance of discipline – and why Labour's rebels may already be getting it wrong. As Andy Burnham plots his return, do the people of Makerfield really want to be caught up in a by-election that will not be about local issues? And is Burnham as good as he thinks he is?Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wes Streeting has made his move today for the Labour leadership – but does he have the numbers? There was some frantic briefing last night, with competing claims about who has the required number of MPs and who might be prepared to give up their seat to Andy Burnham. It almost takes us back to the days of Tory infighting.But the big news this morning is that Angela Rayner has been cleared by HMRC. In an incredibly well-timed judgment, there is now nothing standing in her way from making her own bid for the top job. So where are we on Thursday morning? What should we expect from the next 48 hours?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and James Lyons, former director of strategic communications in Number 10.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the Houston studio today local entrepreneur Pete Owens, talking about his new concert venue Coffee House Houston. Not just any venue however; this place is happening and Pete is here to tell you why! The volunteer-run nonprofit organization has brought a whole new vibe to the community - by bringing in live music and arts to the heart of Houston. Along with info about upcoming singer-songwriter acts such as Marshall Crenshaw and Joe Ely, Pete explains how his new and intimate live music setting in the Bayou City translates to a cool listening experience for everyone in the community. Bring along your love of music and join us!About the Spotlight Conversations podcast:Tune in as I invite friends inside my cozy linoleum free recording studio to talk about all things media - radio, television, music, film, voiceovers, audiobooks, publishing - if guests are in the spotlight, we're talkin'!  Refreshingly unscripted and unusually entertaining, listen in as each guest gets real about their careers in the entertainment biz, from where they started to how it's going. Settle into my swanky studio where drinks are on ice and the conversation starters are music + media - always a deal breaker for the rock and roll homemaker! Listen to Donna every night starting at 9 on Houston Radio Platinum, along with a special program she hosts every Tuesday and Thursday night at 10 called 'Late Night Spotlight'.New episodes drop every Tuesday. For more on what I'm doing when I'm not podcasting head on over to my Linktree accountSocial media links, website and more hereFollow and subscribe hereBooth Announcer: Joe Szymanski ('Joe The Voice Guy')Them...

As the full picture of the local elections emerges, Labour faces a dilemma: stick with Keir Starmer, or put forward an alternative?Calls for Starmer to resign have intensified, and we are braced for MPs to stick their heads above the parapet this weekend. The message from the Prime Minister is that he ‘will not go' and will not set out a path for his resignation either.So where does Labour go from here? Lord Glasman joins Tim and James to discuss the battle for the soul of the Labour party. Will they return to their traditions, or continue to ‘limp along in a state of paralysis'? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Nicola Nairn, Group Head of HR at Lancashire Insurance Group, a global specialty insurance and reinsurance business operating across London, Bermuda, the US, and Australia.Nicola shares her career journey into HR, starting on the trading floor at Morgan Stanley before moving into asset management and eventually transitioning into human resources. She reflects on how an unplanned move into HR led to a long-term career in reward and, later, broader HR leadership, bringing a strong commercial lens to people strategy.The conversation explores how Lancashire has grown from around 300 to 450 employees in recent years, and how the focus has now shifted from expansion to optimising the structure, effectiveness, and development of the organisation. Nicola explains how this creates opportunities to focus more deeply on talent, mobility, and long-term capability building across the business.Nick and Nicola discuss practical approaches to talent development, including identifying high-potential and high-performing individuals, building internal mobility, and combining external training with internal initiatives such as mentoring and knowledge-sharing programmes. Nicola outlines how creating visibility across the business helps employees better understand opportunities beyond their immediate roles.The episode also looks closely at culture. Nicola shares how Lancashire maintains a consistent culture across geographies while allowing for local differences, and explains why common sense and common decency are the foundations of the organisation's approach to hiring and leadership. She emphasises the importance of hiring for both capability and character, and treating recruitment as a two-way process.They also discuss hiring practices, working with search partners, and the gradual introduction of technology such as applicant tracking systems to improve hiring processes and data visibility. Nicola highlights the importance of investing time upfront with recruitment partners to ensure alignment on role requirements and culture.The conversation closes with practical advice for candidates and HR professionals, including the importance of authenticity in interviews, taking the time to understand motivations, and recognising that career paths do not need to be linear. Nicola also shares a simple but consistent lesson from her career: spend more time listening than talking, and stay open-minded.This episode offers a grounded view of how people and culture strategy is evolving within insurance, and how organisations can build strong teams by focusing on development, clarity, and cultural alignment.Connect with Nicola Nairn on LinkedIn to follow her work across HR leadership, talent development, and organisational culture.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

It's a blockbuster day in parliament today. To kick things off, we had Philip Barton pleading ignorance; to close the proceedings tonight we have a vote on a possible Privileges Committee probe. But in between we have Morgan McSweeney, the longtime bete noire of the Labour party left, giving testimony on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as British ambassador. McSweeney pushed hard for Mandy to be given the gig: a decision which he said in his opening statement to the Foreign Affairs Committee was a ‘serious error'. However, Keir Starmer's former chief of staff denied pressuring Foreign Office officials to clear the appointment ‘at all costs'.It wasn't as explosive as Olly Robbins last week and there seemed to be a more personal subplot running between McSweeney and chair Emily Thornberry – who was denied her frontbench role by Keir Starmer. Is the Prime Minister more or less secure after this latest testimony?Noa Hoffman speaks to Tim Shipman.Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Labour about to lose Wales? That's what the polling suggests. After 27 years, Wales is seeking change. The beneficiaries look to be the outsiders, Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. Why is it this moment in particular that people are seeking new answers? In this special episode of Coffee House Shots, James Heale goes on the road across the Welsh valleys with Luke Tryl, UK Director of More in Common. Attending a series of focus groups, speaking to people on the doorsteps and across towns in the UK, they try to find out where Wales is heading in the local elections on May 7. Produced by Megan McElroy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn the Coffee House, Jonny and John Mark are joined by James Dolezal to explore angelic incorporeity and why speculative angelology has fallen out of fashion. They discuss how empiricism and scientism have undermined confidence in immaterial realities and left Christians with thinner conceptual categories for speaking about angels, souls, and God, even when Scripture clearly teaches angels exist. Dolezal argues that recovering robust metaphysics helps distinguish God from even the highest creatures, critiques popular Genesis 6 “Nephilim interbreeding” theories as metaphysically incoherent, and explains angels as created pure spirits with finitude grounded not in matter but in act-potency and essence-existence composition. The conversation also surveys early Protestant interest in angelology and touches on angelic knowledge, power, and natural immortality.Timestamps00:00 Defining Incorporeality01:34 Angels and Immaterial Implications04:09 Why Talk About Angels05:56 Modernity and Scientism09:48 Losing Metaphysical Categories11:57 Nephilim and Cultural Confusion15:14 AI Angels and Creaturely Simplicity16:53 Created Pure Spirits Explained18:53 Matter Form and Finitude23:23 Spiritual Matter Debate26:40 Genesis Six Revisited30:17 No Sensual Appetites32:33 Universal Hylomorphism Challenge34:15 Essence Existence in Angels36:17 Relative Infinity Explained37:56 God Every Way Infinite42:06 Protestant Angelology Returns47:24 Empiricism and Witch Trials51:15 Satan Pride and Jealousy58:06 How Angels Know01:02:05 Angels Clarify God01:06:33 Wrap Up and Next Time LinksPurchase James' book "All That is in God"Support the showContact Broken WharfeTweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfeFollow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfeEmail us at info@brokenwharfe.comThanks for listening!

Just decades from now, millions of people all over the world will be forced to move because of climate change. In his new book, Shelter from the Storm: How Climate Change Is Creating a New Era of Migration, acclaimed journalist and migration researcher Julian Hattem reports from the front lines of the environmental apocalypse, taking readers on a journey from the South Pacific to the Indian subcontinent, to the Mediterranean. TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez speaks with Hattem about his new book and about the massive human displacement that is already being caused by climate change today.This podcast was recorded on April 4, 2026, at “End Papers: A mini-book fest on capitalism and the climate crisis,”hosted by Red Emma's Cooperative Bookstore and Coffeehouse in Baltimore, Maryland.GuestsJulian Hattem is the editor of Migration Information Source, the online magazine of the Migration Policy Institute, and founder and host of the podcast Changing Climate, Changing Migration. He has been on staff with the Associated Press and The Hill, and written for outlets including the Washington Post, The Guardian, NPR, and The Atlantic. The author of Shelter from the Storm: How Climate Change Is Creating a New Era of Migration (The New Press), he lives in Washington, DC.CreditsAudio Post-Production: Alina NehlichBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support.Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Follow us on:Bluesky: @therealnews.comFacebook: The Real News NetworkTwitter: @TheRealNewsYouTube: @therealnewsInstagram: @therealnewsnetworkBecome a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!

This week, the City Council voted to block the mayor's veto on the subminimum wage freeze. Was it successful? Plus, who will lead the powerful zoning committee, where is the Supreme Court leaning on Trump's challenge to birthright citizenship, and why do Chicago seniors love Back of the Yards Coffeehouse? We are joined by WTTW's Joanna Hernandez and Axios Chicago's Carrie Shepherd.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 17 episode: Window Nation Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It's Spring and time for a new symphonic analysis here on the CoffeeHouse! Join us as we start our look into Mendelsson's iconic 5th Symphony. Be sure to like and share with a friend! Music: https://imslp.org/wiki/Symphony_No.5%2C_Op.107_(Mendelssohn%2C_Felix) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/legalcode

Opinion polls consistently show Keir Starmer as one of the most unpopular Prime Ministers in history. His critics point to inertia and a lack of vision, while his supporters argue that media spin is harming the image of a decent man. Less than two years on from Labour's landslide victory, broadcaster Lewis Goodall joins James Heale to try to answer the question 'where did it all go wrong?' – a subject which Lewis explores in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary. Lewis explains the factors at play, from Starmer's personality and Labour party politics to the effect that the Conservative Party's implosion had on Labour's preparedness for government. Is Starmer a politician from a bygone era? Or, following on from a run of unpopular Tory leaders, is modern British politics simply ungovernable?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Beth Boucher, an experienced independent director with a portfolio spanning Hiscox, Coforge, and Specialty Insurance. Beth brings over 30 years of experience across technology, insurance, and business transformation, with a career built around using technology to drive operational change and growth.Beth shares how she transitioned from a full-time executive career into a portfolio of board roles, advisory work, and fractional CIO positions. She explains why that shift happened after COVID, how she approached building a board career intentionally, and what she learned early on about the difference between operating roles and governance.The conversation explores how to secure a first board role, including the importance of signalling your transition clearly to your network and recruiters, repositioning your profile, and being deliberate about the type of roles you pursue. Beth also shares her experience of board certification, why she chose to do it before securing her first role, and how it helped her understand the responsibilities and expectations of a non-executive director.Nick and Beth discuss the realities of board work, including onboarding into complex organisations, managing large volumes of board material, and building an understanding of areas outside your core expertise. Beth explains how directors can stay effective by committing to continuous learning, understanding their blind spots, and using the resources available within the board and management team.The episode also explores board dynamics and culture, with Beth emphasising the importance of fit, trust, and open challenge in the boardroom. She highlights why board appointments are always a two-way decision, and how interpersonal dynamics can be just as important as technical expertise.Beyond governance, the conversation looks at corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the role boards play in shaping meaningful impact. Beth shares examples of initiatives focused on education, community access, and environmental programmes, and explains how these efforts support employee engagement, brand reputation, and long-term value creation.The discussion closes with a practical look at cyber risk and technology oversight. Beth outlines the key questions boards should be asking around cybersecurity, including risk appetite, asset protection, resilience planning, and incident response. She also highlights the growing importance of AI and why all board members need a baseline understanding of both cyber and emerging technologies.This episode provides a clear view of how modern board careers are built, how governance expectations are evolving, and what boards need to focus on as technology and risk continue to change.Connect with Beth Boucher on LinkedIn to follow her work across insurance, technology, governance, and board leadership.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Live to Tape Home Opener Broadcast, Chris Porter, Sean Collier's Movie Reviews, Norside Organ Trio in the Coffeehouse, and more.

Norside Organ Trio is this week's featured band performing live in the Coffeehouse.

Norside Organ Trio is this week's featured band performing live in the Coffeehouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Live to Tape Home Opener Broadcast, Chris Porter, Sean Collier's Movie Reviews, Norside Organ Trio in the Coffeehouse, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our yearly silly one- join us for outtakes that made us chuckle on this week's CoffeeHouse. Be sure to like and share with a friend.  Music: https://imslp.org/wiki/Hungarian_Rhapsody_No.2%2C_S.244%2F2_(Liszt%2C_Franz) https://imslp.org/wiki/IMSLP:Public_Domain

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Elaine Rocha, former Chief Investment Officer at AIG and current CEO of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club of New York City. Elaine brings a career that spans law, insurance, investments, and executive leadership, shaped by a series of deliberate career moves and transitions across the industry.Elaine shares how she first entered the insurance industry through private legal practice, working on complex insurance coverage matters in the London market. She reflects on the early years of her career, where she developed deep technical expertise by working through large-scale claims, litigation, and policy structures, and how that foundation shaped her approach to problem-solving and learning.The conversation explores her move into AIG in the aftermath of the financial crisis. Elaine discusses the decision to leave private practice, the risks involved in joining a company undergoing significant change, and how she approached building credibility in a new environment. She explains how she navigated a large and complex organisation by focusing on learning quickly, asking questions, and developing strong relationships across the business.Nick and Elaine discuss how her role evolved within AIG, moving from legal into broader leadership responsibilities. Elaine reflects on the importance of saying yes to new opportunities, even when they sit outside your core expertise. This included stepping into roles such as Chief of Staff, moving into the investments division, and eventually becoming Chief Investment Officer, overseeing complex operations, transformation programmes, and large-scale strategic initiatives.The discussion highlights the breadth of experience required to operate at senior executive level within a global organisation. Elaine describes how working across insurance, investments, operations, and finance gave her a unique perspective across the value chain, including asset liability management, technology transformation, outsourcing strategies, and regulatory engagement.The conversation then turns to her transition into her current role as CEO of the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club. Elaine shares how her experience at AIG prepared her to lead an organisation undergoing transformation, and how many of the same leadership principles apply in a nonprofit environment. This includes building alignment across teams, introducing new operating models, leveraging technology, and working closely with an engaged board.Nick and Elaine also explore the relationship between executive leadership and the board. Elaine reflects on what she has learned from both sides of the boardroom, including how to ask better questions as a director and how to manage board relationships effectively as a CEO. She emphasises the importance of preparation, curiosity, and using past experience to guide better decision-making.The episode closes with practical advice for executives considering their next move. Elaine encourages leaders to take calculated risks, remain open to new opportunities, and continue building their skill set over time. She also highlights the importance of networking, staying informed on industry developments, and being intentional about long-term career direction.If you'd like to follow Elaine's work across insurance, leadership, and her current role at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club, connect with Elaine Rocha here on LinkedIn.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, our political editor Tim Shipman is joined by historian, biographer and foreign policy adviser to four different prime ministers, John Bew. In his 7,000-word essay published in the New Statesman last week, John sets out the historical context which has contributed to the malaise and decline of the British state – and hypothesises that we are currently living in the ‘fourth great disruption' to the political and economic order. He takes Tim through the previous three disruptions and the lessons that government needs to learn from them in order to stop the rot. Does the secret to forging a new place in the world order lie in fixing the machinery of government? Which figures from the past should we take inspiration from?Produced by Megan McElroy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government's plan to restrict jury trials passed its first parliamentary hurdle this week. It is one measure, amongst many, in a Bill designed to reduce the huge backlog currently facing the Courts. Labour MP Karl Turner and Danny Shaw, a former adviser, join Isabel Hardman to discuss why they have each come to their own, different conclusion about the merits of the Bill. For Danny, it is a pragmatic yet principled measure that will help mitigate an extreme situation. Karl, for his part, is – as you will hear – ferocious in his opposition, and argues that the evidence simply doesn't back it up. Amongst the debate though, there are moments of agreement – from the state of the justice system, to the government's handling of such a controversial measure.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we are delighted to be joined by the Sunday Times' Gabriel Pogrund, whose book – Get In, which details Starmer's rise to power – is out now in paperback with new revelations on the Peter Mandelson vetting process. It turns out that Keir Starmer did not even speak with his prospective US ambassador before offering him the biggest diplomatic position in Starmer's government. The whole scandal has exposed the prime minister's startling lack of curiosity and a detachment from important process that seems especially baffling given his background as a lawyer. What is the reason behind this lack of curiosity? And how does Starmer compare to other prime ministers in recent memory?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and Gabriel Pogrund.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Dr Susan Fleming, an experienced independent director with more than 25 years across insurance, asset management, and financial services. Susan currently serves on the boards of RLI Corp and Virtus Investment Partners, and has previously held director roles at Endurance Specialty, PXRE Group, Quanta Capital, and others.Susan shares how she first entered financial services, starting at SNL Securities before moving into Morgan Stanley's M&A group focused on financial institutions. That early exposure led her into insurance private equity at Insurance Partners, later Capital Z Partners, where she spent years working on complex and often distressed insurance transactions. She reflects on the pace and intensity of that period, the analytical grounding it gave her, and how it led to her first public board seat at just 29 years old.The conversation explores what it was like entering the boardroom at a young age, why private equity-backed board roles differ from independent directorships, and how board work has changed over the past two decades. Susan describes a clear shift toward greater professionalisation, higher expectations of directors, more scrutiny from shareholders and regulators, and a noticeable rise in overall board quality and rigour.Nick and Susan also discuss crisis governance in detail. Susan reflects on her experience joining Quanta Capital during a difficult period, helping oversee a runoff and sale process, and what that taught her about board teamwork, communication, and staying focused on the core objective of delivering value for shareholders. She also shares the lessons from Endurance Specialty, where the board supported a sale that created a strong outcome for shareholders, employees, and customers, even though selling the company had not originally been the plan.The conversation then broadens into Susan's wider career beyond the boardroom. She explains why she chose to leave private equity, pursue a PhD in management, and move into academia at Cornell University. There, she taught entrepreneurship, women in leadership, negotiations, and entrepreneurial finance, while also helping develop curriculum and contributing to the Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship. Susan reflects on how academic work, startup thinking, and board experience strengthened each other, particularly around innovation, experimentation, and helping larger organisations stay open to new ideas.Nick and Susan close with practical advice for executives seeking their first board role. Susan emphasises the importance of networking, having a clear board bio, preparing properly before joining a board, and making sure any opportunity aligns with both your expertise and your reputation. She is clear that challenging situations can be worthwhile if you can genuinely contribute, but that any question mark around integrity is a reason to walk away. Above all, she argues that directors should come prepared, check their ego, listen carefully, and earn trust through integrity, judgment, and thoughtful contribution.Connect with Dr Susan Fleming on LinkedIn to follow her work across insurance, governance, entrepreneurship, and board leadership.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance Coffee House Podcast or sign up to our News and Insights.Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram.Insurance Executive Search Consultants in USA, London and Bermuda.Copyright Insurance Search 2025 - All Rights Reserved.

Does Britain still have a coherent foreign policy? James Heale and Tim Shipman are joined by Ben Judah, former special adviser to David Lammy, and Ameer Kotecha, who recently resigned from the Foreign Office.Together they discuss why Britain's diplomatic establishment is under growing criticism – from accusations that the department has become bloated and distracted by DEI, to Chagos and deeper concerns that Whitehall no longer has the expertise or strategic clarity needed in an increasingly unstable world.With wars raging from Ukraine to the Middle East and tensions rising with China, they ask whether Britain has adapted to a more chaotic global order – or whether the country is still operating with the assumptions of a different era. They also debate the future of the ‘special relationship' and whether we would be better served by distancing ourselves from our increasingly erratic American cousins.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1977, Robin Bozian was the only woman attorney practicing law in Scioto County.Since then, she has spent 45 years as an attorney for Legal Aid, helping survivors of domestic violence and other marginalized groups.In retirement, she continues to take pro bono cases and we'll learn more about her dedication to service.And, Stereo Lab, a vintage shop for cassettes, radios, and audio gear, has been repairing antiques for more than 50 years. We'll learn more from the owner about their rich history.In October, the Royal Flamingo Coffee House was voted the second-best independent coffee shop in the country in USA Today's 10 best list. The cafe offers a wide range of notes and flavors, all roasted by the owners themselves.Guests:Robin Bozian, former Legal Aid attorney/community volunteerScott Freshour, Stereo Lab ownerBryan Brzozowski, owner, Royal Flamingo CoffeeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

In 1977, Robin Bozian was the only woman attorney practicing law in Scioto County.Since then, she has spent 45 years as an attorney for Legal Aid, helping survivors of domestic violence and other marginalized groups.In retirement, she continues to take pro bono cases and we'll learn more about her dedication to service.And, Stereo Lab, a vintage shop for cassettes, radios, and audio gear, has been repairing antiques for more than 50 years. We'll learn more from the owner about their rich history.In October, the Royal Flamingo Coffee House was voted the second-best independent coffee shop in the country in USA Today's 10 best list. The cafe offers a wide range of notes and flavors, all roasted by the owners themselves.Guests:Robin Bozian, former Legal Aid attorney/community volunteerScott Freshour, Stereo Lab ownerBryan Brzozowski, owner, Royal Flamingo CoffeeIf you have a disability and would like a transcript or other accommodation you can request an alternative format.

Rachel Reeves has today delivered her much anticipated spring statement, her opportunity to address the looming energy crisis, the uncertainty in the Middle East and the crashing Labour market … unfortunately, she did none of the above.The Treasury promised that the spring statement was going to be boring – and at least it delivered on that pledge. For twenty painful minutes, Reeves rattled off her familiar lines about ‘stability' and Liz Truss. Is this another wasted opportunity for Labour and the Chancellor? What will it mean for her own ‘stability'?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Insurance Coffee House, Nick Hoadley is joined by Val Rahmani, a leading board director across insurance and financial markets, currently serving on the boards of London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), RenaissanceRe, and Entrust. Val shares how a 28-year career at IBM, followed by startup CEO experience, shaped her approach to leadership, strategy, and governance.Val reflects on her early career, starting as a chemistry PhD student who wanted to move into sales, and how IBM redirected her into systems engineering so she could learn the product before selling it. She describes the pivotal moment when she was selected to work in the CEO's office and how that fast-tracked her exposure to top-level decision-making. Val shares practical lessons from that period, including how to think clearly under pressure, how to listen to specialists on the ground, and why taking opportunities quickly can change the trajectory of a career.The conversation then moves into Val's transition from big tech to startup leadership. She explains what changes when you move from a large organisation with abundant resources to a startup where every decision is constrained by funding, headcount, and time. Val discusses the realities of raising capital while running the business, why she enjoyed fundraising, and how sales skills translate into leadership by focusing on understanding what people actually need.Nick and Val then explore her board journey and how her first board roles helped her shift from hands-on executive work into governance. Val explains why private company boards can be a strong entry point for executives looking to build board experience, including the higher involvement, the pace, and the learning curve without the full weight of public company regulation. She shares how her first public board appointment at Aberdeen Asset Management came about through a recruiter, and why culture fit matters as much as capability when board appointments are long-term commitments.Val also breaks down what LSEG actually does beyond the exchange, including clearing and its evolution into a data and analytics business, particularly following the acquisition of Refinitiv. She shares how she approached joining RenaissanceRe without an insurance background, and how structured induction, one-to-one time with executives, and asking direct questions helped her get up to speed. Val and Nick discuss the people-centric nature of the insurance market, the importance of understanding industry relationships in reinsurance, and what it takes to become useful before offering strategic input.The episode closes with practical guidance for building a board portfolio. Val explains why her board roles have largely come through recruiters, why those relationships need to be long-term rather than transactional, and how recruiters can match for culture when they know the person behind the CV. She shares what she believes makes an outstanding board director: listening, being selective about where you contribute, respecting time in the boardroom, and doing the work outside the meeting so the questions you bring are truly value-add. Val also outlines how she stays current, including structured reading habits and monitoring market signals, and why every board member needs at least a working awareness of AI and its implications.Connect with Val Rahmani on LinkedIn to follow her work across technology, governance, and board leadership.The Insurance Coffee House Podcast is brought to you by Insurance Search.We are a global Insurance Executive Search Consultancy, supporting Insurance and Insurtech businesses to attract and retain the very best insurance talent.Find out more about showcasing your employer brand as a guest on the Insurance...

Two titans of broadcasting – LBC's Iain Dale and Sky's Jon Craig – join deputy political editor James Heale for a whistle-stop tour of British by-elections. From Oxford City in 1938 to Chesterfield in 1984 right up to Runcorn in 2025, why do by-elections matter? When have they been most significant? And are longer vote counts the product of fractured politics in the modern age?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

General Sir Nick Carter, former chief of the defence staff, joins Tim Shipman to discuss Britain's military preparedness – or rather, lack thereof. While a friendlier US presence at the Munich Security Conference may have provided some relief, the military threats to the UK and to Europe presented are still stark. So what choices need to be addressed to ensure that Britain is equipped to deal with these threats? Is the government doing enough to address the awareness gap with the public? And how could AI change warfare?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Macintyre joins James Heale to discuss his new biography of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown: Power With Purpose. While the book has been years in the making, little did James know that it would end up published at the same time that its themes and subjects could never be more relevant.James tells our deputy political editor about the relationship between Brown and Blair, what the Labour leader makes of Keir Starmer's problems today and his reflections – with hindsight – about bringing the now-disgraced Peter Mandelson back into government in 2008. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.