1947–1991 period of geopolitical tension between the Eastern Bloc and Western Bloc
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Ten-year waits. Cold War laws. And a system that trains the world's smartest people… then tells them to leave. Immigration attorney Deron Smallcomb explains why America isn't losing the talent race, we're sabotaging it.Secure borders. Fair asylum. Smart immigration.We can have all three once we put common sense above politics.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is there a new space race to build a nuclear reactor on the Moon? This week on Ninjas Are Butterflies, we dig into reports claiming just that, as well as a disturbing missing child case near Dracula's castle, and claims of a CIA-backed digital network designed to monitor and control more than we're told. Episode 173 connects Cold War energy, modern surveillance, and old-world darkness—because of course it does. We break down why the Moon suddenly needs nuclear power, and who's racing to get there first. The eerie disappearance near Romania's most infamous landmark, and allegations of a hidden digital control grid—and how deep it might go. Like and follow if you want this show to survive the algorithm. Thanks to our sponsor BetterHelp. Visit https://betterhelp.com/NINJAS for 10% off your first month #sponsored Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat with Promo Code NINJAS at https://on.auraframes.com/NINJAS #ad Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code NINJAS at Bubsnaturals.com #sponsored Get MORE Exclusive Ninjas Are Butterflies Content by joining our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NinjasAreButterflies NEW EPISODES EVERY FRIDAY @ 6AM EST! Ninja Merch: https://www.sundaycoolswag.com/ Start Your Custom Apparel Order Here: https://bit.ly/NinjasYT-SundayCool Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it really mean to speak of "socialism with Chinese characteristics"? Is it simply a matter of policy and political economy, or does it require grappling with thousands of years of civilizational history, philosophy, and culture? In this episode, Breht is joined by Zhao, the mind behind Goods for the People and author of Chinese Characteristics of Socialism: Civilizational Factors in CPC Governance to explore a bold and provocative argument: that while class struggle and material conditions must remain primary, China's socialist path cannot be understood without its deep Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist inheritance. From Yu the Great's flood control and the origins of infrastructural legitimacy, to the Mandate of Heaven, Da Tong, and the tributary system, we examine how ancient ideas of harmony, moral legitimacy, and collective responsibility continue to shape contemporary Chinese governance and foreign policy. This is a wide-ranging conversation for Marxists, socialists, and anti-imperialists interested in China beyond caricature, reductionism, and Cold War myths -- one that asks how history, philosophy, and material struggle converge in the making of a socialist future, and what China's trajectory might mean for the global path toward communism. Other episodes mentioned in this episode: Check out our 7 hour episode on the last 250 years of Chinese History HERE Check out our episode on Italy's Years of Lead HERE Check out our episode on the German Revolution HERE Check out our episode on the Spanish Civil War HERE ---------------------------------------------------- Support Rev Left and get access to bonus episodes: www.patreon.com/revleftradio Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Follow, Subscribe, & Learn more about Rev Left Radio https://revleftradio.com/
Maps have always had problems. Five hundred years ago, maps were wildly inaccurate simply because cartographers were drawing the edge of the known world, limited by slow ships and nonexistent satellite data, resulting in continents that were too large, too small, or entirely misplaced. All of those problems have been solved thanks to new technology, but now there are new ones. Even though we know the exact dimensions of Earth, our maps are still "wrong" because we force a three-dimensional globe onto a flat surface, leading to mathematical distortions like the Mercator projection, which wildly exaggerates the size of landmasses near the poles. One map that tries to correct the Mercator projection's distortion of landmass sizes is the Gall-Peters projection, but to achieve this size accuracy, it severely stretches and distorts shapes, particularly near the poles, making Alaska look like a whirlpool or expanding pinwheel. To make it even more confusing, there are maps that were deliberately tweaked to hide government secrets or those drawn with junk data just to trick an enemy into giving up territory. But for today’s guests, Jay Foreman and Mark Cooper-Jones, they enjoy these sort of cartographic oddities. They are the authors of “This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong and Why it Matters.” We discuss all sorts of maps that went wrong—from the infamous Mountains of Kong—a completely made-up mountain range that ran East-West across the entire African continent--to colonial maps with mathematically impossible borders and US states with fake cities. We also discuss The frequent omissions of New Zealand on maps that use the Mercator projection Maps that will land you in prison depending on which countries claim certain territories Cold War-era Soviet paranoia that falsified virtually all maps for decades on the direct orders of secret police See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As part of the annual 12 Days of The Comic Source countdown to Christmas, Jace of The Comic Source sits down fireside with returning guest Chris Condon for a wide-ranging holiday conversation that reflects on Condon's career, creative process, and current projects. The discussion covers the long-anticipated return of That Texas Blood with Jacob Phillips, including its evolving time-period structure, emotional grounding, and why revisiting the series feels like coming home, before moving into reflections on Condon's concluding work on Green Arrow and the personal themes shaping its finale. The episode also explores Ultimate Wolverine and its real-time storytelling approach in Marvel's Ultimate Universe, the Cold War-era horror and immersive back-matter of News from the Fallout, and the upcoming Vertigo revival title The Peril of the Brutal Dark, which reimagines an early creator-owned concept with a noir-adventure lens. The conversation closes on holiday traditions, seasonal nostalgia, and the role of comics as a lifelong constant, blending professional insight with personal reflection in the relaxed Fireside Chat format.
"But, at night to Mohammed, he confessed his doubts: It will not be as we dream, when those of us who survive finally get there. Corrupt politicians have already ensconced themselves. They are waiting for us—waiting for us not as brothers but as our masters. They will use us." – As told to John Berger, "Two Recumbent Male Figures Wrestling on a Sidewalk""For a moment, he actually feels he can't go on, can't function anymore, living two lives with enough stress for ten but less than enough sleep for one."– Doug Moench, BATMAN #484The United States is a broken empire. It just doesn't know it yet. The 1990s marked the full bloom of the international counterrevolution, whose mission to destroy the gains of the 20th century had just seen its first major victory in the destruction of the USSR. With no systemic power to oppose it, capitalism molted the old skin of social democracy, unveiling its truest form to hollow fanfare and a dead-eyed audience.Bereft of an external enemy worth organizing against, unsatisfied with the empty calories of the video game war, confronted with the grim realities of vaunted liberal democratic values, Americans tried to make sense of life at the end of history. Whose triumph was this? Even superhero fans found themselves yearning for—but never quite finding—meaning in heroes whose integral, inflated violence now seemed both superfluous and insufficient to the moment. Despite having "won" the Cold War, maybe what American audiences needed to see was one more domino fall.***The Black Casebook:EmailTwitterBlueskyInstagramPatreon---------Collective Action Comics:Email Instagram TwitterBlueskyPatreon---------Our episode art was by the great Kly, whom you can (and should) support on Patreon.
“But, at night to Mohammed, he confessed his doubts: It will not be as we dream, when those of us who survive finally get there. Corrupt politicians have already ensconced themselves. They are waiting for us—waiting for us not as brothers but as our masters. They will use us." – As told to John Berger, "Two Recumbent Male Figures Wrestling on a Sidewalk" "For a moment, he actually feels he can't go on, can't function anymore, living two lives with enough stress for ten but less than enough sleep for one." – Doug Moench, BATMAN #484 The United States is a broken empire. It just doesn't know it yet. The 1990s marked the full bloom of the international counterrevolution, whose mission to destroy the gains of the 20th century had just seen its first major victory in the destruction of the USSR. With no systemic power to oppose it, capitalism molted the old skin of social democracy, unveiling its truest form to hollow fanfare and a dead-eyed audience. Bereft of an external enemy worth organizing against, unsatisfied with the empty calories of the video game war, confronted with the grim realities of vaunted liberal democratic values, Americans tried to make sense of life at the end of history. Whose triumph was this? Even superhero fans found themselves yearning for—but never quite finding—meaning in heroes whose integral, inflated violence now seemed both superfluous and insufficient to the moment. Despite having "won" the Cold War, maybe what American audiences needed to see was one more domino fall. ---------- Special thanks to our Lovable Sidekicks: Better Possible Futures, Kourtney Smith, Walt Llewellyn, Kafka, The Black Casebook's Very Own Nightwing, JD Lunt, Ambird, Mr. Pig from the Intervention, Travis Armstrong, Chris Marks, Wirecats, Sheeee-itttt, VoidTek, Mars Hottentot, Richard Bell, TakoTuesday, Joseph, and Knife Money ---------- Email: blackcasebookpod@gmail.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlackCasebook Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/blackcasebook.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcasebookpod/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/blackcasebook/posts ---------- Email: collectiveactioncomics@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collectiveactioncomics Twitter: https://twitter.com/CAComixPod Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cacomixpod.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collectiveactioncomics
Charles Stankievech is an artist, a writer, and an academic. He teaches at the University of Toronto, and his art takes him into some of the most remote landscapes on earth. Places like CFS Alert, the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. He describes the Arctic as occupying two parallel spaces in our cultural imagination: one built on myth and fantasy, and another grounded in harsh, physical reality. He says that most people will never set foot there, which means our understanding of it comes from ideas rooted in medieval tales of magnetic mountains, science-fiction fortresses carved out of ice, or the general sense that it's a blank, unreachable expanse. But beneath that fantasy is a real landscape shaped by nature and human activity. One of Charles' early Arctic projects was about the Distant Early Warning Line, a network of Cold War radar stations built across the Arctic to detect incoming Soviet bombers. He began thinking about how the remnants of that global conflict were already entangled with what he called an emerging “Warm War,” where rising temperatures and melting sea ice would turn buffer zones into contested shipping routes and resource frontiers. Sound is one of his primary tools for understanding these places. He says that what you hear often tells a different story than what you see, and so his work uses sound to help people experience aspects of a place that visuals alone can't capture. That instinct connects back to his own life — long days spent alone in the Rockies with his dog, camping, hiking, and snowboarding in the backcountry. Those solitary experiences were a refuge, a place where existential questions emerged naturally. It's where he learned that when you confront the world on your own terms, you gain a clearer understanding of yourself and the people around you.
The Context of White Supremacy welcomes Camilo Eugenio Lund-Montaño live from Puerto Rico. Gus intends to find out right quick of Lund-Montaño is classified as a White person. White reading Evelyn Williams' Inadmissible Evidence in the Katherine Massey Book Club, Gus was struck by her commentary on the influx of White lawyers during the so called Civil Rights Movement. Williams was suspicious of their presence and wondered if their primary objective was to bolster their White reputations by representing “militant” negroes or if they were in some way connected to the widespread COINTELPRO campaigns of subversion to undermine attempts to Produce Justice. This led Gus to find Lund-Montaño's report: Out of Order: Radical Lawyers and Social Movements in the Cold War. This work examines the history of mostly White lawyers involvements with numerous non-white people and campaigns during the 1900s. It highlights how the National Lawyer's Guild, the American Bar Association, and the field of law in general was - and remains - overwhelmingly White and insufficiently concerned with countering Racism or aiding non-white attorneys and judges. It's noteworthy that NLG switched their focus to issues of sexism/White Women in the middle of the so called Civil Rights Movement. Nigh on 2026, White females are the growing majority of law school students, while black dudes represent one of the tiniest groups allowed to practice law. #RevJimJones #DrMarcusFoster INVEST in The COWS – http://paypal.me/TheCOWS Cash App: https://cash.app/$TheCOWS CALL IN NUMBER: 720.716.7300 CODE 564943#
In William Boyd's newest novel The Predicament, lead character and travel writer Gabriel Dax becomes a secret spy, scouring the globe on British orders during the Cold War. He's looking for an escape from espionage, but when he starts to receive envelopes of cash from the KGB, can he resist? In today's episode, author William Boyd talks with NPR's Scott Simon about the second book in the Gabriel Dax trilogy, and how his own conspiracies about President Kennedy's assassination influenced his novel-writing process.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Ferdinand wanted to make cars for the people, but the Porsche brand we know is an empire of performance. Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Semple is a marketing consultant, story collector, and storyteller. I’m Stephen’s sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today’s episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it’s us, but we’re highlighting ads we’ve written and produced for our clients, so here’s one of those. [ASAP Commercial Doors Ad] Dave Young: Welcome to The Empire Builders Podcast. It’s the podcast where we talk about empires that were built, businesses, business empires. You know what we… If you’ve listened before, you know… Stephen Semple: Something like that. I get it. Businesses that have done pretty well over the years. Dave Young: They started small. Stephen Semple: They started small. Dave Young: They started small and then they got big. They got so big to the point that you could call them an empire. Stephen Semple: That’s it. That’s the idea. Dave Young: It’s a pretty simple premise. Stephen Semple: That’s it. Dave Young: So as we counted down, Steve told me the topic today and it’s Porsche. Stephen Semple: Yes, sir. Dave Young: Porsche. I’m assuming this is the car. Stephen Semple: The car, yes, the car. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: The car. Dave Young: And I’m trying to… I know some Porsche jokes, but I probably shouldn’t tell those on this show. I’m trying to think if I’ve ever actually been in a Porsche. Stephen Semple: Oh, well then you’ve got to come up and see me, Dave. Dave Young: You own one. I know you own one. Stephen Semple: Well, I have one. Bernier’s got two. I don’t know how many Steve has. Dave Young: I see how it is. I see how it is. Maybe I will tell my Porsche joke. So you guys that own them, do you call it Porscha? Because some of us just say Porsche. Stephen Semple: Well, if you actually take a look back, that’s the proper German pronunciation as Porsche. Dave Young: Porsche, okay. Stephen Semple: And it’s supposed to not be… It’s not Italian Porsche, right? So it’s Porsche. Dave Young: Porsche, Porsche. Okay, I’ll accept that. I’ll accept that. I’m guessing we’re- Stephen Semple: Well, look, you got to always call a dealership to double check. They’ll tell you. Dave Young: Now, if I had to guess where we’re headed to start this off sometime around the 40s, maybe earlier. Stephen Semple: A little earlier than that, actually. It was founded by Ferdinand Porsche in 1931 in Stuttgart, Germany. You’re not far off. But the interesting thing is where the growth really happened, even though that’s when it was founded, when things really started to happen, was actually post-World War II. Dave Young: That makes sense. Stephen Semple: You’re correct on that. Dave Young: So, it started in 31 and by the time you hit the late 30s and 40s, you’re part of the war machine. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: So it was founded in 1931, Stuttgart, Germany by Ferdinand. And when we take a look at the history of the business for a very long time, they were a part of the VW group, although they were recently spun off into their own separate business. And there’s a lot of shared history between VW and Porsche. A lot of people make fun of the fact that it’s basically a VW. There’s so much connection. Now here’s the other thing is, there’s a lot of connection in Nazi Germany here as well. And I mean- Dave Young: That’s what I was intimating but trying not to say, but yes, there was definitely. Stephen Semple: And not one of these ones of, “Oh, I’m a business and I got sucked up into the machine.” I mean, very early on. Very early on. Ferdinand was a member of the SS following the war, both he and his son were charged. Dave Young: No kidding. Stephen Semple: He served two years in jail. His son six months. So we’re not talking loose connections here. He was a buddy of Adolf. Let’s just put it out there. And if you remember, going back to episode 21, VW was founded by Nazi Germany. So episode 21 about The Beetle, and Ferdinand was the guy who designed the Beetle. Dave Young: Right, right. I remember you saying that, Ferdinand Porsche. Stephen Semple: And look, Porsche has not always had the success it has today. It’s become pretty big. They do 40 billion EU in sales. They have 40,000 employees. They make 300,000 cars. There was a time that they’re making cars in the hundreds and thousands. It wasn’t that long ago. But let’s go back to Germany to the early 1900s. And if we think about Germany at that time, pre-World War II, pre-World War I, there was lots of history of engineering and science in Germany. More Nobel Prizes in Science was awarded to Germany than anywhere else in the world at that time. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: Germany was a real leader in science and engineering. And the first commercial automobile was made in Germany by Mercedes-Benz. So it’s 1906 and Daimler recruits Ferdinand because Ferdinand had been the winner of the Pottingham [inaudible 00:06:05] Prize, which is the automotive engineer of the year, which is given to new chief engineers and basically allows the person to have this designated doctor engineer honoris causa, Ferdinand Porsche. And he would go around calling himself all of that. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: And this is an honorary doctorate because he never actually finished college, but he had real engineering chops, Ferdinand. So he moves to Stuttgart, which at the time is a center of car making in Germany, including all the suppliers. And he works for Benz for 20 years. Okay. Now, it’s Germany in the 1930s and 2% of the population own a car in Germany as compared to the United States, which is 30%. Dave Young: In that time? Stephen Semple: In that time. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: Ferdinand comes up with this idea of we should make an inexpensive car. We shouldn’t be making car for the wealthy. We should make an inexpensive car. The board rejects the idea. Ferdinand leaves in 1929. And in 1931… Kicks around for a few years, and then 1931 starts a consulting firm. Now, this dude knew how to name things. You’re ready for the name of the company? Dave Young: Of the consulting firm? Stephen Semple: Of the consulting firm. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: I have to read this to get it right. The Doctor Engineer Honoris Causa Ferdinand Porsche Construction and Consulting and Design Services for Motor Vehicles. Dave Young: Now, if I know anything about German, that was all one word that you just said, right? Stephen Semple: Well- Dave Young: No spaces in between any of those words. Stephen Semple: Translated, you’ll see it as Dr. in H period, C period, F period, Porsche, capital G, small M, small B, capital H. Dave Young: It just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? Stephen Semple: Now, here’s the crazy thing. Up until 2009, that remained the official name of the company. You actually can find, if you see Porsche’s older than that, that if you look for that, it’ll be stamped somewhere in the car that that’s the manufacturer. Dave Young: They changed it finally because it was just too expensive to- Stephen Semple: It cost too much- Dave Young: Put that many letters in a dye cast. Stephen Semple: Exactly, exactly. Dave Young: Holy cow. Stephen Semple: So it’s 1934 and they land a contract with Germany to design a small affordable car for the people called the Volkswagen. Dave Young: Volkswagen. Stephen Semple: Beetle. Right, there you go. Now, here’s the thing that’s weird. Post World War II, the allies are in trying to rebuild Germany and no one owns VW. VW was owned by the state. So now it’s in the hands of the British and the British and the allies want to create a strong economy in West Germany because it’s now the Cold War. So the big defense to defending against East Germany and the expansion of communism is to really get the economy going in Germany. And so the British government, as we know from episode 21 about the Beetle, approached Porsche who designed it and said, “Help us get this car built.” And this is where it gets just a little bit weird because the son goes in one direction. Ferdinand’s doing his own thing. They both got arrested for war crimes. Son gets out first because he did six months. And his son’s name’s Ferry and his dad is in jail for two years. So between this time where dad’s still in jail and son’s out, here’s one of the things they did towards the end of the war. We don’t know exactly how many, but it was probably about 20 of their best engineers and they moved them out into the farmland of Austria and basically had them working in a barn because they didn’t want to get them arrested or killed, quite frankly. So Ferry gets out and he goes to this barn in Austria and he’s looking around and he goes, “What the heck are we going to do to make some money? Let’s start fixing up cars.” Now, not a huge business fixing up cars. It’s post-war and there weren’t a lot of cars in Germany anyway, but they had to do something. Then the dad gets out of jail and he ends up doing this work with Volkswagen. Now, here’s what’s interesting. And this is where the really tight ties between Porsche and Volkswagen start. The deal that the German government gives Ferdinand, the deal that the allies give Ferdinand is this. Dave Young: Stay tuned. We’re going to wrap up this story and tell you how to apply this lesson to your business right after this. [Using Stories to Sell Ad] Dave Young: Let’s pick up our story where we left off and trust me you haven’t missed a thing. Stephen Semple: The deal that the allies give Ferdinand is this. We want your help designing and distributing this car. We will give you a royalty for every VW Beetle sold worldwide. Dave Young: Wow, that’s pretty generous. Stephen Semple: Well, no one knew it was going to be such a huge success and basically go for 50 years that car was being built. Dave Young: Right, right. Stephen Semple: So for a long time, the biggest source of revenue for Porsche was royalties on VW Beetle sales. Dave Young: Wow, okay. So it really- Stephen Semple: Isn’t that crazy? Dave Young: It really wouldn’t exist if that deal hadn’t been made. Stephen Semple: May not have, may not have. Now, meanwhile, Ferry, who has design chops of his own and loves cars, started tinkering around with vehicles. And what he started to do was put big engines in small cars. There was all these Beetle parts lying around. He would build a car, this little car, and he’d put a big engine in it. And if you go back in the time, if you go back and take a look in the late 30s, early 40s, and you take a look at Ferraris and things like that, you take a look at the race cars at the time, they were two-thirds engines. They’re these massive engines. So he went the opposite direction. He said, “Well, let’s take a little car and put a big engine in it.” And he’s driving around and he goes, “This is fun.” Because he’s basing it on parts lying around, which is the VW stuff. It’s an engine in the back. This becomes the Porsche 356, which is basically Porsche’s first car. So they start making this car and they wanted to make it somewhat affordable. So the price was $3,750, which would be $42,000 today. And they also wanted to have it as being a daily driver because again, everybody else making performance cars were not daily drivers, had a trunk, bunch of things, daily driver. And this is an important part of Porsche’s DNA. We’re going to come back to this a little bit later, this idea of it being a daily driver. So coming out of World War II, sports cars, industry’s happening and everybody’s got one. MG and Jag in the UK, there’s Ferrari in Italy, you get the idea. Now, one thing I forgot to mention that’s interesting and still today, the government state of Lower Saxony, which is basically would be the state, they still own 20% of Volkswagen. Dave Young: Really? Okay. Stephen Semple: I forgot to mention that. Dave Young: Who are they now? Stephen Semple: Well, Volkswagen’s still around. Volkswagen’s still- Dave Young: No, who is the Saxony? Stephen Semple: Well, it’d be like saying the state of Texas. It’s a state. Dave Young: Okay, it’s just a part of Germany. Stephen Semple: Part of Germany and that government still owns 20% of the company. Dave Young: What a world. Stephen Semple: Now there’s all this stimulus going on in Germany to try to get the economy going. One of the things that they did, there was a really interesting tax rate. There was an interesting tax structure. There was a very high marginal tax rate. Now, ordinary people were taxed at 15%, but the marginal tax rate could go as high as 95%. And the reason why they wanted to do this was create this incentive for reinvestment. So there’s all this… As they’re making money, there’s this heavy reinvestment. And in the early 50s, racing is really exploding. Automobile racing is really exploding, but the lines between professional and amateur is blurry. If you remember, James Dean and Steve McQueen and other actors, Paul Newman, were all racing. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: They’re all racing vehicles. And Jaguar and Porsche were trying to do the same thing in terms of creating this daily driver that you could race. Now in the end, Porsche won, and I think part of it is because quite frankly, they just built a better vehicle. There was a time where the joke with Jaguars was you had to own two because one would always be in the shop and one… And going back to the early DNA, Ferry Porsche was quoted as saying, “We have the only car that can go from an East African safari to race in the Le Mans to take out to theater and then drive on the streets in New York.” Dave Young: Wow, okay. Stephen Semple: And look, today, Porsche still heavily advertises that. They will advertise a Porsche driving through the snow with ski racks on it. And not their SUVs, the 911. This is very much part of it. And if you think about it, this parallels what Rolex did in the early days. You remember from episode 184 with Rolex. Rolex, the Submariner, the Explorer. Dave Young: Target by niche. Stephen Semple: Target by niche and make it tough and something that you could use and wear day to day. So it’s 1954 and Porsche’s selling 588 cars and about 40% of them is in the US. So really what’s making things hum with them is all those Beetle sales. And it’s the ’60s, the Ford Mustang comes out, the Jag E type comes out, the Austin-Healey comes out, and Porsche decides they need a new vehicle. And they were going to do a sedan, a four door sedan. But what they realized was they didn’t really want to compete with Mercedes and BMW. So they looked around at the other German car manufacturers and they said, “You know what? That’s probably not the place to go.” They had designed it up and that project failed. They had also been working on a six cylinder Boxter engine. So Boxter engine, the cylinders are opposed, so they’re like boxing. And the whole idea is that lowers the center of gravity of the weight of the engine. And they had a project that they were working on that that didn’t go ahead. So they stepped back and they went, “Maybe what we should do is just reduce the size of the sedan and put that engine in it.” That’s what they did. And that became the Porsche 901. Except there’s a problem. Peugeot had the copyright for zero in the middle of a bunch of numbers in France. They couldn’t call it the 901 because of that copyright. Dave Young: So they called it- Stephen Semple: So they called it the 911. And that’s now the iconic Porsche car. 1966, they sell 13,000 of these cars. Now, here’s the thing that I think is very interesting. And Porsche, as far as I could figure out, is the only car manufacturer that does this. First of all, they’ve maintained the 911 forever, but even on top of that, Porsche really understands design language. We can all recognize a Porsche. Dave Young: Right. Stephen Semple: We can recognize one from 2020. We can recognize one from 1999. We can recognize one from 1970. Even though they’ve upgraded the technology, they’ve changed the design of the car. They’ve now come out with the Cayman and the Macan and the Cayenne. They’re all recognizable as that vehicle. They’ve done a great job of doing that. I think that was a lost opportunity, frankly, when Tesla came out because they had a clean design slate. Tesla could have done that. But I think that’s really interesting how they’ve managed to maintain, even though they’ll modernize it. In our minds, we still will see one and go, “That’s a Porsche.” Dave Young: Sure. And the great car brands are able to do that. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: Audi is always going to be an Audi. Volvo is always going to look like a Volvo. And in the Portals class at Wizard Academy, one of the videos that I use to demonstrate that, there’s a language. If you combine specific shapes and specific lines, that all adds up to that brand of car. And so I’ve got an old video that I got when I was in the Motor Press Guild from Audi. It was just a video that was made for journalists with an Audi designer explaining all the lines on the car when they came out with the Q7 and how it still maintained the Audi design language. It was fascinating. Stephen Semple: It is. Dave Young: So Porsche could tell you that and the cool thing is those designers can tell you that. It’s hard for you and I to go, “Well, I can look at it and say, “That’s a Porsche.” But to be able to put it into words that describe it to someone else, is a gift. Stephen Semple: What’s really interesting, my nephew, Jeffrey, he loves Audi’s. That’s what he has. And he’ll even make the comment, he doesn’t like the Porsche’s because you feel like you’re in a bubble. Audis are very square. If you look at the back of an Audi and you look at the rear end of a Porsche, it has hips. But again, he’s even, “They’re great cars, but I like the squareness of the Audi.” So that’s interesting. Dave Young: Audi Audi has a fairly, not perpendicular, but an upright grill more so than a … And that’s part of their design language. Stephen Semple: So the whole DNA of Porsche came from this whole idea of a small car. Dave Young: Big engine. Stephen Semple: Big engine, daily driver, that was the whole idea is, it’s supposed to be a car that you can drive every day. That’s the core, core, core, core principle. That’s why they always have decent sized trunks. I remember when Gary bought his Boxter, one of the things he loved about it is you can actually put two sets of golf clubs in that car. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: Right? Now, here’s what’s fun. There was a time where when they were really wanting to get things going, they did some great print advertisements. So they had ads like bug killer. Another one was calling it transportation is like calling sex reproduction. Dave Young: Okay. Stephen Semple: Now, two of my favorites, one was not perfect. It would list 20 or 30 races that Porsche won. And if you actually read it, there was two that it didn’t. Dave Young: That they didn’t, “We didn’t win all the races.” Stephen Semple: So not perfect. Dave Young: That could have been driver error. Stephen Semple: That could have been. But Dave, you were going to make some jokes. Porsche’s able to laugh at itself. It actually had an ad that said, “Small penis? Have I got a car for you? If you’re going to overcompensate, then by all means, overcompensate.” Dave Young: I love it, I love it. Well, and that’s always the thing, the jokes are not about the car. Stephen Semple: But they actually ran that ad and I believe it ran in Car and Driver Magazine. I cannot imagine getting that ad approved. Dave Young: That’s amazing. Stephen Semple: And look, their own drivers are like, “Yeah, whatever.” Dave Young: Sure, compensating all I want. Absolutely. I love that story. Well, thank you, Stephen. I love the story of Porsche. Stephen Semple: There you go. Dave Young: And get out there and enjoy it or just buy me one and send it here. Thank you. Stephen Semple: All right, thanks, David. Dave Young: Thanks for listening to the podcast. Please share us. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app and leave us a big fat, juicy five-star rating and review at Apple Podcasts. And if you’d like to schedule your own 90-minute Empire Building session, you can do it at empirebuildingprogram.com.
Charles Stankievech is an artist, a writer, and an academic. He teaches at the University of Toronto, and his art takes him into some of the most remote landscapes on earth. Places like CFS Alert, the northernmost permanently inhabited place in the world. He describes the Arctic as occupying two parallel spaces in our cultural imagination: one built on myth and fantasy, and another grounded in harsh, physical reality. He says that most people will never set foot there, which means our understanding of it comes from ideas rooted in medieval tales of magnetic mountains, science-fiction fortresses carved out of ice, or the general sense that it's a blank, unreachable expanse. But beneath that fantasy is a real landscape shaped by nature and human activity. One of Charles' early Arctic projects was about the Distant Early Warning Line, a network of Cold War radar stations built across the Arctic to detect incoming Soviet bombers. He began thinking about how the remnants of that global conflict were already entangled with what he called an emerging “Warm War,” where rising temperatures and melting sea ice would turn buffer zones into contested shipping routes and resource frontiers. Sound is one of his primary tools for understanding these places. He says that what you hear often tells a different story than what you see, and so his work uses sound to help people experience aspects of a place that visuals alone can't capture. That instinct connects back to his own life — long days spent alone in the Rockies with his dog, camping, hiking, and snowboarding in the backcountry. Those solitary experiences were a refuge, a place where existential questions emerged naturally. It's where he learned that when you confront the world on your own terms, you gain a clearer understanding of yourself and the people around you.
This Day in Legal History: Project Blue Book EndsOn this day in legal history, December 17, 1969, the U.S. Air Force officially terminated Project Blue Book, its two-decade-long investigation into unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Launched in 1952 during a peak in UFO sightings and Cold War anxiety, Project Blue Book reviewed over 12,000 reports of aerial phenomena. The Air Force concluded that most sightings could be explained by natural phenomena, aircraft, or hoaxes, and found no evidence of extraterrestrial activity or threats to national security. With its closure, the government effectively stepped back from public-facing UFO investigations, although some believe military interest continued behind closed doors.Legally, the end of Project Blue Book catalyzed decades of litigation and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, as citizens, journalists, and researchers sought access to government-held UFO data. The skeptical legal view has often emphasized that classified information typically relates to military technology or surveillance programs, not alien spacecraft. Despite popular culture's fixation on extraterrestrials, courts have routinely deferred to executive branch claims of national security in resisting full transparency.While the project's conclusion did not trigger direct legislation, it helped shape a legal culture around government secrecy, classification standards, and the public's right to know. It also fueled persistent legal tension between conspiratorial narratives and evidentiary standards. As UFOs—now reframed as “unidentified anomalous phenomena” (UAPs)—have resurfaced in congressional hearings in recent years, Blue Book remains a touchstone for the limits of disclosure and the enduring gap between public curiosity and provable claims.Skepticism remains warranted: decades later, no clear evidence has emerged to support the claim of extraterrestrial contact—despite tens of thousands of pages released and re-litigated under FOIA.U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy in Boston expressed openness to again striking down a Trump policy that allows for the rapid deportation of migrants to third countries without meaningful notice or an opportunity to raise fears of persecution or torture. The case challenges Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policies that permit deportation to countries other than a migrant's country of origin, often with as little as six hours' notice. Judge Murphy had previously issued an injunction in April to halt such deportations, arguing they violated due process, but the Supreme Court paused that order in June via its “shadow docket” without providing detailed reasoning.Despite acknowledging the likely involvement of the Supreme Court again, Murphy indicated that he may still rule on the merits of the case, though any decision would likely be temporarily stayed. The lawsuit, a class action, targets a DHS memo from March and guidance from July that permits deportations based on “credible” diplomatic assurances. Plaintiffs argue these policies fall short of constitutional protections, while the Justice Department insists migrants already have opportunities to raise objections during proceedings. The judge criticized the lack of clarity from the Supreme Court's earlier intervention and emphasized the importance of due process in removal proceedings.US judge open to again striking down Trump policy on third-country deportations | ReutersA Trump-appointed federal appeals court judge has argued that constitutional rights do not extend to immigrants who entered the United States unlawfully, a position he laid out in a partial dissent in a Second Amendment case. Sixth Circuit Judge Amul Thapar agreed with upholding a federal ban on firearm possession by undocumented immigrants but rejected the majority's reasoning. Instead, he argued the case should have been resolved by declaring that only U.S. citizens are included in “the people” protected by the Constitution. Thapar relied heavily on the Constitution's preamble and an originalist reading of history, asserting that the Founders never intended constitutional protections to apply to non-citizens, especially those unlawfully present.The majority opinion rejected that framing, pointing to Supreme Court precedent recognizing that non-citizens who develop substantial connections to the country may invoke constitutional rights. Thapar went further, suggesting that even the First and Fourth Amendments were not originally meant to protect non-citizens. The case arose from a challenge by a Guatemalan national convicted of unlawfully possessing firearms, but Thapar's reasoning reached far beyond gun regulation. His dissent echoes arguments long advanced by the Trump administration and aligns with his status as a former Trump Supreme Court shortlist candidate.From my perspective, this is a racist, xenophobic, and profoundly ahistorical take that threatens to usher in a shameful new era of American jurisprudence. It reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding of constitutional law or a wanton, careerist obsequiousness to Trumpism, delivered with the unmistakable tone of someone auditioning for a Supreme Court seat while extolling the flavor of boot. Judge Thapar is an embarrassment to the bench.Judge Thapar's theory represents a fundamental shift away from the traditional understanding of constitutional rights as inherent and inalienable—that is, rights present in every individual that the government is bound to respect, not rights it doles out at its discretion. By asserting that non-citizens, especially those here unlawfully, are not part of “the people” and therefore not entitled to constitutional protections, Thapar effectively treats these rights as government-bestowed privileges rather than limits on state power–that should frighten citizens, as well.But if rights are inherent, as our legal tradition holds, and yet non-citizens don't possess them, the implication is clear: they are being denied not because of legal status, but because of a presumed inferiority. That's not a theory of constitutional law—it's a supremacist framework gussied up in originalist language.Trump-appointed judge argues US Constitution's rights do not extend to non-citizens | Reuters3-D animator Eric Ryder filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in California federal court against Disney and director James Cameron, alleging that the 2022 film Avatar: The Way of Water copied substantial elements from his science fiction story KRZ. Ryder claims he collaborated with Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment in the late 1990s on developing a film based on KRZ, and that key features of Avatar 2—including anthropomorphic beings, a vast oceanic world, and an exploitative Earth corporation mining a moon called Europa—mirror those from his work.Ryder previously sued over the first Avatar film in 2011, but that case was dismissed when a California state court ruled Cameron had created Avatar before Ryder submitted his material. Ryder insists this new case is not an attempt to relitigate the past, but rather to address new alleged acts of copying specific to The Way of Water, such as the central plot point involving an animal-based substance that extends human life, which he says did not appear in the original Avatar.Ryder is seeking at least $500 million in damages and a court order to block the release of the upcoming Avatar 3: Fire and Ash. His lawyer described the alleged copying as “blatant and egregious.” Disney and Lightstorm have not yet commented publicly on the lawsuit.Disney, James Cameron sued for copyright infringement over ‘Avatar' | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Moment of Clarity - Backstage of Redacted Tonight with Lee Camp
This is the last Unredacted Tonight of the year! We will be back in 2026 for another season. In this episode of Unredacted Tonight, Lee Camp dives into one of the most sensitive and least discussed angles of the JFK assassination: the hidden network of intelligence figures, financial front groups, and foreign policy battles that may have played a role. From James Jesus Angleton's secret ties to Mossad, to nuclear negotiations with Israel, to the still-withheld JFK files involving CMC-Permindex and powerful international elites, this show digs into what remained redacted for over 60 years — and asks why those documents are still being kept from the public.Then Lee shifts to the world of modern power brokers, breaking down Joe Rogan's on-air defense of Peter Thiel and the rise of surveillance tech giants like Palantir. What happens when billionaire defense contractors, AI-driven data platforms, and huge media personalities all intersect? Lee examines how Palantir's work with governments and militaries, including in the context of the war in Gaza, ties into a broader pattern of mass surveillance, thought control, and the erosion of basic freedoms.This episode connects the dots between past and present: from Cold War covert operations and the deep state to today's AI-driven security state, corporate media laundering, and the normalization of extreme wealth and unaccountable power. If you're interested in JFK, Israel/US relations, CMC-Permindex, Joe Rogan, Theo Von, Peter Thiel, Palantir, Wall Street, AI, and digital surveillance, this one is for you.
The Outer Space Treaty was negotiated during the Cold War, as space suddenly became a strategic war frontier. The treaty, signed by over 100 signatories, is the backbone of current space law and polity. Ely Sandler, a fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, believes the treaty doesn't keep up with the times.
How did the Soviet Union infiltrate so many of Britain's institutions? Investigative journalist Tim Tate dives into the dark underbelly of British-Soviet relations—uncovering a world where the Kremlin's influence had already seeped into the heart of Britain's highest echelons of power long before Oleg Gordievsky ever arrived. In conversation with spy writer Charlie Higson, Tim also reveals a shocking paradox: Gordievsky's intelligence eased Cold War tensions, but after his exposure paranoia was sent spiraling out of control on both sides of the Iron Curtain.Have you got a spy story you would like us to tell? Email your ideas to thespywho@wondery.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The clearest way to understand Ronald Reagan's leadership may not be from a podium, but from a saddle, a woodpile, and a quiet table where he worked through the ideas that shaped an era.In this on-location episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker inside the Reagan Ranch Center, recorded at the same table and microphones Reagan used for his radio addresses. The conversation moves beyond “Reagan the icon” and into Reagan at Rancho del Cielo, the place Ed Meese famously pointed to as the best window into Reagan the man. You'll hear how the ranch functioned as Reagan's “open air cathedral,” where he worked the land, cleared brush, and rode horses to clear his mind before returning to the weight of world events. You'll also hear the personal stories that make Reagan feel three-dimensional again, including the extraordinary bond he formed on horseback with Secret Service agent John Barletta, and the deeply human way Nancy Reagan talked about letting the ranch go.Matt and the Governor also discuss timeless values that define Reagan's legacy. Walker frames Reagan's optimism as more than tone, because it was paired with firm beliefs, disciplined preparation, and a sustained message about freedom as something fragile that must be defended and passed on. Listen to learn:How Reagan's time at Rancho del Cielo shaped the way he thought, reset, and ledWhy Reagan's optimistic “happy warrior” tone worked because it was anchored in uncompromising convictionHow Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) reframed the Cold War, and how we're seeing that technology in play todayThe short list of speeches that best capture Reagan's worldview, from “A Time for Choosing” to Brandenburg Gate to Pointe du Hoc3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Reagan's optimism was anchored in conviction. Walker points to Reagan as a “happy warrior” who appealed to people's better nature while staying strong in his positions. These timeless values are why he had such strong support, even in a divided government.2. Reagan treated freedom as a generational responsibility, not a permanent condition. Walker highlights Reagan's repeated warning that freedom is “never more than one generation away from extinction,” and that it must be defended and passed on. He ties that message to Reagan's Cold War moral clarity, including the belief that if freedom is lost here, “there's nowhere else in the world left,” and the urgency behind “tear down this wall.” 3. Reagan's legacy is a case study in the long-term impacts of a great leader. Great American Presidents like Washington, Lincoln and Kennedy are remembered more for their character than their politics. This podcast is an exploration into the character of Ronald Reagan, another great leader who is remembered for his optimism, conviction and humility.Access resources, links and more on the episode page!We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into George Orwell's infamous essay on sport, specifically focusing on Dinamo Moscow's 1945 tour of Britain. They explore Orwell's controversial viewpoint that serious sport is akin to 'war minus the shooting,' and delve into the historical and political context of this post-WWII football tour. The discussion covers the tactical innovations introduced by the Soviet team, the media and public's reaction, and the broader implications for international sport and politics. This episode provides an in-depth look at how football can both unite and divide, reflecting on Orwell's critique and its relevance to today's sports culture.00:00 Introduction: The Dark Side of Sports01:05 George Orwell's Influence on Sports01:49 The Political Context of the 1945 Moscow Tour02:47 The Goodwill Tour: Ideals vs. Reality05:00 The Soviet Union's Football Strategy08:23 The Arrival of Dinamo Moscow21:45 The First Match: Dinamo Moscow vs Chelsea30:53 The Political Showdown: Arsenal vs Dinamo Moscow32:31 The Final Game in Scotland35:56 Soviet Propaganda and the Legacy of the Tour40:36 Tactical Innovations and English Football's Response47:36 George Orwell's Critique of Sport53:18 Football's Role in Nationalism and International Relations01:00:51 Concluding Thoughts on Orwell and Football Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for December 12, 2025. 0:30 We dig into new FBI data showing that California led the nation in active shooter incidents from 2020 to 2024 — 25 incidents, more than any other state — and the irony is impossible to ignore. This is the same state with the most aggressive gun control regime in the country: assault weapon bans, magazine limits, waiting periods, registration, red flag laws, ammo restrictions, carry permit mandates — layers upon layers of regulation. If gun control worked the way it’s sold emotionally and rhetorically, California should be the safest state in America. It’s not. That’s the core question they keep coming back to: why doesn’t gun control work where it exists the most? The answer is uncomfortable for the left. Laws don’t stop criminals. They only restrict law-abiding citizens. Shooters don’t follow magazine limits, don’t wait ten days, don’t register firearms, and don’t ask permission. California’s system controls one group of people — responsible citizens — while leaving violent criminals untouched. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. The US trade deficit dropped to the lowest level in five years.That's according to data released by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis. Half of the commercial drivers licenses issued in the state of New York to foreign workers were issued illegally. The Leader of Black Lives Matter in Oklahoma has been arrested for embezzling $3.15 million. 12:30 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:00 We step back from politics and wrestle with one of the oldest and hardest questions there is: why God allows suffering. We reflect on how some tragedies are so overwhelming, so senseless, that the only human response is to ask “why.” And they point to the assassination of Charlie Kirk as one of those moments — a young man devoted to ideas, speech, and persuasion, taken suddenly, leaving behind a family and a nation trying to make sense of it. 15:00 American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle a listener question that hits a nerve for a lot of people: what do you do when you’re in your late 50s, you know you still have something to offer — but you don’t feel a clear passion anymore? The Mamas talk about how passion isn’t always something you “figure out” in advance. Sometimes it finds you. Sometimes it only makes sense in hindsight. They reflect on how certain seasons — raising children, leading nonprofits, stepping into unexpected roles — demand everything you have, and when they end, it can feel disorienting. But that doesn’t mean you’re empty. It means you’re available. If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button. 23:00 After revisiting the debate over gun laws and crime, we dig into a case out of Atlanta where a homeowner shot two juveniles allegedly stealing packages off his porch. While no one defends theft, the discussion makes a clear distinction between protecting property and using deadly force. Gun rights come with limits, and firing at someone who is fleeing raises serious legal and moral questions. Exercising a right irresponsibly only undermines the right itself. 26:30 We move on to Maryland, where lawmakers are considering a $25-an-hour minimum wage — a move activists are calling “survival,” not radical. But survival for whom? We break down what a $25 minimum wage actually means for employers, especially small businesses, and why economists warn it could lock people out of the workforce entirely. When the first rung on the ladder costs $52,000 a year, employers stop taking chances — and the people shut out first are young workers with no experience. California is a real-time case study: higher mandated wages, fewer jobs, more automation, and young people locked out of entry-level work altogether. The conclusion is blunt — every time government raises the minimum wage, someone becomes unemployable by law. 32:00 Get TrimROX from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 32:30 President Trump signed legislation this week honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team — and on the surface, it’s exactly what you’d expect: a celebration of grit, teamwork, patriotism, and one of the greatest upsets in sports history. But this is also vintage Trump. Because this isn’t just about hockey — it’s about symbolism. Forty-five years later, Trump is reminding the world, and especially Moscow, of what happened at Lake Placid. At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union rolled out a fully funded, state-run, professional team designed to showcase the superiority of communism. And they lost — on live television — to a bunch of American college kids playing for pride. 35:30 Plus, it's Fake News Friday! We're putting you to the test with our weekly game of headlines—are they real news, fake news, or really fake news? From death threats against Marjorie Taylor Greene and suspected terrorists, to tech company taxes, Nigerian prince scams, and even criminals "too handsome" to stand trial, can you spot the fake news? Play along, keep score, and share your results with us on Facebook page: facebook.com/AmericanGroundRadio. 39:30 We reacted to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signing legislation legalizing assisted suicide for terminally ill patients, making Illinois the 12th state to do so. While supporters frame it as “compassion,” this argument has already played out elsewhere — most notably in Canada — and the results are chilling. 41:30 And we end today's show with some words of wisdom about work. Follow us: americangroundradio.com Facebook: facebook.com / AmericanGroundRadio Instagram: instagram.com/americangroundradioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Justin talks to retired FBI Special Agent Sheldon Fung. Sheldon has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry from the University of California Davis, and a Master's Degree in Criminology and Weapons of Mass Destruction from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. spent more than 21 years with the FBI as a bomb technician and a WMD coordinator. He's here to discuss one of the biggest WMD cases he ever worked on, which began in Irvine, California in March, 2000, after a local man named Dr. Larry Ford attempted to have his business partner killed in a professional hit. Sheldon and his team became involved when the investigation took a shocking turn when biological agents and a buried arms cache were discovered in his home, along with evidence that connected Ford to the South African government and even the Central Intelligence Agency. Justin covered this case himself already for episode 93 of the podcast back in May 2023, which you might remember if you're a longtime listener, but today we'll hear from one of the primary investigators. Connect with Spycraft 101: Get Justin's latest book, Murder, Intrigue, and Conspiracy: Stories from the Cold War and Beyond, here. spycraft101.com IG: @spycraft101 Shop: shop.spycraft101.com Patreon: Spycraft 101 Find Justin's first book, Spyshots: Volume One, here. Check out Justin's second book, Covert Arms, here. Download the free eBook, The Clandestine Operative's Sidearm of Choice, here. Kruschiki The best surplus military goods delivered right to your door. Use code SPYCRAFT101 for 10% off! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episode Summary:In this episode of Explaining History, Nick explores the murky relationship between British intelligence, the Labour government, and the "gentleman capitalists" of the post-war era.Why was Harold Wilson, the most electorally successful British Prime Minister of the 20th century, targeted by paranoid elements within MI5 as a potential Soviet spy? We delve into Wilson's time at the Board of Trade in the late 1940s, where he forged controversial deals with the Soviet Union to secure timber for Britain's reconstruction.From the rise of corrupt tycoons like Robert Maxwell (who began as an intelligence officer in occupied Germany) to the class war between the "modernizing" Labour government and the "grouse moor" establishment, this episode uncovers the seeds of the plot to overthrow Wilson in the 1960s. It's a story of Cold War intrigue, antisemitism within the British elite, and the clash between a new technological Britain and the old school tie.Key Topics:The Plot Against Wilson: Why MI5 officers like Peter Wright suspected the PM was a KGB agent.The Timber Deals: How Wilson negotiated with Stalin's deputies to rebuild Britain.Robert Maxwell: The origins of a media mogul in the intelligence world of post-war Berlin.Class Conflict: The "Chapocracy" vs. Wilson's white heat of technology.Books Mentioned:Smear! Wilson and the Secret State by Stephen Dorril and Robin RamsayThinking the Twentieth Century by Tony JudtSpycatcher by Peter WrightExplaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episode SummaryOn a warm June night in 1960, four teenagers zipped themselves into a tent on the shores of a quiet lake just outside Helsinki, Finland. By morning, three of them were dead. The fourth — battered, bloodied, and barely alive — would survive… only to be accused of the murders more than forty years later.In this episode of From The Void, we travel back to Lake Bodom, one of the most haunting and infamous unsolved murder cases in European history. What begins as a simple camping trip spirals into a decades-long mystery involving a slashed tent, missing evidence, suspicious locals, Cold War intrigue, and a trial that turned the sole survivor into the prime suspect.This isn't just a true crime story.It's a meditation on silence, memory, and the kind of violence that arrives without warning — and leaves without answers.What We Cover in This Episode
In this episode retired CIA Officer and author, Stephen Mercado, shares insights from his book Japanese Spy Gear and Special Weapons: How Noborito's Scientists and Technicians Served in the Second World War and the Cold War. After World War I, Japan created the Noborito Research Institute-a secretive hub of scientists and technicians tasked with advancing both overt and covert warfare. Interview date Monday, 03 November 2025. Interviewer and Host AFIO President James Hughes.
The Western Pacific as the Modern Strategic Frontier: Colleague Jerry Hendrix discusses his book To Provide and Maintain a Navy, identifying the Western Pacific as the modern strategic equivalent of the Cold War's Inner German Border, exploring the historical development of "free sea" legal concepts by Hugo Grotius and their necessity for global economic prosperity. 1925
From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 224 on 9/16/24)... This week, Mike Edwards sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1991 hit single from Jesus Jones, “Right Here, Right Now." The conversation explores the creation and impact of the song, including the inspiration behind it and the cultural context of the time. Mike opens up about the poignant lyrics, highlighting references to Tracy Chapman and the Cold War. He also discusses the band's deliberate blending of rock, house, and hip-hop influences, which helped them stand out in the early 90s alternative rock scene. The episode examines the production techniques used and touches on the band's success, having created a song that still lives on in pop culture today. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Join our Patreon Buy some merch Follow us on IG Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this deep-dive video, we explore the infamous alien crash in Roswell, New Mexico—one of the most iconic and hotly debated events in UFO history. Often cited as the birthplace of modern conspiracy theories, the 1947 Roswell Incident continues to ignite curiosity, skepticism, and fascination across generations. This analysis goes beyond the surface-level headlines and dives into the true story of what actually happened at Roswell, from the U.S. military's initial weather balloon claim to the rapid emergence of extraterrestrial lore that soon followed. We'll unravel the timeline of the crash, the eyewitness accounts, government documents, and declassified reports that hint at a larger mystery hidden in the desert sands. With high-ranking, broadly searched keywords tailored for audiences who love film, animation, and grounded science fiction, this video explores not just the alien crash theory itself, but also its massive influence on pop culture, cinematic depictions, and public imagination. We'll break down the evolving science around unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), radar anomalies, experimental aircraft, and biological implications if an extraterrestrial organism really was recovered. As always, we'll dig into the lore surrounding alien autopsies, the mysterious Roswell debris, and the shadowy roles played by intelligence agencies. Expect speculative but informed discussions on interstellar travel, how alien biology might differ from Earth's, and why Roswell continues to be the epicenter for those seeking the truth behind the veil. Whether you're fascinated by Cold War secrecy, the biology of hypothetical alien life, or the cinematic legacy of Roswell in movies, games, and animation, this video is crafted for you. Packed with science, lore, and mystery, this episode ties real-world scientific concepts with high-quality storytelling and speculation, creating a bridge between documentary and entertainment that both believers and skeptics can enjoy. If you've ever asked yourself what really crashed in Roswell or why the U.S. government changed its story multiple times, this is the breakdown you've been waiting for. Thank you for watching Roanoke Gaming and I Hope you enjoy What Really Crashed at Roswell? Alien Evidence or Government Cover-Up? Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RoanokeTalesPatreon Merch: Roanokemerch.com #Roswell #Roswell1947 #AlienCrash #UFOCrash #RoswellUFO #UAPs #RoswellIncident #AlienConspiracy #Area51 #AlienLore #AlienScience #WhatHappenedInRoswell #UFOEvidence #AlienAutopsy #DeclassifiedUFO #UFOFiles #ExtraterrestrialLife #GovernmentCoverup #AlienTechnology #CrashSiteMystery #SciFiLore #UFOTruth #RoswellDebunked #RoswellExplained #AlienInvestigation #HistoryChannelUFO #UnexplainedPhenomena #UnsolvedMysteries #SpaceMysteries #AliensAmongUs #AlienDocumentary #RoswellAlien #RoswellSecrets #RoswellMystery #UFOHistory #AlienCrashLanding #AlienEncounters #UFOHunters #AlienBiology #AnimationAndLore #SciFiAndScience #UFOAnimation #AliensInFilm #RoswellInPopCulture #UFOTheories #TopSecretUFO #ExtraterrestrialTruth #UFOCrashAnalysis #ScienceAndMystery #AlienFacts #HiddenLore
In 2021, floods in Uttarakhand's Chamoli brought back to the fore concerns that the disaster may have been caused by a nuclear device lost close to the Nanda Devi peak during a joint IB-CIA operation. The New York Times has now examined fresh evidence to piece together the sequence of events that ended in the CIA losing a portable “beach-ball-size nuclear device” on the roof of the world. In episode 683 of #CutTheClutter, first published on 15 February 2021, ThePrint Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta recreates this fascinating story of espionage, subterfuge, and mystery in the Cold War.
Astrologers Chris Brennan and Nick Dagan Best explore Mars-Uranus conjunctions in Gemini in US history, and how they have coincided with some of the most pivotal turning points during the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II, in order to gain insight into the upcoming conjunctions from 2026 to 2032. This episode originated from research for the upcoming 2026 forecast, specifically noticing the striking Mars-Uranus conjunction that will occur on July 4, 2026—the nation's 250th birthday. Building on our previous work regarding the US Uranus Return and recurrence transits, we examine how the United States was founded under a specific Mars-Uranus conjunction signature. Because this alignment exists in the country's birth chart, its recurrence in the sky acts as a powerful trigger, particularly when it returns to the sign of Gemini. Our research uncovered a distinct narrative pattern across three major historical eras: the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the period spanning World War II and the start of the Cold War. We found that significant "precursor" events often emerge during Mars-Uranus conjunctions in Taurus, which then escalate into major conflicts and structural changes once the conjunctions move into Gemini, before finally reaching a resolution or new status quo as the alignment shifts into Cancer. We track this sequence through history, noting astounding correlations where exact conjunctions coincided with defining moments such as the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the attack on Fort Sumter that began the Civil War, and the detonation of the atomic bomb in 1945. We discuss themes of rebellion, military innovation, and the struggle for liberation that seem to consistently resurface during these windows of time. Finally, we apply these historical lessons to the present, analyzing the precursor events of the last decade to forecast the themes of the upcoming Uranus in Gemini cycle from 2025 to 2033. We outline the timing of the four Mars-Uranus conjunctions that will take place between 2026 and 2032, and discuss what history implies about the threshold we are currently crossing. Nick's Website https://www.nickdaganbestastrologer.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Introduction00:20:23 Part 1: Revolutionary War00:40:42 1776: Declaration of Independence01:00:22 1787: The Constitution01:14:48 Part 2: Civil War Era01:31:35 1861: Civil War Begins (Fort Sumter)01:58:53 1865: Lee Surrender & End of Civil War02:21:08 Part 3: WWII & Cold War03:06:55 1945: The Atomic Bomb & End of WWII03:30:53 1949: Soviets test nuclear bomb03:42:28 Part 4: The Future (2026-2032)04:15:33 Summary of Mars-Uranus Key Themes04:32:16 Wrapping Up04:41:32 Credits Watch the Video Version of This Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_J0prR7ugQ - Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode Listen to the audio version of this episode or download it as an MP3:
This is the 2nd part of the story of Miles, a British National Service conscript during his military service in the late 1950s. I'd like to give special thanks for the Norfolk Tank Museum for highlighting Miles' story and one of his relatives for putting me in contact with him. Throughout the episode, our Miles shares captivating anecdotes and the thrill of being part of a light armoured reconnaissance regiment. He vividly recounts the challenges of operating various armoured vehicles, including the Saladin and Saracen, and the responsibilities that came with being on the front lines of military operations. One of the most intriguing aspects of his service was the border patrols, where he and his comrades would venture into the woods, often encountering their East German counterparts. The tension of those moments, coupled with the knowledge that they were living in a semi-war footing, adds a layer of gravity to his experiences. Help me preserve Cold War history. You'll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you'll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link. Episode Extras https://coldwarconversations.com/episode434/ Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/store/ CONTINUE THE COLD WAR CONVERSATION Follow us on BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social Follow us on Threads https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations Follow us on Twitter/X https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Episode Summary: The U.S. Air Force doesn't have enough airlift. Today's inventory is half the size of what it was in the Cold War, but current demands are far higher and more complex. This isn't just an Air Force problem; it impacts the entire Department of War. Join us as Heather “Lucky” Penney talks with former AMC commander Gen. Mike Minihan, USAF (Ret.) and Mitchell Institute Non-Resident Fellow Col. Rob Owen, PhD, USAF (Ret.) about this challenge and what we should do to fix it. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Gen. Michael Minihan, USAF (Ret.), Former Commander, Air Mobility Command Guest: Col. Robert Owen, USAF (Ret.), Professor, Department of Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Links: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #mobility #airforce
Badlands Media provides full special coverage as President Trump hosts members of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team in the Oval Office for the signing of H.R. 452, the “Miracle on Ice” commemorative medals bill. Joined by surviving players, family members of deceased teammates, and members of Congress, Trump reflects on the historic upset over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid and the moment's lasting impact on American pride and unity. Players share personal memories, gratitude, and reflections on representing the nation, while Trump recounts the geopolitical and cultural backdrop of the Cold War era and praises the team's resilience and teamwork. The event also expands into broader remarks on current foreign conflicts, the war in Ukraine, border security, drug trafficking, Venezuela, healthcare reform, and the state of college athletics, blending sports history with contemporary policy commentary. The ceremony closes with photographs, signed memorabilia, and a reaffirmation of the enduring symbolism of one of the greatest moments in U.S. sports history.
LIVESTREAMING tonight at 7:00pm EST... We'll be talking James Hosty, Warren Debrueys, and Orest Pena. Join us!Silk CIty Hot Sauce - https://www.silkcityhotsauce.com Use our code GUNMAN for 20% off entire order at checkout!The COLDEST Cup - https://snwbl.io/TLG10 Follow our link to save $10 on every cup ordered!Music By - Lee Harold OswaldA Loose Moose ProductionBBB&JOEBBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lone-gunman-podcast-jfk-assassination--1181353/support.
Nicolas Maduro is in the news right now. When we look at his history and ideology, we find that he's pretty much a guy that showed up late to the Cold War. We discuss his humble origins, training in Cuba and the current state of affairs.
In this episode of Franchise Addicts, we dive headfirst into one of the most controversial blockbusters of the 21st century: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).Set in the Cold War era, Crystal Skull sees Indiana Jones pulled into a Soviet conspiracy involving a mysterious crystal skull, ancient civilizations, secret military experiments, and the lost city of Akator. Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, the film marked Harrison Ford's return to the iconic role nearly 20 years after The Last Crusade — and instantly split fans down the middle.We break down the entire plot, analyze the alien vs. mythology debate, discuss the infamous “nuke the fridge” scene, the introduction of Mutt Williams, the return of Marion Ravenwood, and whether the movie's sci-fi turn fundamentally misunderstands what makes Indiana Jones work. We also examine the film's historical inspirations, cinematography choices, heavy use of CGI, and how Crystal Skull reflects 1950s Atomic Age paranoia and B-movie science fiction.Is Kingdom of the Crystal Skull an underrated adventure weighed down by internet backlash — or a miscalculation that lost the soul of the franchise? Where does it rank among the Indiana Jones films, and how does it compare to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and Dial of Destiny?Whether you love it, hate it, or still argue about aliens, refrigerators, and monkeys, this episode is a full, honest reassessment of Indiana Jones 4 — no nostalgia goggles required.
Wanna hear the FULL Episode? Sign up for the Grad Program today! Coffee Corner Audio Segment Setup The team discussed setting up a coffee corner segment and agreed to play two different audio clips for listeners to vote on, with one clip to be played this week and the other next week. The episode featured a discussion about Glock Gen 6 firearms, which Ken Hackathorn had predicted would be released in 2026, and included a new segment about a 500-round trigger job. The show concluded with announcements about new theme music and upcoming content, including fighting fitness and leadership lessons. Debunking Shotgun Defense Myths The hosts discussed the myths surrounding home defense shotguns, emphasizing the importance of proper training and understanding of firearms. They criticized the military's approach to shotgun training, highlighting its lack of practicality and effectiveness. The conversation also touched on the evolution of gun shop culture and the shift to online communities for firearm enthusiasts. The hosts encouraged listeners to seek professional training to dispel myths and improve their understanding of firearms. Glock Gen 6 Optics Update The discussion focused on Glock's new Gen 6 firearms, which will eliminate the multiple plate system for mounting optics and instead allow direct mounting to the slide using a universal system compatible with major optic brands. The professor explained that this change reduces human error and simplifies the mounting process, similar to how the industry moved from proprietary charging cables to USB standards. The conversation concluded with an announcement of a new feature called Coffee Corner, which will include discussions about firearms history, and an invitation for listeners to vote on guitar themes played during the segment. TOPICS COVERED THIS EPISODE Huge thanks to our Partners: EOTech | Spike's Tactical [0:06:00] Home-Defense Shotgun Mybusthing - SHOOT-ON [0:19:41] EOTech Talk - EOTechInc.com TOPIC: Gen 6 Glock will take the EOTech EFLX optic [0:42:39] COFFEE CORNER - Blackout Coffee TOPIC: Recommended Reading: Guns of the Cold War by Paul Markel Use Promo Code STUDT20 for 20% Off at Checkout [0:50:57] SOTG Homeroom - SOTG University TOPIC: 500 Round Trigger Job www.shootingnewsweekly.com
Amateur detectives come in many forms. Owning a bookstore or a bakery, running a charming country inn, working in a library—even owning a cat or a dog—puts a character into the category of potential sleuth. But few creators of amateur detectives can top S.J. Bennett, whose Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series turns Queen Elizabeth II herself into a solver of crimes. Today we are discussing The Queen Who Came in from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025) The first three books take place in 2016, when the queen is ninety years old. Even these days, those don't qualify as historical fiction. But they set the tone of the series, which is at once respectful and warm, even charming. The mysteries are challenging, the queen's role believable, and the family relationships well portrayed. Certain constraints on the queen also appear here. For example, she can solve mysteries, but she can't be seen to solve them, because she is the queen. Similarly, she relies for help on other women, who serve as her private secretaries (a job that goes far beyond typing), because the men spend far too much time worrying about upsetting their monarch and far too little time trusting her to know what she needs and wants. Obviously, even if one is the queen of England, only so many mysterious deaths can take place nearby without raising eyebrows. So book 4, A Death in Diamonds, moves back in time to 1957 and a scandal possibly involving Prince Philip. The latest novel, The Queen Who Came In from the Cold (Crooked Lane Books, 2025), as the title suggests, takes place during the Cold War, specifically 1961, and involves Soviet spies and double agents, including the infamous Kim Philby. To say more would be to give too much away, but it's yet another engrossing tale with a twist at the end that turns the entire story on its head. And yes, there are Corgis—racehorses, too! S.J. Bennett, the author of the Her Majesty the Queen Investigates series, has written over a dozen novels for both adults and children. She also teaches creative writing and, with her brother, hosted Prepublished, a podcast for aspiring writers. The Queen Who Came in from the Cold is her latest novel. C. P. Lesley is the author of two historical fiction series set during the childhood of Ivan the Terrible and four other novels. Her latest book, Song of the Steadfast, appeared in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Show #512 and #538 - Original airdate: Feb 3, 2011 Part One Interview - Sterling Seagrave Gold Warriors Operation Golden Lily Article 14 of the 1951 treaty voids any return of money The Black Eagle Trust: slush fund loot by Ed Lansdale The M Fund and Richard Nixon Ed Lansdale, Napolean Valariano, Chrles Bohanon, The Nugan Hand bank scandle Play video CIA took Ethiopian money and use in 1948 for Italian election Federal Reserve paper... worthlessPart Two Interview - Sterling & Peggy Seagrave Author of Gold Warriors (Show #512), Madame Chiang Kai-shek, the Marcos's, Japanese war loot Ed Lansdale, Allen Dulles, thousands of years of accumulated wealth, Lansdale stumbled on some, General Donovan attached Lansdale to G2 in the Philippines, Charles Bohannan, Napoleon Valeriano Landlords with immense properties, General Yamashita Tomoyuki, Major Kojima Kashii Torturing of Kojima, stashing of enormous treasure, twelve sites, two meter high stacks of 75 kilo gold bars Lansdale briefed in Manila, Tokyo and Washington, Clark Clifford persuaded Truman to keep it secret Take and keep the gold and treasure, Donovan getting pissed, based in Panama, Meyer Lansky, "Bugsy" Siegel Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers, flying dope and tungsten over the Hump, conflict between Donovan and Dulles camps Only one bar of gold recovered from the Nazi stash, everything else was melted down and disappeared Clark Air Base, World Anti-Communist League, there hasn't been an audit of Fort Knox in over 50 years Gold Bearer Certificates, everybody is getting swindled, totally unknown, private planes, Presidents are handicapped The guys who own the bankers are the boss, the Power Elite are anonymous, the Federal Reserve, private bankers The reason JFK was removed, he decided to change US currency, the Fed is a fraud Ed Lansdale told Prouty he operated "with a blank check book from Uncle Sam" China White Heroin, BCCI (Bank of Credit and Commerce International), the Vatican, Malta, Macao Members of the Knights of Malta, published 11 books, now the twelfth, Stanley Ho, Phil Graham, Eugene Meyer Graham persuaded Kennedy to take LBJ as his running mate, killing the Pope with a cup of tea Bush and Cheney got in the back door by a coup d'état, you get Republicans, you get swindled, Real evil, it was Cheney and company, The only good left... Ron Paul or Jesse Ventura Third party candidates, siphoning of resources and money out of America, Jefferson vs.. Hamilton, Americans just getting the shaft, the Rothschilds, new book, Red Sky In The Morning Our enemy was going to be the Communists, two young Americans, after the war, in the Philippines, the Huk movement 400 hundred years of Spanish Catholic rule, 50 years under the US, United Fruit, the Pentagon, paper fiat currency Mrs. Clinton saying and they (Russia and China) are our enemies, invent a Cold War, Ray Cline, Madame Chiang Kai-shek Sterling grew up on the Burma China border Latest book Red Sky in the Morning:
Today we sit down with Dmitri Alperovitch — co-founder of CrowdStrike, leading cybersecurity expert, geopolitical strategist, and author of World on the Brink.Dmitri has advised governments, predicted Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and is one of the world's leading thinkers on cyber warfare, China's rise, and the global fight for technological dominance.This conversation breaks down:-How China steals IP and accelerates its rise-The real reason Taiwan is the most important place on earth-How TSMC and semiconductor manufacturing shape global power-The new Cold War unfolding through cyber, AI, and economics-How CrowdStrike was built, scaled, and survived existential threats-The truth about nation-state hacking — China, Russia, Iran, North Korea-What the next decade of global conflict and innovation looks likeIf you care about entrepreneurship, global politics, cybersecurity, or the future of AI, this is a must-watch episode.Follow Jared and stay connected:https://www.instagram.com/jaredgoetzThe Jared Goetz Show is where we go deeper. We don't just talk about achievements—we explore the heart, the mindset, and the sparks that drive extraordinary journeys. If you want the unfiltered truth behind success, you're in the right place.Learn more About Dimitri and 'World on the Brink' https://worldonthebrink.com/00:00 — Introduction00:14 — Introduction: Who is Dmitri Alperovitch?01:21 — China's stolen IP and the greatest transfer of wealth in history02:35 — Dmitri's background & how CrowdStrike was born04:33 — Competing with McAfee and building better cybersecurity06:15 — The power of combining technical + sales skills07:19 — Why every employee should be in “sales mode”08:38 — Messaging: why simplicity wins in tech09:54 — Founding team, early years & surviving startup chaos11:17 — How to prioritize when everything feels urgent12:12 — Habits, routines, and dealing with stress13:25 — Leadership philosophy & hiring A-players14:26 — Building a distributed company (before it was normal)16:49 — Why remote culture helped CrowdStrike scale19:07 — Lessons from being acquired multiple times20:52 — Operational discipline in a distributed team22:38 — Why quarterly in-person offsites matter24:06 — Investors doubted their remote-first model24:30 — When Dmitri knew CrowdStrike was onto something big27:13 — Staying stealth too long & learning the hard messaging lesson28:01 — Nation-state hacking: real threats & real motivations30:34 — How CrowdStrike changed the game in cyber defense35:13 — The competitor that forced their biggest pivot36:10 — Understanding China's cyber units & global espionage39:37 — Why stolen IP does accelerate innovation40:49 — Economic warfare & the new Cold War41:17 — How geopolitics intersected with cyber for Dmitri43:54 — Predicting the Ukraine invasion months before it happened44:04 — Why Dmitri wrote World on the Brink48:28 — Why Taiwan matters: the chip supply chain explained49:07 — How TSMC became the most important company in the world54:02 — The true global risk if Taiwan goes dark59:15 — China's strategic map & the first island chain
In this Part 2 episode, geopolitical analyst Jason Baidya breaks down the major global events, covert operations, and political shifts of the 1960s that reshaped the world. Jason begins with the critical political atmosphere of the early 60s, exploring Operation Gladio, Operation Gibraltar, the Vietnam War, and the hidden power dynamics that influenced global decision-making. He explains how the decade's conflicts, social movements, and “social fracture” changed societies across continents. We also dive into the early technology era—from floppy disks to emerging information control—before exploring the shifting relationship between the United States and China. Jason provides insight into the 1966 global political landscape, including the 6 Day War, Yom Kippur War, and the expansion of US bases in the Middle East. The conversation continues with major *map shifts, how borders evolved, and how travel shaped culture and geopolitics. Jason then unpacks the geopolitical environment of South Asia, the first mission of RAW, Arab world influence, democratic changes, and the drastic transformation of global politics after 9/11. If you're interested in Cold War operations, South Asian geopolitics, or the hidden power plays behind world events, this episode delivers a clear, engaging breakdown of the forces shaping modern history. GET CONNECTED WITH : Jason Baidya Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.baidya.5/ Twitter - https://x.com/JasonDBaidya
Donald Trump's kleptocracy didn't happen overnight–it was part of the Kremlin's long game. With reports of Russia trying to explode planes headed to the US, we're running out of time to wake up before it's too late. In this week's bonus show for Gaslit Nation's Patreon supporters, who keep our independent journalism going in these dark times of institutional rot, media capitulation, and complacency, Andrea warns that we're nearing the point of no return. Putin can now say the U.S. and Russia are aligned, because they are. Trump's regime is declaring a return to the Monroe Doctrine, claiming the Western Hemisphere belongs to the U.S. That's exactly what Putin does in Eastern Europe. The Pentagon is handing Trump's gestapo-like immigration agenda $2 billion on top of $75 billion for ICE in Trump's Big Ugly Bill. Like Putin, Trump is building a gulag and gearing up for conflict with our neighbors, including Mexico, Venezuela, and whoever else he wants to casually kill. As we've long warned, Trump wants to become the Putin of North America, because that's his plan for staying in power indefinitely: enrich his family, build a dynastic oligarchy, and protect it with sadistic security services. To help us fight back and stay grounded in the gaslighting, this special bonus show includes a discussion of Gaslit Nation's Book Club: Total Resistance by Hans von Dach–a civilian guerrilla resistance guide produced by a Swiss military theorist in preparation for Soviet occupation during the Cold War–and Deaf Republic, a play-like book of poems by Ukrainian-born poet Ilya Kaminsky. "At the trial of God, we will ask: why did you allow all this?," Kaminsky writes, "And the answer will be an echo: why did you allow all this?" We have to stop the worst from happening and wake people up before it's too late. For ways to fight back, check out, and share, the Gaslit Nation Action Guide on GaslitNationPod.com. The full discussion of this month's book club will be published on Patreon Monday morning, along with the Zoom link for the Gaslit Nation Salon at 4pm ET later that day. To get access to that, join our community on Patreon at Patreon.com/Gaslit and get invites to exclusive events, bonus shows, all episodes ad free, and more. Sign up at Patreon.com/Gaslit – discounted annual memberships are available and you can give the gift of member. Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you. Show Notes: Today in Washington, DC! Celebrate voices of resistance with COURIER. Reflect on 2025's lessons and explore how courage drives the fights ahead. Andrea will be speaking tonight, joined by other independent journalists and activists. More info here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/courage-cowardice-tickets-1968694585501?aff=promotoolkit Total Resistance by H Von Dach https://bookshop.org/p/books/total-resistance-h-von-dach/df1aa810a26bacea?ean=9781607963042&next=t Deaf Republic by Ilya Kaminsky https://bookshop.org/p/books/deaf-republic-poems-ilya-kaminsky/33e16033f9269bdf?ean=9781555978310&next=t Read and Resist: The Gaslit Nation Book Club https://www.patreon.com/posts/read-and-resist-132804210?utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link&utm_id=4d59916b-2d54-46a3-b9e7-76fa99f42f1e&utm_medium=email Trump strategy document revives Monroe Doctrine, slams Europe https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/trump-strategy-document-revives-monroe-doctrine-slams-europe-2025-12-05/ $2 Billion in Pentagon Funds Said to Go to Anti-Immigrant Operations: Democratic lawmakers said in a report that shifting Defense Department funding to support the Trump administration's immigration agenda has hurt military readiness. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/us/politics/defense-department-funds-immigration.html?smid=url-share Russia Suspected of Plotting to Send Incendiary Devices on U.S.-Bound Planes: Two devices that ignited in Europe, officials say, were part of a covert operation to put them on cargo or passenger aircraft https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/us/politics/defense-department-funds-immigration.html?smid=url-share Kremlin hails Trump's national security strategy as aligned with Russia's vision: Moscow welcomes White House document critical of the EU as talks to end the Ukraine war enter a key phase https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/07/kremlin-hails-trump-national-security-strategy-as-aligned-with-russia-vision
From ancient Babylon to the darkest depths of the Cold War, Double Agents have fascinated us for centuries. In Brief Histories, the monthly special from True Spies, series producer Joe Foley is your guide to this secret world - alongside a treasure-trove of stories and expert knowledge from our archive. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets and skills. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1949, American critic Lionel Trilling, writing in the New Yorker, was quick to recognize the achievement of George Orwell's new novel. "[P]rofound, terrifying, and wholly fascinating," he said. 1984 "confirms its author in the special, honorable place he holds in our intellectual life." And while the Cold War and the book's primary satirical targets - Stalin and his totalitarian regime - may have faded from view, the rise of technology and our current geopolitics mean that many of 1984's warnings are more relevant than ever. In this episode, Jacke takes a look at George Orwell's classic dystopian novel, which was ranked #6 on the list of the Greatest Books of All Time. Join Jacke on a trip through literary England! Join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with John Shors Travel in May 2026! Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Learn more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website historyofliterature.com. Mid-December update: Act soon - there are only two spots left! The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com. Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this episode of Somewhere in the Skies, Ryan dives deep into the iconic 1980 Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, unraveling the chilling encounters that unfolded between U.S. Air Force personnel on the edge of the Cold War. With rare audio interviews and chilling on-scene tape recordings from the military witnesses at the time, he breaks down the key players, the dramatic nights in the forest, and the decades of controversy that followed. From mysterious lights and craft to military cover-ups and so much more, this episode pulls apart one of the world's most enduring UFO mysteries piece by piece.Please take a moment to rate and review us on Spotify and Apple.Book Ryan on CAMEO at: https://bit.ly/3kwz3DOPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/somewhereskiesByMeACoffee: http://www.buymeacoffee.com/UFxzyzHOaQPayPal: sprague51@hotmail.comAll Socials and Books: https://linktr.ee/somewhereskiespodEmail: ryan.Sprague51@gmail.comSpectreVision Radio: https://www.spectrevision.com/podcastsOpening Theme Song by SeptembryoCopyright © 2025 Ryan Sprague. All rights reserved.Want to hear your story on Susto? Fill out the Letters From the Beyond form or visit SustoPodcast.com to be shared on the show!Become a Patron here! Subscribe to Susto's YouTube channel!
In Episode 186, Carl Dambman, Athletes in Action Missionary, Olympic Wrestler, Author of In God's Grip, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his unique journey with wrestling and pioneering sports ministry behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War in the '70s and '80s. He shares about his remarkable experiences in sports ministry, including challenges and successes covertly sharing the Gospel and some crazy experiences during border crossings and martial law in Poland. He also talks about his book, In God's Grip, which details his work in the USSR, and how his faith journey and his mentors have had a significant impact on his life and career. Carl emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ministry, knowing one's role on teams and in life, and how the principles learned in sports translate to leadership, marriage, and parenting. Resources and Links from this Episode · Carl and Noreen Dambman's Athletes in Action Website · Carl's book, In God's Grip · Uncut Video of the Episode · Warrior Way Soccer · Phil's email for DISC Training · Nations United Website · Athletes in Action website · FCA 3D Coaching
Experience the holiday cheer of Podcasts of Christmas Past and enjoy this special public premiere episode! Merry Christmas! Jim and I kick off the Bald Move Bad Ass Christmas celebrations for our Club Members with 1985's Rocky IV. What makes Drago v Balboa a holiday film, you ask? Their climactic battle takes place on Christmas day. Plus, there's snow, and pine trees like you wouldn't believe. Very Christmasy. Anyway, this is a great terrible film that might have helped win the Cold War. We discuss the film, it's place in the Rocky pantheon, and behind the scenes tidbits and stories straight from the Sly's mouth. In case you missed it, we Live Watched this thing to, so be sure to check that out. If you're not a Club Member, why not join today? You get tons of extra content, ad-free feeds, VIP access to our forums, and loads more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – Rising media claims predict imminent U.S. conflict with Venezuela as foreign forces, weapons, and alliances reportedly flood the region. Billions keep American troops on standby while Cold War thinking endures. The piece questions interventionism, military readiness, propaganda, and the long-term costs of perpetual war at home and abroad today globally...
WarRoom Battleground EP 907: Selling Out American Intelligence To China; Cold War Over Chips
The Three Archetypes of American Global Strategy — Gaius & Germanicus — Gaius and Germanicus analyze the prospective American National Security Strategy for 2025–2026, framing it as a deliberate return to the "Trump corollary" of the Monroe Doctrine emphasizing hemispheric supremacy and regional sphere-of-influence arrangements. Germanicus categorizes American foreign policy history into three religious-like ideological visions: Washington'sisolationist "beacon on the hill," the Monroe-Adams "realm of liberty" (defensive empire protecting American interests), and the Jacksonian "Prometheus unbound" (universalist ideological expansion spreading democratic values). Germanicus argues the incoming administration systematically rejects the "Wilson to Biden" lineage of global interventionism and messianic crusading in favor of Theodore Roosevelt-style "flexible realism" emphasizing power, national interest, and transactional diplomacy. Gaius details this shifted strategy as consolidating American dominance in the Western Hemisphere and Pacific region while according Russia respect and a recognized sphere of influence in Eurasia, explicitly rejecting Cold War confrontationalism. Gaius documents that Kremlin leadership has explicitly welcomed this "flexible realism," viewing it as a geopolitical departure from perpetual adversarial Cold War mindset. Germanicus contrasts this transactional approach with the "Manichaean" moral crusades characterizing recent American foreign policy, suggesting the American public now explicitly favors strategy avoiding military entanglement while prioritizing domestic prosperity and economic reconstruction, mirroring isolationist sentiments following World War I. 1911 USS MAINE IN HAVANA HARBOR
he Caudine Forks and the Dangers of Half-Measures — Gaius & Germanicus — Germanicus and Gaius center their discussion on the instructive Roman historical lesson of the Caudine Forks: a victor must either completely annihilate the enemy or embrace them as genuine allies; choosing the treacherous middle path of ritual humiliation and subordination ensures future vengeance and perpetual instability. Germanicus applies this ancient strategic principle to contemporary geopolitics, arguing that the United States consistently fails this historical test by demanding submission—symbolized by forcing nations beneath the ritualistic "yoke"—without achieving total conquest that transforms hostile nations into obedient subordinate "bricks" within a durable imperial structure. Gaius and Germanicus cite the Treaty of Versailles and the post-Cold War treatment of Russia as prime historical examples where deliberate humiliation without comprehensive conquest bred lasting resentment rather than durable peace, establishing the foundation for subsequent conflicts and nationalist backlash. Germanicus characterizes this approach as reflecting American "narcissism," the desire for dominance without willingness to wage total war, thereby explaining systemic American failures in Iraq, Afghanistan, and contemporary tensions with Iran. Germanicus and Gaius warn against applying this "halfway yoke" framework to emerging challenges with Venezuela or Russia, instead counseling that it is strategically safer to permit regimes to decay internally through entropy rather than provoke nationalist backlash through external military or political pressure. Gaius concludes by characterizing current European leaders as "aggressive dependents" psychologically clinging to the Ukraine conflict to artificially preserve their own fragile domestic political authority and suppress internal dissent regarding failing governance.