Podcasts about Colombian

Ralph speaks to economist Dean Baker about the hypocrisies behind the supposed Social Security shortfall and Republicans' "waste, fraud, and abuse" panic. Then, Ralph talks to journalist and ocean activist David Helvarg about his new book: Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp.Dean Baker is a Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, where he authors “Beat the Press,” his regular commentary on economic reporting. He has written several books, including Getting Back to Full Employment: A Better Bargain for Working People, The End of Loser Liberalism: Making Markets Progressive, False Profits: Recovering from the Bubble Economy, and The Conservative Nanny State: How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer.People will hear big numbers. They'll hear “$300 billion” and they'll go “Oh my God, that's a lot of money. That's money out of my pocket. It's causing the government deficit,” whatever. That's because they haven't given it any context…If we could, in any conceivable world, afford to pay $500 billion to increase the military budget, surely we can afford to pay $300 billion to ensure that everyone gets their Social Security benefits. It's just a case of: put it in context. I'm not going to say it's a small number. It isn't. But it's smaller— $300 billion is smaller than $500 billion, and that's really not a disputable point.Dean BakerWhere [DOGE] had the biggest consequences is with foreign aid. [Musk] just got a big kick out of that— USAID, he just shut it down. He boasted about that. He goes, “Last weekend I fed USAID into the wood chipper.” That's almost verbatim what he said. Now, what this meant was that you have people— and you could find waste in that program just like any other program, but this is a program that provided millions of people with medicine, with nutrition, with healthcare. And suddenly they couldn't get it…And Elon Musk was boasting that he killed that program. That's great. But millions of people, I mean, thankfully, I don't think it's millions yet, but if that program doesn't get restarted or funded somewhere else, you're going to see millions of people lose their lives.Dean BakerSo we're saying we have people on Medicaid that are committing fraud? No one gets a check from Medicaid. What would that even mean? Like, you signed up for Medicaid and you weren't eligible, so that would mean that they might be making a payment to a doctor or hospital that they don't actually have to make because you didn't qualify? I'm sure that happens sometimes but it's not like someone's living high on the hog because they were able to get Medicaid to pay for their doctor's visit when it actually shouldn't have.Dean BakerDavid Helvarg is a journalist and ocean activist. He is the founder and executive director of Blue Frontier, an ocean policy and media group, and producer of Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast. He has produced more than 40 documentaries for media outlets, including PBS and the Discovery Channel. And he has written several books, including Blue Frontier, The War Against the Greens, and Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp.I've been pushing with my colleagues in journalism the idea of the “blue beat.” The only resource in the ocean not fully exploited at this point is good investigative reporting and narrative storytelling. Because people don't connect with it, a lot of people think the environment ends at the shoreline. And that's really where 95% of the living space on the planet begins.David HelvargPeople at least know that corals are in trouble and they have some sense of what a coral reef is. People don't know that the planet has this other forest crisis—that kelp forests cover an area larger than the Amazon basin, and they're also being impacted by these marine heat waves that are growing every year. And as you add more heat to the system, it gets more energetic, which is why we have more and more extreme storms. I covered Katrina in 2005. I thought that would be a turning point (we had 1,800 people killed and a million environmental refugees). But the propaganda by the oil and gas industry is such that we keep having these disasters from a warming ocean planet, we see the melting of the Arctic ice, and instead of an alarm bell, it became a dinner bell for all the shipping industries and people who want to exploit the oil and gas in the increasingly open Arctic waters. So we're in this crisis point. I'm more frustrated than despairing because we know what the solutions are. It's creating the political will to enact them.David HelvargWhen I started Blue Frontier 20 years ago, the main threats were overfishing and pollution—oil, chemical, plastic, nutrient pollution. Today, that's being overwhelmed by these marine heat waves.David HelvargNews 6/26/26* Our top story this week comes to us from New York City, where democratic socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani has pulled off a stunning hat trick, with all three candidates for Congress endorsed by the Mayor winning their primaries on Tuesday. The most surprising victory is that of Darializa Avila Chevalier, who ousted the powerful incumbent Congressman Adriano Espaillat, head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in New York's 13th congressional district. This primary had turned ugly, with Espaillat's campaign seeking to weaponize anti-Haitian racism in the Dominican community against Avila Chevalier, per the Haitian Times, despite the fact that she is not in fact Haitian. Impressive in another way is the victory of UAW organizer and New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez in New York's 7th district. Much has been made of this race being a proxy battle between Mamdani and his onetime supporter, retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, who backed her protégé, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to succeed her in this seat. Reynoso enjoyed the support of a broad range of New York elected officials – including Velazquez along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and a broad range of unions and civil society groups, most notably the Working Families Party – but was absolutely trounced by Valdez, who won by over 20 points with the support of Mamdani and NYC-DSA. Meanwhile, in the 10th district, Brad Lander won by an even greater margin, outrunning incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman by over 30 points while running on a pro-Palestine platform in the most Jewish congressional district in America. These victories send a clear signal to the sclerotic, ossified leadership of the Democratic Party. The only question now is will they listen.* Beyond the congressional races, DSA won a remarkable number of races at the state level. According to Democratic Left, DSA will send as many as seven new legislators to Albany this cycle, for a total of “four state senators and 11 or 12 members of the state assembly.” As the magazine notes, this means that the “2027-2028 socialist bloc in Albany will be the second largest in a state legislature in U.S. history…behind 20 members in Wisconsin in 1919 and ahead of 14 members in Wisconsin in 1911.” Within New York City, DSA endorsed candidates won seven out of eight races for seats in the state legislature, per NYC-DSA. All told, it was a thunderous victory for the left in New York and raises the clout of Zohran and his compatriots to dizzying heights.* Meanwhile, in Washington DC, NOTUS reports the local DSA has exploded in membership, adding nearly 1,000 new members since this time last year. This growing bloc flexed its political muscle in the recent Democratic primaries, electing DSA members Janeese Lewis George for Mayor and Aparna Raj for the Ward 1 seat on the DC Council, as well as Oye Owolewa for an at-large seat. Axios notes that they are already eying, “two more openings — to fill Lewis George's Ward 4 seat and the at-large seat of Congress-bound Robert White.” If these votes go in DSA's favor, Lewis George could assume the mayoralty with a progressive majority of seven out of 13 members on the Council. Since her victory last Tuesday, Lewis George has emphasized her plan to lower utility costs through “expanding government solar,” and “balcony solar” for apartment tenants, optimizing efficiency at local government agencies and maximizing federal housing grants.* In Maryland, the results for DSA and progressives more generally were not quite so decisive but the left notched key victories nonetheless. DSA endorsed candidate McKayla Wilkes won her primary for the Charles County Commission and incumbent State Delegate Gabriel Acevero won reelection to his seat. Senators Dalya Attar and Nancy King, both centrist incumbents, lost to progressive challengers, per Maryland Matters. Will Jawando in Montgomery County won the County Executive position with broad support from the Maryland political establishment and progressives, while Maryland Senate Majority Leader Bill Ferguson fended off his first real challenge in years only after a last minute pledge to reverse his position on Maryland congressional redistricting. However, in the 5th congressional district, Steny Hoyer protégé and “AIPAC-backed” Adrian Boafo won the primary to succeed his mentor in Congress. According to the Jerusalem Post, “AIPAC poured $5.7 million into his campaign through its super PAC.” Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn came in a distant third place, despite scoring the endorsement of Nancy Pelosi. In short, the left has more work to do in order to build a political machine in Maryland as they have in New York and DC.* The next major contest between the factions of the party will occur next week in Colorado, where Melat Kiros, a DSA-backed progressive challenger born in 1997, is taking on Congresswoman Diana DeGette, who first took office that same year, per Zeteo. According to a poll conducted on behalf of the Kiros-aligned Justice Democrats, she leads DeGette by five points and she has now won the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders. Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper is also facing a progressive primary challenge from State Senator Julie Gonzales and, according to the polls, he holds but a single digit lead, the Coloradan reports. We will be watching both of these races closely.* Meanwhile in Congress, the Senate has passed a new resolution on Iran, this time directing Trump to “remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress, other than to defend America, an ally or partner from ‘imminent attack,'” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal notes that while the resolution is nonbinding, it was previously passed by the House, marking “the first time both chambers of Congress have passed the same measure to curb” presidential power to wage war on the Islamic Republic. The resolution passed 50-48, with the support of Republican Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul. Senators Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick were absent, and Senator John Fetterman again broke ranks with the Democrats to vote no.* Turning from the Senate floor to the shop floor, the United Auto Workers (UAW) concluded their 39th Constitutional Convention last week, with a momentous vote to divest the union's investments from Israel bonds. UAW's divestment decision is the latest victory in the campaign to disentangle the finances of American organized labor from the state of Israel, following the United Electrical Workers (UE) in 2015 and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in 2023. UAW members also heard from Abdul El-Sayed, the candidate the union has endorsed in the Michigan Senate race. This contentious campaign will not be over until August, but El-Sayed, occupying the progressive lane, has moved into the lead and appears to be consolidating his lead, winning the endorsement of Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen just this week, per the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Van Hollen himself has recently begun hinting that he may seek higher office, recently telling NOTUS that he is “kicking the tires” on a 2028 presidential bid.* Turning to foreign affairs, this week saw the fall of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer, a centrist who was elected Labour Party leader in 2020 following the ouster of leftist Jeremy Corbyn, has held the post of Prime Minister since 2024 when Labour won an historic landslide. Since then however, his personal approval rating and that of the party has cratered, creating space for the rise of the far-right Reform UK party. The BBC reports Starmer will remain in his post until a new leader is chosen from within the party, with the presumptive successor being MP Andy Burnham who recently beat back a challenge in his own seat by a Reform candidate by a large margin. Starmer is now set to be the shortest serving Labour PM in British history, while Burnham is set to become the UK's seventh Prime Minister in the last ten years, both indications of the precariousness of the post-Brexit British political order.* Our final two stories come to us from Latin America. First, in Bolivia, the country's union confederation has maintained a general strike against the right-wing government of Rodrigo Paz for nearly two months over his administration's initiatives to privatize government services and rescind the land reform program instituted over the last several decades of rule by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS). On June 19th, journalist Ollie Vargas reported that the government had blinked and signed an agreement to withdraw these plans in exchange for the unions ending the general strike. However, Vargas notes that “most affiliated unions state that they want to maintain strike until [the Paz government] resigns.”* Finally, in Colombia, the right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella emerged victorious from Sunday's runoff presidential election, defeating leftist Ivan Cepeda, the handpicked successor of sitting President Gustavo Petro, by less than one percentage point. In the immediate wake of the election, President Petro “alleged that Israel interfered” in the election, citing “irregularities in the country's vote counting process and calling for a full audit and recount,” per Drop Site News. However, by Wednesday, Cepeda himself formally conceded, framing his decision to do so as “an act of democratic responsibility, to contribute to harmony, peace and dialogue among Colombians,” Al Jazeera reports. As one of his first acts, Abelardo de la Espriella has committed to reestablishing diplomatic relations with Israel, which had been severed under President Petro.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Colombia's Presidential Shift Toward Security and Law and Order. Guest: Evan Ellis. Abelardo de la Espriellaappears to have won the Colombian presidency, promising a crackdown on insecurity and organized crime modeled after El Salvador's policies. His victory signals a likely return to strong security cooperation with the United States and a departure from the policies of Gustavo Petro. 91900 MEXICO

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOCR SHOW, 6-24-2026MEXICO CITYThe Imprisonment of Jimmy Lai and the Future of Hong Kong. Guest: Mark Clifford and Gordon Chang. Jimmy Lai has spent over 2,000 days in prison, becoming a symbol of resistance against the Chinese Communist Party. His fate mirrors that of Hong Kong, which is transforming into a national security state where surveillance and espionage extend to international cities like London. 1US Navy Control and the Opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Rebecca Grant and Gordon Chang. Despite Iranian claims of closure, the US Navy maintains tactical control over the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring sea lanes remain open for international shipping. Advanced mine-clearing technology and persistent patrols have neutralized threats, though economic signals like the Jones Act waiver remain points of discussion. 2Canadian Public Opinion on the Chinese Threat and US Trade. Guest: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang. A majority of Canadians perceive China as a threat following revelations of election interference and malign influence operations. Meanwhile, concerns grow regarding the reliability of the United States as a partner under the Trumpadministration and the potential abrogation of the USMCA trade agreement. 3Strengthening Defense Ties Between the Philippines and Canada. Guest: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang.Canada is deepening security cooperation with the Philippines to counter Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea. This partnership includes logistical agreements and military training, even as Canada faces challenges protecting its own Arctic sovereignty against increasing Russian and Chinese strategic reach in the North. 4Ukrainian Drone Attacks Cripple Russian Oil Infrastructure. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Cheap Ukrainian drones have successfully targeted Russian refineries and fuel transport, causing significant shortages of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. This technological warfare has forced Russia to ban exports and implement rationing, as traditional air defense systems struggle to counter swarms of small, maneuverable drones. 5Declining Russian Oil Production and the Shadow Fleet. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Russian oil production is falling due to aging fields and a lack of investment, failing to meet OPEC quotas. While Russia utilizes a "shadow fleet" to bypass sanctions, it must offer steep discounts to India and China as Brent crude prices decline and fiscal pressures mount. 6European Heatwave, Commodity Prices, and UK Political Shifts. Guest: Simon Constable. A "Godzilla El Niño" has triggered record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, impacting energy demand and agriculture. Amid falling Brent crude prices, attention shifts to UK politics, where the potential rise of Andy Burnham within the Labour Party signals a move toward higher taxes and increased government spending. 7The Infrastructure and Economic Impact of Data Centers. Guest: Simon Constable. Data centers have become essential infrastructure for AI development, consuming vast amounts of water and electricity. While they provide significant tax revenue for localities, particularly in states like Virginia and Texas, their construction often faces local opposition due to their immense resource requirements and costs. 8Colombia's Presidential Shift Toward Security and Law and Order. Guest: Evan Ellis. Abelardo de la Espriellaappears to have won the Colombian presidency, promising a crackdown on insecurity and organized crime modeled after El Salvador's policies. His victory signals a likely return to strong security cooperation with the United States and a departure from the policies of Gustavo Petro. 9Keiko Fujimori and the Return of the Fujimori Dynasty. Guest: Evan Ellis. Keiko Fujimori has likely secured the Peruvian presidency, narrowly defeating her socialist opponent through overseas votes. Her administration faces a deeply divided nation, widespread illegal mining, and cocaine production, but may benefit from a new bicameral Congress intended to provide greater political stability than previous years. 10Political Instability in Bolivia and Regional Alliances. Guest: Evan Ellis. President Rodrigo Paz has survived a 50-day crisis in Bolivia after declaring a state of emergency to clear blockades led by Evo Morales. While regional allies have supported Paz, Brazil's absence from this coalition highlights President Lula's role as a principal counterweight to US influence. 11Mexico's Economic Growth and USMCA Renegotiation Tensions. Guest: Evan Ellis. The Mexican economy saw its sharpest expansion in five years, yet the upcoming USMCA renegotiation creates significant uncertainty. While Mexicoattempts to appease the US through high-level investigations into cartel-linked officials, the Sheinbaum government remains hesitant to fully confront powerful political figures within its own party. 12Pope Leo XIV's Warning on Artificial Intelligence. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. In a 43,000-word encyclical, Pope Leo XIV warns that artificial intelligence risks dehumanizing society and excluding God from the human experience. While acknowledging technological benefits, the Pope emphasizes the danger of treating humans as mere means and the erosion of authentic human relationships in favor of machines. 13AI in Education and the Necessity of Liberal Learning. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. The rise of AI in academia tempts students to bypass the essential struggle of thinking, leading to intellectual atrophy. Educators argue that liberal education is now more vital than ever to help students cultivate a flourishing mind and recognize the limitations of technological shortcuts. 14Private Innovation and Infrastructure Challenges in Space. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. SpaceX successfully defeated legal challenges in Texas while NASA's aging infrastructure faces funding gaps and restrictive laws. Meanwhile, private startups like Catalyst are attempting robotic satellite rescues, signaling a shift toward a capitalist model in space operations as government agencies struggle with delays and inefficiencies. 15New Discoveries in Planetary Science and Cosmology. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The Lucy probe's flyby of asteroid Donaldjohanson revealed a "tumbling peanut" shape, providing insights into its 155-million-year history. Additionally, observations of asymmetric radio galaxies highlight galactic movement through the intergalactic medium, while debates continue among cosmologists regarding the existence and properties of dark energy. 16One correction folded in: Labour Party (UK spelling) in file 7. I also expanded the file 9 headline's "Law Order" to "Law and Order" — flag if you wanted it left verbatim.

Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is an unusual politician. For one, he has never held elected office and does not represent a traditional political party. Rather, he built a career as a criminal defense attorney, including in Miami, where he represented high-powered clients facing corruption allegations. He also became a familiar presence in Trump circles, with appearances at Trump properties, and holds American and Italian passports. Trump personally endorsed de la Espriella, seeking a new ally in Bogotá. De la Espriella's populist message resonated with Colombians, who narrowly elected him on Sunday. So what does the sudden emergence of this new political force mean for Colombia's long struggle with armed violence? How does this election fit into a broader pattern of right-wing victories in the region? And can Colombia's landmark 2016 peace agreement with the FARC hold? I discuss all these questions, and more, with the International Crisis Group's Deputy Director for Latin America, Elizabeth Dickinson, who spoke with me from Bogotá. This conversation is truly an expert briefing. You'll learn how de la Espriella rose so quickly, why his victory marks such a sharp break from Colombia's recent political trajectory, and what his presidency may mean for the future of peace, security, and democracy in one of Latin America's most consequential countries.

Ghost opens episode 116 with Trump's latest gaggle confirming the Hormuz naval blockade is history, US farmers are getting paid to feed Iran, and critics like Ted Cruz need to be "educated" on the deal's terms. The IAEA inspections dispute gets the full treatment: Ghost breaks down how Iran only denied inspecting its bombed facilities, not all facilities, and why the media is deliberately misrepresenting the gap. Pakistan PM Sharif and Iran's president both confirm ballistic missiles were never on the table, period. Ghost then turns to the Jerusalem News Syndicate summit, walking through Mark Levin's unhinged speech, Netanyahu's "kill them first" Talmud citation calling the diaspora to fight back, and Naftali Bennett's bombshell admission that he was smuggling tens of thousands of Starlink receivers into Iran to support a regime change operation. Israel's Diaspora Affairs Minister declares the new enemy axis is Turkey, Syria, and Qatar, which are precisely Trump's three closest Middle East allies. Keir Starmer's resignation gets Ghost's theory that European elites pushed him out for being too cooperative with Trump. The episode closes with Colombia's razor-thin election of Trump-endorsed "El Tigre," his background as Alex Saab's lawyer, and Gustavo Petro's accusation that Israel hacked Colombian election servers.

This week we said goodbye to Alan Greenspan, the man who spent two decades quietly rigging the economy for the wealthy, and encouraged working people to take on debt he knew would blow up in their faces (he would eventually call this a “flaw” ). Then we looked at housing starts, which just posted their worst number since COVID, with multifamily construction down 40% in a single month—because between 6.4% mortgage rates, all-time high home prices, and tariffs jacking up the cost of every material that goes into a build, the math simply doesn’t work. Chapters Intro: 00:00:38 Quick Takes: 00:01:20 Max Notes: 00:06:27 Killer Left Take of the Week: 00:13:47 Chart of the Week: 00:17:09 Headlines: 00:22:02 Outro: 00:23:17 Resources The Majority Report w/ Sam Seder: How Did Hasan Make Emma Cry? Ed Zitron: Exclusive: OpenAI Losses Increased Nearly 8X in 2025, With Spending Hitting $34 Billion Yahoo! Finance: SpaceX stock tumbles 16.4%, shaving off most IPO gains since debut Owen Jones: Keir Starmer: Dishonest, Unprincipled - And FINISHED Walter Masterson: Trolling Nick Shirley in NYC United States Census Bureau: Monthly New Residential Construction, May 2026 Freddie Mac: Mortgage Rates NAHB: New Tariffs on Lumber, Wood Product Imports Add Headwinds to Housing Market Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis: Median Sales Price of Existing Homes Justice for Colombia: Who is De la Espriella, the Colombian far right’s presidential candidate? The New Yorker: The Repo Man is Coming for Your Ride Mother Jones: Why GM Is Betting on a Future With Sodium-Ion Battery Storage UNFTR Resources Video: On The Record 6-23-26 (Greenspan, SpaceX, and the Colombia Coup Nobody's Ready For.) UNFTR Progressive Trivia Essay: Alan Greenspan Has Died. Episode: Housing in America. -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility.Support the show: https://www.unftr.com/membershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why was the most famous coffee farmer in the world a Cuban-American opera singer from Havana who had never visited Colombia — and how did a fictional man with a mule named Conchita become one of the most successful advertising characters in the history of capitalism? What is the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros, the institution that built its own roads, its own bank, and its own merchant fleet to protect 540,000 smallholder families from the commodity trap? And how did a research centre founded in 1938 end up saving the entire Colombian coffee industry from a fungal epidemic forty years later?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Colombia and coffee — Juan Valdez, the parafiscal tax, and the real institution behind the fictional farmer...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Get 20% off your first custom blend at:https://truenutrition.com/CYCLINGUse code: CYCLINGThis episode is supported by True Nutrition.Build your own custom protein blend with the ingredients, flavour, and sweetener you want.---Colombian rider Germán Darío Gómez is provisionally suspended after a positive test at ProTeam level. We dig into why cycling's anti-doping system keeps catching small fish — and what the structural economics of second-tier teams have to do with it.Daily cycling intelligence from SEMIPRO CYCLING, produced with AI-assisted research, scripting, and synthetic voice.

"Even though we're so diverse, we're all the same. We're all longing for the same thing — to belong, have a purpose in life, to understand why we are here on this planet." — Sonia Daccarett ABOUT THIS EPISODE Sonia Daccarett is a writer and communications professional born in Colombia to a Christian Palestinian father and a Jewish mother. She holds an undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master's in international and public affairs from Columbia University. For more than two decades she worked on strategic communications for corporate and nonprofit clients. Her debut memoir, The Roots of the Guava Tree: Growing Up Jewish and Arab in Colombia, explores identity, belonging, and coming of age against the backdrop of 1980s Colombia. Mike and Sonia discuss how a casual memoir-writing class turned into a book, the challenge of writing childhood scenes in the voice of a child, navigating a multicultural identity in a homogenous society, and why she wanted to offer a first-person account of what ordinary Colombians endured during the country's violent 1980s. --- KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. A book that wasn't meant to be a book. Sonia enrolled in a memoir-writing class during a quieter chapter of her life, fell in love with the genre, and accumulated pages before realizing the recurring themes — identity, diaspora, family — could form a cohesive narrative. 2. Retraining the writing brain. After two decades of press releases and corporate communications, Sonia had to relearn scene, dialogue, and narrative writing — breaking free of the "five W's, tell it all on one page" mindset. 3. Writing in the child's voice was the breakthrough. The manuscript initially felt flat when told entirely from her mid-50s perspective. Switching to first person as a four-, six-, or fifteen-year-old brought the memories alive — though it meant extensive rewriting. 4. Rediscovering parents as complex people. One of the book's biggest gifts was moving beyond the unidimensional way children see adults and understanding her parents and grandparents as people navigating their own immigrant struggles. 5. A utopian experiment in identity. Her parents deliberately raised their children without religious labels or ethnic identifiers — a noble dream that left Sonia feeling identity-less in a society that expected you to know who you were. 6. A hidden diaspora. Most people don't know that a large Christian Arab population emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to Colombia in the 1910s, or that Jewish communities thrived in Latin America. Sonia wanted to broaden mainstream narratives about where Jews and Arabs live. 7. Colombia's 1980s through ordinary eyes. Beyond the Netflix portrayals of Pablo Escobar, the book offers a first-person account of what civil war between government, guerrillas, and cartels felt like for everyday families — the kidnappings, the fear, the impossible choices. 8. The power of a writing partner. After many cycles of throwing the manuscript into a metaphorical drawer, Sonia credits her Polish writing partner and her husband for pushing her to finish — proof that external accountability matters for memoirists. GET THE BOOK The Roots of the Guava Tree: Growing Up Jewish and Arab in Colombia by Sonia Daccarett Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aYCCx1 Buy on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781647429409 CONNECT WITH SONIA Website: soniadaccarett.com Instagram: @soniadaccarettauthor CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST Mike Carlon | Uncorking a Story Website: uncorkingastory.com YouTube: @uncorkingastory Instagram: @uncorkingastory Facebook: Uncorking a Story TikTok: @uncorkingastory Twitter/X: @uncorkingastory LinkedIn: Uncorking a Story Subscribe & Leave a Review — It helps more readers and writers find the show! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/uncorking-a-story/id563636205 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HZiAEtFlhAzk60Z4eAkhY RSS Feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/uncorkingastory --- Uncorking a Story is produced by Mike Carlon. New episodes drop every Tuesday. #SoniaDaccarett #RootsOfTheGuavaTree #Colombia #Memoir #JewishIdentity #Palestinian #MulticulturalIdentity #Diaspora #LatinAmerica #Colombia1980s #ImmigrantStory #MemoirWriting #AuthorInterview #BookPodcast #UncorkingAStory #WritingCommunity #Nonfiction #CulturalIdentity #JewishAndArab #BookRecommendations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest is Augusto Amaya, Co-Founder of Arcadia Green Coffee, a company working directly with coffee producers throughout Colombia while building long-term relationships with coffee roasters across Europe.Coffee is often discussed through the lens of weather, quality, logistics, and price. What receives far less attention is the role politics plays in shaping the conditions under which coffee producers operate.In this episode, Augusto shares his perspective on the political realities currently affecting coffee-growing regions in Colombia. From government policy and institutional relationships to security concerns and confidence within rural communities, political decisions often have consequences that extend well beyond election cycles.For coffee producers, political uncertainty can influence investment decisions, access to resources, and long-term planning. For exporters, importers, and roasters, these same factors can affect supply, stability, and the future of coffee-producing communities.Throughout the conversation, Lee and Augusto explore how political developments are being experienced on the ground, what coffee professionals outside Colombia may be overlooking, and why understanding these realities is becoming increasingly important for anyone seeking to build stronger supply chain relationships.While market reports may focus on prices and production figures, the human realities behind those numbers are often shaped by political decisions made far from the farm. This episode offers valuable insight into how those decisions are affecting coffee today and what they may mean for the future.Connect with Augusto Amaya & Arcadia Green CoffeeWebsite: https://arcadiacoffee.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augusto-amaya-irecol/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 2 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest is Augusto Amaya, Co-Founder of Arcadia Green Coffee, a company working directly with coffee producers throughout Colombia while building long-term relationships with coffee roasters across Europe.Coffee is often discussed through the lens of weather, quality, logistics, and price. What receives far less attention is the role politics plays in shaping the conditions under which coffee producers operate.In this episode, Augusto shares his perspective on the political realities currently affecting coffee-growing regions in Colombia. From government policy and institutional relationships to security concerns and confidence within rural communities, political decisions often have consequences that extend well beyond election cycles.For coffee producers, political uncertainty can influence investment decisions, access to resources, and long-term planning. For exporters, importers, and roasters, these same factors can affect supply, stability, and the future of coffee-producing communities.Throughout the conversation, Lee and Augusto explore how political developments are being experienced on the ground, what coffee professionals outside Colombia may be overlooking, and why understanding these realities is becoming increasingly important for anyone seeking to build stronger supply chain relationships.While market reports may focus on prices and production figures, the human realities behind those numbers are often shaped by political decisions made far from the farm. This episode offers valuable insight into how those decisions are affecting coffee today and what they may mean for the future.Connect with Augusto Amaya & Arcadia Green CoffeeWebsite: https://arcadiacoffee.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augusto-amaya-irecol/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Abelardo de la Espriella claims to have won the tight presidential race in Colombia against left-wing rival Ivan Cepeda. It's estimated only a few hundred thousand votes separate the two candidates. Mr de la Espriella, who's backed by President Trump, wants to use force to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Also: Pakistani and Qatari mediators say the first round of Iran-US talks in Switzerland have ended with encouraging progress made. Reaction from Bolivia, where police and soldiers used bulldozers to clear roads blocked by anti-government protestors for more than six weeks. Is the UK about to get its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, as Donald Trump posts about rumours that Keir Starmer is set to resign? Europe braces for a prolonged heatwave as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius and are forecast to rise during the week. We look at how fatherhood might have a positive effect on men. Plus, Cape Verde continue to defy the odds, scoring their first ever goals at the World Cup.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Colombia's right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella arrives to vote in the runoff election in Barranquilla, Colombia, 21 June 2026. Credit: Photo by Mauricio Duenas Castaneda/EPA/Shutterstock

-- On the Show: -- Donald Trump posts repeatedly about alleged vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, despite no evidence, and demands accountability -- David launches his new book, "Pay Attention: How the Algorithms and Media Wars Are Suppressing Truth and Rewiring Your Brain." Pre-order now at: davidpakman.com/attention -- Donald Trump shares a photograph believed to have been taken at Camp David and refers to the woman pictured as a great daughter -- Questions about post-Trump succession grow as JD Vance faces mounting scrutiny and Marco Rubio gains traction -- New polling shows support weakening in states that have historically backed Donald Trump by large margins -- Fox News prepares for a post-Trump era, emphasized by its recent focus on broader conservative themes rather than Trump-focused stories -- Growing doubts emerge about whether JD Vance can become Trump's successor as Republicans question his ability to energize the movement -- On the Bonus Show: Keir Starmer out as UK prime minister, a Trump-backed candidate wins the Colombian election, Trump's Qatari jet arrives in US, and much more...

Colombians have elected a new leader after one of the most divisive and violent campaigns in the country’s recent history. Plus: we examine Pakistan’s new position as a global mediator. And: we look ahead to the release of Monocle’s Quality of Life issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up for the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry. This community is open to all stakeholders in the coffee industryEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest is Augusto Amaya, Co-Founder of Arcadia Green Coffee, a company focused on building direct relationships between coffee producers in Colombia and coffee roasters throughout Ireland, the UK, and Europe.When people talk about Colombian coffee production, most of the attention is given to the main harvest. Much less attention is paid to the Mitaca crop, often referred to as the fly crop. Yet for producers, exporters, importers, and coffee buyers, this smaller harvest can provide important signals about what may be ahead.In this episode, Augusto explains why he believes more coffee professionals should be paying attention to Colombia right now and why the Mitaca harvest deserves far more attention than it typically receives. Drawing on conversations with producers throughout Colombia, he shares what farmers are currently experiencing, what early production data may be telling us, and how changing conditions are affecting coffee-growing communities.As climate volatility, production uncertainty, and supply chain pressures continue to increase, understanding what is happening at origin becomes increasingly important. This conversation explores why looking beyond headline market reports and paying attention to developments on the ground may help coffee businesses better prepare for what comes next.Whether you are a producer, green coffee buyer, roaster, trader, consultant, or simply someone interested in understanding how coffee moves through the supply chain, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most overlooked parts of Colombia's coffee production cycle.Connect with Augusto Amaya & Arcadia Green CoffeeWebsite: https://arcadiacoffee.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augusto-amaya-irecol/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Today, Les, John, Andrew, Matt, and Amy dig into the ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations playing out in Switzerland, where a publicly snubbed Vice President and a shifting cast of regional brokers — Qatar and Pakistan prominent among them — signal just how little control Washington holds over the process. The Strait of Hormuz remains a pressure point, with the southern half open only under U.S. military escort and proxy attacks continuing even as diplomats talk. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer's resignation in the UK and a contentious Colombian election add to an already turbulent international backdrop.Does the current negotiating posture amount to the U.S. practically begging Iran for a deal, and what does that say about American leverage? With the MOU still existing in multiple competing versions and Iran pressing for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon as a condition, what would a deal the President can actually enforce even look like? If last July's strikes on Iran's nuclear program were meant to be decisive, why does the situation feel like it hasn't moved at all? Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.@lestermunson@amykmitchell@andrewborene@JohnCLipsey@wmatthaydenLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube; watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/WzLCd6MsFHk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up for the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry. This community is open to all stakeholders in the coffee industryEpisode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward hosted by Lee Safar.Our guest is Augusto Amaya, Co-Founder of Arcadia Green Coffee, a company focused on building direct relationships between coffee producers in Colombia and coffee roasters throughout Ireland, the UK, and Europe.When people talk about Colombian coffee production, most of the attention is given to the main harvest. Much less attention is paid to the Mitaca crop, often referred to as the fly crop. Yet for producers, exporters, importers, and coffee buyers, this smaller harvest can provide important signals about what may be ahead.In this episode, Augusto explains why he believes more coffee professionals should be paying attention to Colombia right now and why the Mitaca harvest deserves far more attention than it typically receives. Drawing on conversations with producers throughout Colombia, he shares what farmers are currently experiencing, what early production data may be telling us, and how changing conditions are affecting coffee-growing communities.As climate volatility, production uncertainty, and supply chain pressures continue to increase, understanding what is happening at origin becomes increasingly important. This conversation explores why looking beyond headline market reports and paying attention to developments on the ground may help coffee businesses better prepare for what comes next.Whether you are a producer, green coffee buyer, roaster, trader, consultant, or simply someone interested in understanding how coffee moves through the supply chain, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most overlooked parts of Colombia's coffee production cycle.Connect with Augusto Amaya & Arcadia Green CoffeeWebsite: https://arcadiacoffee.ie/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/augusto-amaya-irecol/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Colombia has chosen a new direction. In a historic election, voters handed Abelardo de la Espriella a victory and delivered a clear rebuke to Petrismo and the political forces that have dominated the country in recent years. But what drove this result, and what's next? In this analysis, we break down the key issues that shaped the vote, from security concerns and economic uncertainty to voter frustration with the status quo. More importantly, we examine what de la Espriella's victory could mean for Colombia's future, the challenges awaiting his administration, and whether this election marks a temporary shift or the beginning of a new political era.Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/oA_4jtcIe-8Read more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/writeContact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/Follow me on social mediaFacebook https://www.facebook.com/financecolombiaLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/finance-colombia/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finance_colombia/Check out my other YouTube Channels:Loren Moss: https://www.youtube.com/@LorenMossFinance Colombia Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@FinanceColombiaShortsE Pluribus Unum: https://www.youtube.com/@OutofmanywebecomeoneE Pluribus Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@EPluribusShortsCognitive Business News: https://www.youtube.com/@CognitiveBusinessNewsCognitive Business Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/@CognitiveBusinessShortsEmpleo Bilingüe: https://www.youtube.com/@EmpleoBilingueRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

The US vice president, JD Vance, is set to negotiate with Iran in Switzerland after Tehran said it had again shut the Strait of Hormuz - in response to Israel's continuing attacks in Lebanon. The White House disputes the claim that the Strait has been closed. Also: ten Palestinians are killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; Colombians prepare to choose a new president; King Charles is to become Britain's first monarch to reveal his personal tax bill; why the popularity of cassette players endures in Kashmir; and today's obsession with true crime.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: US Vice President JD Vance boards a plane for Switzerland for peace talks with IranCredit: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz

Colombians are voting in a presidential run-off election. The vote pits a leftist reformer against a right-wing political newcomer who wants to use force to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Abelardo de la Espriella, who's backed by President Trump, has vowed to wage a full-scale military campaign in contrast to Senator Ivan Cepeda who's promising to continue the less confrontational policies of the outgoing president, Gustavo Petro.Also in the programme: US Vice-President JD Vance describes 'great progress' in talks with Iran in Switzerland; and research that suggests men with children have better performing brains.(Photo: A man fills out a ballot as people vote in a presidential runoff election in Colombia, June 21, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Jair Coll)

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, celebrated in many aboriginal communities across Canada by hosting events such as festivals, cultural performances, ceremonies and community gatherings. Let’s mark this special day by discovering Canada’s ancient pre-Colombian cultures and civilizations as we embark on a fascinating, epic trek back to the incredible and enthralling precontact period of Canada. First Nations of Canada books available at https://amzn.to/4fWfylW ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORICAL JESUS podcast at https://parthenonpodcast.com/historical-jesus Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 X (twitter): https://twitter.com/MarkVinet_HNA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ralph welcomes political consultant and pollster, Celinda Lake, to outline a ten-point Progressive Contract for America that she and Ralph believe – if adopted by Democratic candidates— will ensure they landslide the Republicans in the midterms. Then, Ben Cohen stops by to fill us in on his “Free Ben & Jerry!” campaign to take back the brand from the conglomerate that no longer retains the social justice values of their original company. Plus, Marine Corp veteran, Matthew Hoh, tells us about the provocative speech he made on Veterans Day entitled “Armistice Day and the Empire.”Celinda Lake is a political strategist and president of Lake Research Partners. She and her firm are known for cutting-edge research on issues including the economy, health care, the environment and education, and have worked for a number of institutions including the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Governor's Association, AFL-CIO, SEIU, CWA, Sierra Club, NARAL, Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood, VoteVets Action Fund, and the Kaiser Family Foundation. Her international work has included work in Liberia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus Ukraine, South Africa, and Central America.I think [a Compact for America] is a really, really, really important idea, and it's absolutely essential to winning…And it should include concrete economic proposals. And it is noticeable that the two people who won governorships in 2025—Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill—both had contracts with their voters.Celinda LakeDemocrats need to lay out ten concrete proposals and run on them. We have the critique of what's going on. We understand what's happening in real people's lives. The third leg of the stool is offering our alternative—and a concrete alternative that people can pass on to their friends and family, that people can hold us accountable for. And the last of the ten proposals in the contract needs to be something about campaign finance reform. We have to get corporate money out of politics, or our system will continue to be rigged against us and rotting from the middle.Celinda LakeBen Cohen is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime anti-war activist. He is a co-founder of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry's and a prominent supporter of progressive causes. He is co-founder of Up In Arms, a public education and advocacy campaign pushing for a common-sense approach to military budgeting.What's happened is that the company recently got owned by the Magnum Corporation, and the Magnum Corporation has disbanded that independent board of directors. I mean, it's kind of a crazy, stupid move because it's under that independent board (which has legal authority over the social mission and the quality of the product and the use of the trademark) it's under that independent board that the company has grown and done so well. But they've gotten rid of the independent board.Ben CohenWhen Ben & Jerry's was in the midst of trying to fend off this acquisition, there were some new laws that were passed in Vermont that allowed a consideration of the benefit of the community with regard to a potential sale. And after the sale happened, B Corporation started. And I've talked with the founder of B Corp, and he was saying that one of the inspirations for starting B Corporations was what happened to Ben & Jerry's. So B Corporations are a different legal structure for corporations which requires them to take into account the social benefit to the community and legally makes it easier to resist these efforts to have the company taken over.Ben CohenMatthew Hoh is a disabled Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War and former Afghan War State Department Officer. In 2009, after being appointed to the Foreign Service, Hoh resigned his post in Afghanistan over the Obama administration's escalation of the Afghan War. He is now an analyst and commentator on foreign and military policy issues as a senior fellow with the Eisenhower Media Network. He serves on the advisory boards of many peace organizations, including Veterans for Peace and World Beyond War, and is an associate member of Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity.The United States recognized Armistice Day as a holiday until after the Second World War. And then in the height of the Cold War in the early 1950s, this idea of a holiday dedicated to peace, a holiday dedicated to the abrogation of warfare, a holiday that exposed just how false the motives for war are—oh that was incredibly troublesome. That was very problematic for the American empire (again, at the height of the Cold War). So there was this campaign to rename Armistice Day to Veterans Day. And this way, it became not a remembrance of the horrors of war, of what war entailed, of who profited from war. But rather a celebration of American veterans, that they have won freedoms, they have protected us from overseas enemies—and utilizing veterans, then, as a tool to crush dissent, to silence opposition.Matthew HohClick here to sign up to get a copy of Matthew Hoh's "Armistice Day and the Empire”News 6/19/26* Our top stories this week are about major local progressive victories. Here in Washington, DC Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George – endorsed by a broad coalition of groups including the Metro DC DSA, the AFL-CIO, the Sierra Club and many more – has triumphed in the Mayoral primary. Lewis George trounced her centrist opponent, Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, who was backed both by major local corporate interests, such as the realtor lobby and even the Washington Parking Association, but also Democratic Party power brokers, including two former DNC Chairs. Lewis George, hailed as DC's answer to Zohran Mamdani, won over 50% of the vote in the first round, meaning that while this is DC's first mayoral election under ranked-choice voting, this race will not trigger this mechanism. McDuffie, for his part, won around 36% of the vote, coming ahead of Lewis George only in Ward 3, the wealthiest in the District. While votes remain to be counted, McDuffie has conceded.* Another DSA-backed candidate is poised to win a seat on the DC council. In Ward 1, Aparna Raj appears to have come up just short of 50% but while this means the race will go to a second round of ranked-choice reallocation, given that Raj is more than 25 points ahead of her nearest opponent, her victory is all but guaranteed. This is based upon data from the DC Board of Elections. Raj's impending victory, paired with that of Janeese Lewis George and others like Oye Owolewa demonstrates that the DC DSA is an electoral force to be reckoned with.* In more progressive electoral news, Semafor reports Bernie Sanders has endorsed former Congresswoman Cori Bush in her “comeback” bid for her old seat. Bush, a nurse and Black Lives Matter activist, was a member of the “Squad” in the House before she was defeated by a primary challenge from the right, backed in large part by AIPAC money. With the Republican redistricting in her home state of Missouri, this seat is now the sole remaining safe Democratic seat in the Show-Me State. In a statement, Bush said she was “honored to be endorsed” by Sanders, whom she called a “true leader in our movement to guarantee healthcare, housing, and childcare for all.”* Another much-publicized Bernie endorsement was announced this week: that of Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson. Pearson was originally running as a primary challenger against longtime incumbent Congressman Steve Cohen in Tennessee's 9th congressional district, but since the state Republicans redrew the districts Cohen has decided to retire, leaving the Democratic nomination to Pearson for the taking. While this district has been drawn in such a way to make it difficult for a Democrat to win, Pearson argues that “You've got a number of disaffected Republican voters, you've got a number of distraught MAGA voters, and you've got fired-up Democrats, which is a perfect recipe for success for us…Because our tent is big enough for everybody who is feeling that this status quo was rigged and broken against working-class folk, and want to see a future that is more just,” per the Intercept.* Elsewhere in the South, the race in Florida's 20th congressional district is descending into chaos. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the powerful centrist Democratic congresswoman who was drawn out of her traditional seat by the recent Republican-led redistricting is now officially running in this district, a move that “disappointed” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried, according to the Miami Herald. Fried further stated that Wasserman Schultz “[refused] to engage in meaningful dialogue about her decision.” Elijah Manley, the progressive candidate in this race, had harsher words for DWS. In a quote reported by Florida Politics, Manley stated “I'm not surprised that Debbie Wasserman Schultz is carpetbagging to FL-20, a black opportunity district, abandoning her own district and constituents…She is no different than the Republicans that are eviscerating black representation across the South. She is everything that's wrong with the broken unpopular Democratic establishment…I look forward to retiring her from public office permanently.”* Facing down the barrel of this decision, several of the Black candidates running in the 20th convened to discuss a plan to consolidate in order to ensure the district would continue to be represented by a Black member of Congress, as it has been for the past 34 years. However, CBS reports that plan has “fallen apart” as the filing deadline passed with none of the major Black candidates bowing out. This report includes statements from Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who, the piece notes, resigned from this very seat in disgrace earlier this year amid a congressional ethics investigation, saying she is “excited to campaign in the district I have represented for the last 5 years.” Dale Holness, the former Mayor of Broward County, said, “It has to be about policies that produce prosperity for the people.” Elijah Manley, said “I think it's going to come down to who works the hardest, and I think I'm going to work the hardest.” To this end, Manley has recently racked up major progressive endorsements in Florida, including Armando Grundy-Gomes, President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida, through President Matthew Grocholske, and Black Voters Matter lead Florida organizer Jamil Davis. According to the most recent polling, Manley lags behind Wasserman Schultz 21% to 39% in initial ballot testing, but blitzes into the lead 36% to 27% after voters receive candidate biographical information, per Florida Politics.* Another major political story from Florida is the comeback bid of former Congressman Alan Grayson. Grayson, who won a House seat in 2008, lost it in the Tea Party wave of 2010, won another seat, ran unsuccessfully for Senate, and then sought a comeback in 2018 is running in Florida's 7th congressional district, AOL reports. Grayson, known during his time in Congress for his “combative style and frequent clashes with Republicans,” is seeking to unseat scandal-plagued incumbent Republican Congressman Cory Mills. As this piece notes, Mills has “faced allegations ranging from sextortion claims made by a former girlfriend to accusations that he embellished aspects of his military record,” as well as what appears to be clear instances of corruption, such as driving government contracts to entities he owned. However, before these two have any chance of facing off against one another, both will have to get through his own party's primary.* Looking to Latin America, the outgoing President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, has published a fascinating op-ed in the Washington Post. In this piece, President Petro emphasizes how his government – considered one of the most opposed to American intervention in the region – has cooperated with the United States on shared objectives including stopping the “deadly flow of drug trafficking and transnational criminal violence.” Throughout the op-ed, Petro goes to great lengths to talk up Trump and how they have collaborated on mutual goals, even ending the piece by writing that “with continued U.S.-Colombia partnership, we can truly make the Americas great again.” This apparent about face from Petro, culminating in an obsequious appeal to Trump's favor, has led many to speculate about Petro's motivations here, including fear for his own safety, possible persecution within the American legal system or intervention in Colombia if his designated successor Ivan Cepeda ultimately wins the Colombian runoff presidential election this month. Whether or not this stratagem will work remains to be seen, but with Trump, flattery can get you everywhere.* In neighboring Peru, votes continue to be counted in the razor's edge race between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez. The votes for the election, held on June 7th, are almost completely counted now – the tally stands at 99.38% – and at the moment Fujimori leads by around 39,000 votes. However, around 140,000 votes have been formally challenged, with 60% of those coming from Fujimori strongholds like Lima as well as Peruvians abroad. This from Reuters. Peru's political system has been wracked by instability, with the country going through nine presidents in the last ten years. Another painstakingly close election is unlikely to restore stability no matter who comes out on top.* Finally, we turn to the Middle East, where it seems the numerous parties involved in the latest round of peace talks may have finally reached a deal. According to Al Jazeera, in addition to the US-Iran agreement, rooted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which includes financial concessions to the Islamic Republic, Israel and Hezbollah are pursuing a ceasefire in Lebanon. However, Israel's notoriously loose interpretation of ceasefire agreements jeopardizes both this deal and MOU. Journalist and expert Rania Khalek states simply that “From Iran's perspective, continued Israeli strikes would be a violation of that understanding.” Vice President JD Vance, who has been intimately involved in these negotiations, expressed a sharp warning to Israel not to jeopardize the deal and risk alienating Trump, their “only ally” left. Trump for his part is already hedging, saying “If it works out, I'm going to take the credit…If it doesn't work out, I'm blaming JD,” per CNN. A report in the Hill indicates that Republican Senators would largely oppose the deal if it were submitted for their approval, but given the increasing concentration of foreign policy powers in the executive branch, it is unlikely the Senate will even be consulted.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-18-26.1922Colombia's Presidential Election and Abel de la Espriella. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses the upcoming Colombian election and frontrunner Abel de la Espriella. As a lawyer with multiple passports, de la Espriella positions himself as a disruptor similar to Donald Trump or Javier Milei. He advocates for building mega-prisons to confront gangs and reviving the hydrocarbon industry. 1Poverty and Economic Stagnation in Developing Nations. Guest: Veronique de Rugy. Veronique de Rugy examines why countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo remain in extreme poverty. She identifies institutional failures, such as a lack of property rights and predatory governments, as the primary causes of stagnation. Growth, she argues, is the only sufficient element to lift people out of poverty. 2Advancements in Small Satellite Propulsion. Guests: Paulo Lozano and Amelia "Mia" Bruno. Paulo Lozano and Mia Bruno introduce electro-spray thrusters utilizing green ionic liquid monopropellant for small satellites. This technology allows a single tank to fuel both efficient electric and high-thrust chemical maneuvers. Unlike toxic hydrazine, this fuel is safe and allows satellites greater mobility for Earth observation. 3Future Missions for Miniaturized Space Technology. Guests: Paulo Lozano and Amelia "Mia" Bruno. With an unlimited budget, Paulo Lozano envisions a fleet of autonomous small satellites exploring near-Earth asteroids for scientific value. Mia Bruno aims to use improved propulsion to reach the moons of Jupiter and Saturn much faster than current missions allow. They also discuss performing complex orbital plane changes using chemical maneuvers. 4The Normalization of Crisis in Bolivia. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Professor Evan Ellis reports on the 49-day blockade in Bolivia that is strangling the economy under President Rodrigo Paz. Driven by Evo Morales and indigenous groups, the protests have caused significant GDP shrinkage and business closures. Despite being resource-rich, the country faces a fiscal crisis as natural gas reserves dwindle. 5Security Challenges in Colombia and Political Transitions in Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Evan Ellis discusses the ELN's influence in Colombia, noting that armed group activity has doubled since the 2016 peace agreement. He suggests that restoring security and government presence is vital for the middle class. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori holds a thin lead in a contested election supported by the diaspora. 6The Criminal Landscape in Venezuela and Regional Politics. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Ellis details the rise and fall of the Tren de Aragua gang, which originated in Venezuelan prisons and spread across the Americas. A recent drone strike suggests potential cooperation between the U.S. and the Venezuelan regime to normalize the mining sector. Meanwhile, Brazil's Lula da Silva faces increasing regional isolation. 7Bukele's Security Transformation of El Salvador. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Professor Evan Ellis describes how President Nayib Bukele has dramatically improved security in El Salvador by imprisoning over 90,000 suspected gang members. This "Singapore-like" approach has revitalized commerce and public administration despite concerns over democratic erosion. The capital, San Salvador, now features new construction and increased safety. 8Ralph Waldo Emerson and the Roots of Transcendentalism. Guest: Bruce Nichols. Bruce Nichols discusses Ralph Waldo Emerson's return to Concord, Massachusetts, where he transitioned from a Unitarian minister to a public intellectual. Emerson became a "loadstone" for radicals like Henry David Thoreau, who initially improved his family's pencil business before focusing on nature and philosophy. Emerson's dissent sparked a broader intellectual movement. 9Amos Bronson Alcott and the Transcendentalist Identity. Guest: Bruce Nichols. Bruce Nichols introduces Amos Bronson Alcott, a self-educated thinker who revolutionized education through conversational, Socratic methods. Though his schools often failed financially, Alcott was supported by Emerson and became a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement. Transcendentalism emphasized finding higher spiritual truths or the "oversoul" within the universe. 10Nathaniel Hawthorne and the Literary Circle of Concord. Guest: Bruce Nichols. Bruce Nichols explores Nathaniel Hawthorne's move to Concord and his complex relationship with Transcendentalists like Emerson. Unlike the optimistic Emerson, Hawthorne's fiction focused on human tragedy and the presence of evil. He struggled financially, often competing with popular "scribbling women" for book sales while publishing short stories to make ends meet. 11The Extraordinary Life and Tragic Death of Margaret Fuller. Guest: Bruce Nichols. Bruce Nichols chronicles the life of Margaret Fuller, a pioneering feminist and journalist who served as the first female war correspondent. Fuller's intellectual prowess "wowed" Emerson, though her life ended tragically in a shipwreck off Fire Island. Some scholars believe Hawthorne modeled his character Hester Prynne after her. 12Japan's Energy Crisis and Economic Resilience. Guest: Lance Gatling. Lance Gatling discusses how the Strait of Hormuz crisis has driven Japanese crude oil import prices to record highs. To maintain stability, the government has tapped strategic reserves and subsidized fuel prices while increasing imports from the U.S. Despite the weak yen, Japanese exporters are booming, and the stock market has reached all-time highs. 13Japan's Future in Energy and Artificial Intelligence. Guest: Lance Gatling. Japan is working toward a goal of 40–50% renewable energy and 20% nuclear power by the mid-2030s. Lance Gatling notes that Japan remains a critical link in the semiconductor chain essential for the global AI boom. While circumspect about AI's authority, Japanese companies dominate the hardware manufacturing processes necessary for semiconductor production. 14The Moral Foundations of the American Revolution. Guest: David C. Rose. David C. Rose explains that the American Revolution was driven by men who considered themselves "independents" rather than rebels. Drawing on Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments, he argues that humans crave approval and follow cultural norms. Over time, these norms shifted toward "moral don'ts" or guardrails, fostering a freethinking mindset. 15Guardrails and the Psychology of Independence. Guest: David C. Rose. David Rose argues that the Revolution occurred because the British King violated the "guardrails" of his own power, losing the respect of his subjects. While tax issues were prominent in Boston, a more generalized feeling of disenfranchisement fueled the movement. The Founders ultimately chose independence when the reciprocity of decency and legitimacy failed. 16

Colombia's Presidential Election and Abel de la Espriella. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses the upcoming Colombian election and frontrunner Abel de la Espriella. As a lawyer with multiple passports, de la Espriella positions himself as a disruptor similar to Donald Trump or Javier Milei. He advocates for building mega-prisons to confront gangs and reviving the hydrocarbon industry. 1

What if the healing you've been searching for isn't found by doing more, but by listening more deeply to the nudges already guiding you?In this fascinating conversation, I sit down with Anya Halama, holistic mentor, Akashic Records practitioner, and ayahuasca retreat facilitator, to explore her incredible journey from chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and burnout to a life devoted to healing, spiritual growth, and transformation.Anya shares how a powerful inner nudge led her to leave her life in Chicago behind, travel the world, and eventually find herself deep in the Colombian jungle working with plant medicine and guiding others through their own healing journeys.Together we explore the role of intuition, spiritual guidance, ancestral healing, generational trauma, and the profound lessons that can emerge when we stop resisting change and start trusting the unknown.Whether you're curious about ayahuasca, interested in deep healing, or simply learning to trust your own inner guidance, this episode offers wisdom, perspective, and practical insights to support your journey.Key Themes✨ Trusting the nudges that change your life✨ Healing ancestral and generational patterns✨ Ayahuasca as a tool for self-discovery and transformation✨ Connecting with spirit guides and intuition✨ The importance of preparation, integration, and self-responsibilityTakeaways

South Florida's dining landscape is the product of decades of immigration. Cuban, Haitian, Colombian, Venezuelan, and dozens of other communities have each added a layer to a food culture that is continuously evolving—and few people are better equipped to make sense of it than someone who grew up eating his way through it. In this episode, host Angie Orth sits down with Fort Lauderdale native Ryan Pfeffer, Senior Editor at The Infatuation, where he oversees restaurant coverage across South Florida. With years of on-the-ground reporting from the ventanitas of Little Havana to the pop-up scene in Wynwood, Ryan brings local fluency and a journalist's instinct to the table. You'll learn how decades of immigration shaped one of the most diverse dining cultures in the country, what dishes are truly native to this region, and how to build a realistic eating itinerary without burning away half your trip in traffic. Ryan breaks down the rituals every first-time visitor should know and explains why the best meal in South Florida is rarely the most obvious one.What You'll Learn:3:08 How successive waves of South American and Caribbean immigration gave Miami a food identity unlike anywhere else in the country8:17 What the cafecito ritual is, how to properly order it at a ventanita, and why it's a foundational piece of Miami culture13:55 How to find the freshest local seafood in South Florida without falling into tourist traps20:09 Why Palm Beach and the Florida Keys represent opposite ends of the South Florida food spectrum25:24 The one thing Ryan says every visitor must do when eating their way through South FloridaConnect with Ryan Pfeffer:Website: https://ryanpfeffer.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanpfefferoni/What foods are you most excited to try in South Florida? Tell us in the comments! Connect with AAA:Book travel: https://aaa-text.co/travelingwithaaa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAAAutoClubEnterprisesPodcast: TravelingWithAAA.com

Ibrahim Akasha was the kingpin of East Africa's heroin highway, setting up a massive tracking empire that stretched from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran to Kenya, South Africa and Europe. When he was gunned down in 2000, his sons stepped into the void, hungrier and even more violent...but also, more sloppy. They struck deals with Pakistani mobsters and Colombian cartels, turning Kenya's ports into gateways for global dope. But their empire crumbled in a DEA sting straight out of a Hollywood script. *Note: Sean disappeared while on vacation in Amsterdam, Danny had to be hospitalized post Knicks win, so we took a week off for the first time in a year. Enjoy this classic episode from last summer: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iván Cepeda has built his political career around peace, social justice, and advocacy for victims of Colombia's armed conflict. In this segment, we examine the strongest arguments in his favor, from his focus on neglected regions and marginalized communities to his commitment to implementing the peace accords, his ideological consistency, and his reputation as a disciplined and experienced political operator. Whether you agree with his vision or not, these are the qualities that make Cepeda a serious contender in Colombia's 2026 presidential race.SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

Abelardo de la Espriella has built his campaign around security, economic growth, and a stronger relationship with the United States. In this segment, we examine the strongest arguments in his favor—from his tough-on-crime stance and pro-business agenda to his plans for healthcare, homeownership, government reform, and rural connectivity. Whether you support him or not, these are the policies and ideas that make his candidacy appealing to many Colombians ahead of the 2026 election.SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

As Colombia heads into a historic presidential runoff, let's take apart the two men vying for the country's highest office: Iván Cepeda and Abelardo de la Espriella. Who are they, where do they come from, and what would a presidency under either candidate actually look like? This episode explores their backgrounds, policy proposals, strengths, controversies, and the questions that continue to follow both campaigns.Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/A2HSVrvAGiQRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/ Follow me on social media Facebook https://www.facebook.com/financecolombia LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/finance-colombia/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/finance_colombia/  SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/ Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/) IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

The son of an assassinated senator, Iván Cepeda has spent much of his public life focused on victims' rights, historical memory, and Colombia's long internal conflict. Over four terms in Congress, he became one of the country's most prominent left-wing politicians and a central figure in some of its most consequential political and legal battles. But as he seeks the presidency, a key question remains: how would a politician whose career has been built in activism and legislation govern the country from the executive branch?SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

A defense lawyer for some of Colombia's most controversial figures. A millionaire showman who enters rallies with tiger videos, smoke machines, and chants from the crowd. A political outsider who has never held elected office, but is deeply connected to the country's power networks. Who is Abelardo de la Espriella, and what would Colombia look like under a president who has spent a lifetime turning himself into a brand?SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

Abelardo de la Espriella presents himself as a tough-on-crime, pro-growth outsider, but his candidacy also raises significant questions. In this segment, we examine concerns about his admiration for strongman politics, his long history as a defense attorney for controversial figures, his opposition to key elements of Colombia's peace process, and the absence of a governing track record. We also explore criticisms of his approach to press freedom, social policy, and public image, offering a balanced look at the risks and uncertainties surrounding one of Colombia's most talked-about presidential candidates.SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

Iván Cepeda presents himself as a champion of peace, social justice, and human rights, but his critics see a very different picture. In this segment, we examine concerns about his ties to controversial political figures, his approach to guerrilla groups and the failed Total Peace strategy, his economic agenda, and his vision for expanding the role of the state. We also explore questions surrounding investor confidence, healthcare reform, political alliances, and his long-standing ideological commitments, offering a critical look at the risks many Colombians associate with a potential Cepeda presidency.SOURCES & ACKNOWLEDGMENTSKey La Silla Vacía pieces referenced: - Profile of Iván Cepeda (life, Manuel Cepeda's assassination, MOVICE, the Uribe case, “truth as a program”) - “La cuota de Cepeda en el fracaso de la paz total” — Cepeda's share of responsibility in the failure of Total Peace - “Cepeda lleva una década de silencio frente a la opresión del chavismo” — Cepeda's silence on Chavismo - Reyes' computers investigation - Profile of Abelardo de la Espriella (Montería, La Salle, Ralito/Fipaz, the client list, the brand, the religious conversion, the tiger campaign) - “El universo empresarial de la Espriella: socios cuestionados, saldos en rojo y bienes raíces” — https://www.lasillavacia.com/silla-nacional/el-universo-empresarial-de-la-espriella-socios-cuestionados-saldos-en-rojo-y-bienes-raices/Race facts verified (June 2026): - First round (May 31, 2026): De la Espriella ~43.7%, Cepeda ~40.9%; runoff June 21; winner inaugurated August 7. (France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20260531-colombia-presidential-election-live-follow-the-first-round, AS/COA Poll Tracker: https://www.as-coa.org/articles/poll-tracker-colombias-2026-presidential-election) - Assassination of Sen. Miguel Uribe Turbay (shot June 7, 2025; died Aug 11, 2025); Prosecutor's Office links the Segunda Marquetalia, though InSight Crime notes thin public evidence. (https://www.financecolombia.com/colombias-prosecutors-go-after-farc-dissidents-segunda-marquetalia-for-presidential-candidate-miguel-uribe-turbay-murder/, https://insightcrime.org/news/colombia-blames-guerrillas-for-killing-senator-but-with-little-evidence/)IvanCepedaCastro, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsRead more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/

CONSISTENCYYYY 2026

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar. Our guest in this series is Freddy Rivard, Co-Founder of Honduran Coffee Alliance and Insula Coffee. Throughout this series, we explore how financing works in coffee and why understanding liquidity, risk, and value chain relationships is critical to building a more resilient coffee industry.Most coffee professionals understand coffee production, roasting, brewing, and sales. Far fewer understand the financial systems that make coffee trade possible. Yet every bag of coffee that moves from a farm to a roastery requires money to move before coffee can move.In this episode, Freddy Rivard breaks down the fundamentals of coffee financing and explains why financing is not simply about getting a loan from a bank. Together, Lee and Freddy explore how liquidity enables coffee to move across time, geography, and form, from coffee cherries on a farm to roasted coffee in a café.Freddy shares insights from his background in agriculture, microfinance, financial engineering, commodities trading, and coffee importing to explain the different actors involved in financing coffee. The conversation explores how producers, cooperatives, exporters, importers, financial institutions, and roasters all play a role in keeping coffee flowing through the supply chain.They also discuss why liquidity is often described as the lifeblood of commodity markets, how specialty coffee differs from commodity coffee in terms of liquidity, and why understanding the flow of money is becoming increasingly important during today's coffee crisis.Why this mattersMany coffee businesses focus exclusively on product, quality, and sales. However, the businesses that understand how money moves through the coffee supply chain are often better positioned to manage risk, build stronger partnerships, and navigate market volatility. This episode provides a practical foundation for understanding one of the most important, but least discussed, topics in coffee.Connect with Freddy Rivard and his businesses here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredericrivard/https://www.instagram.com/hondurancoffeealliance/https://www.hondurancoffeealliance.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/insulacafe/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

In today's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kemel Ghotme, a Colombian paediatric neurosurgeon who led the first neurosurgery-led resolution in the history of the World Health Organisation, a global mandate to fortify staple foods with micronutrients to prevent neural tube defects and other birth conditions. I spoke with Kemel in Geneva, where we were attending the third World Health Assembly since the resolution was unanimously adopted in May 2023.You'll hear why patients living with spina bifida chose to advocate for prevention over treatment, how Colombia convinced 35 countries to unanimously adopt a global health resolution in record time, and why a six-dollar intervention is projected to prevent 200,000 birth defects a year.Resources and links:Dr. Kemel Ghotme on Instagram Dr. Kemel Ghotme on LinkedInConnect:Future Fork podcast websitePaul Newnham on InstagramPaul Newnham on XPaul Newnham on LinkedInDisruptive Consulting Solutions websiteSDG2 Advocacy Hub websiteSDG2 Advocacy Hub on XSDG2 Advocacy Hub on FacebookSDG2 Advocacy Hub on LinkedIn

Advertising SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Arcadia Green Coffee, Colombian coffee exporters taking fresh green coffee from Colombia to the world, farm to roastery, direct. New office now open in the UK.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcadiagreencoffee/WhatsApp: https://wa.me/353877871523Episode DescriptionThis is episode 1 of a 5-part series on The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, hosted by Lee Safar. Our guest in this series is Freddy Rivard, Co-Founder of Honduran Coffee Alliance and Insula Coffee. Throughout this series, we explore how financing works in coffee and why understanding liquidity, risk, and value chain relationships is critical to building a more resilient coffee industry.Most coffee professionals understand coffee production, roasting, brewing, and sales. Far fewer understand the financial systems that make coffee trade possible. Yet every bag of coffee that moves from a farm to a roastery requires money to move before coffee can move.In this episode, Freddy Rivard breaks down the fundamentals of coffee financing and explains why financing is not simply about getting a loan from a bank. Together, Lee and Freddy explore how liquidity enables coffee to move across time, geography, and form, from coffee cherries on a farm to roasted coffee in a café.Freddy shares insights from his background in agriculture, microfinance, financial engineering, commodities trading, and coffee importing to explain the different actors involved in financing coffee. The conversation explores how producers, cooperatives, exporters, importers, financial institutions, and roasters all play a role in keeping coffee flowing through the supply chain.They also discuss why liquidity is often described as the lifeblood of commodity markets, how specialty coffee differs from commodity coffee in terms of liquidity, and why understanding the flow of money is becoming increasingly important during today's coffee crisis.Why this mattersMany coffee businesses focus exclusively on product, quality, and sales. However, the businesses that understand how money moves through the coffee supply chain are often better positioned to manage risk, build stronger partnerships, and navigate market volatility. This episode provides a practical foundation for understanding one of the most important, but least discussed, topics in coffee.Connect with Freddy Rivard and his businesses here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredericrivard/https://www.instagram.com/hondurancoffeealliance/https://www.hondurancoffeealliance.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/insulacafe/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Dave is joined by Farideh Sadeghin, author of The Hot Dog Cookbook: 50 Recipes for a Classic American Food, for a deep dive into hot dog culture, regional styles, and the surprisingly high-stakes question of what belongs on a dog.They get into New York onion sauce, Seattle dogs on alleged “bialy sticks,” Colombian and Brazilian hot dog toppings, Zweigle's red and white hots, Connecticut meat sauce, New Jersey Rippers, Italian hot dogs, Fenway Franks, split-top buns, and why a hot dog should usually remain a handheld food. Farideh also talks about the anxiety of writing a book on a food everyone has strong opinions about, the difference between hot dog chili sauce and standard chili, and why Heinz is the only ketchup worth discussing.Also covered: Quinn's 25-pound pea situation, saffron labeling disasters, Rochester flour history, pit beef versus roast beef, Maryland crab habits, lobster-roll bun standards, grilled cheese crunch, and the final verdict: a hot dog is not a sandwich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evan Ellis notes how public frustration with rising crime and President Petro's "total peace" plan has fueled the rise of hardline political candidates in Colombia. As the country grapples with internal conflict, many Colombians seek a "strong hand" to restore security, mirroring historical law-and-order movements seen in neighboring South Americannations. (15)1900 Bogota

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-11-26.1900 BRUSSELSAnatol Lieven discusses NATO's top US commander, General Grynkewich, who states Russia is not looking for conflict despite European concerns about US military withdrawals. Lieven agrees, noting that the Russian army is bogged down in Ukraine, making a deliberate attack on NATO members like the Baltics appear militarily absurd. (1)Anatol Lieven examines rising anti-immigrant tensions in the United Kingdom, where violent demonstrations in Belfastand England highlight growing public anger toward sudden demographic changes and crimes allegedly committed by asylum seekers. Lieven suggests these tensions are politically explosive, potentially forcing a leadership change in the Labour Party if right-wing parties continue to gain ground. (2)Leila Philip discusses the ancient Algonquin legend of Great Beaver, an environmental parable about resource hoarding and the creation of the Connecticut River Valley. The story reflects traditional ecological knowledge, emphasizing the beaver's immense power to control the water cycle and shape resilient landscapes. (3)Cliff May argues that Qatar utilizes its vast energy wealth to buy influence through professional sports, media platforms like Al Jazeera, and university campuses. He argues these investments allow the state to manipulate Western academic discourse and hedge political bets while hosting major US military assets. (4)Jack Burnham discusses China and North Korea's strategic alignment, noting that Xi Jinping's festive visit to Pyongyang signals China's willingness to de-emphasize denuclearization in favor of regional stability and strategic balancing against the US. North Korea, now an "arsenal of tyranny," leverages its military experience from the Ukrainian front lines to strengthen its regime. (5)Jack Burnham examines the Pentagon's 1260H list, which identifies Chinese companies allegedly assisting the PRC's military-industrial base, signaling increased regulatory scrutiny for these entities. Burnham recommends streamlining government lists to prevent companies from exploiting gaps and advises retail investors of the national security risks these firms pose. (6)Andrea Ferrara describes using the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate a mysterious red light source initially thought to be the most distant galaxy. By observing luminosity changes over two years, he determined it is likely a rare pair-instability supernova, resulting from the explosion of a massive primordial star. (7)Andrea Ferrara proposes building a 40-meter telescope on the lunar surface to succeed the James Webb Space Telescope. This moon-based facility would avoid atmospheric interference, allowing scientists to directly detect the universe's first stars and resolve long-standing mysteries regarding the aftermath of the Big Bang. (8)Mickey Trescott explains that autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system attacks its own organs, a condition affecting a high percentage of women. The protocol is a diet and lifestyle experiment designed to help individuals identify personal triggers and manage their chronic health symptoms. (9)Mickey Trescott describes how the core autoimmune protocol involves a strict 30-to-90-day elimination phase removing common triggers like grains, dairy, and nightshades. This "detective work" calms the immune system, allowing patients to systematically reintroduce foods to discover which specific ingredients negatively impact their health. (10)Mickey Trescott introduces a modified autoimmune protocol that includes rice and coffee, making it more accessible and affordable than the core version. A successful transition requires tracking baseline symptoms and preparing the kitchen to handle the nutritional demands of the upcoming elimination and reintroduction phases. (11)Mickey Trescott emphasizes consuming nutrient-dense foods like bone broth and fatty fish to resolve inflammation and support the microbiome. During reintroduction, patients identify specific food "villains" by monitoring symptom flare-ups, ultimately empowering them to choose a diet that maintains their long-term vitality. (12)Evan Ellis discusses Bolivia's severe instability as blockades led by supporters of Evo Morales disrupt the capital's supply of food and oxygen. Morales is described as a dangerous figure using cocaine-related funds to destabilize the democratically elected government, posing a significant risk to regional US allies. (13)Evan Ellis highlights a razor-thin election in Peru between Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sanchez, exposing deep national divisions over corruption and wealth distribution. The outcome is geopolitically significant, as China already maintains a massive foothold in Peru through control of critical infrastructure, including major ports, mines, and electricity. (14)Evan Ellis notes how public frustration with rising crime and President Petro's "total peace" plan has fueled the rise of hardline political candidates in Colombia. As the country grapples with internal conflict, many Colombians seek a "strong hand" to restore security, mirroring historical law-and-order movements seen in neighboring South Americannations. (15)Evan Ellis discusses how a banking scandal involving Flavio Bolsonaro has impacted Brazilian polls, giving Lula da Silva a temporary lead. Meanwhile, El Salvador's President Bukele remains highly popular due to a dramatic security transformation that has revitalized urban life, despite international concerns regarding due process and human rights. (16)Four name/term corrections: (1) Grinkovich → Grynkewich (General Alexus Grynkewich, current SACEUR) (2) Labor Party → Labour Party (UK spelling per house style) (3) Laya Philip → Leila Philip (the actual author of Beaverland) (6) 126H list → 1260H list (Section 1260H of the NDAA — the standard reference)

In this episode, we feature an interview with Sam Erhlich, a manager at McKinsey and Company and a student in my Strategic Materials Industry Study. We discuss why critical minerals are crucial to national security and how best to strengthen the U.S. industryFirst, however, we look at the runoff elections in Colombia and what a far-right win would mean for the country and the region.We next turn to North Korea's surprising economic trajectory since the pandemic and the latest on its diplomatic efforts.Ryan updates us on one of his favorite topics— aliens and what—if anything—was actually revealed on “Disclosure Day.”Topics Discussed in this Episode03:15 - Colombia Elections18:45 - North Korean Economic Resurgence48:25 - Disclosure Day Bust1:03:36 - Interview with Sam Ehrlich on Critical MineralsArticles and Resources Mentioned in EpisodeTopic 1: Colombian ElectionsAbelardo de la Espriella is now the front-runner in Colombia (The Economist)Colombia's far-right presidential candidate De la Espriella wins first round of vote ahead of runoff (The Guardian)Who is De la Espriella, the Colombian far right's presidential candidate? (Justice for Colombia.org)Topic 2: North Korean Economic ResurgenceThe World's Most Surprising Economic Success Story Is…North Korea (WSJ)A ‘Miraculous Transformation': How Kim Jong-un Fortified North Korea (NY Times)China and Russia are competing for influence over North Korea (The Economist)The North Korean Threat with David MaxwellTopic 3: Disclosure Day BustUS DOW UAP Disclosure SiteI've reported on UFO sightings for decades — and come to this conclusion (WaPo)The Newly Released Government UFO Archives Will Leave You Shrugging (TWZ)Send us Fan MailFollow UsShow Website: www.kelloggsglobalpolitics.comShow Twitter: @GlobalKelloggAnita's Twitter: @arkelloggShow YouTube

Some stories can only begin under pressure. Alfonso Vidal grew up in Caracas, Venezuela — and watched his country slide from prosperity into socialist collapse. But nothing could have prepared him for what happened on a fishing trip near the Colombian border, where he was kidnapped by guerrillas and held for eleven days. What happened during those eleven days changed everything — not just his circumstances, but his soul. Alfonso arrived in the United States with little more than the faith that was born in captivity and an unshakable belief in what free people can build. In Part 1, Alfonso takes us inside the kidnapping, the conversion that followed, and the journey that brought him and his wife to American soil — and eventually to a place they would proudly call home.   Episode Highlights: 03:36 Kidnapped in Colombia 04:24 Escape to Indiana 05:52 Building a new life 08:35 COVID shutdown and pivot 10:06 Miracles in captivity 14:11 Divine proof and faith 28:18 Citizenship and gratitude 29:38 Faith reshapes the future 33:51 How to Connect with Alfonso Vidal Show Links:  TheVidalPerspective.com

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show by making their biggest predictions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From who will lift the trophy to who will win the Golden Boot and which nation could fall short of expectations, The Cooligans put their reputations on the line with their boldest World Cup takes. Then, Colombian actress and global superstar Sofía Vergara joins the show to talk about growing up in a soccer-obsessed Colombia, her favorite World Cup memories and why she's excited to see the tournament return to North America. Next, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room stops by to discuss one of the most remarkable stories of the 2026 World Cup. Room reflects on Curacao's historic qualification campaign, what it means to represent the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament and how Lionel Messi personally asked to swap jerseys after a match. He also shares stories from his career journey through Europe, MLS and international football. To wrap up the show, USMNT historian and Guardian journalist Leander Schaerlaeckens joins The Cooligans to discuss the state of the United States Men's National Team heading into the World Cup. Leander explains why the USMNT's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup may have accelerated the development of the current generation, breaks down America's chances of making a statement this summer and looks at what success would truly mean for the program on home soil.   Timestamps: (8:30) - World Cup predictions (32:00) - Sofia Vergara joins The Cooligans (42:15) - Eloy Room joins The Cooligans (1:04:00) - Leander Schaerlaeckens join The Cooligans Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

From the archive: This episode was originally recorded and published in 2022. Our interviews on Entrepreneurs On Fire are meant to be evergreen, and we do our best to confirm that all offers and URL's in these archive episodes are still relevant. Juliana Garcia, CEO and Colombian immigrant, helps coaches clarify their message, get fully booked, and charge premium prices; featured on ABC, CBS, Forbes, and Millionaire Within Her. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Keep things simple to find ease in success. 2. Share your story truthfully and empowering, it builds trust and influence. 3. Use the right words to communicate your offer's value and attract premium clients. Visit Juliana's website and sign up for her free Expose Your Truth 2.0 Challenge - Juliana's Website Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. ThriveTime Show - Is your business stuck? Schedule a free consultation with America's number 1 business coach, Clay Clark, at ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire.

Sam, Dylan, and Dark Smith are back to break down: Dylan returning from Italy with food poisoning and 50 silent farts blamed on his infant daughter in economy class, Sam officially declaring himself a solo anarchist who is never voting again, the Three Secrets of Fatima and the Portuguese shepherd children who received apocalyptic prophecies from the Virgin Mary that correctly predicted World War Two, the Vatican suppressing the third secret for 40 years because it was too dark even for the Pope who went pale reading it, the theory that Vatican II was literally Satan infiltrating the Catholic Church from the inside, Sister Lucy possibly assassinated and replaced with a body double, the Gray Wolves hitman connected to NATO's Operation Gladio and the bullet now sitting in the Virgin Mary's crown, the new Pope's 40,000-word anti-AI manifesto and whether Catholics can now sue employers on religious freedom grounds for being forced to use ChatGPT, the alleged Palantir hack revealing the biggest blackmail operation since Epstein with Trump, Vance, and Elon's conversations sitting in a CIA spy cloud, Peter Thiel fleeing to Argentina right as it surfaces, Ivanka casually announcing she's buying a private Mediterranean island funded by Saudi weapons money, Hunter Biden's actually solid tweet about Don Jr. and Eric's corruption being way worse than his paintings, two Colombian tribes settling a land dispute with clubs while the women livestream it, a man in the UK getting stabbed and bleeding out in handcuffs while cops side with his attacker, Google dropping 32 million sterilized mosquitoes on California and Florida, Ben Shapiro playing Fortnite to save the Daily Wire's YouTube numbers, and Sam's scorched-earth eulogy for Scott Pelley and every journalist who stayed quiet through all of it. Rest in peace Jerry Rocha. Subscribe and give us that sweet brown hype.   Grab Tickets To Sam Tripoli's Live Shows At: https://samtripoli.com/events/ Albuquerque, NM: 6/12-6/13 Austin, TX: 6/18 Miami, Fl: 7/31-8/1 Lawerence, KS: 9/17-9/19 Tulsa, OK: 10/9-10/10 Dallas, TX: 11/07 New Orleans, LA: 11/13 - 15 Austin, TX: DEC 11th-13th:   Buy Our Merch or Sam Will Fight You: https://conspiracy-social-club-aka-deep-waters.myshopify.com/   Subscribe to the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AkaDeepWaters   Check out Dylan's instagram - @dylanpetewrenn   Check out Deep Waters Instagram: @akadeepwaters   Check out Bad Tv podcast: https://bit.ly/3RYuTG0   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: HIMS Go to HIMS.COM/CSC for your FREE Online Visist   MARS MEN MenGoToMars.com to 50% off FOR LIFE, Free Shipping, AND 3 Free Gifts when you mention "CSC" or "DEEP WATERS" at checkout

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026.1933 VALLEY FORGE(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's trustworthiness, with his efforts labeled as "window dressing" to appear as a legitimate ally to the West. Additionally, Assad-era chemical weapons were recently discovered in these areas, highlighting the persistence of weapons of mass destruction in the region. Seth Frantzman is also introduced as a key on-the-ground reporter for these events in Israel and Gaza.(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all directions, targeting the U.S., Europe, and regional neighbors. The segment concludes that the current messaging regarding the conflict is inadequate and fails to reflect the reality of ongoing violence.(3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to frozen assets in Qatar as a prerequisite for any behavioral changes. Sayeh notes that there is no longer a significant "reformist" camp within the government; instead, the IRGC and the Supreme Leader hold absolute decision-making power. The regime remains confident that it can absorb external pressure and continue funding its proxies and missile programs.(4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used social media to memorialize approximately 40,000 people allegedly killed by the regime during the unrest. Sayeh suggests that the Iranian people feel abandoned by Washington's claims that the goal of regime change has already been achieved. Consequently, the population is hesitant to mobilize without a clear signal and external backing for an armed resistance.(5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israelidecapitation strikes, leaving only one pre-war senior leader, Immad Ael, remaining. To replenish its ranks, Hamas is increasingly recruiting child soldiers as young as 16 or 17. Despite these losses, Hamas continues to pay approximately 50,000 staff members and maintains control over the shrinking portion of Gaza not held by the IDF.(6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons are an essential part of its "resistance." The group's political leadership remains protected in Doha, Qatar, due to U.S. security guarantees provided after a failed Israeli assassination attempt. Because Hamasrefuses to make any concessions, the $17 billion pledged for the reconstruction of Gaza remains withheld.(7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and restoring the rule of law. In Brazil, the U.S. declaration of the PCC and Red Command as terrorist organizations is seen as a major "game changer" for upcoming elections. Candidates who advocate for close cooperation with the U.S. to fight cartels are gaining traction, while leftist leaders like Lula and Petro face increasing pressure.(8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocaine that fuels Brazilian organized crime. Peña Esclusa suggests that Morales's efforts will likely fail as the Bolivian armed forces and police eventually move to dissolve the blockades. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Lulafinds himself under pressure from the U.S. and internal factions, limiting his ability to support Morales.(9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russianlogistics, air defenses, and electronic warfare nodes. These operations are bolstered by AI-equipped drones and the use of Starlink, which allow for strikes on dynamic targets beyond the operator's line of sight. On the battlefield, Ukrainianforces have recaptured territory in localized counterattacks on the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed at showcasing a false political process to the West. This centralization of power under President Al-Shara is criticized for failing to represent the actual needs of the Syrian people and refugees.(11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to protect the Iranian regime from U.S. and Israeli pressure. Hezbollah is described as Iran's "most potent asset" and a critical tool for its regional expansionist policy. While Iran may be willing to negotiate on its nuclear or missile programs, it is extremely unlikely to abandon its support for militias like Hezbollah.(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of southern Lebanon to create safe launching grounds for deeper operations against Hezbollah strongholds. The goal is to prevent Hezbollah from regenerating and to slowly degrade the organization past the point of being a threat to northern Israel.(13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and that its founding principles are the actual cause of its problems. The post-liberal right, conversely, views the nation as decadent and corrupt because it fails to recognize a higher religious authority. Both groups advocate for fundamental changes, with the right-wing critique specifically calling for the government to take a more active role in leading citizens toward virtue and salvation.(14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative vacuum," ignoring that the U.S. remains a premier destination for those seeking personal liberty. Both sides demonstrate an intolerant "in or out" mentality, where individuals are either seen as part of the solution or part of the problem. Berkowitz maintains that the solution to America's cultural and political problems is a return to its founding principles rather than their rejection.(15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "first strike preemptive strategy." This strategy is designed to use a nuclear umbrella to coerce the U.S. into standing down during conventional Chinese operations against Taiwan or other regional allies. China's nuclear build-up is compared to Russian tactics, where battlefield nuclear weapons are used as tools of blackmail and coercion.(16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for dual-use military benefits from its inception, viewing space as a potential battlefield. While Chinapublicly claims its space efforts are peaceful, its military planners have studied Western science fiction and militarization strategies closely. The segment warns that the U.S. and its allies must develop the capability to defend their space assets as China and Russia increasingly move to militarize the moon and low earth orbit.Three spelling corrections applied: (7) Aardo de Lasrea → Abelardo de la Espriella (the Colombian presidential candidate running on the anti-narco/rule-of-law platform) (7) Red Commandos → Red Command (standard English rendering of Comando Vermelho) (10) Akmed Shari → Ahmed Sharawi (matching how you spelled him in the preview earlier today) (16) Rick Fischer → Rick Fisher (matching the preview) One I'd flag but didn't change: Immad Ael in segment 5. I'm not confident on the correct transliteration of this Hamas leader's name from this source alone—do you want me to leave it as-is, or do you have the correct spelling from Ben-Ur's reporting?

It's no secret that what we see on social media is highly choreographed. But a recent article in New York Magazine by Lane Brown confirms it by uncovering the world of artificial hype that drives what we perceive as buzz. The piece dominated the groupchats these last few days, and for good reason: it taps into a general unease about how we've ceded our reality to platforms that are manipulated by shadowy ad campaigns. Brown joins the show to lay it all out for us.And in headlines, Trump's “walk back weekend,” protestors clash with police outside a New Jersey ICE detention center, and voting begins in the the Colombian presidential election.Show Notes: The Feed Is Fake, by Lane Brown – https://www.vulture.com/article/social-media-feeds-chaotic-good-projects-clipping.html Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-winger Ivan Cepeda in Colombian presidential run-off in three weeks. The two offer strikingly different visions of how to tackle Colombia's challenges, including violence and drug crime. Also: France and Germany have condemned Israel's deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in a quarter of a century. Berlin said it was a cause for serious concern, while Paris has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council; the new pill that can double the survival rate for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, one of the world's deadliest forms of the disease; the mice plague that is wreaking havoc on rural Australian farms; and why people will now once again be able to take the 666 bus to Hel in Poland.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Several hundred people have been detained by police in Paris after football fans went on the rampage when Paris St-Germain won the European Champions League. Vehicles and businesses were damaged, and several police officers were injured. It's the second year in a row that PSG have won the Champions League - but Arsenal didn't make it easy for them. Also: The first suspected case of Ebola outside Africa has been reported in Brazil. Colombians are preparing to vote in the first round of Presidential elections against a backdrop of political violence. The Oscar-winning editor of the original Star Wars film has died. And Scientists have discovered a new species of fungus, which they believe is helping the environment.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk