Podcasts about Croatia

Eva D'Amato, senior director of luxury lifestyle marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report in Opatija, Croatia, during the International Luxury Forum about the network's Luxury Leaders Alliance and its growing community of top-producing advisors. D'Amato explains how Travel Leaders connects luxury advisors with select suppliers through high-touch events, exclusive education and collaboration, while emphasizing authentic travel, partnership and personal connection over checklist tourism. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Today's guest, author Eva Glyn (Jane Cable), joins us to talk about her novels set in Croatia, including "The Dubrovnik Book Club."   Discover how Eva Glyn fell in love with Croatia, the stories that brought her characters to life, and the fascinating history woven through her novels. From behind-the-scenes anecdotes about researching authentic details and working with local sources, to reflections on war, resilience, and the healing power of both travel and storytelling, this episode offers a heartfelt look at writing across cultures. Plus, get a peek at upcoming books, favorite destinations, and the joys of celebrating books within books. Authentic Storytelling Requires Local Insight: Eva's novels set in Croatia come alive thanks to her ongoing collaborations with locals. These relationships help her infuse genuine cultural detail and nuance into her stories—reminding writers that authenticity often comes from boots-on-the-ground research and real conversations. Friendships Can Be Just as Compelling as Romance: Eva highlighted her fascination with writing about deep, platonic friendships. Her characters' bonds—often non-romantic—show that healing, growth, and rich storytelling come from all kinds of relationships, not only love stories. Curiosity Drives Creativity: Much of Eva's writing starts with a simple “what if?”—researching a local legend, responding to a snippet of history, or chasing a story told by a tour guide. Staying curious and open to these rabbit holes can lead to unexpected and powerful narratives.     CLICK HERE to sign up for the BOOK CLUB!   CLICK HERE to check out the SHOW NOTES for this episode!   Are you an author who would like to join me for a conversation on the podcast? CLICK HERE to get more information and fill out the form.   Episode links: https://literaryescapes.fun/ep-148-author-eva-glyn-brings-croatia-to-life-in-fiction/    We'd love to have you join us in the Literary Escapes Book Club – get more info and sign up here: https://literaryescapes.fun/literary-escape-book-club/  

Nuclear security worker loses clearance over AI-generated porn on government computer, German company turns Louvre heist into viral marketing gold, and two drunk men have bizarre encounters with venomous snakes - one bites back! Plus Apple's M6 iPad Pro gets vapor chamber cooling technology.This Is True Really News with hosts Scot Combs and Tony Verkinnes brings you the week's most unbelievable (but totally true) stories. From DOE security breaches to furniture lift heists at the Louvre Museum in Paris, we cover the news that makes you say "wait, what?!"Stories covered: US Department of Energy security clearance revocation, AI-generated pornography scandal, Louvre Museum heist, German company Bacher viral marketing campaign, venomous snake attacks in India and Croatia, black krait snake bite, alcohol poisoning snake, Apple M6 iPad Pro vapor chamber cooling technology.Get your own This Is True Really News coffee mug at: https://teespring.com/stores/special-ts-5/collection/mugs?page=1Like, subscribe, and follow for more unbelievable true news stories! Leave a comment or send longer feedback to titr@netradio.network#ThisIsTrueReallyNews #TrueCrimeNews #WeirdNews #FunnyNews #LouvreHeist #NuclearSecurity #SnakeBite #ViralMarketing #TechNews #AppleiPad #PodcastHighlights

Brian Hegarty, vice president of marketing for Travel Leaders Network, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report during the International Luxury Forum in Croatia about the evolution of the network's Luxury Leaders Alliance and its record growth. Hegarty explains how the program connects top luxury travel advisors with key partners through exclusive events and peer communities, outlines current luxury travel trends, and shares why demand for high-touch, personalized experiences continues to surge worldwide. For more information, visit www.travelleadersnetwork.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

We are introducing you to the 30rd Album of the Week - 'Je li ovo stvarno to?!' by Izgubljeni vikend,  exclusively talking to Ilan Kabiljo and Laura, offering the HR Top 100 chart changes and bringing the local music news. Host: Ana Radišić

Kristina Garrison, a Ukrainian-raised San Franciscan turned globetrotting mom of two, and her classically trained chef husband David Garrison have just soft-opened Grub Smokehouse in a coworking-space kitchen in Youngsville/Wake Forest, NC—their non-traditional barbecue haven born from a hole-in-the-wall California burger joint shut by COVID, four-and-a-half years of culinary inspiration across Europe and Israel, and a ChatGPT-assisted leap to the Tar Heel State with five suitcases and zero local ties. In week three of word-of-mouth operations, they're smoking everything in-house (12-day-brined pastrami, scratch sauces, seasonal salads, daily sweet-potato cinnamon rolls) on a shoestring DIY buildout, balancing 14-hour grinds with yoga, cold plunges, and an industry discount while betting that perfect-bite flavor symphonies and organic influencer meals will turn curious locals into loyal regulars in a growing melting-pot market.10 Key Takeaways Non-traditional BBQ = perfect-bite melody: Every sandwich/sSant is engineered for balanced flavor layers—smoky meats, house pickles, scratch sauces, seasonal produce—so one bite sings like a song.  No shortcuts, no cans: Zero preservatives, no can opener in the kitchen; everything brined, smoked, pickled, or baked fresh daily (pastrami alone: 12-day brine → smoke → steam).  Tiny menu, massive focus: Just 5 sandwiches, a few salads, 2 desserts—narrow to nail execution and avoid waste (day-old bread becomes bread pudding).  Global palate, local roots: Four-plus years in Croatia, Italy, Spain, Israel re-inspired Kristina & David Garrison; now sourcing from NC farmers and a local bakery to keep it fresh and community-supported.  DIY on a dime: Vacant coworking kitchen → smoker install + handmade wallpaper/paint; low overhead lets labor-intensive quality shine despite inflation squeezes.  Organic growth > paid hype: Soft-open via word-of-mouth + free meals for genuine local foodies/influencers; authenticity trumps bots or fake reviews.  Balance is the new hustle: Yoga, breathwork, sauna, cold plunges replace the old “work hard, party hard” chef culture—keeps Kristina & David Garrison fit and sustainable long-term.  Know your niche, own your price: Slightly higher tabs justified by love and prep; not for everyone, but perfect for foodies who crave preservative-free craftsmanship.  First year = grind with savings: Expect 12–14-hour days, weight loss, dual jobs; success demands 1-year runway and DNA-level passion (they almost opened a second CA spot pre-COVID).  Community heartbeat: Industry discount + rising-tide networking; independent restaurants remain essential third places for real human connection in a screen-heavy world.

Send us a textHalo!In todays lesson we will learn to make sentences about getting to know you. Uncle Mike starts it off, as we get to know him a little bit more. We use some words we know and others we didn't. Follow along with Tony D as we get to know a little more about Uncle Mike!In the Super Slatko Report, we learn about one of Splits biggest back drops, Mosor Mountain.See you there!Bog.LLC_TeamVisit our website: https://www.letslearncroatian.com/We have a YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/c/LetsLearnCroatianLLC Merch Store: https://www.letslearncroatian.com/llc-storeKeep the content flowing, donate to the LLC: https://www.letslearncroatian.com/llc-supporters-pageBuy the LLC a Cup of Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoKX Collaborate with LLC: https://www.letslearncroatian.com/become-a-sponsorDo you FaceBook, we do: https://www.facebook.com/llcpod/?__tn__=-UC*FWe even do Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/llcpod/?hl=enTeeDee's Soapshttps://www.teedeessoaps.comHello LLC Prieteljie!We launched a Buy Me a Coffee supporters page. Here's your opportunity to become an LLC Members. Lots of incentives, including: an LLC Members Only Magnet, automatic entrance to any LLC Member Only raffles & prizes and access to the LLC Members Only page on our website, where we upload new content monthly.Click on the link below.https://www.buymeacoffee.com/infoKXHvala, Bog!Support the show

Nan Berrian is the Author of the Amazon bestseller Vows, Wows, and WTF?!.  In this episode, she shares her journey of finding her voice and happiness after a tumultuous divorce.  Nan recounts her struggles with mental health misdiagnoses, navigating motherhood, the challenges of dating after 50, and how a transformative trip to Croatia helped here reclaim her life.  She also touches on the influence of her mentor and the importance of seeking proper medical advice for mental health issues.  This is an inspiring conversation about resilience, personal growth, and finding joy again.Nan BerrianWebsite -- https://www.nanberrian.com/ Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/nancy.e.berrian Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/nan.berrian/ LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nan-berrian-author-13766514/ Spotify -- https://open.spotify.com/show/5rEexF3MLAmXEbEh1vryvRAnne Zuckerman! Website -- https://annezuckerman.com/ Website -- https://justwantedtoask.com/Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/AnneInPinkInstagram -- https://www.instagram.com/annezuckerman/LinkedIn -- https://www.linkedin.com/in/annezuckerman/Bezi Woman -- https://beziwoman.com/ | https://www.beziwoman.shop/two-step-order1591558404525Bezi Bra Discs - Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/bezibradiscs

This week on the Purple Pants Podcast Pit Stop, Brice Izyah and Brooke Camhi dive into Episode 6 of The Amazing Race Season 38, as teams head to Croatia for a leg packed with salt-sweeping Detours, slippery boat rides, and a tricky map-reading Roadblock that tested everyone's focus. From the lingering fallout of last week's Double U-Turn to shifting alliances and surprise comebacks, Brice and Brooke unpack all the drama, strategy, and laughs that made this episode a wild one. Tune in for their favorite moments, funniest takes, and predictions for the road ahead!

Purple Pants Podcast | The Amazing Race 38 Episode Six Recap: Salt, Sweat, and Strategy This week on the Purple Pants Podcast Pit Stop, Brice Izyah and Brooke Camhi dive into Episode 6 of The Amazing Race Season 38, as teams head to Croatia for a leg packed with salt-sweeping Detours, slippery boat rides, and a tricky map-reading Roadblock that tested everyone's focus. From the lingering fallout of last week's Double U-Turn to shifting alliances and surprise comebacks, Brice and Brooke unpack all the drama, strategy, and laughs that made this episode a wild one. Tune in for their favorite moments, funniest takes, and predictions for the road ahead! You can also watch along on Brice Izyah's YouTube channel to watch us break it all down.https://youtube.com/channel/UCFlglGPPamVHaNAb0tL_s7g Previously on the Purple Pants Podcast Feed:Purple Pants Podcast Archives LISTEN: Subscribe to the Purple Pants podcast feed WATCH: Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT: Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What started as a nine-day motorcycle trip through Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia took a sudden and serious turn. Riding the TET, Philipp Amann and his friends were well into their journey when one of the riders fell ill but insisted on continuing. When he made the decision to turn back, his friends chose to ride with him, unaware of how quickly his condition was deteriorating. It's a story about good intentions, missed signs, and the importance of recognizing when it's time to stop.

Just like the racers stayed in Croatia, McKenna and Kyle are staying put to discuss episode 6 of The Amazing Race European Adventure! What did you think of the episode? Let us know in the comments! And remember to like this video and subscribe! Help support the podcast by becoming a patron of The Specialists:       https://www.patreon.com/thespecialists    #AmazingRace #tar37 #theamazingrace

Bringing back a bit of summer with the first recorded interview from this past @dimensionsfestival in Tisno, Croatia. This was my second year hosting talks at the lovely Haze stage and the first guest in our little series is Australian DJ and Animalia label boss, @kia-sydney. A longtime lover of dance music who started DJing in 2015, Kia's sets travel from dark and driving to playful and euphoric with complete ease — she's an artist who refuses to limit herself, and her sound only benefits from not being boxed in, while her label's exports are as adventurous and exciting as she is. More than just a creative outlet, music is a form of personal expression for Kia, and she is an expert in crafting not only DJ performances, but mixes that are often akin to a diary. As always for these live talks, rather than honing in on one topic, we're exploring each artist's journey and the musical pursuits that make them who they are.

We are introducing you to the 302nd Album of the Week - 'Ringišpil' by Bon Voyage,  exclusively talking to Natali Dizdar and Patriša, offering the HR Top 100 chart changes and bringing the local music news. Host: Ana Radišić

Alex Aljoe sits down with Ivan Rakitić to reflect on his incredible career — from playing alongside MSN during Barcelona's golden era to sharing the pitch with Luka Modrić for over 15 years with Croatia. Rakitić also gives his thoughts on the next generation of Barcelona talent and what makes this current team so exciting to watch The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit fuseenergy.com/football  Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It's time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod.  It's FREE to join and as a member, you'll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at: therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since 2010, AWG has participated in 13 trips with Cruise Holidays. The 14th trip will take AWG members to Italy, Greece, and Croatia. Mark Comfort, co-owner of Cruise Holidays of Kansas City, Comfort Tours and Travel, joins Sean Kosednar on this week's Grocer Pod to talk about all the details about the 2026 AWG Member Trip. 

We're joined in the studio by Zach Anderson, who gives us an inside look at the Flyers' unforgettable European trip to Croatia - from facing a fierce crowd of Croatian ultras to being escorted to the arena by police.Zach talks us through the intensity of that game, what it's really like playing on the road in Europe, and how the ENBL experience compares to Super League Basketball.We also chat about his first impressions of life in Bristol, how he's adapting to British basketball, and with Black History Month being celebrated in October, Zach shares what the month means to him personally and the figures who've inspired him along his journey.

Recording of Walter Juan's set at Balance Croatia 2025. @walter-juan ======================================== Tracklisting Pete Lazonby - Sacred Cycles (Healing mix)
 The Moody Boyz - July
 Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth (Pavlov's Dub)
 Brynjolfur - Time (Kasper Bjorke Remix)
 Cass. - Red Atlantic
 Headman - Be Loved (Daniel Avery's Divided Love Remix)
 Mytron, Ofofo - Aircraft One
 Moo Monster - Disco Fiasco
 Kimshies - Sexual Desire feat. S:Rose (Alan Dixon Love Attack Remix)
 Midnight Magic - Beam Me Up (Jacques Renault Remix)
 Moscoman, Red Axes - Dikembe Manutu
 Rampa, Keinemusik, Chuala - Les Gout
 Alex Kassian - Leave Your life
 The Chemical Brothers - Come With us (H-Foundation Remix)
 Grace - Not Over Yet (Kango & Tache Remix)
 Tunnelvisions - Culture Shock
 Alej Ch - Floating
 Lost Desert - Play with the Dalay
 Gadi Mitrani - Gone (Alex O'Rion Remix)
 Anfisa Letyago - Orizzonte (1979 Remix)
 Pardon Moi - Power To The People (Damon Jee Remix)
 Back From The Wave, Endrik Schroeder - Rave
 Future Sound of London - Cascade (Saso Recyd Remix)
 Oniris - All Over Me

In 1656, Croatian stonemason Jure Grando was buried alive after defying powerful monks, only to rise from his grave and terrorize his village for sixteen years—knocking on doors that meant death would soon follow, violating his widow night after night, and when villagers finally opened his coffin in 1672, they found him grinning with tears streaming down his face, immune to wooden stakes, screaming as they sawed through his neck in what became Europe's first documented case of vampirism.Support our Halloween “Overcoming the Darkness” campaign to help people with depression: https://weirddarkness.com/HOPEIN THIS EPISODE: Before Dracula ever set foot in Transylvania, the village of Kringa, Croatia, was haunted by Jure Grando—the first recorded vampire in European history. For sixteen years, his undead reign brought terror to the living and torment to his widow. But when the villagers finally rose against him, they unearthed a horror beyond imagination. (Jure Grando: The First Vampire) *** For nearly a millennium, a monstrous black dog with eyes like burning coals has stalked the foggy coastlines and ancient churches of East Anglia, leaving death and terror in its silent wake. From its first recorded appearance in 1127 where it led a spectral hunting party through Peterborough, to its most infamous attack in 1577 when it allegedly killed four churchgoers, the creature known as Black Shuck has become far more than just another ghost story. Through centuries of sightings and evolving folklore, this massive demon hound has transformed from a Viking guardian spirit into one of Britain's most enduring legends - one that some locals insist still prowls the shadows of Norfolk and Suffolk to this day. (Black Shuck: East Anglia's Demon Hound) *** In 1857 London, the Bacon family's home became the center of supernatural chaos when mysterious sounds and flying objects drew crowds of over a thousand spectators to their modest Bermondsey residence. But when thirteen-year-old Caroline confessed to creating the ghostly disturbances using strands of hair to topple objects, her deception was revealed as an act of rebellion against her father and new stepmother. This tale of a fake haunting offers a poignant glimpse into Victorian family dynamics and the desperate measures one girl took to assert her independence. (The Bermondsey Poltergeist) *** In October 1975, what began as a late-night drive for two young men in rural Maine turned into an encounter that would haunt them forever. David Stephens had no memory of being taken aboard a massive UFO by mushroom-headed beings until months later, when hypnosis sessions revealed the terrifying truth about the hours he lost that night – an experience so profound that it would drive his friend Glen to flee the state and change both their lives forever. (Night of the Mushroom Men) *** Could the Moon's perfect positioning—exactly 400 times smaller than the Sun and precisely placed for total eclipses—be more than cosmic coincidence? Authors Christopher Knight and Alan Butler propose a mind-bending theory: that future humans (or their advanced robots) traveled back in time 4.6 billion years to construct the Moon, creating the exact conditions needed for life on Earth to emerge. Their provocative hypothesis suggests we might be caught in an infinite loop, with humanity traveling to the past to ensure its own creation, much like the ancient symbol of Ouroboros—a snake eternally consuming its own tail. (Did Time Travelers Build The Moon?)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:01:30.774 = Show Intro00:05:48.071 = Jure Grando: The First Vampire00:16:50.110 = ***The Bermondsey Poltergeist00:29:33.917 = Black Shuck: East Anglia's Demon Hound00:45:53.712 = ***Night of the Mushroom Men00:52:53.165 = Did Time Travelers Build The Moon?01:03:18.763 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakSOURCES and RESOURCES:“Jure Grando: The First Vampire” sources: Husain Sumra, Medium: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ykfdupbh; Wu Mingren, Ancient Origins: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8n3k68; Secret Dalmatia: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/y69r8e4k; Total Croatia News: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yckt77m2“Black Shuck: East Anglia's Demon Hound” sources: William De Long, All That's Interesting:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/cyts9syd; Max Darbyshire, The Shoe Box: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/mryw3kr9“The Bermondsey Poltergeist” source: Karen Ellis-Rees, London Overlooked: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3bzvsu52“Did Time Travelers Build The Moon” sources: Marcus Lowth, UFO Insight: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p9686wm, Donald B. DeYoung, Institute for Creation Research: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p98w7et“Night of the Mushroom Men” source: TheNightSkyii.org: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ymnmpadc=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: November 18, 2024EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/JureGrandoABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness #JureGrando #FirstVampire #RealVampireStories #CroatianVampire #VampireFolklore #HistoricalVampires #BeforeDracula #TrueParanormalStories #DarkHistory

In August 2018, a UK woman was sailing on the Adriatic Sea. Seems like nothing out of the ordinary, just the perfect summer vacation out on the open water! The Norwegian Star cruise liner was heading to Venice, Italy after departing from Vargarola, Croatia. The woman was on the 7th deck, when, right before midnight, she fell off the back of the ship! It happened about 60 miles off the coast of a city called Pula. Too far away to call for help… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

McKenna and Kyle are back to discuss episode 5 of season 38 of The Amazing Race as the racers make their way to Croatia! What did you think of the episode? Let us know in the comments! And remember to like this video and subscribe! Help support the podcast by becoming a patron of The Specialists:      https://www.patreon.com/thespecialists #AmazingRace #tar37 #theamazingrace 

Jeff Brightwell visits with Tiger Kicker Gianni Spetic and talks about his first year at Memphis, growing up in Ohio and his family's move from Croatia to the United States.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of Talk Eastern Europe, hosts Alexandra and Adam unpack another intense week of regional developments, from Donald Trump's surprising outreach to Vladimir Putin and the potential Budapest summit, to leaks of Polish military documents and rising Russian sabotage activity. They also touch on coalition talks in Czechia and the Georgian government's deepening crackdown on opposition voices.Later, Adam sits down with Carlo Masala, a leading German political scientist and author of If Russia Wins, to discuss his new book imagining what might follow a Russian victory in Ukraine. Masala outlines why Europe must take the Russian threat seriously, how NATO could be tested in unexpected ways, and why helping Ukraine win is crucial for Europe's own security.Check out the book here: https://atlanticbooks.co.uk/book/if-russia-wins/Further reading:Kremlin's drone surge in 2025 and its hybrid threat toUkraine and Europe: https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/10/16/kremlins-drone-surge-in-2025-and-its-hybrid-threat-to-ukraine-and-europe/Bonus episode:Watch Alexandra's full interview with Full interview with Ivona Šimunović, a youth worker from Croatia: https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-episode-141718094/////Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

In this episode, Mark Peterson sits down with renowned European hunting outfitter Mike Vanbeckem. With many years of experience guiding hunts across the continent, Mike has now established his base of operations in Croatia. Together, Mark and Mike reflect on some of their most memorable European adventures — from pursuing Eurasian Brown Bear and Mouflon, to the elusive Dalmatian Sheep and Kri Kri Ibex. Their conversation goes beyond the hunt, delving into the fascinating world of wildlife genetics — including emerging research on a possible Dalmatian Sheep–Mouflon hybrid and ongoing blood testing to confirm the true lineage of the Kri Kri Ibex. Join them for a captivating journey through Croatia's rugged landscapes and the rich traditions of European hunting. Enjoy the Journey! If you want to book any of the hunts you see on my journeys go to: https://worldwidetrophyadventures.com  @worldwidetrophyadventures Follow Me: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/markvpeterson/⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/MarkPeterson.⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@markvpeterson⁠⁠⁠ Web: ⁠⁠⁠http://markvpeterson.com/⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is a part of the Waypoint TV Podcast Network. Waypoint is the ultimate outdoor network featuring streaming of full-length fishing and hunting television shows, short films and instructional content, a social media network, Podcast Network. Waypoint is available on Roku, Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV, IoS devices, Android Devices and at ⁠⁠⁠www.waypointtv.com⁠⁠⁠ all for FREE! Join the Waypoint Army by following them on Instagram at the following accounts @waypointtv @waypointfish @waypointhunt @waypointpodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not every day that the most interesting story in American politics is a Senate primary in Maine, but here we are. This race, at least for now, has everything: a populist outsider, a messy internal fight, a supposedly safe Democrat, and a very unfortunate tattoo. If the Democrats blow a winnable seat in 2026, you can probably trace it back to this moment, and to one name: Graham Platner.Platner launched his campaign with the kind of fire Democrats usually dream of and then quickly move to kill. He's ex-military, tattooed, and came out swinging against the party establishment. Think Fetterman with a more overtly socialist bent — and the endorsements to match. Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, a digital team built for viral insurgency. His launch video was raw and effective, casting him as the only one who'd fight Collins like it meant something. But before he could define himself, the knives came out. Old Reddit comments. Unpolished statements. And most notably, a chest tattoo that bears an uncomfortable resemblance to an SS death's head symbol.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Now, he says the tattoo was a drunk decision made while serving overseas — something picked off the wall at a shop in Croatia. That tracks. Plenty of service members come home with something dumb etched into their skin. But politics isn't fair. The second it surfaced, it became a narrative — a “secret Nazi” smear that, while ridiculous, is now baked into every conversation about the guy. And that's not something most voters are willing to fact-check. The perception — not the reality — becomes the problem.Still, the bigger issue isn't the ink. It's how Platner handled it. His entire appeal is built on strength and authenticity — and he responded like a nervous staffer trying to keep his job. The apology video was soft. It was long. It was careful. None of that fits the image he's built. If you're running on being the guy who doesn't back down, you can't fold the first time someone calls you a name. He needed to come out swinging — not just at the press, but at the party that clearly doesn't want him there.Because make no mistake, they don't. Janet Mills is the Schumer pick. She's the “safe” one — a proven fundraiser, a party loyalist, and the kind of candidate who rarely wins a general in a state like Maine but always gets through the primary. That's why the long knives came out for Platner. And if he doesn't wake up and fight them like they're already trying to end his campaign — which they are — then he doesn't deserve the spot. Not because he's a bad guy, or because he's unelectable. But because he misunderstood the moment.This is a fight. Not a conversation. Not a listening tour. A fight. And if he doesn't start treating it like one, he's already lost.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:26 - Graham Platner00:16:10 - Interview with Josh Jennings and Andrew Heaton00:45:58 - Update00:46:13 - Trump-Putin00:49:03 - Israel-Hamas00:52:30 - Shutdown00:56:30 - Interview with Josh Jennings and Andrew Heaton, con't01:23:09 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

It's Tuesday, October 21st, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson                    Xi Jinping fired 9 Chinese military commanders China's communist system is in turmoil, as the defense ministry announces the removal of nine very senior military commanders from duty, including a number two general, He Weidong. Since 2023, the communist leader, Xi Jinping, has administered the removal of dozens of senior officers. These moves signal a factionalism from within the party and the Chinese military. Experts question whether Jinping will survive in his position. This week, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China is holding its Fourth Plenary Session where leaders will work out a Five-Year Plan. The outcome of this meeting will reveal Jinping's standing in party politics. Keep in mind: God is in control. Haggai 2:22 says, “The word of the Lord came unto Haggai … I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. … I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, everyone by the sword of his brother.” Pakistani pastor survives murder plot A Pakistani pastor survived a murder attempt in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, on the morning of Sunday, September 21, reports Barnabas Aid. Pastor Kamran Naz had been traveling by bus, accompanied by his mother, from his home in Gujranwala to lead a church service in Islamabad when he was attacked by two unidentified gunmen. One bullet wounded the pastor in the right leg. A second bullet narrowly missed his head. The attackers then fled on a motorcycle as some church members who were present swiftly came to the pastor's aid and contacted emergency services. Pastor Kamran had previously notified the police of numerous death threats. He was warned to stop ministering at the church or face the consequences.  Pastor Imran Amanat, leader of the Christian advocacy group LEAD Ministries Pakistan, said, “We will not be intimidated or silenced. We demand that the authorities immediately ensure the protection of Christian leaders and hold the criminals accountable. If the government continues to ignore these threats, it becomes complicit in the persecution.” According to Open Doors, Pakistan is the eighth most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. Swedish parents lost custody over kids' required church attendance Certain European nations have now been recognized for their systemic violation of parental rights, especially if the parents happen to be Christian.  Alliance Defending Freedom International is working on a case in Sweden, where parents have lost custody of their children under charges of “religious extremism.” The parents had simply restricted the phone use of their teen children and required attendance at church meetings. After three years of attempts to regain custody, Daniel and Bianca Samson are appealing their case to the European Court of Human Rights. Recently, the High Court has already condemned countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, and Romania for systemic violations in family separation and child welfare cases. Iran threatens Israel Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei took to social media (X) yesterday, effectively taunting the American government, threatening Israel, and asserting independence for the nation's nuclear program. He asked, “What authority do you, Americans, have to dictate what a country should or shouldn't do if it possesses nuclear industry? What position do you hold in the world? How is it any of America's business whether Iran has nuclear capabilities and nuclear industry or not? .. . The U.S. President boasts that they've bombed and destroyed Iran's nuclear industry. Very well, in your dreams!” Trump urges Putin and Zelenskyy to end the war President Donald Trump is urging Ukraine's leader, Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the war on Russia's terms.  He warned Zelenskyy of Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to “destroy” Ukraine it there is no agreement.  The Financial Times described the meeting as a “shouting match”, with Trump throwing maps in the room, and “cursing all the time.” Japan greenlights Morning After Pill Japan has just approved the abortifacient drug known as the over-the-counter “morning after” pill. Japan also approved the RU-486 abortion kill pill back in April 2023. Japan recorded 686,000 births in 2024. That's down from 762,000 in 2023, and down from 2,000,000 in 1975. Jeremiah 32:35 speaks of this child sacrifice.  “They built the high places of Baal in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to offer up their sons and daughters to Molech, though I did not command them, nor did it enter into my mind, that they should do this abomination.” Day 21 of U.S. government shutdown The U.S. government shutdown is rounding its 21st day. With 900,000 employees furloughed, the shutdown represents the most severe in American history.  Indeed, 7,850 flights were delayed due to air traffic control staffing shortages on Sunday.  According to TheHill.com, 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents are presently working without pay. Housing bubble has burst The housing bubble has burst in multiple cities across the United States. The median house values in Oakland, California and Austin, Texas have dropped by 24% since the peak in 2022. Significant declines have also been reported in New Orleans, San Francisco, Fort Myers, Florida, and Denver, Colorado, reports WolfStreet.com. Gold and silver hit new record highs Metals continued their journey upwards and onwards in Monday's market activity. Gold hit $4,350 per ounce and silver hit $52 and change per ounce, reports Reuters. Trump's Education Dept. funds conservative ideology at colleges The Trump Education Department is offering preferential funding for those universities willing to bend more conservative. Only Vanderbilt, the University of Arizona, and the University of Texas at Austin have embraced to the idea out of the nine universities approached with the proposal, reports Breitbart.  MIT, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California have all rejected the Trump administration's encouragement to abolish their departments opposed to conservative ideas.  Major jewel heist at Louvre in Paris, France And finally, a team of four thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris over the weekend. They stole priceless jewels dating back to the 19th Century, reports Reuters. Among the stolen items were a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, an emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings from Empress Marie Louise, Napolean's second wife, and a tiara, a necklace, and single earring from the sapphire set that belonged to Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense. (Also a brooch known as the "reliquary brooch” was taken). Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, October 21st, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Recording of Peter Makto's set at Balance Croatia 2025.

Video version: https://youtu.be/aN3OqQPZByk

Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time Saint of the Day: St. Hilarion, 291-371; abbot and disciple of St. Anthony the Great; born in Tabatha, Palestine, and educated in Alexandria, Egypt; stayed with St. Anthony in the desert before becoming a hermit at Majuma, near Gaza, Israel; in 356, Hilarion returned to the desert, but found that his fame had spread there; he fled to Sicily to escape notice, but Hesychius traced him there; the two went to Dalmatia, Croatia, and then to Cyprus; Hilarion performed so many miracles that crowds flocked to him when it was discovered he was in any region; he died on Cyprus Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 10/21/25 Gospel: Luke 12:35-38

Five Steps to Future-Proof Your CareerHI, I'm Andy Storch, author of 'Own Your Career, Own Your Life,' and today I will address our changing economy and share with you five actionable steps you can take to ensure long-term career success: 1) Use self-reflection to build self-awareness, 2) Commit to continuous learning, 3) Build your network, 4) Develop a personal brand, and 5) Cultivate an ownership and growth mindset. I recently delivered these as part of a keynote in Zagreb, Croatia and it was really powerful so I wanted to share them with you here as well. Here are the notes from this podcast. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change and Technology00:34 Meet Andy Storch: Author and Speaker01:15 Keynote Experience in Croatia01:56 Five Steps to Future Success02:31 Step 1: Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness05:16 Step 2: Continuous Learning06:50 Step 3: Building Your Network09:43 Step 4: Building Your Personal Brand13:29 Step 5: Developing a Growth Mindset17:24 Conclusion: Taking Action for Future SuccessGet my books: Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career Learn more on my websiteConnect with me on LinkedIn. Get the free Own Your Brand workbook

Five Steps to Future-Proof Your CareerHI, I'm Andy Storch, author of 'Own Your Career, Own Your Life,' and today I will address our changing economy and share with you five actionable steps you can take to ensure long-term career success: 1) Use self-reflection to build self-awareness, 2) Commit to continuous learning, 3) Build your network, 4) Develop a personal brand, and 5) Cultivate an ownership and growth mindset. I recently delivered these as part of a keynote in Zagreb, Croatia and it was really powerful so I wanted to share them with you here as well. Here are the notes from this podcast. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change and Technology00:34 Meet Andy Storch: Author and Speaker01:15 Keynote Experience in Croatia01:56 Five Steps to Future Success02:31 Step 1: Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness05:16 Step 2: Continuous Learning06:50 Step 3: Building Your Network09:43 Step 4: Building Your Personal Brand13:29 Step 5: Developing a Growth Mindset17:24 Conclusion: Taking Action for Future SuccessGet my books: Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career Learn more on my websiteConnect with me on LinkedIn. Get the free Own Your Brand workbook

Polovičan uspjeh klubova hrvatske zajednice u drugom kolu Australskog prvenstva. Canberra Croatia nakon pobjede nad Preston Lionsima druga u skupini, Sydney United na trećem mjestu u svojoj skupini.

Profuse apologies for the delay! Back from Croatia with an all over the shop mix! Enjoy!

In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Nina, Adam andAlexandra start by discussing the latest news in the region, including the Hungarian spy scandal, train accident in Slovakia, Latvian minority policy, and some updates from the Western Balkans.Later, Adam is joined by Mihail Nesteriuc, a Moldovan analyst and journalist, and discuss the country's recent parliamentaryelections, which took place on September 28th 2025. The result of the vote delivered a relatively strong victory for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). Mihail describes what the results mean for Moldova's European path, Russian interference and disinformation efforts, the complex role of Transnistria, and how these developments might reshape the region's geopolitics.Further reading:Read a report directly from the ground in Moldova during theelections, recently published on New Eastern Europe https://neweasterneurope.eu/2025/10/10/operation-matryoshka-russias-direct-intrusion-into-moldovas-parliamentary-elections/Watch Alexandra's full interview with Oriana IvkovićNovokmet on Croatia's elections and lessons for digital resilience. https://www.patreon.com/posts/oriana-ivkovic-141186086Additional financing for this podcast is provided by the Polish MFA: Public task financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland within the grant competition “Public Diplomacy 2024 – 2025 - the European dimension and countering disinformation The opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the official positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The combination of rose and pistachio is a classic flavor combination that appears in a myriad of desserts all around Europe. From Mahalebi in Cypress, Rožata in Croatia, and panna cotta alla rosa in Italy. Chef Rebecca Peizer from The Culinary Institute of America was inspired to deconstruct this dessert and make her own updated version using products from all over Europe, such as Croatian Rose Hip Jam and Italian Pistachio cream (Pistacchio Verde di Bronte PDO). This milk pudding with rose is light, refreshing, and a perfect summer night treat. Get the Rose Pudding recipe here. 

iGaming Daily continues its conference tour, bringing you this episode live from SBC Summit Tblisi, Georgia. Host Charlie Horner, Ted Menmuir, and Martyn Elliott assess the potential of the Central and Eastern European (CEE) and Central Asian markets. The team discusses the region's innovative tech offer, the "upbeat mood" compared to Western Europe, and why major groups like Entain and Flutter are using M&A deals to acquire local "hero brands" to gain access to growing markets. They also dive into the regulatory evolution across CEE, including governance issues in Romania and new laws in Croatia and Serbia.Later in the episode, the focus shifts to the United Kingdom, analysing the uncertainty surrounding impending tax hikes in the budget. The co-hosts discuss threats by Evoke (potentially closing up to 200 William Hill shops) and Entain (hinting at diverting investment) away from the UK and into other markets. The team debates the government's handling of the prolonged situation, the effectiveness of the industry's "black market" lobbying argument, and the long-term impact on the UK sector.Host: Charlie HornerGuests: Martyn Elliott & Ted MenmuirProducer: James RossEditor: James RossiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

Historian and bookseller Edmund Goldrick on the hair-raising, forgotten tale of the escaped Australian prisoners of war who stumbled into another, hidden genocide, and tried to stop it.Early in the World War Two, Australian soldiers who had been captured by the Germans escaped by leaping from a moving train.They found themselves in unfamiliar territory, in the lands of Yugoslavia.The Australians on the run found themselves in the company of dangerous men, who planned to use the cover of war to commit genocide.One of the Australians fell in with a Serbian Royalist group, and when he discovered their leader's plans, he acted as a double agent in their ranks, determined to find a way to warn the Allies that their man in Serbia was determined to conduct mass murder.Anzac Guerillas is published by Hachette.Edmund will be giving a talk on Remembrance Day at the Goulburn Library, and again on Saturday, 6 December at Sydney's Anzac Memorial in Hyde Park.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores war, POWs, Germany, former Yugoslavia, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey, Catholic, Orthodox, Roma people, Jewish, Islamic, Chetniks, Partisans, genocide, civil war, death, escape, spies, double agents, allied forces, war crimes, international war tribunal, guerilla warfare, murder, assassination, holocaust, Italy, Greece, fascism, tyranny, Bosnia, Nazi, Hitler.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Serina's in-laws have the WORST cruise experience ever, Tino loves some "killer" second date ideas, Matt explains why Gen Z is NOT getting freaky, and Are You Smarter Than Nicasio... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hajduk Split midfielder and USMNT hopeful Rokas Pukstas joins the Morning Footy crew to share his story from choosing to play in Croatia to learning from veteran star Ivan Rakitic. Rokas opens up about growing up with elite athletes as parents, balancing his American and Lithuanian roots, and his ambition to represent the United States on the international stage. Morning Footy is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Visit the ⁠betting arena on CBSSports.com⁠ for all the latest in ⁠sportsbook reviews⁠ and ⁠sportsbook promos⁠ for ⁠betting on soccer⁠ For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/⁠ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/⁠ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, UEFA Women's Champions League, EFL Championship, EFL League Cup, Carabao Cup, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF Nations League, CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, AFC Champion League by subscribing to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paramount+⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit the betting arena on CBS Sports.com: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/⁠ For all the latest in sportsbook reviews: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/⁠ And sportsbook promos: ⁠https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Recording of Tim Green's set at Balance Croatia 2025. @timgreen IG: @timgreen_music FB: @TimGreenMusic

Recording of Pips's set at Balance Croatia 2025.

Riley “Smiley Riley” Palmer brings her infectious energy to pickleball both on land and at sea. From coaching and community building to designing the world's first floating pickleball court in Croatia, Riley is turning imagination into inspiration. She shares how travel, creativity, and courage have shaped her journey, and how pickleball continues to connect people across the globe. Listen now at http://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.comhttps://smileyrileypickleball.comhttps://www.instagram.com/smileyrileypickleball?igsh=MW1lMDU1M3lqd3V6OA==#LifeLessonsFromPickleball #Pickleball #SmileyRiley #FloatingPickleballCourt #PickleballInnovation #PickleballCoach #PickleballCommunity #GrowTheGame #PickleballTravel #Croatia #LakeWashington #OnAndOffTheCourt #WomenInPickleball #AdventureThroughPickleball #PickleballInspiration #PickleballJoy #PickleballLife #HyattRegencyLakeWashington #FloatingAtHyattLakeWAMusic gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen Contact us: www.lifelessonsfrompickleball@gmail.com Social Media Links:https://www.lifelessonsfrompickleballpodcast.comhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557275391316https://www.instagram.com/lifelessonsfrompickleball/https://www.youtube.com/@LifeLessonsFromPickleballPodThanks for listening and you can also watch us on Youtube.

Clare is celebrating a world champion! Bartek Bartnik has claimed the world title at the ITF Taekwondo World Championships in Croatia. To share more about his incredible achievement, Bartek and his coach, Adrian Byrne — owner of Shannon Taekwon-Do Club joined Alan Morrissey in-studio.

Eddy and Jay talk about cigars brandy's to buying a plane and eating dinner in the sky above Croatia. Between fish fries, fridge mishaps, and sports hot takes, check out another episode of Eddy and Jays good times.If you want to get your podcast online, you got to check out Buzz Sprout. It is the easiest way to get your podcast on the line. Just if you're gonna do it, go to Buzz Sprout and don't forget to mention Eddie and Jay and Brady's in BS. Go to www.brandsandbs.com and check out the merchSupport the show

A Sermon for the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity Ephesians 4:1-6 by William Klock The world is not as it should be.  We know it in our bones.  Broken relationships, frail health, wars abroad, pandemics, and the simply daily struggle to get by—we all know the pain and the sorrow and the tears.  The Israelites knew this as well as anyone ever has.  They were slaves in Egypt.  They suffered under the bondage and tyranny of Pharaoh.  They knew pain and suffering and tears the likes of which you I can only imagine.  And, the biblical story tells us, they cried out to the living God and he heard their cries.  And because he is also the loving God, he delivered them from Egypt.  He dramatically defeated the God's of Pharaoh and then he defeated Pharoah himself and drowned the world's greatest army in the Red Sea.  And the Lord promised to set things to rights for his people.  He promised to lead them to a land of milk and honey and he promised to live in their midst.  It was—in a limited and imperfect way—a restoration of humanity's original state: of Adam and Eve in the garden, living in the presence of God.  It gave the people hope that, despite the pains and troubles of life, God has a plan to set right what our sin and rebellion has broken. But what was there to keep Israel from becoming just like the Egyptians?  If we're honest, we all know that problem too.  The world is in the mess it's in not only because others sin against us, but because we sin against them.  That's where Israel's sojourn in wilderness enters the great story.  In today's reading from his letter to the Christians at Ephesus, St. Paul quotes a bit of Psalm 68.  “When he went up on high, he led bondage itself into bondage, and he gave gifts to the people.”  It's a reference to the Lord meeting his people at Mt. Sinai in the wilderness.  He called Moses up the mountain, and then sent him back down to the people with the torah, with his law.  On that day the Lord made a covenant with his people: I will be your God and you will be my people and his law set them apart from the peoples and nations of the earth.  The Lord gave them the law to ensure that they wouldn't end up another Egypt—a land of oppression and idolatry—and in doing that he made Israel a community, a family, a covenant people so that, in them, the world would have a foretaste of the day when God restores sinful humanity to himself, sets his broken creation to rights, and wipes away our tears. This is the background, this is the story that gives shape to what St. Paul writes in today's Epistle.  What the Lord had once done for Israel when he rescued the people from slavery and made them his own, he has done again—but on even grander scale, through the death and resurrection and ascension of Jesus the Messiah.  This time he didn't just rescue a people from Pharoah's bondage.  In Jesus, he's rescued us all from our greatest enemies, from sin and death themselves.  In the church he's made a new people, a new humanity, a new temple in which he dwells—a people meant to lift the veil on God's new creation, a people who live God's future here in the present—to show the nations his glory and his grace. Brothers and Sisters, the church is the continuation of Jesus' healing and reconciling ministry.  We're a people filled with God's Spirit and entrusted with his gospel, with his good news.  We don't just pray those words of Jesus, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”  We're called by God and enabled by Jesus and the Spirit to live that prayer out—to bring God's reconciling message (the gospel) and his presence (the Holy Spirit) to a broken world in desperate need of forgiveness and grace and healing. But what happens when the church stumbles, when the church falters in this calling and mission?  Most of Paul's letters to those first churches were written because they were doing just that.  They were a people rescued from sin and death to be heaven-on-earth people, but they were failing.  Paul wrote to the Ephesians because their unity was in danger.  Earlier in the letter he addressed the division that was happening between Jewish and Gentile Christians.  Jesus had given his people a new law—the law of the Spirit, but the old law of Moses, the law given at Sinai had so defined what it meant to be God's people for so long, that it threatened to create this chasm between the Jewish and Gentile believers.  And so Paul stresses, as he does so often, that it is faith in Jesus, faith in his forgiving and reconciling death and faith in his life-giving resurrection, faith in the gospel, that unites them. But that wasn't all.  Because even when the gospel bridges the divide between Jew and Gentile, even when it makes us one, there's still an endless list of things that threaten to drive wedges between us.  The same things that have made such a mess of the world, the same things that destroy our relationships—they're still with us.  Any time you bring a group of people together, there's going to be friction.  We don't all see things the same way.  Toes get stepped on—sometimes inadvertently, but sometimes on purpose.  We're prone to jealousy and selfishness and competition.  We're often set in our ways and don't like change.  We often hold too tightly to things and don't want to give them up.  We too often think of our wants and needs without thinking of the wants and needs of others.  It's the way of the world and it shouldn't be the way of the church, but the fact is that sanctification, the process of God making us holy, it's just that: a process.  The work of God's word and God's Spirit takes time—sometimes it seems, a dreadfully long time—and so none of us is perfect.  Jesus has made us new, he's given us the life of heaven, but if Israel could end up just like Egypt, so we can end up just like the broken world from which we've been delivered. The blinding light of the gospel, of Jesus crucified and risen for us, of God's great loving and gracious generosity outshines everything else, but we let our guard down and pride creeps in and, Brothers and Sisters, pride is the great cloud that blots out the sun of God's generosity.  And this is what was happening in Ephesus.  So Paul writes to them, if you're following along, in Chapter 4 of Ephesians: “So then, this is my appeal to you…”  And then Paul pauses to say, “I, a prisoner of the Lord.”  He reminds them that he's writing to them from prison.  He's been imprisoned for the sake of the good news about Jesus.  And he reminds them at this point to stress just how important all this is.  They've been called to be a gospel people, not just for their own sake, but for the sake of the world, but they're not taking it seriously.  So Paul's saying, “This is serious business—so serious that I'm in prison because of it—because Caesar and the powers of the present evil age can't stand to be challenged by the good news that it's Jesus who is the world's true Lord and because they can't stand to be challenged by the good news that a new order, that his kingdom is breaking in.”  Brothers and Sisters, think on that, because we often don't take this seriously enough either.  Our Saturday breakfast group has been reading through Rod Dreher's Live Not By Lies this year.  It tells the stories of Christians who knew what serious business the gospel is and who faced the wrath of the Soviet authorities for standing firm for the gospel—men and women who were imprisoned and many who were martyred for their faith.  Because they knew what serious business the gospel is—that the world depends on it if it's ever to be set to rights.  You and I live in a place of such ease that we too easily take the gospel for granted.  We need to be reminded what serious business it is—that Jesus gave his life for this. So Paul goes on and writes, “You've got to live up to the calling you received.”  It's imperative.  If they fail to live up to their calling, they fail to be the church.  He says, “Bear with one another in love; be humble, meek, and patient in every way with one another.  Make every effort to guard the unity the Spirit gives, with your lives bound together in peace.” Bear with one another.  Again, there are going to be points of friction.  We're human and we're not perfect…not yet, anyway.  That's especially true with a community like the church.  Most communities draw together people who are similar, but the church is for everyone.  Jesus is our centre and he calls and draws in people from every tribe and tongue, rich and poor, slave and free, Liberal and Conservative, Ford and Chevy, Canucks and…well, I don't know because I don't follow hockey…but Jesus unites us all together into one people, because we've all known the redeeming love of God in Jesus.  Because the sun of God's gospel grace outshines all the differences that would otherwise make us rivals and drive us apart. We've rebelled against our Creator.  We've sinned.  We've broken his good creation.  We've worshiped other gods and we've worshiped ourselves.  And yet God has never ceased to be patient with us.  And he still loves us so much, he still so desires to reconcile us to himself, that he—the Creator of the cosmos—humbled himself to take on our flesh in Jesus, to be born one of us, and then to die an excruciating and humiliating death he didn't deserve, in order to set us and his creation to rights.  And if we have grasped even a bit of the patient and humble and gracious lovingkindness of God made manifest in Jesus and the cross, Brothers and Sisters, we ought to be overcome by that same love, humility, and patience.  We ought to see each other—not to mention everyone still lost in the world's darkness—we ought to see them through that same loving, humble, and patient lens and desire for them to know the reconciling love of God as we have.  If God can love us, who have made such a mess of his creation and who worship idols, if he can love us so much that he will die to heal the breach between us, how can we ever let the frictions between us destroy the unity he's given?  In light of the sun of his love, every one of our differences—Jew or Gentile, man or woman, slave or free, Ford or Chevy—ought to pale in comparison.  His love doesn't just save us from our bondage to sin and death, it makes—or it ought to make—us his new creation: a people who are light in the darkness, life in the midst of death, a people of love and grace, of mercy and peace, of humility and patience in the midst of hate and strife and selfishness and division.  A people who—even if imperfectly—lifts the veil and gives the world a glimpse of God's future for the world. In verse 7 Paul goes on.  He writes, “There is one body and one Spirit.  You were, after all, called to one hope which goes with your call.  There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.” Let's walk through that.  There is one body.  Jesus didn't create a bunch of different churches.  He didn't create an Anglican church and a Baptist church and a Roman church and a Pentecostal church.  He created the church.  We've fractured and divide because of our failings and these fractures have become so common and so entrenched that we take them for granted, we think they're the norm—we even sometimes think they're good and right.  In some cases, we've grown so far apart and developed our own ecclesiastical cultures and languages that it can be hard to even recognise the gospel when others preach it.  I was listening to a sermon by an Orthodox priest in Croatia this week.  And on the one hand the gospel was so obvious and clear, but at on the other hand, I had to stop several times and re-listen to what he's said, because his way of talking about it is so dramatically different than ours.  And, at this point, there isn't really anything the average Christian can do to restore the unity.  But we can as individuals and we can as the local church do everything in our power to maintain fellowship with those who proclaim the same gospel that we do: Jesus the Messiah, crucified, risen, ascended, and Lord.  That's what Paul's getting at here.  There's one body.  There's one Holy Spirit whom God has poured out on all of us.  There is one Lord Jesus.  There is one faith.  There is one baptism.  There is ultimately one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.  And that is our one, unifying hope.  The hope of every believer is the hope proclaimed by the prophets: that one day the glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea; that the reconciling love of Jesus at the cross, that the power of his life-giving resurrection will bring us back to the Father and open the world's eyes to his glory. And note: we don't create this unity.  Jesus and the Spirit have created it already.  Paul's point is that it is our duty—so far as we are able—to maintain it.  And at the most fundamental level, we do that as we bear with each other.  As we forgive the sins of others just as we have been forgiven.  As we love each other, just as we have been loved.  As he live humbly with each other and seek reconciliation with each other, just as God has humbled himself to die in order to reconcile us to himself. Being overwhelmed by the brightness of the sun of God's love—you'd think—would be enough to drive away the pettiness and the selfishness and the pride, but still we need God's help.  And so Paul goes on in verse 7—I want to go a few verses past the end of our Epistle so we can let Paul finish his thought.  He writes: “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah's gift.” God has poured out his grace—his unmerited favour—on us, and not just poured it out, but poured it out in abundance so that it overflows, so that we can't help but give, share, and pour out that grace on everyone around us.  It's that grace that builds us up and that binds us together.  Specifically, in the next paragraph, Paul's going to go on to talk about how, through the Spirit, God has given the people of his church a diversity of gifts, not just to build each other up, but to accomplish the gospel mission we've been given, but I think here we can understand God's grace more generally.  This is where Paul quotes Psalm 68:18: “When he went up on high, he led bondage itself into bondage, and he gave gifts to his people.”  Again, the Psalm is about Moses going up on Mt. Sinai and coming down shining with the glory of God and with the torah—with a new way of life that would set this people apart and make them a witness to his light and life in the midst of a dark and pagan world.  And Paul quotes this to say that Jesus has now done this, but on a larger and grander scale.  Look at verse 9: “When it says here that ‘he went up,' what this means is that he also came down into the lower places—that is, the earth.  The one who came down is the one who also ‘went up' far above the heavens, so that he might fill all things.” As Moses went up Mt. Sinai to meet the Lord, Jesus has ascended to heaven to take his throne, but he hasn't left us to fend for ourselves.  As God sent Moses down the mountain with the law, so Jesus has sent God's Spirit to indwell and to transform and to empower his people—to fill all things.  Brothers and Sisters, that's temple language.  Moses came down the mountain with a plan for the tabernacle—for a temple where God's presence would be enthroned in the midst of his people.  But in the Holy Spirit, God has come down and made his people themselves—he's made us—his temple.  Jesus has washed us clean from sin by his blood shed at the cross, he's made us holy, and God's own Spirit has come to live in us. And that takes us back—or it ought to—to the very beginning of the story: to Adam and Eve, to humanity, placed by God in his garden temple to be its stewards, to live in his presence, to be fruitful and to multiply, and in so doing to spread his temple and his presence to the ends of the earth.  Brothers and Sisters, in Jesus and the Spirit, God has begun the work of restoring us to that original vocation.  He has made us his temple, he has made us stewards of his good news, he has empowered us with his grace—he has not left us alone to be and to do this in our own strength.  He has entrusted us with his good news, he has shown us what his new creation is like, he has empowered us with his Spirit, and he has filled us with his grace.  And now he sends us out not just to proclaim the good news of Jesus and his new creation, but to actually be that new creation for the sake of the world.  To live and especially to live together in such a way that the world around us will see the bright light of Jesus in us; to make them constructively curious, wanting to know that light for themselves; so that one day the whole earth will give glory to our Father in heaven. Let's pray again our Collect: Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, and make us continually to be given to all good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

This episode of Talk Eastern Europe is the final one in our mini-series on digital election interference our region. Alexandra reports in-person from Croatia to cover the country's "super election year" with an emphasis on the youth vote and young peoples' participation in politics and online. She speaks with Gong Executive Director Oriana Ivković Novokmet and youth workers Ivona Šimunović and Anja Kolimbatović on these topics and more. Commentary by:Oriana Ivković Novokmet, executive director of GongIvona Šimunović, youthworker Anja Kolimbatović, legal & policy strategist To watch the full-length interviews and other behind-the-scene clips, you can check out our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeResearch for this podcast episode was made possible with the support of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, Washington, DC's Transatlantic Media Fellowship. Find out more about the Fellowship, and the Foundation's work, here: https://us.boell.org/en/2025/05/22/2025-cohort-transatlantic-media-fellows Finally, thank you to Ana Puljić and the European Democracy Youth Network Croatia for support in selecting the participants for this episode. 

Three years ago, as part of efforts to weaken Putin's war chest, the EU banned imports of Russian crude oil. But those countries with a high dependency on Russia were allowed to continue importing, the idea being they needed more time to adapt. Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic have since stopped. But not Slovakia, and not Hungary. Both still take deliveries of Russian crude through the Soviet-era Druzhba or "Brotherhood" pipeline. In this episode, Attila Steiner, the Hungarian State Secretary for Energy, acknowledges that his country is increasing, not decreasing, dependency on Russian crude, and that Hungary is expanding links with the Druzhba network. That's not how EU sanctions are supposed to work. It's also fundamentally at odds with the REPowerEU plan to stop all Russian oil imports by the end of 2027. The behavior of Hungary, which is facilitating Russian oil exports amid Putin's continued assault on Ukraine, shows contempt for Brussels and Kyiv. Moreover an alternative to Russian oil already exists in the form of the Adria pipeline that can deliver oil from suppliers like Kazakhstan via Croatia. But Steiner using the Adria is neither advantageous for Hungary nor for its giant energy conglomerate MOL. And, in any case, it looks like the pressure is off Hungary to quit Russian crude, at least for now. Steiner credits a recent diplomatic campaign by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, first with Donald Trump, who is no longer calling on Hungary to change suppliers, and second, with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who effectively gave her blessing to continuing Russian crude imports. But that's unlikely to be the end of the story. There's domestic politics to consider too. Hungary imposes a tax on the profits that are partly generated from importing the relatively low-priced Russian crude. Yet prices at the petrol pump remain above the EU average, and that contributes to an already delicate political situation for Orbán's ruling Fidesz party, which is trailing in the polls ahead of elections next year. It's also a delicate situation for Steiner himself. He seems set to go head-to-head with Péter Magyar, the main opposition figure in Hungary who opposes Russian imports, in a forthcoming contest for a parliamentary seat in Budapest. That, Steiner says, will be "an interesting fight".Support the show

Conan speaks with Tasha from Zagreb, Croatia about working as a psychotherapist and luxury yacht cruise manager on the Adriatic Sea. Wanna get a chance to talk to Conan? Submit here: teamcoco.com/apply Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#LONDINIUM90AD: MICHAEL VLAHOS. FRIENDS OF HISTORY DEBATING SOCIETY. @MICHALIS_VLAHOS HEADLINE: From Dalmatia to Poland: Frontier Tensions, Roman Legacy, and the Danger of Miscalculation The discussion opens with Gaius (John Batchelor) in Londinium speaking to Germanicus (Michael Vlahos), who is in Dalmatia (the Dalmatian coast, modern Croatia), a frontier area of the former Roman Empire. Germanicus observes that this region, Ragusa, maintained its Roman continuity through the Middle Ages and was critical as it connected Italy and the Western Empire to Greece and the Eastern Empire. They reflect on Roman figures such as Augustus and Drusus(Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus), who fought in Germania. Drusus's son, Claudius, became a highly effective emperor who brought the empire to its maximal state, establishing Londinium. The conversation shifts to modern frontier tensions: the Russian probing of the Polish border using drones and warplanes, leading to NATO intervention and British assistance. Drawing on films like The Bedford Incident, they worry about accidental catastrophe due to miscalculation. Germanicus warns that tiny NATO states like the Baltics, driven by paranoia and insecurity, are acting "spasmodically and irresponsibly" and that the United Kingdom is acting like a "rogue state" aggressively pushing for conflict, creating a dangerous situation that could plunge Russia and the West into general war. 41 AD. CLAUDIUS BEGS