Podcasts about crucially

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Best podcasts about crucially

Latest podcast episodes about crucially

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe
Transforming Chicago Housing: Robert Linn's Mission to Build Better Homes for People and the Planet

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 25:51


Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Robert: If I find out something isn't quite optimized from a building science perspective, I can't just leave it.Affordable housing has become one of the most pressing challenges in cities across the United States, and Chicago is no exception. With a housing shortage driving up prices, Robert Linn, Principal of Point B Properties, is taking an innovative approach to address the crisis while also prioritizing sustainability and health.In today's episode, Robert shared insights into his latest project—a conversion of a two-flat building into a three-flat under Chicago's ADU ordinance. This ordinance allows developers to add units to existing buildings, increasing the housing supply without tearing down older structures. “Chicago right now has a massive undersupply of multifamily housing,” Robert explained. “What we're doing by going in and taking this two-flat and making it a three-flat is helping keep that supply up. As anyone with kind of a basic knowledge of supply and demand knows, if we keep increasing supply, then prices are going to come down.”But Robert's work goes far beyond simply adding more units. He's also focused on making homes healthier and more energy-efficient. For instance, he uses energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) in his projects to improve indoor air quality while conserving energy. “A big focus for me, I would consider an easy win, is air quality,” he said. “We make sure that we pay really good attention to how the property is sealed and then invest extra in ventilation.”Robert also highlighted the importance of proper insulation to prevent issues like mold, which can develop when warm, humid air condenses inside walls. “You could build a building with zero insulation, and no one would be the wiser until your walls are really cold,” he noted. His commitment to detail ensures that his buildings are not only comfortable but also environmentally friendly and cost-effective for residents.What makes this project even more exciting is its funding model. Robert is raising capital through Small Change, a regulated investment crowdfunding platform that allows ordinary people to invest in impact-driven real estate projects. “It's nice to have something more formal to offer to the public in a really structured way,” Robert said, emphasizing the democratizing power of crowdfunding.By blending affordability, sustainability, and healthy living, Robert's work exemplifies how developers can meet critical housing needs while addressing broader challenges like climate change. I encourage you to visit Small Change to learn more about his inspiring Richmond Revival project. Together, we can support initiatives that make a real difference in our communities.tl;dr:Robert Linn's latest project converts a two-flat Chicago building into a three-flat under the ADU ordinance.Robert prioritizes healthy, energy-efficient housing using techniques like proper insulation and energy recovery ventilators.Chicago's housing shortage drives Robert's mission to preserve and expand affordable multifamily housing.He's raising funds for the Richmond Revival project via Small Change, democratizing investment opportunities.Robert's superpower, “constructive discontent,” pushes him to improve housing quality and solve problems creatively.How to Develop Constructive Discontent As a SuperpowerRobert described his superpower as “constructive discontent,” explaining how his refusal to accept subpar solutions drives him to continuously improve his projects. “If I find out something isn't quite optimized from a building science perspective, I can't just leave it,” he said. This mindset leads him to prioritize details like air quality, proper insulation, and energy efficiency, ensuring that the homes he develops are healthier, more sustainable, and more affordable for residents.During today's episode, Robert shared an example of how he used his constructive discontent to improve window installation on his latest project. When his general contractor dismissed best practices as “too complicated,” Robert took matters into his own hands by assigning the task to his crew. He provided them with a video outlining proper installation techniques, ensuring that the windows met his exacting standards. This hands-on approach reflects Robert's commitment to excellence, even when it means going the extra mile.Tips for Developing Constructive Discontent:Don't normalize annoyance—identify things that could be better and explore ways to improve them.Invest in tools or resources, like air quality monitors, to identify hidden problems in your environment.Learn best practices in your field and hold yourself accountable to implement them consistently.Surround yourself with a team you trust to execute your vision when others fall short.By following Robert's example and advice, you can make constructive discontent a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileRobert Linn (he/him):Principal, Point B PropertiesAbout Point B Properties: Point B Properties is a Chicago-based, vertically integrated real estate development firm focused on the “Missing Middle”—the essential workforce housing that institutional funds ignore and small flippers can't handle. Unlike traditional developers who rely on brokers, we utilize a proprietary direct-to-seller sourcing engine to identify off-market, value-add opportunities in high-growth Midwest corridors. We combine this sourcing advantage with rigorous architectural engineering to create “Healthy Buildings”—spaces designed to improve resident well-being through superior air quality and non-toxic materials. Crucially, we are committed to democratizing real estate wealth; through platforms like SmallChange.co, we open our deals to everyday investors, allowing them to co-invest alongside accredited partners.Website: pointbproperties.comCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/PointBPropertiesInstagram Handle: @pointbprop Other URL: smallchange.co/projects/richmondrevivalBiographical Information: Robert is an innovative real estate professional and developer whose passion for the industry was sparked in his family's woodshop during his childhood. His journey is underpinned by a solid educational foundation, having earned a dual degree in Architecture and Engineering from the University of Michigan.Robert's career began in the niche field of ship design, dovetailing into consulting where he was recruited to apply his expertise to real estate. His commitment to continual growth led him to Indiana University on a scholarship, where he further honed his skills with a double major in Finance and Management.During college, Robert embarked on a new adventure by purchasing his first property. This milestone marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, leading to the formation of his own company, all while balancing a full-time job.Robert is not just about building properties; he's about building them right. Recognized for his contributions to energy-efficient building, like constructing the first Green Star certified condo building, he has a keen interest in the evolving landscape of design and building science. His dedication to the field is further exemplified by his LEED certification and his role as one of the early adopters of HERS rated developments.Robert's projects are infused with a unique blend of practical experience, technical expertise, and theoretical knowledge. His approach to each project is informed by this multidimensional perspective, ensuring solutions that are innovative, efficient, and sustainable.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/linnovatingPersonal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/rlinniSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include RISE Robotics, and Crowdfunding Made Simple. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Green, Envirosult | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowdHour, January 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “From $10 to Impact: How Anyone Can Become an Impact Investor.” Drawing on his experience as an investment banker, impact investor, and community-building leader, Devin will explain how everyday people can start investing small amounts to support mission-driven companies while pursuing financial returns. In this session, he'll break down the basics of regulated investment crowdfunding, show how impact and profit can align, and share practical steps for identifying opportunities that create real-world change. As an added benefit, attendees can become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd for just $4.58 per month to receive an exclusive private Zoom meeting invitation with Devin, free tickets to paid SuperCrowd events, and the opportunity to directly support social entrepreneurs, community builders, and underrepresented founders.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year. Learn more about sponsoring the event here. Interested in speaking? Apply here. Support our work with a tax-deductible donation here.Demo Day at SuperGreen Live. Apply now to present at the SuperGreen Live Demo Day session on January 22! The application window is closing soon; apply today at 4sc.fun/sgdemo. The Demo Day session is open to innovators in the field of climate solutions and sustainability who are NOT currently raising under Regulation Crowdfunding.Live Pitch at SuperGreen Live. Apply now to pitch at the SuperGreen Live—Live Pitch on January 23! The application window closes January 5th; apply today at s4g.biz/sgapply. The Live Pitch is open to innovators in the field of climate solutions and sustainability who ARE currently raising under Regulation Crowdfunding.SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on January 27th at 1:30 PM ET/10:30 AM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Join UGLY TALK: Women Tech Founders in San Francisco on January 29, 2026, an energizing in-person gathering of 100 women founders focused on funding strategies and discovering SuperCrowd as a powerful alternative for raising capital.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Beyond The Horizon
Mega Edition: Jane Doe And Her Testimony During The Ghislaine Maxwell Trial (1/5/26)

Beyond The Horizon

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 65:30 Transcription Available


In her testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, “Jane Doe” described being recruited as a minor into Jeffrey Epstein's world through what initially appeared to be benign social contact and promises of money. She testified that she was drawn in at a young age, gradually groomed, and made to believe the abuse was normal or expected. According to her account, Epstein's homes functioned as controlled environments where rules were unspoken but rigid, and where fear, confusion, and dependence were deliberately cultivated. Jane Doe explained that she was repeatedly directed, pressured, and maneuvered into sexual encounters, often under circumstances that made refusal feel impossible, especially given her age and lack of power.Jane Doe's testimony also emphasized the long-term psychological impact of the abuse and the power imbalance that made resistance or escape feel impossible at the time. She explained how fear, confusion, and manipulation kept her compliant, and how the trauma followed her well into adulthood. Crucially, her account aligned with those of other accusers, strengthening the prosecution's argument that this was a coordinated system rather than a series of isolated acts. By the time Jane Doe testified, her words served not just as an individual story, but as part of a larger evidentiary mosaic showing that Ghislaine Maxwell knowingly participated in sustaining Epstein's abuse network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Swing Left Nebraska
Unpacking the Unicameral 2026, Week 1

Swing Left Nebraska

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 21:09


Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek is back, and we're looking forward to providing your ears with weekly unicameral updates every Sunday In these episodes, we'll break down what actually happened during the past week of the Legislative session, moving beyond the headlines to give you the context and understanding you need. Crucially, we'll also look ahead, discussing what key debates, votes, and committee hearings you can expect in the upcoming week. This way, you'll be the best-informed citizen at your Monday morning coffee group.

The Epstein Chronicles
Mega Edition: Jane Doe And Her Testimony During The Ghislaine Maxwell Trial (1/1/26)

The Epstein Chronicles

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 65:30 Transcription Available


In her testimony at the Ghislaine Maxwell trial, “Jane Doe” described being recruited as a minor into Jeffrey Epstein's world through what initially appeared to be benign social contact and promises of money. She testified that she was drawn in at a young age, gradually groomed, and made to believe the abuse was normal or expected. According to her account, Epstein's homes functioned as controlled environments where rules were unspoken but rigid, and where fear, confusion, and dependence were deliberately cultivated. Jane Doe explained that she was repeatedly directed, pressured, and maneuvered into sexual encounters, often under circumstances that made refusal feel impossible, especially given her age and lack of power.Jane Doe's testimony also emphasized the long-term psychological impact of the abuse and the power imbalance that made resistance or escape feel impossible at the time. She explained how fear, confusion, and manipulation kept her compliant, and how the trauma followed her well into adulthood. Crucially, her account aligned with those of other accusers, strengthening the prosecution's argument that this was a coordinated system rather than a series of isolated acts. By the time Jane Doe testified, her words served not just as an individual story, but as part of a larger evidentiary mosaic showing that Ghislaine Maxwell knowingly participated in sustaining Epstein's abuse network.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The Paranormal UFO Consciousness Podcast
Clarifying the Abduction Story

The Paranormal UFO Consciousness Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 31:04


This profound episode is not a typical "alien encounter" story. It may be the first. It is a meticulous, psychological deep dive into the lifelong journey of Nancy Tremaine—from a traumatized 12-year-old silenced in 1961 to the self-described "galactic ambassador" she is today. The narrative, drawn from her memoir and personal recordings, reveals a radical transformation forged in the crucible of institutional betrayal and unimaginable personal trauma.The core mission of the analysis is to understand the alchemy of trauma: how a devastating, isolating childhood event becomes the catalyst for a grand, purposeful life mission. It begins with Nancy's 1961 sighting in Novi, Michigan—a massive, silent craft that immobilized a police car with a beam of light and delivered a telepathic "We see you." The real trauma was cemented not by the craft, but by the enforced silence that followed. Her father, a veteran with apparent insider knowledge, validated her reality while demanding absolute secrecy—a psychological double bind that created what she calls "the root of the trauma."This personal silencing was reinforced by an immediate, coordinated military operation. The retired police chief, Lee Begole, confirmed on tape that the military's sole objective was "to silence everyone so as not to create a panic," arriving with a bias to disbelieve despite the overwhelming evidence. This institutional gaslighting, compounded by missing time and suppressed memories, led to 50 years of debilitating PTSD—a life Nancy describes as being "nothing more than scar tissue."Her healing began only in 2011 with validation, first from a UFO investigator and then through regression therapy. This process unlocked memories of non-human intelligences, hybrid offspring, and a symbiotic relationship with a Draconian reptilian being she calls "Mister." Crucially, their connection is almost entirely non-physical—a communion of consciousness and energy. The symbiosis is transactional: they study intense human emotions through her for a stated goal of genetic evolution, and in return, she receives knowledge, protection, and a cosmic purpose.The episode confronts the most difficult integrations, including severe medical trauma. After pineal gland manipulation by the entities, Nancy developed Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD), a legitimate and agonizing condition. When she sought emergency care, the medical institution inflicted a second, profound betrayal: staff mocked her and permanently documented her crisis as a "sex marathon" in her records. This betrayal mirrored the 1961 silencing, forcing her to seek meaning beyond the physical plane.Her transformation from victim to ambassador is complete when she fully accepts her mission: not to convince, but to inform. The philosophical messages she channels are stark and challenging: "We are you"; "Empathy holds back technology. It is the vehicle that is sacrificed"; and "We are here to avert war." She was shown apocalyptic visions to internalize the stakes—humanity must shed its low-frequency emotions of hate and rage to evolve, or risk being "left behind."Nancy Tremaine's story is ultimately about the relentless pursuit of personal truth against a consensus reality designed to reject it. It forces a unsettling question: Is our physical and emotional suffering—the struggles of the "vehicle"—merely functional data on the road to becoming something more? Her journey from scar tissue to a being of "light knowledge energy" suggests that the answer, for her, is a definitive yes. The destination, as the entities told her, is simply home.Nancy Tremaine's Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B076MKFFT4/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=9a137337-92f1-4454-89c8-9058abb348ba&ref_=ap_rdrGrant Cameron Websitepresidentialufo.org

Rule The Roost
Spurs Fans Boo Thomas Frank | Reaction with Jack Pitt-Brooke, Stick or Twist & Spurs' Managerial Aspirations (Q&A)

Rule The Roost

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 62:30


Jack is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke to dive straight into the terrible display at the G-Tech Community Stadium. We ask if JPB has been surprised by how Thomas Frank's tenure has unfolded thus far, and address the scenes in the away end, did the manager deserve to be heartily booed? We discuss whether Frank is failing to read the room and if he is dangerously out of tune with the emotional beat of the fanbase. Crucially, we debate the big decision: should Spurs stick with him until the end of the season, or is it time to look for a replacement now? Listener questions cover whether Frank understands the correlation between ticket prices and fan patience, and if Spurs are now only capable of fishing in the "Frank pond" rather than attracting elite names like Xabi Alonso or Julian Nagelsmann. Finally, things get lighter as we find out Jack's darts nickname and walk-out tune. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Evolution of a Snake
Decoding the End of an Era: Episode 3

The Evolution of a Snake

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 69:00


GET TICKETS TO SNERAS AUSTRALIA: https://www.evolutionofasnake.com Welcome back to our recap of the most important docuseries in history. In today's dispatch, we revisit episode 3: where Taylor and her crew rest and recuperate after a whirlwind European tour, regrouping before the final stretch beginning in Miami. We learn about Jeslyn's breast cancer diagnosis, and Taylor shares about her rigorous workout routine & the many variables that can disrupt a large show of this size. We also, CRUCIALLY, learn more from the noted creator of much evil, Joseph Cassell's input into The Eras Tour. Enjoy! WATCH OUR UNEDITED REACTIONS: https://www.patreon.com/swiftologist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beyond The Horizon
Jeffrey Epstein And The NPA That Has Hampered The Whole Investigation

Beyond The Horizon

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 27:49


The Jeffrey Epstein non-prosecution agreement (NPA), finalized during the 2007–2008 period and implemented as Epstein entered his 2008–2009 state sentence, was an extraordinary federal deal that halted a looming indictment in the Southern District of Florida. Under the agreement, Epstein avoided federal prosecution for sex-trafficking and related offenses in exchange for pleading guilty in Florida state court to minor charges of solicitation. The deal allowed him to serve a remarkably lenient sentence—largely on work release—while federal prosecutors agreed not to pursue additional charges tied to the same conduct. Crucially, the NPA was negotiated in secret, without notifying or consulting Epstein's victims, a decision that would later be ruled a violation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act.The agreement became infamous for its unusually broad language, including a clause purporting to protect unnamed “co-conspirators” from federal prosecution, effectively freezing accountability beyond Epstein himself. That provision sparked years of legal battles, public outrage, and skepticism about whether justice had been subordinated to convenience or influence. When the deal was later scrutinized, courts condemned both the secrecy and the substance of the arrangement, exposing it as a profound failure of prosecutorial judgment. The Epstein NPA now stands as a case study in how an aggressive defense strategy, combined with prosecutorial deference, can derail accountability and allow systemic abuse to persist unchecked.to contact me:bobbbycapucci@protonmail.com

Léargas: A Podcast by Gerry Adams
Happy New Year one and all - 2026 - Bliain Úr faoi Mhaise Daoibhse | Eyes On The Prize. | ‘I'm so scared, please come'

Léargas: A Podcast by Gerry Adams

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 14:55


2026 - Bliain Úr faoi Mhaise DaoibhseA very happy New Year to all readers of this column, to the staff of the Belfast Media Group and The Irish Echo. And to you good readers who have stayed with me over the years.None of us know what 2026 will bring but we can be sure it will be interesting. May it also be good to you all and to your families. Beirigí bua. Eyes On The Prize. 2025 was a good year for Irish Unity. All of those advocating for a new Ireland, including Sinn Féin's Commission on the Future of Ireland, worked hard and effectively promoting the message that Irish Unity will be good for the people of the island of Ireland. Crucially, both houses of the Oireachtas, the Dáil and the Seanad, passed motions calling on the Irish government to begin the process of planning and preparing for Unity referendums. These include The Oireachtas Good Friday Agreement Committee. This is the only all-Ireland committee in Leinster House. It is unique in that Members of Parliament from the north join TDs and Senators to work on issues relating to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.The Good Friday Agreement remains the basis for relations on the island of Ireland and between the islands of Ireland and Britain. However, its implementation has been challenged, principally by indifference from London and a lack of consistent and positive leadership from Dublin.‘I'm so scared, please come'For as long as I have been a republican activist I have been reading and writing about the impact of British colonialism on peoples around the world. As the largest empire in human history Britain's conquests and exploitation of other places resulted in untold misery, death and hardship for those living under British rule - not least here in Ireland. To maintain its domination, the British Empire used violence and dehumanised the peoples it sought to exploit. Behind its claim of being a guardian of the ‘rule of law' Britain stole land and property, exploited mineral resources and reduced native peoples to little more than slaves.Among those many locations was Palestine. British policy is largely responsible for the decades of war that have plighted that land for a hundred years. Current British government policy is facilitating the genocide of the Palestinian people by the Israeli apartheid regime.I have visited Palestine and Israel on at least four occasions, including the Gaza Strip in 2009. I walked along the ‘separation wall' – a monstrous perversion designed to imprison Palestinians into smaller and smaller ghettoes.

The Bookkeepers' Podcast
Stuart Miller (Xero): MTD, AI, Policy and Financial Literacy for Bookkeepers

The Bookkeepers' Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 40:56


In this Leadership Takeover Session, Stuart Miller, Director of Public Policy and Technology Research at Xero, shares what's really happening behind the scenes with MTD, AI and financial literacy – and what it all means for UK bookkeepers. If you've ever wondered who sits in the rooms with government, regulators and tech companies speaking up for small businesses and their advisers, this episode joins those dots. Stuart didn't set out to be an accountant. He fell into practice to avoid paying rent to his parents, trained through AAT, and built his career in firms where tattoos, shaved heads and “not fitting the mould” were still frowned upon. He talks about the managers who backed him, the crying client whose tax-return anxiety helped him find his purpose, and the R&D projects where better tax advice funded real-world change – like extracting myrrh oil to support schools in Africa. Today, his role at Xero spans smart data, late payments, e-invoicing, unique business identifiers, AI policy and MTD. He explains what his week actually looks like: responding to consultations, sitting on smart data groups, meeting departments like Business and Trade, and feeding the voice of accountants and bookkeepers into policy. Find out about the benefits of becoming a Xero Partner, here: https://www.xero.com/uk/partner-programme/?UTM_Source=6fb The conversation also tackles AI. Stuart sees AI as an efficiency driver, not a replacement for bookkeepers. He talks about using AI to speed up reconciliation, summarise long email newsletters and surface insights, while the real value sits in the 20% of work that is deeply human: handling ambiguity, context and emotion. A big theme is financial literacy and social mobility. Stuart is passionate about closing the gap for people who were never taught about interest rates, APR or cash flow at home or at school. He talks about Xero's financial literacy campaign, which offers bite-size guidance and mentoring for people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those starting a business with no financial training. Crucially, it's open to everyone, not just software users, and supported by accountants and bookkeepers who volunteer their time to help. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.

The Moscow Murders and More
Jeffrey Epstein And The NPA That Has Hampered The Whole Investigation

The Moscow Murders and More

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 27:49 Transcription Available


The Jeffrey Epstein non-prosecution agreement (NPA), finalized during the 2007–2008 period and implemented as Epstein entered his 2008–2009 state sentence, was an extraordinary federal deal that halted a looming indictment in the Southern District of Florida. Under the agreement, Epstein avoided federal prosecution for sex-trafficking and related offenses in exchange for pleading guilty in Florida state court to minor charges of solicitation. The deal allowed him to serve a remarkably lenient sentence—largely on work release—while federal prosecutors agreed not to pursue additional charges tied to the same conduct. Crucially, the NPA was negotiated in secret, without notifying or consulting Epstein's victims, a decision that would later be ruled a violation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act.The agreement became infamous for its unusually broad language, including a clause purporting to protect unnamed “co-conspirators” from federal prosecution, effectively freezing accountability beyond Epstein himself. That provision sparked years of legal battles, public outrage, and skepticism about whether justice had been subordinated to convenience or influence. When the deal was later scrutinized, courts condemned both the secrecy and the substance of the arrangement, exposing it as a profound failure of prosecutorial judgment. The Epstein NPA now stands as a case study in how an aggressive defense strategy, combined with prosecutorial deference, can derail accountability and allow systemic abuse to persist unchecked.to contact me:bobbbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

WHAT : DE HEK
The Origins of GOLIATH VENTURES INC: How Proximity Replaced Proof as Millions Were Raised

WHAT : DE HEK

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 135:36


This investigation looks at what existed before Goliath Ventures Inc ever collapsed — before missed payouts, before silence, before the excuses. It examines how trust was established, how credibility was borrowed, and how millions were raised long before anything verifiable was ever built.This is not a hindsight critique. It's a reconstruction of origins.HOW TO REPORT GOLIATH VENTURES INCdehek.com/general/scam-fraud-investigations/how-to-report-goliath-ventures-inc-and-take-action-if-youve-lost-money/THE FOUNDATION BEFORE THE MONEYGoliath Ventures did not begin with a functioning product, a proven trading operation, or verifiable revenue. What it began with was proximity — to people, to narratives, to perceived success. Introductions mattered more than evidence. Associations mattered more than documentation. Early confidence replaced early proof.From the outset, there were ambitious claims about crypto mining, liquidity pools, and sophisticated strategies. Yet there is no clear record of mining ever being operational, no evidence of mined bitcoin sold to the market, and no independently verifiable proof that any promised strategy was producing external revenue.That distinction matters.THE SHIFT IN THE STORYAs time went on, the narrative evolved. Bitcoin mining faded into the background. Liquidity provision became the new explanation. The language grew more technical, more abstract, and harder for the average investor to challenge. Contracts referenced specific mechanisms, but public explanations rarely matched how those mechanisms actually work.At the same time, fixed rates of return were offered — monthly, quarterly, yearly. That is not how legitimate mining or liquidity provision typically operates. Profit-sharing is variable. Risk is explicit. Guarantees are rare.BORROWED CREDIBILITYWhat did work was trust by association. People trusted people who trusted other people. Social proof traveled faster than verification. Questions were softened by familiarity. Skepticism was reframed as negativity. The absence of proof was masked by confidence and repetition.In environments like this, belief spreads faster than facts.WHEN PAYMENTS STOPPEDOnce payouts became delayed, then missed entirely, the tone changed. Communication shifted. Responsibility blurred. Investors were told to be patient. Explanations multiplied, but clarity did not.Crucially, despite repeated claims that investments were “fully insured,” there has been no evidence presented that any insurance claim was ever filed to cover missed payouts — raising serious questions about whether such insurance ever existed in the first place.INTENT, FAILURE, AND ACCOUNTABILITYSome argue that if Goliath began with legitimate intent, then this is simply a failed business, not a crime. That question matters legally. But intent is not proven by good storytelling — it's proven by actions, records, and outcomes.A project that never gets off the ground, never produces verifiable external revenue, and yet consistently offers fixed returns while raising new funds does not automatically become legitimate simply because failure is claimed after the fact.This investigation does not declare guilt. It documents what can — and cannot — be shown.And what's missing is just as important as what's claimed.WHY ORIGINS MATTERIf the foundBuy Me a Coffee I'm on @buymeacoffee. If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee and share your thoughts.Support the show

The Epstein Chronicles
Jeffrey Epstein And The NPA That Has Hampered The Whole Investigation

The Epstein Chronicles

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 27:49 Transcription Available


The Jeffrey Epstein non-prosecution agreement (NPA), finalized during the 2007–2008 period and implemented as Epstein entered his 2008–2009 state sentence, was an extraordinary federal deal that halted a looming indictment in the Southern District of Florida. Under the agreement, Epstein avoided federal prosecution for sex-trafficking and related offenses in exchange for pleading guilty in Florida state court to minor charges of solicitation. The deal allowed him to serve a remarkably lenient sentence—largely on work release—while federal prosecutors agreed not to pursue additional charges tied to the same conduct. Crucially, the NPA was negotiated in secret, without notifying or consulting Epstein's victims, a decision that would later be ruled a violation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act.The agreement became infamous for its unusually broad language, including a clause purporting to protect unnamed “co-conspirators” from federal prosecution, effectively freezing accountability beyond Epstein himself. That provision sparked years of legal battles, public outrage, and skepticism about whether justice had been subordinated to convenience or influence. When the deal was later scrutinized, courts condemned both the secrecy and the substance of the arrangement, exposing it as a profound failure of prosecutorial judgment. The Epstein NPA now stands as a case study in how an aggressive defense strategy, combined with prosecutorial deference, can derail accountability and allow systemic abuse to persist unchecked.to contact me:bobbbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Real Estate Investor's Club Podcast
Outcome Goals are Dead: Use Habit Goals & the SMART Framework To Define 2026

Real Estate Investor's Club Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 14:50


Welcome to a monumental episode! As we close out 2025, we are not only giving you the ultimate blueprint for strategic goal setting but also making the huge announcement that Real Estate Investing is branching out from the Master Passive Income Network to become The Equity Builders Club Podcast—specializing in Canadian and Montreal real estate strategy!This transition exemplifies the power of specific goals, which is the core of today's topic: Why you must stop relying on vague New Year's Resolutions.This episode dives deep into the strategic methods used by successful investors and high performers. You'll learn how to apply the well-known SMART Goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound) to complex real estate scenarios, moving beyond simple concepts like weight loss and property acquisition to tackle challenges like improving your professional network and quantifying hard-to-measure skills.Crucially, we explore the difference between Outcome Goals (like "buy a building") and Habit Goals (like "make one offer a week"). Outcome goals point the way, but it's the consistent habits—the daily actions—that actually generate long-term equity and financial freedom. We discuss why focusing solely on outcomes often leads to frustration and how aligning your habits with your "big why" is the secret to enduring motivation and change.Tune in to learn:How to apply the SMART criteria to real estate goals (from property acquisition to network growth).The essential role of Habit Goals in manifesting your investment outcomes.Why deep alignment with your goals (your "big why") is the non-negotiable key to sustaining difficult behavioral change.Full details on the rebrand to The Equity Builders Club and our new focus on Canadian real estate for 2026.Don't miss this final episode before the pivot! Set your strategic goals now and get ready to build equity with The Equity Builders Club!Steve Hochman Episode:https://realestateinvestorsclubpodcast.podbean.com/e/do-about-diet-nutrition-matter-in-real-estate/Come to the next Equity Builders Club event → equitybuildersclub.com/eventsUse code ML5 to save $5.

New Books Network
Christian Smith, "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

New Books Network

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 36:52


Is traditional American religion doomed?Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service attendance, and belief in God have declined. More and more people claim to be "spiritual but not religious." Religious organizations have been reeling from revelations of sexual and financial scandals and cover-ups. Public trust in "organized religion" has declined significantly. Crucially, these religious losses are concentrated among younger generations. This means that, barring unlikely religious revivals among youth, the losses will continue and accelerate in time, as less-religious younger Americans replace older more-religious ones and increasingly fewer American children are raised by religious parents. All this is clear. But what is less clear is exactly why this is happening. We know a lot more about the fact that traditional American religion has declined than we do about why this is so.Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford UP, 2025) aims to change that. Drawing on survey data and hundreds of interviews, Christian Smith offers a sweeping, multifaceted account of why many Americans have lost faith in traditional religion. An array of large-scale social forces-everything from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet to shifting ideas about gender and sexuality-came together to render traditional religion culturally obsolete. For growing numbers of Americans, traditional religion no longer seems useful or relevant. Using quantitative empirical measures of big-picture changes over time as well as exploring the larger cultural environment—the cultural "zeitgeist"—Smith explains why this is the case and what it means for the future. Crucially, he argues, it does not mean a strictly secular future. Rather, Americans' spiritual impulses are being channelled in new and interesting directions. Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. He has written many books, including Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (with Michael O. Emerson), as well as Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (with Melinda Lundquist Denton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Global Medical Device Podcast powered by Greenlight Guru

The FDA's new Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR), which replaces the 21 CFR Part 820 Quality System Regulation (QSR) and incorporates ISO 13485:2016 by reference, represents a significant harmonization effort in the medical device industry. While viewed by some as a mere streamlining, the change is mandatory, with an effective and fully enforceable date of February 2, 2026. The episode addresses industry complacency and details critical steps manufacturers must take immediately.The episode debunks the myth that familiar quality documents like the DHF, DMR, and DHR are being eliminated. While the specific terms are removed from the regulation's language, their substance is retained and mapped to new, ISO-aligned conceptual requirements: the Device Master Record (DMR) becomes the Medical Device File (MDF), the Design History File (DHF) becomes the Design and Development File (DDP), and the Device History Record (DHR) is captured in the Batch or Lot Record. The host emphasizes that internal documents can retain the old terminology, provided a clear regulatory mapping is established.Crucially, compliance requires more than just an ISO 13485 certificate. Two major philosophical shifts must be addressed: the explicit requirement for integrating lifecycle risk management as the DNA of the entire QMS, and the loss of the audit privilege, which makes internal audit reports, supplier audit reports, and management review records inspectable regulatory evidence. Furthermore, manufacturers must comply with retained, US-specific requirements under the QMSR's prevalence rule, especially concerning mandatory record content (§ 820.35) and specific labeling and packaging controls (§ 820.45).Key Timestamps[0:50] QMSR: The biggest shakeup to US quality requirements since 1996.[2:00] Effective Date: February 2, 2026—the clock is ticking.[2:42] The Goal: Harmonization with ISO 13485:2016 to reduce redundancy for global manufacturers.[3:50] Myth 1 Busted: The FDA is eliminating the DHF, DMR, and DHR (Documentation Dissolution).[5:10] Terminology Shift: DMR > Medical Device File (MDF, ISO 13485 Clause 4.2.3).[6:30] Terminology Shift: DHF > Design and Development File (DDP, ISO 13485 Clause 7.3.10).[7:40] Terminology Shift: DHR > Batch or Lot Record (ISO 13485 Clause 7.5.1).[8:40] The Practical Takeaway: Internal naming is fine, but regulatory mapping is mandatory.[10:30] Critical Shift 1: Risk Management is the DNA of the QMS—Explicitly required across all clauses.[13:00] Critical Shift 2: Loss of the Audit Privilege—Internal audit and management review records are now inspectable.[17:00] Critical Shift 3: Retained FDA Specifications (Prevalence Rule).

New Books in Sociology
Christian Smith, "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

New Books in Sociology

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 36:52


Is traditional American religion doomed?Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service attendance, and belief in God have declined. More and more people claim to be "spiritual but not religious." Religious organizations have been reeling from revelations of sexual and financial scandals and cover-ups. Public trust in "organized religion" has declined significantly. Crucially, these religious losses are concentrated among younger generations. This means that, barring unlikely religious revivals among youth, the losses will continue and accelerate in time, as less-religious younger Americans replace older more-religious ones and increasingly fewer American children are raised by religious parents. All this is clear. But what is less clear is exactly why this is happening. We know a lot more about the fact that traditional American religion has declined than we do about why this is so.Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford UP, 2025) aims to change that. Drawing on survey data and hundreds of interviews, Christian Smith offers a sweeping, multifaceted account of why many Americans have lost faith in traditional religion. An array of large-scale social forces-everything from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet to shifting ideas about gender and sexuality-came together to render traditional religion culturally obsolete. For growing numbers of Americans, traditional religion no longer seems useful or relevant. Using quantitative empirical measures of big-picture changes over time as well as exploring the larger cultural environment—the cultural "zeitgeist"—Smith explains why this is the case and what it means for the future. Crucially, he argues, it does not mean a strictly secular future. Rather, Americans' spiritual impulses are being channelled in new and interesting directions. Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. He has written many books, including Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (with Michael O. Emerson), as well as Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (with Melinda Lundquist Denton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

New Books in American Studies
Christian Smith, "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

New Books in American Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 36:52


Is traditional American religion doomed?Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service attendance, and belief in God have declined. More and more people claim to be "spiritual but not religious." Religious organizations have been reeling from revelations of sexual and financial scandals and cover-ups. Public trust in "organized religion" has declined significantly. Crucially, these religious losses are concentrated among younger generations. This means that, barring unlikely religious revivals among youth, the losses will continue and accelerate in time, as less-religious younger Americans replace older more-religious ones and increasingly fewer American children are raised by religious parents. All this is clear. But what is less clear is exactly why this is happening. We know a lot more about the fact that traditional American religion has declined than we do about why this is so.Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford UP, 2025) aims to change that. Drawing on survey data and hundreds of interviews, Christian Smith offers a sweeping, multifaceted account of why many Americans have lost faith in traditional religion. An array of large-scale social forces-everything from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet to shifting ideas about gender and sexuality-came together to render traditional religion culturally obsolete. For growing numbers of Americans, traditional religion no longer seems useful or relevant. Using quantitative empirical measures of big-picture changes over time as well as exploring the larger cultural environment—the cultural "zeitgeist"—Smith explains why this is the case and what it means for the future. Crucially, he argues, it does not mean a strictly secular future. Rather, Americans' spiritual impulses are being channelled in new and interesting directions. Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. He has written many books, including Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (with Michael O. Emerson), as well as Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (with Melinda Lundquist Denton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

New Books in Religion
Christian Smith, "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

New Books in Religion

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 36:52


Is traditional American religion doomed?Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service attendance, and belief in God have declined. More and more people claim to be "spiritual but not religious." Religious organizations have been reeling from revelations of sexual and financial scandals and cover-ups. Public trust in "organized religion" has declined significantly. Crucially, these religious losses are concentrated among younger generations. This means that, barring unlikely religious revivals among youth, the losses will continue and accelerate in time, as less-religious younger Americans replace older more-religious ones and increasingly fewer American children are raised by religious parents. All this is clear. But what is less clear is exactly why this is happening. We know a lot more about the fact that traditional American religion has declined than we do about why this is so.Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford UP, 2025) aims to change that. Drawing on survey data and hundreds of interviews, Christian Smith offers a sweeping, multifaceted account of why many Americans have lost faith in traditional religion. An array of large-scale social forces-everything from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet to shifting ideas about gender and sexuality-came together to render traditional religion culturally obsolete. For growing numbers of Americans, traditional religion no longer seems useful or relevant. Using quantitative empirical measures of big-picture changes over time as well as exploring the larger cultural environment—the cultural "zeitgeist"—Smith explains why this is the case and what it means for the future. Crucially, he argues, it does not mean a strictly secular future. Rather, Americans' spiritual impulses are being channelled in new and interesting directions. Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. He has written many books, including Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (with Michael O. Emerson), as well as Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (with Melinda Lundquist Denton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

NBN Book of the Day
Christian Smith, "Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America" (Oxford UP, 2025)

NBN Book of the Day

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 36:52


Is traditional American religion doomed?Traditional religion in the United States has suffered huge losses in recent decades. The number of Americans identifying as "not religious" has increased remarkably. Religious affiliation, service attendance, and belief in God have declined. More and more people claim to be "spiritual but not religious." Religious organizations have been reeling from revelations of sexual and financial scandals and cover-ups. Public trust in "organized religion" has declined significantly. Crucially, these religious losses are concentrated among younger generations. This means that, barring unlikely religious revivals among youth, the losses will continue and accelerate in time, as less-religious younger Americans replace older more-religious ones and increasingly fewer American children are raised by religious parents. All this is clear. But what is less clear is exactly why this is happening. We know a lot more about the fact that traditional American religion has declined than we do about why this is so.Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America (Oxford UP, 2025) aims to change that. Drawing on survey data and hundreds of interviews, Christian Smith offers a sweeping, multifaceted account of why many Americans have lost faith in traditional religion. An array of large-scale social forces-everything from the end of the Cold War to the rise of the internet to shifting ideas about gender and sexuality-came together to render traditional religion culturally obsolete. For growing numbers of Americans, traditional religion no longer seems useful or relevant. Using quantitative empirical measures of big-picture changes over time as well as exploring the larger cultural environment—the cultural "zeitgeist"—Smith explains why this is the case and what it means for the future. Crucially, he argues, it does not mean a strictly secular future. Rather, Americans' spiritual impulses are being channelled in new and interesting directions. Christian Smith is the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Sociology and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Smith is well known for his research focused on religion, adolescents and emerging adults, and social theory. He has written many books, including Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America (with Michael O. Emerson), as well as Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (with Melinda Lundquist Denton). Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

Sales POP! Podcasts
How to Write Cold Emails That Convert: Secrets from Recruitment Mogul Kevin Downey

Sales POP! Podcasts

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 26:20


Recruitment entrepreneur Kevin Downey reveals why his system thrives on cold B2B email: simple, human copy, and flawless compliance. Forget the marketing jargon and complex subject lines. Your email should mimic a voicemail: direct, conversational, and hyper-focused. Start with a clear pain point, offer a brief solution, and use a Call to Action (CTA) that only asks for a simple reply. Downey's data shows that simple, vague subject lines outperform gimmicks. Crucially, personalization should be minimal (First Name is enough)—overdoing it signals automation. Measure only the Reply Rate, ignore opens, and follow the simple rule for compliance: include a physical address and an easy opt-out.

History Accounts
7-1 Three Kingdoms

History Accounts

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 17:24


Send us a textThis narrative will intricately weave together the stories of three monumental empires during the tumultuous era stretching from the mid-17th century through the early 18th century. My focus will be on France, China, and Russia, exploring the profound changes and intricate connections that defined their respective reigns.Crucially, this expansive story will be told through the intimate lens of their three iconic monarchs. I will delve into the personal perspectives, political strategies, and lasting legacies of Louis XIV of France, famously known as the Sun King; the revered Kangxi Emperor of China; and Peter I of Russia, whose reforms earned him the title of Peter the Great. By examining the world through their eyes, I intend to offer a unique and deeply human insight into an age of unprecedented change and imperial grandeur.Support the show

The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago
Rhythm and Word - December 17, 2025

The Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 9:36


Although the time period after the exile did not unfold in the way that was initially expected, a new expectation began to build around a coming Messiah, one from David's lineage, who would help usher in this new age.  In this episode, Matt Helms invites us to reflect on Daniel's vision of a time when the empires of the world lose their dominion, lose their power — a power that is instead given to this mysterious figure known as the Son of Man. This returns us to the idea of covenant that has been a throughline throughout this series.   Crucially, we see a new aspect of the covenant drawn in. This is not just a promise for a particular people in a particular place. Instead, we have moved from the particular to the universal — and it is those broadened hopes for all creation that lie behind Jesus' arrival. 

Technically Legal
Best of 2025 - Benchmarking Legal AI: Measuring the Delta Between Man and Machine (Anna Guo Legalbenchmarks.ai)

Technically Legal

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 27:34


In one of the most popular episodes of the year, Legalbenchmarks.ai Founder Anna Guo discusses her organization's research that tests whether artificial intelligence custom-made for legal tasks better than general AI tools. Anna is a former BigLaw lawyer who left the practice to become an entrepreneur and now focuses her energies on quantifying the utility of AI in the legal industry. Anna's initial anecdotal research for colleagues quickly revealed a strong community interest in a systematic approach to evaluating legal AI tools. This led to the creation of Legalbenchmarks.AI, dedicated to finding out where the promise of humans plus AI is truly better than humans alone or AI alone. The core of the research involves measuring the "delta," or the extent to which AI can elevate human performance. To date, Legalbenchmarks.ai conducted two major studies: one on information extraction from legal sources and a second on contract review and redlining. Key Findings from the Studies: Accuracy vs. Qualitative Usefulness: The highest-performing general-purpose AI tools (like Gemini) were often found to be more accurate and consistent. However, the legal-specific AI tools often received higher marks in qualitative usefulness and helpfulness, as they align more closely with existing legal workflows. Methodology: The testing goes beyond simple accuracy. It includes a three-part assessment: Reliability (objective accuracy and legal adequacy), Usability (qualitative metrics like helpfulness and coherence for tasks such as brainstorming), and Platform Workflow Support (integration, citation checks, and other features). Human-AI Performance: In the contract analysis study, AI tools matched or exceeded the human baseline for reliability in producing first drafts. Crucially, the data demonstrated that the common belief that "human plus AI will always outperform AI alone" was false; the top-performing AI tool alone still had a higher accuracy rate than the human-plus-AI combo. Risk Analysis: A significant finding was that legal AI tools were better at flagging material risks, such as compliance or unenforceability issues in high-risk scenarios, that human lawyers missed entirely. This suggests AI can act as a crucial safety net. Strengths Comparison: AI excels at brainstorming, challenging human bias, and performing mass-scale routine tasks (e.g., mass contract review for simple terms). Humans retain a significant edge in ingesting nuanced context and making commercially reasonable decisions that AI's instruction-following can sometimes lack.

Beyond The Horizon
Ghislaine Maxwell And The Secret Grand Jury That Was Empaneled Before Her Arrest

Beyond The Horizon

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 19:45


Before Ghislaine Maxwell's arrest in July 2020, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York conducted a secret grand jury investigation that quietly accelerated in the months following Jeffrey Epstein's death. The grand jury heard testimony from witnesses, reviewed financial records, communications, flight data, and other documentary evidence tied to Epstein's sex trafficking operation and Maxwell's alleged role in facilitating it. Subpoenas were issued, immunity agreements were reportedly used to compel cooperation, and prosecutors focused on building a case that could stand independently of Epstein, centering on recruitment, grooming, transportation, and coordination of underage victims over many years.Crucially, the grand jury probe unfolded while Maxwell remained publicly uncharged and largely out of sight, allowing prosecutors to work without alerting her to the full scope or timing of the case. By the time of her arrest, the investigation had already matured to the point where prosecutors felt confident proceeding without Epstein as a defendant, relying instead on corroborated victim testimony and documentary evidence. The secrecy of the grand jury process also meant that potential co-conspirators were shielded from public scrutiny during this phase, a fact that later fueled criticism once Maxwell was charged alone. In effect, the pre-arrest grand jury investigation laid the foundation for Maxwell's prosecution while simultaneously highlighting how narrowly the government chose to pursue accountability once the case entered the public stage.to contact me:bobbycapucciBefore Ghislaine Maxwell's arrest in July 2020, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York conducted a secret grand jury investigation that quietly accelerated in the months following Jeffrey Epstein's death. The grand jury heard testimony from witnesses, reviewed financial records, communications, flight data, and other documentary evidence tied to Epstein's sex trafficking operation and Maxwell's alleged role in facilitating it. Subpoenas were issued, immunity agreements were reportedly used to compel cooperation, and prosecutors focused on building a case that could stand independently of Epstein, centering on recruitment, grooming, transportation, and coordination of underage victims over many years.Crucially, the grand jury probe unfolded while Maxwell remained publicly uncharged and largely out of sight, allowing prosecutors to work without alerting her to the full scope or timing of the case. By the time of her arrest, the investigation had already matured to the point where prosecutors felt confident proceeding without Epstein as a defendant, relying instead on corroborated victim testimony and documentary evidence. The secrecy of the grand jury process also meant that potential co-conspirators were shielded from public scrutiny during this phase, a fact that later fueled criticism once Maxwell was charged alone. In effect, the pre-arrest grand jury investigation laid the foundation for Maxwell's prosecution while simultaneously highlighting how narrowly the government chose to pursue accountability once the case entered the public stage.to contact me:bobbycapucci

Forest Fan TV
Europa League Knockout Secured! Dyche Wins Ugly Again! Utrecht 1-2 Nottingham Forest Match Reaction!

Forest Fan TV

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 12:40


Wolfie dissects Sean Dyche critical victory over Utrecht in the Europa League yesterday! Check out FFTV Merch! Click Here: https://forestfantv.com/ Another massive European night, another vital three points for Nottingham Forest! Wolfie is HERE with his instant match reaction as the Reds battled their way to a crucial 1-2 victory away at FC Utrecht in the Europa League. It certainly wasn't pretty—the team looked shaky at times—but ultimately, Forest found a way to win and secured the result needed to push their European dream forward. Join Wolfie as he dissects the match and delivers his raw, honest thoughts on the performance. In this deep-dive, Wolfie will dissect exactly what went right (and wrong!) with the team's tactical setup and look at the key individual performances. Crucially, we focus on the impact of returning injured players like Douglas Luiz and Oleksandr Zinchenko: did they look match-fit, and are they ready to anchor the team? Was this truly a good performance from the squad, or a classic case of winning ugly when it mattered most? We break down the goals, the defensive shifts, and identify the unexpected Man of the Match! With this vital victory, Nottingham Forest has officially guaranteed themselves at least a play-off spot in the Europa League knockout stages! How far can this team actually go now that they are competing with the best in Europe? Can a team that struggles for consistency still dream of a deep run? Let us know in the comments below how you felt watching the final whistle, who your standout player was, and what your predictions are for the rest of Forest's European campaign! #nffc #premierleague #nottinghamforest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cities and Memory - remixing the sounds of the world

"This sonic composition, titled Yūgen (幽玄), delves into the aesthetic of subtle beauty and the profound mystery that defines this Japanese concept. The work originates from a deep immersion in the serenity of the Niigata rice fields at dawn, a space of absolute tranquility where the absence of sounds from human sources becomes the creative driving force. "The process focused on the creation of an atmosphere that honors this initial stillness. The assigned field recording served as the foundational starting point, which was then subjected to sound design techniques. These included manipulating speed and pitch to highlight the subtle sounds of crickets and insects, combined with further processes such as granular synthesis, waveshaping, and extensive reverb. Crucially, this sonic sculpting was complemented by the summation of digital synthesizers and processed sampling to create evolving textures. Unlike much of my previous work, I deliberately avoided the inclusion of any recognizable human voice. The result is a sonic meditation that seeks to capture the implicit vastness and the secret truth perceived at dawn, offering the listener a space to contemplate the deep and the indescribable (the Yūgen)."  Rice fields in Niigata reimagined by Rodrigo Romero-Flores.

The Epstein Chronicles
Ghislaine Maxwell And The Secret Grand Jury That Was Empaneled Before Her Arrest

The Epstein Chronicles

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 19:45 Transcription Available


Before Ghislaine Maxwell's arrest in July 2020, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York conducted a secret grand jury investigation that quietly accelerated in the months following Jeffrey Epstein's death. The grand jury heard testimony from witnesses, reviewed financial records, communications, flight data, and other documentary evidence tied to Epstein's sex trafficking operation and Maxwell's alleged role in facilitating it. Subpoenas were issued, immunity agreements were reportedly used to compel cooperation, and prosecutors focused on building a case that could stand independently of Epstein, centering on recruitment, grooming, transportation, and coordination of underage victims over many years.Crucially, the grand jury probe unfolded while Maxwell remained publicly uncharged and largely out of sight, allowing prosecutors to work without alerting her to the full scope or timing of the case. By the time of her arrest, the investigation had already matured to the point where prosecutors felt confident proceeding without Epstein as a defendant, relying instead on corroborated victim testimony and documentary evidence. The secrecy of the grand jury process also meant that potential co-conspirators were shielded from public scrutiny during this phase, a fact that later fueled criticism once Maxwell was charged alone. In effect, the pre-arrest grand jury investigation laid the foundation for Maxwell's prosecution while simultaneously highlighting how narrowly the government chose to pursue accountability once the case entered the public stage.to contact me:bobbycapucciBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

OncLive® On Air
S14 Ep64: Optimized Immunotherapy Use and Novel Therapeutic Targets Move the Needle for Endometrial Cancer Management: With Ursula A. Matulonis, MD; and Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD

OncLive® On Air

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 33:11


From Discovery to Delivery: Charting Progress in Gynecologic Oncology, hosted by Ursula A. Matulonis, MD, brings expert insights into the most recent breakthroughs, evolving standards, and emerging therapies across gynecologic cancers. Dr Matulonis is chief of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and the Brock-Wilcon Family Chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, Massachusetts. In this episode, Dr Matulonis sat down with guest Panagiotis (Panos) A. Konstantinopoulos, MD, PhD, to discuss the different subtypes of endometrial cancer and treatment developments for this disease. Dr Konstantinopoulos is the director of Translational Research in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, the director of the Mellen and Eisenson Family Center for BRCA and Related Genes, and the Velma Eisenson Chair for Clinical and Translational Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; as well as a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Drs Matulonis and Konstantinopoulos explained that patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors substantially benefit from a decreased risk of progression or death when immunotherapy is added to standard therapy. They noted that immunotherapy appears important for the management of dMMR tumors, even those in earlier stages or in patients who have no measurable disease remaining after surgery. For MMR-proficient (pMMR) tumors, Drs Matulonis and Konstantinopoulos highlighted that PD-1 blockade combined with chemotherapy improves survival vs chemotherapy alone, but that this benefit is not as substantial as that seen in dMMR disease. Crucially, they reported that if a pMMR tumor has no measurable disease after surgery, adding immune checkpoint blockade does not appear beneficial. They stated that tailored treatment approaches are key for managing pMMR disease subtypes. They added that hormonal therapy may be used upfront for slow-growing, estrogen receptor–positive metastatic disease. They continued by saying that DNA damage and replication stress are critical targets, particularly in p53-mutated tumors, like uterine serous cancers. Furthermore, they stressed that although the antibody-drug conjugate fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) is highly effective in HER2-positive tumors, treatment with this agent requires monitoring for toxicities, including interstitial lung disease and decreased ejection fraction.

New Books in Critical Theory
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books in Critical Theory

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

The Millionaire Dentist
Protecting Your Cash Flow and Beating the Holiday Burnout

The Millionaire Dentist

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 22:00


As the calendar turns to December, the temptation to slow down—or get lost in the holiday "noise"—is strong. But for the savvy dental practice owner, this month is a critical time for both defense and strategic planning.In this essential episode, we dive deep into the immediate steps you must take to protect your practice's financial health: we discuss closely monitoring overhead, optimizing insurance adjustments, and implementing smart tax management to maintain strong cash flow. Crucially, we also share actionable advice on prioritizing and planning ahead to successfully balance intense professional demands with your personal holiday commitments, preventing overwhelm and burnout.Interested in more info on how to: Earn More, Save More, and Retire EarlyUpcoming Tour Dates: Go to our EVENTS page for infoFacebook: Four Quadrants AdvisoryInstagram: @fourquadrantsadvisoryLinkedIn: Four Quadrants Advisory

Irish Tech News Audio Articles
AI and Agents Propel Cyber Week to Record €286B in Global Spend

Irish Tech News Audio Articles

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 5:16


Salesforce, the world's #1 AI CRM, has unveiled its 2025 Cyber Week results (November 25-December 1), analysing shopping data from over 1.5 billion shoppers. This was another record-breaking shopping week, with overall industry global sales increasing 7% year over year (YOY) to €286billion, with Black Friday sales in Ireland increasing 19%. These results signal a strong consumer appetite for buying this holiday season despite increasing global prices, and they demonstrate AI and agents as fundamental accelerators for purchase and productivity in commerce. AI and agents deliver outsized impact on Cyber Week sales and service AI and agents were pivotal elements in shoppers' path to purchase, driving €57 billion in sales by delivering personalised, high-converting shopping experiences. Across Cyber Week, AI and agents influenced 20% of all global orders via personalised product recommendations and conversational customer service. Pandora, Shark Ninja, and Funko and other retailers who utilised Salesforce's Agentforce 360 and their own branded agents saw sales grow 32% faster than those without. Beyond purchases, AI agents efficiently managed the influx of inquiries to emerge as customer service heroes. Agentic customer service conversations grew 55% week over week. Crucially, the volume of agent actions - including updating delivery addresses and initiating returns - surged by 70% compared with the previous week, offsetting administrative loads for service teams and lowering operational costs. Salesforce powers Cyber Week with trust, scale, and AI agents The foundation of Cyber Week's success for global retailers was the trust and unified power of Agentforce 360. Brands drove profitable growth and scaled their operations, supported by Salesforce's 100% uptime the entire week, including Agentforce Commerce, which powered 61 million orders on digital storefronts. The scale extended across channels as retailers managed 76% more orders on the Order Management System (OMS) platform while Agentforce Marketing delivered personalised outreach by sending 56.3 billion marketing messages. On Black Friday, historically the largest day of the year for in-store shopping, Salesforce's Retail Point ofSale (POS) saw 96% YOY growth in order volumes. 2025 Cyber Week Industry Insights Cyber Week sets a new global record: Consumers demonstrated strong activity, continuing to spend throughout the week and driving healthy sales growth numbers for retailers. Black Friday drove €67 billion in global sales (up 6% YOY), up 19% in Ireland. . Black Friday also accounted for 31% of all in-store sales during Cyber Week, making it the largest in-store shopping day of the week. Meanwhile, Cyber Monday drove €45 billion in global online sales, which was up 15% in Ireland. Mobile shopping becomes the digital default: Mobile devices drove 70% of online orders both globally, and mobile wallets continued to grow as a top form of payment, used for 27% of all global orders. Meanwhile, social media is becoming a critical entry point for shoppers, driving 15% of all global digital traffic to retailers' sitesConsumer spending stays strong: The average selling price (ASP) across Cyber Week increased 6% YOY. But in the end, consumers were undeterred by these price hikes - Cyber Week order volumes still grew by 2% globally and 1% in the U.S. compared with last year. This signals that shoppers saw this time frame as the best week of the year to make purchases regardless of price hikes. "Irish shoppers with their well known eye for value continue to embrace Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a key moment in their Christmas shopping plans. This year's growth highlights the power that agentic AI can bring, with significant increases in predictive recommendations and conversion across the week. It shows the scale of the opportunity for Irish businesses of every size to adopt these new capabilities and deliver faster, smarter, and more personal experiences that meet rising custom...

New Books Network
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books Network

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

New Books in History
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books in History

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

No Hacks Marketing
211: Why AI is Killing Your Clicks: The New Metrics for a Zero-Click World with Joe Doveton

No Hacks Marketing

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 37:40


The ground beneath the digital marketing industry is shifting. For decades, the mantra was simple: optimize for traffic, measure clicks, and track conversions. But with the rise of Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Answer Engines, that rulebook is obsolete. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Joe Doveton to discuss the urgent reality facing every brand that relies on web traffic.We dive into the phenomenon Joe calls the "Crocodile Mouth", the unsettling visual trend where brands maintain high search impressions but see clicks vanish, a direct result of zero-click searches. With the proliferation of platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and various generative engines, we discuss why the Google monopoly on the customer journey is over, and how users can now move from the awareness stage to purchasing a product without ever visiting a Google property. This episode is a wake-up call for marketers still clinging to outdated KPIs.Joe introduces the new alphabet soup of optimization, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and LLMO (Large Language Model Optimization). Crucially, we explore what this means for your analytics. If traffic and conversion rate are "lousy metrics", what should you measure? Joe reveals emerging metrics like Visibility within LLMs and competitive positioning. Most importantly, we agree that this "Wild West" era is finally killing all the outdated SEO hacks, forcing brands back to the core long-term strategy: writing useful content and focusing on the customer experience.About the GuestJoe Doveton is an experienced digital strategist, consultant, and speaker focused on the intersection of AI, search, and customer experience. With a background that includes working in advertising and a deep understanding of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Joe is now pioneering tools and strategies for the Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) space. He is the founder of GEO Jet Pack, a platform designed to extract and visualize entities from content to help brands gain visibility in LLM responses - a critical new metric for the AI era.What You'll LearnThe difference between traditional SEO and the new acronyms: GEO, AEO, and LLMO.What the "Crocodile Mouth" is and why it confirms the end of the reliance on clicks.Why the old marketing KPIs, specifically web traffic and conversion rate—are now "lousy metrics" for measuring success.The new metrics emerging for the middle of the funnel, such as Visibility within LLMs and competitive position within prompt responses.Why the entire AI shift proves that long-term SEO success is still about being useful, interesting, and trustworthy (EEAT).Why the current AI era is killing all the old SEO hacks and discouraging tactics like content farming.How brands like Google are undermining their own profitable ad business by integrating AI Overviews.The vision of the Semantic Web and why the current structure of websites is inherently ill-suited for machine consumption.Guest Contact:Joe Doveton's websiteJoe Doveton on LinkedIn---If you enjoyed the episode, please share it with a friend!

New Books in African Studies
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books in African Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

New Books in Law
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books in Law

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

New Books in French Studies
Rachel Jean-Baptiste, "Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship" (Cambridge UP, 2023)

New Books in French Studies

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 56:43


Despite increasingly hardened visions of racial difference in colonial governance in French Africa after World War I, interracial sexual relationships persisted, resulting in the births of thousands of children. These children, mostly born to African women and European men, sparked significant debate in French society about the status of multiracial people, debates historians have termed 'the métis problem.' Drawing on extensive archival and oral history research in Gabon, Republic of Congo, Senegal, and France, in Multiracial Identities in Colonial French Africa: Race, Childhood, and Citizenship (Cambridge UP, 2023) Dr. Rachel Jean-Baptiste investigates the fluctuating identities of métis. Crucially, she centres claims by métis themselves to access French social and citizenship rights amidst the refusal by fathers to recognize their lineage, and in the context of changing African racial thought and practice. In this original history of race-making, belonging, and rights, Dr. Jean-Baptiste demonstrates the diverse ways in which métis individuals and collectives carved out visions of racial belonging as children and citizens in Africa, Europe, and internationally. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/french-studies

Hear From Her: The Women in Healthcare Leadership Podcast Series

Dr. Dara Kass shares the origin story of FemInEM, her organization born from a need for collective action to neutralize biases women face in medicine, such as advocating for maternity leave and salary transparency. She recounts her pivotal time in the US Department of Health and Human Services, which revealed the brokenness of the system beyond healthcare delivery itself. Today, Dr. Kass is tackling the post-Dobbs landscape with a strategic focus on empowering emergency physicians to deliver legal and safe reproductive healthcare through evidence-based protocols and education. Crucially, she discusses the necessity of funding this crucial advocacy work, ensuring that women are paid for their passion and not simply giving their time away for free. This conversation is a compelling call to action for every physician to find their focus, build their community, and maintain hope in the face of overwhelming challenges. This podcast is not available for CME/CE/CPD credits. Please visit the Medscape homepage for accredited CME/CE/CPD activities.

Please Explain
Blood on the ground: What's happening in Sudan

Please Explain

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 32:18 Transcription Available


When American author Anne Applebaum travelled to the frontlines of the Sudanese civil war this year, she gave herself a stern remit. Bear witness to, and report on, a lawless world that - since the United States has pulled most of its aid - is now run by warring militias, clans and families. Crucially, she would keep emotion out of it.But then she met with people who were so thankful for the meagre aid the United States was still providing, that she felt “ashamed”.Today, Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic, on how Sudan’s civil war shows what the end of the liberal order looks like.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chaos Culture Radio
Megan Thee Stallion Wins Defamation Case Over Deepfake & Emotional Distress

Chaos Culture Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 73:10 Transcription Available


Description: It's a landmark legal victory! Megan Thee Stallion has won her defamation lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz (Milagro Cooper) in a case that sets a major precedent for online accountability. We break down the jury's verdict, which found Gramz liable for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and promoting a sexually explicit deepfake video of the rapper. This episode explores the claims that Gramz acted as a "paid surrogate" for Tory Lanez, the emotional toll Megan Thee Stallion detailed in court, and the final awarded damages. Crucially, we discuss what this verdict means for First Amendment protection versus cyber harassment and the future of deepfake lawsuits against content creators.

The Retrospectors
What Happened to the Mary Celeste?

The Retrospectors

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 12:40


The ‘ghost ship' Mary Celeste was discovered drifting in the Atlantic by Captain David Morehouse of the Dei Gratia on 4 December 1872. On board there were intact provisions, undisturbed cargo, no evidence of violence or theft… and zero crew. Although some damage to the rigging and open hatches hinted at recent rough weather, nothing suggested a crisis severe enough to justify taking to the lifeboat. One pump had been dismantled and about a metre of water had collected in the hold, but this was neither unusual nor dangerous for a vessel of that size. Crucially, the ship's papers and navigational instruments were missing, implying a deliberate and orderly departure.  Nevertheless, no signs of fire, piracy, collision, or structural failure explained why Captain Benjamin Briggs, his wife, their two-year-old daughter, and seven experienced crewmen had deserted a floating refuge for a far riskier open boat. In this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly pore over the case that captured the Victorian imagination; explain how Arthur Conan-Doyle kickstarted some internet conspiracies; and consider some of the fruitier explanations for the mystery…  Further Reading: • ‘Mary Celeste, The 'Ghost Ship' Found Abandoned In The Atlantic' (All That's Interesting, 2022): https://allthatsinteresting.com/mary-celeste • ‘From the Mary Celeste to the USS Cyclops: The ships which disappeared or were found abandoned' (Daily Mail Online, 2023): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12218135/From-Mary-Celeste-USS-Cyclops-ships-disappeared-abandoned.html • ‘The True Story of the Mary Celeste' (Smithsonian, 2013): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTb54_gLd5Q #Mystery #Victorian #Strange Love the show? Support us!  Join 

Biblical Restoration Ministries

The sermon centers on the spiritual gift of prophecy as a vital, life-transforming expression of God's presence and love within the church, emphasizing that it is not about personal opinion or entertainment, but a divine revelation intended to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12–14, it highlights prophecy as a gateway to the kingdom's power, where a genuine word from God leads to Jesus' supernatural activity—such as healing, deliverance, and restoration—when received with authenticity and delivered in godly wisdom. The speaker outlines six ways God communicates—through thoughts, audible voices, dreams and visions, bodily sensations, mental images, and deep inner knowings—while stressing the necessity of testing every revelation against Scripture and the recipient's experience to ensure its divine origin. Crucially, the sermon underscores that prophecy must always be delivered with humility, love, and restraint, avoiding fear-based or judgmental tones, and instead focusing on edification, with the ultimate goal of drawing people into deeper relationship with Christ and the living God.

The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #2 - McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles

The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 74:26


In this 12 Days of Breeders interview, we welcome McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles in Dallas, Texas to share the experience and expertise she's used to build a thriving breeding business. McKenze discusses the daily discipline, continuous education, and fierce personal drive that has helped her build Twilight Doodles. You'll learn how she created a unique and authentic brand identity that sets her program apart, establishing immediate professionalism from day one. Crucially, McKenze reveals the power of her detailed record-keeping system, which provides non-stop, transparent support to her buyers. Plus, hear her powerful challenge: "If you are unteachable, maybe that's the time to stop doing something." If you're ready to master the business side of breeding without sacrificing passion, this episode is a blueprint for scaling success.

Stuck in My Mind
EP 285 Unlocking Fulfillment: Somatic Healing, Success, and Embodied Leadership with Angel Howard

Stuck in My Mind

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 48:52 Transcription Available


Welcome to an eye-opening episode of the "Stuck In My Mind Podcast," hosted by Wize El Jefe, featuring a profound conversation with the multi-faceted Angel Howard—professional dancer, corporate executive, somatic movement therapist, and founder of Wild Heart Expressive and the Chakra Mental Method. This episode, rich with authentic reflection and practical wisdom, is a heartfelt exploration into the power of embodiment, the challenges of high achievement, and the essential role of communication in well-being and leadership. The Body Never Lies: A Journey from Burnout to Alignment The episode begins with Wize El Jefe reflecting on his own journey to meaning through podcasting, setting the stage for Angel Howard's transformative story. Angel Howard candidly shares her corporate beginnings in the high-pressure world of 1980s business culture. She describes the physical and emotional toll of burnout—“the day I couldn't get off the couch”—and how this was a wake-up call to attend not just to outward success, but to inner fulfillment. Through firsthand anecdotes, she illustrates how the relentless pursuit of “more” is often empty, driving individuals away from their true needs and into exhaustion. What makes Angel Howard's narrative compelling is her recognition that the body holds and expresses our deepest stories, even when words fail us. She unpacks the dynamics of corporate posturing, the “peacocking” of success, and how the disconnect between words and bodily signals breeds mistrust. The somatic awareness she brings is not only insightful but actionable, offering listeners a lens to examine their own lived experiences of stress, ambition, and authenticity. Cross-Cultural Discoveries & Reclaiming Joy A pivotal moment in Angel Howard's journey was her time studying and living in Europe, where she discovered cultures that prize communal meals, relaxation, and appreciation for life beyond work. The contrast between European and American work cultures highlights the importance of self-care and the integration of play and rest into daily life. Wize El Jefe resonates with this, contemplating how fear and lack of courage can hold people back from living more joyfully and authentically. The episode finds its emotional center when Angel Howard asks Wize El Jefe what feeds his soul—a question that opens up a vulnerable, honest discussion about finding purpose through podcasting, self-growth, and spiritual practice. Both speakers share how intentional reflection, affirmations, and connecting to a higher purpose have brought them greater alignment and joy. The Healing Power of Movement Angel Howard delves deeper into how movement became her lifeline during personal crisis, notably in the aftermath of a traumatic marriage experience. She recounts lying in fetal position, paralyzed by grief, and discovering that simply moving her body—even a finger—helped her process pain and reclaim her sense of self. This raw story exemplifies the essence of somatic healing: expressing and releasing emotions through embodied practices. She explains the foundations of her work with Wild Heart Expressive and the Chakra Mental Method, integrating yogic principles, elements like fire and water, and the understanding of how emotional states manifest physically. Her approach helps individuals locate sensations in the body, connect them with emotions and stories, and begin the process of conscious, embodied leadership. Success, High Achievement, and Why “More” is Never Enough The conversation turns to why high achievers—especially those shaped by achievement-oriented families and demanding career environments—often feel unfulfilled despite their visible success. Angel Howard shares her personal struggle with always feeling she must do better, never being “enough,” and how this internalized pressure can become like an addiction to achievement itself. Crucially, she encourages listeners to celebrate every milestone and practice gratitude, rather than relentlessly chasing external validation. The pair discuss the pernicious effects of social comparison, particularly in the era of social media, and how true fulfillment requires shifting focus from external accomplishments to internal motivations. Angel Howard suggests practical self-inquiry questions for listeners who sense something missing beneath their success: Why do you feel unfulfilled? Are your motivations driven by genuine internal desires or by societal expectations and comparison? Communication: The Foundation of All Relationships One of the most powerful themes of the episode is communication—both internal (with oneself) and external (with others). Angel Howard reveals that 93% of communication is nonverbal, consisting of body language, eye contact, and gestures. This insight becomes crucial in the realm of leadership, where congruence between words and embodied presence breeds trust and inspires teams. As she prepares for her next chapter—writing her forthcoming book “What's Messing With Your Messages?”, embarking on a speaking tour, and launching a new PBS show on women's aging—her mission is clear: to help people communicate authentically, reconnect with their bodies, and lead with integrity and empathy. Practical Tools for Listeners Throughout the episode, both speakers share practical strategies for becoming more embodied and aligned: Stop and notice sensations in the body Practice intentional breath and create pauses before reacting Celebrate wins, both big and small Spend time in reflection, whether spiritual or secular Use movement—dance, walking, yoga—as a means to process emotion Practice presence in communication, matching intent with bodily cues Angel Howard also offers her book, “Issues In Your Tissues,” packed with resources, QR codes for guided movement sessions, and a Spotify playlist to support emotional and somatic exploration. A Conversation That Resonates What stands out in this episode is the warmth, sincerity, and mutual respect between Wize El Jefe and Angel Howard. Their stories, rooted in lived experience, invite listeners to reflect: What is the story my body carries? What truly feeds my soul? Am I living and leading in alignment with my deepest values? Whether you're a high achiever feeling disconnected from your purpose, a leader seeking to motivate and inspire authentically, or someone curious about embodied healing, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical steps to start your journey today—no need to wait for the “perfect moment.” Tune in for a transformative dialogue that will inspire you to get out of your head, live more deeply in your body, and communicate from a place of true alignment. Ready for more? Visit Angel Howard's website, check out her book, or connect on LinkedIn for ongoing education and support. And don't forget to subscribe to Stuck In My Mind Podcast—where real growth begins from the inside out.

Business Pants
WHO DO YOU BLAME: Campbell's poor people rant, OpenAI sex bears, Kohl's succession, Walmart HR

Business Pants

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 67:28


Live from The Hyderabad Public School, a private high school in India which features notable alums 1) Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, 2) Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen 3) former Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga, 4) Fairfax Financial CEO Prem Watsa, and 5) Procter & Gamble CEO-designate Shailesh Jejurikar, it's an all-new Terrific Tuesday edition of Business Pants, featuring Analyst-Hole Matt Moscardi! On today's Lead Independent Turkey called November 25th, 2025: the Who Do You Blame? Game!Our show today is being sponsored by Free Float Analytics, the only platform measuring board power, connections, and performance for FREE.DAMIONCampbell's Places VP on Leave Following Viral 'Poor People' RantMartin Bally, Campbell Soup Company's vice president and chief information security officer: “"We have s--- for f---ing poor people. Who buys our s---? I don't buy Campbell's products barely anymore. Bioengineered meat — I don't wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer."He also allegedly made derogatory comments about Indian coworkers and – according to the recording – claimed he sometimes came to work under the influence of marijuana: "F---ing Indians don't know a f---ing thing," the voice on the recording says. "They couldn't think for their f---ing selves."The statement follows claims made by former Campbell's security analyst Robert Garza, who filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court alleging that Bally launched into an hour-long tirade during what was meant to be a discussion about Garza's salary.Campbell's: “We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use ... The comments on the recording are not only inaccurate—they are patently absurd.Campbell's also noted that Bally is not involved in food development. “Keep in mind, the alleged comments are made by an IT person, who has nothing to do with how we make our food,” the statement concluded.WHO DO YOU BLAME?The founding families:Voting power: (35%) Mary Alice D. Malone - 18% Bennett Dorrance- 15% Archbold D. van Beuren - 2%Board influence (76%): Mary Alice Dorrance Malone (61%; board member since 1990); Archbold Dorrance van Beuren (9%; wealth management); Bennett Dorrance (6%: bachelor's degree in art history from Princeton University and a master's degree in sustainable leadership from Arizona State University); Mary Alice Dorrance Malone Jr (accomplished equestrian, and a luxury fashion entrepreneur) MMInvestors: 11/18/2025 AGMAverage director support 98% (9 over 99%): 43% yes simple majority vote; regenerative agriculture program including pesticide reduction outcomes 11% yes; say on pay 99% yesAn unserious food board of 9 non-family board members:No food: Fabiola R. Arredondo (family investment trust); Howard M. Averill(former Time Warner CFO); Maria Teresa (Tessa) Hilado (former CFO Allergan); Grant Hill (NBA); Sarah Hofstetter (e-commerce sales); Marc B. Lautenbach (global shipping); Chair Keith R. McLoughlin (appliances); Kurt T. Schmidt (weed and pet food); CEO Mick J. Beekhuizen: 13 years with Goldman Sachs in roles including Managing Director in the merchant banking divisionAmerican pop-artist Andy Warhol for somehow making Campbell's Food company eternally relevant Q3 2025 Gender Diversity IndexLittle Movement on Boardroom Gender Diversity: 30% of Russell 3000 board members are women, a figure that has stayed within a narrow 30% to 30.3% range over the past five quarters.Percentage of Boards with 50% Women: Across the Russell 3000, 6% (175) of boards are composed of at least 50% women, while the remaining 94% (2,736) have less than 50% female representation.New Female Director Appointments Hit Record Low: 22.3% of new directors on Russell 3000 boards are women. This represents the lowest percentage recorded in the study (since Q12017)WHO DO YOU BLAME?The anti-DEI MAGA movementNominating Committees, specifically their Chairs MMPassive Investors (BlackRock, Vanguard, etc)The proxy experts: ISS, Glass Lewis, etc.Previous female board members who retired or died: if they were immortal maybe the numbers would be better?OpenAI announces shopping research tool in latest e-commerce pushOpenAI announced a new tool called “shopping research” that will generate detailed, in-depth shopping guides.The guides include top products, key differences between the products and up-to-date information from reliable retailers, OpenAI said.“With these new abilities, we can have shared prosperity to a degree that seems unimaginable today; in the future, everyone's lives can be better than anyone's life is now.”WHO DO YOU BLAME?The sycophants: open letter sent to the board of directors“We are unable to work for or with people that lack competence, judgement and care for our mission and employees,” the letter continues before demanding that “all current board members resign,” appoint “two new lead independent directors.”signed by a whopping 700 of the company's 770 employees — including CTO Mira Murati, who the board briefly named interim CEO only to be replaced just a few days later, and Altman's fellow cofounder Ilya Sutskever, who initially appeared to be one of the forces behind his ousterNew Initial Board (Nov 2023)Bret “Salesforce” Taylor (Chair), Larry “Epstein” Summers, and Adam “voted to fire him in the first place” D'AngeloNew Board Members (Mar 2024)Sue Desmond-Hellmann (former CEO, Bill “Epstein” & Melinda Gates Foundation); Nicole “Iran Contra” Seligman (former Sony GC); Fidji Simo (CEO of Instacart) MMThe wafflers: Ilya Sutskever and Adam D'AngeloNOT Helen Toner: Director of Strategy at the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology and Tasha McCauleySam:San Francisco, CA (Russian Hill): A historic mansion purchased for $27 million in 2020.San Francisco, CA (Adjacent Homes): Three adjacent houses purchased for $12.8 million each (totaling $38.4 million) in January 2024. These purchases appear to be consolidating a potential mega-compound next to his original Russian Hill home.Kailua-Kona, Hawaii (Big Island): A large, 22-acre oceanfront estate, quietly purchased in 2021 for $43 million (later listed for $49 million in 2025). It features multiple houses, a private marina/beach, helipadNapa, CA (Ranch): A 950-acre ranch, reportedly purchased for $15.7 million in 2020.Kohl's names Michael Bender as permanent CEO after a turbulent year and sales declines. WHO DO YOU BLAMEAshley Buchanan: On May 1, 2025, Kohl's board terminated Buchanan “for cause” following an outside investigation overseen by its Audit Committee. The investigation found that Buchanan directed Kohl's to do business with a vendor founded by someone with whom he had a personal relationship. He also caused Kohl's to enter into a multimillion-dollar consulting agreement involving that same person. Crucially, he did not disclose this personal relationship, which was a violation of Kohl's code of ethics.Golden hello: $17m equity and $3.75m cashFormer director Christine Day: Shortly after Buchanan was fired, Day resigned, citing “lack of transparency” and governance concerns. Day said she was frustrated that not all board members were kept informed of risks and that decisions seemed centralized (“Michael ‘handles' everything … then ‘tells' everyone what the decision is”). Kohl's strongly disputed her characterization, saying her resignation was not “due to any disagreements” over operations or practices.Investors: chair Bender named interim CEO 4/30/25… AGM 5/14/2595% yes bender; 55% yes pay; 89% yes Prising; 92% average; new chair 91% John E. Schlifske (2011-, longest-tenured)Compensation Committee: “regularly and actively reviewing and evaluating our executive management succession plans and making recommendations to the Board with respect to succession planning issues”Chair Jonas Prising (2015-)Member Michael BenderMichael Bender, who was the Board Chair and sat on COmp Committee and director since 2019, was named interim CEO$1.475M/175% target up to 350%/$9.5M equity ($500k more than ashley) target/$200k aircraft (up from $180k for ashley)/$160k relocationone-time award of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) valued at $3,775,000The glass cliff: women and POC promoted to precarious leadership positions, such as the CEO or a board seat, during times of crisis, organizational turmoil, or poor performance MMMATTWatchdog group warns AI teddy bear discusses sexually explicit content, dangerous activities. This is the $99 Kumma bear made by FoloToy using OpenAI's service. OpenAI said it was suspending Folotoy for violations of usage of ChatGPT. WHO DO YOU BLAME?:Folotoy, who's founder and CEO Larry Wang calls himself “Chief Geek Officer” and has a background in child psychology and behavioral science… oh, wait, not, he has background in computer science and was founder of a tech telecomm company and was a software developer for insurance before that. But he's obviously qualified to do this: “Kumma, our adorable bear, combines advanced artificial intelligence with friendly, interactive features, making it the perfect friend for both kids and adults. From lively conversations to educational storytelling, FoloToy adapts to your personality and needs, bringing warmth, fun, and a little extra curiosity to your day.”OpenAI - obviously Sam Altman's commitment to “the benefit of humanity” stopped short of “sex advice from baby toys,” even though he says having kids of his own will help him not destroy humanity. I assume he's not getting Sammy Jr a Kumma bear? DROpenAI's board - obviously if they had fired Sam Altman, there wouldn't be sex bears using ChatGPT. But Helen Toner was forced out by the rest of the board, investors, and public pressure - she's since said, “But for years, Sam had made it really difficult for the board to actually do that job by withholding information, misrepresenting things that were happening at the company, in some cases outright lying to the board,” and that Altman gave them, “inaccurate information about the small number of formal safety processes that the company did have in place.” Perhaps Altman said, “no, that teddy bear didn't just say he loved oral sex, that's just a misinterpretation.”Microsoft - Satya, despite misgivings from Bill Gates, threw $10bn at OpenAI in January 2023. In November 2023, the board removed Sam Altman. Turns out Microsoft had released a version of ChatGPT in India that Altman sanctioned outside of safety protocols - the board should have signed off, but Altman lied to them and hid it. But rather than Microsoft pulling back the release and recognizing the damage it could do, they swooped in and “hired” Sam Altman 3 days after his firing. Their $10bn investment might have been the first cog in a sex bear wheel.I'm the Chief People Officer at Walmart. I always wake up to the same U2 song and watch the 'Today' show. That is Donna Morris listening to U2's “Beautiful Day”, the first thing she does is go online, she doesn't drink coffee but drinks Diet Coke (“I've just never been a hot drink type of girl, I guess. I try to limit myself to two Diet Cokes a day, although every once in a while, I sneak in a third.”), she likes buying cookbooks but doesn't use them. Not mentioned: Walmart's DEI rollback, the new CEO coming in, working for a family dictatorship, and any of her colleagues - as chief people officer, there are almost zero people mentioned. WHO DO WE BLAME FOR THIS EXISTING?Professional Conservative Snowflake Robby Starbuck - he claimed Walmart as his first “victory” after Trump's election in the DEI rollback. Post-Starbuck snowflake-ism, Morris might have had a job managing humans, but now her job is basically to send pink slips and make sure there aren't TOO many swastikas in the bathroom stall. A few is fine, but c'mon. So to pass the time, Morris is stuck giving interviews to Business Insider.Business Insider, who must have known Morris had the potential to give an insipid review of her day when this was her excuse for Walmart's DEI rollback: "When you talk about diversity, equity, inclusion, all in part, there can be communities, and often the largest communities, that step back and say, 'Geez, I'm not sure if I'm even actually included'," Morris explained of the decision. Which echoes… ROBBY FUCKING STARBUCK, who said to anyone who would listen: "This is the biggest win yet for our movement to end wokeness in corporate America. This won't just have a massive effect for their employees who will have a neutral workplace without feeling that divisive issues are being injected but it will also extend to their many suppliers."Donna Morris, because as only we covered here when discussing the corporate move to blame the employees for every problem and getting fired, had this to say of her biggest red flag on an employee: “Nobody wants [to hire] a Debbie Downer. [Someone who is] constantly negative. You know they're going to show up [and] they're going to bring the problem, never the solution.” Literally, the JOB of HR is to field COMPLAINTS from employees about how their managers treat them - or is it too Debbie Downer to complain about racial discrimination of employees?Walmart's board - they must have signed off on Morris getting hired, right? Or a Walton? Someone somewhere thought this was a good idea? Take your pick:CFO of OpenAI Sarah Friar (who said OpenAI would need a government backstop, then clarified)Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks who was given a golden hello, a golden parachute, and probably a golden shower, who just named to a “worst CEO” listThe current AND former CEO of WalmartSteuart Walton, who couldn't bother to even be named “Stuart” (he had to spell it with an extra “E”) with a claim to fame of marrying a Baywatch reboot actress, and Greg Penner, the son-in-law of a different Walton and snuck his way onto the board AND as co-owner of the Denver BroncosTom Horton, retired American Airlines CEO who was CFO of American for years right before they declared bankruptcy, but somehow is remembered for “restructuring” them instead of bankrupting them?Marissa Mayer - yes, that Mayer, formerly of YahooNot one, but TWO different consultantsRandall Stephenson, ex AT&T CEO, who, if I'm honest, seems to have actual integrity and I'm not sure why he's here, plus two DEI directors (because they're not white, so probably not qualified)

The Matt Walker Podcast
#116 - 40 Hz Brain Stimulation

The Matt Walker Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 25:53


Matt ventures into the realm of 40 Hz "gamma" rhythms - the conductor of the biological orchestra during high-order cognition - to explore how non-invasive light and sound stimulation can entrain brain activity, nudging neurons into synchrony. Crucially, Matt examines ground-breaking Alzheimer's research where this rhythm rallies the brain's immune cells to clear toxic plaques, potentially stabilizing memory and preventing atrophy in early-stage patients.Beyond cognition, Matt uncovers a neurobiological paradox: high-frequency stimulation can actually induce sleepiness by triggering a surge in adenosine. He discusses findings suggesting 40 Hz therapy acts as a "paradoxical lullaby," improving insomnia and regulating mood via the prefrontal cortex. While remaining grounded in scientific skepticism, Matt considers if this non-pharmacological intervention could become a vital addition to our future health toolkit.Please note that Matt is not a medical doctor, and none of the content in this podcast should be considered medical advice in any way, shape, or form, nor prescriptive in any way.This episode is supported by podcast partner Pique. Their Radiant Skin Duo pairs Sun Goddess Matcha and B·T Fountain to target stress and deep cellular hydration from the inside out. Get 20% off sitewide for life plus an exclusive free holiday bundle at piquelife.com/mattwalker.In a supplement industry where trust is critical, Matt uses podcast sponsor Puori. Their protein powders are free from hormones, GMOs, and pesticides, with every single batch third-party tested for over 200 contaminants. For protein you can trust, save 20% at puori.com/mattwalker.Another sponsor is UPLIFT Desk whose V3 Standing Desk helps boost circulation and concentration with a sturdy, customizable design that gets you moving while you work. Visit upliftdesk.com/mattwalker and use code MATTWALKER for 4 free accessories and a 15-year warranty.As always, if you have thoughts or feedback you'd like to share, please reach out to Matt:Matt: Instagram @drmattwalker, X @sleepdiplomat, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA3FB1fOtY4Vd8yqLaUvolg

Basketball Coach Unplugged ( A Basketball Coaching Podcast)
Ep 2777 Are Your Bench Players Just Going Through the Motions?

Basketball Coach Unplugged ( A Basketball Coaching Podcast)

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 15:21


https://teachhoops.com/ The unengaged player is often a symptom of a simple problem: they feel they have no value. This feeling is almost always tied to a perceived lack of playing time or a poorly defined role. When a player believes their only purpose is to be a practice dummy for the starters, their effort will wane, their body language will sour, and their focus will drift. The first step to re-engaging them is to stop ignoring the problem and actively show them that their contribution is vital, even if it doesn't show up in the box score on game night. Engagement is created by giving a player a specific, meaningful, and measurable purpose. A coach must redefine "value" beyond scoring. Create a clear, vital role for every player: one might be your "Scout Team Specialist" responsible for mastering the opponent's plays; another might be the "Energy Leader" on the bench, responsible for communication and support. Crucially, you must coach these players with the same intensity as your starters. Stop practice to praise them when they execute their role perfectly, chart their "effort stats" (like deflections, charges taken, or screen assists), and provide them with individual goals so they can see their own path to improvement. When you successfully engage the entire roster, the culture of your team transforms. The immediate benefit is that your practices become far more competitive, as the "scout team" is now trying to win every drill, forcing your starters to get better. The long-term payoff is that you build a program where every member feels respected and prepared. When injuries or foul trouble strike, you will have a player coming off the bench who is not cold and checked-out, but confident, motivated, and ready to execute their job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The John Batchelor Show
95: Falcon 9 Full Thrust: Densification and Barge Landings. Eric Berger describes how, following a 2015 failure, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, version 3.0/4.0. Driven by the Mars vision, they adopted densification—chilling liquid oxygen to

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 6:19


Falcon 9 Full Thrust: Densification and Barge Landings. Eric Berger describes how, following a 2015 failure, SpaceX developed the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, version 3.0/4.0. Driven by the Mars vision, they adopted densification—chilling liquid oxygen to boost density and increase payload efficiency by 10 to 12 percent. Crucially, they focused on landing the booster vertically on a moving barge, skipping steps in the reusability process. This challenge required redesigned Merlin engines and advanced avionics, leading to several learning failures as they tried to figure out how best to line up the rocket with the ship. Guest: Eric Berger.

Unshaken Saints
D&C 129-132 - Eternal Marriage & Plural Marriage

Unshaken Saints

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 124:33


Discerning spirits, the nature of God, glorious sociality, the timing of the Second Coming, eternal marriage, and plural marriage. In this pivotal lesson, we jump into the deep end of Restoration doctrine, covering Joseph Smith's most profound teachings on the nature of God, our eternal potential, and the covenants that bind us forever. Summary: This episode explores D&C 129–132, revelations containing foundational and high-level doctrine for the Church. D&C 129: Discerning Spirits. The Lord provides "three grand keys" to distinguish a resurrected being, a righteous spirit, and the devil appearing as an angel of light. This section emphasizes the eternal reality of the body and the importance of discernment. D&C 130: Eternal Knowledge and Timing. Joseph records several "items of instruction," including the promise that "whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection," providing an "advantage in the world to come." He also recounts the Lord's gentle command to "trouble me no more" about the timing of the Second Coming. Crucially, we learn that the "same sociality" we enjoy here, "coupled with eternal glory," will exist in the world to come. D&C 131: The New and Everlasting Covenant. This section reveals that in the celestial glory, a man "must enter into this order of the priesthood [the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]" to obtain the highest degree and have an eternal "increase." D&C 132: Eternal Marriage and Law. This essential revelation lays out the foundational law of eternal marriage, which must be "sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise" and entered into by revelation through the authorized servant. We discuss the stark difference between marriages that "have an end when men are dead" and those that lead to "thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers." We also examine the difficult topic of plural marriage, seeing it as an Abrahamic test given by command to "restore all things." Call-to-Action: What kind of "knowledge and intelligence" are you working to secure for your resurrection? Share your study goals in the comments! If this message helped clarify the path to eternal lives, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 7:04 Discerning Spirits in an AI World 19:02 Timing of the Second Coming 29:34 Education for Eternity 43:39 Eternal Relationships 1:08:34 Growing into Godhood 1:17:39 Plural Marriage 1:38:09 Abrahamic Tests 2:02:11 One-Liners