Podcasts about crusaders

Danny and Derek recently reunited with Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters of ⁠We're Not So Different⁠ for a special mailbag episode of their cross-pod collaboration, ⁠Welcome to the Crusades: The First Crusade⁠. We have already posted ⁠Episode 1⁠ and ⁠Episode 2 ⁠in the feed, so we figured we'd give everyone the third episode to further entice you to dig into this miniseries. Enjoy! We leave the Crusaders behind temporarily to grapple with conditions in the Near East of the late 11th century. We'll discuss the emergence and disintegration of the Great Seljuk Empire in Baghdad as well as the rise of the Fatimid Caliphate in Cairo, with additional focus on the situation in Jerusalem as the Crusaders began their journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Al Mega sits down with the critically-acclaimed writer Ray Fawkes to talk about his career journey, creative process, and his brand new project, Blue Palo Verde, dropping soon from Mad Cave Studios. Ray takes us through the mysteries and inspirations that fuel his storytelling — from his work on Batman and Justice League Dark to his mind-bending indie gems. Tune in and get ready for a deep dive into art, horror, and the poetic power of comics! Follow Ray on Social Media at: @fawkes.ray Blue Palo Verde #1 arrives in comic shops on June 11, featuring Cover A by Rimanti and Cover B by Marguerite Sauvage, and is now available for preorder! Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles! Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Hit that bell to stay in the loop for all things comics and creativity! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 580 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Chief Crusader of Crusaders Against Corruption, Emmanuel Wilson, has called on the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to summon the General Secretary of the NDC, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, for interrogation over his recent comments on corruption.

Today, we're joined by the incredible Melissa Meszaros, returning to the show to talk about her brand new book, Song Over the Bones! We'll explore how this powerful memoir chronicles her journey of traumatic brain injury (TBI) recovery, creativity, and the healing power of art and music. Melissa shares her unique insights on resilience, the importance of community, and how her love for music pulses through every page. Follow Melissa at: @thisismelissameszaros And check out Don't Hide PR at: DontHidePR.com 👉 Find the book here: https://oilonwaterpress.com/product/song-over-the-bones/ Don't miss out on this powerful conversation—like, comment, and subscribe for more! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 579 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Much modern scholarship on King Arthur has revolved around the question of his historicity and origins, the recent greatest example being Higham's magisterial 2018 survey of all the major theories—except the one that I advance here: Arthur was only one of many legendary chivalric heroes with whom continental Crusader and Reconquistador storytellers populated the North Atlantic archipelago, in their imaginations the spiritual homeland of a fictional Europe innocent of Semitic influences (both Muslim and Jewish). First, we run through all the major Arthurian theories—including the all-time banger whereby Arthur was a Croatian-Roman general who led nomadic Iranian horse-rider recruits to fight off the Angles and Saxons in the last days of Roman Britain—as exhaustively investigated by Higham. Then I state the obvious: that all the most distinctive features of the Arthur story appear for the first time in French chivalric romance (with many parallels in Spanish, Italian, and Catalonian stories featuring other characters) in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, as the new Crusader concept of taking territory “back” from Muslims became the conceit of knightly adventure and conquest of “islands that the Emperor of Rome could not hold”, and the phenomenon of Crusaders bringing back relics from the holy land grew into legends like that of the Holy Grail. Finally, we explore one of foundational Japanese novelist Natsume Sōseki's very first literary ventures, the Arthurian story “Kairokō” (“A Dirge”, 1905) and the modern, pseudo-modern, or hyper-modern twists and turns that it imposes on earlier Arthurian stories by Malory (1485) and Tennyson (1833), while trying to steer clear of allegedly un-civilized and un-modern predecessors in Edo-period kabuki and puppet theatre—which were perhaps in fact more authentically modern because rooted in Afro-Asiatic silk road capitalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Crusaders – A Message From The Inner City – 8:51 Ricky Peterson; The Peterson Brothers – Under The Radar – 5:04 Rick Habana; Michael Lington – La Costa – 4:01 Julian “Cannonball” Adderley; Jimmy Cobb; Wynton Kelly; Bill Evans; Miles Davis; John Coltrane; Paul Chambers – Blue In Green – 5:23 Medeski, Martin & […]

Join Al Mega as he sits down with indie filmmaking legend Brian from Bad Mosquito Films! Brian wears every hat in the business—writer, producer, director, and more—and today he's talking about his journey and the brand-new film project The Conversation, based on the comic from ASAP Imagination and live on Kickstarter. Don't miss this wild ride into the world of indie comics and filmmaking! Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asapcomicsuk/the-conversation Learn more via their website at https://www.badmosquitofilms.com Socil Media at: Twitter – https://x.com/BadMoSquitofilm Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/badmosquitofilms/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/badmosquitofilms You Tube – https://www.youtube.com/@BadMosquito Check out Imagination Comics at: https://asapimagination.com/ Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 578 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Could the All Blacks halfback curse have claimed another victim? Uncapped Wellington and Crusaders number nine Kyle Preston sought treatment for an ankle injury at training this morning ahead of the test against the Springboks at Eden Park on Saturday. Sportstalk host D'Arcy Waldegrave explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WEPA! Yo, yo, yo, it's ya boy, the one and only Al Mega, back at it again with another Comic Crusaders Podcast exclusive! And today we're turning the volume ALL the way UP!  We got a return guest, fam this dude is not just a friend of the show, he's practically fam at this point. I'm talking about none other than Chris Woolsey, the Associate Communications Director at VIZIO's WatchFree+!  And lemme tell ya September 2025 is PACKED tighter than a comic bin on $1 Wednesday! We got gut-busting comedy, white-knuckle racing adventures, and horror so terrifying it'll make you sleep with the lights on, papi/mami!  So buckle up, Crusaders 'cause today, we're diving into all the entertainment greatness COMING FREE to your screens with WatchFree+. Let's goooooo! Checkout some of the listings below: Website: https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus LINKS: Hollywood Movies on WatchFree+ Horror Series on WatchFree+ The Women's Cup Coverage Hit play, subscribe, and let's get your summer viewing schedule locked in! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

There's so much more to the figure of St. George than his battle with a dragon. Legends also tell of his grisly martyrdom, capture of a demon, and postmortem abilities to cure madness through contact with his relics. In the Holy Land, there is even a tradition syncretizing St. George with a a supernatural figure of Muslim legend. We begin with a look at a modernized take on the St. George legend, the annual Drachenstich, or “dragon-stabbing," held in the Bavarian town of Furth im Wald. Beginning in 1590 with a performer representing the saint riding in a church procession, George was soon joined by a simple, canvas dragon, which over time evolved into the the world's largest 4-legged robot used in the event today. 19th-century Drachenstich in Furth im Walld Mrs. Karswell  next reads for us the primary source for the dragon story, Jacobus de Voragine's collection of saint stories compiled around 1260, known as the Golden Legend. It popularized the tradition that George was a Christian soldier in in the Roman (Byzantine) army, born in Cappadocia, in central Turkey, and executed for refusing to bow to Imperial gods.  There is also a princes to be rescued from the dragon but no king gives George her hand in marriage, as you might expect.  Though Voragine set this episode in Libya, this setting  was not really retained i the  tradition. As one of early Christianity's "soldier saints," George held particular appeal for soldiers of the Crusades. We hear of two incidents of George leading Crusaders to victory as recounted in the Golden Legend and the Gesta Francorum (deeds of the Franks). When in 1483  William Caxton's English translation of the Golden Legend appeared, anecdotes of British interest were added, including George's connection to English knightood and The Order of the Garter. Elizabethan writer Richard Johnson featured George in his 1596 volume, Seven Champions of Christendom, elements of which were borrowed into mummers plays in which George became a hero.  We hear snippets of these. Returning to Germany, we learn how George was also said to have encouraged the armies of Friedrich Barbarossa at the Battle of Antioch during the Third Crusade. We then delve a bit more into the history of the Drachenstich performances. Some folksy details from 19th-century newspapers documenting the tradition are also provided. We then return to the Golden Legend for an account of George's martyrdom.  The location of this episode is not specified, but George's pagan nemesis here can be identified with Dacianus, the Roman prelate who governed Spain and Gaul. The tortures endured run the gamut from rack to hot lead, all of which are supernaturally endured until the saint is ultimately beheaded. Divine retribution in the form of fire falling from heaven is also included. Next, we investigate earlier sources adapted into Voragine's dragon story, the first known being an 11th-century manuscript written by Georgian monks residing in Jerusalem. George's background as a soldier from  Cappadocia is identical, as is the endangered princess, though the victory over the beast lacks elements of swordplay and is largely accomplished through prayer.  In this version, George is also responsible for the founding of a church complete with healing well. From the same manuscript, we hear a few more miracle stories, the "Coffee Boy" legend, George's defeat of a loquacious demon, a cautionary tale of a murderous and greedy hermit ostensibly, and a charming story involving a unhappy boy, George, and a pancake. We then take a look at the oldest St. George text probably written in Syria around the year 600. It's known as the “Syriac Passion of St. George," and details an extraordinary series of tortures so fantastical as to be declared heretical by the Church in the Decretum Gelasianum, probably within a century of the story's composition. 14th-cent Russian depiction of St. George's Martyrdom Digging a little deeper,

Join Al Mega as he interviews Tom Fenoglio, co-owner of Fenom Comics, to talk about their explosive new sci-fi comic Star Riders: Volume 1 Transhuman. Dive into the creative process, indie comic hustle, and cosmic adventures in this high-energy, fun-filled episode. Don't miss the cosmic banter, exclusive insights, and the future of Fenom Comics! Visit the Fenom Comics Website: www.fenomcomics.com Follow Fenom Comics on Social (X/Meta/TikTok/YouTube/Instagram): @FenomComics Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 577 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Auckland are looking to pick up their first win of the season. They're sitting on 0-4, and are set to face Wellington – a side who's title defence has gotten off to a shaky start, sitting at 1-3. Caleb Clarke joined D'Arcy Waldegrave ahead of the match for a chat about what Auckland needs to do to turn their season around. Plus, they touch on the messages Clarke's received from the All Blacks staff around his return to rugby, having not played since the Blues' semifinal loss to the Crusaders earlier in the year. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Yahweh's Money, we're getting candid about something that affects all of us: comparison. Shay Cook welcomes powerhouse entrepreneur and coach Dr. Johnetta Thurston for a soul-stirring conversation about identity, finances, and faith in the age of the algorithm.Shay and Dr. Johnetta open up about the silent weight of social pressure, how spiritual alignment helps resist financial distraction, and what true contentment looks like in a world obsessed with more.If you've ever scrolled through social media and felt like you're behind—or wondered why your blessings feel delayed—this episode will remind you that God's timing is never late, and your path is yours alone.Here's what you'll walk away with:Why comparison is the enemy of stewardship—and how to break free from it.The hidden financial and emotional cost of “keeping up.”Biblical truths about success, obedience, and God's timing.Real talk on solopreneurship, burnout, and defining your own version of success.How contentment and legacy are more powerful than luxury.Featured Scripture:Galatians 6:4-5 – “Each one should test their own actions... without comparing themselves to someone else.”Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing…”Luke 14:28 – “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost…”Action Step:Audit your digital space this week.Unfollow or mute three accounts that spark comparison or discontent.Then follow three accounts that nourish your faith, finances, and well-being.Final Word:Comparison can bankrupt your peace. But when you stay rooted in your purpose and focused on your own lane, God can do the work of multiplying your seed in due season. Trust His timeline. Your breakthrough doesn't need a filter—it needs faith.Connect with Dr. Johnetta here:Website: https://www.jdamanagementandconsulting.com/Send us a text

Join Al Mega as he interviews writer Mark Russell and artist Ryan Alexander-Tanner about Vanishing Point, their bold new six-issue sci-fi miniseries from Mad Cave Studios! Dive into a surreal, time-bending narrative full of sharp wit, eye-popping art, and deep existential questions. Hear about their creative journeys, how they teamed up, and what makes this story one of the wildest rides in comics today! 🪠Topics covered: Creative origins of Mark and Ryan How Vanishing Point was born Philosophical depth meets comic book thrills Artistic style and visual storytelling Industry insights and fun behind-the-scenes moments 🔗 Watch now and prepare for a mental warp! Follow Mark at: @manruss | Follow Ryan at: @ohyesverynice This series is a must-read for fans of Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone, and Love, Death + Robots. Vanishing Point #1 is in stores NOW. Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 576 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

The latest Western Force signing George Bridge is our guest this week and what a lad he is! From humble beginnings in Gisborne, to carving up for Canterbury, the Crusaders, and then going on to wear the black jersey on the biggest stage of all! But it hasn't all been smooth sailing. George had his struggles moving down to Christchurch as a 17 year old, he had to deal with some brutal injuries – knees, pec tears, appendicitis, he had three surgeries in eight months! He even played a Super Rugby Final with a nasty vomit bug. Despite all that, he kept bouncing back and showing his class and always finishing of tries!Some highlights for me in this one were..Hearing why he made the leap from Gisborne to Christchurch, The pathway he took to becoming an All Black,The influence of Leon MacDonald,The heartbreak of the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Why he moved to France and how he found itHis next chapter with the Force,And heaps more including all your questions.George is someone who always took his opportunity on the field through work rate and the never give up attitude. Players loved playing with this man cause he would never let them down and he is a champion lad! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 194: In this episode of the Sports Performance Leadership Podcast, hosted by Pete McKnight, we are joined by Mark Adamoulas — a performance leader whose 20-year career has spanned across sport, education, and the corporate world. Mark's track record is both diverse and exceptional: he has worked with Manchester United, the FA, Red Bull, and numerous global corporates, supporting C-suite leaders, Premier League managers, Olympic gold medalists, and VC/PE companies. His mixed heritage and multilingual background allow him to connect authentically with people from varied cultures and contexts, bridging high-performance environments across industries and geographies. As co-founder of coachup, Mark leads on coach development, bringing the latest behavioural science into the world of sports coaching. Where traditional coaching development often focuses on skills, drills, and tactics, Mark and his team shine a spotlight on the most critical driver of sustained success: the team environment. Topics Discussed: Mark's background — Greek heritage, move to the UK, and path into sports psychology Professional experience — Work with Manchester United, the FA, Rugby League, Red Bull, and more CoachUp — Neuroscience-based psychometric tools for team function The Infinity Model — Core pillars for building high-performance environments Practical applications — Lessons from the Crusaders and elite teams worldwide Benefits for leaders — Improving team alignment, collaboration, and performance Barriers — Overcoming skepticism, poor prior assessment experiences, ego and fear of feedback Evidence base — Validation by Oxford and Harvard neuroscientists Leadership ecosystems — Why building systems matters more than hiring experts alone Future trends — Rising pressures on athletes and staff, and the urgent need for better psychological environments Call to action — How leaders can engage with CoachUp in both sport and corporate settings This conversation delivers a rare insight into the science and practice of team performance, blending psychology, neuroscience, and leadership to show how high-performing cultures are built — and sustained — in today's most demanding environments. - Where you can find Mark: LinkedIn CoachUp Research Gate -  Sponsors VALD Performance, makers of the Nordbord, Forceframe, ForeDecks and HumanTrak. VALD Performance systems are built with the high-performance practitioner in mind, translating traditionally lab-based technologies into engaging, quick, easy-to-use tools for daily testing, monitoring and training Hytro: The world's leading Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) wearable, designed to accelerate recovery and maximise athletic potential using Hytro BFR for Professional Sport.  -  Where to Find Us Keep up to date with everything that is going on with the podcast by following Inform Performance on: Instagram Twitter Our Website - Our Team Andy McDonald Ben Ashworth Alistair McKenzie Dylan Carmody Steve Barrett  Pete McKnight

On today's episode of The Agenda, Webmaster Joe Durie joins Finn Caddie to discuss the breaking news of the spate of injuries in the Black Caps ahead of the home summer (00:00)...Then the fellas discuss Top Ten Tommy finally getting a PGA Tour win (04:30), the latest injury updates from the Black Ferns RWC camp (09:40), and the NRL Off-Field Scandal Alarm has been fired up again (11:15)...Plus, a member of the ACC Caravan Facebook Group has done the numbers to determine if all these All Blacks losses to Los Pumas are the Crusaders' fault (17:00)...Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (21:40)...Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE!Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Al Mega sits down with the multi-talented illustrator and web developer Amin Amat, as they discuss his creative journey and his exciting new comic book release—The Road To Oz: Chapter Two! 🚀✨ Follow Amin through the winding yellow brick road of independent creation, hear what inspired this twist on a classic tale, and learn how he blends code and comics like a true creative sorcerer. Whether you're an Oz fan, a comic book head, or a fellow indie creator—this episode is packed with laughs, insight, and a whole lotta heart. 📚 Learn more about The Road To Oz: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theroadto/the-road-to-oz-chapter-2 Follow on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/theroadtoozcomic/ Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 575 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

This week on On A Water Break, it's all about nerves, leadership, representation, and celebrating unforgettable wins in the marching arts. Host Josh Smith is joined by new panelists Dalton Stout, Clara Bagwell, and Eric Levy — all making their podcast debut!The team kicks things off with their 32 Count Life Stories and a fun icebreaker: “What part of the marching band are you?” Clara relives her gold-medal summer with the Boston Crusaders, Dalton shares his journey from Nebraska to Colorado and launching DVS Choreo, and Eric spotlights his 20+ years of teaching and his work with Drumline Network.In the News Block, we cover: The retirement of Iowa's legendary announcer Lou Crist after 44 years Miami budget cuts cutting $12.8M in arts funding A stolen band trailer in Colorado and tips for protecting your equipment PASIC 2025 announcements featuring RhythmX and George MasonDalton delivers the 60-Second Tech Block on choreography hacks, and in Water We Doing?! the crew takes on audition nerves, teaching leadership in a post-COVID generation, body shaming in DCI, and the importance of ensemble unity. The episode wraps with Gush & Go, highlighting Boston's first DCI championship, new percussion challenges, and student success stories.Panelists & Socials: Dalton Stout – IG/TikTok: @saltydalti | daltonvstout.com Clara Bagwell – IG: @_clara.01100010 Eric Levy – IG: @worldoferic | Drumline Network & Percussion League Josh Smith – TikTok: @mr.smiths.bandSponsors: Peak Group Travel – @peak.group.travel | peakgrouptravel.com Guard Closet – @guardcloset | guardcloset.com✨ Don't forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share this podcast with a friend.

Lessons from the SeerahWhen we look at the sīrah, in the seventh year of Prophethood, the challenges facing the Muslims were unbearable.At first, the Quraysh mocked and insulted. But when insults failed, by the fifth year they turned to violence—abusing, torturing, even killing some of the early Muslims. When that too didn't stop the daʿwah, they escalated further: a total boycott against the Muslims and Banū Hāshim, the Prophet's own tribe.No one was allowed to buy from them, sell to them, marry them, or even speak to them. Forced into the valley of Abū Ṭālib, the Muslims suffered starvation. At night, the Quraysh could hear the cries of hungry children echoing from the valley. It became so unbearable that some of the Quraysh nobles themselves—polytheists, not Muslims—like Muṭʿim ibn ʿAdī and Zuhayr ibn Abī Umayyah, stood up and said: This is not right. These are our people, even if we differ in religion.One day Zuhayr stood with his back to the Kaʿbah, facing the leaders of Quraysh. He declared: Our brothers and sisters are starving in the valley because of us. I will not sit down until this boycott is broken. And not long after, the boycott was lifted.A Parallel to TodayBrothers and sisters—this was 1,400 years ago. Today, history repeats itself. Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are starving—not because of food shortage, but because food is blocked, burned, or left to rot. Just last month, 500 tonnes of food were discarded because of the blockade.If Quraysh—who did not believe in lā ilāha illā Allāh—could act out of nothing more than blood ties, then what excuse do we have, we who claim faith? We say faith is thicker than blood—so why aren't we doing more?Acting Within Our MeansYes, our anger is real. But we are Muslims—we act with discipline, bound by the Sharīʿah. That means we work within the legal framework of the country we live in. We don't take matters into our own hands violently. Instead, we use the means available to us—and al-ḥamdu lillāh, here in Australia, there are means.And we've seen this before in our history. When Jerusalem fell to the Crusaders in 1099, the Khalīfah in Baghdad was doing nothing. It was a single qāḍī, Abū Saʿd al-Ḥarawī, who mobilised the people. After Jumuʿah prayer, he gave speeches, organised protests, and led the masses to demand action from the Khalīfah. Week after week, protest after protest, until the Khalīfah was forced to act.Power of ProtestThat's how politics works. Leaders move when people move.We saw this not long ago in Sydney—hundreds of thousands marched across the Harbour Bridge. And within a week, the Australian government shifted its diplomatic stance. Suddenly, they were talking about recognising Palestine. Suddenly, they were criticising Israel—something unimaginable just months before. Why? Not because the Prime Minister had a dream, but because the people marched.Call to Action – Perth RallySo brothers and sisters, this Sunday, we have the chance to stand up and be counted. Yes, the weather forecast says it will rain. But what is rain? Just water. Al-ḥamdu lillāh, Allah created our skin waterproof.Our brothers and sisters are rained upon with bombs and bullets. We will only be rained upon with water. So bring an umbrella, bring a jacket—and bring your friends. Convince those who've never attended a rally before. Come shoulder to shoulder with your fellow Australians, Muslim and non-Muslim alike, demanding justice for Palestine.On SalahuddīnEvery time a calamity strikes Palestine, people ask: Where is our Ṣalāḥuddīn?But Ṣalāḥuddīn did not appear in a vacuum. He didn't descend from the sky with angels. He was the product of decades of groundwork. It started with people like Abū Saʿd al-Ḥarawī, who mobilised the grassroots. Then came Imām al-Ghazālī, who strengthened the ummah spiritually. Then Nūruddīn Zengī, who prepared the armies. All three passed away before Palestine was liberated. Ṣalāḥuddīn simply completed the work.So the real question is not Where is Ṣalāḥuddīn? but What are we doing to build a Ṣalāḥuddīn for our time?AccountabilityOn Yawm al-Qiyāmah, Allah will not ask us whether we liberated Palestine—that's beyond our means. But He will ask: What did you do with what you could?And even before the Day of Judgment, our children and grandchildren will ask us: You were alive during the genocide. What did you do? Will we say, I was busy on social media?The Quraysh only heard the cries of hungry children. We see those cries broadcast live to our phones. If that doesn't move us, what will?Hope, Not DespairYes, the ummah is weak. Yes, we feel surrounded. But Allah reminds us: Do you think you will enter Jannah without being tested like those before you, until even the Messenger and those with him cried out: When will the help of Allah come? Verily, the help of Allah is near.We are a people of hope, not despair. Even today we see results: countries shifting, governments changing tone, and even the most Islamophobic nations being forced to recognise Palestine.ClosingSo I end with the same question that Zuhayr once asked the Quraysh: Are we eating our food while our brothers and sisters are starving?May Allah allow us to attend the rally in huge numbers this Sunday. May it be peaceful, impactful, and successful. May Allah open the hearts of our fellow Australians, and may He grant victory and liberation to our brothers and sisters in Palestine. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bequranic.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into animated fairy warfare with Dylan Moore, the creative genius behind Outhouse Cartoons and the exciting new graphic novel, COMBAT FAIRIES! Join Al Mega for a hilarious and insightful chat about animation, creativity, fairy mischief, and the journey behind one of the quirkiest, most entertaining indie comics out there. Laugh, learn, and sprinkle some pixie dust—only on Comic Crusaders! Visit the website at: www.OuthouseCartoons.com Follow on: https://www.instagram.com/outhousecartoons/ https://www.facebook.com/OuthouseCartoons https://bsky.app/profile/outhousecartoons.bsky.social https://www.twitch.tv/outhousecartoons LIKE / COMMENT / SUBSCRIBE & Support Indie Comics! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 574 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Roy Brewer makes an appearance to the Alien Probe Podcast Studio to discuss his book "Crusaders Down Under". "Chance" the GSD managed to snooze on the couch the entire time. You can see his feet sticking out. All proceeds from this book will be donated to Alzheimer's research

On The Kenny & JT Show we're joined by Central Catholic head football coach Jeff Lindesmith. The Crusaders host the Perry Panthers Thursday night at 7:00pm on 1480 WHBC.

The struggle for the Holy Land The timing was perfect. When the first Crusaders, with the Pope's blessing, set out for the Holy Land in 1096, the Muslim world was riven by internal strife and the E... Uitgegeven door SAGA Egmont Spreker: Patrick Warner

Al Mega sits down with the mastermind behind Kiss ME Comix, Rod Jenkins, who's BACK since his first appearance on episode 67! Rod breaks down his journey, what's changed in his publishing hustle, his latest projects, character drops, creative expansion, and what the future holds. Don't miss this fun, insightful, and high-energy convo! Follow Kiss ME Comix: Website: https://kissmecomix.com/ IG: @kissmecomix2 | FB: @kissmecomix1275 Twitter/X: @kissmecomix LIKE / COMMENT / SUBSCRIBE & Support Indie Comics! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 573 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

HSE MidWest's Regional Executive Officer says the Government must ensure this region has parity with the rest of the country. It comes as the HIQA review of emergency capacity in the Midwest, which will examine the case for a second emergency department here, is due to be published next month. HSE MidWest's submission to HIQA during the public consultation process stated that any further expansion of UHL beyond the current inpatient bed capacity plan would raise "significant challenges and complications". Speaking during a visit to Clare, HSE MidWest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick says the situation here will improve if continued investment is provided along with staffing increases.

A Clare charity which provides free therapy to children with special needs has been described as an example of "best practice" at a national level. Government funding of €300,000 for the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield has been announced during a ministerial visit to the facility today. Set up in 2007 by former Independent Councillor Ann Norton along with a group of parents, Clare Crusaders is a self-financing charity that gives more than 450 children with special needs in the county access to free therapy and specialist treatment. The organisation's management has long lamented the fact that it receives no State funding and instead has to raise upwards of €250,000 each year through a busy calendar of fundraising events. Today represents a significant milestone in the clinic's journey, however, as for the first time, a Government funding allocation amounting to €300,000 has been announced. It's understood the money will go towards information and communications technology as well as related equipment. Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, Hildegarde Naughton, who made the announcement, insists similar facilities across the country could learn from Clare Crusaders. During her visit to the Barefield facility, the Minister spoke with staff as well as parents of service users in relation to the challenges they face on a daily basis. Among those in attendance was Ann Enright from Quin, whose daughter Adah has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, is visually impaired, has limited speech, has seizures and needs 24/7 care. She says the support of Clare Crusaders has changed both of their lives for the better. In a show of gratitude for the funding award, bouquets of flowers were presented to Minister Naughton as well as HSE Midwest Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick on behalf of Clare Crusaders. Its Co-founder and Managing Director, Ann Norton claims it's the first time she's been listened to by those in power.

In this episode, we get real about what happens when ambition is led by purpose—not pressure—and how trusting God with your finances, goals, and career can lead to outcomes that defy logic. From tithing through pay cuts to setting boundaries in grind culture, Dewan Clayborn, President & CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber, shares his testimony of what happens when you follow God's call—even when it doesn't make sense on paper.If you've ever wrestled with the tension between ambition and obedience, or wondered whether your goals are rooted in faith or ego, this episode is your reminder that God doesn't just tolerate your ambition—He designed it.Here's what you'll walk away with:How to tell the difference between godly ambition and worldly hustle.Real talk on tithing, trusting God with money, and spiritual stewardship.Why obedience sometimes looks like a pay cut—but leads to overflow.The spiritual significance of speaking in tongues, prayer as a couple, and building legacy.How to align business, career, and personal goals with your faith.Featured Scripture:Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…”Philippians 4:19 – “My God shall supply all your needs…”Romans 10:9-10 – Salvation through confession and belief.James 4:7 – “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”Ephesians 6 – The Armor of God (spiritual warfare)Action Step:Spend 10 minutes this week in quiet prayer. Ask: Are my goals led by God—or by pressure? Choose one goal to revise with faith, purpose, and alignment in mind.Final Word:Ambition isn't the enemy of faith—disobedience is. When you surrender your hustle to God, He'll take what took years and restore it in one season. Your grind doesn't have to be exhausting. It can be anointed.Connect with Dewan here:LinkedIn: Dewan Clayborn, IOM | LinkedInThe Next Generation of Nonprofit Leadership by Dewan ClaybornSend us a text

Today we sit down with Joseph A. Gagnepain, the CEO and Lead Game Designer at Lazarus Rising Games! We explore Joseph's rich journey as a visual artist—drawing, painting, sculpting—and how that artistic energy powers his game development process. From brushes to battle systems, he's building immersive experiences that are as beautiful as they are badass. Tune in to hear what inspires him, what's next for the studio, and how creativity fuels the future of gaming! Visit the website: https://lazarusrising.games/ Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 572 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Chaiel Schaffel

Christchurch's brand-spanking new central city stadium has been given hosting rights to Super Ruby's Super Round next Anzac weekend - the arena's debut major sporting event. The long-awaited $680 million stadium is set to open in April, with the defending champion Crusaders playing the first competitive match. It'll be the first time the Super Round is held in New Zealand. Anna Sargent reports.

The Fugitive Poems team—Christian De Matteo and James Lines—return to the Comic Crusaders Podcast to unleash a thunderous, poetic, and myth-soaked journey into the heart of battle with their new Kickstarter project, Blood Valkyrie! We talk inspiration, Norse legends, visual madness, and the power of indie comics! DON'T MISS IT! Back it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fugitivepoems/blood-valkyrie-in-vegas Follow Fugitive Poems: Website: www.fugitivepoems.com Insta | Bluesky | X – @FugitivePoems Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 571 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega #ComicCrusadersPodcast #BloodValkyrie #FugitivePoems #KickstarterComics #IndieComics #AlMegaStyle

On this episode, I'm joined by Destiny, founder of Be About It and bassist of Iron Crusaders to chat about Red Bull, fancy coffees, a summer full of shows, launching a label, and the upcoming Be About It fest.During the episode I was drinking Vanilla Marshmallow Cupcakes from COLORFULL.Episode Links:https://colorfullcoffee.com/https://www.instagram.com/ironcrusaders514/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/beaboutitzine/?hl=enTICKETS - https://beaboutitzine.bigcartel.com/product/be-about-it-festhttps://www.instagram.com/beansandbreakdowns/

An exception to normal procedure at the Crusaders in bringing Richie Mo'unga back to the Super Rugby franchise. The 56-test All Black has signed an 18-month contract to return in July after three seasons playing in Japan. Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge says they're stoked Mo'unga is returning to his home franchise. He told Mike Hosking this type of contract is probably the way of the future – athletes gaining experience elsewhere before returning to the game. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Full Text of ReadingsFeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord Lectionary: 614The Saint of the day is Transfiguration of the LordThe Story of the Transfiguration of the Lord All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke 9:28-36). With remarkable agreement, all three place the event shortly after Peter's confession of faith that Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus' first prediction of his passion and death. Peter's eagerness to erect tents or booths on the spot suggests it occurred during the week-long Jewish Feast of Booths in the fall. According to Scripture scholars, in spite of the texts' agreement it is difficult to reconstruct the disciples' experience, because the Gospels draw heavily on Old Testament descriptions of the Sinai encounter with God, and prophetic visions of the Son of Man. Certainly Peter, James, and John had a glimpse of Jesus' divinity strong enough to strike fear into their hearts. Such an experience defies description, so they drew on familiar religious language to describe it. And certainly Jesus warned them that his glory and his suffering were to be inextricably connected—a theme John highlights throughout his Gospel. Tradition names Mount Tabor as the site of the revelation. A church first raised there in the fourth century was dedicated on August 6. A feast in honor of the Transfiguration was celebrated in the Eastern Church from about that time. Western observance began in some localities about the eighth century. On July 22, 1456, Crusaders defeated the Turks at Belgrade. News of the victory reached Rome on August 6, and Pope Callistus III placed the feast on the Roman calendar the following year. Reflection One of the Transfiguration accounts is read on the second Sunday of Lent each year, proclaiming Christ's divinity to the Elect and baptized alike. The Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, by contrast, is the story of the temptation in the desert—affirmation of Jesus' humanity. The two distinct but inseparable natures of the Lord were a subject of much theological argument at the beginning of the Church's history; it remains hard for believers to grasp. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Grab a copy of my new book Habits of High Performers here - www.thehabitbook.comIn this solo episode, I'm sharing something a little different.As of now, these 1:1 solocasts won't be weekly anymore. Instead, I'll be dropping more intentional updates once or twice a month — focused on what's actually shaping me behind the scenes.This is one of those episodes.In this episode, you'll discover:What a cab driver, a psychologist, and a billion-dollar founder taught me this monthThe mindset shift that's helped me handle pressure, friction, and people betterWhy saying “no” is the key to becoming a high performerHow I'm staying focused during the chaos of a book launchA simple rule from the Crusaders' head coach that can transform your productivityWhat's really happening behind the scenes of the High Performance Leadership EventIf you're navigating growth, busyness, or big transitions — this episode is for you.Let me know what resonates. And if it does? Share it with someone who needs it.And if you haven't already, pre-order your copy of Habits of High Performers at thehabitbook.com to get exclusive bonuses before launch.Grab a copy of The Resilience Toolkit by Dr Alia Bojilova here - https://www.paperplus.co.nz/shop/books/non-fiction/health-wellbeing/personal-development/the-resilience-toolkit-1076253Come join me at The High Performance Leadership Event here - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/high-performance-event-2025 Get the Growth Weekly Newsletter sent straight to your inbox and join 1000's of other high-performers on the road to self-mastery  - https://www.jjlaughlin.com/newsletterSend me a personal text message- Pre-order my new book TODAY - www.thehabitbook.com - If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at caroline@jjlaughlin.comSupport the show

In this divine-level episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, host Al Mega welcomes writer Mario B. Long, the mind behind God Tier Vol. 1: Prey, coming from Nakama Press, Mad Cave Studios' manga-focused imprint! Get ready for an action-packed chat about myth, manga, creative freedom, and what it takes to bring a celestial vision to life! âž¡ï¸ Learn about Mario's journey âž¡ï¸ How God Tier came to be âž¡ï¸ Why this series is a must-read for every manga and mythology fan! Order Now: https://madcavestudios.com/product/god-tier-vol-1-vol-1 Don't forget to LIKE / SUBSCRIBE / SLAY THAT BELL for more dope creator convos every week! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 570 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

Preached at St Paul Lutheran Church, Rockford, Illinois on August 3rd, 2025.Support Rev Fisk at SubscribeStarOrder Rev Fisk's books at AmazonCatch Rev Fisk on A Brief History of Power podcastFor video, visit Rev Fisk's Rumble channel

On this episode of the Comic Crusaders Podcast, Al Mega sits down with the brilliant and unstoppable Matthew Medney, Founder & CCO of Iconic Arts and Founder & Publisher of Gungnir Books! We dig deep into Matt's wild creative journey from the world of metal and NASA to mythic indie publishing madness. Learn about Gungnir's vision, upcoming titles, and how to create galaxies from scratch! Follow Matthew Medney: Website: https://www.matthewmedney.com Instagram: @matthewmedney Gungnir Books: https://www.gungnirbooks.com Discover stories forged by gods and grounded in grit with Gungnir Books! Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 569 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega

This week on It's Happening: Snooki and Joey talk all things weather, weird vibes, and what's ahead for the holidays. They share updates on JT's health, touch on grief and public pressure, and weigh in on everything from Hallmark movies to celebrity headlines—with a few witchy moments in between. Wanna join the party? Text or leave a voicemail for your favorite messy mawmas at (646) 580-5251 and you might just get featured next week! Subscribe and Watch on YouTube Connect with It's Happening: Instagram | TikTok | Snooki and Joey on Cameo

In this episode, Al Mega chats with the always dapper, always dangerous David Avallone, writer of Dynamite Comics' latest special, Red Sonja Noir! They dive deep into David's pulp-flavored take on Red Sonja, blending classic noir style with sword-swinging fury. From behind-the-scenes tales to comic craft wisdom, this convo is lit with humor, energy, and comic book magic. Don't miss it! Get Red Sonja Noir now from Dynamite Comics: https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513035646801011 Follow David on Twitter: https://twitter.com/davallone Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 568 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega #RedSonjaNoir #DavidAvallone #DynamiteComics #ComicCrusaders #AlMega #ComicBookInterview #NoirComics #ElviraWriter  

At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. August: 6/10 Is it just me or is this year moving at pace? Where did seven months go? The recovery: 4/10 Yes, by August the recovery was supposed to be here. The greens shoots were to have flourished, and stuff was supposed to be better. The payWave charge ban: 6/10 Not perfect, but a practical move that should help. Rob Penney: 7/10 Glad he is back, and why not? One bad year and one great year. You want another dose of great, don't you? Shane Jones: 8/10 Move of the week. Had a couple of glasses of red, turned his phone off, and missed the alerts. Now that is a plan. The Warriors: 7/10 A loss to the Titans and we lose James Fisher-Harris for a couple of weeks as well. If you are a doubter there is a bit of material for you to angst over. But I'm still a believer and this is our year. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for a descent into madness as Al Mega sits down with the incredible Chris Condon, the mind behind That Texas Blood, to talk about his chilling new project from Mad Cave Studios — Far Down Below! Discover the inspirations, the scares, the creative magic, and why this book needs to be in YOUR hands! High-energy, high-fun, and packed with insight — don't miss it! 🔗 Grab your copy of Far Down Below: https://madcavestudios.com/product/far-down-below 🎧 Follow Chris Condon on Bluesky: @christophcondon.bsky.social Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 567 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega #ComicCrusaders #ChrisCondon #FarDownBelow #MadCaveStudios #ComicBooks #IndieComics #HorrorComics

In Parashat Matot, Moshe Rabbeinu is commanded by Hashem to avenge the Midyanim for causing Bnei Yisrael to stumble in the most severe sins. Moshe responds by selecting one thousand tzaddikim from each shevet, totaling 12,000 men. He sent them off to war along with Pinchas, the Aron HaKodesh, and the special trumpets used in battle to invoke Hashem's favor and bring victory. The Torah then states: " וַיִּצְבְּאוּ עַל־מִדְיָן " – They encamped against Midyan. Ramban explains that this means the Jewish army surrounded Midyan on three sides, leaving one side open. This was a direct command from Hashem, meant to offer the enemy a chance to flee. Even in war, we are commanded to show mercy. And Ramban adds that this wasn't a one-time instruction—this principle of compassion applies to all future optional wars. Later, the Torah testifies that the Jewish army wiped out Midyan without losing even one soldier. It was openly miraculous. To confront such a large enemy with only 12,000 men and suffer no casualties was clearly the hand of Hashem. This pattern has repeated itself throughout Jewish history. We show compassion to our enemies—and we experience miraculous victories. In a recent conflict, the Israeli Air Force flew nearly 400 warplanes over Iran. Not a single jet malfunctioned. There were no mechanical failures, no planes struck by enemy fire, and not one pilot was injured or captured. Before the operation, Israeli defense officials estimated that between 400 and 800 civilians could be killed in Iranian missile assaults. Some projections feared that if Iran fired all of its 2,000+ ballistic missiles, the death toll could rise to 4,000. In the end, only 687 missiles were fired. Of those, 97% were intercepted. Iran also launched 1,200 drones—99% of which were downed by Israeli defensive systems. According to military experts, these numbers are almost statistically impossible. But when Hashem is protecting us, statistics do not apply. Although we did not merit a completely casualty-free outcome like the war against Midyan, we witnessed an unmistakable miracle. And it wasn't only us who saw it. Even non-Jewish journalists around the world began to acknowledge that something beyond nature is protecting the Jewish people. A British journalist by the last name Heath recently wrote an article exploring the world's irrational hatred for the Jews. He asked: Why does a nation this small inspire so much hostility? In his own words: A nation this small should not be this strong. Surrounded by enemies, condemned in the UN, targeted by terror, boycotted, slandered, and attacked—and yet, the Jewish people thrive in every area: military, medicine, technology, agriculture, security, intelligence, morality, and resilience. They turn desert into farmland. They make water from air. They intercept rockets midair. They rescue hostages from the heart of enemy territory. They survive wars they are supposed to lose—and they win. The world watches and can't explain it. So they grasp for explanations: American aid, high-tech trickery, some hidden secret—anything but the truth. Because the truth means admitting it's Hashem. By all logic, the Jewish people should have disappeared long ago. That's how the story of every exiled, enslaved, and persecuted minority ends. But the Jews didn't disappear. We are stronger than ever. There is no cheat code that can explain how a nation returns to its homeland after 2,000 years. There is no rational explanation for how a people go from gas chambers to global influence. There is no historical precedent for surviving the Babylonians, Romans, Crusaders, Inquisitions, Pogroms, and Holocaust—and still standing strong today. Israel doesn't make sense—unless you believe in something higher. And that's what drives the world crazy. Maybe history isn't random. Maybe evil doesn't have the last word. Maybe the Jewish people aren't just a nation—but a living proof that there is a G-d in the world. Once a person admits that Israel's survival is divine, his entire moral compass has to reset. Because then he is not watching the final chapter of a fallen people, but rather the unfolding of something eternal. So the world tries to deny it—but it is becoming more and more obvious. We are incredibly fortunate to be the Am Hashem. We must appreciate that privilege and honor it by living as true representatives of Hashem—through our Torah and our mitzvot.. Shabbat Shalom.

July 24, 1148. Crusaders lay siege to Damascus, attempting to regain control of the Holy Land, a fiasco that brings the second Crusade to an end.Support the show! Join Into History for ad-free listening and more.History Daily is a co-production of Airship and Noiser.Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tom Maxwell just led the Delsea Regional High School wrestling team in South Jersey to the 2025 NJSIAA Group 3 Wrestling Championship. It was the fourth straight state title for the Crusaders, but it was the first for Maxwell as head coach, as he took over the program after spending 29 seasons as an assistant. He also was a longtime assistant for the football and baseball programs at Delsea, logging an amazing 73 seasons as an assistant coach for the three programs combined prior to this first season as a head coach. In Episode #263 of "1-on-1 with Matt Leon," Matt welcomes Maxwell in studio to talk about his career. They discuss what it was like to lead Delsea to the state title in his first year as head coach, why being a head coach was never really a goal for him, they discuss what makes Delsea wrestling special and much more. “1-on-1 with Matt Leon” is a KYW Newsradio original podcast. You can follow the show on X @1on1pod and you can follow Matt @Mattleon1060.

This week we talk about the PKK, Turkey, and the DEM Party.We also discuss terrorism, discrimination, and stateless nations.Recommended Book: A Century of Tomorrows by Glenn AdamsonTranscriptKurdistan is a cultural region, not a country, but part of multiple countries, in the Middle East, spanning roughly the southeastern portion of Turkey, northern Iraq, the northwestern portion of Iran, and northern Syrian. Some definitions also include part of the Southern Caucasus mountains, which contains chunks of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.So this is a sprawling region that straddles multiple nations, and it's defined by the presence of the Kurdish people, the Kurds, who live all over the world, but whose culture is concentrated in this area, where it originally developed, and where, over the generations, there have periodically been very short-lived Kurdish nations of various shapes, sizes, and compositions.The original dynasties from which the Kurds claim their origin were Egyptian, and they governed parts of northeastern African and what is today Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. That was back in the 8th to 12th century, during which Saladin, who was the sultan of both Egypt and Syria, played a major historical role leading Muslim military forces against the Christian Crusader states during the Third Crusade, and leading those forces to victory in 1187, which resulted in Muslim ownership of the Levant, even though the Crusaders continued to technically hold the Kingdom of Jerusalem for another hundred years or so, until 1291.Saladin was Kurdish and kicked off a sultanate that lasted until the mid-13th century, when a diverse group of former slave-soldiers called the mamluks overthrew Saladin's family's Ayyubid sultanate and replaced it with their own.So Kurdish is a language spoken in that Kurdistan region, and the Kurds are considered to be an Iranian ethnic group, because Kurdish is part of a larger collection of languages and ethnicities, though many Kurds consider themselves to be members of a stateless nation, similar in some ways to pre-Israel Jewish people, Tibetan people under China's rule, or the Yoruba people, who primarily live in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, but who were previously oriented around a powerful city-state in that region, which served as the central loci of the Ife Empire, before the Europeans showed up and decided to forcibly move people around and draw new borders across the African continent.The Kurds are likewise often politically and culturally powerful, and that's led to a lot of pushback from leaders in the nations where they live and at times operate as cultural blocs, and it's led to some very short-lived Kurdish nations these people have managed to establish in the 20th century, including the Kingdom of Kurdistan from 1921-1924, the Republic of Ararat from 1927-1930, and the Republic of Mahabad, which was formed as a puppet state of the Soviet Union in 1946 in northwestern Iran, following a Soviet push for Kurdish nationalism in the region, which was meant to prevent the Allies from controlling the region following WWII, but which then dissolved just a few months after its official formation due to waning support from the Kurdish tribes that initially helped make it a reality.What I'd like to talk about today is the Kurdistan Worker's Party, and why their recently declared ceasefire with Turkey is being seen as a pretty big deal.—The Kurdistan Worker's Party, depending on who you ask, is a political organization or a terrorist organization. It was formed in Turkey in late-1978, and its original, founding goal was to create an independent Kurdish state, a modern Kurdistan, in what is today a small part of Turkey, but in the 1990s it shifted its stated goals to instead just get more rights for Kurds living in Turkey, including more autonomy but also just equal rights, as Kurdish people in many nations, including Turkey, have a long history of being discriminated against, in part because of their cultural distinctiveness, including their language, manner of dress, and cultural practices, and in part because, like many tight-knit ethnic groups, they often operate as a bloc, which in the age of democracy also means they often vote as a bloc, which can feel like a threat to other folks in areas with large Kurdish populations.When I say Kurdish people in Turkey have long been discriminated against, that includes things like telling them they can no longer speak Kurdish and denying that their ethnic group exists, but it also includes massacres conducted by the government against Kurdish people; at times tens of thousands of Kurds were slaughtered by the Turkish army. There was also an official ban on the words Kurds, Kurdistan, and Kurdish by the Turkish government in the 1980s, and Kurdish villages were destroyed, food headed to these villages was embargoed, and there was a long-time ban on the use of the Kurdish language in public life, and people who used it were arrested.As is often the case in such circumstances, folks who support the Kurdish Worker's Party, which is often shorthanded as the PKK, will tell you this group just pushes back against an oppressive regime, and they do what they have to to force the government to backtrack on their anti-Kurdish laws and abuses, which have been pretty widespread and violent.The PKK, in turn, has been criticized for, well, doing terrorist stuff, including using child soldiers, conducting suicide bombings, massacring groups of civilians, engaging in drug trafficking to fund their cause, and executing people on camera as a means of sowing terror.Pretty horrible stuff on both sides, if you look at this objectively, then, and both sides have historically justified their actions by pointing at the horrible things the other side has done to them and theirs.And that's the context for a recent announcement by the leader of the PKK, that the group would be disarming—and very literally so, including a symbolic burning of their weapons in a city in northern Iraq, which was shared online—and they would be shifting their efforts from that of violent militarism and revolution to that of political dialogue and attempting to change the Turkish government from the inside.Turkish President Erdogan, for his part, has seemed happy to oblige these efforts and gestures, fulfilling his role by receiving delegates from the Turkish, pro-Kurd party, the DEM Party, and smilingly shaking that delegate's hand on camera, basically showing the world, and those who have played some kind of role in the militant effort against the Turkish government, that this is the way of things now, we're not fighting physically anymore, we're moving on to wearing suits and pushing for Kurdish rights within the existing governmental structures.The founder of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, got in on the action, as well, releasing a seven-minute video from prison, which was then broadcast by the PKK's official media distribution outlet, saying that the fighting is over. This was his first appearance on camera in 26 years, and he used it to say their effort paid off, the Kurds now have an officially recognized identity, and it's time to leverage that identity politically to move things in the right direction.Erdogan's other messages on the matter, to the Kurdish people, but also those who have long lived in fear of the PKK's mass-violence, have reinforced that sentiment, saying that the Kurds are officially recognized as a political entity, and that's how things would play out from this point forward—and this will be good for everyone. And both sides are saying that, over and over, because, well, child soldiers and suicide bombings and massacres conducted by both sides are really, really not good for anyone.By all indications, this has been a very carefully orchestrated dance by those on both sides of the conflict, which again, has been ongoing since 1978, and really picked up the pace and became continuous and ultra-violent, in the 1980s.There was an attempted peace process back in the 20-teens, but the effort, which included a temporary truce between 2013 and 2015, failed, following the murder of two Turkish police officers, the PKK initially claiming responsibility, but later denying they had any involvement. That led to an uptick in military actions by both groups against the other, and the truce collapsed.This new peace process began in 2024 and really took off in late-February of 2025, when that aforementioned message was broadcast by the PKK's leader from prison after lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party worked to connect him and the Turkish government, and eventually helped negotiate the resulting mid-May of 2025 disarmament.Turkey's military leaders have said they will continue to launch strikes against PKK-affiliated groups that continue to operate in the region, and the PKK's disarmament announcement has been embraced by some such groups, while others, like the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is tied to the PKK, but not directly affiliated with them, have said this truce doesn't apply to them.Most governments, globally, have heralded this disarmament as a major victory for the world and Turkey in particular, though the response within Turkey, and in Kurdish areas in particular, has apparently been mixed, with some people assuming the Turkish government will backtrack and keep the DEM Party from accomplishing much of anything, and worrying about behind-the-scenes deals, including a reported agreement between Erdogan's government and the DEM Party to support Erdogan's desire to transform the Turkish government into a presidential system, which would grant him more direct control and power, while others are seemingly just happy to hear that the violence and fear might end.Also notable here is that a lot of Turkey's foreign policy has revolved around hobbling and hurting the PKK for decades, including Turkey's initial hindering of Sweden's accession to NATO, which was partly a means of getting other nations to give the Turkish government stuff they wanted, like upgraded military equipment, but was also a push against the Swedish government's seeming protection of people associated with the PKK, since Sweden's constitution allows people to hold all sorts of beliefs.Some analysts have speculated that this could change the geopolitics of the Middle East fundamentally, as Turkey has long been a regional power, but has been partly hobbled by its conflict with the PKK, and the easing or removal of that conflict could free them up to become more dominant, especially since Israel's recent clobbering of Iran seems to have dulled the Iranian government's shine as the de facto leader of many Muslim groups and governments in the area.It's an opportune time for Erdogan to grab more clout and influence, in other words, and that might have been part of the motivation to go along with the PKK's shift to politics: it frees him and his military up to engage in some adventurism and/or posturing further afield, which could then set Turkey up as the new center of Muslim influence, contra-the Saudis' more globalized version of the concept, militarily and economically. Turkey could become a huge center of geopolitical gravity in this part of the world, in other words, and that seems even more likely now that this disarmament has happened.It's still early days in this new seeming state of affairs, though, and there's a chance that the Turkish government's continued strikes on operating PKK affiliated groups could sever these new ties, but those involved seem to be cleaving to at least some optimism, even as many locals continue hold their breath and hope against hope that this time is different than previous attempts at peace.Show Noteshttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/heres-what-to-know-about-turkeys-decision-to-move-forward-with-swedens-bid-to-join-natohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%932015_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/05/turkey-pkk-disarm-disband-impacts?lang=enhttps://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pkk-claims-deadly-suicide-bombing-turkish-police-stationhttps://web.archive.org/web/20161016064155/https://hrwf.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Child-soldiers-in-ISIS-PKK-Boko-Haram%E2%80%A6.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistan_Workers%27_Partyhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/jul/11/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk-burn-weapons-in-disarming-ceremony-videohttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/turkiye-pkk-analysis-recalibrates-politicshttps://time.com/7303236/erdogan-war-peace-kurds/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/19/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-in-iraqhttps://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-near-iraqs-sulaymaniyah-2025-07-19/https://www.aljazeera.com/video/inside-story/2025/7/11/why-has-the-pkk-ended-its-armed-strugglehttps://archive.is/20250718061819/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-07-17/ty-article-opinion/.premium/how-the-possible-end-to-turkeys-kurdish-problem-could-become-israels-turkey-problem/00000198-1794-dd64-abb9-bfb5dbf30000https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kurdish_dynasties_and_countrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Kurdish_nationalism This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Get ready for an interstellar ride! Join Al Mega as he interviews legendary comic book writer Joe Casey about his exciting return to the comic scene with his brand-new project from Dynamite Entertainment: Space Quest! We dive deep into Joe's career, creative inspirations, cosmic adventures, and why Space Quest is about to become your next comic book obsession. Don't miss this funny, insightful, and high-energy episode! â­ Learn more about Joe Casey â­ Pre-order Space Quest wherever comics are sold! â­ Subscribe for more creator spotlights! Pick up Space Quest in Shops Now! Follow Joe on Substack: https://thejoecasey.substack.com/ Thank You for Watching / Listening! We appreciate your support! Episode 566 in an unlimited series! Hosted by Al Mega Follow on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook: @TheRealAlMega / @ComicCrusaders Make sure to Like/Share/Subscribe if you haven't yet: Rumble/Twitch: ComicCrusaders YouTube: /comiccrusadersworld Visit the official Comic Crusaders Comic Book Shop: comiccrusaders.shop Visit the OFFICIAL Comic Crusaders Swag Shop at: comiccrusaders.us Website: https://www.comiccrusaders.com/​​​​ Edited/Produced/Directed by Al Mega #SpaceQuest #JoeCasey #DynamiteEntertainment #ComicCrusadersPodcast

Every kind of curse and imprecation in the Hebrew language . How Rashi felt when he learned about the Crusader massacres of 1096https://thechesedfund.com/rabbikatz/support-rabbi-katzz-podcast

After two days of fighting, the Crusaders breached Jerusalem's defences and entered the city, leading to intense fighting in the streets and buildings that led to a large-scale massacre of the city's Muslim and Jewish ...