Podcasts about cynicism

Episode 357 of RevolutionZ presents chapter six of The Wind Cries Freedom plus some personal discussion of publishing priorities and reader/listener choices. From the oral history, Andre Goldman describes his path from academic to organizer and in doing so reveals how a campus boycott became a disciplined, scalable movement. His story has no lone hero; it's built on strategy, solidarity, and a culture that turned participation into a mark of maturity rather than a fringe stance.Along the way Andre refers to lessons he took from reading about the 1960s without romanticizing them: expand with intention, consolidate gains, and keep your organizing transparent if you want participatory democracy to be more than a slogan. Miguel draws out his take on how students in their time exposed militarized research, how campus workers reshaped demands toward shared governance, and how inter-campus coordination converted isolated protests into a coherent force. When administrators leaned on repression, “safety” threats, and prestige, the movement focused on raising the real costs of such behavior—documenting abuses, repeatedly returning stronger, and persistently building sympathy beyond the campus.The biggest obstacle, Andre reports, was not tactical but psychological. Potential allies often agreed on facts and ethics but clung to the belief that victory was impossible or irrelevant. So, to dissent was pointless. Andre uses his experiences to describe the origins of that learned powerlessness and to show how movements undid it by linking small wins to a bigger strategy,, asking questions that stir conscience, and modeling a vision others want to join. Does Andre's discussion of a future struggle as part of this oral history provide provocative, useful insights for campus organizing, anti-militarism, democratic governance, and beating cynicism in our time? Does it reveal what concrete steps, courage, and discipline can accomplish together? If so, I think Miguel and Andre would say okay, in that case refine the insights, adapt them to your many varied situations, beat Trump and militarism. If not, I think Miguel and Andre would say, okay, generate your own more useful insights. If Andre's stories and the lessons he took resonate for you, or even more important, if you think it would resonate for others, perhaps share the episode with a friend who thinks “nothing ever changes,” and perhaps even attach a comment with a lesson you feel you can take into your next action, or a proposed lesson which you instead think is confused or mistaken and needs to be improved or replaced. In other words listen, but then engage.Support the show

When you watch someone die on your phone it is traumatic. When we learn shocking news almost continually we get overwhelmed. It shouldn't be this way, but it is. How to manage? How to not lose your mind or your emotional balance when the world is so crazy?When we are wounded we need healing. We can't go on collecting wounds and ignore the urgent care we need. There's no cure for this, but there is help. Send us a textSupport the showBe Encouraged podcast is practical, in the moment, thoughtful encouragement.

Comedian (and personal training manager) Nick Scopoletti returns to chat about growing his comedy career, working with Lisa Lampanelli, managing personal trainers, and how his personal warmth has been kind of a cheat code. You can find Nick on Instagram @nickscopes https://www.instagram.com/nickscopes/ and as Lisa Lampanelli's sidekick on her podcast, Shrink This https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrink-this-with-lisa-lampanelli/id1819746873    The AI generated summaryIn this engaging conversation, Jim McDonald and Nick Scopoletti explore themes of friendship, cynicism, personal growth, and the comedy journey. They reflect on their experiences in the fitness industry, the impact of COVID, and the importance of networking in the comedy scene. The discussion also touches on family dynamics, wealth, and the challenges of managing people in the workplace. Throughout the conversation, they share humorous anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the value of perseverance and self-discovery in both personal and professional realms.Chapters  00:00 Warm Connections and Cynical Reflections03:05 The Comedy Journey: Struggles and Triumphs05:50 Navigating Life's Changes: Comedy and Personal Growth08:46 The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health11:49 Family Dynamics and Personal Insights14:38 The Reality of Working in the Fitness Industry17:40 Acting, Comedy, and Authenticity20:40 Nostalgia and Cultural Identity23:26 Creative Outlets and Self-Expression31:48 Expo Experiences and Bodybuilding Culture35:44 Managing a Fitness Team39:44 Clientele Development in Boutique Gyms44:39 Wealth, Work Ethic, and Personal Growth50:08 Networking and Social Media Surprises55:58 Memorable Encounters with IconsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts-with-silent-mike-jim-mcd--5538735/support.

Weeds in My Garden | Chose Joy Over Cynicism | Jack Fleischer

As we grow and mature in our faith we can often find ourselves becoming more and more cynical of everything around us, even beginning to think of cynicism as a sign of maturity. And for those of us who have grown in our theological understanding and awareness, this can be especially true in how we begin to look down on expressions of Christianity we think are less evolved, less enlightened, and less robust. But is this really how things should be? In this week's episode, we explore how cynicism is actually a false kind of spiritual maturity and how real growth and real progress in the Christian life actually manifests itself in a spirit of gracious gratitude. This will be an especially helpful episode for those struggling with a temptation to either leave Protestantism for Catholicism or Orthodoxy, or to leave Christianity altogether.   The episode mentioned by Pastor Zac with historian Molly Worthen can be found here. Visit www.almondvalley.org for information about Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church in Ripon, CA. Music by Jonathan Ogden used with permission.

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: Kevin Stevens of Energize Capital Manish Patel of Nava Ventures Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund We asked guests to tell the most important lesson they've learned in their career. The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached.   Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.

What if the deepest work God does in us happens when no one sees? When we feel forgotten, disillusioned, or unsure if our faith is still intact? Most of us would rather skip the wilderness. But what if the desert isn't punishment—it's preparation? This week on Win Today, international recording artist Evan Craft joins us for a raw and honest conversation about faith in the silence, finding God in the dark night of the soul, and what it means to serve when no one applauds. Together, we confront the cynicism that creeps in when life feels unfair, the pressure to perform for spiritual approval, and the questions we rarely admit we're asking, especially when God doesn't move how we expected. If you've ever felt forgotten by God or frustrated with the silence, this episode is for you. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, and Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fear is not a moral failing. We live in a time when many suffer under its weight, and too often they are told their trembling is weakness, their hesitation is shame. Yet the truth is simpler, more human: fear comes to all of us. It rises when news breaks, when uncertainty stalks our steps, when something we cherish feels threatened. The real sign of character is not that we never fear, but how we act after it.I want you to picture this: a calm river, swift in its course, carrying a small flame upon its surface. The water could drown it, the current could snuff it out, yet the flame holds steady, riding the flow. That is courage as care. Not the absence of fear, but the presence of a steady light that moves through the world without being consumed.Naming Fear for What It IsFear comes roaring into our lives uninvited. It seizes the body before the mind has time to catch up. The pulse races, the breath shortens, the old instincts rise: fight, flight, or freeze. None of this makes you lesser. Fear is part of being alive.But if we stay only in that reaction, we become trapped. In this time of social cocoons and filter bubbles, fear is magnified. Social media teaches us to wall ourselves off, to curate only what feels safe, to harden our hearts against one another. Authenticity becomes manufactured, and cynicism spreads like poison. We mock what we love, sneer at tenderness, and call compassion “cringe.”The result is a culture that lives by fear's script. We let outrage gather the crowd while love stands forgotten in the corner. We repeat what frightens us, but we forget to defend what we actually cherish.From Reaction to ResponseNo one has ever frightened off a bear by cowering. Likewise, no society can withstand storms by shouting at the wind. Fear alone does not guide us; outrage alone does not sustain us. What matters is what comes after the fear.Courage begins with a shift: the move from passive to active, from consuming to creating. We start small, by saying no more. No more letting fear dictate my choices. No more pretending that despair is the only honest response. No more waiting for someone else to build the world I long for.Here, personal action is born. Journal it, pray it aloud, whisper it to the night sky: This is what I love. This is what I will defend. This is what I will build.Faith without works is dead, wrote James. Belief without action is empty breath. The spark of courage is to begin.The Path of VocationUnder empire, most are told they have only jobs, only functions in the machine. But deeper down, every soul holds a vocation, a calling, a longing, a true work. We know it in our bones even when we cannot yet name it.To face fear is not merely to endure; it is to turn toward this vocation. It may not come easy. It may require stripping away the false answers capitalism whispers: that joy comes from status, that meaning comes from consumption. True vocation is found not in profit but in passion, not in what you hate but in what you love.Write it out. Let the pages bear witness: what does a good life mean to me? What matters enough that I would build it even in a time of storm? Courage is not simply gritting your teeth against danger, it is care made visible.From Me to WeThe empire has convinced us we are alone. The so-called “me generation” was trained in isolation, told that each person's fate was their own burden to carry. But fear multiplies when it is locked in a single chest.Courage grows when we remember the we. It begins personally, but it does not end there. We don't need a savior from outside. We save us. It's not me or you, it's we.Collective action is the river that carries the flame. History shows it again and again: rights were won because people banded together, refused to be silent, and built new contracts of life together. From the Magna Carta to movements for civil rights, the story is the same. Courage is communal.What can this look like for us? It can be as simple as joining a group that aligns with your vision of good. It can be lending your voice, your art, your organizing, your cooking, your letters, your presence. Not everyone will write the pamphlet that sparks revolution, but each of us can be part of the chorus that keeps hope alive.Building Beyond CynicismYelling at the wind is not enough. We must plant shelters, build mutual aid, support the voices already speaking truth, defend the freedom of others to speak, and pour resources into the work that nourishes our communities.Cynicism is cheap fuel. It burns fast and leaves only ash. Love, by contrast, is renewable. It feeds us as we feed it. Outrage may rally a crowd for a moment, but only love builds a world that endures.Imagine again that river, swift and peaceful. Fear is the current, it will always run through life. But courage is the flame, steady on the water. Together we keep it alive.An InvitationSo here is the invitation:* Begin with yourself. Say no more to fear's reign. Claim what you love. Write it, pray it, act on it.* Step into your vocation. Let your life bear witness to what brings joy, healing, and meaning.* Then join the we. Plug into the movements already stirring, or build with others from the ground up. Let courage as care shape not just your choices but our common life.We live in a fearful time, yes. But we also live in a time when the One Life flows through us, binding us together like the waters of a single river. Courage is how we tend that life. Courage is how we care.The flame is in your hands. Place it on the river. Let it float. Let it carry you toward the world we are meant to make, together.Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you for Tips / Donations: * https://ko-fi.com/cedorsett * https://patreon.com/cedorsett * https://cash.app/$CreationsPaths* Substack: https://www.creationspaths.com/New to The Seraphic Grove learn more For Educational Resource: https://wisdomscry.com Social Connections: * BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/creationspaths.com * Threads https://www.threads.net/@creationspaths * Instagram https://www.instagram.com/creationspaths/#Christopagan #CreationSpirituality #ChristianWitch #Paganism #Esoteric #Magic #Druidry #Mysticism #Spirituality #Occult #WitchCraft #Wicca #IrishPaganism #CelticPaganism #Magick #Polytheism #Enchantment Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Alban Eilir00:15 Personal Connection to the Holiday01:12 Welsh Pronunciation Challenges02:20 Understanding the Spring Equinox05:23 The Significance of Angus and Songbirds09:25 Dreams, Transformation, and Ceridwen16:38 Eclipses and Liminal Spaces21:01 Hope and Resilience in Nature23:10 Celebrating the Equinox25:09 Closing Thoughts and Blessings Get full access to Creation's Paths at www.creationspaths.com/subscribe

A dance of thoughts and discussions in this eclipse about the dangers and disappointments that cynicism lead to. How it is counterintuitive to liberation and imagining. As always I'd love to know your thoughts @cexpod on Twitter @creativelyxposed on IG The article about ChatGPT https://futurism.com/chatgpt-m...

A guide to navigating “the rodeo of life”.   Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey is a husband and a father, an eternal optimist, a hopeful skeptic, and a man of faith who believes that we should all start sellin' Sunday morning like a Saturday night. His latest book is Poems and Prayers.   In this episode we talk about: What Matthew's prayer practice looks like How to figure out what your beliefs are  His relationship with doubt and humility  How to reframe your relationship with failure, risk, and embarrassment  Morning rituals and how to prepare for the day Sins, cynicism, and what to do when things get hard Matthew's take on the world Misconceptions of ‘good' and ‘evil' The difference between ‘hope' and ‘belief'  Why “belief is punk rock” And more Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel   On Sunday, September 21st from 1-5pm ET, join Dan and Leslie Booker at the New York Insight Meditation Center in NYC as they lead a workshop titled, "Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety." This event is both in-person and online. Sign up here!   Get ready for another Meditation Party at Omega Institute! This in-person workshop brings together Dan with his friends and meditation teachers, Sebene Selassie, Jeff Warren, and for the first time, Ofosu Jones-Quartey. The event runs October 24th-26th. Sign up and learn more here! To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris SPONSORS:Monarch Money: use code Happier at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. 

My guest is Dr. Christof Koch, PhD, a pioneering researcher on the topic of consciousness, an investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the chief scientist at the Tiny Blue Dot Foundation. We discuss the neuroscience of consciousness—how it arises in our brain, how it shapes our identity and how we can modify and expand it. Dr. Koch explains how we all experience life through a unique “perception box,” which holds our beliefs, our memories and thus our biases about reality. We discuss how human consciousness is changed by meditation, non-sleep deep rest, psychedelics, dreams and virtual reality. We also discuss neuroplasticity (rewiring the brain), flow states and the ever-changing but also persistent aspect of the “collective consciousness” of humanity. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AGZ by AG1: https://drinkagz.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman Helix: https://helixsleep.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (0:00) Christof Koch (2:31) Consciousness; Self, Flow States (8:02) NSDR, Yoga Nidra, Liminal States; State of Being, Intelligence vs Consciousness (13:14) Sponsors: BetterHelp & Our Place (15:53) Self, Derealization, Psychedelics; Selflessness & Flow States (19:53) Transformative Experience, VR, Racism & Self; Perception Box, Bayesian Model (28:29) Oliver Sacks, Empathy & Animals (34:01) Changing Outlook on Life, Tool: Belief & Agency (37:48) Sponsors: AGZ by AG1 & Helix Sleep (40:23) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) & Higher Power (42:09) Neurobiology of Consciousness; Accidents, Covert Consciousness (51:09) Non-Responsive State; Disability Bias, Will to Live, Resilience (55:34) Will to Live, Akinetic Mutism, Neural Correlates of Consciousness (57:43) Conflicting Perception Boxes, Meta Prior, Religion, AI (1:06:47) AI, Violence, Swapping Perception Boxes, Video (1:12:19) 5-MeO-DMT, Psychedelics, Light, Consciousness & Awe; Loss of Self (1:20:54) Death, Mystical Experience, Ocean Analogy; Physicalism & Observer (1:27:57) Sponsor: LMNT (1:29:29) Meditation, Tool: Spacetime Bridging; Ball-bearing Analogy; Digital Twin (1:36:16) Mental Health Decline, Social Media, Pandemic, Family & Play, Tool: Body-Awareness Exercises (1:41:34) Dog Breeds; Movement, Cognitive Flexibility & Longevity (1:47:17) Cynicism, Ketamine, Tool: Belief Effect; Heroes & Finding Flaws (1:52:46) Cynicism vs Curiosity, Compassion; Deaths of Despair, Mental Health Crisis (1:57:26) Jennifer Aniston, Recognition & Neurons; Grandmother Hypothesis (2:03:20) Book Recommendation; Meaning of Life (2:09:10) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Bryan Barley gives the church a word about being wary of cynicism in a growing church, and continues on our series working through Acts 11.

A talk to parents 

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Americans were taught to believe in blind justice, but scandal after scandal has stripped that belief bare. The Jeffrey Epstein case shattered whatever illusions remained, exposing a system that bent over backwards to shield a wealthy predator while silencing his victims. The secret deals, the protection from prosecutors, the suspicious death in federal custody—all of it confirmed what many had long suspected: the United States operates under a two-tiered justice system where money and connections outweigh truth and accountability.Epstein's scandal resonated more deeply than past betrayals because it involved the most vulnerable—children and young women—and still, justice was denied. It showed in stark terms that the law is not broken by accident but by design, functioning to protect elites while crushing the powerless. In doing so, it left Americans angry, disillusioned, and convinced that equal justice under the law is a myth. The lingering outrage is not just about Epstein—it is about the collapse of trust in the very institutions meant to defend fairness, a collapse that may take generations to repair, if it can be repaired at all.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

We can see a truer reality in God than we're feeling in our lives. Guest pastor Devin Deuell continues our summer series with a sermon from Psalm 145.

The absence of a coherent international response to the crises in Gaza and Ukraine has raised questions about what used to be called the international rules-based order. Does it still exist at all, or has the reality of raw military and economic power trumped every other consideration?Against that backdrop, what role, if any, does the United Nations have to play? And what is Ireland's role within the UN?On today's podcast Niall McCann, who recently left the United Nations Development Programme after more than a decade working throughout the UN system in positions in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, talks to Hugh about what he found at the UN, why it isn't working and how he thinks it should be reformed.He also explains why Ireland's standing within the UN is lower than is sometimes suggested. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a while since I hosted a long-form livestream on Nerds for Humanity. Between shorts, behind-the-scenes projects, and life's chaos, I hadn't sat down for a deep conversation in some time. That changed when I brought on two co-conspirators, Ram and Spidermang, both collaborators on our board game Nerds for Democracy. What started as a behind-the-scenes look at a passion project turned into a far-ranging and sobering discussion about U.S. politics, tariffs, debt, 2028 contenders, and the health of our democracy.This post is my attempt to distill that conversation into an essay for my fellow political junkies who couldn't make the livestream. What follows is analysis, commentary, and reflection, peppered with direct quotes from Ram and Spidermang. If you lean center-left and find yourself both fascinated and horrified by American politics, you'll find this read worthwhile.Part 1: From Board Game to Real PoliticsWe started with our board game, Nerds for Democracy. Ram, an AI researcher and avid game designer, recalled how our collaboration began:“I didn't realize Tom was such a politics aficionado. Once I realized that, I pulled out an old concept I had and we started working on it.”The game itself is designed around the absurd, chaotic, and unpredictable nature of American politics. Players collect “choice cards,” face “major events,” and debate topics that range from serious policy to whether pineapple belongs on pizza. Spidermang summed it up well:“The universal feedback was that everybody had fun. Even people not into politics found it accessible. It's a competition, stuff happens, you adapt, and you try to beat the other players.”What struck me in revisiting the design process was how much the game mirrored real politics. Unpredictable events. Media chaos. Shifting voter moods. And the constant need to adjust strategy. It was a fitting prelude to the heavier political conversation that followed.But more than a mirror, Nerds for Democracy is also an invitation. It's a way for friends and families to engage with politics without the toxicity that dominates our newsfeeds. Instead of doomscrolling, you sit around a table, roll dice, argue passionately over whether trucks are better than SUVs, and maybe sneak in a debate on universal basic income. Along the way, you laugh. You groan. You cheer. You conspire with your allies and plot against your rivals.Ram highlighted how laughter was a constant during playtesting:“I have not been in a single play test where people were not laughing out loud. That's the best part for me. People are enjoying playing the game.”That's no small feat. Politics has become a source of dread for so many Americans. To take that same subject and design a game that sparks joy, humor, and connection—it's something special. And it's why I'm so proud of this project.We deliberately designed mechanics to keep everyone involved, even if they fall behind. As Spidermang noted, a player in last place isn't doomed:“There are ways that they can influence and help another person win or sabotage the other person. That's personally my favorite part.”This makes Nerds for Democracy different from many strategy games where early mistakes doom you to irrelevance. Instead, it reflects the reality of politics, where underdogs can play kingmaker and longshots can surprise everyone. That dynamic keeps the game competitive and fun until the very end.The art and design also add a layer of charm. From humorous “breaking news” cards to realistic “major event” scenarios, every deck in the game balances playability with wit. One round you might be forced to respond to a cyberattack; the next, you're navigating a viral scandal about an unflattering beach photo. Sometimes you're boosted forward, other times set back. Just like real campaigns.We've poured countless hours into refining the mechanics, incorporating feedback, and testing with a wide range of players. The result? A game that entertains political junkies while staying approachable for people who normally avoid political conversations. As I said on the livestream, this crossover appeal was a pleasant surprise. It means the game works not just as a hobby for nerds like me, but as a bridge for families, classrooms, and friend groups looking for something new to play together.And here's the kicker: we're offering a limited Founders' Edition of the game. Not a mass-market cash grab, but a passion project produced in small batches. If you pick one up, you're not just buying a board game—you're joining the earliest circle of players who helped shape it, laughed through its debates, and maybe even get immortalized in future editions. This first print might well become a collector's item, the kind of quirky artifact you pull off the shelf years from now and say, “I was there when it started.”If that appeals to you, shoot me an email at tom[at]nerdsforhumanity.com. We'll make sure you get a copy while supplies last.Part 2: Tariffs and Trump's Economic TheaterRam pivoted us toward a topic he'd been thinking about—tariffs. His framing was simple but devastating:“Who exactly pays when a tariff is levied? It's us as consumers. The way this government has been brandishing tariffs like a sword… I don't know if it's achieving the objective. There's more chaos, more confusion, and not enough time for domestic production to ramp up.”He's right. Tariffs are, in essence, a tax on American consumers. Trump has sold them as a populist tool to punish China or Vietnam, but the costs hit Walmart shoppers in Ohio and Costco shoppers in California long before they hit foreign exporters.Spidermang cut through the economics with a blunt reminder of lived reality:“It's just hard enough to make ends meet at the end of the month as it is. It doesn't seem like anything is happening to benefit people on the low end of the earning spectrum.”The irony is rich. Trump won in 2016 in part by railing against elites and promising affordability. Yet his trade policies operate as hidden taxes on the very working-class families who form his political base.Part 3: The Deficit, the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,' and the Illusion of Fiscal ResponsibilityOur conversation naturally shifted to debt and deficits. Trump and his allies promised to run America like a business, but the numbers tell a different story. In just eight months of his second term, we've already added $1.6 trillion to the deficit. The so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” is projected to add $4 trillion to the national debt, pushing us toward $40 trillion total.Ram put it plainly:“Tariffs actually increase taxes through the back door. Even if you cut income taxes, you're taxing people on their purchases. Unless domestic production fills the gap, they don't help. And uncertainty breeds narratives that we're losing trustworthiness with trading partners, which causes long-term damage.”The lesson here is grim: Republicans talk about fiscal responsibility, but when given the chance, they balloon the deficit. Democrats talk about protecting working families, but they, too, shy away from serious budget discipline for fear of political backlash. Bill Clinton's late-90s balanced budget looks like a historical anomaly rather than a precedent.And voters? Most seem not to care. We punish politicians for cutting spending or raising taxes but shrug when they quietly run up the national credit card. It's political theater, not sound governance.Part 4: The 2028 Field—Hope, Cynicism, and UncertaintyWe couldn't resist peering ahead to 2028. Ram predicted that JD Vance is “probably the clear Republican choice.” On the Democratic side, he saw Gavin Newsom as a frontrunner, with Kamala Harris a possible but weak contender.Spidermang, ever the underdog supporter, reminded us:“I was a Dean Phillips supporter. I was an Andrew Yang supporter. Whoever I support in the future is probably going to be along the same caliber—the underdog.”I shared my own enthusiasm for West Moore and Pete Buttigieg. Both are young, articulate, military veterans, and could present a dynamic ticket. But the sobering reality is that American politics is not kind to nuance or competence. It rewards attention-seeking, grievance-fueled campaigning. Which is why Vance looms large.What stood out most in this segment was not who we favored, but how quickly we admitted that chaos could rewrite everything. As Ram said:“If eight months have resulted in this much chaos, who knows what's going to happen in the next two years.”Exactly. Predicting the 2028 field feels almost silly when we haven't yet absorbed the full consequences of Trump's second term.Part 5: The Fragility of DemocracyPerhaps the most sobering thread was the fear—voiced half-jokingly by one viewer—that “there might not even be an election.” We laughed, but not entirely. After all, few of us believed Trump would ever refuse to concede in 2020, yet January 6th happened.Ram acknowledged that unpredictability is itself a political weapon:“Uncertainty breeds narratives. It's damaging the U.S.'s trustworthiness with trade partners, and it could cause long-term damage. Whether tariffs give short-term benefit or not is debatable, but the long-term risk is real.”That comment about trade applies just as much to democracy itself. Constant chaos, norm-breaking, and institution-shaking erode trust not just abroad but at home. Each new outrage lowers the bar for the next one.Conclusion: Fun, Fear, and the Fight AheadWhat began as a conversation about a board game ended as a meditation on America's precarious future. The through-line was clear: politics is chaotic, unpredictable, and often absurd. Our game captures that in cardboard and dice. But real life is no game.Spidermang reminded us that despite the dysfunction, ordinary people still laugh, play, and hope:“The bottom line is that the game is fun, and people that play it—they're gonna like it.”That optimism is worth holding onto. But the sobering analysis remains: tariffs that hurt consumers, deficits that balloon, a political system allergic to honesty about trade-offs, and an electorate seduced by grievance over governance.If we want better, we'll have to demand better—from politicians, from parties, and from ourselves.And if you want to take a small step toward engaging with politics in a healthier way, consider picking up Nerds for Democracy. It's not just a game—it's a conversation starter, a teaching tool, and a reminder that even in chaotic times, we can laugh, connect, and imagine a better future together. Every Founders' Edition we ship out is a signal that people care about building community through dialogue and play. The more of you who join in, the more likely we are to produce future editions with expanded decks, refined mechanics, and even Easter eggs contributed by early supporters. So if you've ever wanted to combine your political nerdiness with some tabletop fun, now's the time.Support the ChannelIf you found this conversation valuable and want to support independent political analysis, please consider becoming a YouTube channel member. Your support helps cover operating costs like livestreaming software, editing, and hosting. Plus, members get a shout-out on every livestream.Thanks for reading, nerds.Bye nerds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdsforhumanity.substack.com

In this sermon we look at John 15 and talk about how the character of Christ is an antidote to the cynicism of our age.For more teaching, visit citizenscharlotte.com/teaching

Bob welcomes Nikita back to the Nonzero team ... WSJ's report on Trump's authoritarian drift ... Three levers: streets, media, education system ... Trump the businessman and Trump the politician ... Why Putin was compelling in 1999, when Russia was a young democracy ... Laws vs norms ... Trump and lawfare: how independent is the US judiciary? ... Partisanship among judges ... Trump's view of the world as a game ... Cynicism as a political brand ... Nikita: Putin and Trump share a geopolitical worldview ... The damage the US and Russia did to the international law ... The evolution of Putin's understanding of geopolitics ... Today's Overtime segment is open for everybody! ... The crisis of the nation-state & NonZero's community building project ... "Kremlin is not Russia": distinguishing between the nation and the state ... Bob: We all need a tribe ... What does it mean to be an American? ... Nikita's Armenian propaganda: A legitimate reason to be proud of your nation ...

8/28/25 7am CT Hour - Laura DeMaria/ Anthony D'Ambrosio John, Glen and Sarah *chat about Minneapolis church shooting and the reaction from Archbishop Hebda, Pope Leo and those closest effected. Laura asks whether being cynical can lead to sin or is it just a realistic way to look at the world. Anthony shares his personal journey to God and how it lead to the making of the Triumph of the Heart movie about St. Maximillian Kolbe.

Today's show:On an upbeat and optimistic new TWiST, Jason and Alex are debating why any new innovation or technology gets hit with a wave of bitter cynicism.PLUS Jason defends the government taking shares of Intel, explains the importance of interoperability, and predicts how AirBnB's Joe Gebbia will upgrade the US government's website design.All that PLUS thoughts on the Netskope IPO, Perplexity offering publishers actual revenue share, a deep dive on the new AI-based PAC, thoughts on open-source LLMs, and much much much more.Timestamps:(0:00) Cynicism vs. Optimism and why Jason thinks cynics go after any interesting new technology(10:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(11:04) Show Continues…(14:37) Why Jason supports the Intel deal but worries it will become a trend(20:46) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.(22:00) Show Continues…(27:02) Is it hypocritical to oppose socialist grocery stores but support the Intel deal? Jason says NO.(29:41) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(30:58) What does xAI hope to get out of this OpenAI/Apple lawsuit? Jason and Alex theorize…(39:12) Why Jason thinks interoperability is so important and how App Stores OUGHT to work(41:12) How AirBnB's Joe Gebbia could potentially upgrade the US government's websites(49:27) What does Netskope do exactly? SASE?! Producer Claude explains…(58:32) Alex and Jason celebrate Perplexity rev sharing with publishers(01:10:02) Jason's thoughts on the Leading the Future PAC, and US AI policySubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist(20:46) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist.(29:41) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Have you ever found yourself afraid to feel joy - worried that if you celebrate, the other shoe will inevitably drop? So many of us quietly hold joy at arm's length. We tell ourselves it's safer not to get our hopes up than to risk being let down again. What if joy isn't a fleeting feeling for the lucky few, but a courageous practice we can all learn? Dr Alison sits down with therapist and author Nicole Zasowski to talk about her journey of choosing joy in the face of loss. Nicole shares how she discovered that joy can be the most vulnerable emotion of all - and why learning to celebrate is one of the most important practices we can cultivate in our lives. Together, you'll learn: The surprising reason joy can feel harder than grief or disappointment The difference between toxic positivity and true, grounded joy Why pessimism and cynicism are really forms of control Practical ways to retrain your mind to savor what's good—even in difficult seasons What Scripture and neuroscience teach us about joy

Regardless of what level of leader we are, from neophyte to legend, there are four attributes which we need to master and keep remastering, because business never sleeps.  There are leaders who are busy, busy working in their business and then there are those who make the time to work on their business.  The biggest component of working on their business should be working on themselves.  This however tends to be neglected.  We graduate from varsity, learn on the job, maybe we can lob in an executive education week, at a flash, brand name business school, but the day to day consumes us.  Before you know it, the last serious work on yourself as a leader was many, many years ago.  Often all you have to show for the passage of time is a thinning hairline or more grey (or both), a more generous waistline and higher blood pressure. Leadership as a discipline requires constant study.  We need people to work longer, so the generations in the workplace have increased up to five for the first time in history.  Younger people grow up digital natives, seem terrified of the phone in many cases and often lack sufficient interpersonal skills, because they spend all their time staring at screens.  In Japan's case formal leadership education is rare because most firms don't invest and default to the OJT (On The Job) training model. A few generations of this and the wheels fall off.  Covid forcing leaders to operate in a remote online environment, exposed the weaknesses in the leadership cohort education systems.  Many of our clients contacted us to get to work to fix the issues. The areas of greatest weakness tend to be: (A) poor time management, especially not having a rock solid system for prioritising time usage and then having discipline to spend their time working on only the most important items, when they are at their freshest. (B) Delegation of tasks, so that the boss can work on the highest value items that only the boss can do.  Delegation tends to be a fertile training ground for subordinates, to prepare them to step up and take accountability at a higher level.  Bosses who hoard work, because they don't know how to delegate properly are denying their staff the opportunity to grow.  (C) Coaching is one of those high value tasks which is always sanctified but little practiced.  Bosses confuse barking out orders like a mad pirate captain with coaching.  When we shadow bosses and at the end of the day show them how many actual minutes they spent coaching their staff, they are universally aghast at how little time they are investing in their people. Selling is a boss job for both internal and external audiences.  Some bosses though, mistake spruiking for selling.  Sales is mainly listening to the answers to supremely well crafted questions. The remainder of the time is spent asking follow up questions and introducing solutions.  Bosses need to sell their vision and direction for the company to the team, stakeholders and the shareholders.  If the boss has come up through the sales track, then there is a hope that they can do this well.  If they are technical people, who have come to occupy the hot seat, this idea may be foreign, even repugnant to them.  Nevertheless, bosses not only have to be able to sell, they have to master all of the medium touchpoints which now populate our business universe.  Communication skills maketh the leader today.  Bosses have to be able to compose and deliver messages, all the while being paragons of clarity and conciseness.  This is the Age of Distraction and the Era of Cynicism, so the task to get our message across has become unbearably complex and difficult.  Staff are time poor, constantly minimising everything, swimming against the daily tsunami of emails and tramping from one meeting to the next.  They are often not devoting the right amount of time to digest the boss's messages. The related skill here is giving presentations.  In this modern era, a boss who cannot give a sterling presentation won't be boss much longer or won't rise above their current station.  There are best practices for delivering presentations and a boss who doesn't know them is defective.  I was astounded to witness a gaggle of executives give two minute talks on why they should be elected by their peers to executive council positions.  These were captains of industry in charge of brand name firms with large numbers of people and significant revenues.  They were shockers.  How could that be?  They obviously hadn't received any training on how to present and it embarrassingly it was obvious to all. The modern boss has to be a multi-tasking wizard, waving magic wands across leadership, sales, communications and presentation skills.  This is not an opt in function or a nice to have.  We are speaking of necessities here, because if your rival has the full package and you don't, they will win and you will lose.  We don't want that do we!  

When we pray, expect something to happen!

In this conversation, Professor Nick Chater discusses the concept of a 'flat mind' and how it relates to our understanding of decision-making, storytelling, language, and the nature of human thought.Chapters00:00 The Concept of a Flat Mind02:55 Improvisation in a Complex World05:23 The Shift from Depth to Flatness08:17 The Nature of Human Decision Making11:11 The Role of Storytelling in Identity13:58 Navigating the Complexity of Life16:29 Reinterpreting Negative Patterns19:22 The Balance of Agency and Randomness22:19 Cynicism vs. Optimism in Human Nature25:10 Free Will and Practical Decision Making27:28 Exploring the Nature of Free Will29:50 Chomsky, Language and Its Complexities36:23 Challenging Chomsky: A New Perspective on Language37:09 AI and the Quest for Artificial General Intelligence45:01 The Intersection of AI and Human CreativityGrab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life -⁠⁠ https://a.co/d/aDYCQ9oJoin this channel to get access to exclusive perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Connect With Me //ORDER MY BOOK, THE TIME IS NOW: A GUIDE TO HONOR YOUR TIME ON EARTH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.timeisnowbook.comWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠https://throughconversations.com⁠⁠Substack - https://throughconversations.substack.comYouTube community -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g/join// Social //X: ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ThruConvPodcast⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/thruconvpodcast/?hl=en⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠https:⁠//www.youtube.com/channel/UCl67XqJVdVtBqiCWahS776g

BLIND SPOTS | CYNICISM: HOW DID I GET SO JADED? LANCE WATSON | AUGUST 10, 2025Support the showVisit our Online Campus at Online.timberlakechurch.com, which is live Sundays 9, 10:15, & 11:30am.-If you would like to partner with Timberlake and want to support our mission to spread the love of Jesus to the world, please visit https://www.timberlakechurch.com/giveonline to set up a one-time or recurring gift. You can also text “Timberlake" to 77977.- | IOS app link | | Android app link |

https://www.builtonethereum.network/ https://x.com/petheth Timestamps-  00:00 - Introduction to the GreenPill.Network Podcast 01:03 - Launching the Documentary: Built on Ethereum 02:22 - Exploring the Use Cases of Ethereum 05:39 - Real-World Impact of Crypto in Developing Countries 06:59 - Inspiring the Disillusioned: A Call to Action 10:27 - The Balance of Cynicism and Hope in Crypto 12:05 - Future Projects and the Meta Media Production Company 14:25 - About Argentina on Chain initiative 16:26 - Closing remark

On this episode of This vs. That, we talk with Dr. Nate Brooks about navigating the tension between honesty and cynicism when dealing with chronic illness. We discuss how the church often struggles to address the realities of chronic pain in authentic ways, sometimes offering shallow platitudes rather than genuine understanding. Dr. Brooks, an associate professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and founder of Courage Christian Counseling, shares insights from his book "Disrupted Journey" and his personal experience walking alongside his wife through chronic illness.We explore what makes questioning faithful versus unfaithful, how to express raw emotions without sliding into nihilism, and the challenging process of renegotiating relationships when chronic illness changes everything. Dr. Brooks offers a fascinating framework of "key card access levels" for understanding how different relationships can handle different levels of vulnerability during difficult seasons.----Unlock your leadership potential with the Women in Leadership Cohort—an empowering 8‑week online program designed for women ready to lead with confidence. Experience weekly leadership training, mentorship, and counselor‑led small groups in a supportive community of driven women. Step into your calling, strengthen your skills, and connect with like‑minded leaders.For more information visit anchoredvirtual.com/womens-cohort----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

It's easy to get cynical—about people, the church, even God. In this episode, we talk honestly about where that cynicism comes from and how it shows up in our lives. But we also explore how to keep our hearts soft, hold on to hope, and move toward something better.Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Children's Creativity StudyPhilip's Blog Post: Shame⁠All The Buried Women Podcast⁠Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison BarrSurprised by Hope by NT Wright

Despite the fierce efforts of skeptics to dismiss the supernatural, a persistent truth emerges: countless ordinary people continue to report chilling encounters with the unknown. In this episode, we explore unsettling tales of crisis apparitions, haunted landscapes, and bizarre energies that seem to seep through the fabric of our everyday world. From phantom hands that grope in the darkness to strange portals opening in suburban homes, the phenomena refuse to be ignored. We also delve into the enduring work of psychical researchers and examine the patterns behind these mysterious intrusions into normal life. Then, for our Plus+ Members, we uncover the strange histories of lightning strike survivors, individuals who not only lived through multiple bolts from the blue but were forever changed. Some report heightened sensitivities and psychic perceptions, while others bear physical anomalies, including one man who developed an inexplicable religious image etched into his back, a mark science has yet to explain. Strange: Paranormal Realities in the Everyday World Strange Portals Spontaneously Appearing in the Home Personal Experiences of Apparitions and Related Phenomena Crisis Apparitions, What Are They? About the Society for Psychical Research The Hairy Hands – Haunted Devon Ghosts: Haunted houses, caveman ghosts and confusing rules Ghostly Travel: New Walls And Otherworldly Passages Mysterious Disappearing Phantom Houses Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions: Science, Paranormal, and the Unexplainable Transformed by Lightning: Real‑Life Stories Isle of Weired The Shocking Tale of Abbott Parker Hubert's Last Dime Museum in the Old Times Square Zapped by the Spirit – Betty Biggers & Galvano Commitment, Jail & ChatGPT Psychosis LinksPlus+ ExtensionThe extension of the show is EXCLUSIVE to Plus+ Members. To join, click HERE. 00:00 - Intro to Mysterious Universe Season 34, Episode 5 00:13 - Episode Preview and Hosts Introduction 00:24 - The Lightning Rod: Cleveland Sullivan's Seven Strikes 01:10 - Lightning's Lasting Impact: Life-Destroying Effects 02:42 - Debunking Myths: Lightning Survivors' Struggles 04:08 - Supernormal Abilities: Rare Lightning Miracles 05:25 - Predatory Phenomena: Clouds and Intelligent Orbs 07:28 - Strange Paranormal Realities: Book Overview 09:09 - Cynicism vs. Paranormal: The Skeptic's Dilemma 11:22 - Personal Stories: Everyday Paranormal Encounters 13:15 - Skeptics at Lectures: Confronting Paranormal Evidence 15:30 - X-Files Reboot Discussion 16:29 - Crop Circles: Transformative Paranormal Experiences 18:42 - Paranormal Top 10: Ghosts, UFOs, and Creatures 20:23 - Ghostly Children in Trailer Parks 23:12 - Sentient Ghosts: The Queen Mary Encounter 25:00 - Poltergeist Activity at Arthur Conan Doyle Centre 26:59 - Crisis Apparitions: Visits at the Moment of Death 28:31 - Awkward Relatives: Ghosts of Ex-Husbands 30:01 - Spectral Faces and Hands: Recurring Phenomena 46:24 - Haunted Beams: Victorian Ghosts in Modern Homes 47:36 - Ghostly Smoke: Addicted Spirits Lingering 48:40 - Astral Travel Dangers: Dark Souls and Attachments 49:10 - Haunted Chimneys: Ghostly Smoke Manifestations 51:37 - Sentient Wall Walkers: Ghosts Acknowledging Witnesses 55:50 - Roman Soldiers and Time Slips: Historical Hauntings 57:13 - Interactive Ghosts: Library Spirits Helping Patrons 01:02:11 - Hospital Hauntings: Ghostly Figures Comforting Patients 01:03:29 - Book Review: Five Smoking Chimneys for Strange Realities 01:04:15 - Malevolent Hands: Terrifying Hotel Encounters 01:10:02 - Portals in Homes: Hands from Other Dimensions 01:11:49 - UFO Obsession: Alien Arms Through Rifts 01:13:22 - Outro and Plus Extension Preview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Rolling, Co-Founder of the MurMur Project, joins Deepak Puri, CEO of The Democracy Labs, to discuss how individuals can engage more effectively through digital communication and social media, gaining a deeper understanding of political issues, campaigns, and elections, and have their own voices heard. Brian has a background in filmmaking and content creation, while his mother and co-founder has a long history in community organizing and running non-profits, making them a unique team to navigate the current political landscape. Deepak and Brian talk about: Overcoming cynicism and the lack of trust in traditional media Reasons to encourage more people to share information with friends and family Value of trusted sources of authentic information   Available tools and guidance for people to create and share content on social media Calls to action for 2026                        #TheDemLabs #AmericansUnitedforSeparationofChurchandState #AU #SeparationofChurchandState #JohnsonAmendment MurMur Impact Project Substack TheDemLabs.org  

Do you consider yourself a skeptical person? Ya know do you approach life with 'glass half-empty' attitude? Are you always waiting for the other shoe to drop? In this program, guest teacher Jennie Allen shares why this mindset is actually very toxic to our thought life. She'll reveal just how pervasive cynicism is, and the ways it steals our joy. Don't miss how to change your way of thinking.Am I cynical? - Ask yourself these questions:Do I get annoyed when people are optimistic?When someone is nice to me, do I wonder what that person wants?Do I constantly feel misunderstood?• When things are going well am I waiting for something to go wrong?Do I quickly notice people's flaws or faults?Do I worry about getting taken advantage of?Am I guarded when I meet someone new?Do I wonder sometimes why people just can't get it together?Am I sarcastic?Cynicism – is the idea that we're looking for the bad to keep the bad from hurting us.The antidote for cynicism:Be careful with what you feed your soul.Choose friends that are life-giving.Delight in God's creation.Believe in the good.Broadcast ResourceDownload Free MP3Message NotesGet Out Of Your Head BookAdditional MentionsJennie Allen's Free Book Club KitConnect888-333-6003WebsiteChip Ingram AppInstagramFacebookTwitterPartner With UsDonate Online888-333-6003About Jennie Allen: Jennie Allen is the founder and visionary behind IF: Gathering and she is the author of several books and study guides, including Restless, Anything, and Nothing to Prove. She is a passionate leader following God's call on her life to catalyze a generation of women to live what they believe. Jennie has a master's in Biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Zac and their four children.

In this episode, Ted reads a chapter from his book The Ultimate Guide to Letting Go of Negative and Fear and Loving Life. (available on Amazon.com) Who are the Mental Mischief Makers? Negativity, Resignation, Cynicism, and Despair to name a few. Once you let them into the house of your mind, they are hard to get rid of and will create trouble while keeping you from your goals, dreams, and desires. Chance are they are already in your house! Time to throw them out and make room for Possibility, Hope and Courage! Ted gives some ideas on how to do that. TedinYourHead.com

Embark on an adventure to discover what truly matters in life. This simple book and program uses visual metaphors and a progressive journey to guide you through the most important aspects of developing gratitude in your life, as well as reconnecting to the source of that gratitude, which is God. By offering actionable, detailed guidance along with practical resources, this easy read provides not only an insightful experience into the timeless things - but support for a new way to live.To get more information on this program or listen ad-free, go to: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.danceoflife.com/subscribe

We talk cynics, sceptics and assorted doubters. What is it that pushes us towards cynicism? How can we remain open to the possibilities of prayer? Does anyone still play the prophetic bongos? And most importantly, what's happening with Nick's apricots? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page Nick's Blog

When headlines fuel distrust in government and disruption feels more chaotic than constructive, how do we hold onto hope—and channel it into real reform?This week on Anchor Change, I talk with Jen Pahlka—founder of Code for America, author of Recoding America, and former U.S. Deputy CTO—about what it means to not just criticize the system, but to fix it. We dive into:* Why public servants feel both unseen and indispensable—and how her truth-telling book changed that* How AI could help cut through procedural bloat and modernize government services* What too many reformers get wrong about "disruption"* The real story behind the U.S. Digital Service and what it taught her about policy vs. implementation* Her hopeful message for those disillusioned by recent political changesFrom the importance of how things get done to the promise (and risk) of AI in the public sector, this conversation is a reminder that real change takes time, courage—and clarity.

How to turn doubt and suspicion into hopefulness and trust.There's a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another.Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab, and author of several books, including his most recent, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. While many people feel suspicious of others and are reluctant to trust them, Zaki finds that relying on other people is a necessary part of forming relationships.“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed,” Zaki says. “The only way that strangers become friends and friends become best friends, the only way that we can build partnerships is through a willingness to count on one another.”In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zaki joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss practical strategies for fostering trust and challenging our cynical assumptions, offering a hopeful perspective on human nature, backed by surprising scientific insights.Episode Reference Links:Jamil ZakiJamil's Lab: Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab Jamil's Book: Hope for CynicsEp.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define UsEp.129 Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:26) - Defining Trust and Its Importance (04:17) - Building Better Trust (05:48) - Understanding Cynicism (08:10) - The Cynicism Spectrum (10:30) - Fostering Hopeful Skepticism (12:44) - Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism (14:36) - Positive Gossip and Positive Noticing (17:34) - Self-Fulfilling Prophecies (20:30) - The Final Three Questions (29:16) - Conclusion  ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

(Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) It is easy to start, but it is hard to finish. Why do many people start life optimistically but end it pessimistically? Is it possible to maintain holy enthusiasm?  (09142250612)  Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

This week, I talk to business strategist Abbi Miller about navigating pivots in both personal and professional life. Abbi was on the podcast five years ago, and her perspective on time management, which she calls Time Pessimism, is a concept I've found helpful ever since. Since then, much has changed for her both personally and collectively (including becoming a mom). In this episode, we catch up on everything she's learned since then, including how to work with the muse when it strikes and how she sets up systems to support that flow. We also discuss how to deal with cynicism and find ambition again, and her strategies for effective quarterly goal-setting. Plus, Abbi gets me to open up about some of my own career changes and how I've been navigating them within my life. And you can hear me talk about it more on her show, where she had me on as a guest too. Show notes:- Abbi's Workwomb Instagram | Podcast- Free 30-min consult with Abbi to chat about working together- My Substack | IG: @letitouttt + @katiedalebout- Zine shop is here! - My Creative Clinic If you liked this episode, try out from the archive:In Abbi's previous episode, we covered her pivot from full-time work to freelancing, navigating burnout, and the importance of support in both business and personal life.

My guest is Tom Segura, renowned comedian, writer, actor and director. We discuss the “how-to” of comedy writing and storytelling, and what the science of humor and the creative process reveal about human emotion and memory. We explore why surprise and the act of "saying the unspoken truth" activate the brain's reward circuits, as well as the subconscious mechanisms that shape our sense of what is funny. The episode also examines the bi-directional influence between comedy and cultural standards. It will interest anyone curious about the science of humor, the art of performance and emotional contagion. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Maui Nui: https://mauinuivenison.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/huberman Function Health: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Tom Segura 00:01:45 Family, Sports, Running 00:09:35 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Helix Sleep 00:12:37 Ideas, Running, Sleep & Brain, Tools: Exercise for Energy; Phone Outside Room 00:20:16 Capturing Ideas, Cannabis, Storytelling, Experimentation 00:27:28 Ideas & Set List, Performance 00:31:52 Wife, Jokes, Reframing Content; Cancel Culture, Audience Reaction 00:40:56 Jokes, Self & Amusement; Evolution & New Material 00:48:26 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein 00:51:24 Surprise, Hidden Thoughts; Acting 00:59:02 Voice Impersonation, Kids, Strength Training, Activities 01:05:40 Repeating Jokes; State Changes, Crowds & Energy 01:13:11 Silly Mindset; Audience, Emotional Contagion; Humor & Subconscious Mind 01:27:44 Sponsor: Function 01:29:32 Crowd Work, Comedy Clubs; Original Comedy 01:38:13 Comedy & Social Context; Dark Comedy 01:47:51 Drugs, Overdose, Comedian Deaths, Mental Health; Cynicism, Hope 01:54:21 Audience, Twin Comics; Vulnerability; Stand-Up & Performance 02:01:49 Comedy & Passion, Complaints; Childhood Struggle, Insecurities, Therapy 02:10:53 “Bad Thoughts” Show, Upcoming Projects 02:14:44 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures