Podcast appearances and mentions of Dan Brown

It was such a joy to be able to actually interview one of my very favorite authors Lynne Mctaggart Lynne McTaggart is an award-winning journalist and the author of seven books, including the worldwide international bestsellers The Power of Eight, The Field, The Intention Experiment and The Bond, all considered seminal books of the New Science and now translated into some 30 languages. Over the year's Lynne's been called a ‘metaphysical rock star', ‘the Madonna of the Quantum World,' ‘the Malcolm Gladwell of the New Science' and even ‘The Dalai Mama.' She's consistently voted one of the world's top 100 spiritual leaders for her ground-breaking work with consciousness and the power of intention. Lynne is known for the quality of her writing and in-depth research, her inspirational speaking style and her uncompromising role as New Thought leader and spiritual change agent. Lynne regularly gets standing ovations from her worldwide audiences for speeches and workshops she's held in most continents around the world, from Hawaii to Kuwait and Kuala Lumpur.Thousands of people working with Lynne report ecstatic, transcendent experiences, personal healings and dramatic long-term life changes. She's also architect of the Intention Experiment, a global ‘laboratory' involving thousands of readers around the world testing the power of group thoughts to heal the world. Lynne, her book and the web-based experiment were prominently featured in Dan Brown's book The Lost Symbol, and Brown even created a character partly based on her. You can learn more about Lynne and the course she offers at her websitehttps://lynnemctaggart.com Buy My Art - Unique Sigil Magic and Energy Activation Through Flow Art and Voyages Through Space and Imagination. https://www.newearth.art/ The New Earth Activation trainings - Immerse yourself in 12 hours of content focused on the new earth with channeling, meditations, advanced training and access to the new earth https://realityrevolutioncon.com/newearth Alternate Universe Reality Activation  get full access to new meditations, new lectures, recordings from the reality con and the 90 day AURA meditation schedulehttps://realityrevolutionlive.com/aura45338118 BUY MY BOOK! https://www.amazon.com/Reality-Revolution-Mind-Blowing-Movement-Hack/dp/154450618X/ Listen to my book on audible https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Reality-Revolution-Audiobook/B087LV1R5V Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/The-Reality-Revolution-Podcast-Hosted-By-Brian-Scott-102555575116999 Join our Facebook group The Reality Revolution https://www.facebook.com/groups/523814491927119 Contact us at media@advancedsuccessinstitute.com For all episodes of the Reality Revolution – https://www.therealityrevolution.com Follow Us on Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/TheRealityRevolution/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_reality_revolution/ Follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/mediaprime Follow me on MeWe https://mewe.com/i/brianscott71 All My Interviews -- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv1KCSKwOo_Y78_zt_zv9TI1AGx-WimT All my Audiobooks - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKv1KCSKwOo-ArT_9WQ-SrKaEP7VgIPb5 #intention #transformation #consciousness

In this episode of Film Stories with Simon Brew, a pair of hit movies, with a religious edge to each.Filmmaker M Night Shyamalan admitted he came to Signs off the back of the mixed response to his previous film, Unbreakable. He came up with a project initially for an older actor, that blended two key ideas - and the bidding war in Hollywood for the film was a swift one.There was a bidding war too for the screen rights to Dan Brown's extraordinarily successful book, The Da Vinci Code. At first, there was a chance it could go to TV, but $6m of Sony's money did the job - and a whole lot of controversy was just around the corner...Find Simon on Twitter at @simonbrew, and the podcast can be found at @filmstoriesSupport this podcast: www.patreon.com/simonbrew.Find our print magazines at store.filmstories.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From a Jewish Pope to a woman Pope, we are hearing all about the legendary popes from author Daniel Lavery. We talk about “The Rule of Harlots”, Dan Brown novels, and we pitch a production of a Young Pope Sheldon TV show.    Content Warning: This episode contains conversations about or mentions of religious persecution, antisemitism, homophobia, kidnapping, death, childbirth, misogyny, hanging, suicide, gore/body horror, illness, genitalia, transphobia,    Guest Daniel Lavery is the cofounder of The Toast and the author of Something That May Shock and Discredit You.   Housekeeping - Recommendation: This week, Amanda recommends Small Game by Blair Braverman. - Books: Check out our previous book recommendations, guests' books, and more at spiritspodcast.com/books - Call to Action: Check out the MultiCrew! This is our membership program that lets you help us invest in Multitude as we try weird new stuff. Plus, you get a members-only weekly podcast: Head Heart Gut, our weekly friendly debate show. Join for as little as $5 a month at multicrew.club and get access to Head Heart Gut!   Sponsors - ThirdLove is on a mission to find a perfect bra for everyone. Get 20% off your first order at thirdlove.com/spirits. - BetterHelp is a secure online counseling service. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/spirits - Tab for a Cause, where you can raise money for charity while browsing the web! Join team Spirits at tabforacause.org/spirits   Find Us Online If you like Spirits, help us grow by spreading the word! Follow us @SpiritsPodcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads. You can support us on Patreon (http://patreon.com/spiritspodcast) to unlock bonus Your Urban Legends episodes, director's commentaries, custom recipe cards, and so much more. We also have lists of our book recommendations and previous guests' books at http://spiritspodcast.com/books. Transcripts are available at http://spiritspodcast.com/episodes. To buy merch, hear us on other podcasts, contact us, find our mailing address, or download our press kit, head on over to http://spiritspodcast.com.   About Us Spirits was created by Julia Schifini, Amanda McLoughlin and Eric Schneider. We are founding members of Multitude, an independent podcast collective and production studio. Our music is "Danger Storm" by Kevin MacLeod (http://incompetech.com), licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0.

This podcast covers New Girl Season 3, Episode 19, Fired Up, which originally aired on March 11, 2014 and was written by Sophia Lear and directed by Steve Welch. Here's a quick recap of the episode:Jess gets Coach a job at her school as the volleyball coach, but then has to fire him. Schmidt gets sued so Nick and Winston pose as his lawyers while Cece meets a new, younger guy. We discuss Pop Culture References such as:Winston shared “he can't enough of this legal drama” and shared his favorite author was John Grisham and favorite TV show was Judging Amy. John Grisham Judging AmyAdditional Pop Culture References such as:When Schmidt is reviewing where his stuff should go, the following were shared: Ian Schrager Rug - Schmidt didn't want this rug in a room without climate control. Ian Schrager is an American entrepreneur, hotelier and real estate developer, credited for co-creating the "boutique hotel" category of accommodation. ​​In his hotels, Schrager understood the importance of a place's appearance and energy. As part of Schrager's larger organization, the Ian Schrager Group, they would commission rugs and carpets for their hotels to create the atmosphere. Star Wars - Nick didn't know who Ian Schrager was and thought he was “the guy in Star Wars”. Nick may have been confusing Ian Schrager with Ewen McGregor who starred in the Star Wars movies Episode 1, 2, and 3. Star Wars is an American epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas and  is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time. The franchise has been expanded into various films and other media, including television series, video games, novels, comic books, theme park attractions, and themed areas, comprising an all-encompassing fictional universe.Kristi Yamaguchi - Dr. Foster shared how he's into Asian women like Kristi Yamaguchi. Kristine “Kristi” Yamaguchi is an American former figure skater. In ladies' singles, Kristi is the 1992 Olympic champion, a two-time World champion, and the 1992 U.S. champion. In 1992, she became the first Asian American woman to win the gold medal in a Winter Olympic competition.The Da Vinci Code - One of the teachers yelled to burn all the books in the library except for The Da Vinci Code, which is a 2003 mystery thriller novel by Dan Brown. The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu after a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris causes them to become involved in a battle between the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei over the possibility of Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene having had a child together. The novel is a worldwide bestseller that sold 80 million copies as of 2009 and has been translated into 44 languages. The book was also adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks in 2006. We also cover when Schmidt and Nick are arguing about the “caboose of life” as our “Schmidtism” in this episode. For “Not in the 2020s” we discuss Dr. Foster's comments about being exclusively into asian women and Mike saying he had “quite an eye for young boys”. In our “Yes in the 2020s” we discuss Jess standing up to keep Coach's job. We also give a brief look into Matt Price (Bill Berklan), Lauri Johnson (Stenographer), and Rob Kerkovich (Tim), the guest stars we feature in this episode.Also in this episode were the following guest stars who we do not discuss in the podcast: Ben Falcone (Mike - Previously Discussed in S3E13), Curtis Armstrong (Principal Foster - Previously Discussed in S2E24), Brian Posehn (Biology Teacher - Previously Discussed in S3E11), James Frecheville (Buster), Matt Fusfeld (Douchey Guy), Helen Hong (Teacher), Kim Yarbrough (Another Teacher), Michelle N. Carter (Yet Another Teacher), and Jayce Dempsey (Rakim).Also in this podcast, we note the discrepancy between Jess telling Nick in “Double Date” that she was good at volleyball but doesn't hit one ball correctly in this episode. Additionally, we reference this article that came out in 2014 discussing the writer's take on how they framed Coach vs. Winston. We did not find the bear this episode.While not discussed in the podcast, we noted other references in this episode when:Buster is trying to prove that he's from Wyoming, but he mentions the following references to Wyoming and other states in the US:Cowboy State - Wyoming is called the Cowboy State as it is known for its rodeo, the town where Hemingway spent time living and writing, and the inspiration for the series Longmire.Big Sky Country - Big Sky Country is another name for Montana which is known for its mountains, lakes, and wide-open country. The name refers to the abundance of wide-open spaces and skies without a horizon.Home of the Liberty Bell - The Liberty Bell, which is a symbol of freedom,  is located in Pennsylvania in the Independence Hall. This episode got an 8/10 rating from Kritika whose favorite character was Winston and Kelly rated this episode a 7.5/10 and her favorite character was Coach!Thanks for listening and stay tuned for Episode 20!Music: "Hotshot” by scottholmesmusic.comFollow us on Twitter, Instagram or email us at whosthatgirlpod@gmail.com!Website: https://smallscreenchatter.com/

I recently read a pair of books by Arkady Martine, a writer who is new to Science Fiction. A Memory Called Empire (2019) and A Desolation Called Peace (2021), each won the Hugo Award for Best Novel.I like Arkady Martine and I like her books. She is an extraordinary storyteller.But she is not yet a great writer.That was not intended as an insult. Dan Brown sold a staggering number of The DaVinci Code, but he is not yet a great writer, either. We tend to read the book of a great storyteller only once. Knowing the story, the magic is gone. This is why every thrift shop in the world is stacked with countless copies of 50 Shades of Gray and The DaVinci Code.But we read the works of great writers again and again. A great writer could write an instruction manual and make it captivating.Literary evaluation is wildly subjective, of course, so I owe an explanation to Arkady Martine and to you.I never read borrowed books because I intend to circle passages and make notes in the margins along the way. To deface my own books with circles and notes is a sign of respect for the author, but for me to deface the book of a friend would not be a sign of respect.I will not finish a book if the author is not a great storyteller. I will not circle any passages if the author is a not a great writer.The hope of every great storyteller should be to also become a great writer. To win the Pulitzer Prize or the Nobel Prize in literature, you have to be both.John Steinbeck was both.J.R.R. Tolkien was both.Tom Robbins is both.Bill Bryson is both.Barbara Kingsolver is both.I am currently on page 26 of Barbara Kingsolver's 546-page novel, Demon Copperhead,* and I have already circled 10 passages. Indy will transcribe those passages into the rabbit hole when I have completed the book. (The Random Quotes database is now 6,108 quotes and climbing. – Indy)The stories that comprise One Thousand and One Nights were compiled a thousand years ago. In one of those stories, Prince Husain travels to Bisnagar and buys a magic carpet. Do not let Disney mislead you. Husain's carpet is not a ‘flying' carpet that rides the air like a raptor. His magic carpet is like a good book. All you have to do is decide where you want to be, sit down, and you are there.Good writing engages all your senses as it moves you to another place, another time, another life.You are at a spongey 100-year-old seaside resort favored by the idle rich in the tropical south.“The air was heavy with oleander and sea mist colliding with mold and wood polish and hotel soap and the metallic vapor of Diet Coke and the alcoholic ferment of generations of cougars in Chanel No. 5.”– Olivia NuzziYou are now in the brittle north.“It's FREEZING cold; like the air is made of broken glass. Our English cold is all roly-poly snowmen and ‘woo-hoo! it's a snow day!' a hey-there friendly kind of cold. But this cold is mean…”“It's getting so hard to breathe, my lungs are filling up with ants and there isn't room for air any more. There's a monster made of cold, hard as the edge of a pavement, coming towards us in the dark and it's cutting through the windscreen and doors and windows and the only weapon against it is heat, but we don't have any heat.”“…she felt it now as vastly, cruelly impersonal; a frozen darkness absorbing you into itself. She felt it filling her hollow spaces, embedding itself as icy marrow in her bones and then consciousness seeped away from her into the Arctic blackness.”– Rosamund LuptonYou stood in the rain sixty-five miles north of Seattle.“And it rained a sickness. And it rained a fear. And it rained an odor. And it...

Welcome to Episode 15 of Thrillers by the Bookclub Podcast! Join your hosts Chelsea and Olivia as we talk about the latest in thrillers including shout outs for Pub Day and a deep dive into two books we love. Find Yolanda on Instagram at @readmorethrillers Chelsea's Book: HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE by Grady Hendrix (Out Jan 17, 2023!) - Similar Suggestions: A Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampire, The Return by Rachel Harrison, Ghost Eaters by Clay Mcleod Chapman, The Curse of the Reaper by Brian Mcauley Yolanda's Book: THE ANGEL MAKER by Alex North (Out Feb 28, 2023!) - Similar Suggestions: The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, Lock Every Door by Riley Sager, The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead Olivia's Book: BEHIND THE RED DOOR by Megan Collins - Similar Suggestions: The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon, The Family Plot by Megan Collins, The Stranger in the Mirror by Liv Constantine, A Dark and Secret Place by Jen Williams Contact Us: Email: thrillersbythebookclubpod@gmail.com Instagram: Chelsea: @thrillerbookbabe Olivia: @oliviadaywrites Happy Pub Day! THE HOUSE IN THE PINES by Ana Reyes THE VILLA by Rachel Hawkins YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME by Leah Konen AGE OF VICE by Deepti Kapoor BLAZE ME A SUN by Christoffer Carlsson THE BLACKHOUSE by Carol Johnstone

Brad Evans and Garrett Gonzales are going to be joined by Charles Fracchia whose story of trying to get every team member in the 1978 San Francisco Giants Media Guide to sign the book was chronicled in Dan Brown's article for The Athletic in 2019. (https://theathletic.com/1131390/2019/08/23/in-search-of-halicki-hector-and-howdy-the-strangest-tale-youve-ever-heard-about-the-1970s-giants/?source=user_shared_article) Then, they'll look at the Carlos Correa fallout, signing Michael Conforto and Taylor Rogers, as well as how they made out in free agency. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thompson2Clark and https://twitter.com/bspnshows Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bspnfbpage Join our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1119989601710400 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bspnshows/ Subscribe to our YouTube page: youtube.com/channel/UCtZcOujFqlbmo2bA0MriRhA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

El Código Da Vinci es un libro de ficción altamente controversial por su ataque a uno de los principios sagrados de la religión católica/cristiana: la divinidad de Jesucristo. Dan Brown nos pone a hacernos las siguientes preguntas: ¿Fue Jesucristo siempre visto como un ser divino? ¿Hubo otras verdades omitidas de la Biblia? ¿Cuál fue la verdadera razón por la cual los caballeros del templario a conquistar Jerusalem en las cruzadas? ¿Hay creencias paganas que todavía practicamos? ¿Era Leonardo Da Vinci anti-iglesia y miembro de una sociedad secreta? Pienso que los seres humanos disfrutan fantasear escenarios alternos en la historia: "que hubiese pasado si..."  y por esta razón aquí el resumen de este libro.

The Da Vinci Code... part one! That's right--we called an audible mid-episode this week because there's just too much to fit into even a big two-and-a-half-hour episode! In a fitting development for discussing a novel all about dualism, we're devoting an episode each to the two halves of the story: The airport thriller novel this episode, and the spurious alternate religious history on the next.  On this installment, we talk about

So, was Jesus married? Our holiday edition of our series on open questions follows Christopher James Blythe's article on the same question. Conspiracy, Assassin's Creed, Dan Brown, this one's got it all. Lots of great links in the show notes! See you next year! Link to our Face in Hat discord server! https://discord.gg/MnSMvKHvwh Dialogue Podcast Network https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/ Was Jesus Married?, by Christopher James Blythe https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5137&context=byusq The full issue: Yet to be revealed, open questions in Latter-Day Saint theology. Edited by Eric A. Eliason and Terryl L. Givens https://byustudies.byu.edu/journal/60-3/ The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, by The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Blood_and_the_Holy_Grail Wiki on the book! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holy_Blood_and_the_Holy_Grail Identical ancestors point https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Identical_ancestors_point Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse, by Christopher James Blythe https://amzn.to/3WBKo6E LDS Church Issues Statement Regarding "The Da Vinci Code" https://www.ksl.com/article/266159/lds-church-issues-statement-regarding-the-da-vinci-code Evil along the Mississippi: Stories from Nauvoo, by Christopher James Blythe https://irreantum.associationmormonletters.org/17-1-evil-along-the-mississippi-stories-from-nauvoo/ Introducing Introductions to Mormon Thought.  The first two books are linked there and below: Eugene England: A Mormon Liberal, by Kristine Haglund, and Vardis Fisher: A Mormon Novelist https://www.press.uillinois.edu/wordpress/introducing-introductions-to-mormon-thought/ https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p058332 https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=83xxc9pb9780252044090 Dialogue Book Report #19: Strange Mormon Fiction: Dave Butler and William Morris https://www.dialoguejournal.com/podcasts/dialogue-book-report-19-strange-mormon-fiction-dave-butler-and-william-morris/

Ein einziges Mal, und auch nur mit einem Satz, äußert sich Papst Pius XII. zu den Nazis und zur Shoa. Ob der Satz wirklich vom Papst selbst stammt, ist bis heute unklar: Mysteriöserweise findet sich der Text nicht im Päpstlichen Archiv... Autorin: Almut Finck Von Almut Finck.

Retired from a 36-year leadership career with Fortune 100 software, high-tech and global energy, Guy Morris has also been a published song writer for Disney Records, screenplay writer for Sojourn Entertainment, a patented inventor, a Coast Guard charter captain, a PADI diver & adventurer, and now, an author and publisher of intelligent, well-researched thrillers. Since his 2021 debut as an indie-author, Guy has released three pulse-pounding thrillers inspired by true stories, actual technologies, true global politics and history.Multiple Kirkus recommendations have compared his style to Dan Brown, Iris Johansen or Robert Ludlum. Guy's books have earned BookTrib's Best 25 Favorite Books of 2021, Reader's Favorite 2021 Gold Award, 2021 finalist for IAN Book of the Year, and semi-finalist for Cinematic Book. His articles have been published in Mystery & Suspense magazine. Guy has presented, moderated or served as a panelist for the Greater Los Angeles Writer's Conference. Guy is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association, the International Thriller Writer's Association, Independent Book Publishers Association and founder for the Author Event Network association. https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/

Dan Brown...I mean Dan GREEN is joined by special guest T-Money to help you GET THAT PAPER in the week 15 NFL DFS Sunday main slate. LFG

Fiction, Reality, AI, Prophecy The Analytic Approach By This Author#fiction #reality #ai #prophecy #author Retired from a 36-year leadership career with Fortune 100 software, high-tech and global energy, Guy Morris has also been a published song writer for Disney Records, screenplay writer for Sojourn Entertainment, a patented inventor, a Coast Guard charter captain, a PADI diver & adventurer, and now, an author and publisher of intelligent, well-researched thrillers. Since his 2021 debut as an indie-author, Guy has released three pulse-pounding thrillers inspired by true stories, actual technologies, true global politics and history. Multiple Kirkus recommendations have compared his style to Dan Brown, Iris Johansen or Robert Ludlum. Guy's books have earned BookTrib's Best 25 Favorite Books of 2021, Reader's Favorite 2021 Gold Award, 2021 finalist for IAN Book of the Year, and semi-finalist for Cinematic Book. His articles have been published in Mystery & Suspense magazine. Guy has presented, moderated or served as a panelist for the Greater Los Angeles Writer's Conference.  Guy is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association, the International Thriller Writer's Association, Independent Book Publishers Association and founder for the Author Event Network association. Website: https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorguymorris/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGuyMorrisBooksLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybmorris/Twitter: https://twitter.com/guymorrisbooksYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGi3JinUp6w24dJmDVq3ZKgThanks for tuning in, please be sure to click that subscribe button and give this a thumbs up!!Email: thevibesbroadcast@gmail.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/listen_to_the_vibes_/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevibesbroadcastnetworkLinktree: https://linktr.ee/the_vibes_broadcastTikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeuTVRv2/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheVibesBrdcstTruth: https://truthsocial.com/@Koyote

Behind every great sports broadcaster is a great statistician -- the person who digs up the numbers that tell us a story about the game we're watching, or help us make sense of the action unfolding before our eyes. Today, The Athletic's Dan Brown tells us the story of one such statistician, Bo Chapman, who became one of the best and most beloved sports statisticians around, before his life was tragically cut short. Plus, what his family and the Golden State Warriors are doing to honor his legacy -- and to help find the next Bo.Read Daniel Brown's full story about Bo Chapman:https://theathletic.com/3752841/2022/11/25/nba-broadcasters-and-the-search-for-the-next-great-statistician-a-love-story/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Through insights from the saints we can come to understand the nature of angels and demons. We cannot learn anything from Dan Brown, who clearly channels demons when he writes the endings to books like Angels and Demons. But from writers like St. John of Damascus, we can understand just enough about spiritual beings to realize our need for armor. First, about angels: The angel's nature then is rational, and intelligent, and endowed with free will, changeable in will, or fickle. For all that is created is changeable, and only that which is uncreated is unchangeable. Also all that is rational is endowed with free will. As it is, then, rational and intelligent, it is endowed with free will: and as it is created, it is changeable, having power either to abide or progress in goodness, or to turn towards evil……They are not hemmed in by walls and doors, and bars and seals, for they are quite unlimited. Unlimited, I repeat, for it is not as they really are that they reveal themselves to the worthy men to whom God wishes them to appear, but in a changed form which the beholders are capable of seeing.…they have not a bodily form by nature, nor are they tended in three dimensions. But to whatever post they may be assigned, there they are present after the manner of a mind and energize, and cannot be present and energize in various places at the same time…They are mighty and prompt to fulfill the will of the Deity, and their nature is endowed with such celerity that wherever the Divine glance bids them there they are straightway found. They are the guardians of the divisions of the earth: they are set over nations and regions, allotted to them by their Creator: they govern all our affairs and bring us comfort. And the reason surely is because they are set over us by the divine will and command and are ever in the vicinity of God.(De Fide Orthadoxa, Book 2, Chapter 3)On the first pass, that sounds like terrific news. The angels guide us and our nations, govern our affairs, and bring us comfort. They guard us, and saying the “Angel of God” prayer is a good reminder of what they are actively doing for us at all times. When this prayer is said, take heart to consider what it means. Angel of God, my guardian dear,to whom God's love commits me here,ever this day be at my side,to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.So we must pray for their intercession, their guidance. We ask the angels and the saints to pray for us, just as we ask Mary to intercede and pray for us. We are in a spiritual battle, so enlisting help must be done daily. There is no such thing as a one-person army (which made the U.S. Army's ad campaign of “An Army of One” very odd to me, as it targeted the self over the team). This is also why “spiritual but not religious” makes you a one-man-band as opposed to a member of a massive force of people and angels working together. As Pink Floyd asked, “Did you exchange a walk on part in the war, for a lead role in a cage?” The cage is your self, and that is what you trade when you give up the community of faith for the solitude of “I'm spiritual but not religious.” A bird in a flock makes sense. A bird in a cage does not. Unfortunately, many have been driven from the church, thinking that it feels like a cage, when it should feel like a flock. This is evidence that we have failed to teach the faith well, especially key things like the joy, the mystery, and the aim of holiness and humility before God. This has chased the baptized out so that they look for holiness in other places, like concerts and fitness centers, and they will never find what they are looking for in those places. Being a standalone believer, with a “lead role in a cage,” makes for easy sniping for the devil and the demons. As any addict knows, the devil wants you alone. He wants you isolated so that you pick up again. Whether it is a drug, a drink, a porn site, sports gambling - or whatever unhealthy attachment haunts you. Never forget that the devil is the divider, the accuser, and solitude is what he requires to re-employ you for his work. What does St. John of Damascus have to tell us about demons? Can he help us articulate what they are and how they came about? He can. He who from among these angelic powers was set over the earthly realm, and into whose hands God committed the guardianship of the earth, was not made wicked in nature but was good, and made for good ends, and received from his Creator no trace whatever of evil in himself. But he did not sustain the brightness and the honor which the Creator had bestowed on him, and of his free choice was changed from what was in harmony to what was at variance with his nature, and became roused against God Who created him, and determined to rise in rebellion against Him: and he was the first to depart from good and become evil…along with him an innumerable host of angels subject to him were torn away and followed him and shared in his fall. Wherefore, being of the same nature as the angels, they became wicked, turning away at their own free choice from good to evil. (De Fide Orthadoxa, Book 2, Chapter 4) St. John of Damascus has more to say about this, and this should probably scare and encourage you at the same time. God lets the demons prevail when he sees it working for our salvation:…they have no power or strength against any one except what God in His dispensation has conceded to them. But when God has made the concession they do prevail, and are changed and transformed into any form whatever in which they wish to appear.This makes for a profound claim, because it re-introduces the old line, “The devil made me do it” and seems to suggest that we do not have free will after all. This is the timeless question about free will: If God wills all things, then whatever I do is willed by God and I have no agency, no free will. Likewise, if God lets the demons prevail over us, then we cannot be culpable for our actions. This plays into the hands of the Lady Gaga “Born this way” argument and also the classic plea of “The devil made me do it.” But how about an option that treats you like a grown-up instead of some damsel in distress? Is there an option that makes for a hopeful sinner instead of a helpless sinner? Yes. God gives us trials that lead us to the truth. We are tested. As fallen beings, we are compromised but not broken. We may be born with the urge to sin, but we do have free will. I would think today's gamer culture would love this option to level-up. For all the motivational speeches, from TED Talks to Peloton commercials and Nike ads, the idea of “born this way” seems a bit pathetic. We are told to achieve our goals, to strive, to work toward progress, in just about everything - except for holiness. Receiving a trophy or showing off fleeting six-pack abs pales in comparison to the pursuit of partaking in the divine nature and seeking eternal life. Once you awaken to the fact that what you want in this world is rather pitiful, the joy of pursuing a life that imitates Christ becomes the only career that even makes sense. Trials we face become different when seen in the light of Christ. Once you realize this path forward is guided by the Holy Spirit, all tests and trials suddenly become fortifiers of your faith:The Holy Spirit makes us discern between trials, which are necessary for the growth of the inner man, and temptation, which leads to sin and death. We must also discern between being tempted and consenting to temptation. Finally, discernment unmasks the lie of temptation, whose object appears to be good, a "delight to the eyes" and desirable, when in reality its fruit is death.God does not want to impose the good, but wants free beings.... There is a certain usefulness to temptation. No one but God knows what our soul has received from him, not even we ourselves. But temptation reveals it in order to teach us to know ourselves, and in this way we discover our evil inclinations and are obliged to give thanks for the goods that temptation has revealed to us. (CCC 2847)Not only do we have choices to make, but so did the angels, and some of them chose poorly. Yet we can fight. We have a role to play, like the smallest character in the saga of Middle Earth, we are cast in the great play, and we can stand in the light of Christ or hide with our fig leaves in darkness. This is powerful knowledge.And we are culpable. We are responsible. One of our mistaken thoughts is to assume that we alone are the center of the universe, and that God's will is only for us. There are billions of people here on earth. God's plan is for all people and all nations. Tim Keller uses a great metaphor in Rediscovering Jonah about how a general commands his army in battle. He doesn't go to to each soldier and have a sit down about what the battle plan is, and he doesn't encourage each one with a therapy session. The general sets the plan and says, “Charge!” and those on his side go, while those against him desert the regiment or join the enemy. His plan and ways exceed our understanding. We know the rules of being in his army, and to follow him we need to turn (recall that to repent just means “to turn”) our eyes back to Christ. He is the general. There is no such thing as an “Army of One.” An Army of One is an individual, not an army. When we turn our eyes away, we slip up. When we fail to surrender, we try to win alone. This is what the demons count on, and their whispers to us cause us to slowly turn away from God, often even telling us that we are looking at God when they are just holding up a mirror to our faces. The devil can quote scripture and coax us into bad ideas, bad patterns of living, and he can do it repeatedly if we don't do daily battle in prayer and with others in the faith. Demons suggest that we worry, they make us afraid, and they tell us to wall ourselves in. A quarter they like to put in the arcade of our minds is: “You are not good enough, you are not lovable.” They remind us that we are naked and exposed and vulnerable, so that we need to gather fig leaves from the bushes of wealth, power, pleasure, or honor. They speak Babel to us, telling us that we must fight, flee, or freeze, and we know that common language all too well. More from St. John of Damascus on demons:God reveals the future to the angels and commands them to prophesy, and so what they say comes to pass. But the demons also make predictions, sometimes because they see what is happening at a distance, and sometimes merely making guesses: hence much that they say is false and they should not be believed, even although they do often, in the way we have said, tell what is true. Besides they know the Scriptures.All wickedness, then, and all impure passions are the work of their mind. But while the liberty to attack man has been granted to them, they have not the strength to over master any one: for we have it in our power to receive or not to receive the attack. Wherefore there has been prepared for the devil and his demons, and those who follow him, fire unquenchable and everlasting punishment.Note, further, that what in the case of man is death is a fall in the case of angels. For after the fall there is no possibility of repentance for them, just as after death there is for men no repentance. (De Fide Orthadoxa, Book 2, Chapter 4)I'm not sure if this is a terror or a comfort to know, but knowing that demons have been granted “the liberty to attack man” means that our trials have meaning. The seemingly trite comment from your aunt or crazy Christian friend that “Everything happens for a reason” becomes less crazy the longer you live. As experiences stack up and hindsight comes into view, the trials make sense, but only if you repent - that is, turn toward God. Trials make no sense when we are turned away. By surrendering to God, we become citizens in a new nation. As immigrants must take a test to become “naturalized” in America, we merely need to turn over our hearts and minds to become members of God's nation. By giving up all control to God, he takes us under his watch, with St. Michael as our bodyguard, and a guardian angel to follow us everywhere we go. This becomes a far better defense than the U.S. Army. You have protection and overwatch at all times. I can think of no good reason why the Prayer of St. Michael should not be said daily, like a pledge of allegiance to God Most High, where we ask for help from the warriors, the elect, the angels.St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle;be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;and do thou, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God,cast into hell Satan and the other evil spiritswho prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. People today are uncomfortable with this language, because it is taboo to talk about spirits. This is exactly what the devil wants. In the movie, The Usual Suspects, this quote says it all: “The greatest trick the devil ever played was convincing the world he didn't exist.” That's where we are at, where polite society shies away from any kind of Jesus talk. Why? Because polite society has rejected him and winks at every story where he “casts out a demon.” They have turned to other answers, like psychology and medicine as the only answer for the mental illnesses healed in Jesus' ministry. The word Jesus is now a litmus test to find out where someone is at, of which side they are on. This is a door that must be open or closed. God does not allow the door to be halfway open. If the door to sin is cracked open at all, the door is considered fully open. Given our endless battle against evil thoughts and spirits, we can only shut the gate to hell with the grace of God. Grace stops sin in its tracks. The door to hell is heavy, and only with God's strength can it be closed. The reason the door to hell is usually portrayed as a gaping mouth is because sin will eat you, it will swallow you, like a dragon or monster. St. George can only slay the dragon and not get eaten because he fights with God at his side. How does he do that? Before George kills the dragon with one thrust of his sword, he makes the Sign of the Cross and asks for God's help. That's how it's done. When Jesus said he was a sword, he wasn't kidding. His name splits groups in half, with those who believe on one side, and those who become uncomfortable hearing the word on the other. After Babel, God allowed spirits to rule the nations, delegating control to them. This is something we gloss over today, because we don't really believe in spirits, and for most cherry-picking Bible readers, because we don't even really believe in God, if we're honest. Remember, we don't just speak English, we speak Babel. We want competition and pleasure all the time. Ain't nobody got time for nonsense about spirits, angels, and demons. In fact, if someone were to admit in a business meeting that they believe in angels, they would be considered an idiot. Fortunately, this is one of those promises from Jesus, that being mocked for faith in Him and all that comes with Him is a sure sign of being on the right track. This denial of spirits is why we miss so much of what is happening in the Bible. Our modernist ears and eyes are so disenchanted that we give more credence to Harry Potter magic spells than to the religious truth of the Bible, because whenever a spirit enters the story, our reason drives our belief out. This is a shame because there is far more going on in the epic story of the Bible than what's happening at Hogwarts. But you have to believe in God first, and believe in Jesus as the second person of the Trinity, to really understand what is happening. It's much easier to accept the fantasy Harry Potter because we know he's an invention sprung from a writer's head. Choosing to believe in Christ as the living son of God means changing every single aspect of our life. So to play it safe, we put words like Jesus, God, spirits, souls, etc. all on a shelf.When you read Genesis, it's important to understand these points about “the nations”: * the Tower of Babel is the last thing that happens before we meet Abraham.* The formation of the people of Israel begins with Abraham. * The nation of Israel is in a world that is fully fallen and lives among nations that are ruled by demonic powers. * The nations dislike Israel because they will not bend the knee to false gods (Well, some of the Israelites won't bend the knee, but plenty do - repeatedly.)* The remainder of the Old Testament is God guiding and leading the Chosen people from Abraham to Mary. * All people will be “blessed” through Abraham's descendent, meaning Jesus. All people = All nations = Both gentiles and JewsA lot of death and genocide happens in this journey as the sole people of God Most High must fight, scrap, and survive among the 70 nations, which are ruled by demons, or another way of saying it is that the nations worship false gods. For those who dislike Israel's warring, they forget how many times the nation of Israel is on the receiving end of brutal warfare, and experiences enslavement and genocide on the wrong end of the gun, so to speak. As for the hard sayings in the books of Joshua and Judges, regarding total war and the genocidal commands of God, I would refer you to look into a book by Michael Heiser called Unseen Realm. The commands to the Israelite army in the conquest of the Promised Land is unique and strange. Joshua and company cannot simply waltz into the Promised Land because there is something already there, something much darker than what we can easily discern from the text. Nations that worship fallen angels, a.k.a. demons, are the only targets of God's heavy-hammer of genocidal war. The doctrine of Just War applies only to these specific clans in Palestine. How God deals with enemies in Joshua and Judges must be compared with how he deals with other nations. Reasons for the brutal warfare in these books are alluded to regarding what these nations are doing. An ethnic cleansing is the literal reading here, as the Chosen nation of the God Most High works vigorously toward the fulfillment of the covenant to take the land. This occupation of the land is a pre-requisite to the Messianic age that we are living in today. If you cannot stomach the Promised Land struggle, I would suggest combing through the Six Approaches on the website Reason and Theology. Much ink has been spilled on this topic, but I feel like Heiser and others, like Fr. Stephen de Young, are catching onto something deep and important from texts unearthed with the Dead Sea Scrolls that we are only beginning to understand, and it requires reading the book of Enoch alongside the Old Testament. I can't dive into this here because it would requires another set of articles and episodes of its own to fully explore. One thing is certain: it is a lonely world to be staying true to the one true God. The same is a fact today, as anti-Jewish and anti-Christian sentiments are rising in America. But like any life lived with conviction, Israel's formation as a nation requires great sacrifice, struggle, and often battle for both establishment and survival. You cannot get to Mary without the conquest of Canaan. Later, when Israel squares off against the mega-armies of Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome, they fail to win. Being the only nation that worships Yahweh makes for difficult passages wherever they go, but amid this whole story there is an all-important plot playing within the larger narrative. This huge story is zeroing in the entire time on a path to the home of a teenage girl, where: “In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” (Lk 1:26-28)Gabriel comes to Mary in the fallen world where the nations are still ruled by demons. All of the nation-building narrative, all of journeying in the desert, the wars, the kings, the captivity, all of that is preface to the moment with Mary. The chaos, the Creation, the Fall, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, are preface to Abraham. Genesis from chapters 1 to 11 are explaining how the fallen world came to be the way it is. From Abraham to Mary: that is the story of how the nation of the chosen people delivered and lasted through centuries of struggle to protect and guard the lineage that brought forth the Mother of God. And that's where the story starts to get really interesting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whydidpetersink.substack.com

Geoff Shullenberger returns to Psyop Cinema, this time discussing the novels of Dan Brown and their trilogy of film adaptations (the subject of Geoff's recent essay for American Affairs). He and Thomas talk about the strange prescience of Brown's novels, in his early work's treatment of the deep state, surveillance, and encryption and his later work's promotion of transhumanism and depopulation. They cover The Da Vinci Code's defense of elite sex rituals, Angels and Demons' weak approach to the reconciliation of science and religion, Inferno's portrayal of a virus meant to depopulate the world, Brown's consistent themes of reproduction and elite succession, and many other aspects of the once strangely popular Robert Langdon franchise.https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2022/11/mythology-of-the-deep-state-the-novels-of-dan-brown/https://outsidertheory.com/https://twitter.com/g_shullenbergerhttps://compactmag.com/https://twitter.com/CinemaPsyophttps://www.patreon.com/PsyopCinemahttps://linktr.ee/psyopcinemathomas-psyopcinema@protonmail.combrett-psyopcinema@protonmail.com

Tobias wärmt noch schnell die Stimme auf und schon sind wir drin in der neuen Folge vor dem zweiten Advent. Von beliebten und unbeliebten Weihnachtsleckereien geht es auch schon zügig zum Thema der heutigen Folge - dem Universum und wie passt Gott dort eigentlich hinein? Überhaupt, wie ist es denn nun mit Wissenschaft und Religion? Wie die beiden das sehen und warum ausgerechnet Dan Brown sie beeindruckt, das hört ihr hier.

Avanti Centrae is an international best-selling author who blends history, science and suspense into pulse pounding action thrillers. And she's here today talking about her latest book, Cleopatra's Vendetta. ‘Born a goddess Cleopatra died a prisoner, but the cobra's deadly kiss was just the beginning.' Hi, I'm your host, Jenny Wheeler. And today on binge reading, Avanti talks about how she melds ancient history with contemporary politics, how history is told by the winners and why she wants to restore Cleopatra's reputation as a world changing woman. Book Giveaway This Week But before we get to that, just let's talk about our giveaway for this week. Sadie's Vow Book One in the Home At Last series by myself, Jenny Wheeler, free this week. We're preparing for the launch of Susannah's Secret, Book Two in the series, next month. This gives you a chance to read Book One before Book Two gets published. All the books can be read as standalone stories. The offer is limited to 50 copies. And it's for a limited time, only for one week or until all the copies are taken up. GET SADIE'S VOW HERE You'll find all the links for this episode plus the links for the giveaway in the show notes for this episode on www.thejoysofbingereading.com and remember, if you enjoy what you hear, post a review of the show on your favorite podcast host so that others get to hear about us as well. Things you'll hear about in the episode: How the story combines Cleopatra's legacy with a contemporary thriller involving Think Tank Special Ops leader Timothy Stryker and his wife Angie during an Italian holiday. How Avanti was influenced by popular fiction heroes like James Rollins, Steve Berry, Dan Brown, and Clive Cussler. Books Avanti recommends for thriller readers. (think Steve Berry and Gregg Hurwitz among others.) The power of propaganda down the centuries The party Cleopatra threw for Mark Anthony Was Cleopatra particularly beautiful? How Avanti made the change from Silicon Valley IY expert to best-selling international author. Links in the episode Steve Berry:  The Columbus Affair, https://steveberry.org/books/the-columbus-affair/synopsis/ James Rollins: https://jamesrollins.com/ Clive Cussler: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_Cussler Dan Brown: https://danbrown.com/ Andy McDermott: http://www.andy-mcdermott.com/ Gregg Hurwitz: https://gregghurwitz.net/ JF Penn: https://jfpenn.com/ David Wood:  https://www.davidwoodweb.com/ Dan Brown: https://danbrown.com/ Octavian:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus Stacy Schiff: Clepatra, A Life; https://www.amazon.com/Cleopatra-Life-Stacy-Schiff/dp/0316001945 Deep Fake – Just how good is it?  https://www.creativebloq.com/features/deepfake-examples  Gal Gadot - May be doing a Cleopatra Bio pic; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gal_Gadot Where to find Avanti Online Website: https://www.avanticentrae.com/ On Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Avanti-Centrae/e/B07TJVDLM4/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avanticentrae/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avanti.centrae.author/ Note: What follows is only a partial transcript... hear the full episode on your favorite podcast provider. Introducing thriller author Avanti Centrae Jenny Wheeler: But now here's Avanti. Hello there, Avanti, and welcome to the show. It's so good to have you with us. Avanti Centrae - international best selling thriller author Avanti Centrae: Hey Jenny, thank you so much for having me. I love your podcast and recently got to listen to one with Lee Goldberg and I just couldn't be happier to be here with you. Jenny Wheeler: Thank you so much. Look, you are a number one international best-selling author who blends history, science, and suspense into pulse pounding action thrillers, rather similar to what Lee does. But today we are talking about your latest work, which is Cleopatra's Vendetta.

When I saw the title... The Gates of Hell, I had an image of what the cover would look like. Dark... ominous... and a whole lot of red. Well, I was partially right and pleasantly surprised. I mean, this cover is unique, appears to be spot on, and yet unexpected, too. I like that combination. Then I read more about it, and I had the strange sense that I was looking at Liam Nieson's Taken meets Dan Brown's The Davinci Code. Andy Dewitt says I'm not too far off!  EEEP!  Listen in and see why this book promises to be a page-turner!   Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you Watch Out! This Book Will Send You on a Wild Ride through Palestine! On a trip through Israel, author Andy Dewitt got the inspiration for his next "Christmas book" for his kids. A childhood tradition has turned into a book you'll want to have on your shelf. Taking a historical look at the real meaning behind "the gates of hell will not prevail against it" as his inspiration, Andy begins his story with a twist on an actual bit from his family's life and then sends readers on a harrowing journey to try to save a young (barely engaged) woman from the clutches of a pagan cult. Andy Dewitt also talks about his life before writing (he was a dentist, but he promises no root canals come with the book... I think that's what he said...), being a ghostwriter, and even about another book he was prepared to submit for publication until he found something crazy similar. Now we have to pray that he decides his book needs to see the light of day anyway. The Gates of Hell by Andy Dewitt One Moment She Gets Engaged, The Next, She Disappears from The Face of the Earth On top of a stunning mountain in Israel, award-winning inventor Chase Johnson proposes to his girlfriend, Abby. She cries, “Yes,” and they celebrate as their mutual friend, Tiffany, takes photos. Chase runs to get his buddy Billy, so the four of them can celebrate together. When the men return, all they find are shattered cell phones and a broken camera. The girls have vanished. Chase reports the disappearance to the local police, embassy, and social media, but they offer little help. Desperate to find her, the men use their own innovative technology to follow leads from one end of Israel to the other. When all hope seems lost, Chase discovers Abby and Tiffany's abductors, an ancient pagan cult still alive and well. And unless Chase can win a race against time, the cult is ready to make Abby a human sacrifice at their temple called The Gates of Hell. Get ready for a thriller that will set your heart pounding and your mind racing long into the night. You can find out more about Andy Dewitt on his WEBSITE. Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at: Apple  Castbox  Google Play Libsyn  RSS Spotify Stitcher Amazon and more!

Comic Reviews: DC Dark Crisis: The Dark Army by Mark Waid, Delilah Dawson, Dennis Culver, Freddie Williams II, Jack Herbert, Adriano Lucas Marvel Amazing Spider-Man 14 by Zeb Wells, Ryan Stegman, Michael Dowling, Terry Dodson, Kyle Hotz, Tim Townsend, Rachel Dodson, JP Mayer, Matt Hollingsworth, Dan Brown, Richard Isanove, Marcio Menyz Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise 1 by Tradd Moore, Heather Moore Star Wars Revelations 1 by Marc Guggenheim, Salvador Larroca, Guru eFX, Pere Perez, Dono Sanchez-Almara, Emma Kubert, Wayne Faucher, Justin Mason, Paul Fry Star Wars Yoda 1 by Cavan Scott, Nico Leon, Dono Sanchez-Almara Infinity Comics Aligator Loki by Alyssa Wong, Bob Quinn Love Unlimited: Wiccan and Hulkling by Josh Trujillo, Tokitokoro Boom Once Upon A Time At The End Of The World 1 by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lee Loughridge, Nick Dragotta, Rico Renzi AfterShock Fear of a Red Planet 1 by Mark Sable, Andrea Olimpieri Black Mask Rogue State 1 by Matteo Pizzolo, Carlos Granda, Brad Simpson Titan Kamen Rider Zero-One 1 by Brandon Easton, Hendry Prasetya, In-Hyuk Lee AAM Markosia Cosmic Debris 1 by Stu Perrins, John E. Murphy OGN The Court Charade by Flore Vesco, Kerascoet Ray's OGN Corner: Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol Additional Reviews: Disenchanted, Plunge by Joe Hill, Exorsisters vol 1, Cyclops Road, Andor ep12, Wednesday, Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, Strange World, Santa Clauses, Dexter New Blood News: Kaleidoscope, return of Superman's secret identity, Ottley's Hulk ending with issue 13, Goncharov, Omni news, FCBD lineup, new Hellcat series Star Trek: TNG Kelvin-verse casting Thoughts on the state of the Disney animated library Comics Countdown: Human Target 9 by Tom King, Greg Smallwood Eight Billion Genies 6 by Charles Soule, Ryan Browne, Kevin Knipstein The Court Charade OGN by Flore Vesco, Kerascoet Action Comics 1049 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, David Lapham, Mike Perkins, Trish Mulvihill, Lee Loughridge Department of Truth 22 by James Tynion IV, Martin Simmonds Dark Spaces: Wildfire 5 by Scott Snyder, Hayden Sherman, Ronda Pattison Daredevil 5 by Chip Zdarsky, Marco Checchetto, Matt Wilson Defenders Beyond 5 by Al Ewing, Javier Rodriguez Once Upon A Time At The End of the World 1 by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Lee Loughridge, Nick Dragotta, Rico Renzi Avengers Forever 11 by Jason Aaron, Jim Towe, Frank Martin  

If you have ever read a Dan Brown novel, you know more or less what to expect: An adventure to a place you never thought about having an adventure in. However, in Inferno, Dan Brown forces the reader to debate morality and mortality. As our protagonist is going about the adventure that Dan Brown sent him on, we also see him grapple with the questions of death and sacrifice. If you had the opportunity to save half the population today and kill the other half or not decide and have them all die in 100 years, what would you choose? The arguments, woven into an elaborate story line keep the reader on their toes. Join us as we discuss the philosophical questions that stemmed from this novel and how we felt about the adventure taken by Dr. Langdon.

Hrafnhildur ræðir við Snæbjörn Arngrímsson rithöfund og fyrrum bókaútgefanda. Hann segir frá uppvextinum í Háaleitishverfinu, hvernig það var að alast upp sem prestsonur. Hann segir frá námsárunum í MH, síðar dvöl í Freiburg í Þýskalandi, barnaláninu, hvernig hann datt niður á bækurnar um Harry Potter og síðar sögurnar hans Dan Brown. Hann segir frá áhuganum á ólivuolíu, frá barnaláninu og nýjustu bók sinni Eitt satt orð.

Another week, another close defeat for the Springboks on tour. The disappointed yet still hopeful panel closes out the Women's Rugby World Cup, does their best to defend Pieter-Steph ahead of his disciplinary hearing, debates modern rugby hairstyles, and go full Dan Brown on the French TMO or the lack thereof. Music: "80s TV Show" by @monstroid

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is  Kelly Molson, MD of Rubber Cheese.Download our free ebook The Ultimate Guide to Doubling Your Visitor NumbersIf you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website rubbercheese.com/podcast.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcastCompetition ends January 31st 2023. The winner will be contacted via Twitter. Show references: https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/https://twitter.com/DraytonManorhttps://www.instagram.com/draytonmanor/https://www.tiktok.com/@drayton_manor Danielle Nicholls - Senior Content Executive at Drayton Manor ResortWhen I graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a degree in Media & Marketing and a multitude of marketing placements in 2017, I was set on combining my two passions - storytelling and theme parks.After a year in a marketing communications role with a tour operator, I was lucky enough to secure a role in the Drayton Manor marketing team.Here at Drayton, I'm responsible for creating engaging visual and written content for all marketing channels - including web, PR, email, in park signage and of course, social media.My main focus over the last 4 and a half years has been to build an engaged social community across all our channels – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube.I'm forever grateful to work in such a fantastic industry, filled with incredible energy and enthusiasm.https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichollsdanielle/Twitter @dnicholls_Instagram @_daniellenicholls Ross Ballinger - Design & Brand Manager at Drayton Manor Resort (Inc. Hotel, Zoo & Europe's only Thomas Land) Brand protector and innovator... I played a senior role in a busy agency studio team for nearly 9 years. I joined fresh from leaving university with a sort after London placement under my belt.I now produce fresh, engaging, and dynamic design creative for digital advertising, marketing campaigns, theme park attractions, working closely alongside a talented Marketing team. All to promote Drayton Manor Resort in the most effective and exciting method possible.I can guarantee expertise and a wealth of experience, the final outcome of the design process is not the end of my creative input, you can be assured that maintaining brand continuity and freshly injected excitement remains my priority.Spend time with me and you'll understand why I wanted to be an Actor, but you'll be glad I didn't as my energy provides office enthusiasm and endless creative steer.www.linkedin.com/in/ross-ballingerwww.behance.net/rossballinger(Portfolio)Instagram @rossballingerTwitter @rossballingerTikTok @rossballinger Transcriptions: Kelly Molson: Welcome to Skip the Queue, a podcast for people working in, or working with, visitor attractions. I'm your host, Kelly Molson. In today's episode, I speak with two great team members from Drayton Manor, Danielle Nicholls, Senior Content Executive, and Ross Ballinger, the Design and Brand Manager. We discuss the complex rebranding process. And how building a great social media community can mean your fans having your back when it comes to big change. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue.Kelly Molson: Woohoo, I've got Danielle and Ross from Drayton Manor on the podcast today. Hello.Danielle Nicholls: Hi.Ross Ballinger: Hello there. Very excited to be here.Kelly Molson: I love how excited you are. I'm just talking, listeners, Danielle and Ross are literally the most pumped guests I've ever had on the podcast.Ross Ballinger: That's it, we'd better live up to that now.Danielle Nicholls: I know, right?Kelly Molson: They've got a snazzy Drayton Manor background behind them, which is looking fierce. But as ever, we're going to start with our icebreaker questions. Imagine that you're just down your pub with your mates. This is how I need you to feel with the icebreaker questions.Ross Ballinger: Okay. Get a few beers in.Kelly Molson: Ready?Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Kelly Molson: What are you most likely to buy when you exit through the gift shop?Danielle Nicholls: Pin badge, I reckon. Yeah, I've got a little pin badge collection.Kelly Molson: I like this. Ross?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, I'm very similar. I'm fridge magnet.Kelly Molson: You can't go wrong with a fridge magnet.Ross Ballinger: No. And we've got a secondary fridge, under the stairs, which where we keep the beers. And that's where all the fridge magnets go, at the end, if we've been to an attraction.Danielle Nicholls: I love it.Kelly Molson: Is that because your house is beautiful and your partner does not want them on her fridge and you have to hide them?Ross Ballinger: Exactly. Exactly that. The wife does not want them on the normal fridge. They're hidden behind the door.Kelly Molson: Oh, I like her style.Ross Ballinger: But I've got to get a fridge magnet.Kelly Molson: Pin badges, fridge magnets, excellent choices. Mine would be a rubber. Have I told you about my rubber collection?Danielle Nicholls: That's interesting, no.Ross Ballinger: So you collect branded rubbers?Kelly Molson: Right. Well, I used to when I was a kid. I'm going to show you them. I've got them on the desk next to me.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my God, please do.Kelly Molson: I'm sorry, listeners. For the people that are listening, this is rubbish. But if you're watching the YouTube video, hello. Welcome to my rubber collection.Danielle Nicholls: Amazing.Kelly Molson: So they still smell. Again, this is not podcast material, but they smell absolutely incredible.Ross Ballinger: Smell really good.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my God, I love it.Kelly Molson: This is an '80s collection of novelty rubbers.Danielle Nicholls: What's your oldest rubber in there, which have you had the longest?Kelly Molson: So there's one in there from the planetarium, the London Planetarium.Ross Ballinger: Doesn't exist anymore. There you go, that's memorabilia.Kelly Molson: Look at my Thorpe Park one, that's my Thorpe Park one.Danielle Nicholls: Oh my gosh, that is a throwback.Ross Ballinger: Oh, that's a good one.Kelly Molson: This is an old one as well. Anyway-Ross Ballinger: Everyone still does rubbers, so we fit in there with you.Kelly Molson: Because I can collect them.Ross Ballinger: Pin badge, magnet, rubber.Danielle Nicholls: We stick together.Ross Ballinger: That's a perfect combo.Kelly Molson: It's like the perfect triangle. We're the perfect gift shop triangle. Okay, all right, next one. If you had to live in a sitcom for the rest of your life, which sitcom would you choose and why?Ross Ballinger: Oh, mine's easy.Danielle Nicholls: I feel like we're going to be the same.Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Friends.Ross Ballinger: Friends, yeah.Kelly Molson: Aww. Who would you be, if you had to be one of the characters?Danielle Nicholls: I'm like a perfect mix between Phoebe, Rachel, and Monica, I think.Kelly Molson: Nice, okay. Again, another little triangle.Danielle Nicholls: Maybe more towards Phoebe, I'm a bit more hippie, I guess.Kelly Molson: Ross, what about you?Ross Ballinger: I love all the guys. I love for all the guys. Because I just love Chandler because he's so funny. But then Ross is funny as well, when he doesn't try to be funny. But Ross is just such a good actor. And you don't realise, until you watch it 17,000 times, actually how good of an actor he was. I think I'd have to-Danielle Nicholls: Can you be a Gunther?Ross Ballinger: No, no. I think I just have to sway towards Chandler. Just because he was known for being comedic and stupid.Kelly Molson: And now you feel like that's your life role?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah. Yeah, I would go and live Chandler's life any day.Kelly Molson: Okay, I love this. All right, good, good answers. It's what I thought you were going to say. This is what I thought.Ross Ballinger: Did you?Kelly Molson: Yeah, I thought it was going to be Friends. All right. If you had to pick one item to win a lifetime supply of, what would you pick?Danielle Nicholls: That is so hard.Ross Ballinger: I know. Probably whiskey, lifetime supply of whiskey, just coming out the tap.Kelly Molson: It's a good choice.Danielle Nicholls: I genuinely don't know. That's really, really hard.Ross Ballinger: It's got to be food or drink, surely.Danielle Nicholls: It's got to be crisps or something like that. You can't beat a crisps and dip combo.Kelly Molson: Yeah. What about a crisp sandwich? How do we feel about crisp sandwiches?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Oo, I'm not sure about that one.Kelly Molson: What?Danielle Nicholls: I'm not sure.Ross Ballinger: Come one, you're Northern. You can put anything in a sandwich.Danielle Nicholls: I would put crisps inside a cheese sandwich or something like that. But I wouldn't just have the crisps.Kelly Molson: See, I would do it either. I'm happy to have a filling sandwich with crisps in it. Or just a plain crisp sandwich.Ross Ballinger: I'd do either.Kelly Molson: What I really love about you two is how well you get on. And we're going to talk a little bit about this in the podcast today about your roles and what you do at Drayton Manor. But you look like-Ross Ballinger: Is it that evident?Kelly Molson: Yeah, it's that evident. But even from your social media channels... You guys feature quite heavily across Drayton Manor's social media channels. And, honestly, it just looks like you have the best time ever. And I want to hear more about it. But, firstly, I need your unpopular opinions. What have you prepared for us?Ross Ballinger: Okay, do you want to go first?Danielle Nicholls: As Ross alluded, I'm very, very Northern, I think. My accent a little bit, but more like how I am. So mine is, it's not a bap, it's not a bread roll, it's not a cob, it's a muffin.Kelly Molson: What?Danielle Nicholls: A muffin. That's mine.Ross Ballinger: It's a cob, it's a cob.Danielle Nicholls: No, it's a muffin.Ross Ballinger: Cob. You call it a cob.Danielle Nicholls: A muffin.Kelly Molson: No, it's a bun. What's wrong with you all?Ross Ballinger: Do you say bun? A muffin's a cake.Danielle Nicholls: I say batch as well. My partner calls it a batch, which is crazy to me. But muffin, we'll go muffin.Kelly Molson: Okay. For now, we'll accept muffin. Ross?Danielle Nicholls: Moving on.Ross Ballinger: Mine is, I just think soap operas are crap, honestly. I was going to swear, but I can't stand soap operas. And I know there's a lot of people out there that love them. But I just can't, I can't watch them. I just think they're so depressing. And if they're on, if I accidentally get home and the channel's on where it's on, I get anxious. And I have to find the remote as soon as I can to turn it off. What a waste of your life. What a waste of time, honestly. Hours and hours. And you add that up over a week and a year, think what else you could be doing. Honestly, if I turn one on now by accident, it's the same actors that are in it 20, 30 years ago. And I think, "What have they done with their life as well? They've just been in a soap opera for 30 years."Kelly Molson: These are excellent unpopular opinions. Listeners, please let me know if you agree or disagree. Thank you for preparing those for us today. I appreciate it.Ross Ballinger: No problem.Kelly Molson: Right, you guys work together. Tell me a little bit about your roles and what you do there?Ross Ballinger: So my title is design and brand manager. So I'm technically like lead designer for the resort. And the brand guardian. I look after the brand guidelines. So yeah, I'll produce, with me and my little team, everything that goes out graphically or visually across all the channels, website, printed media. So yeah.Danielle Nicholls: You definitely underplayed yourself there.Ross Ballinger: Did I?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. You do so much. You say your little team, you and one other person. You smash everything, literally everything.Ross Ballinger: Aw, thanks, Danielle.Kelly Molson: That's a lot of work for you and your team.Ross Ballinger: It is, because if you think, in the industry, I can imagine people on a parallel with us would have bigger teams, bigger resource. Because basically Drayton Manor is a massive entity. It's not just a theme park, it's a hotel as well. It's a zoo. Then we have Thomas Land, which could be considered as a separate entity. So they're what I consider as four blue chip clients. And then we operate as a little agency within the resort that looks after all those. But then, you've got the resort's departments as well, which could be clusters of clients. So you've got catering, retail, they're the big ones I can think off my head. But they all have their graphical requirements as well, design requirements. So yeah, it's a massive entity and we look after it all.Kelly Molson: And how many... Did you say there's two of you?Ross Ballinger: There's two of us, yeah.Kelly Molson: That's mad. That is mad. So I really resonate with this because I, obviously, come from an agency background. I set up my agency nearly 20 years ago. I feel ancient. But what you're doing is you are essentially a mini agency with loads of clients and two of you. It's crazy. So I can imagine it's quite stressful, but also lots of fun because you get to work on a lot of variety.Ross Ballinger: Yeah. Oh, very varied. Yeah, every day is different. And that is not just a cliche that you can just say. Literally, every day is so different. Because it's an exciting company as well, where there's new things happening all the time, constantly evolving strategies, or new things come in and go in. So yeah, it's very varied.Kelly Molson: Danielle, what's your role? Because the two of you do work quite closely together as well, don't you?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. Yeah, we do. So my role is, the title is senior content executive. So I primarily look after the social media channels, so Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Creating the content, taking the pictures, work with video agents. Sometimes creating a video in-house as well. And all of the community engagement that goes alongside that as well. Whilst also writing any copy, creating the content for the website, and any signage requirements. Literally anything that you see that has text on it, normally, me and Ross have worked together to create that. And with social, it's both paid and organic social media. So all of the adverts you see, alongside all of the organic stuff you see on our feeds. I also help out with PR as well. So we have a PR agency that we work with, but we liaise alongside them. And now, we're getting more into the traditional media as well. So the pair leaflets and out of home magazines, articles. Yeah, little bit of everything now that it's-Kelly Molson: That's mad. I love that you were just glossing over elements of your job that I'm like, "That's a whole person's job there." And we do the social community building and we do this bit and this bit. Wow, yeah, there's a lot. I just think that goes to show, even... We talk to attractions of all kinds of shapes and sizes on this podcast. And I think it just goes to show that even with an attraction that is a big attraction, and it's perceived to be a very big attraction, actually you're working with really small teams here. And there's a lot on each person's shoulder and a lot of responsibility. And I think it's really important that we highlight that, that you're doing a lot there.Ross Ballinger: But the extended team is really good as well. We've got really good team members. So the rapport across the whole team is very tight.Danielle Nicholls: In terms of the marketing side, I report into a digital marketing manager. And she is insane, she's amazing at what she does. And then, alongside me, we also have a digital marketing exec. And how it splits out is, he looks after all of the technical side, so SEO, CRM, that kind of thing. And I look after the creative content. And then we both report in to the digital manager.Kelly Molson: It sounds like-Danielle Nicholls: It's a little team but-Kelly Molson: It sounds like such fun roles as well. Genuinely, they sound really cool. Because I know, Danielle, you are a bit of a theme park... I'm going to say nerd. But you're theme park nut, right? You love theme parks.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah, absolutely, yeah.Kelly Molson: And I'm guessing, Ross, to work in a theme park, you've got to love a theme park.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, absolutely.Kelly Molson: Did you absolutely tailor your careers to make this happen? Was this always your ultimate goals? Like, "I want to work in an attraction."Ross Ballinger: Yes and no, kind of. So I studied to be a graphic designer, went to university for three years. And then I worked as a digital artist while I was at uni. And then I went straight into a local agency, after getting quite a sought after placement in London. And then I worked for an agency for nearly nine years. So I learnt my craft there, really. Worked my way up from a junior, up to a senior creative. And I ended up looking after all the top clients there as well. But almost nine years was enough. I knew I wanted to go in-house because it was at that time, there was a bit of a boom of companies and clients getting in-house designers. Because they knew how cost effective it would be to have your graphic designer in-house. So I started looking about, and I wanted a fun industry. There was no way I was going to go and work for a boiler company. I don't want to bad mouth any other companies out there but something engineering or-Danielle Nicholls: More typically fun.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, I wanted to go full on fun. And I used to come to Drayton as a kid as well so I knew Drayton Manor.Kelly Molson: That's nice to have that connection, isn't it? You know the brand, you've lived it.Ross Ballinger: I've got pictures of me around the park when I'm seven or eight with my mum and dad. So I have that nostalgic connection. And I was a big to a big Thomas fan as well when I was a kid growing up. So Thomas the Tank Engine, I had the wallpaper, had the bedspreads, loved the episodes. So when I knew that the big blue engine was here as well, it was like-Danielle Nicholls: Big boss Thomas.Ross Ballinger: Big boss, yeah, Thomas is your boss, any day. Yeah. So I was a fan of attractions anyway. Who's not a fan of going out on days out? And so it worked.Kelly Molson: Exactly, cool. But, Danielle, you went out and made that happen, didn't you? This was your focus.Danielle Nicholls: It was, yeah. I think, maybe not so much early on, I guess this is different, but from the age of about 13, 14, I knew I wanted to work in marketing. But I wanted to do marketing for a dance company at the time. So I did a couple of placements at some dance companies, Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance Theatre, places like that. And that was the dream up until about 17, I want to say, when I was at college. I knew that I wanted theme parks. So I went and did a media and marketing degree. And as soon as I got to my second year, I was like, "Right, that's it. I need to find a theme park. I need to get experience. I need to connect with as many people as I can on LinkedIn." And it was my focus.Kelly Molson: That's interesting. Hang on, let me just... Because that isn't a typical 17-year-old's path, is it? They wouldn't necessarily go, "I know that I want to work in this industry, therefore, I need to connect with people that can help me make that happen." That's a really good piece of advice.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And I was literally on it, messaging people. I think I messaged, at the time, the PR manager for Legoland. And was like, "Hello, anything you can help me with." I was really a bit brutal. But yeah, then I went to uni, and did everything I could whilst I was there to try and get the connections still. I applied for a couple of grad schemes with some other groups and, sadly, didn't make it through to those. So as a bit of a bridge between finishing uni and starting Drayton, I went to work for a tour operator, who sold overseas UK holidays, but also sold theatre, attraction tickets, theme parks. So it was a bit of a gap between the two.And I worked there for a year, and then the job at Drayton came up. And at the time, I was living in York, working for this tour operator. And I was like, "I've got to go for it." It was a marketing officer job, so a little bit different to what I do now. But I had to. So I drove two and a bit hours up, in my little... I had a little C1 at the time.Ross Ballinger: But I feel that we both came in at Drayton in our respective roles as entry level, really. Because I had just started as a graphic designer. I took a pay cut to come here because I really wanted to start here. It was never about anything like that. So I wanted to work at Drayton. So that proves that I wanted to work. And our roles have both escalated over the seasons that we've been here.Danielle Nicholls: Because I did move so far, and away from my family and stuff, it was a big jump. I had three weeks to find a house and somewhere to live as well, which was fun. But I managed to do it and, honestly, I don't regret it. I don't look back at all. It's probably the best thing I've ever done.Ross Ballinger: If you want it, you make it happen, don't you?Kelly Molson: Yeah, totally. And I think it really says a lot about the Drayton Manor brand that you've done that as well. There is a real... It's clear with both of you, how much you love it. And it's amazing that you've... Ross, you've taken a pay cut. You've changed where you live to come and work and be part of what's happening there. So I think that's a real testimony to the brand itself. And that's a couple of things that we really want to focus on for this conversation today. So I'm going to start with the focus on you, Danielle, if that's okay?Danielle Nicholls: Okay, yeah, that's fine.Kelly Molson: Because I think what you mentioned really briefly, when you went, "Oh yeah and we do this kind of thing as well," is what you said around the social community side. So you have built the social community and I want you to explain how you've been able to do that and what that's looked like. So tell us a little bit about that element of your role.Danielle Nicholls: So I've been here just over four years now. And in that time, we've been through so much change but, also, social has changed so much. So when I first started I was looking at social but it was more, "Let's just post and leave it," kind of thing. And see how it is engaged with, see how it works. But, over time, I've tried to hone it so it's more about a social community, rather than we're just talking at them. It's more we're talking with them and we're engaging with them. Like I say, we've grown into different channels. So we were really just focusing on Facebook. We had a little bit of Twitter, and a little bit of Instagram, but it was primarily Facebook. Whereas now, we've brought in more LinkedIn stuff and TikTok as well, which has really helped. I think in terms of building the social community though, there's so many different to-dos that you can stick to. But, for me, it's more about seeing what works for your brand. Because it doesn't always fit the same, it's not just one formula that fits all.Kelly Molson: And I guess, like you said, about bringing in different social channels, you need to work out where your audience is. I guess where you're getting the most engagement as well. And then, you are a small team, how do you then divide up where you spend your time? You've got to spend it in the areas that you're going to get that engagement. So you might then end up dropping certain channels, or not being as... I don't know, not putting as much effort into those ones, just because it's just not where you get the engagement.Danielle Nicholls: I think in terms of the different channels, they all have a different audience, if that makes sense. So Facebook is very family orientated. You get the grandparents, the mums on there. Whereas, Twitter is theme park fans and slightly younger, it's very conversational. TikTok is younger, but the demographics on there are shifting slightly to be everyone at the moment. Because it's where all the trends are and things, there's a big range. Our audience on there is 13 to maybe 35, 40 upwards. So it is very varied. Instagram is a mix between Twitter and Facebook. So you do get the families and the mums on there, but then you get the theme park fans that just want to see pictures of roller coasters. And with the introduction of reels as well, that's trying to tackle TikTok, so that's really important. And LinkedIn is corporate.But we do have a team, like I say, we have a digital manager as well, but she's so busy with all the other things that she's got to look after. So the social, like creating the content and community engagement, just sits with me. So I have a big plan of all the different channels and the different days. And because I know the Drayton brand inside and out, I know what works now. So we tend to post every other day on Facebook, every day on Twitter. And we try to do every weekday on TikTok. Instagram, very similar to Facebook. But there's not really one that I'd prioritise, necessarily. At first, it was TikTok, at the start of this year, because obviously that was where it was taking off. But now, it's just about tailoring the message across, and trying to keep active on all of them.Kelly Molson: Do you have to really tailor what you put out on each of the channels as well? So you don't do, "This is going to go out across all of our socials." You have to really think about how those... Because I guess there's subtle nuances about how people react to certain things on different channels, and how they might communicate back with you.Danielle Nicholls: I think, from what I've been doing this season in particular, is Twitter's been very conversational. So I've not necessarily been worried about always having an image on there, or always having a piece of media on there. Just some text normally works, so long as it's engaging and people feel like they want to respond to it. Whether there's a CTA on there, or it's just something that's humorous, then that tends to work quite well.Kelly Molson: It's no mean feat. That is an awful lot of work that goes into that. And I think it's really interesting to hear about the tailoring as well. And how you're going to get different reactions, from different people, on different social media platforms.Danielle Nicholls: We tend to get, particularly on Facebook, in the comments, they're always really interesting to read. They're so different to Twitter. Because Facebook, sometimes you get some complaints in there. But because our community is so strong now, we get other people responding for us, which is a good... It's amazing, I love it.Kelly Molson: That's phenomenal.Danielle Nicholls: Sometimes you've got to moderate it because they might give an answer that's not necessarily right. But yeah, a lot of the time they'll be sticking up for us. Or they'll be responding to the questions for us, which is interesting.Kelly Molson: That's really impressive, and I didn't know that that happened. Is that part of, because you've put so much work into building your community, they're now backing you to other people?Danielle Nicholls: Exactly, yeah.Kelly Molson: Wow.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. They've become our brand guardians without us making them, if that makes sense. Because they're so loyal to the brand, they just want to do all their best for us.Kelly Molson: How does that happen? Is that a time thing? Is it purely because you've spent so much time investing in those relationships that that happens now? Nobody's ever told me this before, that that happens.Danielle Nicholls: I think it's that but, also, like you say, Drayton is such a strong brand. And particularly since I've been here, we've just gone from strength to strength. So I think that helps as well. We also use user generated content. So particularly at the end of a big campaign, so Halloween, we'll say, "Share your pictures with us and we'll share them on our feeds." And that really gives them a sense of belonging as part of the community. Because they'll be scrolling down their Facebook or Instagram or wherever, and they'll see a picture of maybe their little one. Or they'll see themselves and, yeah, they love it.Kelly Molson: Yeah, I love that the whole user generated content is brilliant, because it allows people to see themselves at the place as well, doesn't it?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Kelly Molson: So from a sales perspective, I think if people can look at something and go, "Oh, well, that family looks just like mine." Or, "That person looks just like me." Or, "They've got this thing, just like I have." Then they're more inclined to maybe buy a ticket to come and see it as well. So it works two ways.Danielle Nicholls: It's about recognising the top fans as well. So I know Facebook has the top fan badge. And, on Twitter, we've got a closed community group which anyone can join. That's just called Drayton Manor Top Fans. And we, every so often, give them a little bit of information early before we give it to everybody else. Or little things like that, that make them feel special.Kelly Molson: So they feel like VIPs.Danielle Nicholls: So it keeps them interactive. Yes, exactly.Kelly Molson: They've got their own mini community. They feel like VIPs because they get to know stuff early. That's brilliant. Again, I've never heard any other attraction talk about doing stuff like that. Do you think that would be... I always ask about top tips, and what you would recommend other people to do that are building communities. Do you think that would be one of your top tips, is really invest in them?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And also, respond in a personal manner, rather than it being very corporate. Include your tone of voice, wherever you can, and make sure your tone of voice is dead on point, according to your brand guidelines. But also, be bold and brave. We always say that, don't we?Ross Ballinger: Bold and brave, yeah.Danielle Nicholls: If you sway away from your brand guidelines slightly, in order to respond, particularly on Twitter, it works really well. Then don't worry too much about that. It's okay, so long as it's in keeping with your values then it's okay.Ross Ballinger: And it's evident out there as well with all the other big companies. And it becomes a news story, doesn't it, when you get supermarkets battling on Twitter. And it's exposure and engagement at the same time.Kelly Molson: And people love that.Danielle Nicholls: That's another really important thing.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, people love it. It's a comedy show.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah, engaging with other brands helps.Kelly Molson: Yeah, they want to know about the people behind the brands, don't they? And if they realise that your brand face, actually there's a human behind it who's got a sense of humour, I think that goes a really long way.Danielle Nicholls: That's what we try and do.Kelly Molson: You do it perfectly, because I love your Twitter chat. You've got a great Twitter chat. We've talked loads about brand today, and that leads me on to what I want to talk to you about, Ross, which is the Drayton Manor brand itself. Because I think, I might have got this wrong, but it's a 70 year old brand. So Drayton Manor's about 70 years old.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, 1950 was when it first came about, yeah. The Bryan family started it in the 1950s. So George Bryan Sr., had this vision to create an inland pleasure resort for the local community. And I guess, in short story, it escalated from there.Danielle Nicholls: We've got a book all about it in the shops.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah. So yeah, we owe a lot to the Bryan family, really, for escalating such a tiny little brainchild into a massive attraction that we are today. So yeah, I can remember thinking that we needed to rebrand years ago though, when I first started. Because I think it's just one of those that was a little bit... I don't want to say anything bad about it but obviously it needed to change. It was a little bit outdated.Danielle Nicholls: It was a bit archaic, wasn't it?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, it was a bit archaic. It stood the test of time and it did a good job.Kelly Molson: So how long had the existing brand been in place, before you got your mitts on it?Ross Ballinger: I think the last logo that we had in the brand was probably in place for about 20 years. I think it's early 2000s, the last logo.Danielle Nicholls: There was always slight variations, wasn't there?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, there was always a few modifications on it.Kelly Molson: But I can imagine that things had changed quite dramatically over those 20 years as well. So you talk about the need for a rebrand, it was really needed.Ross Ballinger: Absolutely.Kelly Molson: What I always think's quite interesting is how long some of these things take. Because I think that people don't fully understand how long a rebrand can actually take you. So can you remember when those conversations first started?Ross Ballinger: Since I started, it's always been a project that was a pinnacle project that we always wanted to try and get on to. But just in terms of budgets and time, we never got around to it. Obviously, it came to the point, I think it was November 2021, when we first sat down and said, "Now is the time to do it." Because, obviously, we were bought out by a big company, Looping Group, and it was the perfect opportunity to do it. It's obviously a new era so it made perfect sense.Kelly Molson: So when did you launch it? So November, you sat down and went, "Right, November '21, we're going to do this." When did it actually launch?Ross Ballinger: Literally-Danielle Nicholls: Two minutes later.Ross Ballinger: Six months.Kelly Molson: Six months?Ross Ballinger: Six months, yeah. We put a brand team together, firstly. And, honestly, because we're such a small in-house team, we knew that we needed some help. So we got agency help, and we got local agencies to pitch in their best processes. So they were the experts in doing it, and they knew what protocols and procedures to go through. And we chose a really talented local agency in Birmingham. Yeah, started the project in '21, and launched it six months later.Kelly Molson: Wow, that's a phenomenal amount of work in six months.Ross Ballinger: Yeah. In, I don't know, design industry terms and the size of the business, that's no time at all, really.Kelly Molson: No, it's not. I honestly thought you were going to say we started talking about this three years ago and it took two years. It was a two year process.Ross Ballinger: The best thing was, is that we were doing that, alongside launching our brand new Vikings area. So we've got three new rides launch. We're launching a new website at the same time.Danielle Nicholls: We had a new booking system.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, a new ticketing system. As well as the regular day to day work and seasonal campaigns to market. It was literally like all Christmases come at once.Danielle Nicholls: It was. Everything we'd wanted for so long, they just went, "There you go."Ross Ballinger: All at the same time.Kelly Molson: You can have it all, but you need to do it in this amount of time. Wow. That is such a lot to all be happening at the same time. But I'm not going to lie, this happens at attractions. Suddenly, they just spring into action. We have just worked with a client with exactly the same. They did a rebrand, new website, booking system, all at the same time. And you're like, "Ah, the world is on fire. What's happening?"Danielle Nicholls: It was great though.Ross Ballinger: It was good though. We collaborated for most of it. The agency were a bit of a rock, really. And they did a lot of the legwork in terms of the brand personality, putting together the guidelines, creating the initial design concepts. But I did sit alongside them and collaborate with them. It would've just been a too big a task solely, on my own, internally, which it wouldn't have been possible. But I'd like to think I had a lot of input, inspirational design ideas along the way, that probably helped chisel the final outcome and the look of the brand that we've got now.Danielle Nicholls: Just logos in itself, you had sheets and sheets of-Ross Ballinger: Sheets and sheets of logos, yeah, logo concepts and variations. But I know I wanted something that was super flexible in terms of composition and layout. Because I know what I'd created before, it was archaic, but it was flexible. It would work on all different platforms. And then the typeface that we chose for the final logo was one of my early typefaces that I pitched in. And the swirl, that was one of my babies, that was one of my original concepts. So I always wanted to push that.Kelly Molson: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I love that. But that's what makes for a good agency client relationship is that you do collaborate. That's how it should be. And they obviously nailed it. And I know that you would've had so many stakeholders involved in this process as well. So I can imagine how big a challenge that was to actually come to a final, "This is what it's going to be like," and everyone be happy.Ross Ballinger: It was a challenge, but only because we had a lot of passionate stakeholders that wanted valued input. And they had strong views, which was very fair.Kelly Molson: So the bit that ties these two stories together, the things that we've talked about today, is that... I think you alluded to the fact, Ross. That when the brand launched, it's a big change for people. The way that you've talked about the brand is incredibly passionate. I can imagine that local people, people that come to visit every week, every month, they are so... The brand is in their heart. So a big change like this can be quite uncomfortable for people. And when the brand launched, there was a little bit of-Ross Ballinger: Yeah, there was a bit of uncertainty, yeah, and a bit of shock. Yeah, they've had a logo installed in their brain for 20 years. But when we wanted to launch the rebrand, it wasn't just about a logo. We did focus on the logo probably, in hindsight, more than we should have.Danielle Nicholls: I think that's maybe a bit of a learning curve, particularly on social. The asset that we used was the old logo going into the new logo, which we thought was great. But then when we put it out, we were like, "Actually, maybe we should have focused more on..." Like you say, brand personality and visions and values, rather than just the logo.Ross Ballinger: Because the end user hasn't really seen the six months of graft that's gone into creating that. And we did portray it in five seconds.Kelly Molson: So they just get the, "Hey, this is new, you should love it." But they haven't understood about the process of why you've done certain things, and the decisions that have been made.Danielle Nicholls: Exactly, yeah. We had a blog which explained it all perfectly, but you had to click through to the blog. People didn't necessarily do that. They just saw the logo and keyboard-Ross Ballinger: But I like the journey we went through because the people that didn't actually really like it in the beginning and really just sacked it off straight away, they're the people that have warmed to it now. And seen it in execution, and how adaptable it is, and how we can get our messages across. And the fact that they love it now, and I love that, that we've turned them round.Danielle Nicholls: Because the main thing we were trying to do, really, is come away from fun family memories, and turn it to fun for everyone. That was the main message that we wanted to portray, particularly on the social channels, and in brand in general. But I think going forward we're definitely going to achieve that.Kelly Molson: But it's quite interesting because I think what you talked about earlier, Danielle, your social community, they would've played a big part in this when you launched it. So I guess it would've been harder if you hadn't already built those relationships and nurtured that community. Launching something like this, would've been 1,000 times more difficult than actually... All right, there was a bit of a bump in the road, but it wasn't the end of the world. And people, like you say, are now warming to it and loving it. Would that have happened if you hadn't put all that work into the social community aspect?Danielle Nicholls: Possibly not. I think, like I said earlier, there was a lot of people, they had our backs. So there was people like, "This is..." Being very negative. But people were responding saying, "Look, they have to move forward, they've been through this, that and the other. They have to move forward. See the positives," which was good.Ross Ballinger: I think as well, probably because we've got such a good social community, they felt comfortable with saying what they thought about it and being honest.Danielle Nicholls: Which helps because we did run focus groups beforehand, as part of the rebrand process, with suppliers, annual pass holders, staff members, literally with so many people. But until it's out there, you're not necessarily going to get that big, full, wider picture. So it did help us with how we were going to move forward with the rebrand as well, looking at their feedback.Kelly Molson: So you actually took some of their... So obviously from the focus groups, you would've taken on board some of the input that you got from those. When it launched, was there anything that you took on board from the feedback that you were getting at that point? That you could look to, not necessarily change, but I guess look at the ways that you implement it in a different way?Danielle Nicholls: I think the main thing was, like we said, the logo situation. Because everyone was so focused on the logo, we knew that, moving forwards, as we were going to explore the brand even more, we had to make sure it was about the imagery and the personality. And including the shop line there and things like that, rather than... I think that learning curve definitely came from the feedback.Kelly Molson: Brilliant. It is such a huge project to go through a rebrand. And I think there's always that anxious moment when you unveil it to people and they go... It could be a bit Marmite. But I think the way that it's been managed, that's the important part of this story, really. And that comes back to, again, it all fits together about how the two of you work together as well. And I think that's quite an important aspect to take away from this podcast episode as well. It's about, it's a team, this is a team thing that happens here. And it's not just about one person. So the brand has launched and then, suddenly, it's all on Danielle's shoulders to deal with all the stuff that's coming back. It's, this is a team thing.Ross Ballinger: Well, no, it cascaded all the way through the company, didn't it?Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Ross Ballinger: People would be like... Even engineers, and everyone, and HR, they were like... They felt the same... It was almost a little bit of disappointment that the reaction wasn't amazing. But then, everybody felt it.Danielle Nicholls: But we all came together and-Ross Ballinger: Yeah.Danielle Nicholls: Our director of people bought us a box of Krispy Kremes in the office that day. And was like, "There you go, guys. Are you all okay?" And we were like, "Yeah, it's all good."Ross Ballinger: But there's obviously horror stories of brands doing this and reverting back. But we knew that we'd got something that was amazing that we were going to stick to. And once we knew we could roll it out, that it was going to flourish. So we're just glad that we stuck to our guns and just... We had the negativity at the beginning and, now, people love it.Danielle Nicholls: Like you say, we have people coming up to us, just telling me it's good. Saying, "I wasn't sure at first? But now we love it."Kelly Molson: Ah, see, and that's what you want. You want it to be loved by everybody that sees it now. That's brilliant. You just reminded me of something that I saw a few weeks ago. Have you seen the video when Staples changed their logo, they put out?Danielle Nicholls: Yes.Ross Ballinger: Yes, yes.Kelly Molson: That's just like, as you were talking about it, I was going, "Oh my God, I watched that last week." And it's so crazy.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah. And they're all like, "Whoopa." It's amazing.Kelly Molson: "Wow, look at us." And I just didn't think it was amazing either. But I just felt really sorry for the whole team being forced to clap it and, "Yay, a logo." Oh dear, if that's what they thought brand was-Ross Ballinger: I loved it. I just think that's how you should do it, even if it is a bit cringey.Danielle Nicholls: I thought it was hilarious.Ross Ballinger: What they've done is open up the stapler in the logo, and put it on the side. But sometimes that probably would've cost them an arm and a leg just to do that as well.Danielle Nicholls: So much time.Kelly Molson: There's a massive buildup to that happening as well. And I was a bit like, "Wow, that's a massive anticlimax."Danielle Nicholls: A big press conference for it.Ross Ballinger: I just loved everything about it, honestly.Kelly Molson: The next rebrand, that's what you'll be doing, Ross. You'll get everyone in the attraction, you'll launch it on a big screen. I think what you've done, and what you've achieved, is phenomenal. Thank you for coming on the podcast and talking to me about it today. I really appreciate it. As ever, we always ask our guests if they've got a book that they love that they'd like to share with our audience. So you can pick one each.Danielle Nicholls: I think for me... And going back to me being a theme park nerd, this ties in very well. John Wardley, who is-Ross Ballinger: No.Danielle Nicholls: I know, right. John Wardley, who is a big theme park, mainly rollercoaster, designer. He's done work for Merlin, PortAventura, Oakwood, so many. He was really, really big. He worked on things like Nemesis, Oblivion, Katanga Canyon at Alton Towers, was Megafobia at Oakwood. He had an autobiography called Creating Your Nemesis, which basically spanned through his life of how we got into the theme park industry and where we went through. And it's very story based and anecdotal, but it was really inspiring. And helped me create the courage to knock on doors and do that kind of thing.Kelly Molson: Oh, I love that. Great book. Great book choice.Ross Ballinger: That's a really good response to the question. See, I'm a designer so I don't really read. I can read, but I just don't read. I'm very visual, as you can imagine. So I'm just not a fan of reading. I prefer to just scroll through Instagram and TikTok. But I have read books in the past. I remember one book, I think it's probably the only book I have read, was The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I think it's Dan Brown. But that's only because I was interested in Leonardo da Vinci, who was obviously a scientist or an... He was a bit of an artist and an architect. So I was more interested in his theories, and his Vitruvian Man, I think it is. So I was more interested in his works, really. But other than that, I do own every book by Jamie Oliver, so if a cookbook works.Kelly Molson: I don't know if you should be sharing that.Ross Ballinger: So yeah, I love Jamie Oliver. 5 Ingredients, 30 Minute Meals, brilliant.Kelly Molson: Jamie Oliver gets a bad rap and I don't really know why because he seems like a nice guy.Danielle Nicholls: Are we going back to unpopular opinion?Kelly Molson: Well, I think we should. But also a little story in that. I live in Saffron Walden, Jamie Oliver lives five minutes around the corner.Ross Ballinger: He's down the road.Kelly Molson: He goes to the market in my town every Saturday, and goes and buys his-Ross Ballinger: Oh, I'd love to meet him.Danielle Nicholls: You'd be there for a selfie.Kelly Molson: Ross, join the queue. I'd love to meet him. I've lived here since 2019. I've never seen him once. All my friends have seen him. And now, it's a thing with them. They're like, "Have you seen him yet? Have you seen him?" No. And I feel like, I'm not a Jamie Oliver stalker. I'm not going to go and harass him. I just would like to live in the town and be like, "Oh yeah, I saw him this morning." I've never seen him. My mum has been messaging me once, and she's been in the cafe in Saffron Walden, and been like, "I think Jamie Oliver's on the table next to me. I'm not sure if it's him though. I don't know if it's a fat version of Jamie Oliver, or if it's actually... Oh no, it is Jamie. It's Jamie Oliver."Ross Ballinger: Oh no. I can understand why people don't like him. But he just sploshes his olive oil everywhere, sploshes it around. But he has got that passion for cooking, which is what I resonate with. So he loves what he does, he's so-Danielle Nicholls: You can't knock his passion.Ross Ballinger: You can't knock his passion. So I'm in tune with that.Kelly Molson: All right. Listeners, well, I think that we should scrap Ross's book choice, and I think we should go with the Jamie Oliver book. So if you head over to Twitter, and you retweet this Twitter announcement with, "I want Ross and Danielle's books," then you might be in with a chance of winning Danielle's book and a Jamie Oliver cookbook. Does that sound fair?Ross Ballinger: Yeah, that'd be ace.Kelly Molson: I feel like you were more passionate about that.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, yeah, yeah.Kelly Molson: All right, let's do that then. Thank you. It was lovely to have you both on. I've really, really enjoyed it.Ross Ballinger: Thank you.Danielle Nicholls: Thank you.Kelly Molson: And also thank you for the lovely little tour that I got of the new Vikings area at Drayton Manor, when you hosted the UK Theme Park Awards earlier this year.Danielle Nicholls: I'm glad you liked it.Ross Ballinger: Yeah, we did, yeah.Kelly Molson: It was awesome.Danielle Nicholls: It was amazing.Ross Ballinger: I think that's where you spotted us.Danielle Nicholls: Yeah.Kelly Molson: Well, look, I'm not going to lie, you guys were sitting behind me and you were extremely loud. And I thought, "They'll make great podcast guests."Danielle Nicholls: We were whooping everyone.Ross Ballinger: We had so much energy that day though. I was knackered by the end of the day.Kelly Molson: I loved it. No, you hosted it perfectly. It was a brilliant event. But the new area is fantastic, so definitely go on, book your ticket.Ross Ballinger: We're very proud of it.Kelly Molson: And go on and see that while you can. So thanks for coming on, guys.Ross Ballinger: Thank you.Danielle Nicholls: Thank you.Kelly Molson: Thanks for listening to Skip the Queue. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review. It really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions, that helps them increase their visitor numbers. You can find show notes and transcriptions from this episode and more, over on our website; rubber cheese.com/podcast.

Join me as I break down Chapters 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 and the Epilogue of The Da Vinci Code, in which Langdon finally solves the riddle thanks to a conveniently placed apple tree, Sophie was parent-trapped, and we finally find the Holy Grail maybe... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21st Century Radio® Host Dr. Bob Hieronimus sits down with author and filmmaker Christopher Hodapp to unpack the real history and persistent misconceptions about the Freemasons. Hodapp is also the writer of Freemasons for Dummies. About Solomon's Builders: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and the Secrets of Washington D.C.  Unearth the fascinating history of how the Freemasons and Founding Fathers sowed the seeds of a new nation amid the tumultuous collapse of the British colonies. Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation. Solomon's Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason's tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight: •Masonic connections to national monuments •Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets •The mysterious temples of the “Widow's Sons” Solomon's Builders relates the true stories of these visionary founders, and the fascinating meaning behind the cryptic codes, enigmatic symbols and intriguing architecture that is reputedly the basis for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown's novel The Lost Symbol. To learn more about Chris's work, head to https://freemasonsfordummies.com/ Conversation originally recorded in 2009.

Join me as I break down Chapters 97, 98, 99 and 100 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Westminster Abbey is a labyrinthine and abandoned wasteland filled with orbs, grave rubbing, and metal detection... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Read along with us.

A recording of ILGR's Meet the Candidates forum on October 25, 2022, including incumbent Senator George Borello and challenger Dan Brown for the NYS Senate's 57th District and incumbent Stephen Hawley and challenger Jennifer Keys for the NYS Assembly's 139th District.

Join me as I break down Chapters 93, 94, 95 and 96 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Remy gets a salty surprise, Go-Gettum makes Robert and Sophie a cuppa, and Silas and Aringarosa are reunited... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World's dirtiest man dies, Bubbles is fat AND hot, Chinese X rated wedding and so much more. 2 of our absolute favorite guests, Dan Brown and Mike O'Donnell, are both on this killer episode.

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has been described as, “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world.” She's been immortalized in everything from Andy Warhol's pop art to Dan Brown's bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code. But there was a time when the Mona Lisa was not well known, if you can imagine – and it took a man named Vincenzo Peruggia to launch her into stardom. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We here at ACOFAE have a saying that has served us well: Always meet your idols. Always. The Oleander Sword brings us back to the ladies we love: Bhumika, Priya, and Maline and things are not excellent. The war is still raging in Parijatdvipa and though Ahiranya is free in name, it falls to the only two temple elders in existence to run it and they are exhausted. Women are in charge everywhere and Chandra will do whatever he must to burn them all. All this while the long slumbering gods have begun to stir and discover that things are not to their liking. Not at all. TW / CW: none to our awareness For additional TW/CW information for your future reads, head to this site for more: https://triggerwarningdatabase.com/ Spoilers: Kingdom of the Wicked, Dan Brown's "Origin" Mentions: Priory of the Orange Tree, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #1), The Black Witch, The Jasmine Throne *Thank you for listening to us! Please subscribe and leave a 5 star review and follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/acofaepodcast/) and on our TikToks! TikTok: ACOFAELaura : Laura Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaelaura?) ACOFAEJessica : Jessica Marie (https://www.tiktok.com/@acofaejessica?)

Join me as I break down Chapters 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Remy is a petty thief with a peanut allergy, someone is up to something, and Langdon does what all Grail chasers do - he goes to the library... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Today's Quiz Podcast Episode Time for 20 new questions on this trivia podcast! What South Asian Cuisine comes from the Tamil word meaning sauce or relish for rice? The latin and greek name for cuttlefish is the name of what photographic chemical process? In which Dan Brown novel is the character Silas - The Albino Monk? This tagline comes from what movie "The greatest adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life"? In fashion, "YSL" refers to which French label that specializes in haute couture, ready-to-wear and leather accessories? Who, in 1998, became the youngest football (soccer) player and goalscorer in an England international team? Who, in 1998, became the youngest football (soccer) player and goalscorer in an England international team? Which astronaut hit the first golf ball on the moon during the Apollo 14 mission? Uruk, Memphis, and Mohenjo-Daro were some of the largest and most-populated cites during which historic Age? Which property on a standard Monoploy board is a misspelling of its actual name? You might feel like a Superman when you Lose Yourself in these multi-colored chocolates in candy shells. If you liked this episode, check out our last trivia episode! Music Hot Swing, Fast Talkin, Bass Walker, Dances and Dames by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Don't forget to follow us on social media for more trivia: Patreon - patreon.com/quizbang - Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Check out our fun extras for patrons and help us keep this podcast going. We appreciate any level of support! Website - quizbangpod.com Check out our website, it will have all the links for social media that you need and while you're there, why not go to the contact us page and submit a question! Facebook - @quizbangpodcast - we post episode links and silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess. Instagram - Quiz Quiz Bang Bang (quizquizbangbang), we post silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess. Twitter - @quizbangpod We want to start a fun community for our fellow trivia lovers. If you hear/think of a fun or challenging trivia question, post it to our twitter feed and we will repost it so everyone can take a stab it. Come for the trivia - stay for the trivia. Ko-Fi - ko-fi.com/quizbangpod - Keep that sweet caffeine running through our body with a Ko-Fi, power us through a late night of fact checking and editing!

POS favorite Dan Brown is in epic battle with bees. This is literally what we discuss for an hour. Its insane

Join me as I break down Chapters 83, 84, 85 and 86 of The Da Vinci Code, in which the threesome interrupt an altar boy's vacuuming, Teabing performed Caesar with his todger out, and Fache, Remy and Silas are all on the sauce... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When long time trekker, writer, and anthropologist Beebe Bahrami made her first full 500-mile hike on the Camino de Santiago,via the Way of Saint James, across southern France and northern Spain, she met French and Spanish pilgrims who told her that the Camino was more than a Christian pilgrimage. They explained that it also was a great leyline, a path of earth energy that could transform one by walking it. They added that under the 1,200-year-old Christian pilgrimage road there was a more ancient, pre-Christian initiatory path that could take one deeper into spiritual experience and consciousness. A person engaged it by looking for signs along the way. Signs? Many, she learned, but that the most potent were those associated with the goose. The leyline idea made sense to her for she was already feeling it as she stepped along, an uncanny hum from the earth that seemed to support her every step. But signs and geese? What did this have to do with pilgrimage, let alone spiritual initiation? She dismissed it as a wonky idea and dropped it quickly on the trail and forgot about it. But the goose would not leave her alone. It appeared as Bahrami walked, in village and landscape feature names, on medieval churches and monasteries, and most unusually, as a part of a massive inlaid stone board game, the Game of the Goose, in the Plaza de Santiago, the Spanish name for Saint James, in the Riojan city of Logroño. A popular European children's game similar to Snakes and Ladders, in Logroño Bahrami learned that the Game of the Goose was intentionally set there by city planners and with church's blessings to serve as a metaphor for the pilgrimage, as well as for life. She learned that the goose was seen as a creature of luck. But what else did the goose mean, beyond luck, signs, and children's game? What really led it to become associated with spiritual initiation, pilgrimage, and the Camino? No one seemed able to give her a straight answer but by now, she was intrigued. It took Bahrami three returns on three more through-treks on pilgrim paths in southwestern France and northern Spain to unearth the answers, ones that were rooted in ancient, pre-Christian times and that had survived to the present in the seemingly innocuous form of the goose. As Bahrami pursued the mystery of the goose, part skeptic and part seeker, she encountered wise and humorous locals, quirky and questing pilgrims, and unusual evidence in stones, local stories, and practices that revealed that the way of the wild goose was indeed a real and vibrant pathway, a parallel universe to the Christian Camino de Santiago. She discovered that though the medieval Camino was officially dedicated to Saint James the Greater, under the surface still dwelled older native goddesses and gods who continued to influence the way. Most stunning, she found that the goose was very likely an ancient Eurasian earth-centered mother goddess who took many forms but the goose was among her most prominent forms or association. Ideas about the goose were crumbs, clues, and survivors of an older spirituality, ones that even found their way into stories of Mother Goose. In all this, what Bahrami did not anticipate was that the outer goose adventure would take on an inner twist, that way of the wild goose would pull her into her own initiatory journey. She began as a curious bumbling trekker and ended a seeker on a full-blown medieval adventure in modern times. This three part, outer and inner adventure of The Way of the Wild Goose is a travel narrative about wild nature, ancient roads, and mysterious lore that tells a modern story of initiation, challenge, trail magic, and deep personal transformation. Something of a cross between Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods, Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love, and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, The Way of the Wild Goose is a travel narrative and a detective...

A new MP3 sermon from Immanuel Presbyterian Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: 2 Chronicles 20:1-6 Speaker: Dan Brown Broadcaster: Immanuel Presbyterian Church Event: Devotional Date: 10/12/2022 Bible: 2 Chronicles 20:1-6 Length: 14 min.

Join me as I break down Chapters 79, 80, 81 and 82 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Teabing returns to the motherland, Langdon learns about bribery, and we meet everyone's favourite character Simon Edwards from the Biggen Hill Airport... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this fifth and final installment of our series on psychic detectives, we wrap up the exploration of this topic. We do have two additional episodes located in our Shadow Realm.To begin this episode, we start with addressing the characteristics that are required of a psychic detective. While you may not have considered it before, there are both mental and physical aspects of being a psychic detective that need to be understood. Moreover, the psychic's role in the dynamic of working with Law Enforcement Officers is also exceptionally important. We then launch into ten steps that are used to help develop psychic detective skills as laid out by psychic Dan Brown.Finally, we feature a case file from Gerard Croiset, the Scrying Dutchman, who is likely the most documented, and prolific, psychic detective. This case is one where Croiset worked with the FBI on a high-profile case that rocked the United States in the mid-1960s: The Mississippi Burning Murders. We hope you are enjoying this series!You can find the book resources for this series here.This episode was researched, written and produced by me, Tim Woolworth. The audio wizardy is courtesy of our engineer, and fellow explorer of the unknown, Joshua Sean at Zero-G ITC. Hopefully our efforts made a little bit of our paranormal world more normal for you.As you listen to this, or any other episode, please subscribe to the show and if so inclined, please leave a review and tell a friend. It really helps us out.  Below is our Shadow Realm link should you decide to support us. Your support not only gives you benefits like ad-free content, bonus episodes, access to our Discord server, exclusive free merchandise, Ask Me Anything sessions, and much more, it also helps us keep high quality paranormal content delivered regularly to the podcast player of your choice. WHERE YOU CAN FIND US:Website: Walk In The ShadowsShadow Realm: Walk In The Shadows PodcastFacebook: Walk In The Shadows PodcastTwitter: @WalkShadowsInstagram: WalkintheShadowsPodcastSupport the showYou can always reach us via our email, contact@walkintheshadows.com. or via any of our social media accounts found on our website Walk In The Shadows.Until next episode, may you and yours be healthy, prosperous, and treated with kindness by everyone you meet both in the light, and in the shadows.

Join me as I break down Chapters 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Langdon makes Sophie visualise her grandad getting railed, Aringarosa bribes a pilot, and Teabing's nibblies are a huge letdown... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

J F Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, dark fantasy, and crime. We are talking about Tomb Of Relics, her twelfth book in her best-selling Arkane series. The series has been likened to Dan Brown's thrillers and it's got all the popular themes: relics of power, international locations, and adventure with an edge of the supernatural. Hi there, I'm your host Jenny Wheeler, and today on Binge Reading J F – Joanna – talks about her attraction to dark mystery and being a successful author in the 21st century. Of course as usual we have a free book giveaway - this week is Out of Time Mysteries and Thriller Giveaway: https://claims.prolificworks.com/gg/2pNOBFed21srn5v1aNfU DOWNLOAD FREE MYsTERIES AND THRILLERS If you'd like enjoy the show and would like to thank us for all our work, support us by buying me a cup of coffee at buymeacoffee.com/jennywheelX BUY ME A COFFEE - AND THANK YOU! Links mentioned in this episode: Dan Brown and Da Vinci Code: https://danbrown.com/ Anne Rice: http://annerice.com/ Sandra Bullock movie like Romancing the Stone: The Lost City: https://screenrant.com/lost-city-romancing-stone-similar-different/ Mick Herron: https://www.mickherron.com/ Daniel Silva: Portrait of An Unknown Woman: https://danielsilvabooks.com/ John Connolly: Charlie Parker series: https://www.johnconnollybooks.com/ Mick Herron: https://www.mickherron.com/ Pilgimrage St Cuthbert's Way: https://www.stcuthbertsway.info/ Camino Way: https://caminoways.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Camino-de-Santiago.jpg Where to find J F Penn: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Thriller AuthorPodcaster. Speaker. Award-winning Entrepreneur. Get your FREE Successful Author Blueprint: www.TheCreativePenn.com Podcast: www.TheCreativePenn.com/podcasts/ Twitter: joanna@TheCreativePenn.comwww.twitter.com/thecreativepenn  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/TheCreativePenn Instagram: www.instagram.com/jfpennauthor Love Books and Travel? www.BooksAndTravel.page What follows is a "near as" transcript of our conversation, not word for word but pretty close to it, with links to the show notes in The Joys of Binge Reading.com for important mentions.But now, here's Joanna. Introducing thriller author JF Penn Jenny Wheeler: Hello there, Joanna, and welcome to the show. It's fabulous to have you with us Thriller author JF Penn J F Penn: Thanks so much, Jenny. I'm thrilled to be here. Jenny Wheeler: You are really well known for your work in the non-fiction area with your podcast, The Creative Penn, but today we are talking about the other 50% of your career, maybe even 60%, your fiction writing, which doesn't often get quite so much attention. You are an award nominated New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. You combine genres, multi genre books, which are thrillers, dark fantasy and crime – something that sometimes the trad publishers aren't quite so keen on because they don't know where to put them on the shelf, but you have just published your 12th book in your Arkane series, Tomb of Relics. When you started out, did you appreciate that you were tackling this as a multi-genre and that it might get a little bit complicated as you went along? J F Penn: I think when you start writing a story, you write the story you are interested in. My Arkane series was sort of shaped by the Dan Brown Da Vinci Code era, back in the day. It seems a long time now, but essentially I love the Da Vinci Code and I have a degree in Theology and I love thrillers. I was working in Australia at the time, miserable in my day job, and I would read these religious and historical Arkane-type thrillers back then, and that's what I decided to write. Action thriller with a supernatural edge The Arkane series is action, adventure, thriller, but has this supernatural edge and is based on religious history and religious myth,

Join me as I break down Chapters 69, 70, 71, 72 and 73 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Sophie realises she might be a fugitive, Collet and Fache are fighting, and Da Vinci's kooky writing trick stumps the experts...'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and E.L. James' dreadfully unerotic Fifty Shades Freed on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, Insurgent, and The Maze Runner.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down E.L. James' Fifty Shades Freed with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker, Insurgent and The Maze Runner recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems like every story of mass violence or a school shooting includes speculation about what mental illness the alleged perpetrator has. Why is that? What can we do about it? Join us as Emmy Award winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas contests these thoughts and shares the media's point of view. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Emmy Award winning journalist Elizabeth Vargas has traveled the world covering breaking news stories, reporting on-depth investigations, and conducting newsmaker interviews. She is the host of America's Most Wanted on Fox TV. She hosted the hit newsmagazine show 20/20 on ABC for 15 years, and was co-anchor of World News Tonight, and news anchor and frequent host of Good Morning America. She hosted A&E Investigates, doing a series of documentaries that still air on Hulu. During the historic Iraqi elections in December 2005, she reported extensively for World News Tonight from Baghdad on both civilian life in Iraq and American military involvement there. She has interviewed leaders from around the world, including President Bush from the Oval Office in the White House. Vargas has also anchored ABC News coverage of live, breaking stories, including the deaths of President Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Hurricane Katrina's devastation on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Vargas won an Emmy in 2000 for Outstanding Instant Coverage of a News Story for anchoring live coverage of the Elian Gonzalez case. Vargas has also interviewed a wide range of celebrities, from actors and musicians to business leaders and authors, including: Ellen DeGeneres, Jeff Skoll, Sheryl Crow, Madonna, Johnny Depp, Hugh Hefner, Jessica Simpson, Mick Jagger, Drew Barrymore, Dan Brown, Alanis Morissette, and Cat Stevens. In 2016, Vargas released her memoir, “Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction.” The book details her lifelong struggle with anxiety and how she self-medicated with alcohol, and tells a powerful story of healing and coping. The book spent several weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous awards. Vargas is a member of the board of directors for the nonprofit Partnership to End Addiction. She hosts a podcast, Heart of the Matter, about addiction, recovery, and the stigma so many face in their effort to heal. Inside Mental Health Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

Join me as I break down Chapters 64, 65, 66, 67 and 68 of The Da Vinci Code, in which Langdon borrows a paperclip from a billionaire, Lieutenant Collet is foiled again, and Teabing jets around more than Taylor Swift... 'Breaking Down Bad Books' is a podcast analysing trashy bestsellers from a literary perspective. Currently covering Dan Brown's historically inaccurate The Da Vinci Code, and James Dashner's labyrinthine sci-fi The Maze Runner on Patreon. Previously covered Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, 365 Days, Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Divergent, and Insurgent.Sign up to be a patron at www.patreon.com/breakingdownbadbooks for access to exclusive bonus episodes where I will be breaking down James Dashner's The Maze Runner with new episodes every Friday. You can also gain access to the previously published 365 Days, Fifty Shades Darker and Insurgent recaps.Read along with me and let me know your thoughts on Twitter @PodBreakingDown or Instagram @breakingdownbadbooks or email me at breakingdownpod@gmail.com. You can also leave a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/breakingdownbadbooks.Hosted by Nathan Brown, who you can find on Twitter and Instagram @nathanbrown90. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/breaking-down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.