Podcasts about Dark Times

Sometimes saving the planet can feel like a massive, exhausting guilt trip. In this episode, Debbie sits down with University of British Columbia professors Elizabeth Dunn and Jiaying Zhao to talk about their book, Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species. Their main point is about the whole "you must be perfect" climate messaging is totally backfiring, and focusing on joyful, high-impact changes is actually what keeps people motivated. Jiaying breaks down a massive 63-country study showing how scare tactics just make people want to shut down, and the duo debunks some common eco-myths.It turns out that obsessing over turning off the lights or choosing the perfect reusable bag doesn't move the needle much. Instead, they shout out smarter, high-leverage moves like treating beef and lamb as occasional splurges, eating more plants, and traveling lighter. They also get into how to influence the people around you by making sustainable choices easy, attractive, and non-political, proving that individual habits and big systemic changes (like voting) both matter.Listen and Learn: How "doom and gloom" climate messaging actually backfires by discouraging real-world actionSurprising insights from a massive global study of 60,000 participants across 63 countriesFinding joyful, climate-friendly lifestyle changes to create a positive feedback loop that makes us happier and more motivated to protect the planet How making practical, high-impact shifts in your daily habits like smarter food choices can create a truly sustainable difference for both you and the planetData-backed truth behind common environmental myths and how to easily focus your energy on the daily lifestyle choices that actually make a high-impact difference for the planet How to significantly lower your carbon footprint without sacrificing the foods you loveReducing your carbon footprint without giving up the joy of travel by mastering the art of packing light, making smarter flight choices, and embracing the unexpected adventure of staycations How to inspire positive behavior change in others without lecturing them on climate change Why individual action and systemic change are not a false dichotomy, but rather a powerful partnership where local community engagement can drive larger policy shifts and boost your personal happiness Resources: Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Specieswww.happyclimate.org Book Debbie mentioned: Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden, by Camille T. DungyDebbie's essay about the drought in Denver, with pictures of her low-water garden: https://drdebbiesorensen.substack.com/p/drought-dispatches-from-denver About Elizabeth Dunn Elizabeth Dunn is Professor of Psychology at the University of British Columbia and coauthor of Happy Money. She directs UBC's Happy Lab, which focuses on how to optimize valuable resources including time, money, and carbon to maximize human well-being. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic, TIME, Rolling Stone, and Harvard Business Review; and on numerous podcasts and television shows, including Hidden Brain, NPR's Short Wave, The Happiness Lab, Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris, Morning Joe, and CBS Mornings. Dunn spoke on the TED mainstage in 2019, and her talk was selected as one of the top ten TED talks of the year.About Jiaying Zhao Jiaying Zhao (JZ) is Professor of Psychology and Sustainability and founded the Behavioral Sustainability Lab at the University of British Columbia, which designs and tests behavioral solutions that encourage climate action. She has worked with NASA, NOAA, and the US and Canadian Forest Service to develop pathways to net zero. Zhao has appeared on numerous podcasts and in documentary films, including Why Is This Happening? With Chris Hayes and Close the Divide. Her research has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, TIME, The Economist, Scientific American, CNN, and NBC. In 2023, Zhao gave a TED talk on climate strategies rooted in happiness, which was selected as one of the top TED Talks to be a better you in 2024.Related Episodes:262. Hope and Values in Dark Times with Us 255. Influence is Your Superpower with Zoe Chance 215. How to Change with Katy Milkman 371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith 431. Ordinary Magic: Social Psychology for Big Change with Gregory Walton See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Michael Meade talks about the various ways we can find and connect with our creative muse. He brings surprising insights into practical ways of being creative and the good news that everyone, artists and non-artists alike, has a muse. Creativity is a force larger than ourselves that wants to flow through us, be expressed by us and be given to the community around us.   Meade shares myths and rituals that show how creativity is present and in abundance during the dark times of trouble and despair. Times of chaos and dissolution can also birth creativity that leads us to the next phase of life or of the world, in the never-ending dance of chaos and ongoing creation and creativity.   This episode is edited from an interview on a Jung Platform Summit on creativity.   Thank you for listening to and supporting Living Myth. You can further support this podcast by becoming a member of Living Myth Premium. Members receive bonus episodes each month, access to the full archives of over 750 episodes and a 30% discount on all events, courses and book and audio titles.   Learn more and join this community of listeners at: patreon.com/livingmyth   Along with these free weekly podcasts, you can now read free weekly essays and long form posts by Michael Meade on Substack. Learn more and subscribe at: michaeljmeade.substack.com   If you enjoy this podcast, we appreciate you leaving a review wherever you listen and sharing it with your friends. On behalf of Michael Meade and the whole Mosaic staff, we wish you well and thank you for your support of our work.

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

The American Dream at its best is an ethical ideal and a moral compass. If respected and sustained, it can guide the United States through Trump 2.0. Anchored in the US Constitution, Saving the American Dream: Meditations for Dark Times (Wipf and Stock, 2026) features meditations for dark times. Meditations are intentional acts of focused attention.Its fundamental premise is that individuals moved to communal action by warned awareness and committed resistance are indispensable to meet challenges that grow by the day. Guidance from reliable American writers—philosophers, historians, novelists, poets, essayists, religious thinkers—maps the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast,     Season 4: "The Curse of the Glass Witch"   Episode 322, Chapter 41 "Pup, The Magic Dragon" PATREON RELEASE (BRONZE+): 3 weeks early! COMMERCIAL FREE with EXCLUSIVE ART! PUBLIC RELEASE: Thursday, June 25th Show Notes for the Episode... Boris did a nice because of the promise of something that makes the human host uncomfortable. In the first segment, we continue with Jasper and Pup as they take the opportunity to rob the Halo General Store amidst its smoking ruin. In the second segment, we go back to Holly the Faerie Witch as the Keepers close in on her. In the final segment, Robin and I discuss the state of the story so far. (* - In the show I referred to Moon Spirit as Moon Shadow. They're completely different characters) Production... Executive Producer:            George Pecenica Producer:            Mike West Patreon Sponsor:             Irritating Fog Cast...Storycrafter - Mike Rigg           Robbie, Boris, Margie, and Ben - Themselves     George Pecenica as Percy Alexander     Ray Volk as Martin Barnett     Jenn Avril as Connie Ross     Rupert Faullhurst as Nigel Osbert Wintermann     Dave Murtagh as Oliver Glass     and introducing Robin as Holly the Faerie Witch and Blake Azur as Jasper Remington Music Credits...          "Undaunted," "Almost New," "Dark Times," "Division," String Impromptu Number 1," "Tenebrous Brothers Carnival-Mermaid," "To the Ends" by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . Additional music: "The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast Theme" performed by Floof* , "A Jaunty Day in SRAPland," "Jasper," "Pup," "Mayden's Theme," "Temple Upstroke," "The Halo Temple" by RST Musek (* Floof is a fictional band. Find out more by following Whiskey Tango Furball on YouTube @WTFurball. RST Musek lyrics written by Michael J Rigg, music generated using SUNO.)

The path through suffering begins with trust, not understanding. Believe God is always working for your good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II, young Hendrika de Vries witnessed extraordinary courage. Her family hid a Jewish child in their home, and she watched her mother join the Dutch Resistance and withstand interrogation at gunpoint after the child was discovered and taken away. These experiences would shape a lifetime devoted to resilience, hope, and helping others find their strength.   Hendrika's remarkable journey spans continents and generations. From her childhood in wartime Holland to her teenage years as an immigrant and champion swimmer in 1950s Australia, and later as a young wife and mother in the turbulent United States of the 1960s, her life story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and purpose.       As a young swimming instructor in Australia, Hendrika experienced a defining moment when she helped a boy whose legs had been paralyzed by polio learn to trust his upper body and move through the water. Watching him discover his own strength revealed a calling that would eventually lead her to become a family therapist in the United States.   Today, Hendrika de Vries is a retired family therapist, teacher, and writer with a background in theology and depth psychology. She is the author of two memoirs, including one about a little Dutch girl who journeys from the shadows of war to a new life in Australia, confronting loss, shattered dreams, and inner struggles before discovering her unique path forward.   Through her writing and speaking, Hendrika inspires audiences with a powerful message: even in the darkest times, hope and possibility remain. She believes that by sharing our stories, we become witnesses to resilience and agents of change. Her life and work remind us that courage, compassion, and the human spirit can endure—and flourish—against all odds.                             GET YOUR COPY HERE   If you believe in the power of dreams and intentions, this inspirational coming-of-age memoir, set in 1950s Australia, where an immigrant girl swimmer turns challenges and disappointments into opportunities for success, is for you. Henny was just a little girl when she experienced brutal violence and hunger in WWII Amsterdam, but she is now a teenage immigrant swimmer in 1950s Australia, where she must learn to turn challenges into success. She is smart, she swims fast, and she has definite opinions about the kind of woman she intends to be. She hears the timeless Land speak and sees the Southern Cross as a beacon when she walks in the bush with her father. She enjoys swimming star fame and championship victories and turns to the pool in her search to belong, to face fears and dashed hopes, until at every turn she sees more clearly her unique path ahead.   GET YOUR COPY HERE When a Toy Dog Became a Wolf and the Moon Broke Curfew Born in the Netherlands at a time when girls are to be housewives and mothers and nothing else, Hendrika de Vries is a "daddy's girl" until her father is deported from Nazi-occupied Amsterdam to a POW camp in Germany and her mother joins the Resistance. In the aftermath of her father's departure, Hendrika watches as freedoms formerly taken for granted are eroded with escalating brutality by men with swastika armbands who aim to exterminate those they deem "inferior" and those who do not obey.   As time goes on, Hendrika absorbs her mother's strength and faith, and learns about moral choice and forced silence. She sees her hidden Jewish "stepsister" betrayed, and her mother interrogated at gunpoint. She and her mother suffer near starvation, and they narrowly escape death on the day of liberation. But they survive it all—and through these harrowing experiences, Hendrika discovers the woman she wants to become. Get in Touch with Hendrika Website Facebook

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 4055: Randi Kay reflects on how small acts of kindness, mindful choices, and inner healing can help bring hope during difficult times, while also encouraging readers to embrace life's uncertain transitions as opportunities for growth. Her perspective offers a gentle reminder that the pauses and challenges we face can become the foundation for a more intentional and meaningful future. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/how-to-be-the-light-in-dark-times   &  https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/why-being-stuck-in-the-middle-is-a-good-thing Quotes to ponder: “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light.” “Travel light. Live light. Spread the light. Be the light.” “The moment in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.” Episode references: Ayurveda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Yogi Bhajan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbhajan_Singh_Khalsa Summer Solstice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Prisoner-Azkaban-Rowling/dp/0439136369 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 4055: Randi Kay reflects on how small acts of kindness, mindful choices, and inner healing can help bring hope during difficult times, while also encouraging readers to embrace life's uncertain transitions as opportunities for growth. Her perspective offers a gentle reminder that the pauses and challenges we face can become the foundation for a more intentional and meaningful future. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/how-to-be-the-light-in-dark-times   &  https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/why-being-stuck-in-the-middle-is-a-good-thing Quotes to ponder: “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light.” “Travel light. Live light. Spread the light. Be the light.” “The moment in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.” Episode references: Ayurveda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Yogi Bhajan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbhajan_Singh_Khalsa Summer Solstice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Prisoner-Azkaban-Rowling/dp/0439136369 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 4055: Randi Kay reflects on how small acts of kindness, mindful choices, and inner healing can help bring hope during difficult times, while also encouraging readers to embrace life's uncertain transitions as opportunities for growth. Her perspective offers a gentle reminder that the pauses and challenges we face can become the foundation for a more intentional and meaningful future. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/how-to-be-the-light-in-dark-times   &  https://www.naturallyrandikay.com/post/why-being-stuck-in-the-middle-is-a-good-thing Quotes to ponder: “Happiness can be found in the darkest of times if one remembers to turn on the light.” “Travel light. Live light. Spread the light. Be the light.” “The moment in between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.” Episode references: Ayurveda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda Yogi Bhajan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbhajan_Singh_Khalsa Summer Solstice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_solstice Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Prisoner-Azkaban-Rowling/dp/0439136369 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to When Words Fail, Music Freaks—the podcast where we explore how melody can lift us out of darkness. I'm your host, James Cox, a self‑declared “professional handicapped” advocate for mental‑health awareness, and today I'm honored to sit down with one of the most resilient, inventive, and inspiring musicians you'll ever meet: Peter Manning Robinson.From a three‑year‑old prodigy who instinctively knew the piano was his lifeline, to a survivor of sexual abuse and street homelessness, Peter has turned every hardship into a conduit for healing. He's an Emmy‑winning composer, a multi‑BMI award‑winner, and the creator of the groundbreaking Refractor Piano—a hybrid of hardware and software that re‑imagines what a piano can sound like in real time.In this conversation we'll:Uncover how a childhood trauma and a profound love for the piano became Peter's emotional equalizer.Hear the story behind his double‑helix concept albums, the raw grief of External Incursions, and the fire‑laden inspiration behind Excursions.Learn how a bout of debilitating tendinitis forced him to reinvent his technique, leading to a six‑month “martial‑arts” piano regimen that restored his playing and sparked an explosion of melodic, lyrical work.Dive into the birth of the Refractor Piano, a prism‑like instrument that refracts acoustic sound into entirely new textures—performed live, with no synths, no overdubs, just pure, spontaneous creation.Get Peter's brutally honest advice for anyone who feels their passion slipping away, and his mantra for staying present, grateful, and forever curious.Whether you're battling depression, searching for a new creative outlet, or simply love hearing how one artist turns adversity into art, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the unshakable power of music. Grab a cup of coffee (or tea—Peter's happy with both), settle in, and let the conversation remind you why, when words fail, music always speaks.

In this episode Justin, Bindy and Arvy discuss the World Cup, NY Knicks winning the NBA Finals and more! Bindy messed with Arvy's microphone so apologies ahead of time. Its all jokes and not meant to be taken seriously.Please subscribe, like and engage! Just Yappin' YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxEfm7OOpYeYhAanKvSAO7gwww.reigncitytoys.com My Official Website + Demo Reel - https://www.justindhillon.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewrestlingclassic/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@thewrestlingclassic X - https://x.com/twcworldwide Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheWrestlingClassic/ Articles - https://www.one37pm.com/author/justin-dhillon Limited Edition TWC Tee https://headquartersclothing.com/products/headquarters-x-the-wrestling-classic-logo-tee?_pos=1&_psq=wrestlinhg&_ss=e&_v=1.0 WWE Shop Affiliate wwe-shop.sjv.io/RGRxQv 500 Level https://www.500level.com/ Join the Discord Community https://linktr.ee/thewrestlingclassic All Episodes are on "The Wrestling Classic" Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQOYraeFlX-xd8f3adQtTw#JustYappin #NBAFinals #FifaWorldCup #NYKnicks #Knicks Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/twc-show--4417554/support.

Author Olivia Swarthout joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" panelists for episode 664 to discuss her book:  Weird Medieval Guys:  How To Live, Laugh, Love (And Die) In Dark Times.The host for this edition is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard.Opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

BONUS DISCUSSION:  Author Olivia Swarthout joins the "Relevant Or Irrelevant" panelists for episode 664 to discuss her book:  Weird Medieval Guys:  How To Live, Laugh, Love (And Die) In Dark Times.The host for this edition is Jay Swords, and the history buffs are Rick Sweet and Brett Monnard.Opinions expressed in this program are those of the hosts and the guest(s), and not necessarily those of KALA-FM or St. Ambrose University. This program is recorded at KALA-FM, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa, USA!

Presenting... The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast,     Season 4: "The Curse of the Glass Witch"   Episode 321, Chapter 40 "Fox Drowns Cat" EARLY RELEASE (BRONZE+): 3 weeks early! COMMERCIAL FREE! PUBLIC RELEASE: Thursday, June 11, 2026 Show Notes for the Episode... Boris and Robbie get into it again, leaving Ben to go long-winded on the Protocol of the day. The journey of Jasper and his pal Pup continues as they find a bridge across the Wabash at midnight...but they're not alone. Production... Executive Producer:            George Pecenica Producer:            Sholom West Patreon Sponsor:             Irritating Fog Cast...Storycrafter - Mike Rigg           Robbie, Boris, Margie, and Ben - Themselves     George Pecenica as Percy Alexander     Ray Volk as Martin Barnett     Jenn Avril as Connie Ross     Rupert Faullhurst as Nigel Osbert Wintermann     Dave Murtagh as Oliver Glass     and introducing Robin as Holly the Faerie Witch and Blake Azur as Jasper Remington Music Credits...          "Undaunted," "Almost New," "Dark Times," "Division," "Long Note One," "String Impromptu 1," "To the Ends" by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . Additional music: "The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast Theme" performed by Floof* , "Chase Sequence," "Creepy Sneaking II," "Jasper," "Pup" by RST Musek (* Floof is a fictional band. Find out more by following Whiskey Tango Furball on YouTube @WTFurball. RST Musek lyrics written by Michael J Rigg, music generated using SUNO.)

I read this book with absolute passion. While it is a novel, it is truly an epic—the story of a family told through the greatest upheavals and disasters of the 20th century. Although it is set in Greece, we Ukrainians can deeply relate to this story: a narrative where global events shape your life far more than your own plans. It is a novel about national conflicts and population displacements, fascism and communism, World War II, violence from all sides. It explores the trap of "revolutionary struggle," the dilemmas of duty versus life, and self-sacrifice versus human happiness. The novel is called "Niki", and it was written by Christos Chomenidis, a prominent Greek writer. I was glad to meet him in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where he traveled at the invitation of the Greek embassy and his Ukrainian publisher. We sat down at PEN Ukraine and spoke about Europe, the past, the future, freedom, war, and peace. This is Thinking in Dark Times, a podcast series by UkraineWorld, an English-language media outlet about Ukraine. *** Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, chief editor of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine. Guest: Christos Chomenidis, a prominent, award-winning Greek writer. He has traveled to Ukraine despite the relentless Russian missile and drone strikes that regularly target the Ukrainian cities. *** Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** CONTENTS: 0:03 Intro 2:04 What brought prominent Greek writer Christos Chomenidis to Kyiv despite the ongoing war? 3:05 How does Chomenidis' novel "Niki" weave together individual human stories with the challenging 20th-century history of Greece? 4:12 How does the experience of communism differ between Greece and Ukraine, and what forms did it take in each country? 5:56 How does the novel portray the act of destroying one's own house as a sacrifice to communist forces, and how is this understood today? 7:31 How does the novel explore the tension between duty to a greater cause and the pursuit of individual desires and happiness? 11:12 What main similarities does the author find between the Greek and Ukrainian peoples? 12:44 How did Chomenidis experience the fear of air raids in Kyiv, and what does it reveal about Ukrainian resilience? 15:28 Why was the Soviet Union, and even Stalin, romanticized in some Greek left-wing circles, and how does Chomenidis explain this perspective now? 17:41 How does modern Russian propaganda operate in Greece, and why do some Greek parties support Russia based on "zoopolitics"? 23:17 Do societies with a recent memory of authoritarianism have a stronger capacity or intuition to fight for freedom? 35:12 Why is democracy likened to a "baby"? What is freedom a "muscle" that requires constant, everyday struggle and care? 38:28 What gives Christos Chomenidis hope for the future amidst challenging times?

We are witnessing the decline of Star Wars' cultural dominance.In this week's podcast, we'll explore the current state of Star Wars, from its cultural impact to the storytelling challenges, and speculate about how the franchise might revive itself.We have a book coming this year!!! The Great Escape: 30 Reflections on Stoicism, Faith, and the Wisdom of Great Stories. Be the first to get early access, bonus content, and updates: The Rise and Fall of Star WarsStar Wars was more than movies; it was a shared cultural language. But since the end of the prequel era, its position in the cultural mainstream burst forth with the hype of The Force Awakens, then waned slowly but significantly. I'd argue that Star Wars has faded back into the niche. Not unlike the “Dark Times” of the late 80s and 90s, or even the post-Revenge of the Sith Clone Wars era. The explosion of Star Wars back into the zeitgeist after the Disney purchase showed its potential for a return to mass appeal. (Baby Yoda's popularity is Exhibit A) Yet, the declining box office performance reveals a stark reality: audiences are less engaged, and the franchise struggles to resonate as it once did. (The decline in interest in the Baby Yoda movie is Exhibit B)The decline isn't a death knell but an inflection point. The sheer mismanagement and lack of strategic storytelling have pushed Star Wars below the cultural radar.But I might be ok with that.Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Can Star Wars Rise Again?While the franchise faces cultural fatigue and spaghetti-on-wall mismanagement, I still have hope. IF.And it's a big if…There's a willingness to learn from the mistakes of the Disney era and start over fresh. Star Wars' comeback depends on returning to its storytelling roots rather than propping up a failed era of postmodern, nihilistic storytelling. 00:00 Introduction04:07 Mandalorian and Grogu11:41 Star Wars Heresy vs. Bad Films15:10 Cultural Impact of Star Wars22:40 Optimism for the Future of Star Wars27:56 Crisis of Credibility in Star Wars30:56 Star Wars as an Underdog33:57 The Impact of Marketing on Star Wars35:47 C.S. Lewis and Star Wars40:56 Upcoming Star Wars Projects46:03 Stoicism and Christian Philosophy This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

We hope you've been blessed + encouraged today by this message from the series, Through the Bible | 1Peter. For all updates + news, head to www.denverunited.com. For more information or to submit a prayer request, head to www.denverunited.com or email us at info@denverunited.com.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17Support the show, a product of Hope Media: https://hope1032.com.au/donate/2211A-pod/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  PRESENTING... The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast,     Season 4: "The Curse of the Glass Witch"   Episode 320, Chapter 39 "Oliver Catches The Ball" EARLY RELEASE (BRONZE+): 3 weeks early! COMMERCIAL FREE! PUBLIC RELEASE: Thursday, May 28th Show Notes for the Episode... Ben struggles to tell the joke he'd heard from Zeppo Marx as Boris tries to make Storycrafter Mike snap. Oliver, Pinny, and Jax continue on their journey to the town of Peace. Little do they know, fate has dropped something in their path. Production... Executive Producer:            George Pecenica Producer:            Azurnight Patreon Sponsor:             Dave Murtagh Cast...Storycrafter - Mike Rigg           Robbie, Boris, Margie, and Ben - Themselves     George Pecenica as Percy Alexander     Ray Volk as Martin Barnett     Jenn Avril as Connie Ross     Rupert Faullhurst as Nigel Osbert Wintermann     Dave Murtagh as Oliver Glass     and introducing Robin as Holly the Faerie Witch and Blake Azur as Jasper Remington Music Credits...          "Undaunted," "Anguish," "Dark Times," "The Parting" by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . Additional music: "The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast Theme" performed by Floof* , "A Droning Darkness," "A Jaunty Day in SRAPLand," "Robut Reviews," "Sting Buildup," "Sting," "SRAPPY Feels," "Steampunk Rocks" by RST Musek (* Floof is a fictional band. Find out more by following Whiskey Tango Furball on YouTube @WTFurball. RST Musek lyrics written by Michael J Rigg, music generated using SUNO.)

Chris sits down with comedian and writer Brandon Collins. They talk about showbiz, online haters, and upcoming Drunk Black History shows. Website: DrunkBlackHistory  ChrisLamberth.com Twitter: @americancollins @mediumppodcast @MundaneFestival @ChrisLamberth Patreon: Mundane Festival Email: mundanefestivalpod@gmail.com

Amnesty International is the world's largest human rights movement, bringing together more than 10 million people across over 150 countries and territories to defend human rights and human dignity for everyone. Ahead of Amnesty International Day, observed worldwide on 28 May, we spoke with Rado Sloboda, director of Amnesty International Slovakia, about the state of human rights in Slovakia and around the world. In the interview, we discuss the growing pressure on civil society, freedom of expression and the media, discrimination against minorities, the rights of Roma and LGBTQ+ communities, as well as Amnesty's campaigns and educational activities.

For the RtB Books in Dark Times series back in 2021, John spoke with Elizabeth Bradfield, editor of Broadsided Press, poet, professor of creative writing at Brandeis, naturalist, photographer. Her books include Interpretive Work, Approaching Ice, Once Removed, and Toward Antarctica. She lives on Cape Cod, travels north every summer to guide people into Arctic climes, birdwatches. Liz is in and of and for our whole natural world. Did poetry sustaining her through the darkest hours of the pandemic? What about other sources of inspiration? Mentioned in the episode: Eavand Boland, “Quarantine” (from Against Love Poetry; read her NY Times obituary here) Maeve Binchy, “Circle of Friends“ Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology Louise Gluck Averno and Wild Iris Brian Teare, Doomstead Days Derek Walcott, “Omeros“ W. S. Merwin, “The Folding Cliffs” Natasha Trethewey, “Belloqc's Ophelia“ Yeats, “We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.” Nest, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds (Princeton Field Guides) Trixie Belden Shel Silverstein Lois Lowry, “The Giver“ Liz equates poetry and Tetris Leanne Simpson, “This Accident of Being Lost“ Elizabeth Bradfield, “We all want to see a mammal“ Listen and Read Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

For the RtB Books in Dark Times series back in 2021, John spoke with Elizabeth Bradfield, editor of Broadsided Press, poet, professor of creative writing at Brandeis, naturalist, photographer. Her books include Interpretive Work, Approaching Ice, Once Removed, and Toward Antarctica. She lives on Cape Cod, travels north every summer to guide people into Arctic climes, birdwatches. Liz is in and of and for our whole natural world. Did poetry sustaining her through the darkest hours of the pandemic? What about other sources of inspiration? Mentioned in the episode: Eavand Boland, “Quarantine” (from Against Love Poetry; read her NY Times obituary here) Maeve Binchy, “Circle of Friends“ Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology Louise Gluck Averno and Wild Iris Brian Teare, Doomstead Days Derek Walcott, “Omeros“ W. S. Merwin, “The Folding Cliffs” Natasha Trethewey, “Belloqc's Ophelia“ Yeats, “We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.” Nest, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds (Princeton Field Guides) Trixie Belden Shel Silverstein Lois Lowry, “The Giver“ Liz equates poetry and Tetris Leanne Simpson, “This Accident of Being Lost“ Elizabeth Bradfield, “We all want to see a mammal“ Listen and Read Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the RtB Books in Dark Times series back in 2021, John spoke with Elizabeth Bradfield, editor of Broadsided Press, poet, professor of creative writing at Brandeis, naturalist, photographer. Her books include Interpretive Work, Approaching Ice, Once Removed, and Toward Antarctica. She lives on Cape Cod, travels north every summer to guide people into Arctic climes, birdwatches. Liz is in and of and for our whole natural world. Did poetry sustaining her through the darkest hours of the pandemic? What about other sources of inspiration? Mentioned in the episode: Eavand Boland, “Quarantine” (from Against Love Poetry; read her NY Times obituary here) Maeve Binchy, “Circle of Friends“ Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology Louise Gluck Averno and Wild Iris Brian Teare, Doomstead Days Derek Walcott, “Omeros“ W. S. Merwin, “The Folding Cliffs” Natasha Trethewey, “Belloqc's Ophelia“ Yeats, “We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.” Nest, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds (Princeton Field Guides) Trixie Belden Shel Silverstein Lois Lowry, “The Giver“ Liz equates poetry and Tetris Leanne Simpson, “This Accident of Being Lost“ Elizabeth Bradfield, “We all want to see a mammal“ Listen and Read Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

For the RtB Books in Dark Times series back in 2021, John spoke with Elizabeth Bradfield, editor of Broadsided Press, poet, professor of creative writing at Brandeis, naturalist, photographer. Her books include Interpretive Work, Approaching Ice, Once Removed, and Toward Antarctica. She lives on Cape Cod, travels north every summer to guide people into Arctic climes, birdwatches. Liz is in and of and for our whole natural world. Did poetry sustaining her through the darkest hours of the pandemic? What about other sources of inspiration? Mentioned in the episode: Eavand Boland, “Quarantine” (from Against Love Poetry; read her NY Times obituary here) Maeve Binchy, “Circle of Friends“ Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology Louise Gluck Averno and Wild Iris Brian Teare, Doomstead Days Derek Walcott, “Omeros“ W. S. Merwin, “The Folding Cliffs” Natasha Trethewey, “Belloqc's Ophelia“ Yeats, “We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.” Nest, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds (Princeton Field Guides) Trixie Belden Shel Silverstein Lois Lowry, “The Giver“ Liz equates poetry and Tetris Leanne Simpson, “This Accident of Being Lost“ Elizabeth Bradfield, “We all want to see a mammal“ Listen and Read Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literature

For the RtB Books in Dark Times series back in 2021, John spoke with Elizabeth Bradfield, editor of Broadsided Press, poet, professor of creative writing at Brandeis, naturalist, photographer. Her books include Interpretive Work, Approaching Ice, Once Removed, and Toward Antarctica. She lives on Cape Cod, travels north every summer to guide people into Arctic climes, birdwatches. Liz is in and of and for our whole natural world. Did poetry sustaining her through the darkest hours of the pandemic? What about other sources of inspiration? Mentioned in the episode: Eavand Boland, “Quarantine” (from Against Love Poetry; read her NY Times obituary here) Maeve Binchy, “Circle of Friends“ Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology Louise Gluck Averno and Wild Iris Brian Teare, Doomstead Days Derek Walcott, “Omeros“ W. S. Merwin, “The Folding Cliffs” Natasha Trethewey, “Belloqc's Ophelia“ Yeats, “We make out of the quarrel with others, rhetoric, but of the quarrel with ourselves, poetry.” Nest, Eggs and Nestlings of North American Birds (Princeton Field Guides) Trixie Belden Shel Silverstein Lois Lowry, “The Giver“ Liz equates poetry and Tetris Leanne Simpson, “This Accident of Being Lost“ Elizabeth Bradfield, “We all want to see a mammal“ Listen and Read Here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry

We are raiding the Guardian long read archives to bring you some classic pieces from years past, with new introductions from the authors. This week, from 2023: historians aren't supposed to make predictions, but Yale professor Timothy Snyder has become known for his dire warnings – and many of them have been proved correct By Robert P Baird. Read by Christopher Ragland. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Republican Governor Phil Scott declines to say whether he'll run for reelection this year; five Vermonters have come down with salmonella poisoning linked to backyard poultry; Vermont's memory cafes are providing safe spaces for people with dementia and their caregivers; the Montreal Canadiens move on to the NHL's eastern conference finals while the PWHL's Montreal Victoire still need one more victory to secure the Walter Cup; Plus…a woman finds community and a way to help overcome addiction through a communal singing event in Brattleboro.

The history of Christianity in Korea is a dramatic account, both beautiful and tragic. The experience of Korea's early Christian converts offer many insights for believers today around the world.James Cha, of the Crescent Project and I43 ministries, joined Andy on this encore episode of the Christian Emergency Podcast. Listen as he shares nearly forgotten tales of incredible faith and sacrifice.  But he also explores how compromise wormed its way into the Korean Church, particularly during the Japanese occupation before World War II.  The consequences of compromise proved devastating. But even in the darkest of days, we see that redemption is possible.In the world today, many Christians can relate to this tale of two Koreas. They feel the pressure building around them, and also the temptation to compromise and become politically correct. This episode provides timely context for believers to prayerfully process.  May this history of Korean Christianity help the Global Church today stand. If this information is helpful to you, please give us a 5-star rating and a positive review. Likewise, share this episode with friends and fellow believers who could use some help standing up under mounting pressures.To learn more about resources mentioned in this episode, see the following.Crescent Project: https://www.crescentproject.org/(Book) Fear Not: Living a Life of No Regrets, by James Cha – available at https://www.amazon.com/Fear-Not-Living-Life-Regrets/dp/B08NWWY8SG.(Book) The Korean Pentecost and the Sufferings Which Followed, by William N. Blair & Bruce F. Hunt – available at https://www.amazon.com/Korean-Pentecost-Sufferings-Which-Followed/dp/0851512445.(Book) More than Conquerors: The Story of the Martyrdom of Rev. Ki-ch'ol Chu, by Kwang-jo Chu – available at https://www.amazon.com/More-than-Conquerors-Martyrdom-Ki-chol/dp/8995490438/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=more+than+conquerors%2C+chu&qid=1633051620&s=books&sr=1-1.Christian Emergency Alliance: https://www.christianemergency.com/Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Twitter: @ChristianEmerg1Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Facebook: @ChristianEmergencyThe Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

Ramesses and Hattusili (Part 2). After the marriage to a Hittite princess in Year 34, Ramesses II had much to offer his northern family. A visit from the King of Hatti's son, seeking food supplies, may relate to repeated hunger crises in Syria and Hatti. Pharaoh's support brought the two kingdoms closer together, although we must wonder if the Bronze Age Collapse has now begun... Finally a text known as the Bentresh Stela offers a fairytale memory of Ramesses' relations with Hatti. Music: Keith Zizza. Music: Luke Chaos. == Select References - Hattusili and Ramesses Brand, P. J. (2023). Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh. Bryce, T. (2003). Letters of the Great Kings of the Ancient Near East: The Royal Correspondence of the Late Bronze Age. Bryce, T. (2005). The Kingdom of the Hittites (2nd ed.). Divon, S. A. (2008). A Survey of the Textual Evidence for “Food Shortage” from the Late Hittite Empire. In The City of Emar Among the Late Bronze Age Empires (pp. 101--109). Online. Drews, R. (1993). The End of the Bronze Age. Edel, E. (1994). Die ägyptisch-hethitische Korrespondenz aus Boghazköi in babylonischer und hethitischer Sprache I. Hoffner Jr., H. A. (2009). Letters from the Hittite Kingdom. Kaniewski, D., et al. (2020). Climate Change and Social Unrest: A 6,000‐Year Chronicle From the Eastern Mediterranean. Geophysical Research Letters, 47. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL087496 Klengel, H. (1974). “Hungerjahre” in Hatti. Altorientalische Forschungen, 1, 165—174. Kuslu, Y., & Sahin, U. (2009). Water Structures in Anatolia from Past to Present. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 5, 2109--2116. Nougayrol, E., et al. (1968). Ugaritica V. Owen, D. I. (1981). An Akkadian Letter from Ugarit at Tel Aphek. Tel Aviv, 8, 1--17. Online. Singer, I. (2011). The Calm Before the Storm: Selected Writings of Itamar Singer on the Late Bronze Age in Anatolia and the Levant. Select References - The Bentresh Stela Erman, A. (1883). Die Bentreschstele. Zeitschrift Für Ägyptische Sprache Und Altertumskunde, 21, 54–60. Kitchen, K. A. (1975). Ramesside Inscriptions Historical and Biographical (Vol. 2). Kitchen, K. A. (1993a). Ramesside Inscriptions Translated and Annotated: Notes and Comments (Vol. 2). Kitchen, K. A. (1993b). Ramesside Inscriptions Translated and Annotated: Translations (Vol. 2). Posener, G. (1934). À propos de la stèle de Bentresh. Bulletin de l'Institut Français d'Archéologie Orientale, 34, 75--81. https://www.ifao.egnet.net/bifao/34/ Spalinger, A. (1977). On the Bentresh stela and related problems. Journal of the Society for the Study of Egyptian Antiquities, 8, 11--18. Online. Witthuhn, O., et al. (2015). Die Bentresch-Stele: Ein Quellen- und Lesebuch. Online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leave an Amazon Rating or Review for my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy! Check out the full episode: https://greatness.lnk.to/1163DM Rapper Logic opens up about the transformative power of his challenging upbringing. He shares how his difficult childhood experiences have shaped his perspective on parenting and self-love. Logic's personal journey highlights how adversity can lead to personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. His story serves as an inspiration to listeners, emphasizing that even from dark times, strength and positive change can emerge, offering hope and insight for those seeking to overcome their own obstacles and find a path to self-love and resilience. Sign up for the Greatness newsletter! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  Presenting... The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast,     Season 4: "The Curse of the Glass Witch"   Episode 319, Chapter 38 "How to Wash Your Dragon" EARLY RELEASE (www.patreon.com/riggstories): 3 weeks early! COMMERCIAL FREE! PUBLIC RELEASE: Thursday, May 14th Show Notes for the Episode... SRAP now has commercials...but only on our public releases. Patreon members will always get episodes weeks early and without commercials! Also...Boris says "Adstein Files," not that other thing. Holly the Faerie Witch wanders off far from Halo, seeking a place to give her growing dragon, Onyx, a nice bath. On the way she meets one of her kin. Production... Executive Producer:            George Pecenica Producer:            Sholom West Patreon Sponsor:             Cora Watson Cast...Storycrafter - Mike Rigg           Robbie, Boris, Margie, and Ben - Themselves     George Pecenica as Percy Alexander     Ray Volk as Martin Barnett     Jenn Avril as Connie Ross     Rupert Faullhurst as Nigel Osbert Wintermann     Dave Murtagh as Oliver Glass     and introducing Robin as Holly the Faerie Witch and Blake Azur as Jasper Remington Music Credits...          "Undaunted," "Almost New," "Dark Times" by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . Additional music: "The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast Theme" performed by Floof* , "A Jaunty Day in SRAPLand," "Bold and Natural Sting," "Clockwork Looking Glass," "Creepy Sneaking II," "Moon Shadow's Theme," "RST Robut Reviews" by RST Musek (* Floof is a fictional band. Find out more by following Whiskey Tango Furball on YouTube @WTFurball. RST Musek lyrics written by Michael J Rigg, music generated using SUNO.)

Please enjoy my monologue F*** Dark Times with Michael Covel on Trend Following Radio. This episode may also include great outside guests from my archive. --- I'm MICHAEL COVEL, the host of TREND FOLLOWING RADIO, and I'm proud to have delivered 10+ million podcast listens since 2012. Investments, economics, psychology, politics, decision-making, human behavior, entrepreneurship and trend following are all passionately explored and debated on my show. To start? I'd like to give you a great piece of advice you can use in your life and trading journey… cut your losses! You will find much more about that philosophy here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/trend/ You can watch a free video here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/video/ Can't get enough of this episode? You can choose from my thousand plus episodes here: https://www.trendfollowing.com/podcast My social media platforms: Twitter: @covel Facebook: @trendfollowing LinkedIn: @covel Instagram: @mikecovel Hope you enjoy my never-ending podcast conversation!

Dr. Tom Curran asks Fr. Kurt Nagel to explain the important impact of community for men, women, married couples and priests. Today's hosts share insights on St. Hilary of Arles and St. Hilary of Poitiers and discuss many topics, such as: living well in dark times, resisting worldly comforts, creating fellowship rooted in faith, and growing in nobility.

“It's never easy to relive near death experiences.”-Army Sgt. Randy Adams As May starts, Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation highlights the importance of confronting trauma, seeking support, and finding hope even in life's darkest moments. From the streets of Chicago to the frontlines of Afghanistan, Randy Adams has lived a life marked by conflict, courage, and ultimately, transformation. In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Randy opens up about his early years growing up in a tough environment where survival often meant learning how to fight—both physically and mentally. Searching for purpose, he enlisted in the military, a decision that would take him across the world into the heart of war. Randy shares the realities of combat in Afghanistan, the brotherhood forged in battle, and the life-altering moment that changed everything—an unexpected battle that left him with devastating injuries, leading to sepsis damaging the tissues in his face and forcing life-saving surgery to remove severely compromised portions of his face. This traumatic experience forever changed Randy physically and mentally, suffering so much loss. But what could have been the end of his story became the turning point. Facing unimaginable loss and a long road to recovery, Randy dives into the emotional and psychological aftermath of his injuries, including the struggle to rediscover his identity. He opens up about the darkness he felt and what was the one thing that kept him from ending his life when he thought disappearing was the only option. Through faith, resilience, and a refusal to give up, Randy found a new mission. While still strategizing and fulfilling military obligations, Randy shares his heartbreak and tragic story serving as a motivational Christian speaker, using his journey to inspire others to overcome adversity and find purpose in pain. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about trauma, faith, redemption, and what it truly means to pivot when life takes everything from you. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Presenting... The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast,     Season 4: "The Curse of the Glass Witch"   Episode 318, Chapter 37 "Jasper" EARLY RELEASE (ALL PAID (Normally BRONZE+): 3 weeks early! PUBLIC RELEASE: Thursday, April 30th Show Notes for the Episode... Boris and Ben continue their rants against the company that killed their podcast. Mike discovers that the RiggStories universe of shows has reached over one million. We meet Jasper, the victim of witchcraft. Born a wild animal, he and a handful of other Glass & Christian victims were transformed into sentient humanoid athromorphs, originally designed to hunt for the witches. We join Jasper following his escape from the facility that "grew" him. Production... Executive Producer:            George Pecenica Producer:            Mike West Patreon Sponsor:             Ryan Smith Cast...Storycrafter - Mike Rigg           Robbie, Boris, Margie, and Ben - Themselves     George Pecenica as Percy Alexander     Ray Volk as Martin Barnett     Jenn Avril as Connie Ross     Rupert Faullhurst as Nigel Osbert Wintermann     Dave Murtagh as Oliver Glass     and introducing Robin as Holly the Faerie Witch and Blake Azur as Jasper Remington Music Credits...          "Undaunted," "Dark Standoff, "Dark Times," by Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ . Additional music: "The Steam Rollers Adventure Podcast Theme" performed by Floof , "A Jaunty Day," "Creepy Sneaking," "Creepy Sneaking II," "Finally Calm," "Jasper's Theme," "Pup" by RST Musek (* Floof is a fictional band. Find out more by following Whiskey Tango Furball on YouTube @WTFurball. RST Musek lyrics written by Michael J Rigg, music generated using SUNO.)

Create your own subliminals in Subliminal Creation Lab Get the FREE 8D Peace Activation Audio HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're going through a difficult time, God can give you peace and comfort.

Natalie Smolenski is an anthropologist, software executive, editor of the Satoshi Papers, and one of the most original thinkers in the Bitcoin space. We explore America's national identity crisis, the bank-state relationship that funds war and destroys purchasing power, and why individual financial sovereignty is the only meaningful response to systems that can't be voted away. Topics include: Why you can't vote your way out of the bank-state nexus — and what you can do instead The erosion of free speech, privacy, and individual rights in the digital age How the financialization of everything destroyed community, care, and trust The rise of counter-elites and what it means for ordinary Americans Why Bitcoin self-custody is the most powerful political act available today ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU  --- Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Earn up to 4% back in sats on everyday purchases like gas and groceries. Sign up today https://www.gemini.com/natalie  ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie  ---- Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie  ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product Partners: Check out my favorite lightning wallet and trivia app Speed Wallet. If you're a business, let Speed help you accept BTC like they did for Steak 'n Shake! Visit http://speed.app/natalie/ and use code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world   Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie  With BitcoinIRA, you can invest in bitcoin 24/7 inside a tax-advantaged IRA. Choose a Traditional IRA to defer taxes, or a Roth IRA for tax-free withdrawals later. Take control of your future with BitcoinIRA: https://www.bitcoinira.com/natalie  Natalie's Upcoming Events: Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=  Join us for the biggest Bitcoin conference in Europe at BTC Prague this June 10-13 with a keynote from Michael Saylor, Code HODL for discounted passes: https://btcprague.com/  Extra Services to Consider: Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie   Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie  ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. Ads in this episode are baked-in and may reference promotions or offers that are no longer available at the time of listening. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

Live event info and tickets here. For more than 60 years, Cuba has survived on two seemingly contradictory economic strategies: leaning on friendly communist and socialist countries, and flirting with capitalism. And right now it seems the US is making both strategies impossible.Since January, the U.S. has been preventing almost all oil from reaching the island. Doctors can't get to the hospitals where they work, many buses aren't running, trucks can't deliver food and medicine where they're needed. And there have been frequent blackouts. On more than one occasion over the last few weeks, the entire country has lacked power. It's hard for people to even talk on the phone because they can't always charge them or get cell service. So we asked them to send us voice notes describing this moment in Cuba's history. We also wanted to know: How did Cuba get here? On today's episode: a brief history of Cuba's communist-capitalist experiment. Pre-order the Planet Money book and get a free gift. / Subscribe to Planet Money+Listen free: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.This show was hosted by Erika Beras and Nick Fountain. It was produced by Luis Gallo. It was edited by Marianne McCune. It was fact-checked by Sierra Juarez and engineered by Robert Rodriguez. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.  To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Refusing Despair Amidst Cultural Darkness   What does it look like to cheerfully refuse a collapsing culture without giving in to cynicism, fear, or despair? Host Curtis Chang and Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson—Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University— dive into Leif Enger's I Cheerfully Refuse, exploring why great novels still matter, how Christians can resist ideations of apocalypse with joy, and what faith-filled fiction reveals about beauty, truth, and survival in dark times. This conversation is for listeners hungry for cultural commentary,hopeful resistance, and deeper ways of reading the world through faith.   01:28 - Challenges of Reading Contemporary Novels 06:03 - The Meaning Behind the Title "I Cheerfully Refuse" 07:47 - Lessons for Dark Times 10:02 - The Enduring Power of Books vs. New Media 12:16 - Cultivating Fruitful Practices in Dark Times 14:36 - Living as a Cheerful Refuser Today 15:02 - Is the Christian Worldview True Reality Or A Bubble? 17:04 - What Is Enger's Idea of True humanity? 18:19 - Recommendations for Similar Books and Authors   Sign up for The After Party Sign up for The Good List Get tickets: Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference and our recording with Matt Maher     Mentioned In This Episode: Leif Enger's I Cheerfully Refuse Leif Enger's Peace Like a River Leif Enger's Virgil Wander Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 Claude Acho's Reading Black Books Eugene Vodolazkin's Laurus Rumor Godden's In This House of Brede Dylan Thomas' Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night More About Christopher Beha Jessica Hooton Wilson's The Scandal of Holiness   More From Jessica Hooten Wilson: Jessica Hooten Wilson's website Explore Jessica's books HERE Read articles and Essay by Jessica HERE   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.