Podcasts about Dutch

As she -- and her friends — approached the age of 35, senior correspondent Molly Webster kept hearing a phrase over and over: “fertility cliff.” It was a short-hand term to describe what she was told would happen to her fertility after she turned 35 — that is, it would drop off. Suddenly, sharply, dramatically. And this was well before she was supposed to hit menopause. Intrigued, Molly decided to look into it — what was the truth behind this so-called cliff, and when, if so, would she topple? This story first premiered in “Thirty Something,” a 2018 Radiolab live show that was part of, Gonads, (https://radiolab.org/series/radiolab-presents-gonads)a six-episode audio and live event series all about reproduction and the parts of us that make more of us. The live event was produced by Rachael Cusick and edited by Pat Walters.Special thanks to epidemiologist Lauren Wise, at Boston University. Plus, Emily, Chloe, and Bianca. And of course, Jad Abumrad.If you're more of a visual person, here are the graphs we explain in the episode, we also include links to the corresponding papers in our Episode Citations Section, below!LINK TO GRAPHS:https://internal.wnyc.org/admin/cms/image/249243/EPISODE CREDITS: Reported by - Molly WebsterProduced by - Arianne WackFact-checking by - Diane A. KellyEPISODE CITATIONS:Audio:Gonads (https://radiolab.org/series/radiolab-presents-gonads/)A six-part audio series on reproduction and the parts of us that make more of usThe Menopause Mystery (https://radiolab.org/podcast/the-menopause-mystery)One of Radiolab's most listened-to episodes of 2025! Videos:“Radiolab Presents: Thirty Something”https://youtu.be/LOJVAaSwags?si=czCBraHf1JEqmAQiResearch Articles:Graph 1: Can assisted reproduction technology compensate for the natural decline in fertility with age? A model assessment (https://zpr.io/ft6dqdbkJnTd) Graph 2: Ovarian aging: mechanisms and clinical consequences (https://zpr.io/GrPLebynpvxV) , Brookmans, et al.BUT, the graph was borrowed and actually comes from this 1991 paper, Delaying childbearing: effect of age on fecundity and outcome of pregnancy” (https://zpr.io/whWg2UAZsb6h)  Graph 3 and 4: Age and fecundability in a North American preconception cohort study, (https://zpr.io/Rmqry4Kd67hY) Wise et al; Dutch fertility researchFurther reading: Predicting Fertility, (https://zpr.io/YEdfiYT29rUh): Magazine article on Lauren Wise's research, Sign up for our newsletter!! It includes short essays, recommendations, and details about other ways to interact with the show. Signup (https://radiolab.org/newsletter)!Radiolab is supported by listeners like you. Support Radiolab by becoming a member of The Lab (https://members.radiolab.org/) today.Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @radiolab, and share your thoughts with us by emailing radiolab@wnyc.org.Leadership support for Radiolab's science programming is provided by the Simons Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Foundational support for Radiolab was provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Too many women are stuck in the endless testing loop — GI Maps, DUTCH tests, mineral panels, stool tests — but still don't feel any better. In this episode, we break down why more testing isn't better when there's no strategic plan, why results often contradict symptoms, and how real healing happens through a phased, root-cause process instead of supplement stacks and protocol hopping. If you've spent money on labs but still feel bloated, fatigued, inflamed, or confused…this conversation will be a game-changer. *** CONNECT:

Queerness remains one of the most stigmatized and overlooked aspects of Holocaust history, often erased due to the lingering homophobia of survivors. People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire in the Holocaust (U Toronto Press, 2025) challenges this silence, weaving together compelling stories of German, Dutch, Czech, and Polish Jewish Holocaust victims and survivors – including Anne Frank, Molly Applebaum, Margot Heuman, and Gad Beck – whose experiences help illuminate the hidden history of queerness in a time of genocide. Drawing on extensive archival research, this groundbreaking book uncovers the lives of those who were doubly marginalized, not only persecuted as Jews but also as queer individuals. In doing so, it confronts the ways in which history has excluded or minimized their experiences, urging us to question normative accounts of the Holocaust. By shedding light on these long-overlooked stories, People Without History Are Dust deepens our understanding of identity, survival, and memory, reminding us why an inclusive and complex approach to history is essential – not just for the sake of the past, but in service to the present and the future as well. 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

Queerness remains one of the most stigmatized and overlooked aspects of Holocaust history, often erased due to the lingering homophobia of survivors. People Without History Are Dust: Queer Desire in the Holocaust (U Toronto Press, 2025) challenges this silence, weaving together compelling stories of German, Dutch, Czech, and Polish Jewish Holocaust victims and survivors – including Anne Frank, Molly Applebaum, Margot Heuman, and Gad Beck – whose experiences help illuminate the hidden history of queerness in a time of genocide. Drawing on extensive archival research, this groundbreaking book uncovers the lives of those who were doubly marginalized, not only persecuted as Jews but also as queer individuals. In doing so, it confronts the ways in which history has excluded or minimized their experiences, urging us to question normative accounts of the Holocaust. By shedding light on these long-overlooked stories, People Without History Are Dust deepens our understanding of identity, survival, and memory, reminding us why an inclusive and complex approach to history is essential – not just for the sake of the past, but in service to the present and the future as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

In deze aflevering van onze talenserie Leer Nederlands met Joyce Diebels van Dutch with Joyce duiken we in de festiviteiten en Nederlandse gebruiken op de laatste dag van het jaar: oud en nieuw.

Who were the Italian sailors who stole the bones of St Nicolas from his church in Turkey in 1087? How was the mythology of St Nicolas combined with Germanic pagan stories of Odin riding a white horse accompanied by ravens? How did polar-mania and Coca Cola advertising transform Dutch traditions around St Nicolas into the Santa Claus we know today? William and Anita are joined once again by Sam Dalrymple to discuss his original research on the epic Heist of St Nicolas… Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com  For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

‣ Book Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULATION and CALORIE CALCULATION call:- how much & what to eat

Virtue is not a theory. It is something you practice. In the moments where you could overreact. In the moments where quitting would be easier. In the moments where doing the right thing costs you something.In this episode, Ryan explores the four Stoic virtues through conversations with people who actually live them. You'll hear from a fighter pilot who shows courage under pressure, a marathon runner disciplined in daily practice, a historian who reframes justice as action, and Ryan himself on treating wisdom as a lifelong pursuit.

Link: Josh Groban and The Nativity StoryLearn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Erna Walraven was one of the first female zookeepers to work at Sydney's Taronga Zoo in the 1980s. Despite practical jokes from her male colleagues, like animal dung in her gumboots, Erna kept her nerve.She was born in The Netherlands, to parents who were involved in the Dutch resistance during World War II.Erna's love of languages took her to Spain, where she lived for many years with her widowed sister and young nephew.It was there she met a penniless Australian backpacker and fell in love, starting Erna on the path to the rest of her life.Erna's memoir Hear Me Roar is published by Affirm Press.This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan. The executive producer of Conversations is Nicola HarrisonIt covers mothers, animals, sex, mating behaviours, feminism, animal kingdom, Dutch resistance, world war 2, Taronga Zoo, Spain, sisters, family, memoir, writing, The Netherlands, grief, zoology, animal behaviour, offspring, nature, zoosTo binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy reveals details of 20-point peace plan, as Russia mulls response. Australia's New South Wales has now passed the toughest gun laws in the country. A strong winter storm is beginning to drench parts of Southern California that could see more than a month's worth of rain fall in just one week. A family's new start turns to tragedy after an 11-year-old boy killed by a carbon monoxide leak in Regina. The Rooms asks Newfoundlanders to help identify the 17th-century coastline depicted in Dutch master paintings. Ashley MacIsaac concert cancelled after AI wrongly accuses him of being convicted sex offender.

De podcast neemt twee weken winterpauze, maar stilvallen betekent hier niet stoppen met inspireren. Ik neem je mee in een Best Of 2025: enkele gesprekken die enorm veel werden beluisterd, niet zomaar toevallig, maar omdat ze raken, verruimen en uitdagen.Vandaag trappen we af met persfotograaf Michiel Hendryckx, wiens tentoonstelling Schoonheid als Verzet in de Gentse Sint-Pietersabdij dit jaar diepe indruk maakte. In dit gesprek deelt hij verhalen, inzichten en scherpe observaties uit een indrukwekkende carrière. Het is eerlijk, vol anekdotes en vol liefde voor beeld.De komende afleveringen hoor je nog meer sterke stemmen uit de fotografiewereld – van autonoom werk tot mode, van pers tot conceptuele fotografen. Perfect om in deze feestdagen je creatieve batterij op te laden, even te vertragen en tegelijk te blijven groeien.Wil je die groei doortrekken richting 2026? Dan nodig ik je uit voor mijn gratis webinar: De 5 patronen die toptalenten consequent toepassen om te blijven groeien als fotograaf en visuele maker. Twee uur die je perspectief en focus verscherpen, zodat je sterker en doelgerichter het nieuwe jaar instapt. Schrijf je hier in. Inschrijven kan via: donkerekamer.com/webinarGeniet, luister, laat je voeden – en een warme, mooie kerstperiode gewenst.

Dr. Theo Schetters is immunoloog en vaccinontwikkelaar. Hij was jarenlang werkzaam in de farmaceutische industrie, onder meer bij grote internationale vaccinproducenten, en is gespecialiseerd in immuunresponsen, vaccinveiligheid en epidemiologische data-analyse.--------------------eindejaarsactie ---------------------Maak het geluid van de Nieuwe Wereld volgend jaar ook mogelijk. Zonder uw steun geen DNW! Word lid of doneer:

British officials had a problem: Their American colonists wouldn't stop smuggling. Even after Parliament slashed tea prices and passed laws to make legal imports cheaper, colonists kept buying Dutch and French goods on the black market. So what was really going on? If it wasn't just about saving money, what drove thousands of merchants and consumers to risk fines, seizure, and worse? In this revisited episode, we follow the illicit trade networks that connected colonial port cities to the "Golden Rock,” Sint Eustatius, a tiny Dutch island that became the Atlantic World's busiest smuggling hub. You'll discover why American merchants risked everything to trade there, how these underground networks shaped revolutionary resistance, and what Britain's crackdown on smuggling reveals about the deeper economic and political tensions that ignited the Revolution. Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/161 RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES

It's the most magical time of the year! And what better way to celebrate than waking up in bed next to your best friend for a good old Fistmas frolic. So get cosy and join the boys under the covers for presents, messages from Sexted royalty, and festive dilemmas. Plus, Jordan introduces William to a Dutch oven. Merry Christmas!If you want to get involved you can email us, and for more Sexted fun sign up to our free VIG&Diva newsletter. You can follow us and DM on Instagram and TikTok, and watch the latest episode every Tuesday and Friday on YouTube.Help I Sexted My Boss is presented by William Hanson and Jordan North. It is an Audio Always production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Link to: Silent Night, sung by Chris TomlinLearn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/23/25), Hank resumes his special series leading up to Christmas Day featuring his acronym CHRISTMAS. Today he covers the next two letters in the acronym: “S” for Santa Claus, and “T” for Traditions. Believe it or not, even Santa can be saved! Far from being a dangerous fairy tale, Santa Claus in reality is an Anglicized form of the Dutch name Sinter Klaas, which in turn is a reference to Saint Nicolas, a Christian bishop from the fourth century. According to tradition, Saint Nick not only lavished gifts on needy children but also valiantly supported the doctrine of the Trinity at the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325. This Christmas as you celebrate the coming of Christ with a Christmas tree surrounded by presents, may the story of selflessness on the part of Saint Nick remind you of the Savior who gave the greatest gift of all. Moving on to the “T” in CHRISTMAS; it has become commonplace to hear Christians condemn trees adorned with ornaments as idolatrous while abusing Scripture to make their point. While the passage Jeremiah 10:2-4 may sound to modern ears like an uncanny description of Christmas trees, the historical and biblical context precludes this anachronistic reading of the text. This passage is in reference to wooden idols, not Christmas trees. In fact, Christmas trees originated in Christian Germany, from two Christian traditions that merged over time into the present Christmas tree tradition. As such, the Christmas tree began as a distinctively Christian symbol and can still be legitimately used by Christians today as part of their Christmas festivities.

Dan, Manny, & Billy invite longtime friend Dave Kucich back on the pod to put the 1947 Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street to the ultimate test—THE NOSTALGIA TEST! “The plot [of Miracle on 34th Street], is basically there's a guy who's nice to everyone [and] everyone is just very weirded out by that. Like he is just a nice dude, he knows how to speak Dutch, he's nice to the kids, he's helping people out, he's anti-capitalism. He's all these things, and everyone's like, f*** this guy.”  -Dan Happy Holidays! This episode is so much fun. It's a classic Nostalgia Test Podcast tangent episode full of Christmas hot takes, deep dives into favorite scenes and odd 1940s behavior, and the guys finally crack the case on whether Santa is real or not. And it wouldn't be an episode of The Nostalgia Test Podcast without that Long Island ball busting you've come to love on the pod. Plus, you're going to want to hear all the Santa Claus conspiracies, Christmas traditions, calling out creepy guys, and all while their other longtime friend Steve Herrera is driving to Taco Bell. So finish your letter to Santa, grab some beer and cookies, and invite your favorite elves over to party because hanging with The Nostalgia Test is going to be your new Christmas tradition. Email us (thenostalgiatest@gmail.com) your thoughts, opinions, and topics for our next Nostalgia Test! Suggest A Test & Be Our Guest! We're always looking for a fun new topic for The Nostalgia Test. Hit the link above, tell us what you'd like to see tested, and be our guest for that episode!   Approximate Rundown 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:47 Nostalgia Test Begins 01:58 Miracle on 34th Street Overview 03:53 First Impressions and Reactions 05:37 Discussion on Christmas Movies 09:24 Social Commentary in the Film 11:45 Santa Claus and Commercialism 17:38 Plot and Character Analysis 32:42 Debating the New vs. Old Santa Movie 32:52 Iconic Scenes and Religious Symbolism 35:09 Oscar Wins and Acting Styles 41:50 Smoking Habits in Classic Films 44:03 Santa's Niceness and Society's Reaction 46:44 Violent Night and Other Santa Movies 48:48 The Dark Side of Santa 51:56 Nostalgia Test: Miracle on 34th Street 01:01:04 Wrapping Up and Viewer Comments   Book The Nostalgia Test Podcast Bring The Nostalgia Test Podcast's high energy fun and comedy on your podcast, to host your themed parties & special events!  The Nostalgia Test Podcast will create an unforgettable Nostalgic experience for any occasion because we are the party! We bring it 100% of the time! Email us at thenostalgiatest@gmail.com or fill out the form at this link. LET'S GET NOSTALGIC!       Keep up with all things The Nostalgia Test Podcast on Instagram | Substack | Discord | TikTok | Bluesky | YouTube | Facebook   The intro and outro music ('Neon Attack 80s') is by Emanmusic. The Lithology Brewing ad music ("Red, White, Black, & Blue") is by PEG and the Rejected

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Love and Lanterns: A Christmas Eve Tale by the Sea Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-23-23-34-01-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Onder de heldere maan, op een koude winteravond, lag het stille strand.En: Under the bright moon, on a cold winter evening, lay the quiet beach.Nl: Een zachte gloed bedekte de kustlijn, waar de golven zachtjes de kust raakten.En: A soft glow covered the coastline, where the waves gently touched the shore.Nl: De lucht was fris en doordrongen met de verre klanken van kerstliederen uit een nabijgelegen dorp.En: The air was crisp and filled with the distant sounds of Christmas carols from a nearby village.Nl: Het was 24 december en Sven had een plan.En: It was December 24th, and Sven had a plan.Nl: Hij wilde zijn partner Anja verrassen met een speciale kerstavond aan zee.En: He wanted to surprise his partner Anja with a special Christmas Eve by the sea.Nl: Sven was een bedachtzaam persoon.En: Sven was a thoughtful person.Nl: Hij hield van tradities en waardeerde de kleine momenten met de mensen van wie hij hield.En: He loved traditions and valued the small moments with the people he loved.Nl: Hij had de perfecte plek op het strand uitgezocht.En: He had picked out the perfect spot on the beach.Nl: Enkele lantaarns, een dekentje, en hete chocolademelk in thermosflessen zouden de avond compleet maken.En: A few lanterns, a blanket, and hot chocolate in thermoses would complete the evening.Nl: De weg naar het strand was smal en een beetje lastig.En: The path to the beach was narrow and a bit tricky.Nl: Terwijl Sven door het zand liep met zijn spullen, struikelde hij over een verborgen steen.En: As Sven walked through the sand with his supplies, he stumbled over a hidden rock.Nl: Plotseling voelde hij een stekende pijn.En: Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain.Nl: Zijn enkel!En: His ankle!Nl: Hij had hem verstuikt.En: He had twisted it.Nl: Sven liet zijn spullen vallen en zakte op zijn knieën.En: Sven dropped his things and sank to his knees.Nl: Dit kon niet gebeuren.En: This couldn't happen.Nl: Niet op kerstavond.En: Not on Christmas Eve.Nl: Hij keek in de verte en zag de lichten van het dorp twinkelen.En: He looked into the distance and saw the lights of the village twinkling.Nl: Hij wist dat hij hulp kon vragen, maar de gedachte om het plan te laten mislukken, maakte hem onzeker.En: He knew he could ask for help, but the thought of letting the plan fail made him uncertain.Nl: Zou hij het zelf aankunnen?En: Could he manage it on his own?Nl: Zou hij doorzetten ondanks de pijn?En: Could he persevere despite the pain?Nl: Maar dan herinnerde hij zich iets wat zijn moeder hem ooit vertelde: "De magie van Kerstmis ligt niet in perfectie, maar in de momenten die je samen deelt."En: Then he remembered something his mother once told him: "The magic of Christmas lies not in perfection, but in the moments you share together."Nl: Op dat moment hoorde Sven voetstappen.En: At that moment, Sven heard footsteps.Nl: Het was Bram, een vriend uit het dorp die voorbij kwam.En: It was Bram, a friend from the village who was passing by.Nl: "Wat is er aan de hand, Sven?"En: "What's going on, Sven?"Nl: vroeg hij bezorgd.En: he asked concerned.Nl: Sven vertelde over zijn verrassing voor Anja en de verstuikte enkel.En: Sven explained about his surprise for Anja and the twisted ankle.Nl: Bram glimlachte.En: Bram smiled.Nl: "Laat mij je helpen."En: "Let me help you."Nl: Samen zetten ze de lantaarns en het dekentje op de perfecte plek.En: Together they set up the lanterns and the blanket in the perfect spot.Nl: Niet lang daarna, zag Sven Anja in de verte lopen.En: Not long after, Sven saw Anja walking in the distance.Nl: Met veel moeite stond hij op en stak de lantaarns aan.En: With great effort, he stood up and lit the lanterns.Nl: Een warme gloed verspreidde zich op het strand.En: A warm glow spread over the beach.Nl: Precies op tijd zag Anja het.En: Just in time, Anja saw it.Nl: Haar gezicht lichtte op van vreugde.En: Her face lit up with joy.Nl: Ze rende naar Sven en sloeg haar armen om hem heen.En: She ran to Sven and threw her arms around him.Nl: "Dit is prachtig!"En: "This is beautiful!"Nl: fluisterde ze.En: she whispered.Nl: Ze gingen zitten, in stilte, luisterend naar de golven en de verre klanken van de kerstliederen.En: They sat down, in silence, listening to the waves and the distant sounds of the Christmas carols.Nl: Sven vertelde Anja over de verstuikte enkel, en samen lachten ze om zijn koppigheid.En: Sven told Anja about the twisted ankle, and together they laughed at his stubbornness.Nl: Het werd een vredige avond, perfect in zijn onvolmaaktheid.En: It became a peaceful evening, perfect in its imperfection.Nl: Sven leerde dat echt delen niet alleen gaat om grote gebaren, maar om hulp kunnen vragen en samen eenvoudige momenten waarderen.En: Sven learned that truly sharing is not just about grand gestures, but being able to ask for help and together appreciating simple moments.Nl: De kerstgeest bestond niet in zijn plan, maar in de liefdevolle avond die ze samen doorbrachten.En: The Christmas spirit was not in his plan, but in the loving evening they spent together. Vocabulary Words:bright: helderecrisp: friscoastline: kustlijnlanterns: lantaarnsthermoses: thermosflessennarrow: smalstumbled: struikeldeponder: bedachtzaamsteep: steiletwinkling: twinkelenpersevere: doorzettenimperfection: onvolmaaktheidsurprise: verrassenblanket: dekentjegesture: gebarenappreciating: waarderenstubbornness: koppigheidglow: gloeddistant: verretraditions: traditieshidden: verborgentwisted: verstuikttogether: samenwhispered: fluisterdeperfection: perfectieventure: ondernemingconcerned: bezorgdsank: zaktereckon: aanrekenenfrantic: ontstelde

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Balancing Books and Holiday Bliss: A Winter Retreat Story Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-23-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De maan scheen helder op het stille strand.En: The moon shone brightly on the quiet strand.Nl: De golven glinsterden in het zwakke licht.En: The waves glistened in the faint light.Nl: Bram, Eline en Maarten liepen langs het water, hun adem zichtbaar in de koude winterlucht.En: Bram, Eline, and Maarten walked along the water, their breath visible in the cold winter air.Nl: Ze waren hier voor een studieretreat, maar de kerstsfeer zweefde ook om hen heen.En: They were here for a study retreat, but the Christmas spirit floated around them too.Nl: In hun knusse houten huisje stonden de kerstlampjes al aan.En: In their cozy wooden cottage, the Christmas lights were already on.Nl: Ze flikkerden vrolijk, weerspiegelend in de ramen.En: They twinkled merrily, reflecting in the windows.Nl: Eline legde haar boeken weg.En: Eline put her books away.Nl: "Kom op, jongens!En: "Come on, guys!Nl: Laten we genieten van de sneeuw en het strand," stelde ze voor.En: Let's enjoy the snow and the strand," she suggested.Nl: Haar frisheid en energie werkten aanstekelijk, maar Bram bleef gefocust op zijn studie.En: Her freshness and energy were infectious, but Bram remained focused on his studies.Nl: "We moeten leren, Eline," zei hij met een bezorgde blik.En: "We need to study, Eline," he said with a concerned look.Nl: De examens drukten zwaar op hem.En: The exams weighed heavily on him.Nl: Maarten, de stille kracht van het trio, voelde de spanning.En: Maarten, the quiet strength of the trio, felt the tension.Nl: Hij kende beide goed.En: He knew both of them well.Nl: Bram was gedreven en Eline zorgeloos.En: Bram was driven and Eline carefree.Nl: "Misschien kunnen we een balans vinden," stelde Maarten voor terwijl hij een marshmallow boven de open haard roosterde.En: "Maybe we can find a balance," Maarten proposed while he roasted a marshmallow over the open fire.Nl: "Een beetje studeren, en een beetje plezier."En: "A bit of studying and a bit of fun."Nl: Bram zuchtte.En: Bram sighed.Nl: Hij wist dat hij zijn vrienden niet moest negeren, zeker niet met Kerstmis nabij.En: He knew he shouldn't ignore his friends, especially not with Christmas near.Nl: Terwijl Eline en Maarten koekjes bakten in de keuken, stak Bram uiteindelijk zijn studieboeken weg.En: While Eline and Maarten baked cookies in the kitchen, Bram eventually put away his study books.Nl: Hij voelde de verleiding van de gezelligheid.En: He felt the temptation of coziness.Nl: "Oké, ik ben erbij," zei hij glimlachend.En: "Okay, I'm in," he said with a smile.Nl: Ze versierden een kleine kerstboom samen, terwijl de sneeuw zachtjes buiten viel.En: They decorated a small Christmas tree together while the snow gently fell outside.Nl: Lachen vulde de woonkamer.En: Laughter filled the living room.Nl: Bram voelde de druk van zijn schouders glijden.En: Bram felt the pressure slide off his shoulders.Nl: Maar net toen hij helemaal ontspannen was, vertelde Maarten over een mix-up met examendata.En: But just when he was completely relaxed, Maarten talked about a mix-up with exam dates.Nl: Bram stond voor een keuze: vertrouwen hebben of alsnog gaan crammen.En: Bram faced a choice: trust or cram after all.Nl: Na een moment van stilte, besloot Bram.En: After a moment of silence, Bram decided.Nl: "Ik ben klaar ermee," zei hij zelfverzekerd.En: "I'm done with it," he said confidently.Nl: "Ik heb goed geleerd.En: "I've studied well.Nl: Het is tijd om te genieten."En: It's time to enjoy."Nl: Samen met Eline en Maarten maakte hij een wandeling onder de sterren.En: Together with Eline and Maarten, he took a walk under the stars.Nl: De maan, de zee en het zand maakten het moment perfect.En: The moon, the sea, and the sand made the moment perfect.Nl: Toen de tijd kwam voor de examens, stapte Bram de zaal in met een glimlach.En: When the time came for the exams, Bram entered the room with a smile.Nl: Hij realiseerde zich dat betekenisvolle momenten en herinneringen net zo belangrijk zijn als academisch succes.En: He realized that meaningful moments and memories are just as important as academic success.Nl: Die winter leerde hij meer dan alleen uit boeken.En: That winter, he learned more than just from books.Nl: Hij zag het belang van balans en genoot volledig van Kerstmis en vriendschap.En: He saw the importance of balance and fully enjoyed Christmas and friendship. Vocabulary Words:shone: scheenstrand: strandfaint: zwakkecozy: knussetwinkled: flikkerdenmerrily: vrolijkinfectious: aanstekelijkfocused: gefocustconcerned: bezorgdeweighed: druktentension: spanningbalance: balansroasted: roosterdemarshmallow: marshmallowtemptation: verleidingcoziness: gezelligheidgently: zachtjespressure: drukslide off: glijdenmix-up: mix-upcram: crammentrust: vertrouwenfully: volledigstarlight: sterrenlichtmoment: momentrealized: realiseerdemeaningful: betekenisvollememories: herinneringenacademic: academischsuccess: succes

“I think the next stage of American capitalism includes co-opetition." - Dutch RojasOn the last episode of Self-Funded with Spencer in 2025, Dutch Rojas joins the show to expose the financial "arbitrage" that he believes is destroying independent medical practices in America. Dutch explains how current CMS incentives allow hospitals to buy independent clinics and immediately charge 165% more for the exact same services, which is a practice that is crushing employers and patients alike.In this episode, Dutch lays out his bold vision for "Co-opetition”, a new playbook where independent practices, manufacturers, and even churches band together to leverage their collective buying power. We discuss why the traditional "HR-led" model of buying benefits is failing, why CFOs need to take the wheel, and his dream of creating a true "Healthcare Commodities Exchange" to normalize pricing.We also get personal about his journey from the Netherlands to the U.S., the importance of social media for building influence in DC, and why he believes the next 10 years will be defined by those who can master media.Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of independent medicine.Chapters:(00:00:00) What is "Co-opetition" in Healthcare? (00:01:00) How Hospital Arbitrage Kills Private Practices (00:06:40) Why Independent Doctors Don't Work Together (Yet) (00:14:00) The 165% Markup(00:29:40) The Dream of a Healthcare Commodities Exchange (00:41:00) Why HR Shouldn't Make Healthcare Decisions (00:49:00) Aggregating Buying Power: Churches & Manufacturers (00:57:00) The 4-Stage Plan to Fix HealthcareKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

We are almost done. After a couple of dusty oldies, we have something from a pretty new brewery. Day 23 gives us some eXcitement with X-Brewing. The Dutch brewery released an imperial coconut cereal pastry stout aged on Wild Turkey bourbon barrels. Project X #01 is a 12.7% ABV beer that somehow really works despite the weird concoction.  #beer #drinks #craftbeer #advent2025 #imperialstout

“I think the next stage of American capitalism includes co-opetition." - Dutch RojasOn the last episode of Self-Funded with Spencer in 2025, Dutch Rojas joins the show to expose the financial "arbitrage" that he believes is destroying independent medical practices in America. Dutch explains how current CMS incentives allow hospitals to buy independent clinics and immediately charge 165% more for the exact same services, which is a practice that is crushing employers and patients alike.In this episode, Dutch lays out his bold vision for "Co-opetition”, a new playbook where independent practices, manufacturers, and even churches band together to leverage their collective buying power. We discuss why the traditional "HR-led" model of buying benefits is failing, why CFOs need to take the wheel, and his dream of creating a true "Healthcare Commodities Exchange" to normalize pricing.We also get personal about his journey from the Netherlands to the U.S., the importance of social media for building influence in DC, and why he believes the next 10 years will be defined by those who can master media.Tune in for a fascinating look at the future of independent medicine.Chapters:(00:00:00) What is "Co-opetition" in Healthcare? (00:01:00) How Hospital Arbitrage Kills Private Practices (00:06:40) Why Independent Doctors Don't Work Together (Yet) (00:14:00) The 165% Markup(00:29:40) The Dream of a Healthcare Commodities Exchange (00:41:00) Why HR Shouldn't Make Healthcare Decisions (00:49:00) Aggregating Buying Power: Churches & Manufacturers (00:57:00) The 4-Stage Plan to Fix HealthcareKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton and Mark Newman, MS, Founder and CEO of Precision Analytical,, reflect on the significant developments at DUTCH over the past year, including educational initiatives, peer-reviewed research publications, and enhancements to the DUTCH Report.  Mark Newman and Dr. Smeaton also discuss: The updated DUTCH Report and the importance of simplifying hormone testing and interpretation Improving hormone therapy practices through education, including education available to DUTCH Providers How the landscape of hormone testing and therapy is evolving DUTCH's commitment to advancing hormone health through ongoing research and collaboration Upcoming initiatives and events aimed at enhancing provider education and patient care Show Notes Check out DUTCH Research, the simplified DUTCH Report, and our DUTCH Education Hub. Become a DUTCH Provider today to gain access to free educational courses, expert clinical support, comprehensive patient reports, and peer-reviewed and validated research.

Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

In this episode, I break down why you can feel exhausted all day but suddenly wired the moment you try to sleep. We talk about how cortisol, melatonin, blood sugar, and perimenopause all play a role, and what you can actually do to get real rest. What we cover: 1. Cortisol and melatonin basics Your circadian rhythm depends on high cortisol in the morning and low cortisol at night. If cortisol spikes in the evening, you will feel "tired but wired." Taking melatonin will not help if melatonin is normal and cortisol is the real problem. 2. How DUTCH testing reveals the root cause A DUTCH hormone test shows: Your full cortisol pattern throughout the day Melatonin output Blood sugar, nutrient, and inflammation markers Estrogen and progesterone levels that may affect sleep This is why DUTCH is so helpful for women who have tried every sleep aid with no results. One client had perfect melatonin but high nighttime cortisol. Once we targeted that, her sleep finally improved. 3. Simple tools to try tonight Protein before bed: At least 20 grams to stabilize blood sugar and quiet cortisol. Nighttime routine: Lower lights, cooler bedroom, weighted blanket, deep breathing, red light, warm bath. Journaling: Empty your brain before bed so you are not carrying mental clutter into sleep. 4. Perimenopause and sleep changes Falling progesterone can make it harder to relax or stay asleep. Supporting progesterone naturally and adding magnesium or B vitamins at night can help. 5. Herbal and nutritional support Adrenal tincture to support cortisol regulation Sleep tincture to calm the nervous system Magnesium in the evening to relax muscles and reduce tension Consistency matters. Sleep often improves gradually over three or more weeks. Why a DUTCH test is your next step  If you are done guessing, DUTCH testing shows exactly: Whether cortisol, melatonin, blood sugar, or inflammation is keeping you awake What your hormones are doing at night Which specific areas to target This saves time, money, and frustration so you can finally sleep again. You can order a DUTCH test here and get a personalized review and plan: https://drbethwestie.com/dutch-hormone-testing/ Better sleep starts with understanding what your hormones are doing behind the scenes.

December in South Africa does not whisper in with cold nights and frosted windows. It arrives with heat, long afternoons, and bright skies that can still be blue well into the evening. In many homes, Christmas planning is not about keeping warm. It is about finding shade, keeping food cool, and deciding whether the family gathering will happen inside, outside, or both. The season is still Christmas, centered on the birth of Jesus Christ for many believers, but the setting changes how the day feels. South Africa is also a country of many cultures, languages, and church traditions. That means Christmas is not identical from one home to the next. Some families place church worship at the center of the day. Some treat Christmas mainly as a family and community holiday. Many do both. The shared thread is that Christmas remains a major moment on the calendar, and for many Christians, it is a time to hear the Nativity story again, sing carols, and give thanks for Christ's coming into the world. To understand Christmas in South Africa, it helps to look at the country's history and how Christianity grew across different communities. The earliest European settlement at the Cape began under the Dutch in the 1600s. The Dutch East India Company established a refreshment station at what is now Cape Town, and Dutch Reformed church life became part of that early colonial society. As settlement expanded, Christian worship was tied to the structures and priorities of colonial life. Churches were built, sermons were preached, and the church calendar became part of community timekeeping for many settlers... Podcast Notes: https://ancestralfindings.com/christmas-traditions-in-south-africa/ Ancestral Findings Podcast: https://ancestralfindings.com/podcast This Week's Free Genealogy Lookups: https://ancestralfindings.com/lookups Genealogy Giveaway: https://ancestralfindings.com/giveaway Genealogy eBooks: https://ancestralfindings.com/ebooks Follow Along: https://www.facebook.com/AncestralFindings https://www.instagram.com/ancestralfindings https://www.youtube.com/ancestralfindings Support Ancestral Findings: https://ancestralfindings.com/support https://ancestralfindings.com/paypal  #Genealogy #AncestralFindings #GenealogyClips

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Love and Warmth: A Christmas Miracle in Volendam Café Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-22-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In Volendam, lag een klein en knus café aan de hoofdstraat.En: In Volendam, there was a small and cozy café on the main street.Nl: Het was winter en overal lag er een dikke laag sneeuw.En: It was winter, and everywhere lay a thick layer of snow.Nl: Binnen in het café was het warm en gezellig, gedecoreerd met twinkelende lichtjes en kerstdecoraties.En: Inside the café, it was warm and cozy, decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations.Nl: De tafels waren bedekt met rode lopers en er klonk zachte kerstmuziek.En: The tables were covered with red runners, and soft Christmas music played.Nl: Jeroen was de eigenaar van het café.En: Jeroen was the owner of the café.Nl: Hij wilde het perfecte kerstfeest organiseren.En: He wanted to organize the perfect Christmas party.Nl: Hij hoopte dat de mensen van het dorp blij zouden worden van zijn evenement.En: He hoped that the people of the village would be happy with his event.Nl: Maar er was een probleem: de verwarming was stuk.En: But there was a problem: the heating was broken.Nl: Terwijl de koude winterwind langs de grote ramen blies, zuchtte Jeroen diep.En: While the cold winter wind blew against the large windows, Jeroen sighed deeply.Nl: Hij wilde niemand tot last zijn en dus probeerde hij alles zelf op te lossen.En: He didn't want to burden anyone and tried to solve everything himself.Nl: Femke, Jeroens zus, was ook in het café.En: Femke, Jeroen's sister, was also in the café.Nl: Zij had al door dat Jeroen het moeilijk had.En: She had already noticed that Jeroen was having a hard time.Nl: "Jeroen, laat mij helpen," zei Femke bezorgd.En: "Jeroen, let me help," said Femke with concern.Nl: Maar Jeroen glimlachte alleen en wimpelde haar aanbod af.En: But Jeroen just smiled and declined her offer.Nl: "Ik red het wel," zei hij, terwijl hij nog een kerstkrans aan de muur hing.En: "I can manage," he said, as he hung another Christmas wreath on the wall.Nl: Sanne, een vaste gast en amateurmuzikant, zat in haar vaste hoekje met een warme chocolademelk.En: Sanne, a regular guest and amateur musician, sat in her usual corner with a hot chocolate.Nl: Ze zag Jeroen heen en weer rennen.En: She saw Jeroen running back and forth.Nl: Sanne bewonderde zijn doorzettingsvermogen maar voelde dat hij hulp nodig had.En: Sanne admired his perseverance but felt he needed help.Nl: Stiekem was ze ook een beetje verliefd op hem.En: Secretly, she was also a little in love with him.Nl: Ze besloot iets te doen.En: She decided to do something.Nl: Op kerstavond brak een sneeuwstorm los.En: On Christmas Eve, a snowstorm broke out.Nl: Mensen stroomden binnen voor warmte.En: People streamed in for warmth.Nl: De verwarming was nog steeds kapot en Jeroen begon te beseffen dat hij het niet alleen aankon.En: The heating was still broken and Jeroen began to realize that he couldn't handle it alone.Nl: Het café was vol, en het werd steeds kouder.En: The café was full, and it was getting colder.Nl: Femke kwam naar Jeroen toe.En: Femke came over to Jeroen.Nl: "Het is tijd om hulp te accepteren, broer," zei ze zacht.En: "It's time to accept help, brother," she said softly.Nl: Jeroen keek rond naar de gezichten vol verwachting die op hem waren gericht.En: Jeroen looked around at the expectant faces focused on him.Nl: Hij wist dat Femke gelijk had.En: He knew Femke was right.Nl: "Sanne, Femke, ik heb jullie hulp nodig," gaf hij eindelijk toe.En: "Sanne, Femke, I need your help," he finally admitted.Nl: Femke begon meteen warme dranken uit te delen.En: Femke immediately started handing out warm drinks.Nl: Sanne pakte haar gitaar en speelde een vrolijk kerstliedje.En: Sanne picked up her guitar and played a cheerful Christmas song.Nl: De gasten begonnen te zingen en de sfeer werd vrolijker, ondanks de kou.En: The guests began to sing, and the atmosphere became more joyful, despite the cold.Nl: Samen met de hulp van Femke en Sanne, veranderde het café in een warme en gezellige plek.En: Together with the help of Femke and Sanne, the café turned into a warm and cozy place.Nl: Iedereen vergat het koude weer buiten.En: Everyone forgot the cold weather outside.Nl: Er werden verhalen verteld, koekjes gedeeld en vriendschappen gesloten.En: Stories were shared, cookies passed around, and friendships formed.Nl: Uiteindelijk realiseerde Jeroen zich dat hij niet alles alleen hoefde te doen.En: In the end, Jeroen realized that he didn't have to do everything alone.Nl: Vrienden en familie zijn er om te helpen.En: Friends and family are there to help.Nl: Het werd een onvergetelijke kerstnacht.En: It became an unforgettable Christmas night.Nl: En Jeroen leerde dat vragen om hulp geen teken van zwakte, maar van moed en vertrouwen is.En: And Jeroen learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but of courage and trust.Nl: Het café bleef die avond laat open.En: The café stayed open late that evening.Nl: De sneeuwstorm ging voorbij, maar de warmte binnen bleef.En: The snowstorm passed, but the warmth inside remained.Nl: Het was een kerst vol liefde, muziek en samenhorigheid.En: It was a Christmas full of love, music, and togetherness.Nl: Jeroen keek naar zijn vrienden en wist dat hij altijd op hen kon rekenen.En: Jeroen looked at his friends and knew he could always count on them.Nl: En terwijl de nacht vorderde, begon er een nieuw verhaal.En: And as the night progressed, a new story began.Nl: Sanne en Jeroen vonden hun weg naar elkaar, en hun liefde begon als het mooiste kerstcadeau ooit.En: Sanne and Jeroen found their way to each other, and their love began as the most beautiful Christmas gift ever. Vocabulary Words:cozy: knustwinkling: twinkelenderunners: lopersburden: lastdeclined: wimpelde afperseverance: doorzettingsvermogenadmired: bewonderdebroke out: brak losexpectant: verwachtingcheerful: vrolijkatmosphere: sfeercourage: moedtrust: vertrouwentogetherness: samenhorigheidunforgettable: onvergetelijkerealized: realiseerde zichamateur: amateursolve: oplossenstreamed: stroomdenguest: gastturned into: veranderdecourage: moedoffering: aanbodtrusted: vertrouwdeaccepted: accepterensoftly: zachtwhispered: fluisterdewreath: kransguitar: gitaarmusician: muzikant

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: When a Gigantic Clog Stopped the Show at the Christmas Market Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-22-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Midden in het historische dorpsplein van een klein Nederlands stadje stond een kerstmarkt, glinsterend van lichtjes en versierd met dennengroen en rood lint.En: In the middle of the historic village square of a small Dutch town stood a Christmas market, glistening with lights and adorned with pine greenery and red ribbon.Nl: De lucht was koud en helder, en kleine sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden als veertjes naar beneden.En: The air was cold and clear, and tiny snowflakes fluttered down like feathers.Nl: Mensen liepen rond, nippen aan warme glühwein en neuzen door de kraampjes met ambachtelijke producten.En: People wandered around, sipping on warm glühwein and browsing through stalls with artisanal products.Nl: Tussen de kraampjes stond Pieter, een vrolijke man van in de veertig.En: Between the stalls stood Pieter, a cheerful man in his forties.Nl: Elk jaar vrijwilligde hij op de kerstmarkt, verkleed als allerlei geliefde kerstfiguren.En: Every year he volunteered at the Christmas market, dressed up as various beloved Christmas characters.Nl: Dit jaar had hij echter iets nieuws geprobeerd.En: This year, however, he had tried something new.Nl: Hij stond daar, ingesloten in een gigantisch houten klomp kostuum, bedoeld om een glimlach op ieders gezicht te toveren.En: He stood there, enclosed in a gigantic wooden clog costume, intended to bring a smile to everyone's face.Nl: Maar er was een klein probleem.En: But there was a small problem.Nl: Het kostuum, komisch groot en gezellig bedoeld, bleek moeilijk om uit te komen.En: The costume, comically large and meant to be cozy, proved difficult to get out of.Nl: Pieter stond vast, zijn armen bungelend als een schoorsteenveger in de wind.En: Pieter was stuck, his arms dangling like a chimney sweep in the wind.Nl: Hij was vastbesloten om niet te laten zien dat hij in de problemen zat.En: He was determined not to show that he was in trouble.Nl: Dit was zijn kans om de ster van de markt te zijn.En: This was his chance to be the star of the market.Nl: Hij wiebelde en glibberde, probeerde stilletjes zijn ene voet voor de andere te planten en zichzelf te bevrijden.En: He wobbled and squirmed, trying quietly to plant one foot in front of the other and free himself.Nl: Maar de klomp leek alleen maar strakker te zitten.En: But the clog only seemed to tighten.Nl: Mensen om hem heen begonnen te giechelen, eerst stilletjes en toen steeds luider.En: People around him began to giggle, first quietly and then more loudly.Nl: Pieter grinnikte naar de kinderen die lakens vol pepernoten schudden.En: Pieter chuckled at the children shaking sheets full of pepernoten.Nl: Hij wuifde naar de voorbijgangers, alsof alles onderdeel was van de act.En: He waved to passersby, as if everything was part of the act.Nl: Maar zijn gezicht begon rood aan te lopen van inspanning.En: But his face began to flush red with effort.Nl: Eindelijk, terwijl het gelach luider en speelser werd, zuchtte Pieter diep.En: Finally, as the laughter grew louder and more playful, Pieter sighed deeply.Nl: Hij keek om zich heen en zag zijn vrienden Maarten en Inge bij een nabijgelegen kraam met warme chocolademelk.En: He looked around and saw his friends Maarten and Inge at a nearby stall with hot chocolate.Nl: „Maarten!En: "Maarten!Nl: Inge!En: Inge!Nl: Kom even hierheen!” Hij riep, zijn trots opzij zetten.En: Come over here for a moment!” he called, setting his pride aside.Nl: Zijn vrienden haastten zich naar hem toe.En: His friends hurried over to him.Nl: Lachend, maar met begrip, hielpen ze Pieter voorzichtig uit de houten klomp te wringen.En: Laughing, but understanding, they carefully helped Pieter wriggle out of the wooden clog.Nl: Met moeite en teamwork kwam Pieter vrij.En: With effort and teamwork, Pieter was freed.Nl: Hij stond daar met een opgeluchte zucht, bedekt met sneeuwvlokken en een bredere glimlach dan ooit.En: He stood there with a relieved sigh, covered in snowflakes and with a wider smile than ever.Nl: De menigte juichte en applaudisseerde, en zijn avontuur in de klomp werd de hit van de kerstmarkt.En: The crowd cheered and applauded, and his adventure with the clog became the highlight of the Christmas market.Nl: Mensen kwamen hem feliciteren, de kinderen vroegen om verhalen, en Pieter voelde zich eindelijk gezien.En: People came to congratulate him, the children asked for stories, and Pieter finally felt seen.Nl: Hij begreep dat zijn grappige avontuur meer vreugde had gebracht dan hij ooit had verwacht.En: He realized that his funny adventure had brought more joy than he had ever expected.Nl: Het was een simpele menselijke vergissing geweest, maar die had voor verbinding en vreugde gezorgd.En: It had been a simple human mistake, but one that had created connection and joy.Nl: En toen Pieter daar stond, zwaaiend naar de massa, wist hij dat hij niet grootst moest zijn om indruk te maken.En: And as Pieter stood there, waving to the crowd, he knew he didn't need to be grand to make an impression.Nl: Simpelweg zichzelf zijn was genoeg.En: Simply being himself was enough.Nl: En in dat moment, omringd door de warme geuren en vrolijke geluiden van de kerstmarkt, was Pieter eindelijk waar hij wilde zijn, in het midden van de magie van Kerstmis.En: And in that moment, surrounded by the warm aromas and cheerful sounds of the Christmas market, Pieter was finally where he wanted to be, in the midst of the magic of Christmas. Vocabulary Words:historic: historischevillage square: dorpspleinglistening: glinsterendadorned: versierdpine greenery: dennengroensnowflakes: sneeuwvlokkenfluttered: dwarreldenartisanal: ambachtelijkecheerful: vrolijkevolunteered: vrijwilligdebeloved: geliefdeenclosed: ingeslotengigantic: gigantischchimney sweep: schoorsteenvegerwobbled: wiebeldesquirmed: glibberdeflush: rood aanlopengiggle: giechelenwriggle: wringenrelieved: opgeluchteapplauded: applaudisseerdecongratulate: feliciterenmistake: vergissingconnection: verbindingamidst: omringdmagic: magiecosy: gezelligdetermined: vastbeslotenplayful: speelsereffort: inspanning

Dr. Rand Hindi is an entrepreneur and deeptech investor. He is the Founder and CEO at Zama and an investor in over 50 companies across privacy, AI, blockchain, and medtech. Rand started coding at the age of 10, founded a Social Network at 14, and started a PhD at 21. He then created Snips, a privacy-centric AI startup that was acquired by Sonos. Rand holds a BSc in Computer Science and a PhD in bioinformatics from UCL. In this conversation, we discuss:- Banks won't use stablecoins if they are public - zcash is the beacon of crypto privacy - Privacy is the final boss of blockchain - The future of surveillance and privacy - Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) - Zama = confidentiality layer - TVS = Total Value Shielded - Zama is like HTTPS for blockchain - Confidentiality without sacrificing transparency - First-ever on-chain sealed-bid Dutch auction Zama X: @zamaWebsite: www.zama.orgTelegram: t.me/zama_on_telegramDr. Rand HindiX: @randhindiLinkedIn: Rand Hindi---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT.PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers.  PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50 This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below: PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50FollowApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicRSS FeedSee All

Tonight's questions: - Which favorite franchise did you drop? - What are your favorite music albums since 2010? - What is the future of DC Comics? - What is good advice you've received from a female? - Which is best: $120K remote vs $240K in-office? - Is NYC still the best city on earth? - What is your favorite music genre? - Which are your top 3 shows of the year? - Do you have a secret fear? - What is one book you'd recommend? - Who would win: Dutch or Rambo? - What is one anime you'd recommend to someone? - What was your favorite movie this year? - Are you looking forward to anything in 2026? - What aren't you looking forward to in 2026? - Which is your most anticipated movie of 2026? - What is your dream art project? - What is your favorite expo? - Which fancy restaurant do you want to dine at? - What is your craziest prediction for 2026? - Which famous person would you like to chat with? - What is your favorite fantasy/sci-fi franchise? Thanks as always to Shawn Daley for our intro and outro music. Follow him on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/shawndaley Where to find Throwdown Show: Website: https://audioboom.com/channels/5030659 Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/throwdownshow Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThrowdownShow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/throwdownshow Discord: https://discord.gg/fdBXWHT Twitter list: https://twitter.com/i/lists/1027719155800317953

This episode features Isabel S. van der Meer (Department of Research and Development, The Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Utrecht, The Netherlands).   What was already known? The diagnosis of advanced cancer and subsequent treatments can have negative implications for sexual health Changes in sexual health of patients with advanced cancer emerge from physical, mental and emotional transformations, but the importance of sexual health remains relatively unchanged. The majority of healthcare professionals find it challenging to discuss sexual health in the context of palliative care.   What this paper adds? Patients and their partner remain relatively stable in most aspects of sexual health in the last 18 months of the patients' life. Patients' sexual desire significantly decreases in their last 18 months of life. Patients with worse physical functioning and/or prostate cancer reported a greater decline in most aspects of sexual health. Patients' sexual desire, activity and satisfaction were individually associated with the quality of life in the last 18 months of life.   Implications for practice, theory, policy, or future research? Recognizing sexual health as an integral component of overall quality of life is essential. Discussing sexual health as healthcare professionals is important. Using short PROM's exploring the patient's need to discuss sexual health could facilitate the initiation of such a discussion. Future research is essential to examine whether patients perceive decreased sexual health as a concern and whether the meaning of sex changes at the end-of-life.   Full paper available from:     https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02692163251385774   If you would like to record a podcast about your published (or accepted) Palliative Medicine paper, please contact Dr Amara Nwosu:  a.nwosu@lancaster.ac.uk

Host Ricky Sacks is joined by returning guests Luke, Marlon and Mitch Fretton as a spirited fightback fell just short as we suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday evening, finishing the game with nine men in a dramatic and chaotic ending at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Having been reduced to 10 men in the first period following a straight red card shown to Xavi Simons for a challenge on Dutch international team-mate Virgil van Dijk, we conceded twice in 10 second-half minutes to Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike as the visitors made the most of their numerical advantage. But we pulled one back through substitute Richarlison, his fifth career goal against Liverpool, and had the visitors on the ropes for the final stages, only to suffer another dismissal when Cristian Romero was sent off for a second yellow and we couldn't find that equaliser in the closing minutes. Independent Multi-Award Winning Tottenham Hotspur Fan Channel (Podcast) providing instant post-match analysis and previews to every single Spurs match along with a range of former players, managers & special guests. Whilst watching our content we would greatly appreciate if you can LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel, along with leaving a COMMENT below. - DIRECT CHANNEL INFORMATION: - Media/General Enquiries: lastwordonspurs@outlook.com - SOCIALS: * Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LastWordOnSpurs * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LastWordOnSpurs * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LastWordOnSpurs * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LastWordOnSpurs *Threads: https://www.threads.net/@lastwordonspurs *BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lastwordonspurs.bsky.social WEBSITE: www.lastwordonspurs.com #THFC #TOTTENHAM #SPURS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Rediscovering Christmas Magic on the Boerderij Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-21-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De weilanden lagen stil onder een sluier van zachte sneeuw.En: The meadows lay still under a veil of soft snow.Nl: De felle kerstlichtjes op de boerderij verlichtten het landschap als twinkelende sterren.En: The bright Christmas lights on the boerderij illuminated the landscape like twinkling stars.Nl: De lucht was helder en scherp, de geur van houtvuren vulde de avond.En: The air was clear and sharp, the scent of wood fires filled the evening.Nl: Binnen, waar het warm en gezellig was, zat Bram aan de keukentafel.En: Inside, where it was warm and cozy, Bram sat at the kitchen table.Nl: Zijn vingers bevroren bijna terwijl hij zijn pen vasthield, maar zijn hoofd was gevuld met ideeën.En: His fingers nearly froze as he held his pen, but his head was filled with ideas.Nl: "Bram, vergeet je niet je kousen op te hangen?" riep zijn moeder van de woonkamer.En: "Bram, don't forget to hang up your stockings," his mother called from the living room.Nl: De geur van versgebakken peperkoek vulde de ruimte.En: The smell of freshly baked gingerbread filled the space.Nl: "Lucas heeft al geholpen met het versieren van de boom."En: "Lucas has already helped with decorating the tree."Nl: Bram glimlachte en knikte.En: Bram smiled and nodded.Nl: "Ik doe het zo, mam!"En: "I'll do it in a minute, mom!"Nl: Maar nu was zijn aandacht volledig op iets anders gericht: zijn schoolproject over winterlandbouwpraktijken.En: But now his attention was fully focused on something else: his school project on winter farming practices.Nl: Bram zat in groep acht en kreeg een opdracht om een presentatie te maken voor de kerstvakantie.En: Bram was in groep acht and had an assignment to make a presentation for the Christmas holiday.Nl: Hij moest laten zien dat het leven op de boerderij niet saai was, vooral niet in de winter.En: He had to show that life on the boerderij was not boring, especially not in the winter.Nl: Zijn vrienden, Maud en Lucas, wisten niet veel over boerenactiviteiten.En: His friends, Maud and Lucas, didn't know much about farming activities.Nl: Ze begrepen niet waarom Bram zo vaak druk was en minder tijd had om te spelen.En: They didn't understand why Bram was so often busy and had less time to play.Nl: Bram schraapte zijn moed bijeen.En: Bram summoned his courage.Nl: Hij besloot om een verhaal te vertellen, met zijn eigen boerderij in de hoofdrol.En: He decided to tell a story, with his own boerderij as the main character.Nl: Hij wilde beginnen met hoe de dieren werden voorbereid op de koude maanden.En: He wanted to start with how the animals were prepared for the cold months.Nl: De kippen kregen extra stro, de koeien stonden knus in de warme stal, en de tractoren stonden glimmend klaar voor de zeldzame winterse oogst.En: The chickens got extra straw, the cows stood snugly in the warm stable, and the tractors were gleaming, ready for the rare winter harvest.Nl: Met grote letters schreef hij: "Kerst op de boerderij."En: In big letters, he wrote: "Christmas on the boerderij."Nl: Hij zou vertellen hoe de boerderij transformeerde voor het kerstfeest.En: He would describe how the boerderij transformed for the Christmas celebration.Nl: De rieten daken bedekt met sneeuw, de stal met kerstmuziek op de achtergrond en de traditionele kerstkribbe van stro en eieren, waar de kinderen uit het dorp rond kerst elk jaar naar kwamen kijken.En: The thatched roofs covered with snow, the stable with Christmas music in the background, and the traditional Christmas crib made of straw and eggs, which the village children came to view every year around Christmas.Nl: Zijn vader kwam binnen, klopte op zijn schouder en zei: "Denk eraan, jongen, de boerderij is een plek vol verhalen. Vertel wat je voelt."En: His father came in, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Remember, son, the boerderij is a place full of stories. Tell what you feel."Nl: Bram knikte.En: Bram nodded.Nl: Hij wist dat hij het verhaal niet alleen in woorden moest vangen, maar ook in geest.En: He knew he had to capture the story not only in words but also in spirit.Nl: Dus besloot hij zijn verhaal tot leven te brengen met tekeningen, oude foto's en zelfs een klein, zelfgemaakt kerststalletje voor op de presentatietafel.En: So, he decided to bring his story to life with drawings, old photos, and even a small, homemade Christmas nativity scene for the presentation table.Nl: Alles moest de magie van de boerderij uitdrukken.En: Everything had to express the boerderij's magic.Nl: De dag van de presentatie was aangekomen.En: The day of the presentation arrived.Nl: De klas zat eerbiedig te luisteren terwijl Bram zijn verhaal vertelde.En: The class sat attentively listening as Bram told his story.Nl: "Er zijn krachten op de boerderij die je niet ziet, vooral in de winter," zei hij met glanzende ogen.En: "There are forces on the boerderij that you don't see, especially in winter," he said with shining eyes.Nl: "We geven de natuur rust, maar zorgen ook dat het leven doorgaat.En: "We give nature rest but also ensure that life continues.Nl: En met kerst, als het avondlicht over de velden danst en alles lijkt te slapen, is er een stille vreugde."En: And at Christmas, when the evening light dances over the fields and everything seems to sleep, there is a quiet joy."Nl: Zijn verhaal eindigde met een persoonlijke noot waarin hij vertelde over de warmte en gezelligheid van de kerstavonden met zijn familie.En: His story ended with a personal note where he spoke about the warmth and coziness of Christmas evenings with his family.Nl: Zijn ogen straalden toen hij over de kaarslichtjes sprak die het huis vulden met een zachte gloed.En: His eyes beamed when he spoke about the candle lights that filled the house with a soft glow.Nl: Toen het applaus klonk, voelde Bram een golf van opluchting en trots.En: When the applause sounded, Bram felt a wave of relief and pride.Nl: Zijn klasgenoten spraken enthousiast over zijn presentatie.En: His classmates spoke enthusiastically about his presentation.Nl: Zelfs Maud, die eerst dacht dat boerderijen saai waren, was nu geïnspireerd.En: Even Maud, who first thought boerderijen were boring, was now inspired.Nl: Op weg naar huis, struikelend door de sneeuw met Lucas aan zijn zijde, realiseerde Bram zich dat hij meer gekregen had dan alleen een goed cijfer.En: On the way home, stumbling through the snow with Lucas by his side, Bram realized that he gained more than just a good grade.Nl: Hij had de liefde voor zijn boerderij opnieuw ontdekt en zijn vrienden meegenomen op zijn reis.En: He had rediscovered his love for his boerderij and had taken his friends with him on his journey.Nl: Op de boerderij werd de avond ingeluid met warme chocolademelk en glimlachende gezichten.En: At the boerderij, the evening was ushered in with hot chocolate and smiling faces.Nl: En zo, met zijn project tot leven gebracht en zijn hart vol verhalen, vierde Bram een kerst vol betekenis en het gevoel van thuis.En: And so, with his project brought to life and his heart full of stories, Bram celebrated a Christmas full of meaning and the feeling of home. Vocabulary Words:meadows: weilandenveil: sluierilluminated: verlichttenscent: geurfroze: bevrorenstockings: kousengingerbread: peperkoekproject: projectcourage: moedprepared: voorbereidgleaming: glimmendthatch: rietstable: stalcrib: kribbenativity: kerststalletjeforces: krachtengleaming: glanzendecoziness: gezelligheidapplause: applausrelief: opluchtingpride: trotsenthusiastically: enthousiastinspired: geïnspireerdstumbling: struikelendushered: ingeluidmeaning: betekenisspirit: geesttransformed: transformeerdequiet: stilleattentively: eerbiedig

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Winter's Guardians: A Night's Vigil Over Tulip Fields Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-21-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De winterlucht was helder en koud.En: The winter air was clear and cold.Nl: De zon stond laag boven de tulpenvelden van Sven.En: The sun hung low over Sven's tulip fields.Nl: Zelfs midden in de winter waren de kleuren van de bloemen levendig.En: Even in the middle of winter, the colors of the flowers were vibrant.Nl: Sven stond aan de rand van zijn tulpenland, zijn handen diep in zijn zakken.En: Sven stood at the edge of his tulip land, his hands deep in his pockets.Nl: De kou beet in zijn wangen.En: The cold bit into his cheeks.Nl: "De nachtvorst komt," dacht hij bezorgd.En: "The night frost is coming," he thought worriedly.Nl: Het zou de bloembladeren kunnen vernietigen, en dat zou een groot verlies betekenen.En: It could destroy the flower petals, and that would mean a great loss.Nl: Elisa kwam aangelopen met een glimlach, haar adem zichtbaar in de koude lucht.En: Elisa came walking up with a smile, her breath visible in the cold air.Nl: "Sven, hoe kunnen we helpen?"En: "Sven, how can we help?"Nl: vroeg ze, haar ogen glinsterend van opwinding en vastberadenheid.En: she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement and determination.Nl: Sven keek naar de lucht.En: Sven looked up at the sky.Nl: De tijd drong.En: Time was running out.Nl: "We moeten alles beschutten vóór het donker wordt.En: "We need to cover everything before it gets dark.Nl: Het is de enige manier om ze te redden voor Kerstmis."En: It's the only way to save them for Christmas."Nl: Elisa knikte.En: Elisa nodded.Nl: Ze begreep wat er op het spel stond.En: She understood what was at stake.Nl: Ze had Sven al vaak zien werken, zijn liefde voor het land en de bloemen was inspirerend.En: She had often seen Sven work; his love for the land and the flowers was inspiring.Nl: Ze wilde leren, en vandaag was haar kans.En: She wanted to learn, and today was her chance.Nl: Sven en Elisa werkten zij aan zij.En: Sven and Elisa worked side by side.Nl: Terwijl ze de doeken over de tulpen trokken om ze te beschermen, begonnen de eerste sterren aan de hemel te verschijnen.En: As they draped the covers over the tulips to protect them, the first stars began to appear in the sky.Nl: De temperatuur daalde snel, maar ze bleven doorwerken, grotendeels in stilte, hun ademwolken mengend met de nevel van de koude nacht.En: The temperature dropped quickly, but they kept working, mostly in silence, their breath clouds mingling with the mist of the cold night.Nl: "Moet je niet naar huis voor Kerstmis?"En: "Aren't you supposed to go home for Christmas?"Nl: vroeg Sven, terwijl hij Elisa aankeek.En: Sven asked, looking at Elisa.Nl: Het was immers een tijd voor familie en warmte.En: After all, it was a time for family and warmth.Nl: "Iedereen thuis begrijpt waarom ik hier ben," antwoordde Elisa zonder aarzeling.En: "Everyone at home understands why I'm here," Elisa replied without hesitation.Nl: "Dit is belangrijk, niet alleen voor jou, maar ook voor mij."En: "This is important, not just for you, but also for me."Nl: Sven knikte.En: Sven nodded.Nl: Het was een lange nacht, maar Elisa was vastberaden en sterk.En: It was a long night, but Elisa was determined and strong.Nl: Hij bewonderde haar inzet.En: He admired her dedication.Nl: De tijd verstreek, en ondanks de koude voelden ze de warmte van hun gezamenlijke inspanning.En: Time passed, and despite the cold, they felt the warmth of their joint effort.Nl: Vóór ze het wisten, verscheen de eerste schemer van zonsopgang aan de horizon.En: Before they knew it, the first light of dawn appeared on the horizon.Nl: Ze hadden het gehaald!En: They had made it!Nl: De meeste tulpen waren veilig bedekt, beschermd tegen de vrieskou.En: Most of the tulips were safely covered, protected from the frost.Nl: Sven keek uit over de besneeuwde velden en voelde een golf van opluchting.En: Sven looked out over the snowy fields and felt a wave of relief.Nl: "Je hebt geweldig werk geleverd, Elisa," zei hij.En: "You've done a fantastic job, Elisa," he said.Nl: "Je hebt het in je om je eigen boerderij te beginnen."En: "You have it in you to start your own farm."Nl: Elisa glimlachte, vermoeid maar trots.En: Elisa smiled, tired but proud.Nl: "Dank je, Sven.En: "Thank you, Sven.Nl: Die woorden betekenen veel voor me."En: Those words mean a lot to me."Nl: En zo, met de zachte ochtendzon en de tulpen veilig, begonnen ze hun werk op de boerderij te voltooien.En: And so, with the gentle morning sun and the tulips safe, they began to finish their work on the farm.Nl: In de kou van de vroege ochtend hadden ze niet alleen de bloemen gered, maar ook elkaar beter leren kennen en respecteren.En: In the cold of the early morning, they had not only saved the flowers but had also come to know and respect each other better.Nl: Elisa wist dat ze klaar was voor haar toekomst, en met Sven's belofte van een aanbeveling, voelde ze zich sterker dan ooit.En: Elisa knew she was ready for her future, and with Sven's promise of a recommendation, she felt stronger than ever.Nl: Hun samenwerking had niet alleen de tulpen, maar ook hun dromen veiliggesteld.En: Their collaboration had secured not only the tulips but also their dreams. Vocabulary Words:vibrant: levendigedge: randbit: beetfrost: vorstworriedly: bezorgddestroy: vernietigengreat loss: groot verliesbreath: ademexcitement: opwindingdetermination: vastberadenheidstake: speldraped: getrokkencovers: doekentemperature: temperatuurmingling: mengenhesitation: aarzelingdedication: inzetadmirer: bewonderaarwave of relief: golf van opluchtingfantastic: geweldigrecommendation: aanbevelingcollaboration: samenwerkingsecured: veiliggesteldhorizon: horizonjoint effort: gezamenlijke inspanningsnowy: besneeuwdrelief: opluchtingfinish: voltooienearly morning: vroege ochtendfuture: toekomst

Send us a textFTV This week I have the absolute pleasure of being joined by relationship and sexuality expert, Courtney Boyer.  M.Ed., M.S. Courtney is the author of "Not tonight, honey" (Why women actually don't want sex and what we can do about it) and we have a phenomenal conversation about postpartum intimacy touching on all, sometimes uncomfortable..for me at least, aspects of it.We talk about why the focus postpartum is on the physical recovery much more than the mental recovery and how a HUGE part of sexual intimacy is mental rather than just physically being able.How you can aid your recovery.How to have a meaningful conversation with your partner in such a way that they understand your wants and needs.And much, much more.I'm not gonna lie, my 48 year old Dutch-repressed man-brain isn't used to having an open conversation about this sort of stuff but Courtney is a great conversationalist and really knows what she's talking about.This might also be one of those episodes that you want to get your partner to listen to :)You can, and should, go find Courtney online in all the usual places;Her Website Instagram TikTokLinkedInand FacebookJust a  reminder that HPNB only has 5 billing cycles!So this means that you not only get 3 months FREE access, no obligation! BUT, if you decide you want to do the rest of the program, after only 5 months of paying $10/£8 a month you now get FREE LIFE TIME ACCESS! That's $50 max spend, in case you were wondering.This means you can sign up after your first child, use the program and recover and then still have access after giving birth to child 2 and 3!None of this "pay X amount a year" nonsense, once you've paid..you've paid!This makes HPNB not just the most efficient and complete post-partum recovery program, it's also BY FAR the best value.Remember to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the competitions, wisdom and cute videos. And, of course, you can always find us on our YouTube channel if you like your podcast in video form :) Visit healthypostnatalbody.com and get 3 months completely FREE access. No sales, no commitment, no BS. Email peter@healthypostnatalbody.com if you have any questions or comments    If you could rate the podcast on your favourite platform that would be a big help. Playing us out this week; "On our own" by Thee Alchemist Oxford 

In February, American President Donald Trump signed an executive order which said that South African Afrikaners - descendants of mainly Dutch settlers who arrived in the 17th Century - could be admitted as refugees in the USA as they were "victims of unjust racial discrimination". President Trump's move to prioritise the resettlement of white South African farmers reignited global controversy when he referenced what he has described as a “genocide” against white farmers. Thousands of South Africans have now applied for refugee status in the USA, and are waiting to potentially relocate there. Farmers in South Africa are predominantly white, but farmers and farm workers of all races fear theft and violent crime in the country. Claire Mawisa is a reporter for BBC Africa Eye and recently travelled to meet farmers in South Africa. Kings, or chiefs, in Ghana don't hold much formal or political power, but they are hugely important to people and hold a lot of cultural and social influence. But there are also powerful royal women in Ghana. They've held power in certain parts of the country for a long time, but it seems their influence is now on the rise. It is a story that caught the eye of Stefania Okereke of BBC Focus on Africa. This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Laura Thomas.

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Skating into Love: A Christmas Tale in Amsterdamse Bos Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-20-08-38-19-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden gestaag naar beneden in het Amsterdamse Bos.En: The snowflakes drifted steadily down in the Amsterdamse Bos.Nl: De schaatsbaan glinsterde onder de fonkelende kerstverlichting.En: The ice rink sparkled under the twinkling Christmas lights.Nl: Sanne stond aan de rand van het ijs, haar adem zichtbaar in de koude lucht.En: Sanne stood at the edge of the ice, her breath visible in the cold air.Nl: Ze voelde de druk van de feestdagen, het gewicht van verwachtingen.En: She felt the pressure of the holidays, the weight of expectations.Nl: Esmee, haar beste vriendin, stond naast haar en gaf haar een bemoedigende glimlach.En: Esmee, her best friend, stood next to her and gave her an encouraging smile.Nl: "Probeer het gewoon, Sanne," zei Esmee.En: "Just try it, Sanne," said Esmee.Nl: "Je kunt wat plezier gebruiken."En: "You could use some fun."Nl: Tegen haar twijfels in deed Sanne haar schaatsen aan.En: Against her doubts, Sanne put on her skates.Nl: Op hetzelfde moment gleed Lucas het ijs op, zijn gitaar in de rugzak.En: At the same moment, Lucas glided onto the ice, his guitar in his backpack.Nl: Zijn muziek gaf hem altijd rust, maar vandaag was hij op zoek naar iets meer.En: His music always gave him peace, but today he was looking for something more.Nl: Inspiratie misschien.En: Inspiration, perhaps.Nl: Sanne zette haar eerste aarzelende stappen op het ijs.En: Sanne took her first hesitant steps on the ice.Nl: De kou beet in haar wangen, maar ze voelde zich levendig.En: The cold bit at her cheeks, but she felt alive.Nl: Ze zag Lucas op een afstandje.En: She saw Lucas from a distance.Nl: Zijn bewegingen waren soepel en zelfverzekerd.En: His movements were smooth and confident.Nl: Even ontmoetten hun blikken elkaar.En: For a moment, their eyes met.Nl: Lucas glimlachte naar haar, en tot Sannes verrassing vond ze zichzelf teruglachen.En: Lucas smiled at her, and to Sanne's surprise, she found herself smiling back.Nl: Ze schaatsten naar elkaar toe, ontwijkend en balancerend tussen andere schaatsers.En: They skated toward each other, dodging and balancing between other skaters.Nl: "Hoi, ik ben Lucas," zei hij toen ze elkaar bereikten.En: "Hi, I'm Lucas," he said when they reached each other.Nl: "Sanne," antwoordde ze met een verlegen lachje.En: "Sanne," she replied with a shy smile.Nl: Ze schaatsten samen in stilte, af en toe uitkijkend naar de heldere sterren boven hen.En: They skated together in silence, occasionally glancing up at the bright stars above them.Nl: Het was Lucas die de stilte verbrak.En: It was Lucas who broke the silence.Nl: "Wil je na het schaatsen warme chocolademelk drinken?"En: "Would you like to have hot chocolate after skating?"Nl: Sanne twijfelde even.En: Sanne hesitated for a moment.Nl: Haar hart zei ja, maar haar hoofd herinnerde haar aan eerdere teleurstellingen.En: Her heart said yes, but her mind reminded her of past disappointments.Nl: Maar iets aan Lucas' vriendelijke ogen moedigde haar aan.En: But something about Lucas' kind eyes encouraged her.Nl: "Ja, dat lijkt me gezellig," zei ze uiteindelijk.En: "Yes, that sounds nice," she eventually said.Nl: Onder de twinkelende kerstverlichting zaten ze aan een tafel bij een kraampje.En: Under the twinkling Christmas lights, they sat at a table by a stall.Nl: De geur van kaneel en chocola vulde de lucht.En: The scent of cinnamon and chocolate filled the air.Nl: Ze deelden hun dromen, hun angsten.En: They shared their dreams, their fears.Nl: Sanne vertelde over haar zoektocht naar echte verbinding, Lucas sprak over zijn verlangens om met muziek het hart van mensen te raken.En: Sanne talked about her quest for real connection, Lucas spoke about his desires to touch people's hearts with music.Nl: Het gesprek liep uren door, maar voelde als seconden.En: The conversation went on for hours but felt like seconds.Nl: Sanne besefte dat ze glimlachte, echt glimlachte.En: Sanne realized that she was smiling, really smiling.Nl: Iets wat ze al een tijdje niet had gedaan.En: Something she hadn't done in a while.Nl: Ze voelde een warmte van binnen, niet enkel door de warme chocolademelk.En: She felt a warmth inside, not just from the hot chocolate.Nl: Toen het tijd was om te vertrekken, liepen Sanne en Lucas naast elkaar over het besneeuwde pad.En: When it was time to leave, Sanne and Lucas walked side by side along the snowy path.Nl: Het heldere maanlicht verlichtte hun weg.En: The bright moonlight illuminated their way.Nl: Sanne voelde een nieuwe energie in zich.En: Sanne felt a new energy within her.Nl: Iets in haar was veranderd.En: Something inside her had changed.Nl: Ze keek naar Lucas en voelde de belofte van iets moois.En: She looked at Lucas and felt the promise of something beautiful.Nl: Hoewel de kou scherp was, voelde ze een onverwachte warmte in haar hart.En: Although the cold was sharp, she felt an unexpected warmth in her heart.Nl: De magie van de feestdagen had haar bereikt, en met Lucas' hand in de hare, stapte Sanne het nieuwe avontuur tegemoet.En: The magic of the holidays had reached her, and with Lucas' hand in hers, Sanne stepped toward the new adventure.Nl: Ze waren nog niet zeker waar de weg hen brengen zou, maar voor nu was dat genoeg.En: They weren't yet sure where the path would take them, but for now, that was enough.Nl: Samen vertrokken ze uit het Amsterdamse Bos, een opwindend gevoel van verwachting in de lucht.En: Together, they left the Amsterdamse Bos, an exciting sense of expectation in the air. Vocabulary Words:drifted: dwarreldensteadily: gestaagsparkled: glinsterdetwinkling: fonkelendepressure: drukexpectations: verwachtingenencouraging: bemoedigendehesitant: aarzelendebit: beetdodging: ontwijkendbalancing: balancerendguitar: gitaarbackpack: rugzakinspiration: inspiratieconfident: zelfverzekerdglancing: uitkijkendhesitated: twijfeldedisappointments: teleurstellingenencouraged: moedigdestall: kraampjecinnamon: kaneelfears: angstenquest: zoektochtconnection: verbindingdesires: verlangensrealized: besefteilluminated: verlichttepromise: beloftesharp: scherpunexpected: onverwachte

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: The Miracle of the Midwinter Bloem: A Christmas Discovery Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-12-20-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In de koude, donkere dagen van december, veranderde de Urban Jungle in een oase van groen en leven.En: In the cold, dark days of December, the Urban Jungle transformed into an oasis of green and life.Nl: De meesten die het glazen gebouw betraden in het hart van Amsterdam, verbaasden zich over de varens die boven hun hoofd uittorenden en de watervallen die zachtjes in plassen kletterden.En: Most who entered the glass building in the heart of Amsterdam were amazed by the ferns towering above their heads and the waterfalls gently clattering into pools.Nl: Dit was vooral magisch tijdens kerst.En: This was especially magical during Christmas.Nl: Boven de echo van voetstappen en geroezemoes hing er een spanning in de lucht.En: Above the echo of footsteps and chatter, there was a tension in the air.Nl: De Midwinter Bloem, een zeldzame schat, stond op het punt te bloeien.En: The Midwinter Bloem, a rare treasure, was about to bloom.Nl: Het zou haar eerste bloei in tien jaar zijn en mensen van heinde en verre kwamen kijken.En: It would be its first bloom in ten years, and people from far and wide came to see it.Nl: Sander bewoog voorzichtig door de tuinen.En: Sander moved cautiously through the gardens.Nl: Hij was nerveus.En: He was nervous.Nl: Deze bloem was zijn verantwoordelijkheid.En: This flower was his responsibility.Nl: Hij voelde druk op zijn schouders en twijfelde soms aan zijn vaardigheden.En: He felt pressure on his shoulders and sometimes doubted his abilities.Nl: Hij hoopte dat alles perfect zou verlopen.En: He hoped everything would go perfectly.Nl: Maar die ochtend had alles veranderd: de Midwinter Bloem was verdwenen.En: But that morning had changed everything: the Midwinter Bloem had disappeared.Nl: Tussen tropisch groen en kerstslingers ontmoette hij Lotte.En: Amid tropical greenery and Christmas garlands, he met Lotte.Nl: Met een notitieblok in de hand en de blik van iemand die altijd iets onthulde, was ze direct aan het speuren naar informatie.En: With a notepad in hand and the look of someone who always uncovered something, she was immediately on the hunt for information.Nl: Als journalist wilde ze een verhaal brengen dat indruk zou maken.En: As a journalist, she wanted to deliver a story that would make an impression.Nl: "Sander," begon ze, "de mensen moeten dit weten.En: "Sander," she began, "people need to know this.Nl: Maar misschien kunnen we samenwerken?"En: But maybe we can work together?"Nl: Sander keek om zich heen.En: Sander looked around.Nl: Hij wist dat Bram ook in de buurt was, zijn handen vol met het rouleren van personeel voor de feestdagen.En: He knew that Bram was also nearby, his hands full with rotating staff for the holidays.Nl: Op Bram kon hij niet volledig rekenen.En: He couldn't fully rely on Bram.Nl: Misschien had hij Lotte wel nodig om dit op te lossen.En: Maybe he did need Lotte to solve this.Nl: Met een zucht stemde Sander in, al vertrouwde hij niet gemakkelijk.En: With a sigh, Sander agreed, though he didn't trust easily.Nl: Samen begonnen ze hun zoektocht door de luchtvochtige paden van de Urban Jungle.En: Together they began their quest through the humid paths of the Urban Jungle.Nl: Ze vroegen de medewerkers en bezoekers of ze iets ongewoons hadden gezien.En: They asked the employees and visitors if they had seen anything unusual.Nl: De dag kroop voorbij, terwijl buiten de vroege duisternis van Amsterdam langzaam neerdaalde.En: The day crawled by as the early darkness of Amsterdam slowly descended outside.Nl: Net toen Sander de hoop begon te verliezen, struikelde Lotte bijna over iets.En: Just when Sander began to lose hope, Lotte almost stumbled over something.Nl: Daar, in een vergeten hoek van de tuin, stond de Midwinter Bloem.En: There, in a forgotten corner of the garden, stood the Midwinter Bloem.Nl: Een tijdelijke medewerkster had haar per ongeluk verplaatst, denkend dat het een andere exotische plant was die beter tot recht zou komen tussen de andere bloemen.En: A temporary employee had accidentally moved it, thinking it was another exotic plant that would look better among the other flowers.Nl: Met een opgelucht hart en een lach op zijn gezicht, liet Sander Bram weten dat alles in orde was.En: With a relieved heart and a smile on his face, Sander let Bram know that everything was in order.Nl: De bloem werd snel naar de juiste plek teruggebracht. Op tijd voor het grote publiek dat al ongeduldig buiten stond te wachten.En: The flower was quickly returned to its rightful place, in time for the large audience already waiting impatiently outside.Nl: In de dagen die volgden, verscheen Lottes artikel in de lokale krant.En: In the days that followed, Lotte's article appeared in the local newspaper.Nl: Geen schandaal of verlies, maar een verhaal van samenwerking en vertrouwen.En: No scandal or loss, but a story of cooperation and trust.Nl: Sander las het met trots.En: Sander read it with pride.Nl: Hij begreep nu dat hij niet alleen stond in zijn taak.En: He now understood that he was not alone in his task.Nl: De crisis had hem geleerd dat vertrouwen soms sterker is dan enige twijfel.En: The crisis had taught him that trust is sometimes stronger than any doubt.Nl: De Urban Jungle bruist van vreugde terwijl kerstliederen zachtjes in de tuinen weerklinken.En: The Urban Jungle buzzed with joy as Christmas carols softly echoed through the gardens.Nl: Sander glimlachte en keek naar de Midwinter Bloem terwijl ze langzaam haar zeldzame pracht onthulde voor een betoverd publiek.En: Sander smiled and watched the Midwinter Bloem as it slowly revealed its rare beauty to an enchanted audience.Nl: Alles was weer op zijn plek, en het was eindelijk kerst.En: Everything was back in place, and it was finally Christmas. Vocabulary Words:oasis: oasefern: varentowering: uittorendenwaterfalls: watervallenclattering: kletterdenchatter: geroezemoestension: spanningrare: zeldzametreasure: schatbloom: bloeiencautiously: voorzichtignervous: nerveusresponsibility: verantwoordelijkheidabilities: vaardighedendoubted: twijfeldequest: zoektochthumid: luchtvochtigeunusual: ongewoonscrawled: kroopdescended: neerdaaldestumbled: struikeldeforgotten: vergetentemporary: tijdelijkeaccidentally: per ongelukenchanted: betoverdcooperation: samenwerkingtrust: vertrouwencrisis: crisisbeauty: prachtpride: trots

Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Creating Organizational Cultures That Actually Work In this episode, Michael and cultural anthropologist Jitske Kramer dive deep into the heart of organizational culture. Michael shares a story from a startup he supported, where a crystal clear sense of purpose created unity, loyalty, and a genuine feeling of belonging. Employees stayed because they felt connected to something bigger than a job description. Jitske expands on this by highlighting how leaders shape culture through the behaviors, values, and norms they model. She stresses that culture is never an accident. It is a series of daily choices and conversations. When leaders fail to engage with their teams or invite them into meaningful decision making, organizations lose clarity and people lose their sense of belonging. Both Michael and Jitske agree that leaders miss countless opportunities to build trust simply because they are not intentionally engaging with their people. Transformative Leadership and the Power of Human Connection Michael brings up a powerful metaphor involving an orchestra conductor to show how communication and knowledge flow can transform the relationship between leaders and their teams. When the conductor shifts from directing to connecting, the entire ensemble transforms. The energy changes. People take ownership. Collaboration becomes natural rather than forced. Jitske builds on this idea by contrasting transactional interactions with transformative ones. Transactional moments keep the lights on, but transformative moments build the future. She emphasizes the need for what she calls campfire conversations. These are the unhurried, human centered discussions where ideas form, trust deepens, and innovation actually has space to emerge. They conclude that the most successful organizations are the ones that prioritize human to human connection over rigid systems and corporate scripts. Finding Clarity in the Messy Middle of Change Jitske introduces her latest book, Tricky Times, which explores liminality. Liminality refers to the messy middle stage of change when the old story no longer works and the new story is not yet formed. She describes this phase as uncomfortable but deeply necessary. She explains that societies worldwide are wrestling with a kind of midlife crisis. People are questioning the expectation of nonstop economic growth and the conflict it creates with environmental and social realities. In these liminal spaces, power dynamics shift. Cultural identities get rewritten. Leaders are challenged to redefine what truly matters. Michael shares how timely these insights feel, especially given the current political climate in the United States and abroad. He highlights how difficult but essential conversations shape whether we move forward with intention or stay stuck in old patterns. Leading with Courage in Tricky Times Jitske describes the leadership challenges she writes about in Tricky Times. She warns against leaders who act like tricksters, constantly pushing boundaries without offering guidance or stability. True leadership requires bold honesty, grounded decision making, and the willingness to enter uncomfortable conversations. She emphasizes that balanced leadership is essential. Leaders must be willing to question assumptions, tell the truth about what is working and what is not, and invite their organizations into deeper reflection. Tricky Times has become a bestseller in the Netherlands, and Jitske is sharing its message with influential political leaders who are navigating uncertainty on a national scale. The book is available as an e-book on Amazon and offers a grounded, human centered framework for leading through cultural transformation. Jitske Kramer is a renowned Dutch corporate anthropologist who translates real-world lessons from communities around the globe into practical tools for modern workplaces.    She travels the world to learn from traditional healers, innovators, random passers-by, and everyday communities, studying how humans bond, lead, and resolve conflict — and brings those insights into the boardroom.   Her latest book, Tricky Times (a #1 Dutch bestseller), explores what it takes to lead in “the messy middle” — those uncertain in-between phases where old systems break down before new ones emerge.    With 25+ years of experience, she has shaped transformation for Nike, Unilever, Calvin Klein, and Philips, authored 9 bestselling books (150,000+ copies sold), and spoken alongside Simon Sinek, Amy Edmondson, Yuval Noah Harari on stages like TEDx and Workhuman Live.   Jitske's sharp, funny, and “aha”-filled style makes anthropology highly accessible for leaders facing change, culture challenges, and transformation.   Topics:  The messy middle: Leading effectively through uncertainty and liminal times The real drivers of company culture: Rituals, symbols, and hidden power structures How to “think like an anthropologist” to sense change and spot unseen dynamics The difference between formal power and cultural power — and why rank-awareness is critical for leaders What tribes can teach today's organizations about handling dilemmas and conflict   More about Jitske:  Founder of HumanDimensions, a pioneering training company that helps organizations strengthen teamwork and company culture.  Featured in the Patterns of Life documentary series, in which she traveled to India as an anthropologist.  Former Fellow at the Oxford Leadership Academy; holds a master's degree in cultural anthropology from Utrecht University.  Other books by Jitske: Building Tribes, Wow! What a Difference, Work Has Left the Building, Jam Cultures, andThe Corporate Tribe (which won the prestigious 2016 Management book of the Year Award). Take a look at Jitske's keynotes, other public speeches, TV appearances, and writings.    To get a sense of Jitske, here's an appearance she made on The Culture Lab podcast, talking about the making of a corporate tribe and how to effectively deal with diversity in a team. 

Today, December 19, would have been my late mother's 90th birthday. These past three months since her death have been so emotionally draining for me, and would have been even without the shitshow that the world has become in that time. On the other hand, I have been able to appreciate more fully the complicated bond that she and I shared. At the time of her death, I did two memorial tributes to “Jane's Divas” and today, in honor of her birthday, I present a singer that we both adored, the Dutch doyenne of art song, Elly Ameling. And because I've offered so many Elly Ameling episodes already on Countermelody, I thought it completely fitting to celebrate our beloved Elly in the repertoire in which she had virtually no peer: the Lieder of Franz Schubert. I've chosen a setlist of some of my favorite Schubert songs, in performances ranging over nearly 30 years of Ameling's career. And leave it to me, there are more than a few surprises to be encountered herein! Countermelody is a podcast devoted to the glory and the power of the human voice raised in song. Singer and vocal aficionado Daniel Gundlach explores great singers of the past and present focusing in particular on those who are less well-remembered today than they should be. Daniel's lifetime in music as a professional countertenor, pianist, vocal coach, voice teacher, and author yields an exciting array of anecdotes, impressions, and “inside stories.” At Countermelody's core is the celebration of great singers of all stripes, their instruments, and the connection they make to the words they sing. By clicking on the following link (https://linktr.ee/CountermelodyPodcast) you can find the dedicated Countermelody website which contains additional content including artist photos and episode setlists. The link will also take you to Countermelody's Patreon page, where you can pledge your monthly or yearly support at whatever level you can afford.

The coalition talks grind on as the three parties decamp to Prince Bernhard's former military lodge. Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveils plans in The Hague to rebuild Ukraine with the proceeds of frozen Russian assets. Commercial pilots in the skies over Curaçao play Russian roulette with the US Air Force as the Venezuelan crisis escalates. Robin van Persie is feeling the pressure as Feyenoord lose two crucial matches in a week. And Femke Halsema wants to tone down the Koningsdag revelry in the capital. 10 Dutch football clubs with really ridiculous names: https://www.dutchnews.nl/2015/10/10-dutch-football-clubs-with-really-ridiculous-names/

Join Colleen and Allard for one of their favourite pastimes: the pub quiz! This time it's obsure facts about the Netherlands. Colleen thinks she just might win. Allard says "absoluut niet"!!! Find out who takes the crown as they battle it out, and join along if you dare!Beware however, a friend has given them a gift to "consume" in this episode, and things do go a little wrong! Give it a listen to laugh...and learn!

Today's post was contributed by our Cheryl Sacks. She is the author of six books, including her latest, Fire on the Family Altar: Experience the Holy Spirit's Power in Your Home, available at fireonthefamilyaltar.com or on AmazonLearn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

‣ Book Your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULATION and CALORIE CALCULATION call:- how much & what to eat

How Gen Z-led protests toppled the Bulgarian government, a close look at Denmark's hardline asylum policies, and what should be done about the Dutch housing crisis. Then: A Scottish island castle for sale, Vilnius' bid to become Europe's biggest start-up hub, exhumations of political prisoners in Prague, and how the French Post Office tries to stay relevant.

Here is a YouTube link to the testimony above.Learn more about the podcast hereLearn more about Give Him Fifteen hereSupport the show

Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, bestselling author, and the guy who went viral telling Davos billionaires to pay their taxes. This conversation is a salve for the crisis of meaning percolating through modern life. We explore Rutger's pragmatic antidote—moral ambition—and discuss why a quarter of workers believe their jobs are socially useless, what the abolitionists teach us about coalition-building, and why factory farming may be the ethical abomination future historians judge us for most harshly. Rutger's conviction is rare and infectious. By the end of our conversation, I was so inspired that I committed $25K to his organization's new US Food System Reform Program, a cause area that is deeply important to me. Final Note: Through December 31st, every dollar to moralambition.org/food is matched.  I hope you'll consider joining me today in making a donation to this impactful organization. See the links in our newsletter, on our website, and in our Substack. Let's lean into our own moral ambition and do something truly meaningful, together. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today's Sponsors: On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style