Podcasts about Dutch

Today we're doing a throwback episode to one of our favorites from the early days of Stories Podcast. The Boy Who Loved Cheese Too Much! Klaas LOVES cheese. He can't get enough! But what will happen when he gets to eat all the cheese he's ever wanted? Can you really have too much of a good thing? Tune in to this adaptation of a Dutch folktale to find out! Check out Stories RPG our new show where we play games like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends, and Gigacity Guardians featuring the brilliant firefly! https://link.chtbl.com/gigacity Draw us a picture of what you think any of the characters in this story look like, and then tag us in it on instagram @storiespodcast! We'd love to see your artwork and share it on our feed!! If you would like to support Stories Podcast, you can subscribe and give us a five star review on iTunes, check out our merch at storiespodcast.com/shop, follow us on Instagram @storiespodcast, or just tell your friends about us! Check out our new YouTube channel at youtube.com/storiespodcast. If you've ever wanted to read along with our stories, now you can! These read-along versions of our stories are great for early readers trying to improve their skills or even adults learning English for the first time. Check it out.

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

Ronald Reagan's Traumatic Childhood: An Alcoholic Father, an Optimistic Mother, and the Seeds of Aloofness.Max Boot discusses Ronald Reagan's childhood during the Great Depression, beginning in late 1932 when Reagan visited his father, Jack Reagan, in Springfield, Illinois, where Jack was running a shoe store. Jack Reagan, an Irish American shoe salesman, was characterized as a "ne'er-do-well" with a charming gift of blarney but plagued by alcoholism. His drinking problem contributed significantly to the misery of Ronald Reagan's childhood, as Jack repeatedly lost jobs, forcing the family to constantly move. This created a sense of dislocation in young Ronald, known as Dutch, and the need to conceal the "family secret" fostered a lasting sense of remoteness and a "mental barrier." His difficult childhood also resulted in an aversion to personality conflict, stemming from the numerous arguments he witnessed between his father and mother, Nelle. Ronald Reagan was born in a winter storm in 1911, with his nickname "Dutch" originating from his father's remark that he was a cheerful, chubby little baby boy. Nelle Reagan was an extremely admirable Protestant who belonged to the Disciples of Christ faith and was intensely religious and highly committed to community service. She was also a "frustrated actress" who cast Dutch and his brother Moon as extras in plays she staged. Nelle's relentlessly positive, upbeat, and optimistic personality taught her son that one must always look on the "sunny side of life," allowing Reagan to cope with his difficult childhood by always placing a positive gloss on it. A formative experience occurred around age 15 when Reagan secured a job as a lifeguard at the Rock River, saving 77 people from drowning and becoming a small-town hero, providing him with a taste of being renowned and admired.

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

#LFC #LiverpoolFC #LiverpoolFootballClub EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/bloodred Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee You can order your copy of the October issue of Blood Red here. It is also available to buy in participating retailers in the Liverpool area. Liverpool face a stiff test in the Champions League after ending their four-game losing streak in the Premier League against Aston Villa The Reds were able to get themselves a comfortable victory to settle their nerves amid a difficult start to the season, moving back into the Premier League's top four thanks to strikes from Mohamed Salah and Ryan Gravenberch. Slot will be hoping for much of the same when Real Madrid turn up at Anfield for their Champions League fixture on Tuesday, and it remains to be seen how much the Dutch manager will rotate his winning squad. Join the Blood Red panel for the latest podcast as they discuss all things Liverpool.  Get exclusive Liverpool FC podcasts and video content everyday right here.  Subscribe to the Blood Red Liverpool FC YouTube Channel and watch daily live shows HERE: https://bit.ly/3OkL9iT Listen and subscribe to the Blood Red Podcast for all your latest Liverpool FC content via Apple and Spotify: APPLE: https://bit.ly/3HfBvKq SPOTIFY: https://bit.ly/3SdsjeH Join our Blood Red podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1656599847979758/ Visit the Liverpool ECHO website: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LivEchoLFC Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEchoLFC Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloodred_lfc Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloodred_lfcSubscribe to us on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bloodredliverpoolfc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Are you over 40 and feeling like your body's not responding the way it used to—despite doing "everything right"? Fatigue, stubborn weight, restless sleep, and slow recovery aren't signs of failure… they're signs of adaptation. In this powerful deep-dive episode, Coach Debbie Potts unpacks the real root causes behind midlife metabolic slowdown—through the lens of mitochondria, detox pathways, hormones, and nervous system balance. You'll learn how to read your body's feedback, retrain your biology, and build your Future You from the inside out. Drawing on the latest research from Dr. Robert Naviaux, Ari Whitten, and leading functional medicine labs, Debbie guides you step-by-step through:

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Crafting Success: Bram's Market Triumph with Pumpkin Magic Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-03-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het was een drukke dag op de dorpsmarkt.En: It was a busy day at the village market.Nl: Vlaggen wapperden in de koude herfstwind en de geur van versgebakken brood en geroosterde noten vulde de lucht.En: Flags fluttered in the cold autumn wind, and the smell of freshly baked bread and roasted nuts filled the air.Nl: Het was Sint-Maarten en het hele dorp vierde feest.En: It was Sint-Maarten and the whole village was celebrating.Nl: Bram, een jonge en ambitieuze boer, stond bij zijn kraam.En: Bram, a young and ambitious farmer, stood by his stall.Nl: Zijn kraam was gevuld met de mooiste pompoenen, appels en prei.En: His stall was filled with the most beautiful pumpkins, apples, and leeks.Nl: Maar de oudere boeren hadden grotere en mooiere uitstallingen.En: But the older farmers had larger and more impressive displays.Nl: Bram zuchtte.En: Bram sighed.Nl: Hij wilde indruk maken op de dorpsraad.En: He wanted to impress the village council.Nl: Hij droomde van een betere marktplaats volgend jaar.En: He dreamed of a better market spot next year.Nl: Lotte, Bram's jongere zusje, kwam voorbij.En: Lotte, Bram's younger sister, walked by.Nl: “Waarom kijk je zo somber?En: "Why do you look so gloomy?"Nl: ” vroeg ze.En: she asked.Nl: “Ik moet iets bijzonders doen,” antwoordde Bram.En: "I need to do something special," Bram replied.Nl: “Anders ziet de raad me niet staan.En: "Otherwise, the council won't notice me."Nl: ”Om hen heen was de markt vol geluid.En: Around them, the market was full of sound.Nl: Mensen lachten, kinderen renden rond met lampionnen.En: People laughed, children ran around with lanterns.Nl: Tegelijkertijd zag Bram elders op de markt de kraam van Gerard, de oudste boer van het dorp.En: At the same time, Bram saw the stall of Gerard, the oldest farmer in the village, somewhere else on the market.Nl: Zijn appels glansden in het zonlicht, en iedereen leek daarheen te gaan.En: His apples glistened in the sunlight, and everyone seemed to be headed there.Nl: Bram dacht na.En: Bram thought.Nl: Hij herinnerde zich het recept van zijn grootmoeder voor een speciaal pompoengerecht.En: He remembered his grandmother's recipe for a special pumpkin dish.Nl: “Ik ga het proberen,” zei hij vastberaden.En: "I'm going to try it," he said determinedly.Nl: Hij begon druk in de weer met de pompoenen, kruiden en een beetje honing.En: He started busily working with the pumpkins, spices, and a bit of honey.Nl: Lotte hielp hem met het klaarmaken.En: Lotte helped him prepare it.Nl: Toen het gerecht klaar was, verspreidde de geur zich snel over de markt.En: When the dish was ready, its aroma quickly spread over the market.Nl: Mensen stopten bij Bram's kraam om te vragen wat die heerlijke geur was.En: People stopped at Bram's stall to ask what that delicious smell was.Nl: Lotte glimlachte naar haar broer.En: Lotte smiled at her brother.Nl: “Het werkt, Bram!En: "It's working, Bram!"Nl: ”Eindelijk kwam de dorpsraad langs.En: Finally, the village council came by.Nl: Bram keek nerveus toe hoe ze het gerecht probeerden.En: Bram watched nervously as they tried the dish.Nl: Heel even was het stil.En: For a moment, it was silent.Nl: Toen glimlachte de oudste van de raad naar Bram.En: Then the oldest of the council smiled at Bram.Nl: “Jongeman, dit is bijzonder lekker.En: "Young man, this is exceptionally tasty.Nl: We hebben een nieuwe plek voor je volgend jaar.En: We have a new spot for you next year."Nl: ”Bram's hart maakte een sprongetje van blijdschap.En: Bram's heart leaped with joy.Nl: Zijn creativiteit had gewerkt.En: His creativity had paid off.Nl: Hij besefte dat risico's nemen loont.En: He realized that taking risks pays off.Nl: Met een grote glimlach keek hij naar Lotte.En: With a big smile, he looked at Lotte.Nl: “Volgend jaar wordt ons jaar,” fluisterde hij.En: "Next year will be our year," he whispered.Nl: Hun succes was groot, en de avond op de markt eindigde in vreugde en verwachting voor de toekomst.En: Their success was great, and the evening at the market ended in joy and anticipation for the future. Vocabulary Words:busy: drukkemarket: marktfluttered: wapperdenautumn: herfstbaked: versgebakkenroasted: geroosterdeambitious: ambitieuzefarmer: boerstall: kraamimpressive: mooierecouncil: raadgloomy: somberrecipe: receptdeterminedly: vastberadenaroma: geurspices: kruidenhoney: honingnervously: nerveusdelicious: heerlijketasty: lekkerrisks: risico'screativity: creativiteitanticipation: verwachtingvillage: dorpfilled: gevuldbeautiful: mooistesmiled: glimlachtejoy: vreugdesister: zusjehe realizes: hij besefte

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Mysterious Art Heist: Bram's Unexpected Village Heroics Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-03-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In het oude stadje, vol bakstenen muren en kronkelige straatjes, rook het naar kruidnoten en kaneel.En: In the old town, full of brick walls and winding streets, it smelled of kruidnoten and cinnamon.Nl: Het herfstseizoen was aangebroken, en de bladeren bedekten de straten als een kleurrijk tapijt.En: The autumn season had arrived, and the leaves covered the streets like a colorful carpet.Nl: In deze sfeer van gezelligheid en drukte, was iedereen bezig met de voorbereidingen voor het Sinterklaasfeest.En: In this atmosphere of coziness and hustle, everyone was busy with preparations for the Sinterklaas celebration.Nl: Maar niet alles was zo vredig als het leek.En: But not everything was as peaceful as it seemed.Nl: Bram, een amateur detective en smid, zat in zijn kleine werkplaats aan het einde van de straat.En: Bram, an amateur detective and blacksmith, sat in his small workshop at the end of the street.Nl: Hij luisterde naar het geluid van de hamer op het aambeeld en dacht aan zijn nieuwste uitdaging.En: He listened to the sound of the hammer on the anvil and thought about his latest challenge.Nl: Er was een kostbaar schilderij verdwenen uit het museum in het hart van de stad.En: A valuable painting had disappeared from the museum in the heart of the town.Nl: Niemand wist wie de dader was, maar Bram voelde zich geroepen het mysterie op te lossen.En: No one knew who the culprit was, but Bram felt compelled to solve the mystery.Nl: Lotte, de curator van het museum, was onrustig.En: Lotte, the curator of the museum, was restless.Nl: Het schilderij was niet zomaar een kunstwerk; het had een speciale betekenis voor haar.En: The painting was not just a piece of art; it had a special meaning for her.Nl: Maar dat geheim hield zij voor zich.En: But she kept that secret to herself.Nl: Ze was bezorgd over wat de diefstal zou kunnen betekenen voor het imago van het museum en het stadje.En: She was worried about what the theft could mean for the image of the museum and the town.Nl: Hoorde ze iets over een man met een verleden, iemand zoals Jasper?En: Had she heard something about a man with a past, someone like Jasper?Nl: Jasper, een handelaar die al lang in de stad woonde, leek meer te weten.En: Jasper, a trader who had lived in the town for a long time, seemed to know more.Nl: Hij was altijd wat op de achtergrond en had ooit een andere kant van zich laten zien.En: He was always somewhat in the background and had once shown a different side of himself.Nl: Mensen fluisterden achter zijn rug om.En: People whispered behind his back.Nl: Misschien had hij motieven die niemand kon raden.En: Perhaps he had motives that no one could guess.Nl: Hoewel de bewoners twijfelden aan een amateur detective als Bram, besloot hij buiten zijn smederij te kijken naar aanwijzingen.En: Although the residents doubted an amateur detective like Bram, he decided to look for clues outside his forge.Nl: Hij observeerde het museum en zag verdachte bewegingen.En: He observed the museum and saw suspicious movements.Nl: Hij zag Jasper meer dan eens in de buurt van het museum, vooral 's avonds wanneer niemand het zag.En: He saw Jasper more than once near the museum, especially in the evenings when no one was watching.Nl: Na dagen van onderzoek, voelde Bram zich klaar.En: After days of investigation, Bram felt ready.Nl: Hij benaderde Jasper op de markt, te midden van de Sinterklaasliederen en het geroezemoes.En: He approached Jasper at the market, amidst the Sinterklaas songs and the buzz.Nl: "Jasper," begon hij, "ik weet dat je meer weet over het schilderij."En: "Jasper," he began, "I know that you know more about the painting."Nl: Met bewijs van Jaspers nachtelijke rondzwervingen, confronteerde Bram hem.En: With evidence of Jasper's nocturnal wanderings, Bram confronted him.Nl: Jasper bloosde en keek schichtig om zich heen.En: Jasper blushed and looked around nervously.Nl: Langzaam gaf hij toe. "Ja, ik heb het schilderij genomen," zei hij schoorvoetend.En: Slowly, he admitted, "Yes, I took the painting," he said hesitantly.Nl: Maar voordat hij verder kon spreken, kwam Lotte tussenbeide.En: But before he could speak further, Lotte intervened.Nl: "Lotte?" vroeg Bram verbaasd.En: "Lotte?" asked Bram in surprise.Nl: Ze haalde diep adem en legde uit hoe het schilderij een portret was van haar overgrootmoeder.En: She took a deep breath and explained how the painting was a portrait of her great-grandmother.Nl: Het was ooit verloren gegaan en nu onbetaalbaar van emotionele waarde.En: It had once been lost and was now priceless with emotional value.Nl: Jasper knikte en begreep wat hij had gedaan.En: Jasper nodded and understood what he had done.Nl: "Ik wilde het verkopen," gaf hij toe, zijn ogen vol spijt.En: "I wanted to sell it," he admitted, his eyes full of regret.Nl: Bram zag zijn kans: "Maar je kunt het nu rechtzetten."En: Bram saw his opportunity: "But you can set it right now."Nl: Met hulp van Lotte, die hem een kans gaf om zichzelf te verbeteren, gaf Jasper het schilderij terug.En: With Lotte's help, who gave him a chance to improve himself, Jasper returned the painting.Nl: De stad waardeerde hun erfgoed meer dan ooit.En: The town appreciated their heritage more than ever.Nl: Aan het einde van deze koude herfstmiddag, met de stad opgelucht en het mysterie opgelost, kreeg Bram de eer die hem toekwam.En: At the end of this cold autumn afternoon, with the town relieved and the mystery solved, Bram received the honor due to him.Nl: Bram liep trots terug naar zijn smederij omringd door de dankbaarheid van de dorpelingen.En: Bram walked proudly back to his forge surrounded by the gratitude of the villagers.Nl: Hij had niet alleen een schilderij gered, maar ook de verbinding van de stad met zijn verleden hersteld.En: He had not only saved a painting but also restored the town's connection to its past.Nl: En zo werden vriendschap, erfgoed en de waarheid weer in ere hersteld.En: And thus, friendship, heritage, and truth were honored once again. Vocabulary Words:winding: kronkeligecoziness: gezelligheidrestless: onrustigcurator: curatorwhispered: fluisterdenforge: smederijsuspicious: verdachtemovements: bewegingenamidst: te midden vannocturnal: nachtelijkewanderings: rondzwervingenblushed: bloosdenervously: schichtighesitantly: schoorvoetendintervened: tussenbeideportrait: portretpriceless: onbetaalbaaremotional: emotioneleregret: spijtopportunity: kansheritage: erfgoedrelieved: opgeluchtgratitude: dankbaarheidrestored: hersteldconnection: verbindinghonored: in ere hersteldmystery: mysteriecompelled: geroepenculprit: dadercompelled: geroepen

Bernardo Kastrup is a Dutch philosopher and computer scientist recognised for his contributions to consciousness studies, notably through his formulation of analytic idealism—a variant of metaphysical idealism rooted in the analytic tradition.Buy his books here.Timestamps:0:00 - What is the World Really Made Of?7:11 - Qualities vs Quantities9:45 - Can Materialism Explain Anything?25:06 - Is There More Than What We Perceive?33:57 - Can We Exist Without a Brain?42:15 - What is Personhood?48:35 - Consciousness is not the Self54:46 - Why is Mental Activity Localised?01:10:39 - Why Panpsychism Doesn't Make Sense01:22:20 - Distinguishing Idealism and Panpsychism01:32:20 - Are There Distinctions Between Material Objects?01:39:14 - The Illusion of the Self01:46:16 - The Biggest Misunderstanding of Analytical Idealism

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Reinventing Tradition: A New Rijksmuseum Experience Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-02-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het Rijksmuseum gonst van activiteit op een koele herfstdag.En: The Rijksmuseum buzzes with activity on a cool autumn day.Nl: Het geluid van voetstappen echoot tegen de hoge plafonds, terwijl bezoekers in hun jassen de warme hal binnendringen.En: The sound of footsteps echoes against the high ceilings as visitors, wrapped in their coats, enter the warm hall.Nl: De geur van verse bladeren zweeft door de openstaande deuren naar binnen.En: The scent of fresh leaves drifts inside through the open doors.Nl: Binnen in het museum, tussen de gouden schilderijen, werken Lars en Femke samen aan een belangrijk project.En: Inside the museum, among the golden paintings, Lars and Femke work together on an important project.Nl: Lars, een serieuze kunsthistoricus, buigt zich over een stapel notities.En: Lars, a serious art historian, leans over a stack of notes.Nl: Elke woord telt voor hem.En: Every word counts for him.Nl: Hij wil dat de beschrijvingen van de kunstwerken precies en historisch accuraat zijn.En: He wants the descriptions of the artworks to be precise and historically accurate.Nl: Naast hem zit Femke, druk typend op haar laptop.En: Next to him sits Femke, typing away on her laptop.Nl: Haar vrolijke energie vult de kamer.En: Her cheerful energy fills the room.Nl: Ze wil de informatie toegankelijk maken voor iedereen, ongeacht hun achtergrond.En: She wants to make the information accessible to everyone, regardless of their background.Nl: Ze hebben vaak discussies.En: They often have discussions.Nl: "Lars, we moeten eenvoudiger taal gebruiken," zegt Femke, terwijl ze de pagina met beschrijvingen bekijkt.En: "Lars, we need to use simpler language," says Femke, as she looks at the page with descriptions.Nl: "Zo begrijpen meer mensen het."En: "That way, more people will understand it."Nl: Lars kijkt op van zijn notities.En: Lars looks up from his notes.Nl: "Maar als we te simpel zijn, verliezen we dan niet de betekenis?"En: "But if we are too simplistic, don't we lose meaning?"Nl: Femke zucht, maar glimlacht dan.En: Femke sighs, but then smiles.Nl: "Wat als we interactieve elementen toevoegen?En: "What if we add interactive elements?Nl: Misschien een virtuele rondleiding of quizzen?"En: Maybe a virtual tour or quizzes?"Nl: Lars denkt na.En: Lars considers this.Nl: Het idee prikkelt hem, iets nieuws combineren met traditie.En: The idea intrigues him, combining something new with tradition.Nl: "Oké, maar kunnen we die interactie gebruiken om ook diepgang te bieden?"En: "Okay, but can we use that interaction to also provide depth?"Nl: vraagt hij.En: he asks.Nl: Femke knikt enthousiast.En: Femke nods enthusiastically.Nl: "Ja, dat kunnen we!En: "Yes, we can!Nl: We kunnen kleine verhalen en anekdotes toevoegen."En: We can add small stories and anecdotes."Nl: Samen werken ze aan een plan, een balans tussen detail en toegankelijkheid.En: Together, they work on a plan, a balance between detail and accessibility.Nl: Ze ontwerpen een interactieve kaart van het museum.En: They design an interactive map of the museum.Nl: Elk kunstwerk krijgt een korte introductie, maar er zijn ook links naar diepere verhalen en analyses.En: Each artwork receives a brief introduction, but there are also links to deeper stories and analyses.Nl: Het moment van de waarheid komt tijdens een vergadering met het bestuur van het museum.En: The moment of truth comes during a meeting with the museum's board.Nl: Lars en Femke staan voor de zaal.En: Lars and Femke stand before the room.Nl: Het project, een huwelijk van traditie en innovatie, wordt gepresenteerd.En: The project, a marriage of tradition and innovation, is presented.Nl: Ontspanning vult de kamer als de bestuurders knikken.En: Relaxation fills the room as board members nod.Nl: "Dit is precies wat we nodig hebben," zegt de directeur.En: "This is exactly what we need," says the director.Nl: "Een frisse blik zonder het erfgoed te schaden."En: "A fresh perspective without harming the heritage."Nl: Lars en Femke verlaten de vergadering met een gevoel van opluchting en trots.En: Lars and Femke leave the meeting with a feeling of relief and pride.Nl: Ze kijken elkaar aan, nu met wederzijds respect en begrip.En: They look at each other, now with mutual respect and understanding.Nl: Lars ziet de waarde van innovatief denken.En: Lars sees the value of innovative thinking.Nl: Femke waardeert de diepte en precisie die Lars voor ogen houdt.En: Femke appreciates the depth and precision that Lars envisions.Nl: Buiten het museum vallen de bladeren zachtjes op de grond.En: Outside the museum, leaves gently fall to the ground.Nl: De lucht ruikt fris en nieuw, net als hun partnerschap.En: The air smells fresh and new, just like their partnership.Nl: De oude en nieuwe wereld vloeien samen in het Rijksmuseum, een plek waar geschiedenis tot leven komt.En: The old and new worlds come together in the Rijksmuseum, a place where history comes to life. Vocabulary Words:buzzes: gonstfootsteps: voetstappenechoes: echootceilings: plafondsdrifts: zweefthall: halart historian: kunsthistoricusprecise: preciesaccessible: toegankelijkbackground: achtergronddiscussions: discussiessimplistic: simpelmeaning: betekenisinteractive: interactievevirtual: virtueleintrigues: prikkeltdepth: diepgangenthusiastically: enthousiastanecdotes: anekdotesbalance: balansintroduction: introductieanalyses: analysesperspective: blikharming: schadenheritage: erfgoedrelief: opluchtingmutual: wederzijdsrespect: respectunderstanding: begripgently: zachtjes

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: From Canvas to Critics: A Night of Art and Breakthroughs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-02-08-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De lucht was grijs boven Amsterdam, bladeren dwarrelden naar beneden in de koele bries van de herfst.En: The sky was gray above Amsterdam, leaves swirling down in the cool autumn breeze.Nl: Binnen in het Van Gogh Museum hing een warme sfeer, met zachte lampen die de kunstwerken verlichtten.En: Inside the Van Gogh Museum hung a warm atmosphere, with soft lights illuminating the artworks.Nl: Het was de avond van een belangrijke evenement: de lancering van een nieuwe kunsttentoonstelling.En: It was the evening of an important event: the launch of a new art exhibition.Nl: Sander stond bij de ingang.En: Sander stood by the entrance.Nl: Zijn ogen glansden van opwinding.En: His eyes gleamed with excitement.Nl: Hij werkte maanden aan deze tentoonstelling en dit zou zijn grote doorbraak kunnen zijn.En: He had been working on this exhibition for months, and this could be his big breakthrough.Nl: Hij keek uit naar het succes van deze avond.En: He looked forward to the success of this evening.Nl: De reputatie van het museum en zijn carrière stonden op het spel.En: The museum's reputation and his career were at stake.Nl: Aan de andere kant van de zaal stond Maarten.En: On the other side of the hall stood Maarten.Nl: Hij was nerveus, zijn handen zweeterig.En: He was nervous, his hands sweaty.Nl: Zijn werk hing hier, voor het eerst in zo'n prestigieuze ruimte.En: His work was displayed here for the first time in such a prestigious venue.Nl: De schilderijen vertelden verhalen die diep persoonlijk waren.En: The paintings told stories that were deeply personal.Nl: Toch twijfelde hij of de bezoekers zijn visie zouden begrijpen.En: Yet he doubted whether the visitors would understand his vision.Nl: Enkele gasten kwamen binnendruppelen.En: A few guests began to trickle in.Nl: Onder hen was Anouk, de beroemde kunstcriticus.En: Among them was Anouk, the famous art critic.Nl: Ze was streng en nieuwsgierig, altijd op zoek naar de waarheid in kunstwerken.En: She was strict and curious, always looking for the truth in artworks.Nl: De laatste tijd had ze nieuwkomers genadeloos beoordeeld, en dat maakte zowel Sander als Maarten nerveus.En: Lately, she had been reviewing newcomers mercilessly, and that made both Sander and Maarten nervous.Nl: "Sander," zei Anouk, haar ogen speurend langs de schilderijen.En: "Sander," said Anouk, her eyes scanning the paintings.Nl: "Wil je me rondleiden?"En: "Would you like to give me a tour?"Nl: "Zeker," antwoordde Sander, zijn stem vastberaden.En: "Certainly," Sander replied, his voice determined.Nl: "Ik wil je graag Maartens werk laten zien."En: "I would love to show you Maarten's work."Nl: Ze liepen samen door de tentoonstelling.En: They walked through the exhibition together.Nl: Sander vertelde gepassioneerd over Maartens inspiratie en technieken.En: Sander spoke passionately about Maarten's inspiration and techniques.Nl: Hij hoopte dat zijn uitleg Anouk zou overtuigen.En: He hoped that his explanation would convince Anouk.Nl: Toen ze bij Maartens centrale stuk kwamen, bleef Anouk staan.En: When they reached Maarten's central piece, Anouk paused.Nl: Ze raakte de delicate balans tussen chaos en orde aan.En: She touched on the delicate balance between chaos and order.Nl: "Interessant," zei ze peinzend.En: "Interesting," she said pensively.Nl: "Ik vraag me af of de intentie helder genoeg is."En: "I wonder if the intention is clear enough."Nl: Maarten had alles gehoord.En: Maarten had heard everything.Nl: Zijn hart bonsde in zijn borst.En: His heart was pounding in his chest.Nl: Hier was zijn kans.En: Here was his chance.Nl: Hij stapte naar voren.En: He stepped forward.Nl: "Mevrouw Anouk," begon hij voorzichtig, "ik wil graag uitleggen wat ik bedoelde."En: "Ms. Anouk," he began cautiously, "I would like to explain what I meant."Nl: Anouk keek hem aan, nieuwsgierig.En: Anouk looked at him, curious.Nl: Maarten vertelde over zijn strijd en emoties achter het schilderij.En: Maarten spoke about his struggles and the emotions behind the painting.Nl: Zijn stem kreeg meer kracht terwijl hij sprak.En: His voice gained strength as he spoke.Nl: Zijn ogen glansden van trots en passie.En: His eyes gleamed with pride and passion.Nl: Toen hij klaar was, glimlachte Anouk.En: When he finished, Anouk smiled.Nl: "Ik moet zeggen, Maarten, je passie is opmerkelijk.En: "I must say, Maarten, your passion is remarkable.Nl: Het geeft diepte aan je werk.En: It adds depth to your work.Nl: Dank je voor deze uitleg."En: Thank you for this explanation."Nl: De avond kwam ten einde en er klonk applaus door de zaal.En: The evening came to an end with applause filling the hall.Nl: Anouks recensie de volgende dag was verrassend positief.En: Anouk's review the next day was surprisingly positive.Nl: Ze noemde de tentoonstelling verfrissend en vol potentieel.En: She called the exhibition refreshing and full of potential.Nl: Zowel Maarten als Sander voelden een golf van opluchting en vreugde.En: Both Maarten and Sander felt a wave of relief and joy.Nl: Maarten was nu zekerder van zijn talent.En: Maarten now felt more confident in his talent.Nl: Sander leerde dat verhalen vertellen en persoonlijke engagement net zo belangrijk waren als de kunst zelf.En: Sander learned that storytelling and personal engagement were just as important as the art itself.Nl: De koude herfstavonden buiten konden hun vreugde niet temperen.En: The cold autumn evenings outside could not temper their joy.Nl: Hun toekomst in de kunstwereld zou zeker helder zijn.En: Their future in the art world would certainly be bright. Vocabulary Words:gray: grijsswirling: dwarreldenlaunch: lanceringevent: evenementexhibition: tentoonstellingentrance: inganggleamed: glansdenbreakthrough: doorbraakprestigious: prestigieuzevisitors: bezoekerstrickle: binnendruppelencritic: criticusstrict: strengmercilessly: genadeloosdetermined: vastberadenpassionately: gepassioneerdinspiration: inspiratietechniques: techniekendelicate: delicatebalance: balanschaos: chaosorder: ordepound: bondencautiously: voorzichtigcurious: nieuwsgierigemotions: emotiesstrength: krachtpride: trotsapplause: applausrefreshing: verfrissend

More Amish FolkloreBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Voting Against the Odds: Evelien's Brave Autumn Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-01-07-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het was een frisse herfstochtend.En: It was a crisp autumn morning.Nl: Blaadjes vielen zachtjes van de bomen en bedekten de stoep in een tapijt van geel en rood.En: Leaves were gently falling from the trees, covering the sidewalk in a carpet of yellow and red.Nl: Evelien stond in de hal van haar appartement en trok haar jas aan.En: Evelien stood in the hallway of her apartment, putting on her coat.Nl: De lucht was scherp, en ze voelde meteen de kou op haar gezicht toen ze buitenstapte.En: The air was sharp, and she immediately felt the cold on her face as she stepped outside.Nl: Dit was de dag waarop ze zich voorbereidde om haar stem uit te brengen bij het stemlokaal, ondanks haar ziekte.En: This was the day she prepared to cast her vote at the polling station, despite her illness.Nl: Jasper stond naast haar, bezorgd maar ook trots.En: Jasper stood next to her, concerned but also proud.Nl: Hij wist hoeveel het voor Evelien betekende om te stemmen.En: He knew how much it meant to Evelien to vote.Nl: "Gaat het, lieverd?"En: "Are you okay, darling?"Nl: vroeg hij, terwijl hij zijn sjaal om zijn nek sloeg.En: he asked, wrapping his scarf around his neck.Nl: "Ja, het moet wel," antwoordde Evelien vastberaden.En: "Yes, I have to be," Evelien replied determinedly.Nl: Haar chronische ziekte had haar leven veranderd, maar ze weigerde dat het ook haar stem zou wegnemen.En: Her chronic illness had changed her life, but she refused to let it take away her vote.Nl: Ze waren immers Nederlanders, en stemmen was een recht dat ze met beide handen wilde aangrijpen.En: After all, they were Dutch, and voting was a right she wanted to seize with both hands.Nl: Ze liepen langzaam naar het gemeenschapshuis waar het stemlokaal was.En: They walked slowly to the community center where the polling station was located.Nl: De weg ernaartoe leek langer dan normaal.En: The way there seemed longer than usual.Nl: Evelien voelde de vermoeidheid in haar lichaam, maar de gedachte aan haar doel duwde haar voort.En: Evelien felt the fatigue in her body, but the thought of her goal pushed her forward.Nl: Jasper hield haar hand stevig vast, bood haar steun bij elke stap.En: Jasper held her hand firmly, offering support with every step.Nl: Binnen was het druk.En: Inside, it was busy.Nl: Mensen wachtten in hun warme jassen, knikkend naar bekenden.En: People waited in their warm coats, nodding to acquaintances.Nl: De geur van natte bladeren was vaag aanwezig, vermengd met een subtiele geur van koffie.En: The scent of wet leaves was faintly present, mingled with a subtle aroma of coffee.Nl: Evelien slikte, haar keel droog van de spanning.En: Evelien swallowed, her throat dry from the tension.Nl: Langzaam schuifelden ze naar de balie.En: Slowly they shuffled to the desk.Nl: "Uw identiteitsbewijs, alstublieft," zei de vriendelijke vrouw achter de tafel.En: "Your identification, please," said the friendly woman behind the table.Nl: Evelien glimlachte zwak en gaf haar paspoort.En: Evelien smiled weakly and handed over her passport.Nl: Het wachten was lastig, de stoelen boden weinig comfort voor haar zere rug.En: Waiting was difficult, the chairs offered little comfort for her sore back.Nl: Eindelijk was het haar beurt.En: Finally, it was her turn.Nl: Evelien voelde haar pols bonzen, maar haar wilskracht bleef sterk.En: Evelien felt her pulse pounding, but her willpower remained strong.Nl: Voorzichtig vulde ze haar stemformulier in en vouwde het dubbel.En: Carefully, she filled out her ballot and folded it in half.Nl: Jasper stond dichtbij, zijn ogen vast op haar gericht, vol bewondering.En: Jasper stood close, his eyes fixed on her, full of admiration.Nl: Met een diepe, trage ademhaling stapte Evelien naar de stembus.En: With a deep, slow breath, Evelien stepped toward the ballot box.Nl: Haar handen trilden zachtjes, maar ze liet het niet merken.En: Her hands trembled slightly, but she didn't show it.Nl: Ze stopte haar stem in de gleuf, een simpel gebaar dat plotseling zoveel betekenis had.En: She slipped her vote into the slot, a simple gesture that suddenly held so much meaning.Nl: Ze had het gedaan.En: She had done it.Nl: "Goed gedaan," fluisterde Jasper terwijl hij een arm om haar schouder sloeg.En: "Well done," Jasper whispered, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.Nl: Evelien glimlachte, een gevoel van opluchting overspoelde haar.En: Evelien smiled, a feeling of relief washing over her.Nl: Ondanks haar strijd had ze haar plicht vervuld.En: Despite her struggle, she had fulfilled her duty.Nl: Ze draaiden zich om en liepen samen naar buiten, waar de frisse lucht hen begroette met een zachte bries.En: They turned and walked outside together, where the fresh air greeted them with a gentle breeze.Nl: "Je bent een echte held," zei Jasper, zijn stem vol trots.En: "You're a true hero," Jasper said, his voice full of pride.Nl: Evelien lachte, haar energie langzaam terugkerend.En: Evelien laughed, her energy slowly returning.Nl: De reis naar het stemlokaal voelde als een overwinning, een herinnering dat ze sterker was dan ze dacht.En: The journey to the polling station felt like a victory, a reminder that she was stronger than she thought.Nl: De bladeren kraakten onder hun voeten terwijl ze terugliepen naar huis.En: The leaves crunched under their feet as they walked back home.Nl: Evelien keek omhoog naar de grijze lucht en voelde nieuwe hoop voor de toekomst.En: Evelien looked up at the gray sky and felt new hope for the future.Nl: Ze wist dat de weg vooruit misschien nog moeilijk zou zijn, maar met Jasper aan haar zijde en haar eigen vastberadenheid, kon ze alles aan.En: She knew the road ahead might still be difficult, but with Jasper by her side and her own determination, she could face anything. Vocabulary Words:crisp: frisseautumn: herfstsidewalk: stoepcozy: warmeillness: ziektedeterminedly: vastberadenchronic: chronischefatigue: vermoeidheidadmiration: bewonderingtension: spanningballot: stemformuliertrembled: trildengesture: gebaarduty: plichtbreeze: briespride: trotshero: heldcrunched: kraaktenfuture: toekomstdetermination: vastberadenheidcarpet: tapijtsharp: scherpshuffle: schuifelenidentification: identiteitsbewijssubtle: subtielescent: geurweakly: zwakrelief: opluchtingchronic: chronischesupport: steun

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Bram's Costume Blunder: A Day of Unexpected Laughs Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-11-01-22-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Herfstkleuren dansten door de lucht terwijl bladeren zachtjes op het trottoir vielen.En: Autumn colors danced through the air as leaves gently fell onto the sidewalk.Nl: Het was een drukke ochtend in het buurtcentrum.En: It was a busy morning at the neighborhood center.Nl: In het gebouw was het gezellig.En: Inside the building, it was cozy.Nl: Het was versierd met bruine en oranje slingers van bladeren.En: It was decorated with brown and orange garlands of leaves.Nl: Banners met opschriften als "Stem Vandaag!" hingen overal.En: Banners with inscriptions like "Stem Vandaag!" ("Vote Today!") hung everywhere.Nl: Mensen stonden in nette rijen, klaar om hun stem uit te brengen.En: People stood in neat lines, ready to cast their votes.Nl: Maar voor Bram was deze dag anders.En: But for Bram, this day was different.Nl: Bram hield van verkleedpartijen.En: Bram loved dressing up.Nl: De herfst was zijn favoriete seizoen, met Halloween met zijn kostuum feesten.En: Autumn was his favorite season, with Halloween and its costume parties.Nl: Hij had gehoord dat er iets te doen was bij het buurtcentrum en dacht dat het een kostuumwedstrijd was.En: He had heard that something was happening at the neighborhood center and thought it was a costume contest.Nl: Vol enthousiasme trok hij zijn beste kostuum aan.En: Full of enthusiasm, he put on his best costume.Nl: Het was een overdreven pak, felgroen met glitters en hoge hoed.En: It was an extravagant suit, bright green with glitter and a high hat.Nl: Sanne schudde haar hoofd glimlachend toen ze Bram zag verschijnen.En: Sanne shook her head smiling when she saw Bram appear.Nl: "Bram, wat ben je nu weer van plan?" vroeg ze terwijl ze dichterbij kwam.En: "Bram, what are you up to now?" she asked, coming closer.Nl: "Ik ga die wedstrijd winnen!" antwoordde Bram vrolijk.En: "I'm going to win that contest!" answered Bram cheerfully.Nl: "Ik heb dit pak speciaal gekozen."En: "I chose this outfit especially."Nl: Sanne grinnikte.En: Sanne chuckled.Nl: "Bram, het is vandaag geen wedstrijd.En: "Bram, it's not a contest today.Nl: We zijn hier om te stemmen."En: We're here to vote."Nl: Bram leek verward.En: Bram looked confused.Nl: "Stemmen? Waarom zijn er dan zoveel mensen?"En: "Voting? Then why are there so many people?"Nl: Sanne probeerde hem uit te leggen.En: Sanne tried to explain to him.Nl: "Het is de verkiezingsdag.En: "It's election day.Nl: Ze stemmen voor de gemeenteraad."En: They're voting for the city council."Nl: Bram keek om zich heen.En: Bram looked around.Nl: "Oh," zei hij eindelijk, enigszins beslagen.En: "Oh," he said finally, somewhat flustered.Nl: Op dat moment kwam Lotte naar hen toe.En: At that moment, Lotte approached them.Nl: Ze hield een clipboard en had een vriendelijke glimlach.En: She held a clipboard and had a friendly smile.Nl: "Welkom, kunnen jullie je ID-kaarten laten zien?" vroeg ze.En: "Welcome, can you show your ID cards?" she asked.Nl: "Ik ben hier... voor de kostuums," begon Bram, maar Sanne onderbrak vlug.En: "I'm here... for the costumes," Bram began, but Sanne quickly interrupted.Nl: "Hij is iets in de war," zei ze snel.En: "He's a bit confused," she said quickly.Nl: Lotte probeerde een glimlach te onderdrukken.En: Lotte tried to suppress a smile.Nl: "Geen kostuums vandaag, maar als je wilt stemmen, kan dat... en misschien kunnen we daarna praten over kostuums?" stelde ze voor.En: "No costumes today, but if you want to vote, that's possible... and maybe we can talk about costumes afterward?" she suggested.Nl: Bram keek naar Sanne, nog steeds half overtuigd. Maar hij kreeg een idee.En: Bram looked at Sanne, still half convinced. But he got an idea.Nl: "Ik ga iedereen goed vermaken," fluisterde hij.En: "I'm going to entertain everyone," he whispered.Nl: Voordat Sanne het kon stoppen, sprong Bram op een stoel.En: Before Sanne could stop him, Bram jumped on a chair.Nl: "Beste mensen!" riep Bram.En: "Ladies and gentlemen!" Bram shouted.Nl: "Ik ben hier om mijn geweldige kostuum te tonen!" Iedereen keek verrast en nieuwsgierig.En: "I'm here to show off my amazing costume!" Everyone looked surprised and curious.Nl: Sanne greep hem bij de arm en fluisterde haastig in zijn oor: "Bram, dit is niet de tijd of de plaats.En: Sanne grabbed him by the arm and whispered hastily in his ear: "Bram, this is not the time or place.Nl: Kom maar mee, laten we stemmen!"En: Come along, let's vote!"Nl: Bram keek om zich heen, besefte zijn blunder, en zijn wangen kleurden rood van schaamte.En: Bram looked around, realized his blunder, and his cheeks turned red with embarrassment.Nl: "Oh... eh... sorry, iedereen," mompelde hij en klom snel van de stoel.En: "Oh... uh... sorry, everyone," he mumbled and quickly climbed off the chair.Nl: Lotte knikte bemoedigend.En: Lotte nodded encouragingly.Nl: "Het is goed, laten we het stemproces volgen." Ze kon een glimlach niet onderdrukken. De mensen in de rij lachten zachtjes, meer geamuseerd dan boos.En: "It's okay, let's follow the voting process." She couldn't suppress a smile. The people in line laughed softly, more amused than angry.Nl: Met de hulp van Sanne stemde Bram snel.En: With Sanne's help, Bram voted quickly.Nl: Ze liepen samen naar buiten, en hoewel Bram nog steeds verbouwereerd was, kon hij een kleine glimlach niet onderdrukken.En: They walked outside together, and although Bram was still bewildered, he couldn't suppress a small smile.Nl: "Dat was gênant," zei hij.En: "That was embarrassing," he said.Nl: "Ik moet de details beter lezen de volgende keer."En: "I need to read the details better next time."Nl: "Ja, maar het was wel de lach van de dag voor velen," antwoordde Sanne met een knipoog.En: "Yes, but it was the laugh of the day for many," replied Sanne with a wink.Nl: Aan de deur stond Lotte nog steeds glimlachend, terwijl ze Bram en Sanne uitzwaaide.En: At the door, Lotte was still smiling as she waved goodbye to Bram and Sanne.Nl: Het buurtcentrum keerde terug naar zijn gewone bezigheden, maar voor velen zou dit een herinnering blijven aan één herfstige verkiezingsdag waarin de kleur en humor zoveel meer levendigheid brachten dan men had verwacht.En: The neighborhood center returned to its usual activities, but for many, this would be a memory of one autumn election day where color and humor brought much more liveliness than expected.Nl: Bram leerde dat een beetje oplettendheid een wereld van verschil kan maken.En: Bram learned that a little attention to detail can make a world of difference. Vocabulary Words:autumn: herfstneighborhood: buurtcozy: gezelliggarlands: slingersinscriptions: opschriftenenthusiasm: enthousiasmeextravagant: overdrevenglitter: glitterschuckled: grinnikteconfused: verwardflustered: beslagenclipboard: clipboardsuppress: onderdrukkenentertain: vermakenastonished: verbaasdembarrassment: schaamtecheeks: wangenbewildered: verbouwereerdwink: knipoogvividness: levendigheidattention: oplettendheiddifference: verschilcontest: wedstrijdflamboyant: felgroenadmonition: waarschuwingpolitely: vriendelijkamused: geamuseerdhastily: haastiggraceful: bevalligdetails: details

Send us a textIn this episode we'll be visiting two national railway museums, in Utrecht and York, a gala event at the East Lancashire railway, and riding on standard and narrow gauge heritage lines, the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway, run entirely by volunteers in Kent, and the STAR museum railway in the Netherlands, and along the way, discovering a replica broad gauge pioneer, running on rails 1945mm apart...Links to all the railways and museums below:Home Page - The East Lancashire RailwayHome of 80097 BR 4MT Restoration and Ivatt 46428 - Bury Standard 4 GroupThe Class 56 Group – Class 56 Locomotive PreservationNational Railway Museum - YorkEurostar.com: Book Europe train tickets and holidaysKom naar het Spoorwegmuseum | Het leukste station van Nederland - Dutch National Railway Museum in Utrecht, NetherlandsHome - Museumspoorlijn STAR - STAR Museum Railway, Stadskanaal, NetherlandsSittingbourne and Kemsley Railway This podcast is produced by Laura Raymond and presented by Alasdair Stewart and Sharon Gregory. Our 'Making Tracks' music is with kind permission of composer and musician Richard Durrant. It is a unique piece inspired by the rhythm of the historic rolling stock on the Ffestiniog Railway on the scenic journey from Harbour Station to Tan y Blwch. You can listen and download the full 'Tan y Bwlch' Ukulele Quartet here: Thank you to voice artist David King - for the Railway Ride outs voice over. Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch" Ukulele Quartet No. 1 "Tan y Bwlch" Richard Durrant · Single · 2019 · 3 songs.

In this episode, we explore two important developments in North America. First, we examine the legendary story of the Pilgrims' arrival in New England in 1620 and the establishment of the Plymouth Colony. Secondly, we examine the creation of the Dutch settlement in modern-day New York and New Jersey, and we explore how Dutch influenced early American English. We also examine several important developments in England in the early 1620s.

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

Subscribe now to skip the ads and get more content! What's spookier than international relations? This week in the news roundup: Trump tours Asia to talk trade deals (1:28), a Thai-Cambodia accord (7:11), and to meet with Xi (8:45); the RSF captures of Al-Fashir in Sudan with reports of mass killings (12:19); Gaza sees the deadliest day of Israeli bombardments since the ceasefire began (17:19); the PKK makes more concessions in talks with Ankara (21:53); Afghan-Pakistan ceasefire negotiations collapse in Istanbul (24:34); Myanmar rebel groups agree to a Chinese-brokered ceasefire (26:59); elections in Ivory Coast and Cameroon keep longtime incumbents in power (29:44); Nigeria's military sees a shake-up amid rumors of a coup plot (33:30); Dutch elections sideline Geert Wilders and the far-right (36:26); Trump freezes trade talks with Canada and raises tariffs over an ad (39:50); the UN General Assembly votes to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba (42:35); the U.S. expands its boat-bombing campaign in the Pacific and sends a carrier to the Caribbean (44:21); and Trump suggests that the U.S. resume nuclear testing (47:57).

What's spookier than international relations? This week in the news roundup: Trump tours Asia to talk trade deals (1:28), a Thai-Cambodia accord (7:11), and to meet with Xi (8:45); the RSF captures of Al-Fashir in Sudan with reports of mass killings (12:19); Gaza sees the deadliest day of Israeli bombardments since the ceasefire began (17:19); the PKK makes more concessions in talks with Ankara (21:53); Afghan-Pakistan ceasefire negotiations collapse in Istanbul (24:34); Myanmar rebel groups agree to a Chinese-brokered ceasefire (26:59); elections in Ivory Coast and Cameroon keep longtime incumbents in power (29:44); Nigeria's military sees a shake-up amid rumors of a coup plot (33:30); Dutch elections sideline Geert Wilders and the far-right (36:26); Trump freezes trade talks with Canada and raises tariffs over an ad (39:50); the UN General Assembly votes to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba (42:35); the U.S. expands its boat-bombing campaign in the Pacific and sends a carrier to the Caribbean (44:21); and Trump suggests that the U.S. resume nuclear testing (47:57).Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ellen Coyne and Naomi O'Leary join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics:· In the wake of Catherine Connolly's emphatic presidential election win, could there now be a legitimate prospect of a left-wing government arising from the next general election? · With anger still simmering in Fianna Fáil's ranks after a disastrous presidential campaign, is party leader Micheál Martin looking at a leadership challenge down the line? Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1 this week, the Taoiseach criticised “unacceptable” and “hurtful” comments about him from Fianna Fáil rebels like fellow Cork TD James O'Connor. · The coalition partners are becoming more openly critical of immigration. Perhaps they are now following the example of other European countries? · And Naomi O'Leary discusses the Dutch political scene with reports suggesting the centrist D66 party caused a big upset in Dutch elections this week.Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· Mary ‘Mae' McGee who successfully fought the ban on contraception in Ireland, and Newton Emerson on how Fine Gael's anti-British rhetoric came back to bite Heather Humphreys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1184: Today we cover Toyota's response to potential chip shortages, new research showing improved employee satisfaction at dealerships, and what Gen Z travelers want most from their hotel stays.Show Notes with links:Toyota CEO Koji Sato says the automaker isn't facing an immediate chip shortage despite rising concerns after China blocked exports from Dutch chipmaker Nexperia. The move is part of an escalating global tech standoff involving national security concerns.The Dutch government seized control of Nexperia last month over fears its Chinese parent, Wingtech, could pose a security risk—prompting China to halt exports.These chips aren't high-end processors; they're critical legacy semiconductors used in steering, lighting, and power systems.Toyota says it's stable “for now,” but rivals like Nissan report they only have enough chips to last through early November.The Alliance for Automotive Innovation warns that U.S. vehicle production could be disrupted as soon as next monthCDK's 2025 Dealership Workplace Study shows job satisfaction is rising and fewer employees plan to leave, but challenges around stress and long-term retention persist.Satisfaction jumped to 82%, up from 74% last year, while only 22% plan to leave in the next six months—down from 31%.Just 49% expect to stay at their dealership over the next 5-10 years, and only 26% would recommend auto retail as a career.“Dealerships that thrive will be the ones that listen, adapt and lead with empathy,” said CDK VP Bruce Johnson.A new study by researchers Huggland and Okumus reveals how Gen Z's travel habits and expectations are reshaping the guest experience. Their feedback from a 3-year mystery shopping study shows where hotels need to step up—and fast.Gen Z travelers prioritize convenience, safety, and intuitive tech over traditional brand loyalty.Digital check-ins, intuitive room controls, and reliable Wi-Fi aren't perks—they're baseline expectations.“Sometimes the little things can mean a lot,” said one Gen Z traveler. “We want crystal clear instructions and not have to ask for help.”0:00 Intro with Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier0:45 The halloween costumes around the office today2:53 Upcoming ASOTU Edge Webinar with Foureyes3:20 The Nexperia Chip Crisis5:44 CDK's Dealership Employee Satisfaction Rises to 84%9:20 What Gen Z Is Saying About HospitalityJoin Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Should we be eating less fat – or more? Who will benefit from a surprise election result? And how can art improve our health? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Felicity Capon, Jamie Timson and Harriet MarsdenImage credit: Bloomberg / Getty Image

Immigrant fear in America, Lawrence O'Donnell's media takedown, and Dutch voters rebuking the far right—three stories proving courage, truth, and democracy can still triumph over fear and lies.Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletterPurchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make AmericaUtopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And BeFit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of anAfro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Haunting Amsterdam: A Halloween Treasure Hunt on the Canals Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-10-31-22-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De maan verlichtte zachtjes de mistige grachten van Amsterdam.En: The moon softly illuminated the misty canals of Amsterdam.Nl: De koude herfstnacht omhulde de stad in een mysterieuze sfeer.En: The cold autumn night enveloped the city in a mysterious atmosphere.Nl: Halloween bracht kostuumdragers en feestvierders op de kasseien.En: Halloween brought costumed figures and revelers to the cobblestones.Nl: Tussen hen door liepen Bram en Femke, hun adem zichtbaar in de frissere lucht.En: Among them were Bram and Femke, their breath visible in the crisp air.Nl: Ze stapten aan boord van een verlichte rondvaartboot, klaar voor een nachtelijke tocht over de grachten.En: They boarded a brightly lit canal boat, ready for a nocturnal journey on the canals.Nl: Bram zat vol energie.En: Bram was full of energy.Nl: Hij hield van mysteries.En: He loved mysteries.Nl: Vanavond wilde hij indruk maken op zijn lieve vriendin Femke.En: Tonight, he wanted to impress his dear girlfriend Femke.Nl: Femke, met haar scherpe geest en liefde voor spookverhalen, was opgewonden om iets bijzonders te vinden.En: Femke, with her sharp mind and love for ghost stories, was excited to find something special.Nl: Terwijl de boot kalm over de donkere wateren gleed, merkte Bram iets glinsterends op in het water.En: As the boat glided calmly over the dark waters, Bram noticed something shimmering in the water.Nl: "Kijk daar, Femke," riep hij uit.En: "Look there, Femke," he exclaimed.Nl: Hij wees naar een fles die naast hun boot dreef.En: He pointed to a bottle floating beside their boat.Nl: Femke vertrouwend op haar intuïtie, reikte naar de fles en ving die.En: Trusting her intuition, Femke reached for the bottle and caught it.Nl: Binnenin zat een verkreukelde brief.En: Inside was a crumpled letter.Nl: Ze openden de fles en rolden de brief open.En: They opened the bottle and unrolled the letter.Nl: De woorden waren oud, maar leesbaar.En: The words were old but readable.Nl: "Een schat," fluisterde Femke met twinkelende ogen.En: "A treasure," Femke whispered with twinkling eyes.Nl: Maar Bram wees naar de waarschuwingen en puzzels op de brief.En: But Bram pointed out the warnings and riddles on the letter.Nl: "Dit is geen gewoon avontuur," zei hij zachtjes.En: "This is no ordinary adventure," he said quietly.Nl: Femke keek even bezorgd, maar Bram's enthousiasme was aanstekelijk.En: Femke looked a bit worried, but Bram's enthusiasm was contagious.Nl: "We moeten verder gaan," besloot Bram vastberaden.En: "We must go on," Bram decided determinedly.Nl: De volgende dagen brachten ze uren door in het stadsarchief.En: In the following days, they spent hours in the city's archives.Nl: Ze praatten met eigenaardige, plaatselijke bewoners.En: They talked with quirky local residents.Nl: Elke aanwijzing bracht hen dichter bij het geheim.En: Each clue brought them closer to the secret.Nl: De puzzels waren complex en de waarschuwingen maakten sommige momenten erg spannend.En: The riddles were complex, and the warnings made some moments very thrilling.Nl: Op de nacht van Halloween, net toen de kerkklokken middernacht sloegen, vonden ze de laatste aanwijzing.En: On the night of Halloween, just when the church bells struck midnight, they found the last clue.Nl: Een verborgen compartiment op een brug over de gracht.En: A hidden compartment on a bridge over the canal.Nl: Hun hart bonsde in hun keel toen ze het vak openden.En: Their hearts pounded in their chests as they opened the compartment.Nl: Tot hun verbazing vonden ze geen goud of juwelen, maar een oud dagboek.En: To their surprise, they found no gold or jewels, but an old diary.Nl: Het was gevuld met verhalen van de grachten en de geschiedenis die bijna verloren was gegaan.En: It was filled with stories of the canals and the history that had nearly been lost.Nl: Het was een schat van kennis en verhalen.En: It was a treasure of knowledge and tales.Nl: Bram glimlachte naar Femke.En: Bram smiled at Femke.Nl: "Dit is de echte schat," zei hij en realiseerde zich dat niet alles tastbaar hoefde te zijn om waardevol te zijn.En: "This is the real treasure," he said, realizing that not everything needed to be tangible to be valuable.Nl: Samen lazen ze de verhalen en spraken af om deze kennis met iedereen te delen.En: Together, they read the stories and agreed to share this knowledge with everyone.Nl: Bram leerde dat echte avonturen samen gedeeld worden en dat de reis belangrijker kan zijn dan het eind.En: Bram learned that real adventures are shared together and that the journey can be more important than the end.Nl: Samen liepen ze de koude nacht in, met een verhaal dat ze nooit zouden vergeten.En: Together they walked into the cold night, with a story they would never forget. Vocabulary Words:illuminated: verlichttemisty: mistigeenveloped: omhuldemysterious: mysterieuzerevelers: feestvierderscobblestones: kasseiencrisp: frissereboarded: stapten aan boordnocturnal: nachtelijkeshimmering: glinsterendsintuition: intuïtiecrumpled: verkreukelderiddles: puzzelsthrilling: spannendcompartment: compartimentpounded: bonsdesurprise: verbazingjewels: juwelendiary: dagboekvaluable: waardevolarchives: stadsarchiefquirky: eigenaardigecompelling: aantrekkelijktangible: tastbaardeterminedly: vastberadencompelling: aantrekkelijkcompelling: intrigerendcompelling: boeiendprecious: kostbaarnarratives: vertellingen

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: The High-Stakes Halloween: Rik's Risky Breakthrough Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-10-31-07-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: In een oud herenhuis in Amsterdam, tijdens Halloween, speelde Rik een pokerspel dat zijn lot kon veranderen.En: In an old mansion in Amsterdam, during Halloween, Rik played a poker game that could change his fate.Nl: De kamer was sfeervol verlicht met flakkerende kaarsen.En: The room was atmospherically lit with flickering candles.Nl: De muren waren bedekt met donkerrood fluweel, en buiten hoorde je de geluiden van feestende mensen.En: The walls were covered with dark red velvet, and outside you could hear the sounds of people partying.Nl: De lucht was koel, en je kon de geur van natte bladeren van de herfst ruiken.En: The air was cool, and you could smell the scent of wet autumn leaves.Nl: Rik zat aan de pokertafel met Marlies en Jeroen.En: Rik sat at the poker table with Marlies and Jeroen.Nl: Naast hen zat een nieuwe speler, een mysterieuze man met scherpe ogen.En: Next to them sat a new player, a mysterious man with sharp eyes.Nl: Rik voelde de spanning in de lucht toen de kaarten werden gedeeld.En: Rik felt the tension in the air as the cards were dealt.Nl: Zijn handen trilden lichtjes.En: His hands trembled slightly.Nl: Hij dacht aan zijn schulden, geheimgehouden voor zijn vrienden.En: He thought about his debts, kept secret from his friends.Nl: Dit spel was zijn kans om alles recht te zetten.En: This game was his chance to set everything right.Nl: De spelers speelden geconcentreerd.En: The players were focused.Nl: Marlies glimlachte zelfverzekerd.En: Marlies smiled confidently.Nl: Jeroen was kalm en berekenend.En: Jeroen was calm and calculating.Nl: Maar de nieuwkomer hield iedereen in spanning.En: But the newcomer kept everyone in suspense.Nl: Het leek alsof hij iedere beweging kon doorzien.En: It seemed as if he could see through every move.Nl: Rik voelde de druk toenemen.En: Rik felt the pressure mounting.Nl: Zijn gebruikelijke speelstijl was veilig, maar nu voelde hij de drang om een risico te nemen.En: His usual playing style was safe, but now he felt the urge to take a risk.Nl: Rik keek naar zijn kaarten en besloot te bluffen.En: Rik looked at his cards and decided to bluff.Nl: Hij zette een grote stapel chips in.En: He put in a large stack of chips.Nl: Zijn hart klopte in zijn keel.En: His heart pounded in his throat.Nl: De nieuwkomer keek hem strak aan, alsof hij Rik's gedachten kon lezen.En: The newcomer stared at him intently, as if he could read Rik's thoughts.Nl: Maar Rik bleef rustig.En: But Rik remained calm.Nl: Hij dwong zichzelf om zijn zenuwen te beheersen.En: He forced himself to control his nerves.Nl: De ronde ging verder, en de spanning steeg.En: The round continued, and the tension rose.Nl: Uiteindelijk bleef alleen Rik over tegen de mysterieuze speler.En: In the end, only Rik was left against the mysterious player.Nl: Het was de laatste ronde.En: It was the final round.Nl: Alle ogen waren op hen gericht.En: All eyes were on them.Nl: Dit was het moment van de waarheid.En: This was the moment of truth.Nl: Rik moest beslissen: zou hij zijn instincten volgen, of terugvallen op zijn veilige spelstijl?En: Rik had to decide: would he follow his instincts or fall back on his safe playing style?Nl: Hij koos voor het eerste.En: He chose the former.Nl: Hij zette alles in.En: He went all in.Nl: De tafel werd stil.En: The table went silent.Nl: De nieuwkomer keek lang naar Rik.En: The newcomer looked at Rik for a long time.Nl: Toen legde hij zijn kaarten neer.En: Then he laid down his cards.Nl: Rik voelde zijn adem stokken.En: Rik felt his breath catch.Nl: Vervolgens onthulde hij zijn kaarten.En: He then revealed his cards.Nl: Een plotselinge stilte vulde de ruimte.En: A sudden silence filled the room.Nl: En daarna, een luide juich van de anderen aan tafel.En: And then, a loud cheer from the others at the table.Nl: Rik had gewonnen!En: Rik had won!Nl: Het was een glorieuze overwinning.En: It was a glorious victory.Nl: Met zijn winst in handen stond Rik op.En: With his winnings in hand, Rik stood up.Nl: Hij voelde een nieuwe kracht binnen zichzelf.En: He felt a new strength within himself.Nl: Hij wist nu dat het goed was om risico's te nemen.En: He now knew that it was good to take risks.Nl: Terwijl hij de kamer verliet en de nachtelijke lucht inademde, lachte hij.En: As he left the room and breathed in the night air, he laughed.Nl: De stad vierde Halloween, maar voor Rik was het een viering van nieuw gevonden vrijheid.En: The city celebrated Halloween, but for Rik, it was a celebration of newfound freedom.Nl: Hij had zijn schulden overwonnen, en meer dan dat, hij had geleerd te vertrouwen op zichzelf.En: He had overcome his debts, and more than that, he had learned to trust himself. Vocabulary Words:mansion: herenhuisatmospherically: sfeervolflickering: flakkerendevelvet: fluweelscent: geurautumn: herfstmysterious: mysterieuzetension: spanningtrembled: trildendebts: schuldenfocused: geconcentreerdconfidently: zelfverzekerdcalculating: berekenendsuspense: spanningurge: drangbluff: bluffenintently: straknerves: zenuwenmounting: toenemenround: rondeinstincts: instinctenformer: eersteglorious: glorieuzevictory: overwinningstrength: krachtrisks: risico'scelebration: vieringfreedom: vrijheidovercome: overwonnentrust: vertrouwen

Send us a textWife Swap-The OCD Wife Meets the Vegan QueenPodcast Summary – Wife Swap S1 E2: Too Cool for GabagoolThis week, the wives are trading pasta for plants as Real Housewives of New Jersey's Melissa Gorga swaps lives with Michelle Clark, a vegan mom and double Dutch champion from Georgia.We start in Franklin Lakes, NJ, where Melissa and Joe Gorga have been married for 20 years. Their life is picture-perfect—sparkly olive oil bottles, spotless counters, and a dog that wears a diaper. Melissa keeps things clean, organized, and tightly scheduled. Meanwhile, Joe's old-school work ethic keeps him gone from sunrise to dinner, leaving Melissa mostly alone at home.Down in Eastpoint, Georgia, Michelle and her husband Sean run a family business teaching Double Dutch aerobics. Their three kids, Sean Jr., Phoenix, and Maverick, live in a house full of chaos, laughter, and juice cleanses. They're all about joy, flexibility, and no rules—except for their strict vegan lifestyle.When the swap begins, both women are instantly out of their comfort zones.Michelle is dropped into a world of designer glam, cheese overload, and pristine decor. She can't get over Melissa's glittery olive oil and says, “You do not need to put glitter on your olive oil.”Melissa walks into a joyful mess—basketballs, snacks, and a sink full of dishes. Her biggest challenge: going vegan and finishing the Clark family's 10-day juice cleanse.As the women try to live by each other's rules, things get hilarious and heartfelt:Melissa cooks vegan pasta, but secretly dreams of a steak.Michelle teaches Joe and the Gorga boys how to double Dutch (and Joe's surprisingly good at it).Melissa bonds deeply with the Clark kids, realizing how much she misses her own children being little.Michelle learns to appreciate some structure—and that it's okay to let her husband have alone time.When rule changes kick in, Melissa buys the Clarks a foldable dining table, teaching them the value of family dinners and bedtime routines. Michelle enforces “together time” in Jersey, dragging Joe to his construction job in full glam—and right into a mud puddle.By the end, both families transform:The Clarks learn that a bit of order brings calm to their chaos.The Gorgas learn that joy and connection matter more than spotless floors. A month later, Melissa's house is still spotless—but she's prioritizing family time. The Clarks now eat dinner at the table (though they still leave the dishes till morning).Both women admit they've grown: Melissa's learning to “chill,” and Michelle's learning to clean—with purpose.Support the showhttps://www.wewinewhenever.com/

Far-right Dutch leader Geert Wilders suffered a setback on Wednesday's elections, with centrists poised to take back power.   Rob Jetten, 38, leader of the centre-progressive Democrats 66 party, is set to become the Netherlands' youngest leader in modern history after running on the upbeat slogan 'Yes we can'. But the hard right remains influential.   To discuss the outcome, and what it tells us about Europe beyond the Netherlands, guest host Grégoire Roos, Director of Chatham House's Europe and Russia and Eurasia Programmes, is joined by Sébastien Maillard, a Chatham House Associate Fellow and special advisor to the Jacques Delors Institute. And, joining down the line, is Karien van Gennip, a former Deputy Prime Minister of the Netherlands.  Read our latest: China's leaders' meeting confirms Xi's authority and shows technological self-reliance is now the priority Trump and Xi won't reset the China–US rivalry, so other nations must prepare  China's economic model will continue to alarm its trading partners Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Stephen Farrell. Read the Autumn issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Thank you Steven Rosenzweig, Cheryl Elkins

Trump cuts tariffs on China after meeting with Xi Jinping, vote projections show the Netherlands' D66 and PVV parties tied in the general election, hundreds are killed at a Sudanese hospital following the Rapid Support Forces' capture of El Fasher, Trump orders the resumption of nuclear weapons testing, Lebanon's Joseph Aoun says the army should confront Israeli incursions, a British military instructor accused of spying for Russia is arrested in Ukraine, Prince Andrew is stripped of his royal titles, Trump cuts the refugee cap to 7,500, two men are imprisoned over a plot to kill an Iranian-American journalist, and Extropic unveils new AI chips promising a 10,000-fold leap in energy efficiency. Sources: www.verity.news

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

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump have held their first face-to-face talks in six years in a moment of high trade tension between China and the US.Mr Trump hailed an "amazing" meeting with his Chinese counterpart, but Beijing was less effusive. Thursday's talks did not lead to a formal agreement but the announcements suggest they are closer to a deal. We'll try to work out what has been sorted out at the talks in South Korea.Also in the programme: The latest mass killings in Sudan spark international outrage, with the RSF rebel leader promising an immediate investigation into the actions of his troops; the Dutch election is a neck-and-neck race between centrist liberals and anti-Islam populists; and five more suspects have been arrested over the Louvre museum jewellery heist.(Photo shows US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping shake hands in Busan, South Korea on 30 October 2025. Credit: Yonhap/EPA)

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

U.S. President Donald Trump shaves China tariffs after an “amazing” meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Hurricane Melissa tears through the Caribbean, as the extent of its devastation begins to emerge. Brazil's deadliest police raid leaves over 100 dead, with corpses lying on the street just days ahead of COP30. And the Dutch centrist party makes huge election gains, delivering a blow to the far-right. Plus, the Fed says not to assume another interest rate cut is on the cards for 2025.    Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Find the Recommended Read here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Presidents Trump and Xi hold a consequential meeting in Seoul to iron out trade relations. Is progress possible? Plus: police raids rip through Rio de Janeiro and the Dutch election results. Then: are you faster than the Slovakian pedestrian speed limit?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swiss tenor Eric Tappy (19 May 1931 – 11 June 2024) excelled in so many different musical styles, eras, and genres, that when one considers his artistic achievement systematically, as a whole, one is positively stunned at all that he achieved, and that within a relatively short international career that extended barely 20 years. In addition, at the beginning of his career, his voice was that of a light lyric tenor, but gradually he came to sing heavier roles such as Idomeneo and Tito. The episode considers his biography and the trajectory of that career, touching upon his opera and concert work which ranged from early Baroque through contemporary. For the first ten years of his adult life, he worked as a teacher, gradually gaining enough exposure that he was able to fully devote himself to his singing career after he won several international singing competitions. Tappy is heard in the episode in concert work of Bach, Berlioz, Haydn, and contemporary Dutch composer Rudolf Escher; art songs by both Franz Schubert and Lili Boulanger; and operas by Monteverdi, Gounod, Mozart, and Debussy (his Pelléas was as legendary as his Monteverdi and Mozart impersonations). In addition, Tappy is heard in live and radio recordings of work by his fellow Swiss compatriots Arthur Honegger, Frank Martin, Constantin Régamey, and Hermann Suter. Guest singers include Countermelody favorites Ileana Cotrubaș, Rachel Yakar, Hugues Cuénod, Edda Moser, and Gino Quilico; musical collaborators include Ernest Ansermet, Michel Corboz, Nino Sanzogno, John Pritchard, Armin Jordan, Hans Münch (brother of Charles), Colin Davis, Hans Vonk, and Jean Françaix, among others. Prepare to be surprised and delighted by this great singer, who ended his active singing career at the age of only 50 but who continued as a formative and beloved teacher well into his old age. 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.

*Note: this is the Free Content version of my interview with Dr. Markus Davidsen. To access the full interview, please consider becoming a Patreon member, or you can purchase this episode for a one time fee. www.patreon.com/RejectedReligion.  My guest this month is Dr. Markus Davidsen.Markus Altena Davidsen is university lecturer in the sociology of religion at Leiden University, the Netherlands. His work on fiction-based religion includes his PhD dissertation “The Spiritual Tolkien Milieu” (2014, cum laude), several articles on Tolkien spirituality and Star Wars-based Jediism, and the edited book Narrative and Belief: The Religious Affordance of Supernatural Fiction (Routledge, 2018). His other research interests include method, theory and research history of the study of religion and religion education. Currently, he is developing a new curriculum and didactical approach for the school subject worldview and religion in Dutch secondary education. In this episode, Markus discusses the concept of fiction-based religion- a term he coined to describe spiritual movements rooted in fictional narratives like Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings. He distinguishes fiction-based religions (FBRs) from traditional religions by highlighting their lack of historical truth claims and their embrace of narrative as a source of spiritual authority.Markus traces the roots of FBRs to earlier movements like Rosicrucianism, noting how mythic storytelling has long served as a vehicle for spiritual exploration. He shares insights from his research into Jediism and Tolkien-inspired spirituality, examining how these communities construct rituals, ethics, and cosmologies from fictional texts.The conversation also explores the motivations behind FBR engagement, from identity formation to aesthetic and existential meaning.Drawing on Tanya Luhrmann's concept of interpretive drift, Markus reflects on how belief can evolve through practice, suggesting that ritual and engagement may precede conviction.Regarding Huizinga's theory of Homo Ludens, Markus highlights the three kinds of human practices – work, play, and ritual, where play and ritual seem on the surface to be similar, but the difference is: with play, one knows they are playing ( “fiction-contract” as taken from Theatre Studies) whereas ritual might look like play, but it is based on assumptions that the entities actually exist (“actuality contract”). This lens helps frame fandom as a potential site of faith, where “belief” can emerge through ritualistic, creative engagement.Finally, the conversation turns to his current project, Nieuwe werelden openen (“Opening New Worlds”), a pedagogical initiative that uses narrative and perspective-based inquiry to help students explore existential and societal questions. He reflects on how his FBR research informs this work, bridging imaginative engagement with educational practice.PROGRAM NOTESMarkus Davidsen - Leiden UniversityMarkus Altena Davidsen publiceert boek voor docenten levensbeschouwing - Universiteit Leiden2014 The Spiritual Tolkien Milieu: A Study of Fiction‐based Religion (full text)Narrative and Belief | The Religious Affordance of Supernatural Fictio [Book]Markus Altena Davidsen - Universiteit Leiden [Articles]Handbook of Hyper-real Religions | Brill Photo Markus Davidsen by Arash NikkahMusic and Editing: Daniel P. SheaEnd Production: Stephanie Shea

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Courage and Confrontation: Bram's Stand for Integrity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-10-30-22-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: Het was een koele herfstmorgen.En: It was a cool autumn morning.Nl: De bladeren vielen sierlijk langs de grote ramen van het kantoor.En: The leaves were falling gracefully past the large office windows.Nl: Binnen was het gezellig druk.En: Inside, it was cozily busy.Nl: Overal hingen er Halloween-versieringen: skeletten, spinnenwebben en een pompoen op elke tafel.En: Halloween decorations were everywhere: skeletons, spider webs, and a pumpkin on every table.Nl: Maar voor Bram voelde deze dag allesbehalve feestelijk.En: But for Bram, this day felt anything but festive.Nl: Bram werkte al een paar jaar bij dit grote bedrijf.En: Bram had been working at this large company for a few years.Nl: Hij was ambitieus en wilde graag hogerop komen.En: He was ambitious and wanted to climb higher.Nl: Maar de afgelopen weken had hij iets ontdekt wat hem dwarszat.En: But in recent weeks, he had discovered something that was bothering him.Nl: Er waren praktijken gaande binnen de organisatie die volgens hem niet door de beugel konden.En: There were practices going on within the organization that, in his opinion, were not acceptable.Nl: Hij hoorde fluisteringen van valse rapporten en oneerlijke deals.En: He heard whispers of false reports and unfair deals.Nl: Bram wist dat hij iets moest doen, maar wist ook dat het riskant was voor zijn carrière.En: Bram knew he had to do something, but he also knew it was risky for his career.Nl: Hij besloot zijn baas, Sanne, te confronteren.En: He decided to confront his boss, Sanne.Nl: Sanne, een vrouw met een sterk karakter en scherpe ogen, was de manager van zijn afdeling.En: Sanne, a woman with a strong character and sharp eyes, was the manager of his department.Nl: Bram had respect voor haar, maar wist dat ze niet altijd openstond voor kritiek.En: Bram respected her, but knew she was not always open to criticism.Nl: Toch moest hij het proberen.En: Still, he had to try.Nl: Die middag was de lucht grijs en vochtig.En: That afternoon, the sky was gray and damp.Nl: Plaatsen waar normaal het zonlicht door de ramen danste, leken nu slechts flauwe schaduwen te huisvesten.En: Places where sunlight would normally dance through the windows now seemed to house only faint shadows.Nl: Met een bonzend hart stapte Bram Sanne's kantoor binnen.En: With a pounding heart, Bram stepped into Sanne's office.Nl: Sanne zat achter haar bureau, haar gezicht niet leesbaar.En: Sanne sat behind her desk, her face unreadable.Nl: Naast haar stond Joris, een senior executive van het bedrijf.En: Next to her stood Joris, a senior executive of the company.Nl: Joris was streng maar rechtvaardig, en Bram wist dat deze ontmoeting meer dan alleen toevallig was.En: Joris was strict but fair, and Bram knew that this meeting was more than just coincidental.Nl: Bram ademde diep in en begon te praten.En: Bram took a deep breath and began to speak.Nl: "Sorry dat ik stoor," zei hij, "Maar ik moet iets belangrijks delen."En: "Sorry to interrupt," he said, "but I have something important to share."Nl: Hij liet de documenten zien die hij had verzameld.En: He showed the documents he had gathered.Nl: Het was stil in het kantoor.En: It was silent in the office.Nl: Sanne's ogen vernauwden, maar ze zei niets.En: Sanne's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing.Nl: Joris keek aandachtig naar de papieren.En: Joris looked attentively at the papers.Nl: "Ik wil hier eerlijk over zijn," ging Bram verder.En: "I want to be honest about this," Bram continued.Nl: "Deze praktijken zijn niet juist, en ik geloof dat we dit moeten veranderen."En: "These practices are not right, and I believe we need to change this."Nl: Zijn benen trilden een beetje, maar hij hield zijn stem stevig.En: His legs trembled a bit, but he kept his voice steady.Nl: Joris keek op.En: Joris looked up.Nl: Zijn blik was intens maar niet onvriendelijk.En: His gaze was intense but not unfriendly.Nl: "Je hebt moed, Bram," zei hij uiteindelijk.En: "You have courage, Bram," he finally said.Nl: "We zullen een onderzoek starten.En: "We will start an investigation.Nl: Jij blijft anoniem en je stilte wordt gewaarborgd."En: You will remain anonymous and your silence will be ensured."Nl: Sanne keek nu ook anders.En: Sanne now looked different too.Nl: Er was een glimp van ongerustheid in haar ogen.En: There was a glimpse of unease in her eyes.Nl: "Goed," gaf ze schoorvoetend toe.En: "Alright," she agreed reluctantly.Nl: "We zullen deze zaken aanpakken.En: "We will address these matters.Nl: Mijn afdeling moet transparant en eerlijk zijn."En: My department must be transparent and honest."Nl: Bram voelde een golf van opluchting.En: Bram felt a wave of relief.Nl: Hij had zijn stem laten horen, en gehoor gevonden.En: He had made his voice heard, and it had been received.Nl: Terwijl hij het kantoor verliet, voelde hij zich meer zelfverzekerd dan ooit.En: As he left the office, he felt more confident than ever.Nl: Hoewel het risico groot was, wist Bram nu dat integriteit en ambitie hand in hand konden gaan.En: Although the risk was great, Bram now knew that integrity and ambition could go hand in hand.Nl: Buiten dwarrelden de bladeren nog steeds, maar voor Bram voelde het alsof de wereld iets lichter was geworden.En: Outside, the leaves were still swirling, but for Bram, it felt as if the world had become a bit lighter. Vocabulary Words:autumn: herfstgracefully: sierlijkcozily: gezelligfestive: feestelijkambitious: ambitieusclimb: hogerop komenpractices: praktijkenacceptable: door de beugelwhispers: fluisteringenconfront: confronterenshadows: schaduwenpounding: bonzendunreadable: niet leesbaarcoincidental: toevalligattentively: aandachtigtrembled: trildenintense: intenscourage: moedinvestigation: onderzoektransparent: transparantreluctantly: schoorvoetendintegrity: integriteitambition: ambitiediscover: ontdekkendwarszat: botheringskel: skeletonvochtig: dampgemoedelijk: comfyopgelucht: relievedtoevallig: coincidental

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: From Pumpkins to Presentations: A Halloween Office Adventure Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2025-10-30-07-38-20-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De herfstbladeren dwarrelden langs de ramen van het drukke kantoor, dat gevuld was met het zachte gezoem van computers en her en der gepositioneerde draken en spinnen van papier-maché.En: The autumn leaves fluttered past the windows of the busy office, which was filled with the soft hum of computers and here and there, paper mache dragons and spiders.Nl: Het was Halloween en terwijl de meeste collega's stiekem nadachten over hun kostuums en de snoepjes op hun bureau, was Sven al dagen gefocust op het voltooien van een groot project.En: It was Halloween, and while most colleagues secretly thought about their costumes and the candies on their desks, Sven had been focused on completing a major project for days.Nl: Sven, een toegewijde projectmanager, genoot van voorspelbaarheid in zijn werk.En: Sven, a dedicated project manager, enjoyed predictability in his work.Nl: Hij hield van schema's, checklijsten, en alles wat stabiel en zeker leek.En: He loved schedules, checklists, and everything that seemed stable and certain.Nl: Lotte, daarentegen, was precies het tegenovergestelde.En: Lotte, on the other hand, was quite the opposite.Nl: Haar bureau stond vol met kleurrijke prullaria en ze bracht vaak snoepjes mee om uit te delen.En: Her desk was full of colorful trinkets, and she often brought sweets to share.Nl: Ze vond altijd een reden voor een feestje, en Halloween was haar favoriet.En: She always found a reason for a party, and Halloween was her favorite.Nl: Terwijl Sven in zijn documenten dook, de deur heen open met een klap.En: As Sven delved into his documents, the door suddenly swung open with a bang.Nl: Lotte kwam binnen, vol opwinding.En: Lotte entered, full of excitement.Nl: "Sven!" zei ze, bijna zonder adem.En: "Sven!" she said, almost breathless.Nl: "We hebben nieuws. We moeten naar een spoedvergadering in de andere stad... vanavond nog!"En: "We have news. We need to go to an emergency meeting in another city... tonight!"Nl: Sven keek op, verbaasd.En: Sven looked up, surprised.Nl: "Maar... hoe gaan we dat doen? Er zijn nog zoveel dingen hier om af te handelen."En: "But... how are we going to do that? There are still so many things to wrap up here."Nl: Lotte lachte.En: Lotte laughed.Nl: "Kom op, zie het als een avontuur! En wie weet, kunnen we er een beetje Halloween-sfeer aan toevoegen."En: "Come on, see it as an adventure! And who knows, maybe we can add a bit of Halloween spirit to it."Nl: Sven zuchtte, maar toen hij de glinstering van enthousiasme in Lotte's ogen zag, wist hij dat hij geen keuze had.En: Sven sighed, but when he saw the sparkle of enthusiasm in Lotte's eyes, he knew he had no choice.Nl: Hij besloot zijn collega, een junior medewerker, wat verantwoordelijkheden toe te vertrouwen, ook al was hij er niet zeker van.En: He decided to entrust some responsibilities to his colleague, a junior employee, even though he wasn't sure about it.Nl: Lotte, ondertussen, maakte plannen om onderweg wat pompoenen te kopen.En: Meanwhile, Lotte made plans to buy some pumpkins along the way.Nl: Die avond, in het schemerlicht van de herfst, begonnen Sven en Lotte hun reis.En: That evening, in the twilight of autumn, Sven and Lotte began their journey.Nl: Het leek alsof alles tegen zat.En: It seemed as if everything was against them.Nl: Hun vlucht had vertraging en Lotte had moeite om haar documenten te vinden.En: Their flight was delayed, and Lotte had trouble finding her documents.Nl: Ondanks de problemen, hield Lotte de moed erin met haar grappen en gezang over spoken en monsters.En: Despite the problems, Lotte kept spirits high with her jokes and songs about ghosts and monsters.Nl: Toen ze eindelijk de stad bereikten, waren ze net op tijd voor de vergadering.En: When they finally reached the city, they were just in time for the meeting.Nl: De klant leek in eerste instantie ongeduldig, maar al snel won Lotte hun vertrouwen met haar charme en humor.En: At first, the client seemed impatient, but soon Lotte won them over with her charm and humor.Nl: Sven, opgegroeid in de situatie, bewees dat hij geweldig kon improviseren en loste probleem na probleem op in de presentatie.En: Sven, rising to the occasion, proved he could improvise wonderfully and solved problem after problem during the presentation.Nl: Wanneer ze terugkeerden naar het kantoor, onder een hemel vol sterren, voelde Sven respect voor Lotte's benadering van het leven.En: As they returned to the office, under a sky full of stars, Sven felt respect for Lotte's approach to life.Nl: "Misschien moet ik wat meer zoals jij zijn," gaf hij toe.En: "Maybe I should be a bit more like you," he admitted.Nl: Lotte glimlachte.En: Lotte smiled.Nl: "En ik moet jouw geheime wapen lenen: plannen."En: "And I should borrow your secret weapon: planning."Nl: De volgende keer dat Sven over een lijst zat voor te bereiden, rook hij een vertrouwde zoete geur en kreeg hij een pompoenspookje van Lotte.En: The next time Sven was preparing a list, he smelled a familiar sweet scent and received a pumpkin ghost from Lotte.Nl: Het was duidelijk dat deze onverwachte reis hen iets nieuws had geleerd over samenwerken en elkaars krachten waarderen.En: It was clear that this unexpected journey had taught them something new about collaboration and appreciating each other's strengths.Nl: Die Halloween werd de samenwerking van Sven en Lotte een legende in het kantoor, een verhaal dat verteld werd met gelach en verwondering – een herinnering dat soms het onverwachte de beste lessen leert.En: That Halloween, Sven and Lotte's partnership became a legend in the office, a story told with laughter and wonder—a reminder that sometimes the unexpected teaches the best lessons. Vocabulary Words:fluttered: dwarreldenmache: papier-machécolleagues: collega'scostumes: kostuumsdedicated: toegewijdepredictability: voorspelbaarheidchecklists: checklijstentrinkets: prullariabang: klapadventure: avontuurtwilight: schemerlichtdelayed: vertragingcharm: charmeimprovise: improviserenpresentation: presentatieapproach: benaderingtwinkling: glinsteringentrust: toevertrouwenresponsibilities: verantwoordelijkhedenjunior: juniorstars: sterrenlegend: legendecollaboration: samenwerkenappreciating: waarderenunexpected: onverwachtebreathless: zonder ademsparkle: glinsteringentrust: toevertrouwenhumor: humorspirit: sfeer

Episode 1566: Uncanny Valley

Anna Holligan, Journalist in the Hague, reports on the General Election in the Netherlands.

AP correspondent reports on the latest in the Netherlands elections results.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Uxbridge triple stabbing Murder charge after dog walker killed Rob Jettens centrist liberals lead Dutch election, exit poll says Nvidia becomes worlds first 5tn company Global Microsoft outage Heathrow, NatWest and Minecraft among sites down Chancellor Rachel Reeves admits breaking housing rules by renting out home Council backtracks on cancellation of Zo Bread parking fine Celebrity Traitors episode seven Backstabbing, dirty work and an iconic exit speech Migrant sex offender deported from UK, government says I have to get what I need right now Americans prepare for expiry of critical Snap food benefits MPs raise concerns over Prince Andrews Royal Lodge lease

Calls For Rachel Reeves To Be Sacked Plus: Wilders' far-right party and centrist D66 tie in Dutch elections, is the Labour Party dead? And the ‘Your Party' drama continues. With: @NoJusticeMTG & Dalia Gebrial

Crime, corruption, and a phoenix-like comeback collide in the heart of Amsterdam's weed underworld. Netflix's “Amsterdam Empire” is a pulpy, fun new crime series set in Amsterdam's glamorous and dangerous weed industry, where revenge and reinvention go hand in hand. The show follows Betty, a former pop star played by Famke Janssen, whose crumbling marriage to the owner of a Marijuana shop empire known as “The Jackal” sparks a battle that pulls in gangsters, police, and lovers. Weed may be legal to smoke in the Netherlands, but growing it is not, and the family's illegal grow operations soon attract unwanted attention from rival factions and law enforcement alike.Joining Bingeworthy for this episode is Famke Janssen, who not only stars as Betty but also serves as executive producer and co-costume designer. The series also marks her first time performing in her native Dutch language. She describes the experience as both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.

1. Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Personal Journey: Born in Somalia in 1969, raised in a Muslim household. Fled to the Netherlands in 1992 to escape a forced marriage. Became a Dutch citizen, studied political science, and served in the Dutch Parliament. Transitioned from Islam to atheism, and later converted to Christianity. Currently a research fellow at the Hoover Institution and founder of the AHA Foundation. 2. Defining Political Islam vs. Islam as a Religion: Hirsi Ali distinguishes between Islam as a religion and Islamism (political Islam). She describes Islamism as a totalitarian ideology aiming to establish Islamic dominance globally. Emphasizes the threat posed by groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, which she compares to a “termite infestation” due to their subversive tactics. 3. The Muslim Brotherhood: Founded in 1928 by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt. Described as a decentralized, global movement using both peaceful and violent means to infiltrate societies. Hirsi Ali and Cruz advocate for its designation as a terrorist organization in the U.S. 4. The Red-Green Alliance: A term used to describe the alliance between radical Islamists (green) and Marxist/communist groups (red). Hirsi Ali warns that this alliance is strategically dangerous and aims to undermine Western democratic institutions. 5. Sharia Law and Its Implications: Hirsi Ali outlines the oppressive nature of Sharia law, especially toward women and LGBTQ individuals. She warns of the potential consequences if Islamist ideologies gain influence in Western societies. 6. Islamist Influence in Europe and the U.S.: Hirsi Ali and Cruz discuss the rise of Islamist influence in European cities and the potential for similar developments in the U.S. They express concern over political figures like Zohran Mamdani and Ilhan Omar, suggesting they represent the Red-Green alliance. 7. Persecution of Christians in Nigeria: Cruz and Hirsi Ali highlight the mass murder of Christians by Boko Haram and other Islamist groups. They criticize the Nigerian government for its inaction and call for U.S. sanctions and accountability. 8. Recognition of Somaliland: Hirsi Ali supports recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation. She praises its democratic governance, stability, and alignment with Western values. Go to BackyardButchers.com and enter promo code “VERDICT”, that’s V-E-R-D-I-C-T, for up to 30% off, 2 free 10-ounce ribeyes, and free shipping when you subscribe. http://www.backyardbutchers.com/Verdict Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MUSICSoundgarden are rehearsing for their performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony next week, and drummer Matt Cameron has revealed who's going to be playing with them.The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is set for November 8th in Los Angeles. The Rock Hall's Class of 2025 is Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Outkast, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, Salt-N-Pepa, Warren Zevon, Nicky Hopkins and Carol Kaye. Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Gibson Custom has unveil their new collab, a limited-edition Kirk Hammett Raven acoustic guitar that is a counterpart to Gibson's world-renowned Hummingbird acoustic. https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-kirk-hammett-teams-up-with-gibson-for-custom-raven-acoustic-guitar Can you name the first studio recording by Nirvana that was ever played on the radio? It was "Love Buzz", their 1988 cover of a 20-year-old song by a Dutch band called Shocking Blue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljvhYweP4-0 In festival news:My Chemical Romance, Tool, Bring Me the Horizon and Shinedown will headline Sonic Temple, which is set for Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio May 14th through the 17th.There's over 140 acts on the bill, so here's the daily highlights TVThe season 5 finale of Only Murders in the Building just dropped, and fans now have an update on season 6. https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/only-murders-in-the-building-renewed-season-6-london-1236563480/ A collection of classic TV show costumes just sold at a recent auction. Here are some highlights: MOVING ON INTO MOVIE NEWS:George Clooney and Rande Gerber sold their Casamigos tequila brand for $1 billion. Now they're launching a non-alcoholic beer. https://pagesix.com/2025/10/27/entertainment/george-clooney-rande-gerber-will-launch-non-alcoholic-beer/ Chris Evans and his wife, actress Alba Baptista, have welcomed their first child, a daughter named Alma Grace Baptista Evans. https://www.tmz.com/2025/10/28/chris-evans-alba-baptista-first-baby/ Sydney Sweeney has addressed the rumors that she's the next 'Bond' girl. https://www.joblo.com/sydney-sweeney-bond-girl/ AND FINALLYWho's your favorite Scream Queen? Ranker.com asked its fans, and there's really no arguing that they got #1 right.We discuss the Top 10AND THAT IS YOUR CRAP ON CELEBRITIES!Follow The Rizzuto Show @rizzshow on all your favorite social media, including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more. Connect with The Rizzuto Show online at 1057thepoint.com/RizzShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

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