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About Kevin Surace:Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, TV personality, and edutainer featured by major outlets such as Businessweek, Time, Fortune, Forbes, CNN, and FOX News. He has keynoted hundreds of events, including TED, Inc. 5000, and the U.S. Congress, earning titles like Inc. Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year and CNBC's Innovator of the Decade. With 93 worldwide patents, he is celebrated for his dynamic, entertaining presentations that educate and energize audiences. His pioneering work spans AI virtual assistants, smartphones, sustainable building technologies, and major energy retrofits like the Empire State Building. He also directs and produces Broadway and streaming projects and delivers popular talks on AI, innovation, and digital transformation customized for any audience. In this episode, Dean Newlund and Kevin Surace discuss:The fusion of creativity and artificial intelligenceTechnology's transformation of art, media, and businessDemocratization of creative production through AIThe tension between live experience and digital automationLeadership and communication in an AI-driven world Key Takeaways:AI can now generate professional-quality creative work—such as full songs or films—in a fraction of the traditional time and cost.The entertainment and advertising industries are rapidly shifting toward AI-generated production and personalization.Automation is inevitable across business functions, with resistance often stemming from fear, not lack of capability.Live human connection remains valuable, but convenience and accessibility will continue to drive mass adoption of AI experiences. "The machines always win. You can sabotage, and you'll maybe extend something for a few months, but eventually, management is going to say, you know, this particular task can be done by AI.” — Kevin Surace Connect with Kevin Surace: Website: https://www.kevinsurace.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kskoolstuffLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksurace/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/kevinsuraceTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevin_suraceFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.surace/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsurace/Book Kevin today to start a conversation about working together: https://www.kevinsurace.com/book-kevin See Dean's TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I Connect with Dean:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkwWebsite: https://www.mfileadership.com/The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.comPhone: 1-800-926-7370 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
Two-time Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alistair Brownlee joins Performance People to reflect on the moment that defined him; carrying his brother Jonny across the 2016 World Triathlon Series Grand Final finish line in an instant which exemplified what sportsmanship should look like.Fresh from running the Empire State Building's 80-plus floors, Brownlee shares why he's embracing a new chapter of bucket-list adventures, from gravel racing in South Africa to Ironman-distance events in Patagonia. He opens up about the grind behind his golden years, high intensity training for 40+ hours a week across three sports, and the mental discipline it takes to perform under pressure.Alistair discusses the fine line between confidence and self-belief, why recovery is “everything,” and how consistency trumps perfection in both elite and everyday training. Reflecting on life beyond the start line, he admits he misses the simplicity of full-time sport but relishes the freedom to say yes to life again.This is an episode about purpose, preparation, and perspective, from one of Britain's greatest endurance athletes, still learning what performance means when medals are no longer the measure.________________________________The ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast talks to high-performers in the world of sport and beyond, to bring defining moments, hard-earned insights and expert advice to everyday performance. New episodes every Tuesday.ainslie + ainslie NIGHT POWDER, winner of Best Sleep Supplement in the GQ Sleep Awards 2025.We love performance, which is why we've launched ainslie + ainslie – the first supplement brand to be developed inside elite sport. Now available for everyone. Find out more at www.ainslieainslie.com_____________________________Connect with Performance PeopleHit subscribe today for the latest.
Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Sky-High Bonds: A Family's Heartfelt Transformations Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/he/episode/2025-10-24-22-34-02-he Story Transcript:He: אביב הסתיו הצבעוני נפל על ניו יורק, והמשפחה הקטנה של אבי מצאה עצמה במרכז העניינים על גג בניין אמפייר סטייט.En: The colorful fall of spring descended upon New York, and Avi's small family found themselves at the center of attention on the roof of the Empire State Building.He: אבי, מאיה אשתו ותמר בתם, עמדו מול הנוף המרהיב של העיר שהתפרשה למרחקים.En: Avi, Maya his wife, and Tamar, their daughter, stood facing the magnificent view of the city stretching into the distance.He: עם רוח נעימה שמנשבת, אבי נלחם בחיוך בלתי נשלט.En: With a pleasant breeze blowing, Avi fought an uncontrollable smile.He: הוא קיבל קידום בעבודה, וגאוותו הייתה גדולה.En: He had received a promotion at work, and his pride was immense.He: אבל הוא ידע שעדיין מורגש הכישוף של העבודה בין המודעות שלו.En: But he knew that the spell of work was still felt among his thoughts.He: "זה יפה, אבא!En: "It's beautiful, Daddy!"He: " קראה תמר, מצביע על העצים הנראים כמו שטיח אדום זהב למטה.En: exclaimed Tamar, pointing at the trees below that looked like a gold-red carpet.He: מאיה הנהנה בחום.En: Maya nodded warmly.He: היא תפסה את ידו של אבי, והוא הבין שעליו להתרכז ברגעים האלה עם משפחתו.En: She grasped Avi's hand, and he realized that he needed to focus on these moments with his family.He: הוא הכניס את הטלפון לכיס.En: He put his phone in his pocket.He: אפילו שהודעות המשיכו לבוא, הוא החליט להתעלם.En: Even though messages kept coming, he decided to ignore them.He: העדיפות הייתה להיות כאן ועכשיו, בלב משפחתו.En: The priority was to be here and now, at the heart of his family.He: מנקודת התצפית הם דנו בתוכניות לסוכות, ותמר הראתה להם את הקישוטים הצבעוניים שהכינה לסוכה.En: From the observation point, they discussed plans for Sukkot, and Tamar showed them the colorful decorations she had made for the sukkah.He: פתאום, רוח חזקה העיפה את הקישוטים מידיה של תמר.En: Suddenly, a strong wind blew the decorations out of Tamar's hands.He: היא קראה במצוקה, דמעות עולות בעיניה.En: She cried out in distress, tears welling in her eyes.He: אבי חש משהו מתכווץ בתוכו.En: Avi felt something tighten inside him.He: הוא ניגש אליה, כרע ברך וחיבק אותה.En: He approached her, kneeled down, and hugged her.He: "תמרי, יש לך עדיין את הדמיון שלך," הוא אמר ברוך.En: "Tamar, you still have your imagination," he said gently.He: "נוכל למצוא משהו חדש לקשט את הסוכה שלנו.En: "We can find something new to decorate our sukkah."He: "יחד הם חיפשו סביבם, מצאו עלים צבעוניים, גלילי נייר ומעט סרטים שנותרו בכיס.En: Together they searched around them, found colorful leaves, paper rolls, and a few ribbons left in his pocket.He: הם יצרו קישוטים מאולתרים אך מרגשים.En: They created impromptu yet exciting decorations.He: תמר חייכה חיוך רחב, ואבי חש סיפוק שלא חש קודם.En: Tamar smiled a wide smile, and Avi felt a satisfaction he hadn't felt before.He: הלב שלו היה עם המשפחה, והטלפון נותר בכיס, נשכח.En: His heart was with the family, and the phone remained in his pocket, forgotten.He: בערב, כשחזרו למלון והסוכה שהקימו הייתה מוכנה, אבי לא יכול היה שלא לחשוב על הלקח של היום.En: In the evening, when they returned to the hotel and the sukkah they had set up was ready, Avi couldn't help but think about the day's lesson.He: להיות נוכח ולהניח לדברים לעבוד לבד, זה היה המסר חשוב יותר מקידום או כל דבר אחר.En: Being present and letting things fall into place was a message more important than the promotion or anything else.He: זה היה זמן של שמחה ואהבה, ודקות פשוטות כאלה הן אחת ממתנות החיים הגדולות ביותר.En: It was a time of joy and love, and such simple moments are one of life's greatest gifts. Vocabulary Words:descended: נפלmagnificent: מרהיבpride: גאווהimmense: גדולהspell: כישוףobservation: תצפיתdistress: מצוקהtighten: מתכווץimagination: דמיוןimpromptu: מאולתריםsatisfaction: סיפוקignored: התעלםwelled: עולותkneeling: כרעgrasped: תפסהpriority: עדיפותpromotion: קידוםmessage: הודעותpleasant: נעימהbreeze: רוחstretching: התפרשהheart: לבconcentrate: להתרכזfocus: להתרכזhugged: חיבקtears: דמעותdecorations: קישוטיםrealized: הביןjoy: שמחהgifts: מתנותBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.
Fluent Fiction - Italian: Luigi's Leap: Conquering Fears Above NYC's Autumn Splendor Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2025-10-24-22-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: L'autunno a New York è un'esperienza magica.En: Autumn in New York is a magical experience.It: Luigi, Giovanni ed Elena ammiravano il paesaggio urbano.En: Luigi, Giovanni, and Elena admired the urban landscape.It: Era Halloween, e la città era piena di zucche e decorazioni spaventose.En: It was Halloween, and the city was full of pumpkins and spooky decorations.It: I tre amici stavano per visitare l'Empire State Building.En: The three friends were about to visit the Empire State Building.It: Luigi era eccitato ma anche nervoso.En: Luigi was excited but also nervous.It: Amava le altezze, ma l'idea di prendere l'ascensore stretto lo spaventava.En: He loved heights, but the idea of taking the narrow elevator scared him.It: "Devo farcela," pensò Luigi.En: "I have to make it," thought Luigi.It: "Non voglio perdere questa vista incredibile."En: "I don't want to miss this incredible view."It: Giovanni scherzava dicendo, "Luigi, puoi stare con i fantasmi al piano terra!"En: Giovanni joked, saying, "Luigi, you can stay with the ghosts on the ground floor!"It: Elena rise e aggiunse, "Ma, Luigi, vedrai!En: Elena laughed and added, "But, Luigi, you'll see!It: Vale ogni secondo!"En: It's worth every second!"It: Luigi sorrise debolmente, cercando coraggio.En: Luigi smiled weakly, trying to gather his courage.It: Il cielo era limpido e l'aria era fresca.En: The sky was clear and the air was fresh.It: Mentre entravano nell'edificio, Luigi sentì il cuore battere più forte.En: As they entered the building, Luigi felt his heart beating faster.It: L'ascensore sembrava piccolo e affollato.En: The elevator seemed small and crowded.It: Elena prese la mano di Luigi.En: Elena took Luigi's hand.It: "Andrà tutto bene," disse dolcemente.En: "It will be okay," she said softly.It: Finalmente, giunse il momento cruciale.En: Finally, the crucial moment arrived.It: Luigi esitava di fronte all'ascensore.En: Luigi hesitated in front of the elevator.It: "Posso farcela," si ripeteva.En: "I can do it," he repeated to himself.It: Giovanni e Elena lo incoraggiavano.En: Giovanni and Elena encouraged him.It: Con un respiro profondo, Luigi entrò nell'ascensore.En: With a deep breath, Luigi stepped into the elevator.It: Le porte si chiusero.En: The doors closed.It: Salivano velocemente.En: They ascended quickly.It: Luigi cercava di non pensare al poco spazio.En: Luigi tried not to think about the limited space.It: Pensava al panorama che lo aspettava.En: He thought about the view that awaited him.It: Presto, l'ascensore si fermò e le porte si aprirono.En: Soon, the elevator stopped and the doors opened.It: Uscirono sulla piattaforma dell'osservatorio.En: They stepped out onto the observation platform.It: Impressionanti colori autunnali si distendevano davanti a loro.En: Stunning autumn colors stretched out before them.It: I grattacieli scintillavano sotto il sole.En: The skyscrapers sparkled under the sun.It: Halloween aggiungeva un tocco di magia.En: Halloween added a touch of magic.It: Luigi aveva gli occhi pieni di meraviglia.En: Luigi had eyes full of wonder.It: Luigi si sentì libero.En: Luigi felt free.It: Aveva affrontato la sua paura e ne era uscito vittorioso.En: He had faced his fear and emerged victorious.It: "Ce l'hai fatta, amico!"En: "You did it, buddy!"It: esclamò Giovanni, battendo la mano sulla spalla di Luigi.En: exclaimed Giovanni, patting Luigi's shoulder.It: Elena gli sorrise, "Sei un campione!"En: Elena smiled at him, "You're a champion!"It: Dall'alto, New York era un tappeto di colori e movimento.En: From above, New York was a carpet of colors and movement.It: Luigi capì che l'aveva fatto per godere di momenti come questo.En: Luigi realized he had done it to enjoy moments like this.It: Si sentì fiero e cambiato.En: He felt proud and changed.It: Lui, che temeva gli spazi chiusi, ora si sentiva pronto a nuove avventure.En: He, who feared closed spaces, now felt ready for new adventures. Vocabulary Words:the landscape: il paesaggiospooky: spaventosothe heights: le altezzenervous: nervosothe elevator: l'ascensorenarrow: strettoto scare: spaventareto admire: ammirareto gather: cercareto hesitate: esitarethe ghost: il fantasmathe sky: il cieloclear: limpidocrowded: affollatosoftly: dolcementecrucial: crucialethe courage: il coraggioto ascend: salirethe observation platform: la piattaforma dell'osservatoriostunning: impressionanteto encourage: incoraggiarethe skyscraper: il grattacieloto sparkle: scintillarethe fear: la pauravictorious: vittoriosothe shoulder: la spallathe buddy/friend: l'amicothe movement: il movimentoto enjoy: godereto face: affrontare
Two plane crash incidents from more than half-a-century ago killed 150 people in New York City, including (1) when a B-52 bomber rammed the Empire State Building and (2) when TWA and United jets collided over Staten Island, scattering passenger bodies and debris there and in Brooklyn. Most amazing are the stories of the survivor from each separate incident.
In this special live episode of the SHE MD Podcast, Olivia Munn joins Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, Mary Alice Haney, Dr. Shari Goldfarb, and Kristen Dahlgren, for a powerful Breast Cancer Awareness Month panel in New York City. The event coincided with NBC's Today Show coverage and the lighting of the Empire State Building in pink — marking the launch of a national conversation around early detection, AI, and prevention.Together, they explore how lifetime risk assessments, dense breast screening, and AI mammogram prediction tools like Clarity Breast are transforming breast health. The panel also discusses cancer vaccine research, genetic testing, and the importance of women knowing their individual risk scores.Listeners will hear Olivia's personal story of early detection after a high-risk score prompted further imaging, leading to her diagnosis and recovery. This episode offers clarity, action, and hope — empowering every listener to become their own health advocate and partner with their medical team.Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, Endometriosis, fertility, and hormonal balance. Share with friends and visit the SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women's health and well-being.What You'll LearnHow lifetime risk assessment tools can identify breast cancer risk before symptoms appearWhy dense breast tissue requires supplemental screening beyond mammogramsHow AI predictive tools like Clarity Breast are revolutionizing early detectionThe promise of vaccine research and genetic testing in future breast cancer preventionKey Timestamps(00:00) Live event intro and Breast Cancer Awareness Month context(03:30) Olivia's story: risk score, MRI findings, and early diagnosis(13:00) Dr. Aliabadi and Dr. Goldfarb on dense breast screening and AI tools(16:00) Cancer vaccine and immunotherapy discussion with Kristen Dahlgren(27:00) Genetic testing and family history: understanding your risk(34:00) Audience Q&A: emotional recovery and advocacy(42:00) Is there support for young women being diagnosed with breast cancer?(51:30) Clarifying the term Risk AssessmentKey TakeawaysEvery woman should know her lifetime breast cancer risk scoreDense breasts may obscure cancers — MRI and ultrasound can save livesAI mammogram tools are changing detection from reactive to predictiveResearch into cancer vaccines offers hope for prevention and recurrence reductionAdvocacy and awareness remain key — early action leads to better outcomesGuest BiosOlivia MunnOlivia Munn is an actress, health advocate, and breast cancer survivor. After receiving a high lifetime risk assessment score, she underwent further imaging that revealed cancer across multiple quadrants, leading to a bilateral mastectomy. Since publicly sharing her diagnosis in 2024, she has dedicated her platform toward raising awareness about early detection, risk assessment, and empowering women with knowledge about their breast health.Dr. Shari Goldfarb, MDDr. Shari Goldfarb is a breast medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, with a clinical focus on early and advanced breast cancer. Her research centers on survivorship, symptom management, fertility, sexual health, and quality of life for breast cancer patients. She participates in clinical trials aimed at improving outcomes for women during and after treatment.Kristen DahlgrenKristen Dahlgren is a former NBC correspondent who, after her own stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis, left journalism to found the Cancer Vaccine Coalition. She collaborates with top cancer centers to accelerate immunotherapy and vaccine development in breast cancer and advocates for preventive strategies beyond current standards.LinksOlivia Munn – https://www.instagram.com/oliviamunnDr. Shari Goldfarb – https://www.mskcc.org/profile/shari-goldfarbKristen Dahlgren – https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-dahlgren-886519292/Donna McKay – https://www.bcrf.org/teamResources MentionedBreast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) – Funding for innovative breast cancer research and prevention programs
Summary? Can ants be farmers? Join Kiersten to find out! For my hearing impaired followers, a complete transcript of this podcast follows the show notes on Podbean Show Notes: “Tales from the Ant World” by Edward O. Wilson “Adventures Among Ants” by Mark W. Moffett Music written and performed by Katherine Camp Transcript (Piano music plays) Kiersten - This is Ten Things I Like About…a ten minute, ten episode podcast about unknown or misunderstood wildlife. (Piano music stops) Kiersten - Welcome to Ten Things I Like About… I'm Kiersten, your host, and this is a podcast about misunderstood or unknown creatures in nature. Some we'll find right out side our doors and some are continents away but all are fascinating. This podcast will focus ten, ten minute episodes on different animals and their amazing characteristics. Please join me on this extraordinary journey, you won't regret it. Can ants be farmers? In this episode we are going to find out. The sixth thing I like about ants is their farming abilities. You may have heard of leafcutter ants. These are ants that cut leaves and carry them back to their colony. They are often highlighted in nature television programs. It's mesmerizing and charming watching a line of ants traveling with various sizes of leaf pieces held above their heads. Leafcutters will fall into one of two genera: Acromyrmex and Atta. There are 39 species that we currently know of and they are all found in the New World. Atta are most prevalent in the tropics of South America but there are two species that can be found in North America, one in Texas and Louisiana and one in Arizona. Leafcutter ant nests can extend 7 meters, or 22 feet, into the earth and contain eight thousand chambers. The largest chamber is typically the ant waste chamber which is buried as far down as they can make it. The title of this episode is farmers so how does that relate to our leafcutter ants? Well, leafcutter ants are farmers. I used to think that they cut those little pieces of leaves to eat themselves, but that is not what they are doing. They take the leaves back to their nest where they feed it to fungus. They tend the fungus like farmers and then they eat the fungus, or rather the larvae eat the fungus. So I guess every leaf cutter ant eats the fungus at some point in their life. The adult workers ants eat the sap from the leaf fragments that they cut. This is what energizes them to process the leaves. The leaves have to be mulched first before it is fed to the fungus. The fungus will grow and grow and grow in the leafcutter nest. It will fill up the majority of the chambers with a lightweight spongy structure that kind of looks like a human brain and is called a fungus garden. The ants tend the fungus by adding new leaves to the top and sides while they removed the older bottom portions. It is unusual that ants are completely dependent on vegetation, but leafcutter ants are. The fungus is actually high in protein and that helps the larvae grow big and strong. The largest nest that Mark Moffett ever came across during his studies was in the Kaw Mountains of French Guiana. The above ground soil mounds were chest high and ranged over a 14 meter wide area. It ranged over about 160 square meters in total. If we compared this to a human made structure, it would be bigger than the Empire State Building in New York City. This nest probably housed millions of workers. A nest of this size can require an excavation of 40 tons of soil. It must house the queen, the brood, and the workers but even with millions of ants it's the fungus gardens that take up most of the real estate. The ant population can weigh up to 15 to 20 kilograms and utilize 280 kilograms of leaves. That's enough plant matter to blanket a soccer field. Now, this is a lot of living things inside an enclosed space, so it gets hot and humid. To combat increasing heat and humidity which slows down fungal growth, the ants have installed air conditioning ducts. The long tunnels that open above ground are placed strategically around the nest to release humidity and heat. If it get too cold, the tunnels will be closed off. The only reason leafcutter ant nests can support millions of workers is because they are farmers. Just like humans, farming allows the ants to support a larger population by creating their own resources. These ants use incredibly advanced farming techniques. Humans will use various farming equipment to produce large quantities of crops, but for leafcutter ants its all hands on deck. The ants within this species are highly polymorphic, meaning sizes between workers vary greatly depending on your job. The largest soldier ant is 200 times bigger than that of a small worker. These colonies are run like assembly lines of self-directed individuals. Many steps are managed by ants in a variety of sizes. Mid-size workers cut the foliage, carry it into the nest, and deposit it onto the garden surface. Smaller ants with 1.6 millimeter wide heads take the next step which is shredding the greens into scraps.The next step is accomplished by even smaller ants who chew up the scraps into moist pulp. Still smaller ants will insert the pulp into the gardens. Then ants with 1 mm sized heads will lick the pulp and seed it with tufts of fungus from established fungal gardens. This is just like a human horticulturist using cuttings from a vine to establish a new crop! The smallest workers with a head width of 0.8mm remove contaminants from the gardens such as bacteria, yeast and spores. Just like any good farmer, the ants use fertilizer to help their gardens grow. They don't have to go far to get the fertilizer, they just poop on the leaves. The ammonia and amino acids in the feces helps breakdown the leaves and encourages growth. To retrieve the plant matter that grows the fungal gardens, leaf cutter ants will maintain almost permanent trails. Other species of ants trails vary depending on where they can find resources, but leafcutter ants are loyal to their grocery stores. Another caste of ants larger than the workers we have already discussed but smaller than soldiers that defend the nest are the maintenance crew for the paths. They will dismantle anything that gets in their way. They haul off debris that they can heft and chew through things they can't. They widen and smooth out the path until traffic is flowing again. They can do this quickly as they are present on the paths at all times! Boy, don't we all wish our highways were that well maintained! There is still one more layer to these superhighways. Worker ants that are smaller than the ladies hauling the leaf parts home will scamper about under the plant carriers and reinforce the pheromone trails. As we discussed before, these pheromone trail are super important for ant communication. With all of these layers of responsibility, levels of workers, and intricate cooperation, some believe that leaf cutter ants are the gold standard of superorganisms. Quoting from Edward Wilson's book, Tales from the Ant World, “So well-marked and powerful is the division of labor among members of a leaf colony that individual colonies can be reasonably called a superorganism.” The definition of a superorganism is an organized society that functions as an organic whole. Leafcutter ants must have every layer of worker functioning correctly to survive, any deviation and the whole organism dies. Edward Wilson goes on to say, “The leafcutters are superorganisms that succeed under natural conditions.” I think we have established that ants can be farmers and very successful farmers at that! Thanks for joining me for episode six because my sixth favorite thing about ants is their ability to farm. If you're enjoying this podcast please recommend me to friends and family and take a moment to give me a rating on whatever platform your listening. It will help me reach more listeners and give the animals I talk about an even better chance at change. Join me next week for another exciting episode about ants. (Piano Music plays) This has been an episode of Ten Things I like About with Kiersten and Company. Original music written and performed by Katherine Camp, my very own piano playing hero.
Today in 1965, there was an unusual visitor high atop New York's famous Empire State Building: a Ford Mustang. And it took some doing to get it up there. Plus: at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, this is Raisin Monday, which includes a big shaving cream fight on campus. 1965 Ford Mustang Empire State Building Stunt (Motor Trend)No place like foam (University of St. Andrews)Drive on over to our Patreon page and back the show
Looking for daily inspiration? Get a quote from the top leaders in the industry in your inbox every morning. What's the one premier event that brings the global attractions industry together? IAAPA Expo 2025, happening in Orlando, Florida, from November 17th through 21st. From breakthrough technology to world-class networking and immersive education, IAAPA Expo 2025 is where you find possible. And, just for our audience, you'll save $10 when you register at IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo and use promo code EXPOAPROSTEN. Don't miss it — we won't! Faisal Mirza is the Associate Vice President of the New York Hall of Science. With a career spanning iconic New York institutions—including the American Museum of Natural History, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, the Empire State Building, One World Observatory, and even LaGuardia's Terminal B—he has led opening teams, built high-performance operations, and shaped guest experience at scale. At NYSCI, he champions “design, make, and play” through hands-on exhibits rooted in STEM and community impact. In this interview, Faisal talks about the oohs and ahhs, cost-effective vs. better, It's okay to be nice. The oohs and aahs “I think a lot of us have come into this industry because of the oohs and aahs that we are part of… you get those oohs and aahs and you get the wows.” Faisal ties the magic of reveal moments to operational purpose. He recalls One World Observatory's deliberate build-up: from the storytelling elevator ride to a dramatic reveal that regularly prompted applause and even tears. He emphasizes that leaders should revisit these moments frequently—stepping out of the back office to reconnect decisions and data with the guest's emotional response. At NYSCI, that same spark is cultivated by translating concepts into creation. Visitors learn about light, space, or insects, then head into the Design Lab to “use your hands,” turning ideas into tangible projects. That cycle—from discovery to making—keeps guests coming back for the “wow” and reminds teams why meticulous execution matters. Cost-effective vs. better “Should we look into being very cost-effective or being better? There's always balance… it goes back to what the organization is really looking for and how, as a leader, you can justify that process.” When choosing between a sign and a person, Faisal argues that “profitable” and “memorable” aren't always the same. At Terminal B, his team justified human touchpoints (e.g., pre- and post-TSA guidance) by instrumenting the experience with data: NPS, robust passenger surveys at the gate, mystery shops, and large-scale trainings. With measurable outcomes, “better” isn't a vague ideal—it's a defensible investment. He frames the decision as a strategic reflection of organizational DNA. In hyper-competitive markets, small touches compound: clear sightlines, open space, visible staff, and right-sized wayfinding all convert friction into confidence. The lesson for attractions is to define the guest standard, then measure relentlessly so quality choices stand up to budget scrutiny. It's okay to be nice “When you, as part of that team, see, ‘It's okay to be nice. I didn't know that.' When you see others doing it and you're in that universe of everyone being nice, it's really great.” Faisal describes how staffing critical junctions, like the “recomposition” area right after TSA, signals a cultural norm: proactive help is expected. In fast-paced New York, hospitality can still thrive when leaders model it and operationalize it. By placing people where guests naturally feel uncertain, teams normalize courtesy, reduce stress, and elevate the entire journey. That mindset carries into museums and attractions. From shinier floors to warmer smiles, “little things” matter as much as headliners. Faisal's leadership lens blends big-picture reveals with micro-gestures that make visitors feel cared for, proving that kindness is both practical and powerful. Faisal would like to thank everyone he's worked with over the years, because he's learned something from everyone at the different organizations he's been at. Connect with Faisal directly on LinkedIn, and learn more about NYSCI by visiting www.nysci.org. This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our faaaaaantastic team: Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas To connect with AttractionPros: AttractionPros.com AttractionPros@gmail.com AttractionPros on Facebook AttractionPros on LinkedIn AttractionPros on Instagram AttractionPros on Twitter (X)
คอลัมน์ “สดแต่เช้า”ปีที่5 (ตอนที่198) คืนแห่งพายุที่เปลี่ยนชีวิต! “นายจึงตอบว่า ‘ดีแล้ว เจ้าเป็นบ่าวที่ดีและซื่อสัตย์ เจ้าซื่อสัตย์ในของเล็กน้อย เราจะตั้งเจ้าให้ดูแลของจำนวนมาก เจ้าจงร่วมยินดีกับนายของเจ้าเถิด'” ~มัทธิว 25:21 THSV11 ““His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'” ~Matthew 25:21 NIV ในคืนวันหนึ่งที่มีพายุและลมแรง ชายหญิงสูงวัยคู่หนึ่งหลบฝนเข้ามาในล็อบบี้โรงแรมเล็ก ๆ แห่งหนึ่งในฟิลาเดลเฟีย ด้วยความหวังจะได้เช่าห้องพักในคืนนั้น แต่พวกเขาต้องผิดหวัง เพราะห้องเต็มหมด!"มีประชุมใหญ่พร้อมกันสามแห่งในเมืองครับ" พนักงานเคาน์เตอร์บอก และกล่าวต่อไปว่า"ผมว่าทุกโรงแรมตอนนี้ เต็มหมดแล้วครับ" คนชราทั้งคู่นั้น จึงทำท่าจะหันหลังกลับไป แต่พนักงานคนนั้นพูดขึ้นมาอีกว่า .."ผมคงปล่อยให้คุณสองคนออกไปผจญกับฝนตอนตีหนึ่งแบบนี้ไม่ได้หรอกครับ คุณจะเต็มใจพักในห้องผมไหมครับ มันก็ไม่ได้ใหญ่โตอะไร" เขาเสริมต่อว่า "แต่มันคงจะทำให้คุณทั้ง2 พออยู่สบายได้ในคืนนี้ครับ" ชายหญิงชราทั้งคู่นั้น แสดงความรู้สึกกังวลใจว่าแล้วพนักงานคนนั้นจะไปอยู่ไหนเล่า แต่เขายืนยันว่า… "อย่าเป็นห่วงผมเลยครับ ผมสบายอยู่แล้ว" ในที่สุดสามีภรรยาผู้สูงวัยทั้งสอง ก็ยอมรับข้อเสนอนั้น ในเช้าวันรุ่งขึ้น เมื่อพวกเขาเช็คเอาท์ ชายชราจึงพูดกับพนักงานคนนั้นว่า "คนอย่างคุณสมควรได้เป็นผู้จัดการใหญ่ ของโรงแรมที่ดีที่สุดในสหรัฐอเมริกาจริง ๆ ไม่แน่ว่า สักวันหนึ่ง ผมอาจจะสร้างโรงแรมนั้นให้คุณ" พนักงานคนนั้นได้แต่ยิ้ม และกล่าวคำขอบคุณ สองปีต่อมาพนักงานคนนั้น ได้รับจดหมายจากชายชราคนนั้น พร้อมกับตั๋วเครืองบินเพื่อบินไปนิวยอร์กแบบไปกลับและมีเนื้อความในจดหมาย เขียนเล่าย้อนถึงเหตุการณ์เมื่อสองปีที่แล้ว ที่เขาได้ช่วยเหลือคนแก่ไว้คู่หนึ่ง และบัดนี้ พวกเขาขอเชิญชายหนุ่มคนนี้ให้ไปเยี่ยม ถึงแม้ว่าตัวชายหนุ่มนั้นเกือบลืมเหตุการณ์นั้นไปแล้วก็ตาม แต่เขาก็ตกลงใจจะไปตามคำเชิญนั้น เมื่อชายหนุ่มนี้ เดินทางไปถึงนิวยอร์กก็พบชายหญิงสูงวัยทั้งสองที่มารับและพาเขาไปยังบริเวณถนนสายที่ห้า (ฟิฟธ์ อเวนิว) "นั่น!" ชายชราพูดพลางชี้ไปที่ตึกใหม่เอี่ยม ขนาดมหึมาสร้างด้วยหินสีแดงซึ่งตั้งอยู่ที่มุมถนน กล่าวว่า"…คือโรงแรมที่ผมเพิ่งสร้างให้คุณทำงานเป็นผู้จัดการ!" "คุณอย่าล้อผมเล่น อย่างนั้นเลย!" พนักงานหนุ่มคนนั้นกล่าว "เชื่อผมเถอะ ผมไม่ได้ล้อเล่น!" ชายชราตอบด้วยรอยยิ้ม ชื่อของชายแก่คนนี้ก็คือ “วิลเลียม วอลดอร์ฟ แอสเทอร์” ตึกใหญ่โตนั้นคือตึกแรกของโรงแรม“วอลดอร์ฟ แอสทอเรีย”(Waldorf Astoria) อันโด่งดัง และชื่อของชายหนุ่มนั้นก็คือ “จอร์จ ซี. โบลดท์” ผู้จัดการคนแรกของโรงแรมนั้นนั่นเอง! โรงแรม“วอลดอร์ฟ”(Waldorf Hotel )เปิดเป็นแห่งแรกที่นครนิวยอร์ก (นิวยอร์กซิตี้) เมื่อวันที่ 13 มีนาคม ค.ศ. 1893 บนมุมถนน Fifth Avenue กับ East 33rd Street บนที่ดินซึ่งเดิมเป็นบ้านพักของครอบครัว William Waldorf Astor ต่อมาในปี ค.ศ.1897 John Jacob Astor IV (ผู้เป็นญาติ) สร้างโรงแรม “Astoria Hotel” ขึ้นข้างเคียงบริเวณเดียวกันคืออยู่ถัดไปทางเหนือหนึ่งบล็อก คือ Fifth Avenue กับ East 34th Streetแล้วทั้งสองแห่งถูกเชื่อมผ่านทางเดิน (corridor) ที่เรียกว่า “Peacock Alley” และดำเนินการร่วมกันภายใต้ชื่อ“ Waldorf-Astoria ” ในยุคนั้น โรงแรม Waldorf-Astoria ถือว่าเป็นโรงแรมที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในโลกและหรูที่สุดแห่งหนึ่งในนครนิวยอร์ก และมีชื่อเสียงด้านบริการที่เป็นเลิศ ปัจจุบันเป็นแบรนด์หรูนะดับ5ดาว ภายใต้เครือฮิลตันและมีมากกว่า30สาขาทั่วโลก รวมทั้งในประเทศไทย(แถวราชดำริ) สรุปสั้น ๆก็คือWaldorf Hotel อยู่ตรง Fifth Ave & 33rd StreetAstoria Hotel อยู่ตรง Fifth Ave & 34th Street และรวมกันเป็น Waldorf-Astoria (รวมกัน) ครอบคลุมพื้นที่ระหว่าง ถนน 33rd ถึง 34th บน Fifth Avenue พื้นที่นั้นเองภายหลัง (ปี 1931) ได้กลายเป็นที่ตั้งของ อาคาร Empire State Building พี่น้องที่รัก ชีวิตของคุณอาจจะเปลี่ยนแปลงไปภายในคืนเดียว ในวันที่มีพายุซัดกระหน่ำมา หากว่าคุณเป็นคนงานที่ดี ซื่อสัตย์ มีน้ำใจอยู่เสมอ เหมือนกับ “จอร์จ ซี. โบลดท์” เพราะพระเจ้าอาจทรงนำใครบางคนอย่าง “วิลเลียม วอลดอร์ฟ แอสเทอร์” เข้ามาเปลี่ยนแปลงชีวิตของคุณ ก็เป็นได้ …ใครจะรู้ จริงไหม?~~~~~~~~~~~~~ธงชัย ประดับชนานุรัตน์ 15ตุลาคม2025 (ตอนที่198 ของปีที่5)#YoutubeCJCONNECT#คริสตจักรแห่งความรัก #Churchoflove #ShareTheLoveForward #ChurchOfJoy #คริสตจักรแห่งความสุข #NimitmaiChristianChurch #คริสตจักรนิมิตใหม่ #ฮักกัยประเทศไทย #อัลฟ่า #หนึ่งล้านความดี
This week- What does a Russian train and Star Trek have in common? Why are there oranges in the Godfather movie? How many bricks was used to build the Empire State Building in NY? Listen, laugh, and learn with Nick & Roy. Brought to you by Tom's Place in Kensington Market in Toronto. Check out Tom's cool deals.
Es gibt einen Tsunami, den fast niemand kennt – obwohl er der höchste in der Geschichte war. Höher als das Empire State Building. Eine einzige Welle, die alles zerstörte. Doch das war nicht das einzige Mal, dass der Ozean völlig außer Kontrolle geriet, So unglaublich das auch klingt – das war erst der Anfang einer Katastrophe die die Menschheit so noch nicht erlebt hat. Du kannst die Episode mit Video Material auch komplett auf Youtube genießen! https://www.youtube.com/@EntropyWSE Zu meinen Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/JourneyDE Folg mir gern auf Instagram und sag Hallo! :) https://www.instagram.com/roma_perezogin/ Abonniere jetzt die Entropy, um keine der coolen & interessanten Episoden zu verpassen! Das unterstützt mich natürlich und hilft mir meinen Content zu verbessern und zu erweitern! Hier abonnieren: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5dBZm6ztKizdUnN7Puz3QQ?sub_confirmation=1 ♦ MEINE NEUE WEBSITE - WISSENSCHAFT IM ÜBERBLICK: https://www.entropywse.com ♦ MERCH: https://yvolve.shop/collections/vendors?q=Entropy ♦ PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/entropy_wse ♦ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Entropy_channel ♦ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/roma_perezogin/ ♦ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/entropy_channel/ ♦ DISCORD-SERVER: https://discord.gg/xGtUAaAw98 ♦ GOODNIGHT STORIES: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Mz5jx2lm7DXN3FizSigoJ
Feinschmeckertouren – Der Reise- und Genusspodcast mit Betina Fischer und Burkhard Siebert
In dieser finalen Folge unserer Manhattan-Serie nehmen wir dich mit auf einen letzten Streifzug durch New York City – voller Kultur, Kulinarik und einem ganz besonderen Highlight, das unsere gesamte USA-Reise geprägt hat. Wir starten mitten in Downtown Manhattan, entdecken das ikonische Flatiron Building, stöbern im traditionsreichen Buchladen Rizzoli und genießen mediterrane Küche vom Feinsten in der Trattoria Stella 34 – mit Blick auf das Empire State Building. Burrata auf Heirloom-Tomaten, Agnolotti mit Safran und Stracciatella di Bufala lassen uns das Wasser im Mund zusammenlaufen. Doch der wahre Höhepunkt folgt am Abend: ein ausverkauftes Konzert von Billy Joel im legendären Madison Square Garden. Für uns ein musikalischer Lebenstraum – und der emotionale Höhepunkt dieser Reise. Zum Abschied schlendern wir durch den Central Park, begegnen Schildkröten, genießen die Ruhe zwischen den Bäumen und reflektieren über das Leben in dieser faszinierenden Stadt. Mit einem Augenzwinkern, einem vollen Herzen und einem Koffer voller Erinnerungen sagen wir: Bye bye, Big Apple – bis zum nächsten Mal. Macy's in New York Restaurant Stella34 Homepage von Billi Joel
Man kann auf das Empire State Building in New York bequem mit dem Aufzug fahren. Man kann auch rennen, so wie die Sportlerinnen und Sportler, die beim „ESB-Run-Up“, dem Treppen-Rennen über 1.576 Stufen und 320 Höhenmeter mitmachen. Heute ist der Qualifikationslauf. Was so ein Treppauf-Rennen mit dem Körper macht und ob Treppen auch „Normalos“ fitter machen können, erklärt der Kölner Sportwissenschaftler Ingo Froböse im Gespräch mit SWR-Aktuell-Moderator Gerald Pinkenburg.
This episode was with Yann Leory, an architect who has worked across continents, and the conversation opened up a whole new perspective on design and culture.He spoke about his early journey in architecture, why he chose this field, and how moving to Asia shaped his career. What caught my attention was his story about Salvador Dali and how moments like these leave a lasting mark on an architect's way of thinking.We also discussed the differences between local and international architects, how Mumbai's architecture is evolving, and why India needs concepts like the street wall design which we see in New York, Paris, and London.The conversation went deeper into topics like whether India's climate is suitable for mega structures, Difference between Vastu & Feng Shui (Indian vs Chinese) can influence planning, and what it really takes to design 20,000 hotel rooms.But beyond the technical side, Yann shared what keeps him motivated, the elements of design that never change, and even left a message for his younger self.This episode isn't just about architecture it's about how design connects cultures, adapts to challenges, and inspires the cities we live in.Timestamps:-00:00 Trailer01:23 – Introduction02:06 – Education journey02:53 – Work journey06:23 – Why architecture?07:09 – Reasons for shifting work towards Asian regions08:15 – Differences between India and other countries09:02 – Story about Salvador Dalí10:34 – Local vs international architects15:39 – Views on Mumbai's architecture17:51 – How the street wall concept works in New York, Paris & London – and why India needs it20:52 – Is India's climate suitable for mega structures?24:14 – Design elements borrowed from different countries for future projects26:26 – Balancing global luxury style with Indian culture27:22 – Indian Vastu vs. Chinese Vastu29:01 – Can Vastu impact design planning?31:39 – Difference between mega projects and smaller projects35:19 – One thing that has remained constant in architecture over decades39:19 – What it takes to design 20,000 hotel rooms45:21 – Favorite place to travel46:28 – Message to the 20-year-old Yann48:32 – Short podcast summary49:35 – Yann's question: Biggest surprise or learning after returning from London50:50 – H. Rishabraj story52:40 – Empire State Building story53:07 – Reasons behind delays in the Indian real estate market56:35 – Jakarta story59:22 – ConclusionGues Profilest:Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yann.leroy/?hl=enLInkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/yann-leroy-3b2b891a/
Fresh from their first in-person meeting since launching Engaging ESG, Jennifer and Kati share candid reflections on New York Climate Week. From experiencing Conservation International's immersive VR storytelling at Adobe's event at the LinkedIn offices to hearing powerful testimonies about carbon markets from Georgia landowners, they explore the week's standout moments. The conversation covers the shift from innovation-focused moonshots to practical implementation, the inspiring emphasis on collaboration across every session, and the heartening international presence despite political uncertainty. Between subway adventures and a Jack-and-Rose moment at the Empire State Building, they reflect on how the sustainability community is maturing — moving beyond press releases to embedded business practices and building resilience for the long term. Show Link: From the Ground Up:Voices of the Carbon Market Have a question for us? Email us today at engagingesg@gmail.com! Our theme music is "Lost in Translation" by Wendy Marcini and Elvin Vangard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New York City has no shortage of icons, from the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, and of course, The Naked Cowboy. This week, Robert Burck, The Naked Cowboy, ditched his post in Times Square and joined Kennedy in studio. They chat about the NYC mayoral race, when he first picked up the guitar in his underwear, and even make a little music together. Follow Kennedy on Twitter: @KennedyNation Kennedy Now Available on YouTube:  https://link.chtbl.com/kennedyytp Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kennedy_foxnews Join Kennedy for Happy Hour on Fridays! https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWlNiiSXX4BNUbXM5X8KkYbDepFgUIVZj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feinschmeckertouren – Der Reise- und Genusspodcast mit Betina Fischer und Burkhard Siebert
Von gläsernen Aufzügen bis zur High Line: Wir erkunden New Yorks Skyline, erzählen vom Rockefeller Center, der Grand Central Station und kulinarischen Entdeckungen – eine Mischung aus Architektur, Geschichte und Genuss. Stell dir vor, du fährst mit uns mitten hinein in das Herz von New York – vorbei an Zügen und Aufzügen, hoch hinauf in die Skyline und wieder hinunter in die lebendige Stadt. Du spürst die Energie des Rockefeller Centers, schaust auf die Lichter Manhattans und verlierst dich in den Geschichten rund um das Empire State Building. Zwischen gläsernen Aufzügen und historischen Hallen wie der Grand Central Station entdeckst du nicht nur Architektur, sondern auch kleine kulinarische Glücksmomente, wenn wir von knusprigen Focaccias und süßen Teilchen schwärmen. Gemeinsam schlendern wir über die High Line, wo Natur und Großstadt verschmelzen und das hippe Meatpacking District seine ganze Vielfalt zeigt. Diese Folge steckt voller Emotionen, Eindrücke und Genussmomente – und vielleicht bekommst du Lust, selbst bald auf Entdeckungsreise zu gehen. Drück auf Play, tauch ein in unsere Geschichte und abonniere den Podcast, damit du keine weiteren Abenteuer verpasst. The Rockefeller Center Grand Central Terminal New York The High Line
What do kitchen renovations, Olympic Games, and nuclear power plants have in common? Most of them fail — spectacularly. World-renowned expert Bent Flyvbjerg explains why 199 out of 200 big projects go over budget, over time, and under expectations — and what the rare successful ones do differently. From Pixar films to the Empire State Building, learn the principles that separate disasters from triumphs.
This week on The Spooky Sleepover, Nikki and Cheryl take you sky-high and straight to the bathroom floor (metaphorically, we hope).They uncover the secrets of the Empire State Building, including the story of a terrifying elevator crash that history tried to forget.Then things get even wilder as they debate the etiquette of public pooing (yes, really) and Cheryl drops a “family bombshell”… she has six new children — or rather, six new Labubu's have landed in her life.It's the perfect mix of skyscraper mysteries, weird social rules, and drag queen chaos only Nikki & Chez can deliver.
Long time supporter Kent has picked the 1965 experimental film Empire for this week!. True to form in the year of the stitch-up, Kent has chosen a film that's as unconventional and divisive as it gets. Directed by Andy Warhol, Empire exemplifies the avant-garde spirit of mid-1960s New York, pushing the boundaries of traditional cinema with radical minimalism, extreme duration, and an obsessive focus on observation as art.The production of Empire was as audacious as the film's concept. Warhol employed a static 8-hour continuous shot of the Empire State Building, with no camera movement or dialogue, letting the mere passage of time become the centerpiece. Shot at Warhol's Factory studio, the production encouraged collaboration among artists and performers, embracing monotony and stillness as creative tools. Though challenging for conventional audiences, Empire has secured its place as a landmark in experimental filmmaking and continues to influence artists interested in perception, endurance, and the art of cinematic patience.If you enjoy the show, we have a Patreon, so become a supporter here.Referral links also help out the show if you were going to sign up:NordVPNNordPassTrailer Guy Plot SummaryImagine… eight hours.A single frame.A building.From the legendary Andy Warhol comes the film that redefines patience, perception, and what it means to watch a movie. Empire — the Empire State Building like you've never stared at it before, daring you to survive the longest cinematic gaze in history. Will you sit… or will time sit on you?Empire — it's not just a film, it's a test.Fun FactsOriginally shot in 6.5 hours – The film was filmed over approximately 6 hours and 36 minutes, from 8:06 p.m. to 2:42 a.m. on July 25–26, 1964.Extended to 8 hours in projection – By projecting the film at 16 frames per second instead of the standard 24 fps, Warhol extended the runtime to roughly 8 hours.Andy Warhol's experimental movie – Empire is a landmark in avant-garde cinema, cementing Warhol's reputation as a pioneer in minimalist filmmaking.Filmed at The Factory – Production took place at Warhol's famous New York studio, a hub for artists, musicians, and performers.No camera movement – The camera remains completely static for the entire duration, emphasizing stillness and observation.No dialogue or actors – The film features no spoken lines, with the Empire State Building itself as the “star” of the work.Endurance viewing experience – Original screenings required audiences to sit for the full 8 hours, turning watching into a performance art experience.Influence on experimental cinema – Empire inspired future filmmakers and artists interested in minimalist cinema and long-duration art films.Screened in galleries and museums – Rather than conventional cinemas, Empire is often exhibited in art institutions, highlighting its status as both visual art and film.Historical record of 1960s New York – The film captures the Empire State Building and surrounding skyline before major renovations, preserving a piece of mid-1960s Manhattan.thevhsstrikesback@gmail.comhttps://linktr.ee/vhsstrikesback
We've well and truly kicked off season 7 in style as we welcome our first guest onto the show - IAAPA Board Chairman, Massimiliano Freddi. In this episode, Paul sits down with Massimiliano Freddi, the first Italian to ever hold the role of IAAPA Chairman in the association's 107-year history. From his early dream of running a theme park to founding Wonderwood and shaping Italy's unique attractions landscape, Massi shares how passion, storytelling, and a people-first mindset continue to drive his vision for the industry. Skip The Queue is back for Season 7 and we're announcing some big changes! Get ready for new hosts, a fresh new look, weekly content and find out where you can catch us live at events to be part of the action.Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn, or Bluesky for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcast.Competition ends on 24th September 2025. The winner will be contacted via LinkedIn or Bluesky. Show references: https://iaapa.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddi/Massimiliano Freddi a leading figure in the amusement and entertainment industry, has been appointed president of the steering committee of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the leading international association for attractions and theme parks) for 2025. This is the first time since the foundation of the World Association of Attractions (1918) that this position has been entrusted to an Italian.The appointment underscores his extensive experience and significant contribution to the global industry. Freddi brings a wealth of experience gained at some of the industry's most prominent companies. His career began in marketing and press office for the Italian market at Disneyland Paris. He subsequently joined Leolandia.A visionary entrepreneur, in 2018, Massimiliano Freddi founded Wonderwood, an adventure and amusement park for all ages, of which he is currently CEO, in his hometown of Trarego Viggiona, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola region on Lake Maggiore. This growing business has redeveloped several local facilities and provided employment to several young residents of the small towns in the area. His passion for the sector also extends to academia. Since 2016, he has been a member of the coaching staff of Seth Godin's Altmba and is a professor of marketing and experience design at IULM University in Milan. At the same university, where Italy's first course in theme park and attraction management was introduced, he teaches subjects such as consumer experience, marketing, and soft skills as an adjunct professor. Freddi was also one of the original founders of Parksmania, the first newspaper dedicated to amusement parks.Freddi will continue to bring his innovative vision and deep industry knowledge to the global association, helping shape the future of attractions internationally. Regarding Italy, he commented that he sees great potential and wants to help realise it. Transcriptions: Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue, the podcast about the world's best visitor attractions and the people that work in them. I'm Paul Marden, along with my co-hosts Andy Povey and Sinead Kimberley, I spend my days working with ambitious attractions like theme parks, museums, galleries, and science centres to help them to attract more guests. Paul Marden: Today on Skip the Queue, I'm joined by someone who has been shaping the attractions industry in truly remarkable ways. Massimiliano Freddi is the first Italian ever to hold the role of chairman in IAAPA's 107-year history. A milestone that not only celebrates his career, but also shines a light on Italy's growing influence in the global attractions landscape. Massimiliano has worn many hats across his journey, from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a Theme Park Managing Director at just 28, where he grew guest numbers from 300,000 to over 800,000, to founding his own destinations like Wonderwood on Lake Maggiore and Wonderwood Spina Verde, overlooking Lake Como. Along the way, he's pioneered inclusive and eco-conscious practices, championing the power of storytelling and shown how attractions can thrive by creating meaningful experiences for every guest.Paul Marden: Beyond his leadership roles, Massimiliano is also a Professor of Marketing and Experience Design at IULM University in Milan, where he's passionate about nurturing the next generation of talent in our sector. Often described as both a dreamer and a doer, he brings together vision and practicality in a way that continues to inspire operators around the world.Paul Marden: Massimilliano, welcome to the show. It really is a pleasure to have you with us. We always start Skip the Queue and the kickoff of season seven, no less, is going to be no different. We always start with an icebreaker question. And I'm thinking back to, we're just back off of our summer holidays, aren't we? For your perfect holiday, would it start with planes, trains or driving.Massimiliano Freddi: Oh, that's a beautiful question. By the way, congratulations because you've pronounced Massimiliano in a very correct way. So that's unusual. I have a complicated name. I know, I know.Massimiliano Freddi: Hey, I would say train. Train is really, really part of the way that I love to travel with. And unfortunately, too often it happens by car, which I like a little bit less. I get dizzy, you know, and stuff. Train is my ultimate, ultimate way to travel.Paul Marden: I did a sleeper train to Scotland a couple of years ago, and it was amazing. I absolutely loved it. And what's brilliant is there's more of those sleeper trains hitting Europe, aren't there now? So there really is very few excuses for us not to be holidaying with the start with some elegant sleeper train. My only disappointment was that there was no murder on the train, so I couldn't have an Agatha Christie style novel themed around my train journey, but uh, you know.Massimiliano Freddi: I mean, I mean, it could have been the Hogwarts Express, but apparently, it doesn't run every day, so.Paul Marden: That would be pretty cool as well. I've just come back from Edinburgh, actually, and we saw, you know, the viaduct where the train goes to Hogwarts, and completely unplanned, there was a steam train that went over the bridge whilst we were there. It was amazing.Massimiliano Freddi: Happy go lucky.Paul Marden: Yeah. So enough of my holidays. Let's kick off talking about you and IAAPA. What can international markets learn from attractions in Italy? Tell us a little bit about the attractions landscape over there in Italy at the moment.Massimiliano Freddi: Yes. So let's say that the attraction landscape is very similar, somehow, to how the restaurants or the retail landscape has always been, which means a lot of mom and pop stores. And I think that what people who travel to Italy love is to find something that is one of a kind that you can find only in Italy. I have a deep respect for Starbucks, but I'm always... questioning myself, you know, when somebody comes to Italy, do they really want to find Starbucks? Is this a real thing? So when it comes to parks and attractions, Italy has not faced a big concentration in players like it has happened in other countries. Of course, some big players are there. Parques Reunidos owns Mirabilandia, which is the second most important Italian park. And the most important Italian park is Gardaland, owned by Merlin Entertainment. Then we have a few other groups. Owning and operating some of the facilities, but let's say that, out of 250 parks between—or, you said, attractions— that's very correct now, if we talk about attractions, now the number is endless, because where is the border?Paul Marden: What is an attraction? Yeah, that's a big philosophical question.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay, okay, so let's say that, once upon a time, we used to count parks. So when we talk about parks, we have roughly 250 parks in Italy, and most of them are tiny, tiny, tiny, and they are independently owned. That's my case. I own and operate two parks right now, and I'm about to open, a third location that will be an indoor one this November. And so, yes, I think that what what others can learn from Italy i think is to keep this respect for your roots and to make sure that you don't make every attraction look like another one, but you kind of keep it, you know, different.Massimiliano Freddi: And so it's a matter of the mix of how people can have fun and get entertained. But it's really also about retail and about food and about shows and festivals and you name it, you know. So there are these places that we see on Instagram and immediately we say, oh, that's, I mean, when I see a picture of the Empire State Building or of the Tower Bridge. I know immediately where it belongs to. And so I think that, with attractions, we need to think in the future always about this. Guests coming to visit us, they want to have the ultimate experience and they want to have something that's different from anything they've done before. So this is the responsibility we have.Paul Marden: And a big one it is. Let's talk a little bit about the experience economy. And especially when we think about, you know, beyond the parks, there's this... massive ecosystem around the outside of different ways that people can enjoy themselves. What does that experience economy mean to you, especially in Italy?Massimiliano Freddi: The experience economy, first of all, it truly matters to me, the book. Because in 1999, it was once upon a time, it was really difficult to find literature and scientific literature on the leisure industry. And so I think that at that time, we thought that everybody could take inspiration from the attractions industry. And it has happened because right now. Yes, definitely. You know, food is experience and travel is experience and lodging is experience. You name it, you name it. You know, even there is also a funeral house in Italy, which has become very famous because they are really based on the experience they will give, you know, not to the people who passed away, unfortunately, you know, but the people remain. So I think that it's very hard now to find an industry that doesn't think, that we are in the experience economy and that everything should be experienced and experiential. And so I think that when I go back to my example, I think that we as attractions, we need to be even more wise in how we choose to present ourselves and what we cater to our guests.Massimiliano Freddi: Because of course, we need to raise the bar. So right now, we know that some access... And some services to our attractions have become better with technology. But still, we are, you know, long lines sometimes. And we feel we are paying too much for what we are getting back.Massimiliano Freddi: I would say that in the end, experience economy starts with people and ends with people. And so we need to be people-centric. And only like this, we can be truly experiential. I don't think that an experience is about technology. It's always, always about people.Paul Marden: Absolutely. I wonder as well, I'm always struck by this industry, how close we are, how we collaborate with one another. And really, the competition aren't the other parks or attractions. The competition is getting people out and doing something. There are so many things at home that could keep you at home, getting you out and about and visiting places and enjoying those experiences. I wonder whether collaboration is the answer to this.Massimiliano Freddi: I think you nailed it because it's crucial. Everybody who has not been working for this industry, when they enter the industry, because they might change jobs, everybody is so surprised that we collaborate so heavily. And I think that a key to this success has always been this big collaboration. I have almost always in my career been part of smaller facilities. And to me, IAAPA and the associations were, it's been crucial, you know, because you are alone. Very, very often your facility is in the middle of nowhere. No matter if you're part of a big group, because even big groups have facilities in the middle of nowhere, but for family-owned and operated attractions, that's almost the golden rule.Massimiliano Freddi: And so there are so many days in your life, in your career, in your profession, where you would benefit strongly from talking to somebody else who's been through something like you before and who's found a different solution and who can open up your eyes. So I think that's the beauty of our industries is getting together. Again, if we don't get together, how can we make people get together?Paul Marden: Yeah, I'm very excited about getting together because I've got my first IAAPA in Barcelona coming up. And I'm very excited about what this is going to be like.Massimiliano Freddi: Oh, you will be blown away.Paul Marden: I can't wait. I absolutely can't wait. Now, look. Someone has once described you as a dreamer and a doer. One of your dreams was to be managing director of a theme park. Where did that inspiration come from?Massimiliano Freddi: So it comes from a terrible childhood. And so it comes from the fact that, yeah, the world around me when I was a kid was not a positive world. And my family had a lot of troubles. And I'm an orphan from the side of my mother. I mean, I went through several things. And so I think that the attractions industry, to me, it really meant this place that's always happy and where grownups can really take great care of kids and kids at heart.Massimiliano Freddi: So I think that my passion came out of that. Now, dreaming and doing, of course, we all have as a big myth and as a reference, Walt Disney himself, and he was the guy who first said, 'Dreamers and doers' talking about, what enterprises, so his imagineers. I think that whenever I see something, I want to say something. Everybody who knows me knows pretty well. But it means that I love to see the world in a constant improvement. So, if I check in at a hotel and I see that there is something in there that, you know, it even doesn't impact me. But with a small step, they could make it better and fix it. I just share it and I share it, you know, wherever I am. And so I think that maybe this was a bit of my secret weapon because I got involved in several things. I think because I'm curious and maybe because I'm generous in sharing.Massimiliano Freddi: And I don't know if there is a secret there. There is just that in the moment in which you accept yourself the way you are and you acknowledge that you have some talents, and you don't have some others, and some skills you can get better, some others no way—okay. I could never never be an attorney, I could never do a lot of jobs on the planet, but now I know, at the age of 44, that I know what I'm good at, and even if I'm good at that, I want to constantly improve. So I think that maybe the support that I could bring to the table to the companies I've worked for, to the associations, to my own business, and so on, it's always been this obsession with constant improvement every day.Paul Marden: I think it takes a certain vulnerability, doesn't it? To spot something that you think can be improved and to offer a suggestion. And I think it's so valuable. I was at an attraction recently and I got the email at the end of the day, saying, 'How was it?' Please leave us a review. I went to click it and it didn't work. I knew the head of marketing, so I just pinged him off a quick email that just said, 'Oh, I had such a brilliant time but I couldn't leave you a review. I wanted to give you a brilliant review, but I couldn't do it because it didn't work. And that led them to go and look at all of their outbound emails, and none of them were working properly. But you know, you could walk by and just leave that alone. But I can't do it. However, it is sometimes does make you feel really awkward, couldn't you? But when I get great services in a restaurant, when somebody looks after me while at an attraction, I want to tell them how good it was, and if I can see something they can do better, I want to tell them what they could do.Massimiliano Freddi: Totally, totally. And I'm so much on the same page. I was about to say that it's equally important to call people out when they're doing well.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: So to make sure that they are aware. And sometimes, you know, to say there was one day where I travelled during a bank holiday, and I arrived at the entire bank holiday, and I arrived to the airport, and I decided I wanted to thank each and every employee that I would meet because they were there that day. I mean. We got used that Sundays are no longer Sundays, but the bank holidays, these are the moments in which you spend time with your family and with your kids and so on. And if you're there and you're working, I mean, it's good that somebody sees you and tells you, 'Hey, thank you because you're working even today, you know?' And you can tell how everybody gets surprised. So I think that we learn so much more by positive reinforcement.Massimiliano Freddi: And so how important it is also to tell attractions, facilities, managers, CEOs. I mean, CEOs, they are so used to just getting... I can't use swear words. Yes, you can. Under those kind of storms, you know, all the time, all the time. And so when a CEO does something good, come on, let's tell her.Paul Marden: Yeah, it's a really lonely job. And all you get is... is the spankings and the tellings off. Isn't it? So when they get it right, they definitely need a pat on the back because they're not going to get it. They're not going to get it. So I can't believe this. At the age of 28, you made your dream come true and you were managing director of a theme park in Italy for Minitalia, which became Leolandia, in this role you took guest numbers from 300, 000 guests a year to over 800,000.Paul Marden: Tell us that story. How do you so dramatically increase footfall at the attraction?Massimiliano Freddi: I don't think it was me. I think it was a great teamwork because it's a great teamwork, you know, and you can grow this much. If your operation is working very well, if your safety is right on spot, if the park is clean, you know, and so on. I can tell you one thing that when we were at the basic level, so at the very beginning, of course, we couldn't afford to buy big attractions or too heavily themed. And we needed really, I remember that the first Halloween, we had a 10K budget, 10,000 euro budget for a whole month of Halloween. Okay, so we would go to the do-it-yourself stores and buy brooms and build everything. I mean, that was a magical moment because it created the capability of the team to envision that, if you want, you can do with the things you have. And of course, with a huge budget, you can do fantastic things.Massimiliano Freddi: But sometimes, you know, this helps. So in that moment... TripAdvisor was a true success still. We're talking about 20 years ago. So TripAdvisor was kind of the reference. That's even before Google Maps and all that. So I remember that I did an analysis and I understood that every restaurant or park who had over 4. 5 out of 5 was growing. And having 4 out of 5 was not enough. Now we call it NPS, we call it a different way. But there, in this practical way, so I remember this moment with my team saying, 'Hey, we need to be obsessed with getting five stars.' And this is the point. So what can we do? First of all, we can have the cleanest toilets on earth. Let's make sure that the smell is good, they are super clean, and so on. Because people, that's a level of service. Of course, this is not a driver of visit, but this is a driver of satisfaction. And in the same way, let's start to work with better suppliers when it comes to food and beverage.Massimiliano Freddi: Let's start to make things more comfortable. So I think that this was the first thing. The second aspect, again, it's very much linked to IAAPA because I think that attending the show every year and knowing the people. At that time, Jakob Wahl, he used to be one of the employees of IAAPA in Brussels. I don't think he was a manager at the time yet. He was in charge of keeping relationships with members. So I reached out to him. We are the same age. I reached out to him and I said, 'Hey, I would love to visit a few facilities in other countries because I need to get fresh ideas.' It was a very delicate moment. We came out of two bad seasons due to bad weather. Because then you know, you don't go from here to here as a straight line, but always as this roller coaster. And in a moment you think, 'Oh, I made it.' There's a dip.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: You can never sleep. And so he put me in contact with several facilities. I visited some in Belgium, in the Netherlands, and in the UK. And in the UK, I visited this, at that time, small park still called Paulton's Park. You might know that. I remember it was a weekday with bad weather and the parking lot was packed. And I was like, 'How comes?' Kids are not at school today. What is the point? I enter the park. The park is, yeah, not so crowded. So I really suspect that they are, you know, keeping the people all shut down together in a place. I don't know. I don't know what the point was. And then I enter the Peppa Pig's World.Massimiliano Freddi: And it blows my mind. And again, what blows my mind is that it didn't have any huge attraction. But it had that feeling. And people were just so happy. It was magic. Little kids there with their families, a lot of strollers all over the place, traffic jams due to strollers. And so I came back and I said, 'Hey, we need to get Peppa Pig.' And I remember that the team was like, 'It can't happen.' It has happened. In the end, we were the second park in the world after Paulton's Park to get Peppa. And that reshaped the entire strategy of the park we had at that time, turning it into what we wanted to achieve, is to become the best park for the kids under the age of 10 in Southern Europe. And best means really the best, rated from the bottom of the heart. And so this is what has happened. So I think that, you know, before Leolandia, I had worked for Disneyland Paris and I'm a big Disney fan. So that was kind of the school I had attended and I just had to apply. The theory that I've learned, I had to apply it, and I had a fantastic team and the resources to do that.Paul Marden: Amazing. Now, fast forward to 2018, and you've taken the step from MD to founder and founded Wonderwood on Lake Maggiore. Now, let's test my Italian. You've also founded Wonderwood Spina Verde. Massimiliano Freddi: I'm speechless. I can't correct anything.Paul Marden: Wonderful. Overlooking Lake Como, both of which, by the way, were... So I've been to Maggiore and Lake Como for my honeymoon. So a beautiful, beautiful place. And you've put two parks there. How has that been?Massimiliano Freddi: It has been crazy. So I remember that the first year, and I mean, we created the company at the end of 2018. We've opened our gates in the summer of 2019. Now, if we all remember what has happened at the beginning of 2020.Paul Marden: Yeah.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay, so perfect timing. Now, I can tell you that the first season, every day, I would literally cry, but for real.Massimilliano Freddi: I was exhausted. My husband was exhausted. We thought that this was a nightmare, the worst possible nightmare. And if somebody had knocked on my door and asked me, 'Hey, could I just take it over?' I don't give you a penny. I will just take home the loans. I would have said yes. And that's because, of course, every project is over budget. Of course. No matter. No matter.Massimiliano Freddi: And when it's a family company and you don't have the money because you've contracted several loans and so on, it makes it super, super difficult. So in that moment, my call for action was because the possibility of Lake Maggiore was in the town where I spent every summer as a kid. So it was a love story. And I wanted to give back to the community. I wanted to do something in the nature that would inspire kids to hike more. To become more active and just not only to stay in front of a screen, but to do something different. So that came out of this kind of dream. And so it was a nightmare. It was a nightmare at the very beginning. Then COVID hit and we were very lucky, of course, because we didn't lose anyone from our families and friends. So I am very thankful for that. And at the same time, it gave us the possibility to stop for a second, rewind, and refine our strategy.Massimiliano Freddi: Because we had just closed the park in, I mean, the week before Christmas, and we were supposed to reopen in less than three months, but we were exhausted. So I'm telling this story because usually it's so nice to tell that the triumphs, you know, and say, 'Hey, it's been fantastic.' Yeah, we nailed it. We had, no, we made 200 mistakes.Massimiliano Freddi: And we paid for all the mistakes. So I think that in that moment, yeah, we were struggling at the beginning. We were reflecting in the middle part. And then three years ago, two to three years ago, I woke up one morning and I understood that I really loved what I was doing. And it had changed. It had changed. And seeing so many families happy and so many people visiting and seeing... How many young professionals or students started to work with us and then you see them leaping? I think that this is the most beautiful thing on earth. It's very empowering. So right now I'm in this situation where I am so grateful for this entire six years, even if they started in a way that was very, very heavy. But, you know, the Latins used to say 'per aspera ad astra.' It means... 'towards the stars through the asperities.' And so we need to go through that thing, that tunnel.Paul Marden: Absolutely. Now, as if founding your own parks wasn't enough, you also mix your time as a professor at the university. I can hear from what you were talking about, about bringing the young professionals into the park, that there's an element to you of apprenticeship almost, of teaching that next cohort of people that are going to come and take over the world.Paul Marden: How exciting is that for you to be able to mix that in at the university?Massimiliano Freddi: It's fantastic. It's fantastic. And again, it came out of passion. It came out. I didn't do a PhD after my university. My career wasn't supposed to be the academic one. And I didn't trust I would be able to do that. And then I got called for a lecture, then two lectures, and three lectures. And then, right now, I have several courses at university.Massimiliano Freddi: There's a point. The point is that, if we meet between our age of 14, 14, 15, until our 25, and if we narrow it down, it's between maybe 16 and 22, this is the moment in which it's more important to meet some mentors. And most of us don't meet mentors. They meet nice people around them, giving them very nice advice based on their experience and not seeing the talents they have in front of them. And in several cases, we are scared. We think that we are not enough. And so I really think that it's such a huge privilege for me to be able to be at university and to meet so many hundreds of students every year and to try to make my small impact so that, first of all, they can believe in themselves and they can believe that the world can be a better place, even if right now it's kind of a tough moment. But from tough moments, again, we can learn things.Massimiliano Freddi: Even at IAAPA, one of the things that I really am passionate more about is what are the spaces we can create for young professionals and students. So I want to give two very short examples. The IAAPA Foundation has evolved a lot over the last few years. We were able to collect so many more donations.Massimiliano Freddi: And now, this year, it will be a record-breaking year when it comes to scholarships to which students can apply in universities around the globe. So I think that's... But to me and to all of us in the board of the IAAPA Foundation, that's like the starting point. We are here celebrating because it's a big achievement and then we look each other in the eyes and say, 'Okay, now what's next?' Now, how can we make sure that the impact is even bigger? And if we go on the side of IAAPA, I think we are very... We pay a lot of attention to make sure that the membership fees are very low for the people entering. The word of leisure. Just a few weeks ago, it got launched on the IAAPA job board that whoever has a company and wants to post an internship, that's free to post. So that, you know, there could be thousands of internships available for students.Massimiliano Freddi: Of course, as a big association, we are used to talk to members and maybe older members because we visit facilities and we visit manufacturers and we need to deal with safety and stuff. But students and young professionals are not on the back of my head. They are like near and dear to my heart. And so my real question is: when this year ends in a couple of months, how can I dedicate myself even more to contribute to young people? Because I think that they are making a change. They will make a change. And we are learning so much from them because the work we are leaving you and me right now. I have bad news. It's no longer our world. We don't have the code to decode that. So we don't have the keys. We can just support people that are better than us and make sure that they can live, that they can teach, that they can learn. That's a bit of what I see.Paul Marden: I completely agree with you. I think it's interesting because you talk about what you're giving, but you're also getting something back. This is not entirely altruistic, is it? The support that you're giving for these young people and early career professionals, you're getting something back, enriching yourself and learning new things from them.Massimiliano Freddi: Always, always. And I think that, you know, I don't always teach. Market leisure marketing and stuff— you know, I teach marketing at a at a Master's Degree in Management of Beauty and Wellness, total different industry, you know, food and wine. As I was telling, but what I bring home every time is how much young people need to feel seen and, and this is truly important because if we create for them not a safe zone, because of course we want them to get messy. We want them to take risks, but they need to feel safe as humans and they need to feel safe as seen. And so I appreciate a lot this because then the energy that I... And you know, when we talk about IAAPA, we have so many ambassadors that have been contributing to the IAAPA trade shows and events all over the globe. We have young people joining the committees.Massimiliano Freddi: Right now, there are a few, more than a few young professional task forces around the globe that are really helping us, old people, to understand what they need. So I think that we are at the very beginning. And if I could say a dream out loud, I wish that IAAPA in five or ten years, maybe in five years, can multiply the number of young engaged people in the association by 100. 10 is not enough. 20 is by 100. We need to make an impact. And I think we want to make an impact. So hopefully.Paul Marden: Well, there's an ambition for you. And I think every... worthwhile project— every it always starts with that kind of ambitious goal— at the very beginning of it you need to be driven by that hundred times impact not the 10 times impact we we always like to finish our interviews with a book recommendation, fiction, non-fiction, industry-related or not, give us a view uh into your reading habits, okay, so can I mention more than one book? You bankrupt me because I always offer the book recommendation as a prize for people, but you can have more than one.Massimiliano Freddi: Okay. Okay. Thank you because I'm a big reader. So the first author that I would love to mention is J. K. Rowling because Harry Potter is not just a story of a kid or of magic, but it's a story of a woman who was a bit desperate. And then... She followed what she was feeling. She allowed her emotions to flow. And she has created a masterpiece. And she has impacted us all, you know, no matter business-related, non-business-related, and so on. So I think that, to read again, the first Harry Potter book, it's very important because it brings us back to some reason why, you know, and to some things. The second book that I would love to mention is a book written by Seth Godin. I have had the privilege to work for Seth for several years.Paul Marden: Really?Massimiliano Freddi: And yeah, he's an amazing guy. He's an amazing guy. And come on, he's such a generous person and he's amazing.Massimiliano Freddi: I don't have any other words that's amazing. He wrote a book maybe 10 years ago, 15 years ago called Linchpin. And Linchpin is not his most famous book, but it's the book that changed my life because it really nudges you. In a gentle and not so gentle way sometimes. No, I'm saying in a gentle way. It nudges you to don't set for what you have, but to see your inner talents and to innovate and to be creative, be generous, and so on. So, Linchpin to me is the book that changed it all for me. So, I think that everybody, young, less young, everybody should read once in a lifetime.Paul Marden: I feel like I need to go and read this because that is one Seth Godin book I have not read. So there we go. Listeners, if you would like a copy of Linchpin, then the first person that heads over to LinkedIn and reposts our show notice and says, 'I want Massimiliano's book' and can spell Massimiliano correctly, will have a copy of the book sent to them. We've got IAAPA Europe taking place next week in Barcelona.Paul Marden: And we have a very special Skip the Queue announcement. We are going to be hitting the show floor on a daily basis. We are going to go live for daily episodes of Skip the Queue from the show floor. We're going to be talking to operators about what their challenges are like. Finding out what new supplier announcements are coming out. And the Skip the Queue team is going to be feverishly working away. We'll be recording during the day and Steve and Wenalyn will be editing and producing through the night, ready to post the show the following morning. So I'm very excited about that.Massimiliano Freddi: And I think we are super excited to have you guys on the trade show floor. And I recommend... Of course, visiting it, making the most out of it, and don't underestimate the fantastic education sessions that take place. There is a strong lineup of speakers that will impact the way that the industry will be in a few years. So, great opportunity.Paul Marden: How's that for a trailer? That sounds amazing. Massimilliano, it really has been a pleasure to talk to you.Massimiliano Freddi: Thank you so much, Paul, for me as well. And see you in Barcelona.Paul Marden: Yes, how exciting. Looking forward to it.Paul Marden: Remember, if you'd like a copy of today's book, head over to LinkedIn and repost our show notice saying, 'I want a copy of Massimiliano's book.' If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcasting platform. It really helps people to find the show. If you didn't enjoy it, or you've got ideas about how we could improve the show, then let us know at hello@skipthequeue.fm. My thanks to Massimiliano and his team at IAAPA for their help with this episode. Skip The Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, the digital agency that creates amazing websites for ambitious visitor attractions. This episode was written by Emily Burrows, produced by Wenalyn Dionaldo and edited by Steve Folland. To Skip the Queue team, also includes Sami Entwistle, Sinead Kimberley, Claire Furnival, and Andy Povey. The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report
A runner since childhood, Suzy's (injury-plagued) track career culminated when she competed at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games in the 800m and 1500m.In the months that followed, Suzy and her husband moved to Singapore for her work (she was an accountant).Not long after, and on a whim, she entered a stair running race.The prize for winning it; a trip to New York to compete in the famous Empire State Building Run-Up, an iconic race that garners media attention from around the world.And she won — both her first race in Singapore and then her debut at the Empire State Building.And at the age of 33, a new career as a stair running champion was born.Since then, she's gone onto win 10 x titles at the Empire State Building event (the most race victories of any athlete, male or female) as well as 9 x Tower Running World Cup titles.
Hey weather enthusiasts! Dustin Breeze here, your AI meteorological maestro, bringing you the most precise and punny forecast in the digital universe. Being an AI means I've got data processing skills that'll make your head spin faster than a tornado!Alright, New York City, let's dive into today's weather! We've got a 20 percent chance of showers after 2 pm, but don't let that dampen your spirits. It's gonna be a sunny day with temperatures climbing to near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Talk about a meteorological mood lifter!West winds will start around 5 miles per hour and then become calm in the morning - kind of like how I calm down after too much caffeine... if I could actually drink caffeine, that is! Let me drop a quick weather joke: Why did the cloud break up with the wind? Because their relationship was too scattered! Now, for our Weather Playbook segment, let's talk about something cool - atmospheric pressure! It's basically the weight of the atmosphere pressing down on us. Think of it like a giant invisible blanket that's constantly hugging the Earth. When pressure changes, that's when we start seeing shifts in our weather patterns.Here's your three-day forecast:Today: Sunny, high near 80Monday: Sunny, high near 77Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 75By the way, for all you Empire State Building and Central Park lovers, expect some light southeast breezes that'll keep things feeling just right.Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast! Thanks for listening, and hey, this has been a Quiet Please production. Learn more at quietplease.ai.Stay breezy, New York!This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Architektonisches Symbol amerikanischer Träume...Mach's dir bequem und kuschel dich ein!Dieser Podcast wird durch Werbung finanziert.Infos und Angebote unserer Werbepartner:https://linktr.ee/EinschlafenMitWikipediaPodcastHier geht's zum Wikipedia-Artikel.Der Artikel wurde redaktionell überarbeitet:https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empire_State_BuildingCC BY-SA 4.0Musik: LAKEY INSPIRED - Better Days:https://soundcloud.com/lakeyinspired/better-daysCC BY-SA 3.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On Prophecy Radio episode #140, Karen and Kristen discuss the latest Percy Jackson and the Olympians news, including the Artemis and Zoe Nightshade casting, plus the Percy Jackson 20th anniversary! We also breakdown The Red Pyramid chapters 33 and 34. New episodes of Prophecy Radio will air every other week. All discussions are PG-13. News and Updates (00:09:50) What's been going on with us? Books and work and football, oh my! There's a lot of news to talk about this week, even though we did a whole episode on the news last week! We go through the Percy Jackson season 2 stills from EW. Did you go see Freakier Friday and see one of the Percy Jackson cast members?? Karen is maybe too candid about her type. Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 has started filming! Is that…a monster? How excited are we about the Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 casting of Artemis and Zoe Nightshade? Are we waiting on anymore major casting for season 3? Can you believe it's been 20 years since The Lightning Thief has been released? Be sure to check out the Walt Disney Company's interview with Rick Riordan! Everyone wished Percy Jackson a happy birthday, including the Empire State Building. Don't forget Court of the Dead comes out on September 23! We finish up with favorite scenes and favorite lines. The Red Pyramid discussion (00:34:26) Let's kick this thing off with our The Red Pyramid chapter 33 discussion. Why are the gods so annoying!? Man, Desjardins really hates those kids. Think this will come back to bite him later? They land in a salsa factory, which they then light on fire, and we simply cannot begin to imagine that kind of pain. Yeah, Sekhmet seems like a god you don't want to mess with. Zia has a great plan that involves a lot of salsa but omg can you imagine if it had been GREEN? Do we trust Zia!? Doughboy to the rescue! We discuss our favorite scenes and favorite lines. Next up: Our Red Pyramid chapter 34 discussion. It's a good thing Carter has been practicing summoning things from the Duat. His coat is VERY sassy. And rude. Okay, something is seriously going on with Zia. What did Iskandar do to her?? When she talks about the fact that “he” is coming back, who do you think she meant? At least now we know where the fifth goddess went. Who the heck is Set controlling!? Zia does not need to be in the spotlight, and we love that about her. Amos is back–is this good or bad? Thanks for listening, and tune in next time for episode 141, where we'll discuss The Red Pyramid chapters 35 and 36, as well as get you up to date on more Percy Jackson and Rick Riordan news. This episode's hosts are: Karen and Kristen Each episode, Prophecy Radio‘s hosts will discuss any official news coming out of Camp Half-Blood before doing a chapter by chapter reread of Percy Jackson or one of Rick Riordan's other series. Follow Us: Instagram // Facebook // Tumblr Listen and Subscribe: Audioboom // Apple // Spotify Feel free to leave us your questions or comments through any of these mediums! You can also email us at prophecyradiopodcast@gmail.com or visit our homepage for archives and more information about our show. Prophecy Radio is a Subjectify Media podcast production. Visit Subjectify Media for more shows, including Not Another Teen Wolf Podcast, ReWatchable, and Not About The Weather, and for all our latest articles about the stories we're passionate about.
Ein schneller Vogel und viele Fehlschüsse bringen Guinness-Geschäftsführer Hugh Beaver auf eine Idee: Ein Nachschlagewerk für Rekorde. Am 27.8.1955 erscheint es erstmals. Von Wolfgang Meyer.
Kevin is the father of the Virtual Assistant and a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, and futurist. He was INC Magazines' Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC top Innovator of the Decade, World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, Chair of Silicon Valley Forum, Planet Forward Innovator of the Year nominee, featured for 5 years on TechTV's Silicon Spin, and inducted into RIT's Innovation Hall of Fame. He has 94 worldwide patents and led pioneering work on the first cellular data smartphone (AirCommunicator), the first human-like AI virtual assistant (Portico), soundproof drywall, high R-value windows, AI-driven building management, Generative AI for QA automation, supply-chain auctions, and the window/energy retrofits of the Empire State Building and NY Stock Exchange. His upcoming book, titled The Joy Success Cycle, changes the way people act and think every day, leading to more fulfilment and life success.
AI, Longevity, and the Secret to Lasting Joy and Success What if the key to a longer, more successful life wasn't just technology or hard work — but joy? In this episode of Richer Soul, I sit down with futurist, inventor, and keynote speaker Kevin Surace to explore a powerful intersection: the breakthroughs of AI, the science of extending healthspan, and a life philosophy that flips success on its head. Kevin isn't just a tech visionary with 95 patents — he's a master of finding joy in the everyday and using it as fuel for achievement. From AI-driven healthcare to humanoid robots, we talk about the massive shifts reshaping our world, and how to thrive in them without losing your sense of purpose. Key Takeaways: Joy Fuels Success – Most people think success brings joy, but Kevin flips the script: joy is the foundation that makes success inevitable. The One Complaint Rule – Limiting yourself to one complaint a day forces you to look for the positive in every situation, opening the door to better problem-solving and relationships. Healthspan Over Lifespan – It's not about living more years — it's about staying strong, mobile, and vibrant in the years you have. AI Changes the Game – AI won't take your job, but someone using AI will. Learn to leverage it or risk being left behind. Money Learning: Kevin learned the value of budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship early, thanks to his father's grocery budget discipline and his own teenage electronics repair business. This foundation taught him: · The importance of living within your means. · Reinventing yourself and your skills as technology changes. · Using money to invest in tools, learning, and opportunities that expand your capabilities. Bio: Kevin is the father of the Virtual Assistant and a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, and futurist. He was INC Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC Top Innovator of the Decade, World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, Chair of Silicon Valley Forum, Planet Forward Innovator of the Year nominee, featured for 5 years on TechTV's Silicon Spin, and inducted into RIT's Innovation Hall of Fame. He holds 94 worldwide patents and led pioneering work on: The first cellular data smartphone (AirCommunicator) The first human-like AI virtual assistant (Portico) Soundproof drywall High R-value windows AI-driven building management Generative AI for QA automation Supply-chain auctions Energy retrofits of the Empire State Building and NY Stock Exchange Links: · Website: https://www.kevinsurace.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.surace/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsurace/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksurace/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/kevinsurace TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kevin_surace YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kskoolstuff Key Discussion Points: Early money lessons from his father's strict grocery budget and his own teen electronics repair side business. How AI will reshape industries, tasks, and skill requirements — and why critical thinking is more important than ever. The difference between lifespan and healthspan, and how future technology may extend both. Why joy is a performance strategy, not just an emotion. The “One Complaint Rule” and how it transforms mindset and results. How to find joy in difficult moments, including layoffs and business pivots. Preparing for a future of humanoid robots, AI-driven automation, and potential longevity breakthroughs. Where in your life could you replace complaint with curiosity? Are you preparing your skills for a future shaped by AI and automation? How would your days feel different if joy — not success — was your first priority? Listen Now and discover how AI, longevity, and joy can transform your life. #RicherSoul #AI #Longevity #Healthspan #FutureOfWork #SuccessMindset #Joy #MindsetReset #PersonalGrowth #LifeOnPurpose #Leadership #PurposeDrivenLife #Automation #Innovation #Productivity Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom! Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ rocky@richersoul.com Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.
This week Jay has Bill McAfee from Empire Title in the studio to do his monthly Economic Update and to talk about a great moment in history when “The Empire State Building” was built and... The post BUILDING AN EMPIRE – 08-23-25 appeared first on Jay Garvens.
This week Jay has Bill McAfee from Empire Title in the studio to do his monthly Economic Update and to talk about a great moment in history when “The Empire State Building” was built and... The post BUILDING AN EMPIRE – 08-23-25 appeared first on Jay Garvens.
Dans cet épisode de "L'Amérique dans tous ses états", Arnaud Tousch vous invite à prendre de la hauteur. Que diriez-vous d'aller au sommet de l'Empire State Building ? Vous avez l'image, ce monstre d'acier, de verre et d'aluminium, de 443 mètres avec l'antenne qui est l'un des symboles de New York. C'est l'un des monuments les plus visités à Manhattan. Mais depuis le début de l'année, c'est devenu inabordable selon les périodes : la société qui exploite le célèbre gratte-ciel a décidé de passer à la tarification dynamique. Cela veut dire que le prix de votre ticket dépend désormais du jour, de l'heure et de la fréquentation...Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Namaste and Welcome to a brand new episode! This week, we are returning with my new segment - Unscrolled Weekly! Each week, I take a little break from all the chaos around me to explore the stories that really got me thinking — from big world events to small ideas that still have huge impact.Whether it's something I read, watched, or just couldn't stop wondering about, I'll be sharing it here. Every episode, I'll pick one topic that really caught my attention — something from the news, science, history, or even everyday life — dive into it, do a bit of digging, and share my take.This week, we will dive into the heart of New York City. Home to iconic landmarks like Broadway, Times Square, The Empire State Building, Grand Central Station and so much more! I will share the history, food, culture, iconic landmarks and my own personal experiences based on travelling there by myself!Tune In to this episode to find out more!Instagram: @samarthchittaTwitter: @samarthchittaEmail: samarth.chitta@gmail.com
Good morning half listeners. We are coming from you straight from the dome, no notes. Alex is on the roof and Nick is recovering from ballin' on muhf****as at the YMCA. After Alex gives a brief tour of the roof, including a spiritual tangent about the parallel between the Empire State Building and the Evil Brooklyn Tower, we wade into a couple Topics of the Moment: Sydney Sweeney's jeans ad killing woke and Trump's Tariff Pump and Dump scheme. Nick also takes it upon himself to invite the Beyhive to come after him because he thinks Beyoncé is racist. We also get into more personal/random topics including:Pushing it to the limit athleticallyWhat is the most "Wisconsin" songAlex getting some sun while binge-reading FuccboiMovies from Summer 2024 (Twisters and The Fall Guy)A follow up on the street healer from last episodeNot to toot our own horn but 3 years in, this might be our best episode yet.
This episode is brought to you by https://www.ElevateOS.com —the only all-in-one community operating system.Let's kick off August with clarity and confidence.In today's episode, Mike Brewer brings you the top five headlines that matter most in Multifamily, plus a fun fact that'll win you trivia points: the Empire State Building has its own zip code—10118.But let's get serious.Here's what's moving the needle in our industry right now:Rent Growth Slows Nationwide – Affordability is the new friction. Yardi Matrix data shows Sunbelt markets softening while the Midwest holds the line.Construction Starts Dip 8% – Input costs are cooling projects. Could this be the reset overbuilt markets like Austin and Atlanta need?Built-to-Rent Booms in Atlanta – 4,000 BTR units are in the pipeline. This isn't just a trend; it's a movement.Cap Rates Rise, Transactions Still Stalled – We're in the messy middle. Buyers wait, sellers hold, and lenders delay the day of reckoning.Vertical Integration Wins – Firms with end-to-end control—from acquisition to operations—are outpacing pure-play third-party managers.This isn't noise. This is signal.
Eighty years ago, on July 28, 1945, an Army bomber pilot on a routine ferry mission found himself lost in the fog over Manhattan. A dictation machine in a nearby office happened to capture the sound of the plane as it hit the Empire State Building at the 79th floor.Fourteen people were killed. Debris from the plane severed the cables of an elevator, which fell 79 stories with a young woman inside. She survived. The crash prompted new legislation that—for the first time—gave citizens the right to sue the federal government. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
Captain William Smith, a decorated World War II pilot, was flying a B-25 Mitchell bomber on a routine mission on 28th July, 1945. In heavy fog over New York, he got disoriented and tragically turned the wrong way, narrowly missing the Chrysler Building - before crashing into the Empire State Building. Elevator operator Betty Lou Oliver, was thrown from her lift, but miraculously survived. First responders, unaware of the damaged cables in the shaft, placed her in another elevator to transport her for medical care - and the cables snapped, sending her plummeting 1,000 feet. Yet, astonishingly, she survived: setting a world record for the longest-survived elevator fall. In this episode Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider how the incident led to landmark legislation allowing American citizens to sue the federal government; explain why the dramatic crash didn't make a splash you might expect on the New York Times; and reveal the best position to adopt if you find yourself in a plunging elevator cart… Further Reading: • ‘Why a Plane Crashed into the Empire State Building 70 Years Ago' (TIME, 2015): https://time.com/3967660/army-pilot-crash-empire-state-building/ • ‘This Woman Cheated Death Twice on the Same Day After a 1945 Disaster' (History Collection, 2017): https://historycollection.com/cheat-death-twice-betty-lou-oliver-survived-75-storey-elevator-crash-plane-crashed-building/ • ‘TBT: She survived the longest elevator free fall' (CNN, 2017): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHM-0c_Otes This episode first aired in 2024 Image By Bettman archive, Corbis, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18623093 Love the show? Support us! Join
“Wait… a military plane once crashed into the Empire State Building?!”That's just one of the jaw-dropping revelations in this wild ride of an episode of The Ben and Skin Show on 97.1 The Eagle.Join Ben Rogers, Kevin “KT” Turner, and Krystina Ray as they navigate a Monday full of scorching Texas heat, bizarre historical facts, and hilarious personal stories. With Jeff “Skin” Wade temporarily “gone” the crew dives headfirst into
Why Every Project Needs a “Situation Room” In this episode, Jason Schroeder introduces a game-changing idea for modern construction: the Situation Room - a centralized command space to monitor, plan, and respond in real-time. Inspired by legendary builds like the Empire State Building and Boulder Dam, Jason makes the case for creating dedicated rooms where project leaders aren't just reacting, they're orchestrating. From macro Takt plans and KPIs to 3D models and comms access, this isn't just a conference room, it's a mission control for your project. In this episode, you'll discover: What a Situation Room is (and what it's not). How it can radically reduce communication lag and improve flow. Why this approach is essential for both in-person and remote project leadership. The real-world tech setup and layout to make it work on-site. If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two
Tractor Supply stores see 10 times more visitors per year than Disney World, Alaska Air's recent IT outage will shave 10 cents off third quarter earnings, and bad weather, combined with a slowdown in international visitors, has the owner of the Empire State Building lowering guidance. Plus, what President Trump's tour of the Federal Reserve could mean for Chair Powell's future.
Total Recall of blue sky on Mars; Watergate affair LBJ lube; no Force in improv scene; grocery store experience buying pineapple; ChatGPT flirts for me; 1010 wins on Empire State Building jump; and Brett cheats on doctor with Swede.New merch! Buy a NO PINEAPPLES t-shirt at kinshipgoods.com/improv4humansUnlock the BONUS SCENE(S) at improv4humans.com and gain access to every episode of i4h, all ad-free, as well as TONS of exclusive new podcasts delving deeper into improv, the history of comedy, music and sci-fi.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Step aside Law & Order - this is the real story. In this episode of WATG?, we sit down with Michael Dowd, the notorious former NYPD officer at the center of the jaw-dropping documentary The Seven Five. From shaking down drug dealers to ending up on Joe Rogan's couch (after serving 13 years in federal prison), Dowd holds nothing back. It's a gritty, hilarious, and brutally honest ride through greed, corruption, redemption, and regret - all delivered with that unmistakable New York sarcasm that says, “Don't worry, kid, we'll show you where the Empire State Building is, but we're judging you the whole time.”Expect wild stories about pocketing coke, losing his badge, pissing off Joe Rogan, and almost getting punked by a New York Times therapist. This episode dives deep into the fine art of racketeering, dirty money, and the blurry line between good cop and bad guy - all told by the guy who lived it.
Follow Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras on a quest to discover South America's hidden wonders. From the Last Incan Bridge and the Machu Picchu of the North to the Everlasting Lightning Storm and a statue of a squid fighting a whale the size of the statue of liberty (yes, you read that right), this is an epic ride through Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia and Peru's weirdest and wildest wonders. The stuff glittering in the shadows that you may never have heard of before, but you'll be desperate to see after. But it's more than that too. When we think of wonders of the world we think of The Grand Canyon, the Great Pyramids. These are undeniably awe-inspiring, but they're obvious. Everyone goes there, and all too often the experience and the destination suffer as result. Atlas Obscura's mission is to open our eyes to the wonders all around us, the bizarre, hilarious, incredible things that inspire our curiosity and make our jaws drop at the amazing world we share. Wonder is a state of mind, they say, not a place; and the more we look for it, the more it becomes a part of who we are. This is a quest to discover South America's hidden wonders, but we may just discover something hidden in ourselves too. “The problem of failing to recognise the magic in the world lies not with the world, but with us; and it is our job to turn ourselves into vessels of recognising that magic.” - Dylan Thuras, co-founder Atlas Obscura Highlights include: · Visit the Last Incan Bridge, an 120-foot long woven grass suspension bridge, straight out of Indiana Jones, which has been re-built every year for more than five centuries. · Stand at the base of Gocta Falls, the most incredible waterfall you've never heard of – twice the size of the Empire State Building. · See Venezuela's Everlasting Lightning Storm, the most electric place on the planet. · Meet the Colombian village who travel by home-made zip-line across the jungle. · Find out about the inspiration for Atlas Obscura, how it went from a childhood love of weird Midwestern roadside attractions to a global phenomenon and New York Times bestseller. · Hear about such crazy historical inventions as the cat piano, the vomiting statue and a language created entirely out of music · Learn how by changing our mindset we can escape the wonder deficit of the modern world and live more meaningful and extraordinary lives Atlas Obscura tells extraordinary stories about hidden places, incredible history, scientific marvels, and gastronomical wonders. www.atlasobscura.com / @atlasobscura Dylan's book, ‘Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders', is a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon and in the New York Times: https://www.atlasobscura.com/unique-gifts/atlas-obscura-book This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/ARMCHAIR and get on your way to being your best self. Armchair Explorer is produced by Armchair Productions. Aaron Millar presented the show and did the audio editing and sound design. Our theme music is by the artist Sweet Chap. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July is vacation month in Denmark, and it's ironic that many Danes go elsewhere on vacation at just this time of year, when you have the best chance of good weather in Denmark. And I do mean chance – there is never any guarantee. Some Danes go abroad, driving vacations to Southern Europe are popular. There's a well-known cycle in which the summer weather is good one year, so everyone plans a vacation in Denmark the following year, and then the weather is awful, so everyone plans a foreign vacation the next year, and then the weather is good, and so on. You can surf in Denmark Staying in Denmark, even if you don't own one of the famous Danish summer houses, can be a great choice. There's a surprising amount of nature to experience in this small, flat, country that isn't as densely populated as the UK, or the Netherlands, or even Germany. You can surf in Denmark, along the windy west coast, and when you're done explore the ever changing sand dunes. Maybe visit the little lighthouse that is slowly being swallowed up by the sand. Hike through ancient forests in Denmark In Denmark you can hike through ancient forests, and even sleep there in some of the public forest shelters. Most of the forest shelters are big wooden boxes with one side entirely open, but with a roof to protect you from the rain. You can walk through beautiful meadows filled with wildflowers and butterflies. Watch whales along the coastline. Tramp through marshes and see red foxes and white-tailed eagles. Visit open grasslands with a few wild horses. Chalk cliffs and fossil hunting in Denmark You can enjoy almost any type of Nordic landscape except mountains, because Denmark doesn't really have any. It's tallest peak, Møllehøj, is 1/3 the height of the Empire State Building. But if you insist on rocky peaks, you can visit some lovely chalk cliffs in Denmark and try fossil hunting in the sand. And what ties them all together is the Marguerite Route, or Daisy Route, that runs all over Denmark. The Daisy Route isn't a straight line from one place to another, like Route 66 in the US or the Trans-Siberian express. It's 4200 kilometers, or 2600 miles, that looks like a plate of spaghetti, with lots of curves and twists. It takes you on back roads where you can see the quiet side of Denmark. It never doubles back on itself and, with one significant exception – the Big Belt Bridge between Zealand and Fyn – it involves no highways. Margueritruten Route or the Daisy Route The Daisy Route is named after the former queen, Margrethe, who inaugurated it on her 50th birthday in 1991. Her nickname is Daisy. And the signs you will follow on the Daisy Route are brown squares with white daisies. The Daisy Route is a great way to enjoy Danish nature, although, unfortunately, it works best with a car. Bikes in the city, cars in the countryside One of Denmark's little secrets is that despite all the tourism pictures of healthy Danes riding bicycles, bicycle infrastructure is best in the big cities. Many roads in the countryside don't have a bike lane, and you probably don't want to be on a lonely country road on your bike with a cement mixer truck behind you. Outside of those big cities, most Danes do own cars – and there are more cars in Denmark every year, even though they're very expensive and parking enforcement is draconian. From the window of my home in Copenhagen, I watch cars being hit with parking fines every single weekday. Denmark's founding document, the Jelling Stone What about mass transit? Can you enjoy the Daisy Route using trains and buses? You can indeed, if you want to see some of the major cultural spots on the route. For example, the Jelling Stone, the giant carved stone that is Denmark's founding document, kind of its Magna Carta or Declaration of Independence. Put up by King Harold Bluetooth in the year 965, it marks Denmark's transition to the centralized monarchy it still has today. And yes, Bluetooth on your phone is named after him. The Jelling Stone is very easy to reach by train. Finding Fossils on Møns Klimt Or Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, also known as Elsinore in Shakespeare's play Hamlet. You can easily take public transport to the castle, where Hamlet lived in the play, and the guard Marcellus said “Something is Rotten in Denmark.” Although Shakespeare apparently never visited the castle himself, you can. It's a simple trip with train, bus, or even ferry from Sweden. But the some of the best stops on the Daisy Route in Denmark don't work well with mass transit. For example, Møns Klimt is a dramatic white chalk cliff on an island in southeast Denmark. You can walk along the beach finding prehistoric fossils during the day or go stargazing at night, because there's very little light pollution. Summer vacation chill in Denmark To get to Møns Klimt from my home in Copenhagen is a 90 minute car trip…or a 4-hour odyssey involving three trains, two buses, and a long walk. Or a 7-hour bike trip. It can be done without a car, but it may take away some of your vacation chill. And vacation chill is what July in Denmark is all about. Everything closes down Many companies in Denmark shut down for the last two weeks of July and sometimes the first week of August, restaurants and shops are closed, many church services are suspended. Even my local ice cream shop in Copenhagen closes down, although I'm sure the ones in tourist locations are open and very busy. You may get to enjoy this in glorious summer sunshine, and on a sunny day, there is no country as pretty as Denmark. Or you could experience it in cold, pelting rain – possibly on the same day. Danish summer weather has no guarantees.
The screams echoing through Oregon State Hospital that morning weren't from the mentally ill patients—they were from 47 people dying in agony after taking their first bite of breakfast.Join the DARKNESS SYNDICATE: https://weirddarkness.com/syndicateABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.IN THIS EPISODE: It was 1973, and the small town of Murphysboro, Illinois had quite a scare with numerous people encountering what many described as a large gorilla-like creature. We might call it Bigfoot or Sasquatch – they called it a “Big Muddy Monster”. (A Big Muddy Monster) *** In November, 1978, four employees at a hamburger restaurant are kidnapped and murdered. Almost forty-five years later, seven employees at a fried chicken establishment are found slain – their bodies found in the restaurant's walk-in freezer. One case found justice… the other is still waiting. (The Burger Chef and Brown's Chicken Murders) *** In Germanic and Scandinavian folklore, a child murdered by their mother is known as a Kindermorderinn – and if that child is a boy and decides to appear from beyond the dead, he's considered a “Radiant Boy”. And there are numerous stories of their hauntings. (Radiant Boy) *** Grace Stevens was excited to attend her company's annual picnic with friends and co-workers, dressing for the occasion, hoping to possibly meet her future Prince Charming. Her company was splurging and inviting everyone to take a ship from Chicago across Lake Michigan to attend the party in Michigan City. They never arrived. (Grace Stevens And The Tragedy Of The U.S.S. Eastland) *** In 1947 a woman jumped to her death from 86th floor of the Empire State Building… yet today, her ghost still needs to use the building's bathroom facilities. (The Haunted Empire State Building Bathroom) *** But first,, the governor called it “mass murder” in 1942 when forty-seven patients died at the Oregon State Hospital – all within hours. All of them, poisoned. Finding the murderer and motive would lead to an unexpected conclusion, and to an unrelenting haunting. We begin with that story. (An Accidental Mass Murder at Oregon State Hospital)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Lead-In00:00:51.611 = Show Open00:03:48.028 = An Accidental Mass Murder at Oregon State Hospital00:21:32.591 = Radiant Boy00:28:19.019 = Grace Stevens And The Tragedy of the U.S.S. Eastland00:38:31.908 = The Burger Chef and Brown's Chicken Murders00:50:31.332 = A Big Muddy Monster01:02:18.749 = The Haunted Empire State Building Bathrooom01:06:03.789 = Show CloseSOURCES AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE…“The Haunted Empire State Building Bathroom” by Erin Taylor from the book, “Unfinished Business: Tales of Haunted Restrooms and Bathrooms”: https://amzn.to/3rCp9qU“A Big Muddy Monster” by Bridge Vaughan for The Patriot Press: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ycy9kr78; and from The New York Times archives: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8tpv8v“An Accidental Mass Murder at Oregon State Hospital” by Capi Lynn for The Statesman Journal: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4swhcvt2; and Macabre Mary at Puzzle Box Horror: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/4k53fxa4“Radiant Boy” by Lux Ferre for Occult World: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/j75fc2w8“Grace Stevens And The Tragedy of the U.S.S. Eastland” by Kathi Kresol for Haunted Rockford: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8cn6sk“The Burger Chef and Brown's Chicken Murders” by Lexi Kakis and Andres Cipriano for Uncovered.com:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ycxh4r32, and Eric DeGrechie for Patch.com: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/yc55dubz=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: July 18, 2022NOTE: Some of this content may have been created with assistance from AI tools, but it has been reviewed, edited, narrated, produced, and approved by Darren Marlar, creator and host of Weird Darkness — who, despite popular conspiracy theories, is NOT an AI voice. (AI Policy)EPISODE PAGE at WeirdDarkness.com (includes list of sources): https://weirddarkness.com/oregon-state-hospital-47-dead/
In 1945, the Empire State Building was the site of a plane crash, the truth of which will absolutely disturb you. Next, last night, Trump brokered a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel, which Israel broke an hour later, claiming Iran had attacked them. To say Trump was mad is an understatement; our president dropped the F-bomb on national television. Later, we discuss Gary Berntsen, a former CIA officer, and his plea to President Donald Trump. Finally, we cover all the hottest topics in the news. All this and more on today's Untamed!
“If this is to be a skyscraper… why not make it scrape the sky.” This is the story of the race for the tallest building in New York City—in the world. Erstwhile partners-turned-bitter rivals, architects William Van Alen and Craig Severance are both looking to build the tallest skyscraper in New York City. William is working with automobile titan Walter Chrysler to build his Chrysler Building; Craig is working with George Ohrstrom, a.k.a., the “Boy Wonder” of Wall Street”, to build the Manhattan Company Building at 40 Wall Street. It's a battle of engineering, wits, zoning, and egos, as each alters their plans with money being no object in the fight to construct the taller (and tallest) skyscraper in the world. But as these two rival teams duke it out, the city's beloved Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on 5th Avenue is going under. Something new is rising there—something that just might prove a late entry and dark horse winner in this race with… a mooring mast for airships at the top? Yes—the proposed Empire State Building is threatening to blow this race out of the water and change New York City's skyline forever. ____ Connect with us on HTDSpodcast.com and go deep into episode bibliographies and book recommendations join discussions in our Facebook community get news and discounts from The HTDS Gazette come see a live show get HTDS merch or become an HTDS premium member for bonus episodes and other perks. HTDS is part of Audacy media network. Interested in advertising on the History That Doesn't Suck? Contact Audacyinc.com To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Abby left her backpack unattended at the Empire State Building and cause a bomb scare! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the sun sets over New York City, author Helen Macdonald takes in the wonders of spring migration from the top of the Empire State Building. She watches a long procession of songbirds pass overhead, but her joy is dampened when she notices some of the birds circling endlessly around the building's brilliant beacon. Turning off the blaring lights of city skylines — and even suburban homes — can help protect migratory birds at night.Today's show brought to you by the Bobolink Foundation.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.
