Podcasts about English Channel

The UK's Changing Guard: Andy Burnham and the Defense Budget Black Hole. Guest: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley discusses the rise of Andy Burnham in Britain following Keir Starmer's "complete detachment" from the electorate. Burnham must address a massive 45-million-pound black hole in the defense budget. The discussion also covers the intractable problem of illegal immigration across the English Channel and the lack of cooperation from France. 91798 GILRAY

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-30-261893 HMS INFLEXIBLEThe Sloppy Memo of Understanding and Iran's Control of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer.Batchelor and Schanzer discuss a "sloppily" written Memo of Understanding that allows Iran to project control over the Strait of Hormuz. Schanzer notes that while shipping continues, markets remain anxious because Iran is effectively holding international energy hostage. He criticizes the international community's lack of response to this global threat. 1Indefinite IDF Deployments in the Levant and the Strengthening of Turkey. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer explains that the IDF will remain in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely to destroy Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel complexes. He notes that Marco Rubio negotiated a framework emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Tom Barrack is reportedly pressuring Israel while seeking to empower Turkey as Iran's regional influence weakens. 2Volkswagen Layoffs and the Debate Over German Military Conscription. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Judy Dempsey reports on the crisis at Volkswagen, where 100,000 workers face layoffs due to the global shift toward electric vehicles and Chinese competition. These layoffs will ripple through Germany's network of small suppliers. Thaddeus McCotter and Dempsey discuss how these economic shifts compare to the American auto industry's transformation. 3The Ankara NATO Summit and Ukraine's Offensive Against Russia. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Dempsey and McCotter preview the NATO summit in Ankara, which Donald Trump may attend to reward President Erdoğan with fighter jets. The conversation highlights Ukraine's successful drone strikes on Russian refineries and resupply lines. Putin faces pressure from both domestic hawks and a population suffering under war-induced rationing. 4The Escalating Persecution of Christians Within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Mariam Wahba describes how the Iranian regime is using current regional tensions as a pretext to clamp down on domestic Christians. The regime specifically targets converts, labeling them as "Zionist" mercenaries and national security threats. Imprisonment of Christians has surged sixfold as the regime seeks scapegoats for its international military setbacks. 5Iranian Drones and the Proxy War in the Sudan Conflict. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Wahba reports that Iranian drones are fueling a stalemate in Sudan's brutal civil war. Iran sells these weapons for revenue and to gain potential port access on the Red Sea near the Houthis. Egypt is intervening to prevent Islamist victories on its border, while the conflict devolves into a multi-power proxy war. 6Critiquing the 14-Point Memo of Understanding and Operation Epic Fury. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz analyzes the 14-point Memo of Understanding, contrasting Secretary Marco Rubio's "peace through strength" approach with Vice President JD Vance's "restraint." He argues "Operation Epic Fury" failed because it did not secure the Strait of Hormuz before the ceasefire. Berkowitz notes that the administration's goals for the Iranian people became confused during operations. 7Diplomatic Failures and the Unsuccessful Campaign to Quell Iran. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz criticizes the administration for failing to prepare the American public for the Iranian conflict through major policy speeches. He highlights a split between Vance's negotiations with Iran and Rubio's Israel-Lebanon framework. Finally, he compares the current MOU to failed Gaza deals, suggesting the IRGC will never abandon its core mission of war. 8The UK's Changing Guard: Andy Burnham and the Defense Budget Black Hole. Guest: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley discusses the rise of Andy Burnham in Britain following Keir Starmer's "complete detachment" from the electorate. Burnham must address a massive 45-million-pound black hole in the defense budget. The discussion also covers the intractable problem of illegal immigration across the English Channel and the lack of cooperation from France. 9Chilly Conflicts and Fractured Leadership in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley describes the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a "chilly conflict" where Iranian leadership remains fractured and indecisive. While supertankers sail through, both the US and Iran are using the ceasefire to rebuild their depleted arsenals. Copley notes that the IRGC is increasingly taking power away from Iran's clerical leadership. 10Global Defense Shifts in a Multipolar World and the End of Intervention. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley examines the shift toward a multipolar world as countries like Canada and Turkey reduce their dependency on US weapon systems. This "reversion to sovereignty" allows middle powers to play a more independent role. Copley observes that the US is stepping back from its role as the "cop on the beat" except in existential matters. 11King Charles III and the Revitalization of the Royal Navy. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley highlights King Charles III's personal connection to the Royal Navy and his efforts to revitalize the service. Despite budget constraints, the UK is building new capital ships and submarines to maintain maritime power. The King's involvement is seen as crucial for maintaining military morale and national defense during periods of governmental incompetence. 12Disparate Impact, Merit-Based Admissions, and Federal Contracting Reforms. Guest: Michael Toth. Michael Toth discusses the historical use of "disparate impact" as a mechanism for discrimination in university admissions. He details the current administration's efforts to root out racial preferences in federal contracting. Toth argues for a return to merit-based standards to restore the principle of equal justice. 13The Mystery of Third-Party Litigation Finance and its Taxation. Guest: Michael Toth. Toth explains the emergence of third-party litigation finance, where external financial institutions fund tort cases against American companies. He notes this practice is uniquely American and creates a new market for legal conflict. Toth recommends that the Treasurytax these business gains at ordinary income rates rather than treating them as capital gains. 14Domestic Politics, Midterm Perils, and the SAVE Act. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the upcoming midterms, noting that Democrats have reframed "inflation" as "affordability" to distance themselves from economic policies. He discusses the internal "civil wars" within both parties, including the rise of Democratic Socialists and divisions within the MAGA movement. The "SAVE Act" is highlighted as the president's primary political solution. 15Affordability, Energy Prices, and the Short-Term Gains of Midterm Politics. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter observes that all foreign policy eventually becomes domestic, especially through the lens of energy costs. He warns that the administration might prioritize short-term gas price relief over long-term strategic interests in the Middle East. Consequently, providing sanctions relief to Iran could allow the regime to continue funding global terrorism and its nuclear program. 16

Brendan Cullen shares his journey from rural Australia to swimming the English Channel, overcoming mental health challenges, and advocating for rural mental health awareness. Discover his training secrets, personal struggles, and how vulnerability transformed his life. Some highlights: • Brendan's feature in Great Australians and his feelings about it • Training for the English Channel swim and the challenges faced • Advocacy for rural mental health and Brendan’s role in support programs • The power of vulnerability and helping others • Experiences swimming the English Channel and the challenges • Life after the swim: work, recovery, and community • Advice for those struggling with mental health See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: G7 leaders were in for a surprise this week, as President Trump arrived in France with a more measured and cooperative tone than many allies had expected. We'll examine what may be driving the shift and why European leaders believe they made progress in bringing Trump closer to their position on Ukraine. The war with Iran may have permanently changed how Gulf nations think about energy security. We'll explain why the United Arab Emirates is spending billions of dollars on an ambitious plan to eliminate its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz and what that could mean for the future of global energy markets. Plus, an update on the crisis in Haiti, where a newly formed security force is taking the fight directly to the powerful gangs that have terrorized much of the country. And in today's Back of the Brief—a bizarre incident in the English Channel after reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a British yacht, prompting an investigation by U.K. authorities. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief AmmoSquared: Secure your supply and take control of your preparedness at https://AmmoSquared.com  Lifepro Fitness: Discover how to beat puffiness with the Lifepro Waver Vibration Plate—and use code PDB at https://lifeprofitness.com for $20 off plus free shipping! QUO: Make this the season where no opportunity slips away. Try QUO for free PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/PDB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Metro Shrimp & Grits Thursdays is now available on the Spreaker Player!tarting off in the Bistro Cafe, Trump had a 12:15am meltdown on Air Force One after partying at Versailles like it was 1919.Then, on the rest of the menu, Tommy Tuberville's own words could get him disqualified from the Alabama governor's race; the Florida Attorneys General celebrated an appeals court panel lifting the forty-year ban on concealed carry for eighteen to twenty-year-olds; and, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers said the Trump administration removal of ocean observatories is a ‘direct threat' to the Oregon coast.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where Brazil's top court convicted son of ousted President Bolsonaro for coercion; and, a British yacht owner who was fired on by a Russian warship in the English Channel, criticized the UK government for downplaying the incident.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live PlayerKeep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Everyone in this good city enjoys the full right to pursue their own inclinations in all reasonable and, unreasonable ways.” — The Daily Picayune, New Orleans, March 5, 1851Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including US officials releasing details of the peace deal with Iran, which they say includes an end to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. They also discuss a serial killer in the United States who has been sentenced to life without parole, and raids carried out in Germany dealing a “significant blow” to gangs smuggling migrants across the English Channel. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including US officials releasing details of the peace deal with Iran, which they say includes an end to fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. They also discuss a serial killer in the United States who has been sentenced to life without parole, and raids carried out in Germany dealing a “significant blow” to gangs smuggling migrants across the English Channel. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Headlines: Kash Patel allegedly authorized a taxpayer-funded slush fund to pay loyal FBI agents roughly $40,000 each — over a million dollars total — which Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin described as either corrupt cash payments to friends or hush money for agents who witnessed his drinking, and separately, Patel blew the cover of a sealed ongoing investigation by tweeting that the FBI foiled a plot to attack the UFC fight before anyone was supposed to know about it, which the Secret Service was furious about. The plot itself involved five American citizens arrested across four states who planned a drone and gun attack on the White House cage match, motivated by hatred of "capitalist elites" and AIPAC donors. On the corruption beat, Trump's family crypto firm World Liberty Financial is reportedly about to receive a federal banking charter, creating a perfectly smooth legal route for anyone who wants to pay the president directly. Meanwhile, a study from Mike Pence's own think tank found that Trump's tariffs eliminated a million jobs and that 90% of the $265 billion in tariff revenue was paid by American importers rather than foreign countries, which is exactly what economists said would happen. At the G7 in France, Trump still won't reveal the actual terms of the Iran agreement, announced the US would pull some troops out of Europe after European leaders condemned the Iran war, and displayed some concerning physical symptoms that everyone was too polite to mention. A Russian warship fired five warning shots at a British yacht carrying two retirees in the English Channel, which Russia called an "isolated incident" and blamed on the yacht dangerously approaching a warship — a yacht. Secret White House memos revealed by the Haberman/Swan book show the administration seriously debated suspending habeas corpus and invoking the Insurrection Act, with Stephen Miller pushing hard for both until a staff secretary talked him down, which means we came closer to martial law than anyone announced. And the newly renovated $14 million reflecting pool, already covered in algae, is now being treated with hydrogen peroxide poured in gallon by gallon.  Resources/Articles mentioned: MS Now: Kash Patel may have a 'personal slush fund' of taxpayer dollars to pay loyalist agents, says Raskin The Independent: Secret Service enraged at FBI Director Kash Patel after premature announcement about UFC event terror plot: report NBC News: FBI arrests 5 in alleged plot to attack White House UFC event with explosives-laden drones and guns NOTUS: Trump's Family Crypto Firm Is Expected to Get Federal Banking Privileges Fox News: Trump bet tariffs would bring back American factory jobs. New report says it didn't work NYT: Frustrated by Courts, Trump Weighed Suspending a Constitutional Right NYT: After a Bitter Split, European Leaders Play Nice With Trump BBC: Russian warship fires warning shots near UK-registered yacht in Channel The Hill: Workers dump hydrogen peroxide into reflecting pool to fight algae Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Day 1,573.Today, after a Russian warship fires warning shots at an unarmed vessel in the English Channel, we take you to the G7 Summit, where observers are describing a “turning point” in perceptions of Ukraine's progress in the war, as it continues to batter Russian infrastructure and strangle Crimea. We hear live from the ground about what has been unlocked for Kyiv, and later – in our regular segment on life inside Russia – we ask why Vladimir Putin may (or may not) be cracking down on organised crime at a time when public dissatisfaction is reportedly growing and his popularity plummeting.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Host on Ukraine: The Latest). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Diplomatic Editor). @Barnes_Joe on X.James Kilner (Russia Analyst). @Jkjourno on X.Senior Producer: Lilian FawcettVideo Producer: Sophie O'SullivanSocial Producer: Tom SteedStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Editor: Francis DearnleyCreated by David KnowlesNOW IN FULL VIDEO WITH MAPS & BATTLEFIELD FOOTAGE:Every episode is now available on our YouTube channel shortly after the release of the audio version. You will find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@UkraineTheLatest CONTENT REFERENCED:Give us Patriot blueprints so we can make our own, Zelensky tells Trump (Joe Barnes The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/16/zelensky-patriot-blueprints-trump/ Russian warship fires shots at yacht in Channel (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/16/russian-warship-fired-warning-shot-at-yacht-in-channel/ Warning shots should be a last resort. This is a dangerous escalation (Dom Nicholls in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/06/16/russian-warning-shots-channel-dangerous-escalation/ Anti-Putin artist shot dead in Poland car park ‘execution' (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/16/anti-putin-artist-shot-dead-in-poland-car-park-execution/ Sending fuel trucks up in flames, Ukraine tries to cut off Crimea (New York Times):ttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/world/europe/russia-ukraine-crimea-fuel-shortages.html EMAIL US:Contact the team on ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk. We continue to read every message, and seek to respond to as many as possible.HIGHLIGHTS:Russian warship fires shots at boat in English Channel Putin 'hiding in bunkers' as popularity plummets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Russian warships firing warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel, as well as UK ministers working behind the scenes to ease concerns in Washington over Keir Starmer's plan to ban social media for under-16s.

"Just one of those things." A typically British response to an unprecedented act of belligerence. When Alan and Jane Kelvey took their yacht out for a sail across the English Channel, the last thing they expected was to be at the centre of a huge diplomatic incident. But when a Russian-flagged frigate fired warning shots as the couple sailed nearby, it was yet another sign of the breakdown in relations between the Kremlin and the UK. Was this an indirect response to the impounding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker by British forces? Why are Moscow's warships operating so close to the UK coastline in the first place? And is it another example of the Royal Navy's lack of resources? Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke. Have you got a question for Niall? Email us: why@sky.uk

A retired British couple who were on a yacht which had warning shots fired near it by a Russian warship in the English Channel have described the "surreal" experience. Jeremy Clarkson reveals prostate cancer diagnosis in the latest series of Clarkson's Farm and Paddington packs his suitcase to head for Broadway.

A retired British couple sailing in the English Channel found themselves in the crosshairs of a Russian warship — and then they accused the MoD of trying to bury the story. Rear Admiral Chris Parry, former Royal Navy Commander, cuts through the noise to explain exactly who was in the right, why Russian captains are paranoid about suicide vessels, and why Britain's hollowed-out frigate and destroyer force means we simply cannot go toe-to-toe with the Russians when it matters. With arson attacks on the Prime Minister's home, the seizure of a shadow fleet tanker, and now live fire in British waters, the question is no longer whether Russia is testing us — it's whether we have anything left to test back with.Then, rebel Labour MP Karl Turner — who lost the whip for standing up to his own government — gives his blunt verdict on Keir Starmer's disintegrating authority. With the Macclesfield by-election looming and Andy Burnham waiting in the wings, is Labour heading for a coronation or chaos? And with half a million people claiming disability benefits for anxiety alone, will any Labour leader ever make the hard choices Britain desperately needs?Julia Hartley-Brewer broadcasts on Talk from Monday to Thursday, 10AM to 1PM. Available on YouTube and streaming platforms, along with DAB+ radio and your smart speaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Maytham, standing in for Lester Kiewit, speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including Iran telling Israel to stop its attacks in southern Lebanon or face a hard response. They also discuss Britain’s Ministry of Defence investigating claims that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel; and Renault is the latest automobile maker to expand its involvement with the defence industry. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. Lester Kiewit brings you a fresh and reliable start to the day on Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. The show covers the stories that matter to Cape Town, with clear, thoughtful conversations and a focus on what’s relevant and interesting. Thank you for listening. Catch the show live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (South African time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find more from the show, and all catch‑up podcasts on Primedia+ https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT Subscribe to the CapeTalk newsletters to stay up to date https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Let’s keep the conversation going online: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including Iran telling Israel to stop its attacks in southern Lebanon, or face what it called a hard response. They also discuss Britain's Ministry of Defence investigations after a UK-registered yacht said a Russian warship fired warning shots near it, in the English Channel, and Renault becoming the latest car maker to expand its involvement with the defense industry. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bingwa speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including Iran telling Israel to stop its attacks in southern Lebanon, or face what it called a hard response. They also discuss Britain's Ministry of Defence investigations after a UK-registered yacht said a Russian warship fired warning shots near it, in the English Channel, and Renault becoming the latest car maker to expand its involvement with the defense industry. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Maytham, standing in for Lester Kiewit, speaks to world news correspondent John Adderley about major global stories, including Iran telling Israel to stop its attacks in southern Lebanon or face a hard response. They also discuss Britain’s Ministry of Defence investigating claims that a Russian warship fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel; and Renault is the latest automobile maker to expand its involvement with the defence industry. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. Lester Kiewit brings you a fresh and reliable start to the day on Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. The show covers the stories that matter to Cape Town, with clear, thoughtful conversations and a focus on what’s relevant and interesting. Thank you for listening. Catch the show live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (South African time) https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk Find more from the show, and all catch‑up podcasts on Primedia+ https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT Subscribe to the CapeTalk newsletters to stay up to date https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Let’s keep the conversation going online: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports that a Russian warship fired warning shots at a U.K.-registered yacht in the English Channel.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Nigel Farage vows to ban foreign nationals from social housing Assisted dying returns to parliament as MP urges peers to finish the job Boyfriend duties call, Trudeau says after skipping Canada at World Cup to watch Katy Perry Starmer set to ban under 16s from major social media platforms Trump prepares to host UFC cage fights on White House lawn UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader, dies aged 93 UK electric car sales target set to be weakened 11 skydivers and pilot killed in plane crash

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Assisted dying returns to parliament as MP urges peers to finish the job 11 skydivers and pilot killed in plane crash Boyfriend duties call, Trudeau says after skipping Canada at World Cup to watch Katy Perry Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader, dies aged 93 Starmer set to ban under 16s from major social media platforms UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Nigel Farage vows to ban foreign nationals from social housing Trump prepares to host UFC cage fights on White House lawn Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say UK electric car sales target set to be weakened

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Assisted dying returns to parliament as MP urges peers to finish the job Trump prepares to host UFC cage fights on White House lawn Boyfriend duties call, Trudeau says after skipping Canada at World Cup to watch Katy Perry UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel UK electric car sales target set to be weakened Nigel Farage vows to ban foreign nationals from social housing Starmer set to ban under 16s from major social media platforms Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader, dies aged 93 11 skydivers and pilot killed in plane crash

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Roy Hattersley, former Labour deputy leader, dies aged 93 Trump prepares to host UFC cage fights on White House lawn UK electric car sales target set to be weakened UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Assisted dying returns to parliament as MP urges peers to finish the job Nigel Farage vows to ban foreign nationals from social housing Starmer set to ban under 16s from major social media platforms 11 skydivers and pilot killed in plane crash Boyfriend duties call, Trudeau says after skipping Canada at World Cup to watch Katy Perry

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: -First up—reports of a U.S.-Iran agreement continue to swirl, but competing versions of the deal are raising major questions about sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear program, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and whether a broader regional peace is actually within reach. -Later in the show—European efforts to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet continue as British forces intercept a Russian-linked oil tanker in the English Channel, the latest move aimed at disrupting Moscow's sanctions-evasion network. -Plus—President Trump says U.S. forces killed the leader of Venezuela's notorious Tren de Aragua gang during a joint operation with Caracas, marking a significant escalation in the administration's campaign against transnational criminal organizations. -And in today's Back of the Brief—Beijing is warning of one of the strangest intelligence threats we've seen in years, claiming foreign spy agencies are deploying "spy turtles" and "spy fish" equipped with sensors to collect sensitive maritime data in Chinese waters. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Blocktrust: Move your retirement into the next generation of assets, go to https://mikebakercrypto.com now to claim your $2,500 Bitcoin bonus. MUD/WTR: Our listeners get an exclusive deal up to 43% off your entire order when you use code PDB at https://mudwtr.com/PDB  Hexclad: Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/PDB ! #hexcladpartner #sponsored Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Europe correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about new social media restrictions for the UK, as well as British Armed Forces boarding a Russian shadow fleet tanker in the English Channel.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Why the US economy keeps defying the odds UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Tech firms had enough time says Nandy ahead of social media announcement For some Chinese youth, virtual parents are an antidote to loneliness Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princesss son Marius Borg H iby Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Lancaster woman fearful of predators before death, family say As Trump turns 80, whats it like to work as an octogenarian Fifa World Cup Why Haiti v Scotland was an antidote to the ills of world football US Iran peace deal scheduled to be signed on Sunday, says Trump

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princesss son Marius Borg H iby Tech firms had enough time says Nandy ahead of social media announcement UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel As Trump turns 80, whats it like to work as an octogenarian Fifa World Cup Why Haiti v Scotland was an antidote to the ills of world football Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Why the US economy keeps defying the odds Lancaster woman fearful of predators before death, family say US Iran peace deal scheduled to be signed on Sunday, says Trump For some Chinese youth, virtual parents are an antidote to loneliness

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO, that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week…With over 20 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and we've won Gold at the Signal International Podcast awardsIf you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps... Today's episode includes the following:https://x.com/SkyNews/status/2066079426022985809/video/1https://x.com/SkyNews/status/2066093111185457324/video/1 https://x.com/atrupar/status/2066152796429115847/video/1 https://x.com/Acyn/status/2066168775708426345/video/1 https://x.com/BBCPolitics/status/2066096913871450600/video/1 https://x.com/SkyNews/status/2066081902130299349/video/1 https://x.com/SkySportsF1/status/2066186072569126950/video/1 https://youtu.be/gvS5GIkPBQg https://x.com/i/status/2065748114632274394 Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Voiced by Jamie East, using AI, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv As Trump turns 80, whats it like to work as an octogenarian Tech firms had enough time says Nandy ahead of social media announcement For some Chinese youth, virtual parents are an antidote to loneliness Lancaster woman fearful of predators before death, family say US Iran peace deal scheduled to be signed on Sunday, says Trump Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Fifa World Cup Why Haiti v Scotland was an antidote to the ills of world football UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princesss son Marius Borg H iby Why the US economy keeps defying the odds

The United States and Iran announce a deal to halt their war; Ukraine welcomes Britain’s seizure of Russian oil tanker in the English Channel; Swiss voters say no to a population limitation of 10 million. John adderley shares details on these stories with John Maytham. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bongani Bongani Bingwa speaks with John Adderley on major global developments, including reports that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end their conflict. They also discuss Ukraine’s welcome of Britain’s seizure of a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel, which it says deals a blow to Moscow’s war efforts, as well as Switzerland’s voters rejecting a proposal to cap the country’s population at ten million. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Swiss vote against proposal to cap population at 10 million by cutting migration, projections say Tech firms had enough time says Nandy ahead of social media announcement US Iran peace deal scheduled to be signed on Sunday, says Trump For some Chinese youth, virtual parents are an antidote to loneliness Why the US economy keeps defying the odds Lancaster woman fearful of predators before death, family say UK intercepts Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in English Channel Fifa World Cup Why Haiti v Scotland was an antidote to the ills of world football Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princesss son Marius Borg H iby As Trump turns 80, whats it like to work as an octogenarian

Bongani Bongani Bingwa speaks with John Adderley on major global developments, including reports that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end their conflict. They also discuss Ukraine’s welcome of Britain’s seizure of a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel, which it says deals a blow to Moscow’s war efforts, as well as Switzerland’s voters rejecting a proposal to cap the country’s population at ten million. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg-based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team brings you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 6 am to 9 am (SA Time) https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show and catch-up podcasts, visit Primedia+ here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Let’s keep the conversation going online: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States and Iran announce a deal to halt their war; Ukraine welcomes Britain’s seizure of Russian oil tanker in the English Channel; Swiss voters say no to a population limitation of 10 million. John adderley shares details on these stories with John Maytham. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Royal Marine Commandos have boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel in the early hours of Sunday morning.Marines, joined by National Crime Agency officers, with the support of the RAF, intercepted and boarded the vessel in a six-hour operation - the first operation of its kind by UK armed forces.The vessel, Smyrtos, will be held and monitored off the south coast of England as investigations continue, the MoD said.Joe Pike joins Laura and Paddy to go through what we know about the operation, and put it into context in light of a week of resignations over the government's defence investment plan.A full list of candidates and loads more information about the Makerfield by-election is available here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrp1z8n4w2oYou can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes are released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXdNewscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O'Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn. The social producer was Jem Westgate. The technical producer was Gareth Jones. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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

Sir Keir Starmer says Russia has been dealt a 'blow' by British forces intercepting one of President Putin's sanctioned 'shadow fleet' oil tankers in the Channel. Helicopters and Royal Navy frigates were involved in the operation early this morning. Also: Israel has carried out fresh strikes on a suburb of Beirut -- after President Trump said a deal to end the fighting between the US and Iran was scheduled to be signed today. And: Lewis Hamilton wins his first Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver.

Royal Marine Commandos fast rope onto a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in the English Channel. Scotland win their first World Cup match in 36 years. Radio 4 favourites Mark Steel, Sian Williams, Deborah Meadon and Giles Brandreth describe their secret holiday spots. Lemn Sissay returns to his childhood stomping ground Makerfield, who's by election is this week. On the news review Neil McIntosh, Cathy Newman and Alexander Dragonetti. Reverend Brian Anderson reflects on a traumatic week in Belfast. The Femmes De La Mer sing a sea shanty to mark the Falmouth sea shanty festival.

Ed, Amber, and Ashley come together for this episode of Stories to talk about everything from the cost of pizza to orcas showing up in the English Channel. Listener mail at the end, and don't forget to buy local! The Brighter Side finds the positive light in this horror show we call Earth, a cynic's look at optimism. So put down the gun, stay outta that church, and spark up a joint, because everything is going to be alright. We promise. For real. Just chill. Hosted by Ed Larson, Amber Nelson, Ashley Brooke Roberts, and Julie Rosing. Theme song by the Cowmen. Logo by Dave Koehler. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of The Brighter Side ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gavin landed back in Australia just the day before recording, and he and Ken settle in for a full debrief on WDC 2026 in Athens. From the venues and the social activities to all four of Gavin's games and the top board, this one covers it all. Intro Ken sets up the episode – this one is going to be almost entirely about WDC 2026 Athens, because Gavin was there and has only just landed back in Australia (as at the time of recording) (15 secs) He notes the DBN coverage gave a strong account of the boards and Ed's player interviews, but plenty of the magic from Spyros Dovas and his organising team didn't make it to the stream (45 secs) Drinks are introduced: Ken is on one of his home-brew lagers with a kick, and Gavin is working through a leftover Sicilian Nero d'Avola that has turned a little sour – a fitting metaphor, he suggests, for how his first round went (1 min 45 secs) The tournament in aggregate Ken asks Gavin to give a broad overview – location, numbers, facilities, atmosphere (2 mins 45 secs) Around 106 players registered, though some didn't show due to last-minute issues. Approximately 5 Australian players couldn't attend because their original flights were routed through the Middle East (3 mins 30 secs) The geopolitical context: as of recording, the Middle East airspace situation was in week nine of its shutdown, forcing Australian travellers to reroute via Singapore, Hong Kong, or Malaysia. Some also baulked at the US transit option due to the documentation requirements (4 mins 30 secs) Despite the drop-outs, the turnout was excellent and genuinely representative – a heavy European component split between the UK and the rest of Europe, a strong French contingent, players from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Poland, and Norway, a good number of Americans and a couple of Canadians (including Chris Brand), around 10 Australians, and a couple of Kiwis (Dominick Stephens and Craig Purcell). The local Greek contingent, given the Athens club had only been running for about 18 months, was especially impressive (3 mins 30 secs) Tournament format: three regular rounds followed by a fourth round of tiered top boards. Rather than a single top board, the format featured seven simultaneous top boards – the top 7 players went to the premier board, players 8–14 played the second tier, 15–21 the third, and so on down through the field. Crucially, players who volunteered to sit out for round four to help with numbers kept their ranking position (7 mins) Ken and Gavin discuss how the tiered format means the fourth round is never a dead rubber – every board is still competing for something meaningful (8 mins 15 secs) Discussion of the central clock arrangement: effectively federation-based rather than a literal single clock, with the two main venues coordinating their start times by communication (9 mins 30 secs) The venues The main venue was the upstairs function space of a beachside restaurant operation – excellent location right on the waterfront, but somewhat cramped for negotiations once all the boards were in (9 mins 45 secs) As a result, boards were redistributed to the secondary venue: the Anchor bar, about 150–200 metres down the road. Gavin played two games in each location and considered the Anchor the better play space – more open, well ventilated, and with a large covered outdoor area next to a (drained) pool (11 mins) The colour-coded sash system made it easy to identify players by country but created the amusing challenge of locating your specific Italy in a room full of Italys from different boards (13 mins) The third venue – an outdoor shaded area – was reserved for the premier top board. Unlike Milan's car park, this one had good shade and plenty of room for spectators around the giant shadow board (13 mins 30 secs) Pre-tournament social activities Gavin outlines the structure: you could do as much or as little as you liked. He landed well due to a useful 5.5-hour Singapore layover that helped reset his body clock, and flew over on the same flight as tournament director Jamal Blakkarly (16 mins) They were met at Athens airport by Spyros, his wife, and daughter, who drove them to breakfast at a beautiful harbour-side restaurant in one of the small inlet bays east of Piraeus (18 mins 15 secs) Pre-tournament island stay: Gavin spent two days on Serifos, the island Spyros recommended and which has personal significance to his family (his grandfather was christened there). Spyros provided a detailed Google Map of the best spots. With the tourist season barely starting, Gavin got excellent last-minute accommodation at a family-run hotel and had the beaches almost entirely to himself (18 mins 45 secs) The island was so off-season that locals were literally still painting their furniture and kerbs in preparation. Gavin did the recommended hikes and swims, and the hotel gifted him a dry-bag left behind by a previous guest (20 mins 30 secs) Back in Athens overnight, Gavin caught up with a multinational squad of players including Shane, Brandon, Max, Zoe, Justin Law, Bradley Grace, and Karthik. They had dinner at an Italian restaurant with the Acropolis lit up above them (22 mins 30 secs) Hydra day trip (Wednesday): players caught the fast ferry from Piraeus out to Hydra (about 1.5 hrs). The island has a refined Venetian-Greek port feel, with rustic paths and rock beaches beyond. The group visited the Museum of the 1821 Greek Revolution, full of local history and artefacts. Gavin wore one of his Diplomacy shirts and ended up being an ambassador for the hobby to an American grandmother and her debate-champion granddaughter from North Carolina – and pointed them towards David Hood and the local hobby there (24 mins 15 secs) The water temperature at the beach was about 4–5 degrees colder than Australia, which meant the Europeans loved it and Gavin did not go in (26 mins 30 secs) Acropolis and Athens tour (Thursday): guided tour of the Acropolis by what Spyros described as the best guides operating there, followed by a walk through the Plaka and past the Panathenaic Stadium (venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896), then a seafood lunch at a beautiful harbourside restaurant (30 mins) Temple of Poseidon (Thursday evening): the most popular activity – the bus was packed. About halfway there, Spyros took everyone on an unannounced detour to a beach bar where they had the place to themselves, a wonderful surprise. The Temple itself sits on a peninsula with 270-degree sea views. Spyros told the story of how the Aegean got its name from that location, and a huge group photo was taken (31 mins 15 secs) Tournament production values Gavin describes the production as setting new high-water marks for tournament organisation – high enough that the Chicago 2027 organising team would be wondering how to match it. Every player had a colour-coded sash matching their country, a branded WDC Athens notepad in their country colour, and a matching pen for every round (33 mins) The awards were 3D-printed Greek god statues for the podium finishers, complemented by a full suite of themed awards for the top players in each country and for notable gameplay (34 min) Special awards included: the Ajax Award for 8th place overall (the brilliant fighter who just missed out); the Archimedes Award for the most innovative play; the Leonidas Award for the player who fought on against insurmountable odds; and professionally screen-printed awards for best performance as each of the seven Great Powers (35 mins 45 secs) Gavin's games Round 1 – France – Board: Agkystri (View game) Gavin introduces his first game and the board composition: he played France, with Danae Stamataki (Austria-Hungary, local Greek player who topped the board on 10 supply centres and won best Austria), Sabrina Ahuja "Sabi" as England, Brian Ecton as Germany, Jean-Louis Delattre as Italy, Teo Ananiadis as Russia, and Frank Oosterom from the Netherlands as Turkey (37 mins 15 secs) The plan was a Western Triple working with England and Germany, with the goal of neutralising a strong-looking Italy early. It didn't come together as intended (37 mins 45 secs) The infamous mis-order: Gavin had two builds and intended fleet Brest plus a second build. Instead he built fleet Brest and placed the build directly in MAO, effectively waiving his second build. The DBN commentators interpreted this as a genius strategic waive; Ken's interpretation was somewhat more grounded. Gavin confirms Ken was correct (39 mins) The other players on the board didn't share DBN's generous reading of the situation. Germany immediately moved into Burgundy and kept flipping between fronts as his position allowed. Italy kept pressing France throughout. Gavin found himself squeezed down to a single unit in the English Channel (40 mins 30 secs) Final turn plan: England agreed to convoy an army across to Picardy to support Gavin back into Brest. Instead, Sabi walked into an open Paris. Gavin ended the game with zero supply centres and was eliminated (42 mins 15 secs) Gavin notes he made his disappointment known professionally, and that he subsequently had a drink with Sabi – but not that night (44 mins 15 secs) Round 2 – England – Board: Lemnos Not covered by DBN. Gavin played England; the board included Dominick Stephens (New Zealand) as Germany, Chris Brand (Canada) as Russia, Ruben Sanchez as Italy, Roberto Perego (Italy) as France, Robert Schuppe as Turkey, and Anastasia "Nastja" Styles as Austria-Hungary (46 mins) The plan was a Northern Alliance of England, Germany, and Russia. It unravelled immediately when Chris opened Moscow to Livonia and Dominick interpreted it as aggressive – resulting in a Germany-Russia war from the outset (46 mins 15 secs) Gavin adapted: knowing Germany was occupied in the east, he gave Russia some space and opened into Belgium, with Dominick and Chris both honouring his request to take Norway unopposed via fleet (46 mins 45 secs) Dominick and Gavin worked to grind down Roberto Perego's France, who ground out a hard-fought game staying alive on 2 centres. Ruben Sanchez's Italy played a deft game, flipping between alliances with Turkey and Austria (49 mins 15 secs) Dominick topped the board on 10; Ruben came in at 9; Gavin finished at 7. The game was meant to run to 1909 but drew earlier when the position stabilised. Gavin reflects he may have drawn too early, with both Dominick and Ruben suggesting he had room to push for another two centres (50 mins) Round 3 – Germany – Board: Symi (View game) Gavin played Germany. The board included Shane Armstrong (Australia) as France, Mikalis Kamaritis as Italy, Alex Maslow (USA) as Russia, Steven Hogue (USA) as Austria, Alex Lebedev (Russia) as England, and Jack Johns as Turkey (51 mins 15 secs) The strategic context: only Mikalis Kamaritis and Alex Lebedev were realistically in contention for the top board from this game. Shane and Gavin identified this early and committed to supporting the player they believed deserved to be there (52 mins 45 secs) Shane and Gavin opened with a Sealion against England, while Gavin also walked a careful line with Alex Lebedev, who initially felt more threatened by France than Germany. Austria was eliminated in 1903, and England in 1904 (53 mins 45 secs) A notable moment: Gavin slipped an army from the North Sea into an unoccupied London – a move he acknowledged was unnecessary, created friction with Alex Lebedev, and which he would not make again. He apologised on the day (56 mins 15 secs) Mikalis told Gavin and Shane to wait until 1905 – and delivered. He launched from his eastern position, took two dots off Russia and one off Turkey in a single year, then steamrolled from there. Alex Maslow was a strong and enjoyable player who nearly flipped the alliance but ultimately couldn't (56 mins 15 secs) The game agreed to a draw of 10-10-14 (Shane-Gavin-Mikalis), which the three felt would get Mikalis comfortably onto the top board. In the final adjudication Mikalis took one extra dot away from Shane, making the final scores 15-10-9 (58 mins 15 secs) Round 4 – Austria – Board: Myconos (View game) Gavin made it onto the fourth round, placed into the 6th top board. The board featured Shane Armstrong again as Turkey, Emmett Wainwright as England, Patrick Jacobson as France, Nathan Lester as Germany, Cameron Taylor as Italy, and Richard Bolton as Russia (59 mins 30 secs) The standout introduction: Nathan Lester, son of Dan Lester (who Gavin played against at Bangkok WDC). Same voice, same playing style, same persuasive meta-game arguments – but with a mullet and dressed like he's in an 80s rock video, and without the beard-stroking (1 hr 0 mins 45 secs) Gavin and Shane, having just played together in Round 3, ended up as Austria and Turkey respectively – not a natural alliance. Gavin didn't trust it but it held. Italy and France both kept fighting hard throughout (59 mins 45 secs) The game drew in 1906, with Shane and Emmett both finishing on 8, Gavin on 6 as Austria. Everyone then rushed across the road to watch the top board (1 hr 3 mins 45 secs) The top board Ken asks about Mikalis's diplomatic style. Gavin: exceptional situational awareness, communicates clearly and directly, asked and answered the "what do you want from this game?" question in a way that built immediate trust, and was good to his word on timing (1 hr 4 mins) Gavin arrived at the top board mid-1906 (his own game had just drawn). The top board was played outdoors under a well-shaded tree with plenty of room for negotiations, guarded by two or three people ensuring other players and passing members of the public couldn't crowd the board (1 hr 5 mins) The giant shadow board: a massive life-size replica board was set up nearby so all spectators could follow the game without approaching the real board. Andrew Goff read out the orders and the shadow board was updated after each adjudication – the same setup used at Milan WDC (1 hr 7 mins 45 secs) When Gavin arrived, he felt Bradley Grace had the game. The shift came late – Mikalis made a decisive move in the endgame that separated him from a closely matched France/Germany contest (1 hr 9 mins) Congratulations to Mikalis Kamaritis – well deserved, Gavin says. And to Bradley Grace: so close, but it will happen (1 hr 9 mins) The awards ceremony included Mikalis receiving both the championship belt and a traditional olive laurel wreath – a detail that was not captured in the DBN stream. Ken flags this as something future broadcasts should consider covering (1 hr 11 mins 15 secs) A Best Shane Cubis Award was also created – won by a Greek player who loudly lobbied Spyros for an award on the basis of how much he'd helped out. An AI-generated image of Shane Cubis in 1901 attire featured on the award, to the complete bafflement of the European and American contingents (1 hr 12 mins 50 secs) Game hobby and future WDCs The Chicago Windy City Weasels delivered a presentation promoting WDC 2027, enthusiastically received by the assembled players (1 hr 13 mins 15 secs) The 2028 bid: Melbourne was the only bid, and it was unanimously approved. Andrew Goff (Goffy) presented it. WDC 2028 Melbourne will be held at the MCG – the Melbourne Cricket Ground – with the conference rooms used for regular play, and the premier top board played on the MCG wicket itself. The countdown timer will run on the MCG scoreboard. Notionally scheduled for the last weekend of February 2028 – the weekend after the Formula One Grand Prix and the weekend before the first AFL round (1 hr 14 mins 30 secs) For international context: roughly equivalent to playing at Yankee Stadium, Madison Square Garden, the Camp Nou, or Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena. English players will recognise the MCG as where English cricket hopes traditionally come to die (1 hr 15 mins 15 secs) Also at the game hobby: a unanimous vote to amend and modernise the WDC charter, which dates from around 2000–2001 and doesn't reflect current online play, email communication, or the organisational structures of the Asia-Pacific and European hobbies. Four representatives (from NADF, the Asia-Pacific Diplomacy Association, and the European and UK hobbies) will draft amendments to be presented at WDC 2027 Chicago, with ratification at WDC 2028 Melbourne (1 hr 18 mins) Wrap up Gavin acknowledges the full organising effort: approximately 10 people working behind the scenes alongside Spyros and Jamal to make everything run. The Greek hobby and Athens Diplomacy Club can be enormously proud (1 hr 20 mins 30 secs) The Armistice Party: held between rounds three and four in the venue near the pool area. A DJ with a custom app allowed all attending players to nominate up to 10 songs each, with the crowd then voting in real time from four options for what came next. Gavin describes it as stunningly well thought through (1 hr 22 mins) Ken summarises: meticulously planned, wonderful venue, brilliant location, great games, fantastic people. Gavin: you got it in one. Thank you to Spyros, Jamal, and everyone they played with (1 hr 23 mins) Addendum – recorded one week later Ken and Gavin explain the addendum: a few things were either forgotten or lost in the original recording, so they've caught up a week later to cover them (1 hr 25 mins 45 secs) The Cane Toad The Cane Toad tournament will not run in 2026 – Gavin has made the decision to rest it for the year and bring it back bigger and better in 2027 (1 hr 26 mins 30 secs) Reasons: Gavin no longer lives in Brisbane where the tournament has historically been based, and several attempts to get a local game going have been completely unsuccessful. He feels it would be unfair to interstate players to travel to Queensland only to play mostly other interstate players rather than a meaningful proportion of locals (1 hr 27 mins 30 secs) He also flags cost-of-living pressures and fuel costs as factors, noting that the fuel excise which had been removed is about to be reinstated (1 hr 28 mins 45 secs) Ken and Gavin have a brief riff on whether cane toads actually hibernate, and whether the tournament might one day move to a different Queensland location (1 hr 28 mins 45 secs) Gavin shares a long-held dream of running the Cane Toad on the beach under a sun-safe setup. Council regulations require public liability insurance – but the Asia Pacific Diplomacy Association is in the process of organising exactly that for tournament directors, which may open the door in future (1 hr 29 mins 15 secs) Tournament news The Sydney Cup is on the weekend of 4–5 July. Gavin would love to go but has used up his diplomacy credits between Greece and starting a new job – it'll have to stay in the bank for now (1 hr 30 mins 45 secs) A New Zealand tournament is being discussed for the week before WDC 2028 Melbourne (late February 2028). Three New Zealand players who attended WDC 2026 in Athens have flagged interest in hosting something, on the logic that if you're travelling all the way from Europe or the US, a short hop across the Tasman to New Zealand is well worth building into the itinerary (1 hr 32 mins) Ken enthusiastically endorses the idea and encourages anyone planning for WDC 2028 Melbourne to factor in a week in New Zealand beforehand (1 hr 33 mins 30 secs) Challenge for next episode Over his birthday lunch, Gavin's son surprised him with an accurate recall of his WDC result. This leads Gavin to issue a challenge for the next episode: both Ken and Gavin will do some homework and come back with three or four online diplomacy resources that people may not know about, to raise awareness of what the community has put together over the years (1 hr 34 mins 45 secs) Around the grounds VDiplomacy gets an introduction for any listeners who aren't familiar: a sibling platform to WebDiplomacy, it hosts classic games but is particularly known for its range of variants (1 hr 36 mins 30 secs) The Dionysus Reimagined game recap – the ancient Greece variant Ken and Gavin set up in the lead-up to WDC Athens. Ken soloed, eliminating Gavin in the final year. Gavin notes that technically his last dot was taken so late that his result registers as a survive rather than an elimination (1 hr 38 mins 45 secs) Gavin played Athens and found himself defending on all fronts from early on: Sparta (who built only armies and had nowhere to go but north), the Macedonians pressing from the north, Byzantium late in the game, and Rhodes. Ken played Byzantium and credits his early token luck as a key advantage, picking up all his bid supply centres including one he expected to bounce – giving him fleet dominance in the Aegean from the start (1 hr 40 mins) The bid mechanics are recapped for any listeners unfamiliar with the variant: each player has 4 tokens to bid on non-core supply centres; outbid or bounce and you don't get the build. Ken's fortunate opening bids gave him a decisive early position (1 hr 40 mins 30 secs) A practical tip for vDiplomacy players: always open the large map after adjudication. The small map can omit orders that didn't go through, making moves look different from what was actually played. Ken noted several instances in the Dionysus game where support orders that failed simply weren't visible on the small map (1 hr 45 mins 45 secs) Ken congratulates himself on the win and notes the ratings gap between the two has now closed to around 100 points (1 hr 47 mins 30 secs) New game announced: Gavin has set up a Pirates game titled Ahoy Mateys on vDiplomacy. Gunboat, 2-day 2-hour phase length. Ken explains the extra 2 hours: it gradually shifts the adjudication time back toward Australian time zones in games where everyone readies up early (1 hr 48 mins) Pirates variant overview: a 13-player variant set in the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean, created by Gavin in collaboration with Ollie (the vDiplomacy site administrator). The 13 players are broken into three factions (1 hr 51 mins 45 secs): Europeans – Spain, England, France, and Holland, who nominally control supply centres across the map but must capture them to make them count Pirates – five pirates, four historical (Montbas, Brasiliano, de la Cueva, and Johnson) and one fictitious: El Guapo, borrowed from the movie The Three Amigos Privateers – one per European power, operating as private navies with letters patent. They can attack anyone except their sponsoring power (and vice versa). The Dunkirkers serve Spain, Henry Morgan serves England, François Le Jones serves France, and the Rocherson serves Holland Unit rules: all units are fleets, but there are two types – Clippers (move up to two spaces, standard attack strength) and Frigates (move one space, attack at 1.5x strength). A single clipper cannot defend against an attacking frigate, but a clipper supported by another clipper can. Five marked spots on the board allow transformation between unit types (1 hr 57 mins 45 secs) Special rules: a voodoo witch's hut in Cuba allows a fleet on the north coast to teleport to the south coast and vice versa. And a 14th non-playing character – a Hurricane – spins up each storm season in a random sea territory, moves randomly in the fall turn, and destroys anything in its path with an effectively unstoppable attack strength, also resetting any supply centre it passes through to neutral (1 hr 59 mins) Ken commits to reading the full rules before play begins, notes Pirates has a genuine following on vDiplomacy with games regularly in progress, and suspects he may get slaughtered (2 hr 1 min 15 secs) Gavin and Ken wrap up the show (2 hr 2 mins 15 secs) Venue: At home Drinks for the interview: Ken: One of his home brews – a lager with a bit of a kick Gavin: A Baliamo Nero d'Avola from Sicily – opened two weeks prior, which he noted had become a little sour and bitter compared to its fresh opening, much like his first round at the tournament Just a reminder you can support the show by giving it 5 stars on iTunes or Stitcher. And don't forget if you want to help pay off the audio equipment… or get the guys more drunk, you can also donate at Patreon, plus you get extra podcast episodes! Lastly, don't forget to subscribe so you get the latest Diplomacy Games episodes straight to your phone. Thanks as always to Dr Dan aka "The General" for his rockin' intro tune.

Freelance public relations consultant, Paddy Daly, took the plunge and moved his family and his business to the other side of the English Channel. Music: © Barney & Izzi Hardy

A regular nineteen-year-old with no criminal record stabbed his landlord to death with a pocketknife, then later claimed the demon he'd taunted into possessing him — instead of his fiancée's eleven-year-old brother — had crawled out of a well and into his body to commit the murder.EPISODE BLOG PAGE (includes sources and full transcript): https://weirddarkness.com/arnejohnsonREAD or DOWNLOAD the full transcript of this episode:https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/2p8n97s9FEATURED STORIES IN THIS EPISODE: The third Conjuring film is based on the true story of Arne Cheyenne Johnson who claimed he committed murder because a demon made him do it. But how much truth is there to that story? (The Devil Made Him Do It) *** A tribe living in the Amazon Jungle tells about a strange encounter they had with an extraterrestrial and a strange beam of light. (That Time An Alien Visited the Kayapo People) *** An elderly man decides he needs to hire someone to help him care for his property… but who he chose would bring only death and a mystery that still goes unsolved. (The Wonnangatta Station Murders) *** Lizard people. Reptilians. It's one of the strangest and most controversial conspiracy theories in existence – and we'll look at some of the history behind the idea, as well as what science says about the possibility of it being a reality. (The Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians) *** A nun who wasn't very good at being a nun ended up being a nun without a head. (The Headless Nun of Watton Priory) *** We've all been asked the question, “How do you want to die when it comes your time?” Aside from the boring but realistic answer of “quietly in my sleep” some would prefer to go out in a blaze of glory, doing something heroic to save a person or persons from imminent doom. But of course that does not happen for most of us. In fact, there are probably more people going out in a blaze of stupidity! (Dumbest Deaths) *** In 1995 Mike Marcum got it in his head to build a time machine. Did he succeed? We may never know – because he disappeared without a trace. (The Mike Marcum Time Machine)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = The Foreboding00:00:16.342 = Show Open00:02:43.182 = The Devil Made Him Do It00:13:06.595 = The Wonnangatta Station Murders ***00:21:13.768 = That Time An Alien Visited The Kayapo People00:31:32.636 = Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians ***00:36:18.232 = Headless Nun of Watton Priory00:50:09.790 = Dumbest Deaths ***01:02:12.268 = The Mike Marcum Time Machine ***01:06:33.695 = Show Close & Bloopers*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakLISTEN ON PODCAST APPS: Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here: https://weirddarkness.com/wdapps*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*SOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Myths and Modern Science of Reptilians” from Anomalien: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/b7m27fbr“The Devil Made Him Do It” by Marco Margaritoff for All That's Interesting: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/pxfxa423“That Time An Alien Visited The Kayapo People” by Ellen Lloyd for Ancient Pages: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/sauzjxp2“The Wonnangatta Station Murders” by Brent Swancer for Mysterious Universe: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/ceycy3k“The Headless Nun of Watton Priory” from Esoterx: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/x4sknt6r“Dumbest Deaths” by Katie Chilton for ListVerse: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/sm6mwmj7“The Mike Marcum Time Machine” from Earth Chronicles: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/hytc7552(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.)WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: November 17, 2021Weird Darkness host Darren Marlar leads listeners through seven dark tales spanning a courtroom plea of demonic possession, an unsolved double murder on a remote Australian cattle station, an Amazon tribe's memory of a sky visitor, the serpent-race conspiracy of reptilians, a centuries-old English haunting, history's most absurd deaths, and a Missouri man who vanished after trying to build a time machine.It opens with the 1981 killing of forty-year-old landlord Alan Bono in Brookfield, Connecticut, the first murder in the town's 193-year history, committed by his nineteen-year-old tenant Arne Cheyenne Johnson with a five-inch pocket knife. Johnson's attorney Martin Minnella attempted a plea of not guilty by reason of demonic possession, tracing the violence to months of torment suffered by eleven-year-old David Glatzel, the brother of Johnson's fiancée Debbie, who described a tormentor with black eyes, animal features, and hooves. Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren declared it a genuine possession and claimed David levitated and stopped breathing across three exorcisms overseen by priests, while psychiatrists countered that the boy had a learning disability. Judge Robert Callahan rejected the supernatural defense as unprovable, Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter on November 24, 1981, and the case later inspired the film The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.From there the episode travels to the remote Wonnangatta Station in Australia's Victorian Alps, where caretaker James Barclay hired English handyman John Bamford in 1917, a man rumored to have killed his own wife. After the two rode to Talbotville to vote on the Reinforcement Referendum in December 1917, mailman Harry Smith found the homestead empty but for the words "Home Tonight" chalked on the kitchen door, and weeks later he and Jack Jebb uncovered Barclay's decomposed body in a shallow creekside grave, dead from a shotgun blast to the back. The following November, Bamford's body surfaced in a log pile on the Howitt Plains with a bullet in the head, leaving investigators with a recently fired shotgun, traces of strychnine in the kitchen pepper, and no answer as to who killed the second man.Next comes the legend of the Kayapo people of the Brazilian Amazon, who tell of a sky visitor named Bep Kororoti who descended from the mountains of Pukato-Ti amid thunder, wielding a weapon that reduced trees and stones to dust and a beam of light that paralyzed anyone who fled his lessons. The being neither ate nor drank, taught the villagers practical skills, and eventually ascended back into the sky, and the account drew international attention when young Kayapo men touring Rio de Janeiro reportedly pointed at an Apollo 11 astronaut display and shouted that he had returned. Erich von Däniken cited photographs of Kayapo men in straw ritual costumes resembling spacesuits, taken by Joao Americo Peret in 1952, nearly a decade before Yuri Gagarin's 1961 spaceflight, as supposed support for the ancient astronaut theory.The discussion then turns to reptilians, tracing serpent-race myths found across Sumeria, Babylonia, India, China, and Mesoamerica, alongside the modern claims of David Icke that some humans are disguised lizard people. Set against the folklore, researcher Bjarke Jensen of Aarhus University lays out the actual biology: the human reptilian brain that governs heart rate and breathing, eyes structured much like a reptile's, and conductive heart tissue whose molecular building blocks Jensen's team located hidden in the spongy hearts of lizards, frogs, and zebrafish.The episode then visits Watton Priory in East Riding of Yorkshire, a Gilbertine community where, according to the twelfth-century account of Saint Aelred of Rievaulx, an orphaned girl named Elfleda fell in love with a young lay brother, was beaten and chained in a dungeon by the nuns, and was forced to watch as the man was mutilated. A second tragedy fastened itself to the same site after the 1644 Battle of Marston Moor, when Parliamentarian soldiers beheaded the Catholic Lady of Watton and killed her child, and over the centuries the two women blurred into a single spectral figure remembered as the Headless Nun, said to stand at the foot of the bed in blood-stained garments before vanishing.From there the show catalogs history's most absurd deaths, beginning with English Channel swimmer Matthew Webb, who drowned in the Niagara rapids in 1883, and the Spartan general Pausanias, sealed inside a temple of Athena and starved until he died moments after his release. The roll continues with Draco of Athens, smothered around 600 BC beneath cloaks and hats thrown in tribute; Sir Arthur Aston, beaten to death with his own wooden leg; the philosopher Heraclitus, who buried himself in cow dung hoping to cure his dropsy; lawyer Clement Vallandigham, who fatally shot himself in 1871 while demonstrating how a victim might have shot himself by accident; the Viking Sigurd the Mighty, killed by an infection from the sev

82 years ago, thousands of young men crossed the English Channel and stepped into one of the most consequential days in history. In today's episode, Ryan shares the Stoic lessons behind D-Day and Dwight D. Eisenhower's leadership. He explains how Eisenhower prepared for failure, took responsibility before the outcome was known, stayed steady under unimaginable pressure, and saw opportunity where others saw disaster.

Episode 421: On July 28, 1996, a fisherman hauling nets off the coast of Devon, England pulled up a body. The dead man had no wallet, no identification — nothing but a Rolex watch still ticking on his wrist. When British police traced the watch, it gave them a name: Ronald Joseph Platt, 51, of Essex. When they went looking for him, they found him — apparently alive. The trail led back across the Atlantic to Ayr, a small town in southwestern Ontario, where roughly seventy people had spent years trusting the wrong man with everything they had. By the time anyone understood what he'd done, he was already gone, and Ronald Platt was dead in the English Channel. Sources:Walker, Re, 1998 CanLII 14906 (ON SC)A Hand in the Water: The Many Lies of Albert Walker — Bill Schiller (HarperCollins, 1998)Nothing Sacred: The Many Lives and Betrayals of Albert Walker — Alan Cairns (McClelland-Bantam, 1998)Walker's Trail of Pain — Maclean's (July 6, 1998)Walker Money Hunt — Maclean's (July 20, 1998)Walker Faces Daughter at First Day of Trial — CBC News (June 1998)Mysterious Mr. Walker Sentenced for Fraud — The Globe and Mail (July 2007)Fugitive Financier Sentenced to Four Years for Fraud — CBC News (July 2007)Rolex Killer Denied Day Parole from B.C. Prison — Vancouver Sun (February 2024)Albert Johnson Walker — WikipediaThe Rolex Murder — therolexmurder.com (Elaine Boyes's site)The Rolex Killer - True CrimeExplore topics about albert-johnson-walker | Crime and Investigation UK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month on Magus we're discussing maybe the most influential wizard of all time, and a true original - it's only flippin' Merlin!We track his development through prehistory via the archetype of the "Lord of Ecstasy" - a deific entity who appears in mythologies from all over the world.In addition to exploring his British precedents in the form of the Northern and Scots Lowland wild man of the woods Lailoken and the Welsh version of that same character in the form of Myrddin Wyllt, we also marinade ourselves in the swell of "Arthurian" stories that rose and sloshed about across the Medieval era.After he's given the name 'Merlinus' by Geoffrey of Monmouth though, Merlin becomes central to not just tales of Camelot but the propaganda of a slew of European kings.We track how, across the British Isles, his identity continues to twist and mutate - befitting the Latin title of his forebears, homo silvaticus. Though at the same time, across the English Channel, the French and central European courts thought of Merlin as one of the great masters of 'Natural Magic.' Born of a demon and a virgin princess, to alchemists and occultists from Cornelius Agrippa to the Brotherhood of the Golden Dawn he was the first building block of an extensive and rigorous magical system which offered proponents God-like powers to shape reality.From Thomas Malory to Alfred Lord Tennyson, J.R.R. Tolkien to the Disney corporation, he is a cultural emblem whose meaning has only continued to shapeshift.Which is only appropriate really, when you think about it...Speak with you again on Thursday for another triple-bill of fairy tales and chats about them with The Ratcatcher and The True History of Little Golden Hood and The Three Dwarfs!Thumbnail cover art for this episode features "Volkhv" by Andrey Shishkin.Three Ravens is an English myth and folklore podcast hosted by Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux.Released on Mondays, each weekly episode focuses on one of England's 39 historic counties, exploring the history, folklore and traditions of the area, from ghosts and mermaids to mythical monsters, half-forgotten heroes, bloody legends, and much, much more. Then, and most importantly, the pair take turns to tell a new version of an ancient story from that county - all before discussing what that tale might mean, where it might have come from, and the truths it reveals about England's hidden past...Bonus Episodes are released on Thursdays plus Local Legends episodes on Saturdays - interviews with acclaimed authors, folklorists, podcasters and historians with unique perspectives on that week's county.With a range of exclusive content on Patreon, too, including audio ghost tours, the Three Ravens Newsletter, and monthly Three Ravens Film Club episodes about folk horror films from across the decades, why not join us around the campfire and listen in?REGISTER FOR THE TALES OF SOUTHERN ENGLAND TOURVisit our website Join our Patreon Social media channels and sponsors Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, May 28 at 7:00pm ET, VBC Greatest Generation Live takes a timely look at one of the most anticipated WWII films of the year: Pressure, the new historical drama about the tense and uncertain 72 hours before D-Day. Joining us live will be the film's director and co-writer, Anthony Maras, for a conversation with VBC historian Glenn Flickinger about the history behind the movie and the extraordinary real-life decisions that shaped Operation Overlord. Starring Brendan Fraser as General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Andrew Scott as meteorologist James Stagg, Pressure tells the little-known story of the weather forecast that may have determined the fate of the free world. As storms gathered over the English Channel in June 1944, Allied leaders faced an agonizing choice: launch the invasion or delay it and risk catastrophe. The film explores the immense burden carried by Eisenhower and the forecasters whose predictions helped decide the date of the Normandy landings. This special Greatest Generation Live program will explore the real history behind the film, the making of Pressure, and why the story still resonates more than eighty years later. Glenn Flickinger, who has led many acclaimed VBC programs on D-Day and Normandy history, will also discuss how the movie compares with the historical record and other famous depictions of the invasion. Select clips and trailers from the film may also be shown during the discussion. If you've ever wondered how weather, timing, leadership, and sheer uncertainty shaped the most important amphibious invasion in history, this program is for you. #DDay #PressureMovie #WWII #OperationOverlord #GreatestGeneration #Normandy #Eisenhower #MilitaryHistory #VeteransBreakfastClub

Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Optional Memorial of St. Augustine of Canterbury; in 596 he set out with his monks to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons of England; he heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons, and the stormy waters of the English Channel, but was reassured by Pope Gregory the Great; King Ethelebert set up a residence for them in Canterbury, and was himself baptized a year later; Augustine was consecrated a bishop in France, and returned to found his see; he died in 605, and is known as the Apostle of England Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 5/27/26 Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 349 The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of Canterbury Saint Augustine of Canterbury's Story In the year 596, some 40 monks set out from Rome to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England. Leading the group was Augustine, the prior of their monastery. Hardly had he and his men reached Gaul when they heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons and of the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Augustine returned to Rome and to Gregory the Great—the pope who had sent them—only to be assured by him that their fears were groundless. Augustine of Canterbury set out again. This time the group crossed the English Channel and landed in the territory of Kent, ruled by King Ethelbert, a pagan married to a Christian, Bertha. Ethelbert received them kindly, set up a residence for them in Canterbury and within the year, on Pentecost Sunday 597, was himself baptized. After being consecrated a bishop in France, Augustine returned to Canterbury, where he founded his see. He constructed a church and monastery near where the present cathedral, begun in 1070, now stands. As the faith spread, additional sees were established at London and Rochester. Work was sometimes slow and Augustine of Canterbury did not always meet with success. Attempts to reconcile the Anglo-Saxon Christians with the original Briton Christians—who had been driven into western England by Anglo-Saxon invaders—ended in dismal failure. Augustine failed to convince the Britons to give up certain Celtic customs at variance with Rome and to forget their bitterness, helping him evangelize their Anglo-Saxon conquerors. Laboring patiently, Augustine of Canterbury wisely heeded the missionary principles—quite enlightened for the times—suggested by Pope Gregory: purify rather than destroy pagan temples and customs; let pagan rites and festivals be transformed into Christian feasts; retain local customs as far as possible. The limited success Augustine achieved in England before his death in 605, a short eight years after his arrival, would eventually bear fruit long after in the conversion of England. Augustine of Canterbury can truly be called the “Apostle of England.” Reflection Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to “fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem.” Augustine's perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today's apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Rob Bates of the Centre for Migration Control condemns Labour as GB News reveal almost 1,000 small boat migrants have crossed the English Channel over the bank holiday weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of The Disness, the gang talks about Young Woman and the Sea starring Daisy Ridley nearly 100 years to the date of when Gertrude Ederle swam across the English Channel! We talk about the real life story, we break down the film and give our thoughts and reviews, and so much more!Follow us on Instagram: @DisnessPodcast

In this captivating episode of Open Your Eyes, McKay takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of success, anchored by the fundamental principle that "nothing great is easy." As he navigates through history's remarkable achievements, from conquering the English Channel to surviving the tumultuous descent over Niagara Falls, he spotlights the unyielding spirit of individuals who embraced challenges as stepping stones to greatness. The episode masterfully underscores the value of consistent, incremental improvements and the pivotal role of effective systems in turning aspirations into reality. Whether in the realms of sport, fitness, spirituality, entrepreneurship, or any other facet of life, our host illuminates the transformative potential of choosing the sunnier side, committing wholeheartedly, and prioritizing self-care as the key to unlocking one's path to success. Offering actionable insights to approach life's challenges with resilience and intention, McKay makes it crystal clear here today that greatness is not an unattainable summit but a series of milestones which, while difficult, are, indeed, ultimately achievable.Episode Highlights:Wholehearted commitmentHow centering can enhance focus and overall successAttention as a precious resourceSelf-care and self-investmentSmall improvements, big impactPrioritizing the development of effective systemsEmbracing challengesPersistence and dedicationQuotes:"Nothing great is ever easy. It's the hard that makes it great.""Sometimes it's the 101st blow that does the trick, not the last blow.""Goals are about the results you want to achieve; systems are about the processes that lead to those results.""Success often lies in embracing challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth.""The hard work and dedication are what make greatness worth it.""Centering enables us to avoid distraction. It will change your life.""You must treat yourself with great care.""Focus on the systems you employ rather than the goals you have. Give all you have to whatever is at hand."Links:https://www.mckaychristensen.org/