Podcasts about English literature

Hannah Murray will start by looking at the bestseller lists on Amazon.co.uk and The Sunday Times, the oldest and most influential book sales chart in the UK, and seeing what new entries there are. Charles Boakye grew up in Ghana and graduated from the University of Ghana Medical School before emigrating to the UK. He became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and also studied at City Law School in London. Currently, he's a GP Principal at Medicus Health Partners, the second largest GP practice in the UK. His novel 'How to Kill a Superbug' examines the ever growing threat of resistant bacteria and the rampant overuse of antibiotics.  Hannah Brennan studied English Literature at Durham University. She is one of the organizers at the Greenwich Writing Group. She is also a trustee at the Royal Association for Deaf People. Hannah has has OCD since her teenage years, although she is now happily in recovery. Her debut novel 'No Safe Place' about two murders that take place on the same night, of a child psychologist and someone who was once his patient.  B Fleetwood previously authored a YA science fiction trilogy, The Chroma Series. 'Dancing Fools and All That Jazz' is her first piece of UpLit Fiction, inspired by her own amateur dance group.  ... Jane Scott Stuart was born in 1937 in Louisville, Kentucky, and for the first seven years of her life, was brought up in her grandmother's kitchen. She has lived all over the world, is a qualified yoga teacher and a drugs and alcohol councillor. She is married to a younger son of a Scottish Earl and divides her time between Scotland and France. Her book 'Not in the World' is a poignant and beautifully descriptive debut novel based on her real life story. Against a backdrop of 1930s Kentucky, it's a tale of survival, and the strong emotional bond between a little white girl and the young black man who was both her mummy and her daddy  A.C. Adams is the nom de plume of co-authors Anthony Leigh Adams and Christina Adam, who have written, produced and developed film and TV projects for many different studios. Christina is a producer of the Emmy Award-winning series 'The Amazing Race' Their debut novel 'Chasing Shadows' is inspired by true events. When a renowned professor vanishes without explanation, he leaves behind a haunting message revealing that he has a new life and can never return. His devastated daughter embarks on a global search to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. What she finds is more shocking than she could have imagined...  Sue Webb is an in-house editor, with her job largely featuring rewriting. Her latest crime fiction noe 'You Said She's Where?' is  concerned with both the whodunnit and the whydunnit of murder. London is both the novel's kaleidoscopic setting and a prime mover in its main characters' dizzinging reversals of fortune.

With tensions rising in Tehran and the region on edge, how close are we to a wider war?

We're counting down the days until the publication of The Hallmarked Man! Nick Jeffery and John Granger take perhaps the last look at Rowling's most recent postings before they dive into discussion about the meaning and artistry of Strike8.In today's conversation, they review Rowling's relationship with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, a New York Times feature article ‘The Wizard's Everlasting Spell' about the growth of Potter fan fiction with a romantic twist, and Rowling's acerbic review of Nikola Sturgeon's memoir Frankly. Nick and John discuss along the way the initial response of cultural gatekeepers to the quality of the writing in Harry Potter, the history of Rowling's relationship with the writers of romantic fan fiction using her characters in light of Fifty Shades of Gray, and Hogwarts Professor's role in making ‘Rowling Studies' legitimate and the culture-wide acceptance of Rowling as a writer of merit “something we've always known” rather than a controversial assertion.And what does all that have to do with the imminent release of Hallmarked Man? Nick and John share their more-than-tentative plans for reading Strike8 and the best way — not the only way, of course, but a much better way than, say, cataloging predictions everyone will forget by mid-September — to prepare for our first reading of an epic Rowling-Galbraith title.We hope you are as excited as we are to the advent of Hallmarked Man and that you're looking forward to exploration of its breadth and depth beneath the surface plot with us in the coming month!Links To Subjects Discussed Above:The Wizard's Everlasting Spell Why Magic, Dragons and Explicit Sex Are in Bookstores Everywhere: Romantasy is propping up the fiction market. Thanks to a generation that grew up reading about a boy wizard. (The New York Times, 20 August 2025, Alexandra Alter)The new version of the [‘Dramione' Potter fan fiction] story that so captivated Ms. Stallone will soon be released as “Alchemised,” and the novel's publisher, Del Rey, is betting that the feverish devotion to its fanfiction predecessor will translate into blockbuster sales. Del Rey has ordered a first printing of 750,000 copies for the novel's release in late September; translations are lined up in 21 languages.Besides appealing to hordes of existing fans, “Alchemised” has another advantage: It taps into the raging appetite for romantasy, a subgenre that blends fantasy elements like magic, fairies and dragons with love, yearning and explicit sex.In a way, the romantasy explosion — driven by the success of blockbuster authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, whose series have sold millions upon millions of copies — stems from the legacy of popular young adult series like “Twilight” and “Harry Potter.” Those books molded generations of young readers who have grown up but still crave big fantasy novels — now with a dose of erotica.“They grew up with the characters, and the stories ended, but there's still such a huge appetite,” said Leah Hultenschmidt, publisher of the romance imprint Forever. “They're still hungry for that magical world building, an epic cast of characters and heroism, and maybe they just want it a little spicier.”Publishers are frantically searching for the next breakout romantasy series. Last year, romantasy sales topped more than 32 million copies in print alone, a 47 percent jump over the previous year, according to Circana Bookscan. Five of the 10 best-selling adult fiction titles this year are romantasies. At the same time, adult fiction sales overall have stagnated.The kind of romance that's selling like crazy now — erotically charged genre mash-ups — first took off in fanfiction before publishers recognized there was an appetite for it.“For a long time, you had to go to fanfiction to find that,” said Anne Jamison, a professor of English at the University of Utah who has studied fanfiction. “Romantasy basically is what fanfiction made.”* Alchemized Sen Lin Yu* ‘Romantasy' Novels on Amazon, Etc.The twilight of Nicola Sturgeon: J.K. Rowling reviews FranklyI know I'm stating the obvious, and I'll probably be one of countless reviewers making the same point, but it's impossible to read Nicola Sturgeon's memoir without remembering the smash hit fictional franchise, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. For those who don't know (ie, everyone who wasn't a tween or teenage girl, or living with one, 2005-2015), Twilight was massively popular for roughly a decade, each new book or film being greeted adoringly by its devoted fans. [opening paragraph)Rowling and Romantasy:* ‘The Twenty Richest Authors in the World:' Rowling #2 (!), Meyer #18, Collins #20* The Sunday Times' List of the “100 Bestselling Books of the Last Five Decades:” Rowling #23, Meyer #42, 58, 59, and 64* Twilight Book Sales * Stephen King: “Stephenie Meyer Can't Write Worth a Darn”* Speaking of Disappearances – Whatever Happened to Stephenie Meyer?* Fifty Shades of Grey Book Sales* ‘Fifty Shades Outsells Harry Potter'* ‘Rowling Refuses to Read Fifty Shades'* Rowling about Sales of Fifty Shades: “Just think how many books I could've sold if Harry had been a bit more creative with his wand.”Rowling August 2025 Tweet about Writers who are All Lake No Shed (and Vice-Versa) The Silkworm and its Women Writers:* Kathryn Kent: “I write fantasy with a twist… It's fantasy slash erotica really, but quite literary” (416) “She makes Dorcus Pengelly look like Iris Murdoch” (232)* Dorcus Pengelly: “She writes pornography dressed up as historical romance” (225)* Elizabeth Tassel: All Shed, No Lake (per Strike)You told Quine that Bombyx Mori sounded brilliant, that it would be the best thing he'd ever done, that it was going to be a massive success, but that he ought to keep the contents very, very quiet in case of legal action, and to make a bigger splash when it was unveiled.And all the time you were writing your own version. You had plenty of time to get it right, didn't you, Elizabeth? Twenty-six years of empty evenings, you could have written plenty of books by now, with your first from Oxford… but what would you write about? You haven't exactly lived a full life, have you?… (442)Did it feel good, raping and killing your way through everyone you knew, Elizabeth? One big explosion of malice and obscenity, revenging yourself on everyone, painting yourself as the unacclaimed genius, taking sideswipes at everyone with a more successful love life, a more satisfying — (440)* Michael Fancourt about women writers (298):I said that the greatest female writers, with almost no exceptions, have been childless. A fact. And I have said that women generally, by virtue of their desire to mother, are incapable of the necessarily single-minded focus anyone must bring to the creation of literature, true literature. I don't retract a word. That is a fact.* Hobart's Sin, Owen Quine's first and best novel, the “Key” to Tassel's Bombyx Mori, the “book within a book:” “The plot of Hobart's Sin turns on Hobart, who's both male and female, having to choose between parenthood and abandoning his aspirations as a writer: aborting his baby, or abandoning his brainchild” (229)* “It's all about a hermaphrodite who's pregnant and gets an abortion because a kid would interfere with his literary ambitions” (242)* Rowling about The Silkworm: It is the Story that Inspired the Series, the Lake OriginActually, the plot for Silkworm predated the plot for Cuckoo's Calling. I'd had the idea for that plot, the book within the book, for seven or eight years before I wrote it. That often happens with me, I have an idea and I keep it and sit on it. But I keep it and I play with it like a Rubik's cube and there'll come a point where everything clicks and it's ready to be written. I have a lot of notebooks filled with these kinds of things. Silkworm was like that. I sat on that plot for a long time before using it.* “It's a novel about novels with another novel inside it” (~1;15)Reading for Wisdom and JolliesAn Introduction to and Example of Reading Rowling at Four Levels: A Quadrigal Reading of The Christmas PigReading Rowling the Hard, Right Way versus Enjoying the Surface Story and Discussing Themes: An Introduction to Perennialist ReadingTraditional Symbols in Harry Potter and Cormoran Strike: A Perennialist ViewHarry Potter's Bookshelf — What to Read to Understand Rowling's Artistry and How to Read Her Work to Grasp Her Meaning and IntentionThe Deathly Hallows LecturesHarry Potter as Ring Cycle and Ring Composition* ‘How Does Ring Composition Work Anyway?'Darke Hierogliphicks: Alchemy in English Literature from Chaucer to the Restoration (Stanton Linden)How to Think About The Ink Black Heart Pre-Publication – Seven Tools for Serious Readers to Review (February 2022)And Don't Forget!* In Praise of Friendship - a Robin and Strike Heresy Get full access to Hogwarts Professor at hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

Hannah Murray will start by looking at the bestseller lists on Amazon.co.uk and The Sunday Times, the oldest and most influential book sales chart in the UK, and seeing what new entries there are. Guy Lloyd is the International Sales Manager at Penguin Random House, and joins us once a month to talk all things books. Among other things, this month he's talking about Penguin's 90th anniversary this year, Jane Austen's 250th anniversary celebrations, Saucy books in Notting Hill, only sell romance books, and Bradley Wiggins' autobiography Caroline James is the celebrated author of later-life fiction, with her vibrant storytelling stemming from her colourful career. She used to own a lively pub, then a charming country house hotel. As a media agent, she worked closely with celebrity chefs, giving her an insider's perspective on the glitz, glamour, and grit of the culinary world. In her latest novel 'The Cruise Club' you can set sail on the Diamond Star for sunshine, romance, and just a little bit of mischief Alice Fitzpatrick has contributed short stories to literary magazines and anthologies, and has recently retired from teaching in order to devote herself to writing full-time. Her summers spent with her Welsh family in Pembrokeshire inspired the creation of Meredith Island. The first book in the series is 'A Dark Death'  ... Imogen Edwards-Jones is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, novelist and screenwriter. She wrote the hugely successful Babylon series, which has sold 1.5 million copies in the UK. She has teamed up with James Patterson, one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time, to write 'The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe', which tells the extraordinary story of her life, and the shocking circumstances of her death.  Menna van Praag was born in Cambridge and studied Modern History at Oxford University. She lives in Cambridge and sets her novels among the colleges, cafes and bookshops of the city. Her Magical Cambridge Collection, consisting of five novels, most recently 'The Patron Saint of Lost Souls' are love letters to the cobbled streets and quirky shops of Cambridge, an enchanting blend of everyday whimsy, the love stories of very human characters, and a joyful dash of magic.  Virginia Evans attended James Madison University for her Bachelor's in English Literature. After starting a family, she went back to school for her Master's of Philosophy in Creative Writing at Trinity College, Dublin. 'The Correspondent' is an emotional, uplifting story about great joys, small tragedies, and unexpected second chances. In her letters to family and friends we come to know the life of Sybil Van Antwerp: stubborn, Cantankerous, opinionated, always steadfast in her belief in the power of the written word.

Today I'm joined in conversation by Denali Sai Nalamalapu author of Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance.Inspired by Denali's powerful book about the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline in Appalachia we discuss what activism really looks like, and not the main stream media's portrayal of protests by those on the fringes and out of touch with society. Denali's book utilises raw imagery stripped bare from complicated language that opens up this conversation at a heart level to everyone, and brings to the fore the passion and love that drives people to stand up for what they believe in. Denali encourages us to use discernment to question the narratives we consume and to find the courage to advocate for ourself and our community, and how this can take many different forms, but importantly simply allows you to embrace your existing skills and passions.Alongside this call to action we acknowledge the resilience needed to hold the grief and hopelessness whilst balancing a belief in an alternative hopeful vision for the future and how community is both our biggest driving force and greatest asset as we embrace the stubbornness to take on what on the surface seems insurmountable. Learn more about  DenaliDenali Sai Nalamalapu (They/Them) is the author of Holler, a climate organizer and comic artist living in Southwest Virginia, originally from Southern Maine and Southern India. Denali's work uplifts the voices of those most impacted by climate change – rural, queer, and communities of color – through vibrant, engaging, and accessible illustrations and writing. Denali studied English Literature at Bates College and completed a Fulbright grant in Malaysia. Denali has worked as a climate communicator and organizer since 2019.Holler is a spectacular blend of graphic memoir and climate activism, using contemporary visceral storytelling to highlight the lives of six frontline resisters to the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Appalachia. Drawing from original interviews with Denali, Holler introduces readers to a teacher, a single mother, a nurse, an organizer, a photographer, and a seed keeper, who became activists as the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which spans approximately 300 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia, threatened their homes, their livelihoods, their community.These are the stories of everyday resistance, while each person has their own motivation and methods, they share a love for the land and a desire to preserve it. Denali themselves poignantly illustrates both their own experiences with climate anxiety and grief and the ways that finding community has galvanized them in their environmental work.A deeply moving story about change, hope, and humanity, Holler is an invitation to readers everywhere searching for their own path to activism: sending the message that no matter how small your action is, it's impactful.Website: https://denali-sai.com/Instagram: @Denali_SaiBlueSky: @denalisai.bsky.socialSupport the showThank you for being part of this journey with me, please Subscribe so you don't miss our future episodes, leave a review & share with friends to help these messages ripple out across the world. More information about the Podcast & our host Fiona MacKay: Fiona Mackay Photography WebsiteConnect with us & join the conversation on social media:Instagram @FionaMacKayPhotographyFacebook @FionaMacKayPhotographyTwitter @FiMacKay

I'm talking to Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux from the Three Ravens podcast about the difficulties in defining 'folklore', the importance of storytelling, which of England's 39 historic counties has the best folk tales, why people love ghost stories, and making folklore accessible to wider audiences! Eleanor Conlon and Martin Vaux are the brains behind the Three Ravens podcast, and they are a real life couple, based in Sussex. Eleanor was born in Suffolk and grew up in Sussex, and after developing a passion for storytelling and stage performance as a child, become involved in amateur dramatics and completed her BA in English Literature and earned her MA in Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama. She also founded the theatre company Rust & Stardust, which tours original work and education projects rooted in English folklore. Martin was born in Somerset and grew up in the developing world, including in Uganda and Papua New Guinea. After leaving school, he completed his BA in English and won National Student Television Awards for comedy and directing. Having been a freelance journalist, radio presenter, and English teacher, he also won the BBC Moo! New Writers Prize in 2009. He gave up teaching after the pandemic to undertake his MA in Romantic and Victorian Literature and Culture at Goldsmiths, and to launch Three Ravens. Buy their book, The Three Ravens Folk Tales: New tellings of half-forgotten stories from England's 39 Historic Counties: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/12992/9781803999685 Visit the Three Ravens Podcast website: https://www.threeravenspodcast.com/ Get your free guide to home protection the folklore way here: https://www.icysedgwick.com/fab-folklore/ Become a member of the Fabulous Folklore Family for bonus episodes and articles at https://patreon.com/bePatron?u=2380595 Buy Icy a coffee or sign up for bonus episodes at: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick Fabulous Folklore Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/fabulous_folklore Pre-recorded illustrated talks: https://ko-fi.com/icysedgwick/shop Request an episode: https://forms.gle/gqG7xQNLfbMg1mDv7 Get extra snippets of folklore on Instagram at https://instagram.com/icysedgwick Find Icy on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/icysedgwick.bsky.social 'Like' Fabulous Folklore on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fabulousfolklore/

Writing a book can be a powerful catalyst for building thought leadership and accelerating business success, but the journey requires strategic planning and expert guidance.In this episode of High Octane Leadership, host Donald Thompson sits down with Bob Bachelor, an accomplished author of 15 books and strategic communications expert, to explore the complete roadmap for successfully writing and publishing a book that builds professional credibility and drives business growth.What You'll Learn:How to strategically write and publish a business book that builds credibility and drives growthThe importance of collaborating with publishing experts to elevate quality and market reachSmart ways to use AI while preserving your authentic voice and emotional depthHow to turn your book into a powerful content engine and tool for executive engagementAbout the Guest(s)Bob Bachelor is a distinguished author, strategic communicator, and publishing expert with over 15 books authored and 19 edited works to his credit. As a PhD in English Literature and experienced ghostwriter, he has helped countless business leaders and professionals transform their expertise into published works, including a bestselling biography of Stan Lee. Currently leading global content strategy initiatives at Workplace Options, Bob specializes in developing thought leadership programs and authentic communication strategies that drive organizational success. His expertise in both traditional publishing and modern content creation, including AI integration and strategic communications, makes him an invaluable resource for aspiring authors and business leaders looking to establish their thought leadership presence.Resources:Bob Bachelor LinkedInThe Diversity Movement LinkedInThe Diversity Movement WebsiteWorkplace Options LinkedInWorkplace Options WebsiteDonald Thompson LinkedIn High Octane Leadership is hosted by The Diversity Movement CEO and executive coach Donald Thompson and is a production of Earfluence.Order UNDERESTIMATED: A CEO'S UNLIKELY PATH TO SUCCESS, by Donald Thompson.

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge.The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022.In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarded as academic ‘disciplines'. In Britain, the study of ‘English literature' was eventually to become one of the biggest and most popular of these subjects, yet it was in some ways an awkward fit: not obviously susceptible to the ‘scientific' treatment considered the hallmark of a scholarly discipline, it aroused a kind of existential commitment in many of those who taught and studied it. These lectures explore some of the ways in which these tensions worked themselves out in the last two hundred years, drawing on a wide range of sources to understand the aspirations invested in the subject, the resistance that it constantly encountered, and the distinctive forms of enquiry that came to define it. In so doing, they raise larger questions about the changing character of universities, the peculiar cultural standing of ‘literature', and the conflicting social expectations that societies have entertained towards higher education and specialized scholarship.Handout - Lecture 3: Syllabuses1. ‘“English”, including Anglo-Saxon and Middle English along with modern English, including what we ordinarily call the “dull” periods as well as the “great” ones, is an object more or less presented to us by nature.'2. ‘In the 1880s, an exciting duel between two great publishing houses brought the price of the rival National and World Libraries (Cassell's and Routledge's, respectively) down to 3d in paper and 6d in cloth. And not only were prices cut: the selection of titles was greatly enlarged, the old standbys - Milton, Pope, Cowper, Thomson, Burns, Goldsmith, and the rest - being joined by many other authors who had seldom or ever appeared in cheap editions.'3. ‘Sir John Denham (1615-1668) is familiar from the oft-quoted couplet in his poem of Cooper's Hill, the measured and stately versification of which has been highly praised. He died an old man in the reign of Charles II, with a mind clouded by the sudden loss of his young wife, whom he had married late in life. John Cleveland (1613-1659), author of the Rebel Scot and certain vigorous attacks on the Protector, was the earliest poetical champion of royalty. Butler is said to have adopted the style of his satires in Hudibras. Colonel Richard Lovelace (1618-1658) ....'4. ‘Poetry: More advanced poems from Chaucer (e.g. The Prologue), Shakespeare, Spenser, Milton, Pope, Wordsworth, Tennyson, or from selections such as The Golden Treasury; Shakespeare, (Histories, Comedies or easier Tragedies). Prose: Plutarch's Lives, Kinglake, Eothen, Borrow, Lavengro, Ruskin, Sesame and Lilies, Frowde [sic; ?Froude], selected short studies, Modern prose Comedies (e.g. Goldsmith and Sheridan), Selections from British Essayists (e.g. Addison, Lamb, Goldsmith), Macaulay, Essays or selected chapters from The History.'5. ‘In the 1930s favourite Higher Certificate set books and authors among the various Boards include: The Faerie Queene, Marlowe's Faustus, Bacon's essays, Sidney's Apologie for Poetrie, Hakluyt, The New Atlantis, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton, Lamb, Carlyle, Pope, Dryden, Scott and the Romantic poets. These texts and authors changed hardly at all between 1930 and 1950 (and represent a very similar situation to that of 1900-1910).'6. ‘An Honours Degree in English Language and Literature at present entails, in every University in England, some knowledge both of Latin or Greek at the outset, and of Old English later.' This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standrewsiih.substack.com

Vinita Rashinkar is a spiritual healer, writer, speaker and wellness expert. She is the Founding Director of Sri Chakra Yantra Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation created with the intention of bringing individuals and organisations together to improve health and well-being, cultivate spiritual knowledge, expand consciousness and provide authentic information about Tantra and Sri Vidya as outlined in the Hindu Scriptures. Vinita's first book “Sri Chakra Yantra” was published in 2019, second book “Chakras” in 2020, third book “Tantra, Mantra and Yantra of Sri Vidya in 2021 and fourth book “The Sacred Sounds of Sri Vidya” was published in 2022. The fifth book “Dasa Mahavidya – The Ten Great Tantric Wisdom Goddesses” was released in August 2023. She has studied principles of Ayurveda, yoga, meditation, chanting, chakras, stress management and spiritual counselling under various masters for the past 23 years.Vinita is the Founder and Managing Director of Amara Vedic Wellness GmbH, a Dusseldorf based company founded with the intention to bring the hidden aspects of Vedic knowledge to the common man, thereby promoting total wellness encompassing the body, mind and spirit. She has a Masters degree in English Literature and is a gold medallist and rank holder at Bachelors and Masters degree levels. She has studied at London College of Fashion and done an executive program at Harvard Business School.The topics we cover in this episode are:- Tantra, yantra, mantra, mudras & Kundalini Shakti Sanata- Sri Yantra – the blueprint of the Universe (sacred geometry)- The Dasa Mahavidya – ten great wisdoms- Shiva and Shakti- Kali (time)- Tara (combustion)- Lalita Tripura Sundari (beauty)- Bhuvaneshvari (Mother Earth)- Bhairavi - Chinnamasta- Dhumavati (Crone)- Bagalamukhi- Matangi (knowledge)- Kamalatmika (Kamala)Visit Vinita: https://vinitarashinkar.in/ and https://www.instagram.com/vinita_rashinkarVinita's book on the Dasa Mahavidya: https://vinitarashinkar.in/dasa-mahavidya/ Vinita's book on Tantra, Mantra and Yantra: https://vinitarashinkar.in/tantra-mantra-and-yantra-of-sri-vidya/Book a session with Vinita: https://meet.vinitarashinkar.in/My Law of Positivism Healing Oracle Card Deck:https://www.lawofpositivism.com/healingoracle.htmlMy book The Law of Positivism – Live a life of higher vibrations, love and gratitude:https://www.lawofpositivism.com/book.html My readings and healing sessions:https://www.lawofpositivism.com/offerings.htmlVisit Law of Positivism:https://www.instagram.com/lawofpositivism/Website: https://www.lawofpositivism.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawofpositivism/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/lawofpositivism

P&C drink and review a single-hop beer from Brookeville Beer Farm, then Crowhill quizzes Pigweed on the most important characters in English literature. Crowhill combined replies from both ChatGPT and Grok to create a test for Pigweed. The prompt read as follow: "Please give me a list of the 30 most important characters in English literature. By important I mean they have made a lasting impression on the culture, they're cited, they're imitated or referenced in other works, and so on. Please exclude the Bible. Please give no more than two characters from any given author. Please list the character, the author, the book in which the character appears, and a brief description of the character." Pigweed does a great job guessing characters from Shakespeare, Austen, Bronte, Conan Doyle, Orwell, Dickens, Twain, Orwell, and others. The boys also give an update to their "have we reached the end of woke" show. More at ... https://www.pigweedandcrowhill.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYAjUk6LttQyUk_fV9F46R06OQgH39exQ#literature #authors #English

We're back for season 11 of the podcast! Listen to hear about everything that is new at A Delectable Education along with a unique opportunity to read Charlotte Mason along with us. Charlotte Mason, Volume 6 (Amazon) (Living Book Press - use code DELECTABLE for 10% off!) ADE Vol 6, Chapt 10 Reading List ADE on YouTube! Teacher Helps 10 Minute's Map Exercises   Scansion Lessons - Extra Practice   Literature Forms 3-4 (English Literature for Boys & Girls and Age of Fable)   Citizenship Forms 3-4 (The Young Citizen's Reader and Ourselves) Teacher Training Videos High School Algebra demonstration lesson   Form 1-2 Bible demonstration lesson   A Method for the Madness: Organizing Home and School workshop   Imagination, The Missing Ingredient workshop   Conducting a Special Study workshop   A Point or Two of Correction and Critique: Assessing Your Students' Compositions workshop   The Habit of Remembering workshop   School Planning, One Bite at a Time workshop ADE's Patreon Community ADE at HOME {Virtual} Conference (First weekend in February, access for 3 months following) Theo of Golden, Allen Levi Every Moment Holy, Vol. 3, Douglas Kaine McKelvey

In ep 132 of “How Do You Say That?!” sponsored by britishvoiceover.co.uk, Holly Gillanders joins Sam and Mark to talk about creating an informative read versus a storytelling approach, drawing the audience in with a whispered undertone, voicing a phrase in inverted commas and choosing which way to go when there are so many different ways to play a fantasy character. We get over excited with the wildcards, and Sam produces a buzzing creature that'll get you reaching for the fly-swatter!Our VO question this week is all about how actors form a plan to pivot from stage acting to voice acting.Get involved! Have you got a Wildcard suggestion that we should try or an idea for the show? Send it to us via Mark or Sam's social media or email it directly to podcast@britishvoiceover.co.ukScript 1This is God's Providence House, tucked just off Holyrood Street. It's a curious name which came about following the arrival of the Black Plague on the Isle of Wight in 1582. It was the only building in which no one fell ill or died - locals believed the inhabitants had been spared due to 'Gods Providence'.Rebuilt following a fire in 1699, it's whispered to be one of the most spiritually active buildings in town.Staff have reported hearing footsteps pacing above when no one's there, and one former tenant claimed to see a woman in grey sitting in the corner of a locked room. They say she was knitting. Script 2You wish to know where the most huge and fearsome dragon in all the land resides? Ah! A most fascinating question, mortal. The huge and fearsome dragon you speak of resides in the Cathedral of Diamonds.And now my faithful guards, throw him into the well of death!Good. It is done. And now I will continue to sit and to wait, in the hope that the day will come when somebody will ask me a question I actually know the answer to. What do you mean ‘we all pray for that day, my lady?'Half the people who come here ask me about dragons. What's so great about f*cking dragons? I mean, I don't have a clue about dragons. Never even seen one. Have you?We'd love your feedback - and if you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, hit the follow button today!**Listen to all of our podcasts here - you can also watch on YouTube, or say to your smart speaker "Play How Do You Say That?!"About our guest: Holly Gillanders grew up in Newark on Trent in Nottinghamshire. She has a degree in English Literature and a background in producing participation projects in the arts with a goal to making ballet, opera, classical music and theatre accessible to all. Theatre has been an interest for Holly since she was at school, but it wasn't until she volunteered doing props at a local amateur theatre that she decided to try auditioning for a lead acting role and really caught the bug. Holly has performed in many audio dramas for Political Art, Questors Theatre, Evcol Entertainment, Alternative Stories and The Story Hive. In 2024, Holly was shortlisted for the best Best Female Audio Drama performance at the One Voice Awards. She lives in London with her husband, her 3 year old son and giant cat, Heathcliff. @hollygillandersvo on Instagram

Episode 179:For today's guest episode it is a welcome return for Kay Daly to the podcast. In our second conversation Kay discusses Jonson's world view and how it differed from Shakespeare's, which we discussed in our first conversation plays. If you have not already done so, listening to that conversation, which is episode 177, and my recent episodes on Jonson's early plays ‘The Case Is Altered', ‘Every Man Out of his Humour' and ‘Every Man In His Humour' would be a good idea before listening to this conversation.Kay Daly is a writer, novelist, book and theatre reviewer, teacher, and public humanities advocate. Since earning her Ph.D. in English Literature from Northwestern University, she has written for a variety of publications and organizations including The Chicago Review of Books, TimeOut Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, WNET New York Public Media, The Library of Virginia's blog UnCommonwealth, Dramatics Magazine, and Centerstage Chicago. She also teaches adult enrichment courses focusing on arts and humanities at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Her debut novel ‘Wilton House', based on the life of 17th-century writer Lady Mary Wroth, will be published by Regal House Publishing in 2027Support the podcast at:www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.comwww.patreon.com/thoetpwww.ko-fi.com/thoetp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stefan Collini, FBA.Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge.The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews.11th, 12th & 13th October 2022.In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarded as academic ‘disciplines'. In Britain, the study of ‘English literature' was eventually to become one of the biggest and most popular of these subjects, yet it was in some ways an awkward fit: not obviously susceptible to the ‘scientific' treatment considered the hallmark of a scholarly discipline, it aroused a kind of existential commitment in many of those who taught and studied it. These lectures explore some of the ways in which these tensions worked themselves out in the last two hundred years, drawing on a wide range of sources to understand the aspirations invested in the subject, the resistance that it constantly encountered, and the distinctive forms of enquiry that came to define it. In so doing, they raise larger questions about the changing character of universities, the peculiar cultural standing of ‘literature', and the conflicting social expectations that societies have entertained towards higher education and specialized scholarship.Handout - Lecture 2: Careers1. ‘His tastes and pursuits would no doubt lead him to lecture on the Structure of the English Language and its affinities with cognate tongues, rather than upon Rhetoric or the Art of Composition, but when it was mentioned to him that the latter formed part of the duties of the chair, he made no difficulty about undertaking it.'2. ‘We think that the Professor of the English Language and Literature at our College ought, if it were possible, to unite all the qualifications which we think desirable, to be a thoroughly educated man, a man whose peculiar learning is based upon the sound scholarship which is the general training of English gentlemen. He ought to have made a systematic study of the English Language and English Literature: a systematic study of the Language, so as to be thoroughly conversant with its etymological structure, and the history of its formation through its successive stages; a systematic study of the Literature, so that his familiar knowledge of it may not be confined within the limits of one or two periods. He ought to have experience as a Lecturer, and to be able to lecture well: but he ought to be prepared not only to lecture, but to teach. We must bear in mind, and our Professor must bear in mind, that the practical end of our English Class is to teach our students to use their own language well both in speaking and writing.'3. ‘All the world is standing, every chatterer in every newspaper thinks he is good enough for English language and literature.'4. ‘The lecture list of Easter Term was considered. It was agreed that the Reader in Phonetics should be asked either to change the subject of his lecture on Ugrian Phonetics or to remove it from the list, as in the opinion of the Board the subject did not fall within the scope of the school.'5. ‘The main point, of course, was to choose a scholar and not a chatterer; now the chatterers have command of the newspapers and the scholars have not. That's all. I have no doubt that to any maker of paragraphs, Matthew, Ealdorman of babblers, seems a greater man than William of Chester'.6. ‘In those early years everyone, whatever her natural bias, read for the English School at Oxford, because that was the only course for which adequate preparation could at that time be secured.'7. ‘Well, I have no hesitation in de-classing the whole professorial squad - Bradley, Herford, Dowden, Walter Raleigh, Elton, Saintsbury'... [Saintsbury is allowed to have some strengths, though in spite of his style rather than because of it] ...For the rest: Professor Walter Raleigh is improving. Professor Elton has never fallen to the depths of sterile and pretentious banality which are the natural and customary level of the remaining three.' This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standrewsiih.substack.com

Anthony Esolen, distinguished professor of the humanities at Thales College, addresses the virtue of prudence.  Dr. Anthony Esolen received his A.B. in English Literature from Princeton University and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Renaissance English Literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Esolen has been a professor of literature and humanities for 35 years and is the author or translator of more than 30 books, which include a range of English translations, analyses of culture, literary and Biblical criticisms, meditations on modern education, meditations on the Christian life, and original poetry. Dr. Esolen serves as a Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Thales College.Dr. Esolen delivered this presentation at the Conference of Miletus on July 14, 2025. The Conference of Miletus is a series of short, informative lectures given by members of the Thales Academy leadership team on ideas relating to classical education.Interested in teaching at Thales Academy? Please check out our website if you are interested in pursuing a career at Thales Academy and learning about needs across our network. Find out more at https://www.thalesacademy.org/contact/careers.

How literature helps us to understand morality, totalitarian politics, and the life of Jesus Christ.Join the team at the IAI for four articles about great, classic literature, covering world-renowned authors such as George Orwell, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Clarice Lispector, to name but a few.These articles were written by Michael Marder, Emrah Atasoy, John Givens, and Dana Dragunoiu.Michael Marder is Ikerbasque Research Professor of Philosophy at the University of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz. Emrah Atasoy is a professor in the Department of English and Comparative Literary Studies at the University of Warwick. John Givens is a professor of Russian at the University of Rochester and the author of 'The Image of Christ in Russian Literature: Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Bulgakov, Pasternak'. Dana Dragunoiu the author of 'Vladimir Nabokov and the Art of Moral Acts' and 'Simply Nabokov'. And don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 168 - Keep Your Eye on Jesus In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, your host Matt Chastain continues his discussion with Kristen Collier, an english literature graduate, author, and animator, who is described as a relentless go-getter. Kristen shares her experiences dealing with imposter syndrome, her interactions with Corbin Bernsen, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and dedication. She delves into her work on 'King of Glory,' a novel about the Second Coming, and her cartoon “Blink and Friends'. Kristen underscores the need for filmmakers to take bold steps in pursuing their projects.Highlights Include:Welcome and IntroductionKristen the Go-GetterWorking with Corbin BernsenThe Importance of AuthenticityDreams and the Second ComingKing of Glory: A Supernatural Love StoryA Year of Change and FocusThe Three-Pronged ApproachWriting Style and InspirationsGlowing Reviews and Future PlansWhere to Find Kristen and Her WorkBio:Kristen Collier has a B.A. in English Literature. She learned animation during the lockdown at age 51 and now has cartoons that have major distribution and are on streaming platforms. Her first love is books, and so she's most excited these days about her supernatural thriller, "King of Glory," a Peretti-esque love story about the Second Coming.Kristen's Links:https://www.collieranimationstudio.com/https://www.amazon.com/King-Glory-Kristen-Collier-ebook/dp/B00AKFOL2Ihttps://www.instagram.com/collieranimationstudio/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556786981441Editing by Michael RothFaith and Family Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcampFAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter's Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VProducers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorshipThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is to help filmmakers who share a Christian Worldview...

What do you do when the life you dreamed of looks nothing like the one you're living?Jenny always knew she wanted to be a mom. But when her first child, Sarah, was born with special needs, the parenting story she had imagined began to unravel. For years, she carried invisible bricks of guilt, believing she had to fix what wasn't broken. Everything shifted the day she gave herself permission to just love her daughter exactly as she was.Letting go of the guilt and shame that clouded early motherhoodFinding hope and community in the Son-Rise ProgramDiscovering that love, not perfection, was the connection her daughter neededIn this conversation, Jenny shares what happens when we stop chasing a picture-perfect life and start honoring what is. It's about love, resilience, and learning to see the spark that's always been there.Jennifer Celeste Briggs is a writer, mother, and advocate for emotionally connected parenting. She has a BA in English Literature from Swarthmore College and lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and two daughters. Her daughter Sarah has a genetic anomaly and autism, which led Jenny to create and lead a home-based Son-Rise Program called Sarah-Rise. After training at the Autism Treatment Center of America, she coordinated hundreds of hours of therapeutic play with the help of volunteers. Her blog, Watching Sarah Rise, has become a source of comfort and inspiration to others navigating life's unexpected paths. Jenny's mission is to help parents feel seen and to spread the word about the power of presence, joy, and connection.Connect with JennyWebsite: www.watchingsarahrise.comFacebook: facebook.com/jenniferbriggsauthorInstagram: @jennifercelestebriggsauthorListen wherever you get your podcasts or at www.thelifeshiftpodcast.comSupport ad-free episodes and early releases at www.patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastGet show updates, reflection prompts, and behind-the-scenes notes in the newsletterFollow on social: @thelifeshiftpodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge.The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History. University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarded as academic ‘disciplines'. In Britain, the study of ‘English literature' was eventually to become one of the biggest and most popular of these subjects, yet it was in some ways an awkward fit: not obviously susceptible to the ‘scientific' treatment considered the hallmark of a scholarly discipline, it aroused a kind of existential commitment in many of those who taught and studied it. These lectures explore some of the ways in which these tensions worked themselves out in the last two hundred years, drawing on a wide range of sources to understand the aspirations invested in the subject, the resistance that it constantly encountered, and the distinctive forms of enquiry that came to define it. In so doing, they raise larger questions about the changing character of universities, the peculiar cultural standing of ‘literature', and the conflicting social expectations that societies have entertained towards higher education and specialized scholarship.Handout.1. ‘Neglected and despised as it is in comparison with its favoured competitor, how far more does it deserve the notice bestowed on her. It is not partial in its cultivation of the intellect, but tends at once to correct the taste, to strengthen the judgement, to instruct us in the wisdom of men better and wiser than ourselves, to exercise the reasoning faculties on subjects which demand and deserve their attention, and to show them the boundaries imposed on them by Providence. It is literature which fits and prepares us best of all for the examination of those moral and intellectual truths, which are not only the worthiest exercise of our reason, but most concern our future destiny.'2. ‘The teaching of English literature will contribute to the formation of sound conclusions on social and political questions; to right feeling and right thinking in all that appertains to morality and religion; to largeness, to sanity, to elevation, to refinement in judgement, taste and sentiment, to all, in short, which constitutes in the proper sense of the term the education of the British citizen.'3. ‘By the humanizing power of literature we mean the development of the higher faculties, the imagination, the sense of beauty and the intellectual comprehension, clear vision, mental harmony, a just sense of proportion, higher illumination.'4. ‘In all my Lectures, more particularly when treating upon that glorious and inexhaustible subject, the LITERATURE of our country - I shall esteem it my duty - and I trust I shall find it my delight - to inculcate lessons of virtue, through the medium of the masters of our language.'5. ‘A chief burden in maintaining and keeping uppermost the spiritual element in man must rest, for a variety of reasons, more upon the teaching of English and English literature than upon any other subject.'6. ‘The value of critical training, and of the various methods of study that I have touched upon, is simply that they educate our power of appreciation and make it possible for us to enter into the life and meaning of the highest poetry. Without some such mental discipline we shall always be in danger of accepting the second-rate for a masterpiece, and shall either be content with this shallower outlet for our emotions or be inclined to dispute the power of art to satisfy us at all. But if we submit our taste for poetry to education, the highest in ourselves will be drawn out to meet what is highest in the great artist: we shall realize our kinship with him and participate in his vision.' This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standrewsiih.substack.com

As always there are spoilers ahead! You can follow the podcast on Threads, Instagram and Bluesky.  HG Wells shadow is a long one and his seminal work on time travel was published in 1895. But well over a half a century later Hollywood was still hooked on Herbert (George Wells). The Time Machine was directed by George Pal and released 1960. From the turn of the century to the beginning of a new decade my amazing guests break down the themes and influences on this mid-century steampunk precursor. Keith Williams is a Reader in English Literature at the University of Dundee where he runs the science fiction programme. He has a special interest in the pre 1945 period and is the author of the book H.G. Wells, Modernity and the Movies. Ian Scott is a Professor of American Film and History at The University of Manchester. He has written extensively about politics and film in Hollywood.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:39 HG Wells in 1985: the book and the birth of cinema 05:37 1960s USA: the cusp of a new age 10:02 The influences on Wells: Thomas Henry Huxley and William Morris 17:21 James Bond: Rod Taylor's missed opportunity 19:08 Time travel: the time machine, mannequins and the BBC 27:57 The far-flung future: evolution, class and nuclear war 35:32 Fritz Lang, Metropolis, and the death of flower power 39:24 The Legacy 47:09 Recommendations for the listener   NEXT EPISODE! Next week I will be discussing the Eastern Block with brainy experts and discussing one of the first sci-fi films from the region Der schweigende Stern, AKA The Silent Star from 1960.  It was also re-edited and released as The First Spaceship on Venus. You may like to watch the MST3K version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVmgb3jEimQ If you are in the USA and have a public library card you should be able to find the film on Kanopy: https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/116646  The film is available to rent online depending on your region. Just Watch should be able to help.  If you felt very committed you could also buy this DVD collection of DEFA sci-fi which includes writing and interviews with the amazing Sonja Fritzsche, Evan Torner and Mark Bould: https://eurekavideo.co.uk/movie/strange-new-worlds-science-fiction-at-defa/  

In episode 295 of The Just Checking In Podcast we checked in with Andrew Shields. Andrew Shields is a journalist, communications and events management professional and published author who has worked in the world of sports media for over 40 years. Andrew graduated from the University of Warwick with a BA in American and English Literature and began climbing the ladder in sports journalism in the mid-1980s. He got his first break as Editorial Assistant on Scouting Magazine, the official magazine of the Scouts before becoming Assistant Editor at George Wimpey in the construction and housebuilding industry. He then landed the role of Editor for Sport England's magazine, where he spent five years between 1985-1990. He got his ‘big break' and landed a job at the now iconic Time Out Magazine in January 1990 as their Sport and Fitness Editor, where he spent 19 years. After Time Out, he had the opportunity of a lifetime when he joined the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) in December 2008. Despite being a part of one of the country's biggest and, some would argue best moments in our entire history, Andrew faced a huge amount of stress and mental health difficulties in this role. When he joined LOCOG, the organisation was around 300 people. By 2012 it had grown to a staggering 9,000. Andrew's job was naturally incredibly intense, and throughout that period, the job ate into his family life and work-life balance, to the point he was regularly working at weekends, which included being in the office. At its peak, Andrew was managing a team of over 40 people and, in his words, it felt like ‘running a marathon, then running another one immediately afterwards perpetually until the Games finished'. Andrew is also the author of seven published books, including ‘Master of the art of running', ‘Master the art of working out' and ‘365 ways to get fit'. In recent years, he is now an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and has taken up a voluntary role as the Director of Communications for the Institute of Events Management. In Part 1 of this episode we discuss his over 40-year career in journalism, public relations and writing. We focus on his role in LOCOG and the rollercoaster 5-year period he worked there, including the reality of that level of media scrutiny and workplace stress which manifested in physical symptoms as well as on his mental health. We then discuss his decision to go freelance and working for a sports agency, which included work on other major tournament sporting bids. As always, #itsokaytovent Support Us: Patreon: www.patreon.com/venthelpuk PayPal: paypal.me/freddiec1994?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB Merchandise: www.redbubble.com/people/VentUK/shop Music: @patawawa - Strange: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d70wfeJSEvk

Our guest in this episode is the returning Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous. She is a wonderfully pragmatic and insightful guide helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of AI. Anna champions using technology as a powerful tool, not to replace us, but to help foster deeper and more authentic human connections.We picked up our conversation right where we left off in episode 671, exploring the critical ethical questions and practical boundaries of artificial intelligence. Anna shared brilliant insights on everything from copyright in the creative arts to the single most important skill we need to hone for the future.Key points discussed include:* Practice radical transparency about your AI use to build unwavering trust with your audience.* Use AI as a back-office tool to free up your precious time for genuine human connection.* Train AI on your own content to ensure your unique brand voice always shines through.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Anna Addoms, Wicked MarvelousIt was an absolute delight to welcome Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous back to the Innovabuzz podcast. Our last conversation was cut short by a technical hiccup—perhaps the AI getting its own back on us—right as we were getting to the heart of the matter. So, picking up right where we left off felt not just necessary, but essential. Anna, with her characteristic clarity and pragmatism, helped navigate the complex, and sometimes murky, waters of using AI in a way that is both effective and deeply human.We jumped straight into the profound shift required in our thinking as we build relationships in this new digital landscape. Anna's perspective is a refreshing dose of common sense in a field often filled with hype. She argues that while the tools are new and evolving at a breakneck pace, the fundamental principles of good business and human connection remain the same. It's not about a total revolution in our values, but a thoughtful evolution in our methods.The Transparency Mandate: Your First Rule of AI EngagementAnna's foundational rule for AI engagement is simple yet powerful: be transparent. She made it crystal clear that if you are using AI in any capacity that faces the public or your clients, you have a responsibility to disclose it. This isn't about being ashamed of using a powerful tool; quite the opposite. It's about building trust by being upfront and honest about your processes. Not disclosing, and then getting caught, can do irreparable damage to your reputation.This frames AI correctly, not as a replacement for human skill or creativity, but as a tool in our arsenal. We wouldn't hide the fact that we use specialized software for accounting or project management, and Anna argues we should treat AI with the same straightforwardness. This simple act of disclosure respects your audience's intelligence and allows them to engage with your work, and your brand, on honest terms.The Creative Gray Area: Navigating AI Art and Intellectual PropertyAs a keen photographer, this part of our conversation struck a personal chord. We waded into what Anna aptly calls the "biggest gray area" in AI right now: the world of generated art and the protection of intellectual property. It's a space filled with incredible potential but also fraught with ethical questions. Where do we draw the line between an AI emulating a style and it infringing upon a human artist's livelihood and creative ownership?Anna shared some fascinating, and slightly sobering, insights, referencing the lawsuit between Disney and Midjourney as a major signal of the legal battles to come. She also pointed to the development of technologies like permanent digital watermarks for AI-generated media as a necessary step forward. It's a reminder that as we embrace these creative tools, we must also advocate for frameworks that protect the human creators whose work forms the very foundation of the AI's knowledge.From Fun to Function: AI as a Creative Partner and Problem-SolverLest we think the conversation was all serious, we took a detour into the genuinely fun and creative applications of AI. I shared a story about getting a parking fine and using AI to translate my initial, very angry, draft letter into something diplomatic, before asking it to rewrite the letter in the style of comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jim Jeffries. The process was not only hilarious but cathartic, turning frustration into laughter.This perfectly complemented Anna's examples of using AI as a playful, creative partner. She spoke of creating unique cartoon avatars for her members, which many now use as their official business profiles, and even generating a full 160-card Oracle deck with AI graphics just for fun. It's a brilliant illustration of how these tools can be used for more than just productivity; they can be a source of joy, creativity, and connection.Drawing the Line: Where AI Should Work and Where Humans Must RuleSo, where do we draw the line? Anna's distinction is incredibly clear and practical. She is a huge proponent of using AI for "back office" functions, letting it handle what she calls the "administrative minutia" so that we have more time and energy to focus on high-value, human-to-human interactions. Think of it as an assistant that helps you repurpose content, analyze data, or draft initial documents.However, she has a "hard line" when it comes to client-facing engagement. The core message is to use AI to help you run your business more effectively, but not to let it be in your business, interacting with your clients or your audience. The ultimate goal of using these tools should be to free us up to spend more quality time with people, not to create a buffer between us.The Communication Imperative: The Most Important Skill for the AI EraAs we continued, a powerful theme emerged: the most critical skill we need to hone in the age of AI is communication. This goes far beyond just "prompt engineering." It's about the timeless art of asking clear, specific, and descriptive questions. The old "garbage in, garbage out" principle has never been more relevant.Anna used a wonderful analogy of briefing a designer. If you give a vague, one-line request, you'll get a generic result. But if you provide rich detail, context, and specific examples, you'll get something much closer to your vision. The same is true for AI. Communicating effectively with these models not only yields better results but also reinforces the habits of clear communication that are essential in our interactions with other people.Your AI Action Plan: Start Secure, Stay HumanTo wrap up our discussion, Anna offered a clear, two-part action plan for anyone looking to leverage AI thoughtfully. First, and most critically, is to choose a secure AI environment. Free and open platforms often mean you are paying with your data. Using a secure, encrypted service ensures your proprietary information and client data remain private.Second, take the time to train your AI to sound like you. By creating a persona or agent that has learned from your own writing—be it blog posts, emails, or sales copy—you can ensure the output reflects your unique voice and phrasing. This step is fundamental to moving beyond generic content and truly using AI as a tool that enhances, rather than dilutes, your personal brand.In Summary: My conversation with Anna Addoms was illuminating guide in navigating the AI landscape with wisdom and integrity. Her core message is to embrace AI as a powerful tool for back-office efficiency, freeing you to deepen the human connections that truly matter. Be transparent in its use, be protective of your creative voice, and never forget that technology's highest purpose is to help us become more, not less, human.The Buzz - Our Innovation RoundHere are Anna's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – By taking administrative minutia off people's plates, it allows them to focus on human-to-human interaction.* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Creating a personalized AI agent or persona trained on your own content so it learns to write in your unique voice.* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Use AI to help run your business effectively in the back office, not to be in business with your clients.ActionChoose a secure AI environment that protects your data, then take the time to train the AI to learn and use your unique voice. This is the foundation for using AI effectively and authentically in your business.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Anna by visiting her website or finding her on LinkedIn.Links* Website – Wicked Marvelous* Twitter – @WickedMarvelous* LinkedIn* Facebook* InstagramCool Things About Anna* Anna grew up in Colorado in a family of entrepreneurs, right in the thick of the tech boom. She was raised around innovation and search engines, with her dad running AOL's biggest competitor during the first dot-com bubble. That's a childhood spent at the intersection of curiosity and code.* She's a creative at heart: Anna went to art school and holds a degree in English Literature. Her journey from art and literature to Silicon Valley tech startups is a delightful zigzag, not a straight line. She's proof that you can be both a techie and a creative soul.* She's a self-confessed “sponge of knowledge,” always learning, always curious. Anna's love of learning has led her down unexpected paths—from luxury travel to ad agencies to med-tech startups. She's not afraid to pivot, experiment, or start over if it means staying true to her values.Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.That's exactly what you'll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 167 - Make it Yourself: Success as an Indie Creator In this episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast, Matt Chastain interviews Kristen Collier, an animator who transitioned from a career in literature to animation during the pandemic lockdown. Kristen shares her journey of self-learning animation to bring her husband's characters to life, discussing the challenges, successes, and the creation of their children's cartoons, including a collaboration with prominent actors like Corbin Bernson. The discussion highlights the importance of independent innovation in the film industry. They emphasize the value of perseverance, learning new skills, and making things happen instead of waiting to be discovered.Highlights Include:Kristen's Journey to AnimationEarly Animation ProjectsChallenges and Learning CurvesMichigan Christian Filmmakers and Creative Motion NetworkCreating Roku ChannelsDeveloping Benny the BarnacleAnimation Techniques and SoftwareOvercoming Imposter SyndromeAdvice for Independent CreatorsBio:Kristen Collier has a B.A. in English Literature. She learned animation during the lockdown at age 51 and now has cartoons that have major distribution and are on streaming platforms. Her first love is books, and so she's most excited these days about her supernatural thriller, "King of Glory," a Peretti-esque love story about the Second Coming.Kristen's Links:https://www.collieranimationstudio.com/https://www.amazon.com/King-Glory-Kristen-Collier-ebook/dp/B00AKFOL2Ihttps://www.instagram.com/collieranimationstudio/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556786981441Editing by Michael RothFaith and Family Filmmakers Bootcamp: https://www.faffassociation.com/filmmakers-bootcampFAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetingsScreenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreatJaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter's Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9VProducers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorshipThe Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors. It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association Support Faith & Family Filmmakers Our mission is...

In this episode of Biographers in Conversation, Dr Anna Beer, the author of five acclaimed biographies and a Visiting Fellow at Kellogg College in Oxford, chats with Dr Gabriella Kelly-Davies about her choices while crafting Eve Bites Back: An Alternative History of English Literature. Eve Bites Back includes biographical sketches and reappraisals of eight talented female authors who lived, wrote and published between the 14th and 19th centuries. Here's what you'll discover in this episode: Why Anna Beer chose the title Eve Bites Back Why Anna opened Eve Bites Back with a feisty outline of the obstacles female authors have faced throughout history that have consigned them to literary silence Anna's rigorous research strategy given that women were usually invisible in pre 20th century archives How the characters of the eight authors drove the plot of each biographical sketch and the shape of Eve Bites Back How Anna balanced life writing and literary analysis The literary devices Anna employed to craft captivating narrative How Anna balanced authenticity and authoritativeness with wittiness, irony, questioning and righteous indignation.

English literature no longer makes the top ten of A-level subject choices. English departments at universities are regularly closing. Studies show dramatic drops in literacy and reading, particularly amongst teenagers. Today we're asking: is English literature dying?The New Statesman's deputy editor Will Lloyd is joined by the New Statesman's new culture editor Tanjil Rashid and columnist and critic James Marriott.READEnglish literature's last stand - James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 177:For today's guest episode it is a warm welcome for Kay Daly to the podcast. In our conversation Kay took the opportunity to give an overview of Shakespeare's world view as seen through his earlier plays and particularly the comedies. As you will hear we strayed a little into some later plays, but Kay's thoughts seemed particularly useful at this point as we are about to move away from the earliest plays and move onto new and very different experiments in comedy. I hope you enjoy the conversation and find useful as a kind of summary of what I have covered so far on the podcast in respect to Shakespeare.Kay Daly is a writer, novelist, book and theatre reviewer, teacher, and public humanities advocate. Since earning her Ph.D. in English Literature from Northwestern University, she has written for a variety of publications and organizations including The Chicago Review of Books, TimeOut Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, WNET New York Public Media, The Library of Virginia's blog UnCommonwealth, Dramatics Magazine, and Centerstage Chicago. She also teaches adult enrichment courses focusing on arts and humanities at the Newberry Library in Chicago. Her debut novel ‘Wilton House', based on the life of 17th-century writer Lady Mary Wroth, will be published by Regal House Publishing in 2027.Support the podcast at:www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.comwww.patreon.com/thoetpwww.ko-fi.com/thoetp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textRoslyn Bernstein is the author of four books: Boardwalk Stories, a collection of 14 fictional tales set from 1950 to 1970; the co-author with the architect Shael Shapiro of Illegal Living: 80 Wooster Street and the Evolution of SoHo; Engaging Art: Essays and Interviews from Around the Globe, a collection of 60 of her online avant-garde art pieces; and most recently, a novel, The Girl Who Counted Numbers.Since the 1980s, she has been reporting from around the globe for such print publications as the New York Times, Newsday, the Village Voice, New York Magazine, Parents, and the Columbia Journalism Review. She has also reported for various online publications including Medium, Tablet, Huffington Post, and Guernica, focusing primarily on cultural reporting and contemporary art, with in-depth interviews with artists, curators, and gallerists.Currently, Professor Emerita in the Department of  Journalism and the Writing Professions at Baruch College of the City University of New York (CUNY), she taught journalism and creative writing classes from 1974-2016. A devoted teacher, she served as an advisor to Ticker, the college newspaper and established Dollars and $ense, the Baruch College business magazine. During her time at Baruch, she served as the director of the Journalism Program and was the Founding Director of the Sidney Harman Writer-in-Residence Program, a residency that has brought over 30 distinguished poets, playwrights, critics, and journalists to campus to teach intensive classes for gifted students. Prof. Bernstein is a recipient of the College's Distinguished Awards for Teaching and Service.Before coming to Baruch, she worked at Esquire and attended graduate school. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Brandeis University and aMasters and Ph.D in English Literature from New York University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. https://www.roslynbernstein.com/Creator/Host: Tammy TakaishiAudio Engineer: Alex Repetti Visit the Self-Care Institute at https://www.selfcareinstitute.com/ Support the showVisit www.creativepeacemeal.com to leave a review, fan voicemail, and more!Insta @creative_peacemeal_podcastFB @creativepeacemealpodRedbubble CPPodcast.redbubble.comCreative Peacemeal READING list here Donate to AhHa!Broadway here! Donate to New Normal Rep here! Interested in the Self-Care Institute with Dr. Ami Kunimura? Click here Interested in Corrie Legge's content planner? Click here to order!

O little light in me, don't die.” In the first episode of Falasteeniya — a new podcast series spotlighting the voices, expertise, and lived experiences of Palestinian women — host Hala Hanina welcomes Somaia Abunada to the Palestine Deep Dive studio. A witness and survivor to Israel's genocide on Gaza, Somaia Abunada remembers the life and legacy of her older sister Heba Abunada — poet, scientist, and beloved daughter of Gaza — who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 20, 2023. __________________________________ Support 100% independent, Palestinian-led media taking on the pro-genocide Western media from as little as £1 per month: https://www.palestinedeepdive.com/support __________________________________ Heba Abunada (1991–2023) was more than a poet. She was Gaza's radiance — a biochemist, a writer, and a visionary thinker whose words carried generations of Palestinian pain and resistance. Her poems traced the delicate threads between loss and longing, life and liberation. She wrote as if Gaza breathed through her. But Heba's life was cut short in the beginning of Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza. She was killed while on her prayer mat, during one of the most violent days of the genocide. Her final words on Facebook that morning read: “In Gaza, we are with God, either as martyrs or as witnesses to liberation, and all of us are waiting to see which we will be.” Somaia Abunada is the younger sister of Heba. She is a former Fulbright language teaching assistant, she holds a B.A. in English Literature and an M.A. in Translation Studies. Somaia is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Applied Intercultural Communication at Trinity College Dublin. She has worked as an English teacher with the Irish Red Cross, social media coordinator with We Are Not Numbers, as a writer, and an activities coordinator and translator. Hala Hanina is a social and political activist from Gaza. She is currently completing a PhD in politics and sociology which focuses on Palestinian women at the intersection of colonial and patriarchal violence.

Do you know what a Squire did? Was a Merchant as fancy as he sounds?Gone Medieval continues our week of pilgrimage as Matt Lewis is joined by Professor Robert Mayer Lee to explore the diverse jobs and social status' of the pilgrims in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.They discuss how Chaucer's work reflects the fluidity and complexities of social mobility in 14th century England and the motivations and messages behind these timeless stories.More:Geoffrey Chaucer, Father of English Literaturehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3TMGrNTfPS5wwOqspKNfK3How to Dress in the Middle Ages https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JOjrPdijf3VD2eT9iCrgSGone Medieval is presented by Matt Lewis. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

John Niven is a Scottish author and screenwriter known for his darkly comic, satirical novels. Born in Ayrshire in 1966, he studied English Literature at the University of Glasgow before spending a decade in the music industry. This experience inspired his breakout novel, Kill Your Friends (2008), a biting satire of the late-1990s music business. The book earned widespread acclaim for its brutal honesty and sharp wit, and was later adapted into a film for which Niven co-wrote the screenplay. His other works include The Amateurs, The Second Coming, Straight White Male, and O Brother, showcasing his distinctive blend of humour, cynicism, and moral insight. In addition to novels, Niven has written for film and journalism, often exploring themes of fame, failure, and modern hypocrisy. Known for his outspoken political views, Niven remains a provocative and influential voice in contemporary British literature and culture.

Today, Taiwan is caught in the crosshairs of two imperial rivals: the US and China. This is nothing new for the island nation, which has been a battleground for competing empires for centuries, but what is new is the critical role Taiwan plays in the 21st-century world economy. For example, Taiwan manufacturers 90% of the world's most advanced microchips—the key component in everything from consumer electronics to the US military's F-35 fighter jets. In this episode of Solidarity Without Exception, co-host Ashley Smith speaks with Brian Hioe, journalist and editor of New Bloom magazine, about the history of Taiwanese struggles for self-determination, the country's position in the contemporary US-China rivalry, the increasing threat of imperial war, and the urgency of building solidarity among working-class people in Taiwan, the US, and China.Guests:Brian Hioe is a freelance journalist, translator, and one of the founding editors of New Bloom, an online magazine featuring radical perspectives on Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific. A New York native and Taiwanese-American, Hioe has an MA in East Asian Languages and Cultures from Columbia University and graduated from New York University with majors in History, East Asian Studies, and English Literature. He was Democracy and Human Rights Service Fellow at the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy from 2017 to 2018 and is currently a Non-Resident Fellow at the University of Nottingham's Taiwan Studies Programme, as well as board member of the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents' Club.Additional resources:New Bloom website, Facebook page, X page, and InstagramEli Friedman, Kevin Lin, Rosa Liu, & Ashley Smith, Haymarket Books, China in Global Capitalism: Building International Solidarity Against Imperial RivalryBrian J. Chen, Boston Review, “Semiconductor Island: The colonial making of Taiwan's chip supremacy”Credits:Pre-Production: Ashley SmithStdio Production / Post-Production: TRNNHelp us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterFollow us on BlueskyLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

"I kept thinking, 'Okay. What does God want me to do for others? What am I offering others? What am I giving to others?' And again and again, the things I felt called to do or make or create or tend would literally refresh me."— Christie PurifoyToday's Episode: This episode is an absolute joy! We're so grateful to Christie Purifoy for sharing her wise insights into generous living and openhanded receiving. Christie is an author, teacher, and gardener. On today's episode she tells stories and shares biblical truths about God's abundance and our calling to cultivate spacious places not only to share them with others but to actually receive them as a blessing for ourselves.This month's memory verse: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25Today's guest: Christie Purifoy is a writer and gardener who loves to grow flowers and community. She is the author of six books, including two spiritual memoirs and a recently completed trilogy of gift books with essays and photographs celebrating the gardening life. Her latest book, A House to Call Home: Creating Places That Will Comfort and Care For Us, will launch in February 2026. Christie earned a PhD in English Literature from the University of Chicago but eventually traded the classroom for an old Pennsylvania farmhouse called Maplehurst where she lives with her husband and four children. You can find Christie on Instagram (@christiepurifoy) and on Substack where she writes a regular newsletter on home, garden, and the ancient church called A Spacious Place.Support Our Show: We love reading your comments! AND they help other people find our show. Please let us know what you think by leaving a review.Links from today's show: ChristyPurifoy.comOn Magic and Miracles by Marian A. JacobsEveryday Gospel by Paul David TrippAnxious No More Necklace Dwell Differently Bible Study membership. Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

This episode contains explicit language and themesWe're revelling in the Canterbury Tales this week; who else to kick things off with a bang than the scandalous Wife of Bath?Dr. Eleanor Janega is joined by Dr. Hetta Howes to celebrate Chaucer's scandalous and witty Wife of Bath, as they explore her five marriages, defiance of medieval norms, and her unapologetically bold voice. Together they unravel the rich details of her prologue and tale, filled with humour, controversy, and groundbreaking challenges to gender roles. Romp through one of literature's most unforgettable tales and characters.More:Medieval Writers, Extraordinary Womenhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/2axC5tQ8weR8tfb9ZwQJbKGeoffrey Chaucer, Father of English Literaturehttps://open.spotify.com/episode/3TMGrNTfPS5wwOqspKNfK3Gone Medieval is presented by Dr. Eleanor Janega. It was edited by Amy Haddow, the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music used is courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Gone Medieval is a History Hit podcast.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on

Today on Harshaneeyam Podcast we have Kirupalakshmi and Chaitanya writers , publishers, avid readers of Literature. They will talk about their publication house Manasa Publications and the Manasa Lit Prize - A competition aimed at New Women Writers of Indian origin writing in English. Chaidhanya has a Master's in English Literature and writes about literature, aesthetics, and philosophy. Her essays, published in Neeli magazine, introduce overlooked women thinkers with depth and insight. .Kirupalakshmi K has an MBA and a background in marketing, but literature has always been her real passion. An avid reader and a budding writer, she has written short stories, essays and spoken about literature in various spaces. Their Publishing house Manasa was founded to nurture and amplify women-centric literary works, through translation. Manasa primarily focussing on the richness of women's storytelling across India. Chaidhanya and Kirupalakshmi say that Manasa is rooted in a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and philosophical dimensions of life. To Know more about Manasa Publications and the Manasa Lit.Prize please click on the link given in the show notes - https://www.manasapublications.com/manasalitprize* For your Valuable feedback on this Episode - Please click the link below.https://tinyurl.com/4zbdhrwrHarshaneeyam on Spotify App –https://harshaneeyam.captivate.fm/onspotHarshaneeyam on Apple App – https://harshaneeyam.captivate.fm/onapple*Contact us - harshaneeyam@gmail.com ***Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Interviewees in interviews conducted by Harshaneeyam Podcast are those of the Interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Harshaneeyam Podcast. Any content provided by Interviewees is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

On this episode, TC Cook invites the remarkable Rosaria Butterfield for a candid and compelling conversation rooted in transformation, faith, and grace.Rosaria's story is as uncommon as it is powerful. She earned her Ph.D. in English Literature from Ohio State University and became a tenured professor of English and Women's Studies at Syracuse University, where her academic focus centered on critical and queer theory. A feminist and lesbian activist in her late twenties and early thirties, Rosaria advocated for LGBTQ+ equality—even co-authoring her university's same-sex partnership policy.Everything changed in 1999. What began as critical engagement with Christian thinkers and organizations, including Promise Keepers, led her into a redemptive friendship with a pastor and his wife. Two years later, after reading the Bible intensively, Rosaria experienced what she calls a “train‑wreck” conversion—leaving academia, her identity, and everything she knew behind.Today, she's a homeowner in North Carolina, married to Reformed Presbyterian pastor Kent Butterfield, and mothering her children through homeschooling. She's also a prolific author and speaker, known for her incisive theological insight and emphasis on Christian hospitality.Rosaria's BooksThe Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert (2012) – Her riveting memoir of redemptiondesiringgod.org+8en.wikipedia.org+8haventoday.org+8desiringgod.org+14rosariabutterfield.com+14en.wikipedia.org+14Openness Unhindered (2015) – An exploration of faith, identity, and scripture in a post-Obergefell worldrosariabutterfield.com+7rosariabutterfield.com+7thegospelcoalition.org+7The Gospel Comes with a House Key (2018) – Advocates for “radically ordinary” hospitality as missionthegospelcoalition.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4christreformed.org+4Five Lies of Our Anti‑Christian Age (2023) – A timely critique of secular culture's false narrativeschristreformed.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3rosariabutterfield.com+3In this heartfelt conversation, TC and Rosaria dive into:The gut-wrenching costs and blessings of her conversionWhy “house key hospitality” matters in reaching today's worldHer reflections on repentance, identity, and the culture of belongingWisdom for churches engaging LGBTQ+ neighbors without compromising the gospel

Virginia Woolf once described Middlemarch as one of the few English novels 'for grown ups'

On June 29, Eden will be hosting a webinar to speak in detail about the vision for this project. In order to register please click here or email info@edenbeitshemesh.com to find out more.In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, David Bashevkin moderates a debate between Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig and Rabbi Yitzchak Blau on whether morality exists independently of Judaism. This is a recording of a live event hosted at Young Israel of Teaneck on May 4. In this episode we discuss: What does it mean for God to be good, and who defines the “good” in the first place? Do Torah Jews base their values on halacha, or something else?Should we make any changes to halachic and moral education in the Jewish community? Tune in to hear a conversation about how halacha and morality bring order and prioritization to our chaotic and confusing lives. Debate begins at 10:57.Rabbi Itamar Rosensweig is a professor of Jewish law and jurisprudence at Yeshiva University, a rabbinic judge and chaver beit din at the Beth Din of America, and the rav of the Shtiebel of Lower Merion. He holds a secondary appointment as an assistant professor of philosophy at Yeshiva College and serves as the chair of Jewish studies at the Sy Syms School of Business. He received his semikha, Yoreh Yoreh and Yadin Yadin, from RIETS, where he was a fellow of the Wexner Kollel Elyon and editor-in-chief of the Beit Yitzchak Journal of Talmudic and Halakhic Studies.Rabbi Yitzchak Blau is the author of Fresh Fruit & Vintage Wine: Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada and is Tradition's associate editor. He has taught at Yeshivat Hamivtar, Yeshivat Shvilei Hatorah, and the Yeshivah of Flatbush and currently also teaches at Midreshet Lindenbaum. Rabbi Blau has a BA in English Literature from YU, an MA in Medieval Jewish History from Revel, and semikha from RIETS. Rabbi Blau lives in Alon Shevut with his wife and four children.References:The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. LewisMere Christianity by C. S. LewisFresh Fruit & Vintage Wine: Ethics and Wisdom of the Aggada by Yitzchak BlauHaEmunot veHaDeot by Saadia GaonReligion And Morality by Avi Sagi and Daniel StatmanPlato's EuthyphroGenesis 9The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor DostoevskyEight Chapters by Maimonides Halakhic Man by Rabbi Joseph B. SoloveitchikA Theory of Justice by John RawlsFor more 18Forty:NEWSLETTER: 18forty.org/joinCALL: (212) 582-1840EMAIL: info@18forty.orgWEBSITE: 18forty.orgIG: @18fortyX: @18_fortyWhatsApp: join hereBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/18forty-podcast--4344730/support.

Katie is joined by Dr. Mohammad Marandi, professor of English Literature and Orientalism at the University of Tehran to talk about the Iran, Israel, Resistance, media bias and more. Then Katie talks to Mouin Rabbani about Palestine. For the full discussion, please join us on Patreon at - https://www.patreon.com/posts/patreon-full-dr-131864383 Note: This broadcast was recorded Thursday July 19th, 2025 **Please support The Katie Halper Show ** For bonus content, exclusive interviews, to support independent media & to help make this program possible, please join us on Patreon - / thekatiehalpershow Get your Katie Halper Show Merch here! https://katiehalper.myspreadshop.com/all Follow Katie on Twitter: https://x.com/kthalps Follow Katie on Instagram / kthalps

The most common mistake advisors make with prospects? They deliver a logically-driven pitch showcasing all the ways they can help. But, prospects make decisions with the emotional part of the brain. And, that's why logical pitches fall on deaf ears. Stacy Havener, Founder and CEO at Havener Capital Partners, has raised billions for boutique asset managers, and she did it with words, not numbers. Her story-driven method taps into something most pitches miss: emotion. If you want to connect with prospects, you need to master the art of storytelling. In this conversation, she unpacks why logic-based pitches fail, how to structure a first meeting to connect at a human level, and the neuroscience behind compelling narratives that convert. You'll learn:  How you can set the tone for a vulnerable and authentic conversation How to turn a good story into a compelling offer that moves clients to action Structuring prospect meetings to build an emotional connection and trust from the start The science behind storytelling and how it triggers buying decisions at a subconscious level Tips for creating powerful “backstories” and using emotional cues that resonate with your audience *To sign up for Brendan's newsletter packed with resources to master the human side of advice → Click Here Resources: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga  Connect with Brendan Frazier:  RFG Advisory LinkedIn: Brendan Frazier Connect with Stacy Havener:  LinkedIn: Stacy Havener Website: Havener Capital Partners About our Guest:  Stacy Havener is the Founder/CEO at Havener Capital Partners, a sales and marketing agency that helps boutique asset managers build, launch and grow funds. Havener Capital is on a mission to level the playing field in asset management by raising $100B for boutiques over the next decade. Stacy holds her Series 6, 7, 24, 63, 66, and 79 licenses and is a registered representative of Compass Securities Corporation. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Western Connecticut State University, graduating summa cum laude in 1998. That same year, Stacy was named to both the NCAA and the GTE/CoSida Academic All-American teams for Division III Women's Soccer and subsequently nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year. Based in Newport, RI, Stacy often spends her mornings walking the beach, sipping a Dunkin' coffee, and listening to 90's hip hop – Content here is for illustrative purposes and general information only. It is not legal, tax, or individualized financial advice; nor is it a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any specific security, or engage in any specific trading strategy. Information here may be provided, in part, by third-party sources. These sources are generally deemed to be reliable; however, neither our guest nor RFG Advisory guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. The views expressed here are those of our guest. They do not necessarily represent those of RFG Advisory, its employees, or its clients. This commentary should not be regarded as a description of advisory services provided by RFG Advisory, or performance returns of any client. The views reflected in the commentary are subject to change at any time without notice. Securities offered by Registered Representatives of Private Client Services. Member FINRA / SIPC. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC (“RFG Advisory or “RFG”), a registered investment advisor. Private Client Services and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place. RFG Advisory is an SEC-registered investment adviser. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of...

Weaver most recently directed the feature film Miss Valentine (Paris Berelc). Previously he directed Cupid For Christmas (starring Richard Kind) which premiered on HULU, the horror film Getaway, and the Christmas romantic comedy Santa Girl (starring Barry Bostwick and Jennifer Stone). He wrote, directed, and starred in the award-winning thriller Cut To the Chase (with Lance Henriksen) and the acclaimed romantic comedy 6 Month Rule (alongside Martin Starr, Natalie Morales and John Michael Higgins). Previous films he's written and directed include Weather Girl (with Mark Harmon, Jon Cryer and Jane Lynch) and Outside Sales. He also co-wrote and acted in Manic (Don Cheadle, Joseph Gordon- Levitt and Zooey Deschanel) which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.He has appeared in films such as Favor, Where We're Meant To Be, Junk, Deep Dark Canyon, Official Rejection, and The Good Old Boys opposite Tommy Lee Jones. His numerous episodic television credits include Wolf Pack, E.R., JAG, and The Middleman. He provided the voice of Peter Pan in the Disney animated feature Return To Never Land and still does the voice for Disney today.A native of Louisiana, Weaver studied in New York City, Oxford University, and graduated from UCLA with a degree in English Literature and a minor in Political Science. He lives in Los Angeles where he works as a Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor, and Distributor through his company Secret Identity Pictures.Spider-Man: Brand New Day is getting tantalizingly close to production ahead of its planned release date of July 31, 2026. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings director Destin Daniel Cretton will helm the upcoming sequel, replacing Jon Watts, who worked on all three of the previous Spider-Man films. Brand New Day is set to kick off Tom Holland's second trilogy of Marvel Cinematic Universe films, opening a new chapter for his iteration of Peter Parker after the landmark events of No Way Home.Though Holland's fourth Spider-Man film is still early in its development, rumors are already spreading about what audiences should expect and who may appear therein. The latest reports for Spider-Man: Brand New Day suggest that the film will feature a packed cast, including at least three major villains from the comics. While fans may shudder at the idea of Brand New Day being an overstuffed mess like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 or Spider-Man 3, I think there is a common denominator between these characters that hints at the upcoming film's intriguing story.Anyone who has been paying attention to the recent rumors and reports about Spider-Man: Brand New Day knows that the film is expected to include an overabundance of Spider-Man villains. While there has been no official confirmation of which antagonists will appear in the movie, various insiders have reported that characters like Scorpion, Tombstone, Mister Negative, Black Cat, and Tarantula could all show up to battle Spider-Man in his next cinematic outing. For many Spider-Man fans, these rumors could evoke bad memories of past franchises.Both the Sam Raimi Trilogy and Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man made a similar mistake in their final films, including far too many characters (particularly villains) for a movie. Spider-Man 3 featured a trio of villains, including Venom, New Goblin, and Sandman.Masters of the Universe Gets RebootedAlong with Galitzine as He-Man, the movie also stars Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn, Idris Elba as Man-At-Arms, Sam C. Wilson as Trap Jaw, Morena Baccarin as the Sorceress, James Purefoy as King Randor, Charlotte Riley as Queen Marlena Glenn, and Sasheer Zamata as Suzie. Travis Knight is directing with a screenplay by Chris Butler.Return to Arlen With the King of the Hill RevivalThe synopsis reads, "After years working a propane job in Saudi Arabia to earn their retirement nest egg, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Arlen, Texas to reconnect with old friends Dale, Boomhauer and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane."The synopsis of the reboot has shared more details about what's been happening with the Hill family since fans last saw them in the original show. Surprisingly, Hank had taken up a job in Saudia Arabia, taking him away from Arlen for many years before his eventual return to his old home. Meanwhile, Bobby is now working as a professional chef, a nod to how the original show explored the character's passion and talent for cooking.How to train dragonThe synopsis reads, "After years working a propane job in Saudi Arabia to earn their retirement nest egg, Hank and Peggy Hill return to a changed Arlen, Texas to reconnect with old friends Dale, Boomhauer and Bill. Meanwhile, Bobby is living his dream as a chef in Dallas and enjoying his 20s with his former classmates Connie, Joseph and Chane."As studios continued to bank on remakes, reboots, and revivals, the decision to turn beloved animations into live-action has proven mostly profitable. How to Train Your Dragon marks the latest example, just weeks after Disney's Lilo & Stitch hit. Per Deadline, How to Train Your Dragon is off to a great start, debuting with an $83.7 million opening week, the highest in the franchise so far.The How to Train Your Dragon animated trilogy was a big commercial hit. Overall, it grossed $1.63 billion worldwide at the box office against a joint budget of $439 million (via 

In this soul-nourishing episode, I speak with Megan Mary about how dreams empower our waking lives, the deep connection between feminine energy and dream recall, and her four-step Dream Mirror method for personal dream decoding. We explore lucid dreaming as a tool for spiritual awakening, healing from nightmares, and the universal wisdom embedded in symbolic dreams. About the guest: Megan Mary is an award-winning metaphysical author and dreamworker that specializes in the analysis of women's dreams to promote transformative personal growth and enlightenment. Founder of Inner Realms Publishing, Women's Dream Analysis and the Women's Dream Enlightenment podcast, she is an intuitive, introvert and mystic. After being diagnosed with three chronic illnesses, she experienced a spiritual awakening. She now works with women all over the world offering dream interpretation, transformative journeys and enlightened guidance. She holds a BA and an MA in English Literature, is pursuing her PhD in Metaphysical Sciences and is a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats. Her debut fiction novel, The Dream Haunters: A Metaphysical Mystery of Magick, Book 1 of Witches of Maple Hollow Series, became an international bestseller in October 2024. Book 2, The Dream Mirrors, will be released in May 2025 and Book 3 in October 2025.Send us a textSupport the showFollow The Dream World PodcastVisit Our WebsiteInstagram @TheDreamWorldPodcastTik Tok @aminasdreamworldSpotifyFacebookLucid Dreaming Online Course

Episode 173:For this guest episode it is a very welcome return for Eleanor Conlon, who you will remember discussed Titus Andronicus with me in Episode 22 of this season. Having picked over the brutal actions of that play with Eleanor I was pleased to hear that she was interested in a return visit and to discuss the very different piece that is Love's Labour's Lost. As you will her Eleanor has a great love of this play and brings all the enthusiasm about it to our conversation that you as might expect. If you have not already done so I would recommend listening to my previous episode on Love's Labour's Lost before starting on this one, which adds a lot to what I said in that episode.Eleanor Conlon is an actor, director, and award-winning writer based in Sussex.After completing her BA in English Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, Eleanor earned her MA in Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama at Kings College and Shakespeare's Globe. While at The Globe, Eleanor worked dramaturgically on productions by Dominic Dromgoole, Matthew Dunster, and Jeremy Herrin, and with Jenny Tiramani on the Original Practices Costume Archive.As an academic, her research focused on Renaissance Magic, Gender and Culture in Early Modern London, though for more than a decade her career has been less theoretical and more practical. After achieving success with her theatre company ‘The Barefoot Players' in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with which she produced plays including ‘Tis Pity She's a Whore', ‘Doctor Faustus' and ‘The Alchemist', the latter two of which she also directed, as well as productions of several of Shakespeare's works, plays by Ibsen, Oscar Wilde, and others. She founded her current theatre company ‘Rust & Stardust' where working with her puppet-maker partner Katie Sommers Eleanor has written over a dozen plays rooted in English folklore and toured these shows all over the UK.In addition to all this, and as you are about to hear, in 2023 she launched the Three Ravens Podcast with her partner Martin Vaux – also a writer and actor – which explores history, legends, and diverse aspects of folk culture.Link to Three Ravens Podcast website: www.threeravenspodcast.comFor the Three Ravens Folktales Book:Link to Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Ravens-Folk-Tales-half-forgotten/dp/1803999683Link To Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Three-Ravens-Folk-Tales-half-forgotten-ebook/dp/B0CW1GB63M/ref=sr_1_1Support the podcast at:www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.comwww.patreon.com/thoetpwww.ko-fi.com/thoetp Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dreams are mirrors of the soul. Our guest, award-winning author and podcaster, Megan Mary, talks about dreams as sacred portals that help us unlock the path to spiritual awakening. She also talks about visitation dreams, spirit guide encounters, and  her four part Dream Mirror method. After the break, we take a call from Ellen from Soquel who shares a dream that brings up a discussion about the imposter syndrome. BIO: Megan Mary, international bestselling metaphysical author of the metaphysical fiction trilogy, Witches of Maple Hollow, is founder of Inner Realms Publishing and host of the Women’s Dream Enlightenment podcast. She holds an MA in English Literature and is pursuing her PhD in Metaphysical Sciences. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two cats. Find our guest at: MeganMary.com IG, YT, TT, PI @meganmaryauthor This show, episode number 315, was recorded during a live broadcast on June 14, 2025 at KSQD.org, community radio of Santa Cruz. Intro and outro music by Mood Science. Ambient music new every week by Rick Kleffel. Archived music can be found at Pandemiad.com. Many thanks to Rick for also engineering the show and to Tony Russomano for answering the phones. The Santa Cruz Festival of Dreams is coming October 10-12, 2025! Mark your calendars now. Check our landing page at FestivalofDream.net and FB group page HERE or follow #KeepSantaCruzDreaming on FB and IG. SHARE A DREAM FOR THE SHOW or a question or enquire about being a guest on the podcast by emailing Katherine Bell at katherine@ksqd.org. Follow on FB, IG, LI, & YT @ExperientialDreamwork #thedreamjournal. To learn more or to inquire about exploring your own dreams go to ExperientialDreamwork.com. The Dream Journal aims to: Increase awareness of and appreciation for nightly dreams. Inspire dream sharing and other kinds of dream exploration as a way of adding depth and meaningfulness to lives and relationships. Improve society by the increased empathy, emotional balance, and sense of wonder which dream exploration invites. A dream can be meaningful even if you don’t know what it means. The Dream Journal is produced at and airs on KSQD Santa Cruz, 90.7 FM. Catch it streaming LIVE at KSQD.org 10-11am Pacific Time on Saturdays. Call or text with your dreams or questions at 831-900-5773 or email at onair@ksqd.org. Podcasts are available on all major podcast platforms the Monday following the live show. The complete KSQD Dream Journal podcast page can be found at ksqd.org/the-dream-journal/. Closed captioning is available on the YouTube version of this podcast and an automatically generated transcript is available at Apple Podcasts. Thanks for being a Dream Journal listener! Available on all major podcast platforms. Rate it, review it, subscribe, and tell your friends.

Yasser Fathy has a degree in English Literature and Linguistics. He is a certified Trainer and Coach and a Best-selling Author. Yasser Fathy is an award-winning, #1 international best-selling author, renowned for his impactful books, including "Magnetic Entrepreneur: A Personality That Attracts" (co-authored with Robert J. Moore) and "6 Circles", a groundbreaking model for corporate and personal development that revolutionizes conventional approaches.As an internationally acclaimed personal development and transformation coach, Yasser is a sought-after inspirational speaker who captivates audiences across Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa. His unique methodologies and innovative ideas have distinguished him in the crowded field of self-help, earning the attention and respect of multinationalcorporations and institutions. Through his proprietary "6 Circles" model, Yasser empowers individuals and organizations to achieve transformative personal and professional growth, overcome challenges, and make bold decisions. With over 30 years of in-depth study into human emotional and behavioral patterns, Yasser's ability to connect withhis audience is unparalleled. His recent achievement of a CBT Diploma (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) further solidifies his expertise, providing his clients with robust psychological and academic support. Yasser honed his skills through distinguished roles at prestigious corporations such as Xerox, Procter & Gamble,Reuters, and Citibank. In 2006, he founded Goldmines Training & Consulting, where he serves as CEO and Chief Visionary Officer. This international consultancy has facilitated the growth and development of numerous organizations, including giants like IBM, Coca-Cola, General Motors, Ernst & Young, and many more. Yasser's clientsrange from global corporations to NGOs, governmental bodies, and high-profile individuals.Over the years, Yasser has trained thousands of executives worldwide, who consistently recognize the exceptional value of his training sessions. His impactful delivery has earned accolades, including testimonials such as, “This was the best training course I have ever attended in 15 years,” from a leading CEO in the food industry. A three-time TEDx speaker, Yasser's insights have been featured on numerous TV shows, radio stations, and in variousarticles. He was a regular guest speaker on a popular Ramadan radio show in Egypt for three consecutive years (2021- 2023), contributing to 90 episodes. Beyond his professional achievements, Yasser is an adventurous traveler and sports enthusiast. He is an avid scubadiver, horseback rider, biker, mountain hiker, bungee jumper, firewalker, and kickboxer. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including the Heliopolis Sporting Club, Alexandria Sporting Club, and the Egyptian Kayak Federation. A lifelong learner and nature lover, Yasser has traveled to over 30 countries, inspiring countless individuals to transform their lives. Currently residing in California, USA, Yasser continues to influence and inspire through his training, speaking engagements, and personal development initiatives.Recent Achievements: Certified BLS Provider (Basic Life Support, CPR, and AED) – September 2024Contact Yasser Fathy:www.yasscoaching.comwww.linkedin.com/in/yasser-fathy-901b47339https://www.youtube.com/@yasserfathy185https://www.facebook.com/yasserfathyguru/https://www.facebook.com/yasser.fathy.35/Dr. Kimberley Linert Speaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral Optometrist Event Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/ To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com 702.256.9199 Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator Podcast Available on... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platforms Author of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life" Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZ Website: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.com The Great Discovery eLearning platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley

In this explosive episode, George Galloway dive into the global fallout surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza, with sharp insights from Prof. Seyed Marandi, Garland Nixon, and Gayatri. From Tel Aviv under fire to the collapse of the Iron Dome, we explore why critics are calling this a turning point. Topics include Trump's MAGA ties, the BRICS challenge to Western power, Germany's controversial stance, and Jordan's monarchy under scrutiny. Is the Israeli regime facing its Amalek moment? It features a hard-hitting analysis of Netanyahu, Musk, Qatar, and the regional shifts from Beirut to Yemen and North Korea.Featuring:Professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi: Professor of English Literature and Orientalism at the University of Tehran Garland Nixon: Radio Talk Show Host and Political Analyst

What if the beauty you're searching for is already all around you—and within you? In this inspiring conversation, award-winning poet Tory Tomberlin takes us deep into Beauty in the Branches, her evocative poetry collection that brings nature, memory, and emotion vividly to life. Whether you're a poetry enthusiast or simply craving a fresh perspective, this episode will awaken your senses and reconnect you with the wonder of the everyday.==========================================

Rob Madge grew up staging living room musicals with wigs, smoke machines, and the unwavering support of their parents and grandmother—but what started as childhood play eventually became the viral, heartfelt, and Olivier-nominated solo show My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?). In this episode, Rob shares how those home videos evolved into a theatrical sensation, and how a show born during lockdown has become a powerful celebration of queer joy, family, and radical acceptance—now heading to New York City Center for its limited U.S. debut. We talk about everything from queer theory and comedy as activism to being a theater kid in a small UK village and why their grandmother was the ultimate co-conspirator. Rob opens up about the emotional weight of visibility, the importance of letting kids be themselves, and the unshakable confidence that comes from being loved early and completely. Plus, they reflect on their journey from Gavroche to leading their own story—and the joy of tweaking the show for each new audience. Rob Madge is a writer and performer whose solo show My Son's a Queer (But What Can You Do?) earned an Olivier Award nomination following its West End run. They began their career as a child actor in Mary Poppins, Oliver!, and Les Misérables, and trained at Sylvia Young Theatre School before studying English Literature at Warwick University. Rob also stars as the Emcee in Cabaret on the West End, and continues to explore themes of identity, family, and theatricality through their writing and performance. Connect with Rob Instagram: @robmadge02 Connect with The Theatre Podcast: Support the podcast on Patreon and watch video versions of the episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon.com/TheTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter & Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theatre_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook.com/OfficialTheatrePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTheatrePodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Alan's personal Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@alanseales⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email me at feedback@thetheatrepodcast.com. I want to know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Addoms, Wicked MarvelousOur guest in this episode is Anna Addoms, the insightful founder of Wicked Marvelous. Anna champions making technology, especially AI, accessible and genuinely useful for small business owners, always with a focus on reducing overwhelm and fostering authentic connections. In our chat, Anna shares her practical wisdom on how entrepreneurs can harness AI as a powerful tool without losing the essential human touch that truly matters in building lasting relationships and a thriving business.Key points discussed include:* AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Use AI strategically for back-office tasks, but always keep humans at the forefront of client interactions.* Guard Human Connection Fiercely: Implement AI in customer service with extreme care, ensuring transparency and easy access to human support.* Navigate AI Ethically and Practically: Stay informed about AI's capabilities and risks, using it to add value while protecting your brand and IP.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Anna Addoms, Wicked MarvelousThe AI Revolution: Tool, Not TyrantIt feels like just yesterday we were marveling at the dawn of AI, this "cool, shiny object" everyone was buzzing about. Fast forward to today, and we're deep in the trenches, moving beyond the mere novelty and into the serious business of practical application. The initial excitement was palpable, but now, as Anna Addoms wisely pointed out in our recent chat, we're navigating the "nitty gritty" – figuring out what AI is actually doing, whether it's truly adding value, and how to use it safely and effectively without getting lost down a "rabbit hole."Anna Addoms, with her characteristic clarity, cuts right to the chase: AI is fundamentally a tool, a multi-tool even. Think of it like a powerful chainsaw in your shed. In the right hands, with the right understanding, it can make incredibly light work of massive tasks. But if you're not careful, or if you don't really know how to wield it, you're just inviting a mess or unnecessary complexity. Our biggest goal, as entrepreneurs, should be to use AI to enhance our lives and businesses, to make things easier, and crucially, to still allow us to do what we do best: cultivate genuine human connections.Where AI Shines (and Where It Doesn't)So, where does this powerful multi-tool truly shine? Anna suggests focusing its considerable might on back-office tasks – those internal operations that often consume valuable time and energy. Picture those complex spreadsheet formulas that make your head spin; AI can whip those up in a flash. Or consider the initial drafts of long-form content, giving you a solid starting point without the blank page paralysis. The key here is using AI to shoulder a significant portion of the "heavy lifting," freeing you up for more strategic and human-centric work.But let's not get carried away. As Anna firmly reminds us, not every "low-level task can be farmed out" to AI. There are times when trying to force AI into a situation actually creates more complication than it solves. If a simple spreadsheet can organize your contact information, why complicate it by feeding it into an AI that might struggle with context? The wisdom lies in recognizing when AI is a genuine accelerator and when it's just an unnecessary detour.The Human Touch: Why Relationships Still RuleHere's where Anna's human-centered philosophy truly comes to the fore: AI should never, ever, replace genuine human connection. We've all been there – stuck in a frustrating recursive loop with a chatbot, feeling like we're talking to a brick wall. That "bad brain experience" doesn't just annoy customers; it actively "burns relationships." Anna is adamant: if you're deploying AI for customer service, there must be an immediate, clear escalation process to a real human. Without that "I wanna talk to a real human right now" button, you're essentially signing a death warrant for customer loyalty.It's not just about functionality; it's about authenticity. Anna points out the "uncanny valley" experience when AI voice technology gets too close to human, yet remains subtly "off." This creates a deep cognitive dissonance, a feeling of "something is wrong." Her advice is crystal clear: be transparency. If it's a bot, call it a bot. Don't give it a human name or picture. This ethical stance ensures trust, preventing your customers from feeling misled or, worse, "pissed off" because they couldn't escape an automated interaction.Building Your AI-Powered Personal Brand (Ethically!)Now, on a brighter note, AI can be an absolute boon for crafting and refining your personal brand's messaging. Anna herself has trained her AI to sound "exactly like me" for various content outputs – emails, sales pages, blog posts. This means she can generate initial drafts that are remarkably consistent with her unique voice and cadence. The magic, however, lies in the subsequent step: the human touch, the final edit. Anna emphasizes that she's always the "last person to see it," ensuring her "seal of approval" is on every piece of content that goes out. This blend of AI efficiency and human oversight is powerful.However, a crucial word of caution, something Anna highlighted with a stark anecdote: be incredibly mindful of data privacy and copyright when using AI tools. She shared a sobering example of authors inadvertently signing away their book copyrights by inputing their manuscripts into certain AI language models under their terms of service. It's like accidentally giving away your precious intellectual property to the public domain! Always, always read the fine print. Your content is your gold, so guard it fiercely.Mastering Your Workflow: AI as Your SOP SidekickLet's talk about a task many entrepreneurs dread: creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). We know we need them, especially when scaling and hiring, but the thought of documenting every little step can feel overwhelming. This is where AI truly shines as an unsung hero. As Anna explains, many new hires struggle not because they're incompetent, but because they lack clear, documented processes. You hand over a task, and then find yourself frustrated when it's not done exactly as you envisioned.Anna's practical solution? Leverage AI! She encourages entrepreneurs to use prompts that guide them step-by-step through the SOP creation process. Even better, you can feed it enough information, and it can draft the entire thing for you. This isn't about abdicating responsibility; it's about leveraging AI's ability to structure information logically, ensuring "everything starts coming back faster and exactly the way they want." It's also fantastic for critiquing existing SOPs, pointing out gaps or areas for improvement that your brain, so familiar with the process, might simply overlook.The Calendar Conundrum: Owning Your Time with (or Without) AIThe digital calendar, while a godsend for organization, can also be a silent saboteur of your precious time if not managed with an iron fist. Anna and I both share a strong sentiment about this: you must maintain boundaries around your calendar and your time. While AI scheduling tools offer undeniable convenience, there's a real danger of "abdicating ownership" of your most valuable asset. Suddenly, your days are a chaotic collage of back-to-back meetings with no breathing room, leading straight to burnout.Anna's advice echoes a hard-won truth: your time, your rules. Instead of giving people 24/7 access to your schedule, block out specific times for different types of meetings or, even better, for uninterrupted deep work. This isn't about being unapproachable; it's about being strategic and protecting your mental and physical well-being. Whether you use AI for scheduling or not, the principle remains: actively manage your calendar, don't let it manage you.Staying Savvy: Protecting Your Digital SelfIn this "wild west" of AI, staying vigilant about your digital footprint is paramount. Anna recommends a simple yet powerful defense: set up Google Alerts for your name and business. It sounds old school, but it's incredibly effective for catching any unauthorized use of your likeness or content. Knowing what's being published about you, or as you, is the first line of defense. It allows you to be proactive, as Anna herself experienced when a podcast interview went live earlier than planned.Beyond monitoring, be aware of the bigger picture. While malicious voice cloning of individuals like us isn't the prevalent issue yet (it's mostly targeting celebrities), the technology exists. The reality is, some risk is inherent when putting content on public platforms. However, understanding your rights – the ability to issue cease and desist orders and report malicious content – empowers you to act swiftly if your digital identity is ever compromised. In this evolving landscape, awareness is truly your strongest shield.Summary:Anna Addoms provided incredible insights into navigating the brave new world of AI. Her core message is simple yet profound: AI is a powerful tool, but it should always serve to enhance human connection, never replace it. She emphasized the critical need for transparency, especially when AI is client-facing, and highlighted the importance of guarding your intellectual property. Ultimately, AI offers immense potential for efficiency and automation in our businesses, but its successful implementation hinges on a clear, human-centered strategy.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Anna by visiting her website.Links:* Website – Wicked Marvelous* Twitter – @WickedMarvelous* Linkedin* Facebook* Instagram - @wicked_marvelousCool Things About Anna* Anna grew up in Colorado in a family of entrepreneurs, right in the thick of the tech boom. She was raised around innovation and search engines, with her dad running AOL's biggest competitor during the first dot-com bubble. That's a childhood spent at the intersection of curiosity and code.* She's a creative at heart: Anna went to art school and holds a degree in English Literature. Her journey from art and literature to Silicon Valley tech startups is a delightful zigzag, not a straight line. She's proof that you can be both a techie and a creative soul.* Anna has a knack for reinvention. After burning out in the high-octane world of Silicon Valley startups (like clockwork, every 18 months!), she realized her true passion was helping others build and implement their own dreams. She's now been running her own company for over a decade, thriving on variety and new challenges.* She's a self-confessed “sponge of knowledge,” always learning, always curious. Anna's love of learning has led her down unexpected paths—from luxury travel to ad agencies to med-tech startups. She's not afraid to pivot, experiment, or start over if it means staying true to her values.Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.That's exactly what you'll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe

You've undoubtably heard of Dr. Seuss. The author of The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Green Eggs and Ham, Horton Hears a Who! The Lorax, and so many other classic works of children's literature. But... how much do you know about Ted Geisel? Ted is the man behind the pseudonym, and he lived a very interesting life. And he wasn't able to make a living as the author of children's book until he was in his fifties.Merch and more: www.badmagicproductions.com Timesuck Discord! https://discord.gg/tqzH89vWant to join the Cult of the Curious PrivateFacebook Group? Go directly to Facebook and search for "Cult of the Curious" to locate whatever happens to be our most current page :)For all merch-related questions/problems: store@badmagicproductions.com (copy and paste)Please rate and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and elsewhere and follow the suck on social media!! @timesuckpodcast on IG and http://www.facebook.com/timesuckpodcastWanna become a Space Lizard? Click here: https://www.patreon.com/timesuckpodcast.Sign up through Patreon, and for $5 a month, you get access to the entire Secret Suck catalog (295 episodes) PLUS the entire catalog of Timesuck, AD FREE. You'll also get 20% off of all regular Timesuck merch PLUS access to exclusive Space Lizard merch.