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Send us Fan MailJoel van der Loon sits down with Ryan Levinson for a wide-ranging conversation about diagnosis, risk, purpose, masculinity, and what it means to keep moving when your body changes. Ryan shares the arc from his mid twenties diagnosis with FSH muscular dystrophy to the decade he spent sailing in French Polynesia, and how those experiences reshaped his sense of self. This episode matters because it goes beyond a success story and gets into the harder question of how to stay oriented when the old sources of identity no longer fit. In this episode, Ryan Levinson shares how his diagnosis in his mid twenties with FSH muscular dystrophy changed the trajectory of his life.Joel and Ryan trace Ryan's early identity through surfing, skateboarding, and a rebellious streak that pushed against school, family expectations, and conventional career paths.Ryan explains the suicidal moment in college through a mistaken philosophy about living close to death, and how a friend interrupting that night changed everything.The two discuss how surfing, the ocean, and later sailing became spiritual anchors through movement, challenge, and clarity of purpose.Ryan describes how the diagnosis unexpectedly opened doors, shifting how others saw him from lazy or unrealistic to inspirational and capable.They talk through the decision to buy a sailboat and live aboard in French Polynesia for a decade, including the fear, surrender, and transformation that came with leaving the dock.Ryan shares how disease progression has changed his body, his daily capabilities, and his relationship to purpose, protection, and being a partner to Nicole.Joel introduces a spiritual lens around knowing oneself, shadow work, and authenticity as the path to meaning.Ryan reflects on how much of his life has been driven by perseverance, and how he now has to reassess his limits much more frequently. The conversation closes with mutual gratitude, vulnerability, and Ryan sharing where people can find him online. Timestamps00:00 - Brotherly reunion and the energy of deep trust 03:24 - Surfing, rebellion, and the identity Ryan built before diagnosis 06:14 - The college suicide call and the friend who broke through the moment 09:44 - Why it was not about depression, but about anticipation and future fear 11:45 - Feeling trapped by a future with no obvious vocation 13:05 - Surfing as meditation and a spiritual connection to something larger 15:10 - The diagnosis and the first move toward a new path 16:24 - Pressure from family versus a dream of ecotourism and ocean work 17:23 - A doctor's blunt advice to choose something practical 20:18 - How the diagnosis changed public perception and opened doors 21:17 - Leveraging disability, media, and adaptive sports opportunities 23:54 - Why Ryan and Nicole bought a sailboat and crossed to French Polynesia 25:52 - Surrender, trust, and leaving the dock without knowing the outcome 28:29 - What long passage sailing changes in a person 31:44 - Simplicity, clarity of purpose, and why risk feels meaningful 35:53 - Ryan's current conflict around purpose as physical ability declines 38:25 - Losing the ability to protect in the way he once could 40:34 - Why Nicole's capability changes the burden conversation 44:19 - The emotional and psychological work of surrendering masculinity 48:24 - Joel's view of spiritual awakening as remembering the soul 52:08 - Why the compass shifted before leaving the boat life 55:36 - The physical toll of years at sea and disease progression 60:23 - Metrics, recovery, and adapting daily to what the body can do 63:01 - Constant reassessment before surfing, diving, or physically demanding work 65:32 - What Ryan is most proud of now: perseverance 68:02 - Joel's challenge that logic can become a trap 69:35 - Why the relationship with Nicole is central to Ryan's fear 71:14 - Joel's teaching on knowing God through knowing self and others 75:21 - Untangling the story of self and doing shadow work 77:20 - Hadza, wilderness time, and the progression of spiritual learning 81:10 - Joel's divorce, grief, and the liberation of brutal self-honesty 84:19 - Ryan on people inventing new stories instead of accepting change 85:46 - Life as floating with the current instead of fighting it 87:21 - Accepting that decline, loss, and change are guaranteed 90:09 - Final gratitude and where to find Ryan onlineSupport the showHuge thank you to everyone who supports In the Bush podcast — if you've been enjoying the show, please consider making a donation to help us keep producing the content you love. Every bit of support helps us keep the mics on and the episodes coming. Thanks for listening, and we'll catch you next time! www.primalskillsacademy.com
Carnival Cruise Line has retired the VIFP Club in favor of Carnival Rewards, a spending-based program that launched September 1, 2026 and grants three redeemable points and three qualifying stars for every eligible dollar across Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond tiers, with members who reached Diamond by August 31, 2026 keeping that status for life and the first earning window running through December 31, 2028. In Washington state, the Port of Anacortes is canceling 17 American Cruise Lines calls beginning September 7 amid a dispute with ILWU Local 25 over who handles mooring lines at Curtis Wharf, a cutoff that touches roughly 50 day calls per season on a service that began in 2013. And in Sydney, Crown Princess opens Australia's 2026-27 cruise season at the Overseas Passenger Terminal after wrapping a 114-night world cruise, ahead of a 35-night roundtrip taking in Brisbane, Fiji, Samoa, Hawaii, French Polynesia and Auckland, in a market that generated $7.32 billion in economic output in 2024-25.
Check out the new Smart Travel PodcastThis episode is supported by Smart Travel a new podcast from Nerd Wallet. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Follow Smart Travel wherever you get your podcasts.Smart Travel PodcastWinging It On Location – Days 12-17 - UK + Paris: A 30k Step Day In Paris, 4 English Breakfasts in 4 Days + Thoughts on HomeIn this episode, I wrap up my latest trip with Days 12–17 taking me from the UK to Paris before finally heading back home to Vancouver.I spend some time back in Norwich catching up with friends and family, but being back in the city where I grew up also gets me thinking about what “home” actually means to me these days. After living in Vancouver for almost a decade, could I see myself moving back to Norwich one day?There's also a chaotic train journey to London, a long-overdue catch-up with an old travelling friend, a visit to Wokingham and, somehow (quite easily to be fair), four English breakfasts in four days!Then I head to Paris for a couple of days, partly because it was actually cheaper to fly home from Paris than London. After surviving some airport chaos, I settle into the 10th arrondissement and set out to explore one of my favourite cities in the world.I run along Canal Saint-Martin, hunt down some great coffee and croissants, wander through the streets of Paris, visit the Palais Garnier and Place de la Madeleine, walk along the Seine and finally meet fellow travel creator and former Winging It guest Jay Swanson for coffee.I then spend hours walking across Paris towards Jardin du Luxembourg before getting absolutely soaked in a huge downpour. By the end of the day, I've clocked up 30,000 steps — including my morning run — and I'm completely exhausted.Finally, I look back on the whole trip: almost three weeks, six countries, countless cities, coffees and plenty of adventures. I also talk about why I enjoy podcasting on the road and what's coming next, including my upcoming trip to French Polynesia.It's the end of another Winging It On Location series — thanks for coming along for the ride!Jay's episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/winging-it-podcast/id1559489384?i=1000633040744https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gdjWp82iVfGD3jRFnEpiX?si=6lkGVVmbRdKesbDePj2GawSupport Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
TUI Group's cruise division absorbed 20 million euros in disruption costs during the third quarter of 2026 as Middle East tensions kept ships from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, trimming underlying EBIT to 133 million euros from 143 million a year earlier even as the average daily rate rose 4 percent to 252 euros and load factor reached 99 percent; CEO Sebastian Ebel pointed to wars, consumer caution and inflation in Europe's core markets, while Mein Schiff 5 prepares to reposition from the Mediterranean in mid-October for a Caribbean winter. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions unveiled its 2028-29 expedition season, including a French Polynesia route linking six remote islands with Makatea and Pitcairn, Antarctic Cruise/Fly departures, a 10-night Iceland circumnavigation, and a Northwest Passage transit aboard Greg Mortimer, National Geographic Quest and National Geographic Venture. And Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile set out plans for a unified Southern Cone cruise pitch at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, with Corporacion de Puertos del Conosur, now 17 members strong, coordinating alongside Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and CLIA Brazil.
In this session, attendees will be equipped to navigate the discernment process of identifying the best-fit sending agency for them.
During their visit to Nuku Hiva in French Polynesia, German adventurers Stefan Ramin and Heike Dorsch were attacked by a local, Arihano Haiti. Arihano shot and killed Stefan, then sexually assaulted Heike, prompting a 50-day manhunt that ended with his surrender. Heike returned home to Germany, devastated and penniless. Media coverage, filled with sensational claims of cannibalism, and a complicated trial made this one of the island's most high-profile cases in its history.ZBIOTICS - https://zbiotics.com/lightsoutMint Mobile - https://www.mintmobile.com/LIGHTSOUTQuince - https://www.quince.com/LIGHTSOUTHungryroot - https://www.hungryroot.com/LIGHTSOUTFollow & Subscribe To The Show!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SfSNbkVrfz3ceXmNr0lZ4Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lights-out/id1505843600Social Links:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lightsoutcastTwitter: http://twitter.com/lightsoutcastInstagram: http://instagram.com/lightsoutcastSuggestions/Comments: lop@milehigher.comMerch: http://milehighermerch.com/Request A Topic Form: https://zfrmz.com/Sp6vsxGQrNoHUfDzvGnNPodcast sponsor inquiries: adops@audioboom.comHost: JoshTwitter: http://twitter.com/milehigherjoshInstagram: http://instagram.com/milehigherjoshCo-Host: IanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifarme/Editor/Producer: DanielInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/horrororeoSources: https://pastebin.com/VcGi4C5V
Chris and Amy booked a last-minute week in Bora Bora that would have cost over $20,000, almost entirely on points. They break down how it came together, why they chose Bora Bora over Fiji, the Marriott award search quirk that hid available rooms, flying business class in both directions by mixing two airlines, and using card travel credits on the inter-island flights. Then, three nights in, they decided to abandon the deal and pay more to switch resorts. They compare and rank the major Bora Bora resorts, weigh points versus cash, and explain what makes French Polynesia one of the easiest long-haul trips from the West Coast. Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/bora-bora-on-points-2026/ Partner Deals Haven: Skip the waitlist for the best sauna. Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth Thrive Market: 30% off your first order of organic groceries + a free $60 gift Bilt Rewards: Earn the most valuable points when you pay rent Superhuman: Free month of the fastest and best email with code ALLTHEHACKS For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals Resources Mentioned Hotels & Resorts Hotel Upgrade Program The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui The Brando Le Taha'a Nanuku Resort Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Products Monopoly Deal Health & Sauna Research Bryan Johnson — Is Sauna ACTUALLY Good For You? (90-Day Experiment) ATH Podcast #285: Why Net Fulfillment Beats Net Worth with Bill Perkins #287: Putting Die With Zero Into Practice with Brad Barrett Hotel Upgrade Program Best Cards Page Gift Cards Page Newsletter AMA: Submit Questions Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@chrishutchins.com Full Show Notes (00:00) Introduction (02:09) How a Kid-Free Trip Came Together (03:33) How Chris and Amy Choose Vacation Destinations (13:09) Why French Polynesia Over Fiji (14:59) Booking The Westin (20:43) Flying Business Class Both Ways on Two Different Airlines (26:22) Air Tahiti Nui and the Inter-Island Flights (31:15) A Surprise First Class Upgrade on Air Moana (32:47) Arriving in Bora Bora and Checking Into The Westin (34:29) First Impressions: A Brand-New Property with Great Bones (37:33) A Thousand Little Cuts: The Westin's Service Problems (44:50) The Math Behind Checking Out Early (52:21) The Four Seasons vs. The Westin: What the Extra Money Buys (59:23) Why the Four Seasons Spa Facilities Stood Out (01:00:37) Getting Serious About Sauna Again (01:05:51) Pickleball, Paddleboarding, and Space to Get Lost (01:08:00) Did the Four Seasons Save the Trip? (01:13:18) How to Actually Get Deals at the Four Seasons (01:16:20) Ranking All Four Bora Bora Resorts (01:19:32) Why Fiji Is Still at the Top of the List (01:21:45) Where AI Can Go Wrong (01:23:15) Packing a Travel Med Bag for Remote Destinations (01:24:20) Final Thoughts and Why Bora Bora Keeps Winning Connect with Chris Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Editor's Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Professor AG shares the unexpected life lessons she brought home from a trip to French Polynesia. From learning how pearls take years to form to swimming with sharks and slowing down in nature, she reflects on what it means to trust the timing of your life instead of rushing the process. Along the way, she opens up about intuition, letting go of the pressure to have everything figured out, and finding peace in the idea that growth happens one season at a time. If you've ever felt like you're behind, this episode is a gentle reminder that some of the best things in life simply can't be rushed.MY APP IS HERE!!Daily somatic classes to regulate your nervous system. Start your FREE trial today.Timestamps00:00 Welcome Back to AG University Podcast03:04 Reflections on a Magical Summer Trip05:56 The Joy of Different Cultures09:05 Nature as a Teacher12:01 The Art of Oyster Farming15:06 Life's Masterpieces and Timelines17:58 Embracing Nature's Wisdom20:53 The Importance of Connection24:03 Finding Joy in the Journey29:37 A Magical Day in Tahiti38:12 Swimming with Sharks: A Transformative Experience44:25 Lessons from Nature and Intuition52:05 Changing Your Default Settings56:09 Embracing the Journey of LifeKeywords: self-growth, intuition, nature, travel, pearls, divine timing, somatic healing, mindfulness, life lessonsWhat is AGU? After launching an energy work practice rooted in the Akashic Records, AG uncovered so much information that she needs the world to hear! It's her duty and personal mission to help people get in touch with their intuition and energetic gifts, and ultimately become the brightest and boldest version of themselves! This is your official acceptance letter: WELCOME TO AG UNIVERSITY! Daily somatic classes to regulate your nervous system. Start your FREE trial today.AG's Energetic Protection CoursesAG's Book Club How To Read The Akashic Records CourseSign up for the newsletter if you are interested in doing a reading with Anna Grace, or learning more about her energy work practice. Sessions will ONLY become available here - her booking link will never be shared on any other platforms: Sign up hereIf you aren't already - you can connect with AG on Instagram and TikTok: @annagracenewell and @aguniversityapp
Further reading: How did a tiny bee get to French Polynesia? Eight new species help solve a scientific mystery Secrets in the canopy: Scientists discover 8 striking new bee species in the Pacific Canopy specialist Hylaeus bees highlight sampling biases and resolve Michener's mystery Scientists discover endoparasitic marine tapeworm trapped in Cretaceous amber Show transcript: Welcome to the Patreon bonus episode of Strange Animals Podcast for August 2024! It's the start of Invertebrate August, so we have two invertebrate mysteries to discuss today, one mostly solved and one not. Let's start with the solved mystery, about a tiny bee. In 1934, three tiny bee specimens were collected in French Polynesia, specifically on a particular type of flower in the Tuamotu Archipelago. The bees really were tiny, only 4 mm long. They weren't described until 1965, when they were placed in the genus Hylaeus. This is a really big genus with over 500 species that live throughout the world, but the species most closely related to the newly described Tuamotu's masked bee lives in Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand. In case you're kind of hazy on geography, like me, Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand are part of what's called Oceania, a giant chunk of the Pacific Ocean where there's not a whole lot of land. I mean, except for Australia, which is big. The Tuamotu Archipelago is also part of Oceania, and part of French Polynesia, but it's really remote. It consists of a spread-out collection of 78 low islands, many of them too tiny to support humans, none of them with a source of fresh water except for rain. They're tropical and quite beautiful, with many unique animals and plants living on and around them. They're also almost 2,500 miles, or 4,000 km away from the places where the tiny bee's closest relatives live. Even in 1965, scientists had questions about the tiny bee. How did 4mm bees get to such remote islands, and were they even still around? The bees hadn't been seen in the wild since 1934. Since the Tuamotu Archipelago has suffered from European explorers and missionaries bringing invasive species to some islands, colonization by France, and nuclear weapons testing, scientists worried the bee had gone extinct and that they would never solve the mystery of how it got there in the first place. Bees are attracted to flowers, and the three 1934 specimens were discovered on flowers, so naturally scientists had been looking for the bees on flowers. But it turns out that in the Polynesian islands, bees mostly hang out in the treetops. Once scientists figured this out, they began discovering new species of bee—eight of them in fact, collected between 2014 and 2019 from various islands in Fiji, Micronesia, and French Polynesia. All eight species are closely related to Tuamotu's masked bee, so scientists now have a pretty good idea of how it traveled thousands of miles to get to its French Polynesian home. Its ancestors island-hopped. There are more than 1,700 islands in the Pacific Ocean, many of them barely known to humans. Researchers think there are probably a lot more species of bee to be discovered in the treetops of Pacific islands, now that they know where to look. With luck, they'll be able to find Tuamotu's masked bee too, quietly living out its bee life above the scientists' heads. Next, let's discuss our unsolved mystery. Amber, which is fossilized tree resin, is the gift that just keeps on giving to the scientific world, and our mystery involves a flatworm found in amber. The amber comes from Myanmar and dates to about 99 million years ago. In addition to bits of inorganic matter like tiny pebbles and sand grains, most organisms found in amber from this site are insects and roundworms, animals you'd expect to find on and around trees. The team examining this particular piece of amber found lots of interesting things, but then they discovered this one. The flatworm is about 10mm long and it's beautifully preserved, which means the scientists were able to compare it to modern flatworms to see what it might be most closely related to. It's most similar to a parasitic flatworm found in shark intestines. You know, an animal not typically found in trees. (I stole that joke from paleontologist Kenneth De Baets, by the way. Credit where credit's due.) It isn't a complete worm but a partial one, basically a tentacle with little hooks to keep it in place in the host animal's digestive system. The modern worm is classified as a type of tapeworm, and tapeworms are distressingly common parasites. If you've ever adopted a rescue cat or dog, you've probably had to have it treated for a tapeworm infestation. Luckily, tapeworms are also very specific about which species they parasitize, so you can't get tapeworms from a pet. (It's still icky.) Fish get tapeworms too, after eating marine invertebrates carrying various kinds of tapeworm larvae. The question is, how did a parasitic worm found in fish end up in amber? Occasionally there is rare amber found that fell into water and trapped water organisms, but this particular amber wasn't associated with water. Other items found in the same piece of amber included sand grains, tiny hairlike structures found on some ferns, and the nymph of a scale insect. The team suggests that the tree where the amber came from grew near a beach and that a dead shark washed ashore. While scavengers were picking through the carcass, a piece of worm somehow got separated from the body and ended up in a tree. Possibly a scavenger grabbed a big yummy mouthful of rotting shark guts and either climbed or flew up into a tree to eat it, and part of the worm fell out and landed in a blob of amber. Because tapeworms are endoparasites, meaning they live inside their hosts, and because they're soft-bodied and fragile, it's very rare that one is preserved. Pretty much the only other preserved tapeworm specimen we have isn't a tapeworm itself but some eggs found in fossilized shark dung, dated to 270 million year ago. Scientists aren't even completely sure the eggs are from a flatworm since they're not that well preserved. So it's fantastic that this particular specimen was so well preserved, and that it made its way into the hands of scientists! Thanks for your support, and thanks for listening!
His journey into pearls began unexpectedly during a stint as a flight attendant in the early twenties, when a strand purchased in Beijing turned out to be worth twenty times the original price. This discovery led to launching an online pearl business in the 1990s, just as the internet was emerging.He is now founder of Pearl Paradise, a luxury pearl retailer in Los Angeles, and President of The Pearl Association of America, direct relationships are maintained with pearl farms in Japan, China, French Polynesia, and Australia, including rare family-run operations. His fluency in Japanese enables him to lead industry tours to these farms, with recent trips for jewelry experts and influencers to Japan, and upcoming tours planned for the Philippines and Australia.Thirteen years were also spent running PP Web Pros, a live-selling commerce company that partnered with NBCUniversal's Today Show and TelevisaUnivision, generating over $100 million in televised sales. Pearl Paradise now hosts its own livestream shopping events, offering real-time insights into luxury consumer behavior.The company recently acquired the Assael Collection, one of the world's most significant and prestigious private pearl collections, now secured in Los Angeles. https://www.pearlparadise.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show
A year ago, my partner Emma was diagnosed with celiac disease, completely changing the way we think about travel. In this special episode, I'm sharing my conversation with Leigh Francis from The Gluten Free Advocate Podcast about what it's really like adapting to gluten-free travel while still chasing adventure.We discuss the emotional side of a diagnosis, how our travel style has evolved from spontaneous backpacking to careful planning, and why destinations like Victoria, BC and parts of Europe have given us confidence that incredible travel is still possible.We also dive into my recent adventures through El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico and Bhutan, my future plans for French Polynesia, Central Asia and Africa, and how this experience is changing the content I create on both the Winging It Travel Podcast and YouTube.Whether you have celiac disease yourself, travel with someone who does, or simply love hearing honest travel conversations, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement and plenty of wanderlust.In this episode you'll hear:Emma's unexpected celiac diagnosis and how it changed our livesWhy travelling with celiac disease requires a completely different mindsetThe challenges of avoiding cross-contamination while travellingThe best gluten-free destinations we've experienced so farPlanning our upcoming trip to French PolynesiaHow this journey is changing my podcast and YouTube contentBucket list destinations still waiting to be exploredWhy travel is still absolutely worth it—even with dietary restrictionsIf you want to be able to listen to our conversation from Season 1 - check out this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynv84AuSkekIf you have any questions or fun stories to share, feel free to reach out at hieatexplorelove@gmail.com.Substack: https://substack.com/@theglutenfreeadvocateTik Tok: @theglutenfreeadvocateFacebook: The Gluten Free AdvocateInstagram: @theglutenfreeadvocateThis episode is produced by Leigh Francis Productions.Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
This week Shannon and Amanda trace Valentin Cassadine's road from losing baby Bailey to falling for Anna Devane, and how that relationship got tangled up in his father Victor Cassadine's increasingly dangerous agenda. The story moves through ELQ boardroom battles, a frame job carried out under a fake identity in French Polynesia, a rescue mission through the Paris catacombs, and a betrayal that costs a life. It ends in Greenland, where Victor's real plan finally comes into focus. Hit play to hear how Valentin, Anna, and the rest of the Cassadine orbit make it out, and what it costs them to get there. Listen at GeneralHospitalPodcast.com. We will meet you at the pier. #GeneralHospital #GeneralHospitalPodcast #PortCharles411 #ValentinCassadine #AnnaDevane #BrookLynnQuartermaine #HollySutton #RobertScorpio #MacScorpio #FeliciaScorpio #LucyCoe #MaxieJones #NinaReeves #CarlySpencer #VictorCassadine #CharlotteCassadine #SonnyCorinthos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The boys pack up their bags again this week and head to French Polynesia to find the love in this week's entry Couples Retreat. Starring Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman, Couples Retreat is the story of a neurotic friend who's relationship hinges on a couples retreat vacation.Support the showCatch new episodes of the Where to Stick It Podcast every Tuesday and Thursday. If you like the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon where we upload exclusive content each month for only $3 a month.
GB2RS News Sunday the 19th of July 2026 The news headlines: Spy transmitter activities at the RSGB National Radio Centre Which RSGB partner museum will you be visiting this summer? RSGB Outreach Team supports the WINGS Jamboree Following last year's success, the ‘Find the spy transmitter' events are back for Summer 2026 at the RSGB National Radio Centre. This family-friendly activity will turn you into spy hunters as you explore Bletchley Park looking for hidden transmitters. The event will be running on Tuesday the 28th of July and Thursday the 30th of July. Each date has two start times, one at 10.30am and another at 1.30pm. Spaces are limited to 12 groups per session and are available via rsgbspytransmitter.eventbrite.co.uk The activity is free to take part in, however entry to Bletchley Park is required. Don't forget that RSGB members get free access to the historic site as a membership benefit. Download your voucher at rsgb.org/bpvoucher Last year, the RSGB introduced a new membership benefit offering its members discounted entry at six fascinating museums. Following positive feedback from members, this offer continues and RSGB members can receive between 20 and 50 percent off admission fees at Amberley Museum, Bawdsey Radar Museum, Internal Fire Museum of Power, PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, the Royal Signals Museum and the National Museum of Computing. You can make the most of this offer by incorporating a visit to one, or all, of the museums this summer. Whether you are organising a club visit, looking to entertain the children over the summer holidays, or planning for a day out by yourself, there is lots to keep you busy. Visit rsgb.org/partner-museums for details on how to receive your personalised discount voucher. Members of the RSGB Outreach Team will be attending the WINGS Jamboree in Windsor between the 26th and 30th of July. The team will be showcasing amateur radio to Scouts and Girlguiding members aged 6 to 14, who will have the opportunity to test their Morse skills through the ever-popular Morse Battleships game. The team will be activating special event callsign GB1WINGS over the period, and the youngsters will have the opportunity to make supervised on-air contacts across the UK and internationally. The team welcomes your support and encourages you to make QSOs on the HF bands and via the QO-100 satellite. Please check the DX Cluster for frequency details. QSL will be via QRZ, eQSL and Logbook of the World after the event. Revalidating your licence is required every five years, however Ofcom recommends doing it annually. The process requires licence holders to confirm or update their details on the Ofcom licence database. Whether you have recently moved, have a new email address, or all your details remain the same, use this as a reminder to log in and tick the job off your list. You can find guidance on the process by selecting ‘Licence Revalidation' at rsgb.org/licensing As well as FAQs, you'll also find a link to a step-by-step video by Ofcom, which shows you the process of revalidating your licence using the online licensing portal. The first of this year's International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekends will run from 0001UTC on Saturday the 15th of August to 2400UTC on Sunday the 16th of August. The event usually attracts more than 500 lighthouse entries located in over 40 countries. Registration for the event is open at illw.net Please send details of all your news and events to radcom@rsgb.org.uk The deadline for submissions is 10am on Thursdays before the Sunday broadcast each week. And now for details of rallies and events Today, the 19th, Lincoln Short Wave Club Summer Radio Rally is taking place at The Festival Hall, Caistor Road, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. The doors open at 10am and admission costs £3. This in an indoor event and ample free car parking is available. For more information email m5zzz@outlook.com On Saturday the 25th, the Wiltshire Radio Rally Electronics Fair and Car Boot Sale takes place at Kington Langley Village Hall and Playing Fields, Church Road, Kington Langley, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 5NJ. The doors open at 7.30am for traders and at 9am for visitors. Hot and cold refreshments and ample parking are available on site. For more information visit chippenhamradio.club/rally Now the Special Event news Radio amateurs using Bawdsey Radar Museum's callsign GB2GRS will be on the air today, Sunday the 19th. Visit the museum to hear where in the world they are contacting. More information is available at bawdseyradar.org.uk Special callsign HF170TESLA is active to mark the 170th anniversary of the birth of Nikola Tesla. Look for activity on various bands and modes until the 31st of July. For details of awards that are available for working the station, visit tinyurl.com/teslaSES To celebrate the centenary of Romania's first amateur radio club, special callsign YR100RC is active until the 30th of September. Find out about awards that are available at tinyurl.com/yr100rc2026 Now the DX news Didier, F6BCW has been active as FO/F6BCW from Tikehau Atoll, OC-066, in French Polynesia until tomorrow, the 20th. He operates CW and SSB on the 80 to 6m bands. QSL via FO/F6BCW, Logbook of the World and OQRS. Aldir, PY1SAD is active as 8R1TM from Guyana until Sunday the 26th of July. He operates CW, SSB and digital modes on the 160 to 6m bands and via satellite. QSL via Logbook of the World, eQSL, QRZ.com or directly to Aldir's home call. The IP1X team will be active from Gallinara Island, EU-083, on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of July. They will be operating using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands. QSL via the Bureau, OQRS or directly to IU1JCZ. For more details and updates see QRZ.com Now the contest news Today, the 19th, the RSGB International Low Power Contest runs from 0900 to 1600UTC. Using CW on the 80, 40 and 20m bands, the exchange is signal report, serial number and transmitter power. On Tuesday the 21st, the RSGB 1.3GHz UK Activity Contest runs from 1900 to 2130UTC. Using all modes on the 23cm band, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. On Thursday the 23rd, the RSGB 80m Club Championship runs from 1900 to 2030UTC. Using RTTY and PSK63 on the 80m band, the exchange is signal report and serial number. The RSGB IOTA Contest starts at 1200UTC on Saturday the 25th and ends at 1200UTC on Sunday the 26th of July. Using CW and SSB on the 80 to 10m bands, where contests are permitted, the exchange is signal report, serial number and IOTA reference. On Sunday the 26th, the UK Microwave Group High Band Contest runs from 0800 to 1700UTC. Using all modes on 5.7 and 10GHz frequencies, the exchange is signal report, serial number and locator. Now the radio propagation report, compiled by G0KYA, G3YLA and G4BAO on Thursday the 16th of July 2026. Last week was characterised by a falling solar flux index. Over the past week it has gone from 116 to 100, but the good news is that we have only had one M-class solar flare in that time and a multitude of lesser C-class flares that haven't amounted to much. As a result, the Kp index remained low, certainly below 4, other than one excursion to 4.67 on Sunday the 12th of July. This means propagation has been stable rather than outstanding. But as the winners of the World Radiosport Team Championship showed last week, it was still possible to make 5,800 QSOs in 24 hours. An analysis shows that the best scoring band was 20m, closely followed by 15m and 40m. The predominant mode was CW. Maximum usable frequencies, or MUFs, over a 3,000km path have been peaking at around 19 to 23MHz at midday, according to the Dourbes DigiSonde. Major DXpeditions to be worked this week include RT25AA, the Arctic Legends IOTA DXpedition; TY5FR from Benin; VP5G in Turks and Caicos; and HP1/LA5IIA operating from Panama. The 20m band remains good for contacts across the Northern Hemisphere during daylight, while the 15m band offers better opportunities for north-south paths. Next week NOAA predicts that the solar flux index may increase, perhaps to 135. Geomagnetic conditions are forecast to be good for the first half of the week, but a Kp index of 4 is forecast for Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd of July so expect declining MUFs and poorer HF conditions around that time. There are currently no coronal holes to worry about. And now the VHF and up propagation news from G3YLA and G4BAO The coming period of weather feels very much like what we've been getting in the last week or so. High pressure dominates the chart and, since it's placed just west of Great Britain, this implies a north-westerly flow over the country, with a chance of tropo for many areas. Last week saw northerly paths worked from the UK up to the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden on both 144 and 432MHz. The high-pressure part of the story suggests not much, if any, rain to speak of and therefore rain scatter is unlikely. The auroral prospects are not especially great in radio terms. There are about three meteor showers currently giving a broad period of activity for meteor scatter operators and providing long-lived ionisation as fuel for sporadic-E. In view of the links between Sporadic-E and jet streams, the upper air jet stream patterns suggest favouring paths to the southeast into the Balkans round to the northeast and Scandinavia for Sporadic E. Don't ignore the options for multi-hop paths into the Far East in the morning on the 6m band and later in the day to the United States, which have been very good lately. For EME operators, Moon declination is falling again and passed perigee on Monday the 13th of July so Moon window lengths will shorten and path losses increase. 144MHz sky noise is low, increasing to moderate on Thursday the 23rd of July. And that's all from the propagation team this week.
Medical missionaries are often called upon to provide care that is beyond the scope of their training and previous experience. This interactive case presentation looks at the realities of clinical decision-making in a critically ill snakebitten patient, and offers suggestions on how to navigate similar challenging situations.
Why the World Cup Proves Travel Brings People Together | My Updated 2026 Travel Plans & Recovering From Kidney StonesThis week I'm sharing a more personal update as I recover from kidney stones, reflect on the incredible atmosphere surrounding the FIFA World Cup, and look ahead to an exciting second half of the year packed with travel.After a slower start to 2026, I'm finally getting ready to hit the road again with trips to Toronto, Estonia, Finland, Paris and French Polynesia. I also share how this period away from travelling has helped me rethink my content, my business and what I want the future of Winging It to look like.I also explain why I believe the World Cup is one of the greatest examples of how travel brings people together. From the incredible hospitality shown by Mexican fans to England supporters, to thousands of people from different cultures celebrating side by side, it's a reminder that travel creates understanding, respect and unforgettable memories.Finally, I open up about dealing with kidney stones over the past couple of weeks, what it's taught me about appreciating everyday life, and why I'm looking forward to getting back out into the world once I'm fully recovered.If you've been thinking about booking your next adventure, hopefully this episode gives you the inspiration to finally go for it.In this episode:• Why the World Cup is about far more than football.• The incredible hospitality between travelling fans.• My upcoming trips to Canada, Estonia, Finland, France and French Polynesia.• How I've been rethinking my travel content and podcast plans.• Recovering from kidney stones and what the experience has taught me.• A look ahead to what's coming next on Winging It Travel Podcast.Support Winging It Travel PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode:⭐ Leave a 5-star rating or review on your podcast app☕ Support the show at buymeacoffee.com/wingingit
This Week’s Featured Interview: Between 1966 and 1996, France conducted 193 nuclear weapons tests at the Moruroa and Fangataufa atolls in French Polynesia. This included 46 atmospheric tests that caused widespread radioactive fallout across the Pacific, contaminating an estimated 110,000 people —nearly the entire population of the territory at the time. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross at the...
Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.
Send us Fan MailHello, passionate cruisers! This is Paul and this week on The Joy of Cruising Podcast; I am honored to welcome Filippos Venetopoulos, Chief Executive Officer, Variety Cruises. Variety has been creating a better world at sea for over 75 years, offering travelers the comforts and unique benefits of small ship cruising while exploring the true identity of a destination. Filippos Venetopoulos is the third-generation leader of Variety Cruises, one of the world's longest-standing small ship cruise companies, founded by his family in 1949. After graduating with distinction from New York University's Stern School of Business, Filippos gained international experience in banking, adventure cruising, and tourism before returning to Greece to join the family business. In 2021, during one of the most challenging periods in the history of global tourism, he assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and embarked on a mission to reposition Variety Cruises for a new era of travel. Under his leadership, the company has strengthened its focus on authentic small-ship experiences, sustainability, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections between travelers and destinations. His vision extends beyond cruising itself: to demonstrate that tourism can be a force for positive change while creating memorable experiences for guests, employees, and local communities alike. Filippos serves as a Board Member of SETE (the Greek Tourism Confederation) and was elected President of the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners Association (HPYOA) in 2026. He is an active advocate for the advancement of Greek tourism, maritime entrepreneurship, and sustainable travel practices. A passionate believer in lifelong learning, personal growth, and people-centered leadership, Filippos is known for combining entrepreneurial thinking with a strong commitment to culture, hospitality, and human connection. His guiding vision for Variety Cruises is simple yet ambitious: "To create a better world at sea." Filippos lives in Athens with his wife, Ersi, and their daughter. Today, Variety Cruises is the number one fleet of small ships, hosting around 50 guests on board each sailing, giving the company the ability to bring voyagers to smaller, less crowded ports around the globe. With sailings in Greece, Italy, Malta, the Adriatic Sea, West Africa, French Polynesia, the Seychelles and beyond, travelers can discover authentic local and Indigenous cultures, regional cuisine, ancient sites, remote villages and natural wonders only small ships can reach.Do you have a dream car? Support the showSupport thejoyofcruisingpodcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2113608/supporters/newSupport Me https://www.buymeacoffee.com/drpaulthContact Me https://www.thejoyofcruising.net/contact-me.htmlBook Cruises http://www.thejoyofvacation.com/US Orders (coupon code joyofcruisingpodcast)The Joy of Cruising https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingCruising Interrupted https://bit.ly/CruisingInterruptedThe Joy of Cruising Again https://bit.ly/TheJoyOfCruisingAgainIntl Orders via Amazon
With nearly 1.3 billion disabled people in the world, we assume that the medical community focuses on physical health. But who is helping people with the emotional and spiritual impact of disability? In this session, we will explore the emotional and spiritual impact of disability and how the church and global workers can effectively support the disabled community with this critical need.
Supergirl [vol 2] #17 (1984)Supergirl has a new movie coming out so let's talk about her!It is the early 80s and she's living in Chicago doing scholarly things and the like. Everything is going swimmingly until some 1950s mobsters rough up her Tom Baker-ass looking professor and now Supergirl has to fly to French Polynesia to save him.Highlights include:Chicago hot dogs vs. Metropolis hot dogs — who wins?Supergirl listens to all heartbeats at onceEarly morning retail therapyThat robot has a great assSquat Santa Manic Panic!Also, Jen and Shawn visit check out a few of their less-frequented local comic book stores and share some thoughts on ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN and THE DEADMAN!*** PROPER COMIC BOOK DISCUSSION STARTS AT 00:21:49 ***Promo: FORTRESS OF BAILEYTUDE (https://open.spotify.com/show/5dOZfImogWrOr9ytkGqrwR)Continue the conversation with Shawn (@AngryHeroShawn) and Jen (@JenStansfield) on Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Threads / Bluesky or email the show at worstcollectionever@gmail.com Also, get hip to all of our episodes on YouTube in its own playlist! https://bit.ly/WorstCollectionEverYTDownload the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your favorite shows. Please rate, review, subscribe and tell a friend!
Romina Espinosa — Red Romina — has been to 81 countries, published a book of poems at 15, built a film production company, appeared in Hollywood movies, founded a creator events community, and started a movement called Reject 9 to 5. She also has ADD. She manages it without medication most days. And she never once had a backup plan. This is a 100-minute conversation about what it actually looks like to live entirely on your own terms.
The practice of healthcare is inherently powerful, and our patients are vulnerable to our power. Though power can be abused, the righteous use of power, for the benefit of the vulnerable, is profoundly Christlike. We will explore the lessons of power which help us understand our roles, including the fundamental nature of professionalism and key kingdom strategies of healthcare missions.
Katia Sereno is a transformational coach, wellness guide, and former elite performer who helps women reconnect with themselves in the middle of life's pressure, transitions, and overwhelm. With more than 30 years of coaching experience, Katia brings a rare blend of resilience, creativity, and lived wisdom to her work. A former member of the Canadian National Synchronized Swimming Team and later a performer with Cirque du Soleil, she built her life around discipline, movement, and reinvention long before becoming a coach. Her journey has taken her across the world, from North America to French Polynesia, rebuilding her life from the ground up in multiple countries along the way. Those experiences deeply shaped her understanding of identity, change, and what it truly means to create a fulfilling life. Today, as a certified life and health coach, fitness instructor, and yoga teacher, Katia helps women who feel disconnected, exhausted, or stuck reconnect with their energy and inner clarity. Her approach moves away from hustle, perfectionism, and pressure, guiding women toward sustainable transformation rooted in self trust, balance, and authenticity. At the core of her work is a simple belief. You do not need to force your way into a better life. You need to reconnect with the version of yourself that already knows how to live it. Today's guest: www.katialifetransform.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Transforming healthcare delivery in resource-limited contexts around the world calls for compassionate, innovative solutions. Learn how The Luke Commission is bringing healthcare to the most isolated and underserved in Eswatini through a scalable model for advancing health equity.
In this week's episode, both of our storytellers share tales about whales. Part 1: As a child, Brittany Munson dreams of growing up to be a whale trainer. Part 2: As a marine scientist focused on living creatures, Maya Santangelo is convinced that diving to explore an old whaling shipwreck in the Antarctic will be boring. Brittany Munson is a Lead Educator at the California Science Center, where she engages public audiences in exploring various science topics and activities. With a degree in Aquatic Biology from UC Santa Barbara, she has chased her passion for the ocean from the coral reefs of the Bahamas to the icy waters of Alaska, where she spent two seasons as a naturalist. Most recently, she served as a Lead Science Communication Fellow aboard E/V Nautilus, sharing deep-sea exploration with the world in real-time. When she isn't advocating for marine life or planning her next expedition, you can find Brittany tending to her indoor jungle as a devoted plant mom or salsa dancing on Sunday nights. She calls Long Beach home. Maya Santangelo is a professional nerd, diver, and marine scientist. Working in the dive and expedition industry for more than 15 years, Maya's experiences as the 2016 Australasian Rolex Scholar of the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society cemented a passion for science communication and ocean education to enhance meaningful travel experiences. Since 2017, Maya has worked as an Undersea Specialist with Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, diving and filming underwater around the world to share what would otherwise be out of sight, out of mind. With a focus diving in the Antarctic for the past 6 years, she has become especially interested in researching and educating about marine conservation through fisheries management and sustainable seafood choices. Alongside this role, Maya works above and below the surface to research the habitat use of the critically endangered school shark, the diet and trophic ecology of the widely distributed leopard seal, and the remote population of manta rays in French Polynesia's Marquesas Islands.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
What is cultural distress? It is a negative response rooted in a cultural conflict where the patient lacks control over their situation. It results in more physiologic effects on the body resulting in allostatic overload. To prevent this, healthcare practitioners must use strategies such as cultural humility to help patients navigate healthcare. Come find the best ways to deliver culturally sensitive care in any setting.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Optional Memorial of St. Peter Chanel, 1803-1841; a Frenchman in the Society of Marists, Peter took the gospel to the Canary Islands, French Polynesia, Tahiti, and Tonga; at his main post, Furtuna, a Polynesian island, Chanel converted the son of the island’s native king who later had the Christian priest killed for fear of the Gospel; two years later, the entire island had become Catholic Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 4/28/26 Gospel: John 10:22-30
What does it take to run and sell a superyacht charter in one of the most remote regions on Earth? In this episode of BOAT Briefing, we go on board the 48-metre Oceanfast yacht Big Sky in French Polynesia, where BOAT's head of digital content Holly Margerrison speaks directly to the people behind the experience. From charter manager Cam Bray to Captain Brett Woodford and broker Halle Scott, we explore what it takes to operate in the South Pacific – from logistics and provisioning to local relationships and immersive itineraries.Recorded in the Society Islands, this is a behind-the-scenes look at chartering far beyond the Med. Read the full feature in BOAT International's May issue or online soon.This episode of BOAT Briefing is sponsored by Amico & Co, a Genoa-based, family-owned refit yard with more than 200 years of maritime heritage, renowned for its full-service refit expertise on large yachts, delivered through highly specialised in-house teams.BOAT Pro: https://boatint.com/4yq Subscribe: https://boatint.com/4yr Contact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com
Fruitful domestic and international medical missions overlap in multiple ways. Both require cross-cultural skills, a willingness to work with limited resources, courage in the face of potentially dangerous situations, and possible disapproval from friends and family. Each is excellent preparation for the other. Many international workers spend furlough time working in American Christian health centers--and vice-versa.
Christian Lobel is an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor and captain of Saga, a Swan 47 on which he sails offshore, often with paying crew. I met Chris in Newfoundland in a fjord on the south coast in 2022. Last year, he returned circumnavigated Newfoundland. We talk about sailing to Cuba, Tierra del Fuego, Port Antonio Jamaica, Newfoundland, Greenland, cruising Ireland, the Azores, sailing upwind, using the staysail, sail combinations, reefing, a unique way of setting up running backstays, hand steering and why it is an important skill, using the Hydrovane, watch schedule, cooking onboard, identifying whales, circumnavigating Newfoundland, moose, the generosity of Newfies, hurricanes, icebergs, foul-weather gear, Newfoundland anchorages, Vikings, the south-coast fjords, interesting people he met there, the Madeline Islands, Prince Edward Islland, Nova Scotia, Eastport Maine, future plans to sail down the coast of South America through Tierra del Fuego and into French Polynesia, gear failures, man-overboard procedure, PLBs, and more.
In this dynamic session, participants will begin to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can support missionary work. From content creation in fundraising to administrative support and research tools, AI can revolutionize how missionaries serve and connect. Learn about the practical benefits of AI, such as automating repetitive tasks, improving communication, researching important topics, and fostering creativity. We’ll also discuss the ethical challenges and potential pitfalls of using AI in ministry. Discover specific resources and strategies to enhance your work while staying grounded in biblical principles.
Links: Get your breast pump, lactation support, and maternity compression garments for free at aeroflowbreastpumps.com/birthhour and use promo code BIRTHHOUR15 at for 15% off supplies and accessories. Know Your Options Online Childbirth Course - use code 100OFF for $100 off Beyond the First Latch Course (comes free with KYO course) Support The Birth Hour via Patreon!
Note: This episode can be viewed with video on Youtube/Spotify. Summary In this episode, Tom Kim and Trevor Mountcastle welcome back Nick from The Frequent Miler to discuss the latest strategies in the award travel world. Nick breaks down his family's massive undertaking of the JetBlue 25-for-25 promotion, his nuanced take on the Hyatt award chart changes, and his favorite tools for finding the best flight redemptions, including a surprising hack for Southwest Airlines. Key Points From This Episode: 0:00 – Introduction Tom and Trevor welcome back Nick. Brief catch-up on Nick's recent travel adventures since his last appearance. 0:43 – The JetBlue 25-for-25 Family Challenge How Nick completed the challenge for his entire family of four. The logic behind securing 25 years of airline status for his young children. Strategy: Using Amex Membership Rewards points and the Business Platinum 35% rebate to fund the flights. Leveraging partner bookings like Etihad Guest for high-value JetBlue redemptions. 7:16 – Hyatt Award Chart Changes: To Panic or Not? Nick's take on the recent devaluation: Why Hyatt remains the strongest hotel currency despite the hit to top-tier redemptions. The strategy of speculative bookings for "bucket list" properties like Park Hyatt Kyoto before price hikes. Comparing the rising cash rates of luxury hotels to the increasing point requirements. 18:25 – Aeroplan and the Current State of Flight Awards The pros and cons of Air Canada's Aeroplan, including their massive partner network. The frustration of dynamic pricing with partners like United. The difficulty of finding award space to Asia in the current travel climate. 23:14 – Advanced Award Searching & The "Condor Hack" Using Alaska Airlines to book Condor with a stopover in Frankfurt en route to Bangkok. Nick's favorite tools: AwardTool, Seats.Aero, and the Points Path Chrome extension. Autopilot: A new tool for automatically repricing paid flights for credits. 29:16 – Southwest Airlines Strategies & IT Glitches The shift to assigned seating and the impact on Southwest's value proposition. A bizarre IT glitch: Why Nick's 8-year-old son could see award seats that Nick (a premium cardholder) could not. The benefits of the Southwest Priority and Performance Business cards. 36:00 – Family Travel: World-Schooling & The Librea Tar Pits Nick's experience homeschooling his kids for a quarter while traveling to the Bahamas, Los Angeles, and French Polynesia. The educational value of travel: From the aquariums in Atlantis to prehistoric history in LA. 41:40 – The Casino Status Match & Free Cruises How Nick turned casino status matches into 14 free cruises. Reviewing Margaritaville at Sea: Why it's surprisingly great for families despite its budget reputation. Pro Tip: Using the casino "cage" for organic spend/cash advances on cruises. 51:00 – Lifemiles & Flying Blue Subscriptions Is the LifeMiles+ subscription worth $20/month? (Hint: The 10% discount and free cancellations might be). The new Flying Blue subscription model and whether it's worth it for promo awards. Keywords Hyatt award chart, travel hacking, JetBlue 25 for 25, Family travel, Aeroplan, Southwest Airlines
The last regularly scheduled episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is a discussion between Nica and Carolyn on how cruising has changed. Summary Today's episode of The Boat Galley podcast is actually a little different. Welcome to a conversation between Carolyn Shearlock and Nica Waters on changes to cruising in the past few decades. But first, we have some news for you. We've enjoyed recording this podcast for over 800 episodes over the past eight years. That's a lot of useful information available in short episodes--most less than ten minutes long. If you're new to the podcast, make sure you go back and check out our old content. Thank you to all our listeners. And also, thank you to our sponsors who have supported us. We reached out to our sponsors because we use and love their products. We're not only grateful for their support of the podcast but also for how they've helped make our own cruising lives easier. Changes in Cruising Nica first began cruising in the 1990s, and Carolyn began in 2002. Since then, we've seen a lot of changes. One of the biggest has been access to information. With access to satellite-based internet, it's easier to get information than ever. The new challenge is learning to differentiate between useful information and infotainment. GPS Of course, a huge game-changer has been the arrival of GPS. In the early days, it wasn't reliable. Early chart plotters made it appear your boat was on land, and GPS service included a warning that it would only be reliable to five miles. Nica notes that in her current location in French Polynesia, GPS has made navigation much easier. However, she would not rely on it at night. Ease of Setting Out Carolyn notes that it used to be typical for cruisers to begin by coastal cruising. They might stay just offshore for five years while they gain the skills required to travel farther afield. Today, it's easier to set off more quickly. You can connect to the information you need farther from shore. However, it also means some cruisers don't have the experience and skills to rely on if things go wrong. More cruisers set out with a big goal, like circumnavigating. Carolyn reminds us of Lin Pardey's advice: to keeping going as long as it's fun. Nica notes that many cruisers are buying larger and more luxurious vessels. That means that they may not have a plan for when their freezer fails or their watermaker needs to be repaired. Skills like knowing how to keep food without refrigeration or how to gather rainwater can help any cruiser if equipment breaks down in a remote location. Redundancy of skills is as important as redundancy in equipment. Returning to navigation, a cruiser needs to have a plan for if GPS itself becomes unavailable. With paper charts no longer being updated, this becomes a greater challenge. Carolyn credits her experience as a small boat racer for having the skills to move her boat if something goes wrong. Although she feels self-sufficiency is important, she also expresses gratitude for fellow cruisers who suggested quick fixes when she and Dave were trying to make the perfect repair. Advice for Cruisers The Boat Galley exists to make cruising easier and more fun. So it's time to share some advice. Flexibility Nica and Carolyn agree that mental flexibility and the ability to slow down are among the most important traits for any cruiser. The theme music of the podcast expresses this key. It's titled "Slow Down." Stay Curious and Open to Adventure There will be days when you feel tired or homesick. But if you keep that curiosity and sense of adventure, whether you're sailing in familiar waters or farther ashore, you'll be enjoying the best benefits of cruising. Carolyn reminds us that you can't plan for everything. That's actually the definition of adventure--not knowing what will happen next. Not everything will look like a YouTube video. You'll experience highs and lows. But most of cruising is the mundane middle--washing dishes, moving stuff around to reach other stuff, etc. Farewell Carolyn and Nica are proud of all the work they've done on the podcast, providing useful tips for others. They love hearing from listeners and look forward to sharing more about this amazing lifestyle. Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Today's episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself! Links: Lin and Larry Pardey Books (Amazon) - https://amzn.to/4rw1B07 Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig
The Prime Minister has described the Pacific as a super highway for drugs, during a visit to Samoa. The two counties have signed a co-operation agreement, where customs and police will share information and work together. Several New Zealand Officers will be embedded in Samoa. Earlier this year a ship intercepted in international waters near French Polynesia was found to be carrying about five tonnes of cocaine. Police Commissoner Richard Chambers is on the Prime Minister's trip to islands and spoke to Lisa Owen.
A groundbreaking study's revealed that even 50 years after the end of commercial whaling, its devastating impacts continue to shape humpback whale behaviour. Historical records show that in the waters of Oceania, which span from New Caledonia to French Polynesia, there were once more than 14,000 humpback whales. By the mid 1970s that number had plummeted to fewer than 200, bringing the species to the brink of extinction Now it's been revealed that as the population recovers, how whales' mate has been changed dynamically. Dr Emma Carroll is a molecular ecologist at the University of Auckland, she is the co-author of the research in the scientific journal Current Biology.
Have you ever considered your profession as a ministry? Come to this session and hear about the biblical roots of nursing as ministry, your sacred calling to serve, and the importance of paying attention to those divine appointments. We will also talk about finding your passion and being persistent, all while drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit.
In this episode of BOAT Briefing, online editor Holly Margerrison is joined by travel and charter editor Georgia Boscawen to explore two very different sides of the superyacht world. After cruising the Society Islands on board 48-metre Oceanfast yacht Big Sky, Holly shares a first-hand account of navigating French Polynesia by yacht – from the dramatic peaks of Moorea and encounters with humpback whales to the practical realities of reaching and chartering in one of the most remote destinations on earth. The pair discuss how it compares to expedition hotspots such as Antarctica and the Galápagos, and whether the South Pacific truly lives up to its “trip of a lifetime” reputation. The conversation then shifts to the state of the market, where the pair break down five of the biggest stories shaping 2026 so far.This episode of BOAT Briefing is sponsored by Amico & Co, a Genoa-based, family-owned refit yard with more than 200 years of maritime heritage, renowned for its full-service refit expertise on large yachts, delivered through highly specialised in-house teams.Stories discussed:Palm Beach debutshttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/yachts-palm-beach-international-boat-show-2026Lürssen 109m O3 on sea trialshttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/lurssen-superyacht-project-shackleton-icecap-o3-sea-t…Oceanco 93m Draak becomes support vessel for 111m Leviathanhttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/draak-ex-tranquility-yacht-oceanco-rebuild-leviathanAbeking & Rasmussen confirms 100m+ new buildhttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/abeking-and-rasmussen-100m-plus-new-build-superyachtTurquoise Yachts launches 88m flagshiphttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/turquoise-yachts-flagship-superyacht-vento-angelique-…Benetti double launch: B.Now 67M hybrid yachtshttps://www.boatinternational.com/yachts/news/benetti-hybrid-bnow-67-two-superyacht-launchesBOATPro: https://boatint.com/3qwSubscribe: https://boatint.com/3qxContact us: podcast@boatinternationalmedia.com
Residents and students learn from others about original motivation, long-haul stamina, pearls and pitfalls of living in community, debt, vision for one’s next step to the nations, and helping the needy now tensioned with investing in education to help others later.
Welcome, Late Boomers! We're Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, and this week, we set sail on a truly transformational journey with Alison Gieschen—author, former horse farm owner, educator, and intrepid world sailor.Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave everything behind and follow a lifelong dream? In this inspiring episode, Alison shares how she dared to reinvent her life, selling her horse farm and embarking on an adventure with her husband to sail around the world. From the lush hills of upstate New York to the remote islands of French Polynesia, Alison opens up about her life's boldest moves, the storms she's weathered—physically and emotionally—and how it all fuels her work as a writer.We dive deep into Alison's bestselling books, The Seven and A Mermaid's Tale, the profound lessons she's learned traveling to over 49 countries, and the universal themes of courage, culture, and resilience that weave through her stories. You'll also hear incredible anecdotes, like surviving life-threatening storms at sea, encounters with solo sailors, and how her lifelong love of horses continues to inspire her writing—even while anchored in paradise.Key TakeawaysReinvention Is Possible at Any Age: Alison's journey from horse farmer to global sailor proves it's never too late to answer the call of adventure.Facing and Managing Fear: Learn how Alison turned fear into fuel, surviving tumultuous ocean storms and emerging with a deeper understanding of her own resilience.The Transformative Power of Travel: Discover how experiencing different cultures shaped Alison's worldview and the authentic characters in her novels.Writing from Life: Hear how personal stories, hardships (like her son's bullying), and the solace of animals are woven into her fiction and children's books.Simplicity Breeds Joy: Alison discusses the happiness she's witnessed in communities with few material possessions, offering a powerful message for all of us in the West.Finding Community on the Water: Even in the vastness of the ocean, Alison found deep connection and camaraderie with fellow sailors from around the world.Actionable Inspiration for Listeners: Alison encourages everyone to carve out distraction-free time to pursue creativity—and to be brave enough to make the leap toward that “someday” dream.Ready to be inspired for your own third act—or maybe just to ignite your curiosity about life's possibilities? We invite you to:Subscribe to Late Boomers wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify, etc.) so you never miss these empowering conversations.Check out Alison Gieschen's books, especially The Seven, A Mermaid's Tale, Sienna, Riding the Waves of Reality, Blue Ridge, and The Legend of Altor—perfect whether you're a horse lover, adventurer, or in need of a dose of hope.Visit our website at lateboomers.us for more inspiring content and to get in touch.
Have you longed to integrate your Christian faith into your patient care—on the mission field abroad, in your work in the US, and during your training? Are you not sure how to do this in a caring, ethical, sensitive, and relevant manner? This “working” session will explore the ethical basis for spiritual care and provide you with professional, timely, and proven practical methods to care for the whole person in the clinical setting. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpah9kh1lttg6cm1jjop9/Bob-Mason-Ethics-of-Spiritual-Care-revised.pptx?rlkey=0emve2ja8282nv8xc4uinq1hg&st=9033htwx&dl=0
As part of our February series on romantic travel, today we're focusing on tropical destinations. We dive into why this type of destination has the power to help us reconnect, slow down, and be fully present with the people we love. We're heading back to French Polynesia, to the private atoll of Tetiaroa, and home to The Brando. It's a place where nature sets the pace, privacy is built into the experience, and connection tends to happen without trying. And today, I'm honored to be chatting with Richard Bailey, the owner of this famed hotel. We talk about everything from the early days of his partnership with Marlon Brando, to the island's deep commitment to sustainability, to unforgettable encounters with the natural world. So settle in, and let's escape to Tetiaroa. Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/ Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn
Those who hope to honor God and advance Jesus' Kingdom face powerful opposition from spiritual, physical, and psychological enemies. Successful launching and long term fruitfulness depends on recognizing and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, waging war against those enemies.
How France negotiates drug prices and the impact of US President Donald Trump's pressure to raise them. The Paris bar celebrating sobriety as more people embrace Dry January. And the radioactive legacy of nuclear testing in French Polynesia. Saying he wants to lower the price of medication in the United States, President Donald Trump has been putting pressure on French President Emmanuel Macron to raise the cost of an unspecified pill in France. But it's the French public health system, not Macron, that negotiates with drug companies – keeping prices for patients in check. Sociologist Theo Bourgeron believes that Trump's demand is not about improving care, but pressuring countries to weaken price controls and boost US pharmaceutical profits. (Listen @0') More than a third of the French claim they're not drinking this month to mark Dry January. It's part of a wider trend of falling alcohol consumption in France, particularly among young adults. But in a country famed for its wine and apéro culture, sobriety can be seen as irritating and "un-French". We visit Le Social Bar in Paris, which has gone alcohol-free for January to show you don't need to be tipsy to have a good time. Author Claire Touzard talks about her journey towards sobriety and why alcohol, far from encouraging conviviality, can end up excluding people. And journalist Vincent Edin argues that while France is becoming slightly more tolerant of non-drinkers, successive governments still struggle to recognise that alcoholism is a problem. (Listen @20'15'') France conducted its final nuclear test on 27 January 1996, ending a programme that has left a lasting legacy of health problems in French Polynesia, the archipelago in the South Pacific that for 30 years was France's nuclear testing ground. Hinamoeura Morgant-Cross, a member of the French Polynesian parliament, says the consequences of the testing have been "really traumatic for our people". (Listen @13'50'') Episode mixed by Cecile Pompeani. Spotlight on France is a podcast from Radio France International. Find us on rfienglish.com, Apple podcasts (link here), Spotify (link here) or your favourite podcast app (pod.link/1573769878).
Our show is best watched on YouTube:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/BoraBoraJoin us as we explore the ultimate travel paradise, Bora Bora, a dream vacation destination. We'll share valuable travel tips, including resort bookings vs flight redemptions. Get ready to plan your next luxurious escape!Thank you to Gary from https://www.instagram.com/ventureonpoints/ for joining us as a guest co-host!Learn about points and miles in our Elevate course and community:https://letsgettothepoints.com/elevateSerena's Bora Bora Episode:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4rVGa0OrKMWhale Watching Tour:https://www.viator.com/tours/Moorea/Whale-watching/d5182-395678P1?pid=P00137785&mcid=42383&medium=linkFull Day Snorkeling Lagoon Tour:https://www.viator.com/tours/Bora-Bora/Lagoon-Service-Full-Day-Group-Tour/d5180-297962P1?pid=P00137785&mcid=42383&medium=linkHot Logic:https://amzn.to/45OuEnBCredit Card Links: http://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/CreditCardsSign up for our newsletter:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/JoinOurEmailWebsite: https://www.letsgettothepoints.com/Email: letsgettothepoints@gmail.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/letsgettothepoints/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@letsgettothepointsEXCLUSIVE TRAVEL DISCOUNT CODES:https://letsgettothepoints.com/tools/Seats.aero: Award Flight Search EngineUse Code: LETSGETPRO for $20 off the first yearhttps://seats.aero/Book Private Transport in 100+ Countries with Kiwitaxi:https://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/KiwitaxiUse Code: LGTTP5 for 5% off all ridesSign up for Award Email Notifications from Straight To The PointsUse Code: LGTTP20 for 20% off the annual planhttps://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/StToThePointsTravel Freely: The FREE site we use to stay organized and track our 5/24 statushttps://my.travelfreely.com/signup?bref=lgwCardPointers: Save Money and Maximize Your Spend Bonuseshttps://go.www.letsgettothepoints.com/CardPointersMaxMyPoint: Hotel Rewards CheckerUse Code: LGTTP for 20% off the first year of your Platinum Subscription https://maxmypoint.comON TODAY'S SHOW:0:00 Intro1:14 French Polynesia on Points and Miles3:29 Flights to Tahiti on Points and Miles21:01 Tahiti Hotels on Points24:44 Moorea Hotels on Points33:13 Bora Bora Hotels on Points58:00 The Best Activities in French PolynesiaDisclaimer: The content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Advertiser Disclosure:This video may contain links through which we are compensated when you click on or are approved for offers. The information in this video was not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Offers are current only at the time of the video publishing date and may have changed by the time you watch it.Let's Get To The Points is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CardRatings. Let's Get To The Points and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. The content of this video is accurate as of the posting date. Some of the offers mentioned may no longer be available.
Hunting for the elusive, Japanese glass fishing floats. Summary: Fishermen around the world use floats of some kind to keep their nets suspended in the ocean. Originally, floats were often wood or cork. Today, they are frequently made of plastic or styrofoam. The choice of material depends on where you are. We think the most attractive floats are made of glass. No longer in production, the last glass fishing floats were made in Japan in the 1970s. When nets get lost or washed onto reefs, the floats continue their journey. We've been hunting for glass floats since we cruised with our kids in 2009-2010 after getting hooked on the search by friends. Now that we're in French Polynesia, the search continues. We see them decorating homes, which means that a particular atoll (perhaps due to currents and prevailing winds) is a likely place to find them. We found more in Takaroa, the farthest north inhabited atoll of the Tuamotus, than anywhere else. Would we be lucky there as well? To learn more details of our search and to discover if we ever found a glass float of our own, listen to the complete podcast or check out Takaroa Treasures (https://www.fit2sail.com/countdown-to-cruising/2025/9/8/takaroa-treasures-atoll-6). Subscribe to the Boat Galley Newsletter! - https://theboatgalley.com/newsletter-signup-2 Links: Nica email - nica@fit2sail.com Carolyn email - carolyn@theboatgalley.com The Boat Galley podcast is sponsored by FastSeas.com. Plan your next passage using FastSeas.com. Whether you are after speed or comfort, FastSeas will find the optimum route to your destination. FastSeas - making weather routing simple. Use coupon code GALLEY for an exclusive 10% discount. Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. - https://bit.ly/3idXto7 Music: "Slow Down" by Yvette Craig
In this episode, I sit down with Michael and Anne Hartshorn, special friends with whom my family and I have been cruising for nearly the past two years. They departed the UK in 2008, and since they have sailed across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, up the west coast of the US to Canada and Alaska, up and down the Sea of Cortez, across the Pacific to French Polynesia, Fiji and on to New Zealand. I spoke with Michael and Anne while anchor alongside Nimue in Fakarava, an island in the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Hosts Spencer Neuharth, Randall Williams, and Cory Calkins interview Josh Humbert of Kamoka Pearl about pearl farming in French Polynesia, get a fresh Rut Report from Mark Kenyon, share another round of Top 3s, and chat with Michael Burton about his unique brand of catfishing. Watch the live stream on the MeatEater Podcast Network YouTube channel. Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.