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On today's episode we welcome architect and researcher Levan Asabashvili to discuss the emergence and development of public housing in the Georgian SSR and what happened to Georgia's housing stock after the collapse of the Soviet Union. We also explore how Soviet-wide architectural trends in different periods (early Soviet, Stalinist, post-World War 2) manifested in the Georgian SSR and how architecture aligned with ideology, economics and nationhood, with special attention to housing in the Georgian case. We also discuss the role housing played in the emergence of the Soviet middle classes in the late Soviet period and the implications this had for the Soviet Union's collapse. Throughout the discussion, references are made to images of buildings, all of which can be found here:https://georgiaphotophiles.wordpress.com/2013/01/26/tbilisi-public-architecture-timeline/Levan Asabashvili is an architect and researcher based in Tbilisi. He studied architecture at the Tbilisi State Academy of Arts and later at Delft University of Technology. Levan is a co-founder of Urban Reactor, a collective focused on exploring the built environment, and has been involved in establishing the Georgian branch of do.co.mo.mo, an international organization dedicated to documenting and preserving modernist architecture. He also works with Architecture Workshop on design projects and is currently pursuing a PhD at Georgian Technical University, where his research focuses on Soviet architecture and the social, political, and economic factors that have shaped architectural movements.Read Levan's article "AT THE ROOTS OF POST-SOVIET ARCHITECTURE" here: https://danarti.org/en/article/at-the-roots-of-post-soviet-architecture---levan-asabashvili/10
Historic Medicaid cuts are advancing in Washington under President Donald Trump, as nearly 2 million low-income Georgians depend on the program for health insurance. That includes Georgians with disabilities and seniors, as Medicaid pays for their daily help with basic needs. The proposed federal cuts are all part of Trump's attempts to slash government spending. But Republican strategist Brian Robinson says on this week's Political Breakfast, GOP lawmakers know that would hurt some of our most vulnerable, including the base of their own party. Robinson, host Lisa Rayam, and the Atlanta Civic Circle's Saba Long to discuss the impact in Georgia, and tough decisions that come with historic pullbacks of federal support. Long is filling-in this week for Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy unpack why Georgia Congressman Andrew Clyde broke ranks on President Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” Clyde voted against advancing the measure, citing concerns over Medicaid and taxes on gun silencers. Plus, Ife Finch Floyd of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute joins the show to explain how proposed cuts to food stamps could affect hundreds of thousands of Georgians. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fredrik and Leilani dive into Georgia's unprecedented protest movement with Gota Chanturia, education policy specialist and member of the Movement for Social Democracy. For more than 180 days, Georgians have been on the streets opposing their government's dramatic shift away from European integration and toward Russian influence.Gota explains how the parliamentary elections of October 2024 were manipulated and how the introduction of the so-called "Russian law" targeting civil society organizations sparked nationwide outrage. The conversation explores the deep connections between democratic backsliding and social inequality in a country where 700,000 people live in extreme poverty while oligarchic interests dominate politics.This episode offers rare insight into a crucial resistance movement happening at the intersection of Europe and Russia, where citizens are fighting not just for democracy but for a vision of society that addresses profound social and economic challenges. Gota shares how international solidarity matters and what lessons Georgia's struggle holds for democratic movements worldwide facing similar authoritarian threats.Also check out this episode mentioned during the talk:Mass Protests and the Missing Revolution - a conversation with author Vincent BevinsSupport the show
EXPLICIT LANGUAGE WARNING - In this episode of History Rage, we present a special for the Chalke History Festival as I am joined by food historian, broadcaster, and author, Dr. Annie Gray. Together, we tackle the pervasive myth that British food has always been bland and uninspired, diving into the rich and diverse culinary history of the nation.Episode Highlights:- Challenging the Blandness Myth: Dr. Gray passionately argues against the stereotype that British food lacks flavour, citing historical evidence of the vibrant and varied diets enjoyed by people throughout the ages.- Vegetables in Historical Diets: Discover the truth about the consumption of vegetables in the past and how misconceptions have led to the belief that they were rarely eaten, despite their crucial role in the diet.- The Role of Cookbooks: Explore how historical cookbooks reflect the aspirations and realities of food in Britain, revealing a complex relationship between class, culture, and culinary practices.- Culinary Influences: Delve into the impact of foreign influences on British cuisine, from medieval Islamic flavours to Georgian innovations, and how these have shaped modern perceptions of British food.- Seasonal Eating and Preservation: Understand the significance of seasonality in historical diets and how preservation techniques allowed people to enjoy a variety of foods year-round.- A Historical Feast: Dr. Gray shares her vision for a historical banquet that showcases the complexity and flavours of British cuisine, challenging listeners to rethink their assumptions about the past.Join us for a delectable discussion that not only uncovers the truth about British food but also inspires a newfound appreciation for its rich history. Don't miss the chance to catch Dr. Annie Gray at the Chalke History Festival, running from 23rd to 29th June and tickets are available from:Tickets: https://www.chalkefestival.com/Connect with Dr. Annie Gray:- Follow Annie on Instagram: @dranniegray- Follow Annie on Bluesky: @dranniegray- Buy her Book: The Bookshop, the Draper, the Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street from the History Rage Bookshop:https://uk.bookshop.org/a/10120/9781800812246Support History Rage:If you're enjoying this episode, consider joining the 'Angry Mob' on Patreon at patreon.com/historyrage for exclusive content, early access, and the iconic History Rage mug.Follow the Rage:- Twitter: @HistoryRage- Instagram: @historyrageFrom all of us at History Rage, stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, stay angry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Georgia the canary in the coal mine for a new Soviet-style rise in Eastern Europe? Studio Sponsor: Cardio Miracle - "Unlock the secret to a healthier heart, increased energy levels, and transform your cardiovascular fitness like never before.": https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart What if the war in Ukraine isn't just about Ukraine? What if it's a warning shot for the rest of us? In this episode of The Brian Nichols Show, we're diving into the underreported political firestorm brewing in Georgia - not the peach state, but the one nestled between Russia and Europe. Lika Kobeshavidze, a Georgian political writer and Young Voices fellow, joins Brian to unpack how her homeland is caught between freedom and authoritarianism, and why you should care. You'll hear firsthand what it was like growing up in a "free" Georgia only to see it slowly slip back into the grip of authoritarianism. From Russian occupation to election rigging, to government crackdowns on peaceful protestors, Lika shares a chilling reality that sounds all too familiar in today's global political climate. This isn't just history - it's happening now. But this episode isn't just doom and gloom. It's a masterclass in persuasion, messaging, and resistance. Brian and Lika dissect the cultural failures that allowed pro-Russia sentiment to creep back into Georgia and explore how smart marketing and narrative-building could turn the tide. Spoiler: it's not that different from what America just went through. We also tackle tough questions like: Is Russia a genuine global threat or just a declining empire with nukes? What's really stopping the EU and NATO from welcoming Georgia in? And how can the West provide meaningful support without triggering global war? Lika doesn't pull punches - and neither does Brian. If you've ever wondered how liberty can die slowly - not with tanks, but with laws - this is the conversation you can't afford to miss. Watch to the end for a rallying call to action and what YOU can do to support freedom in Georgia before it's too late. ❤️ Order Cardio Miracle (https://www.briannicholsshow.com/heart) with code TBNS at checkout for 15% off and take a step towards better heart health and overall well-being!
We're leaving it all up to chance this week as PsydeShow leads us into a criminal underworld with the highest stakes possible in Géla Babluani's 2005 thriller 13 Tzameti. This also happens the very first Georgian film we've ever covered on the show! TW: gun violence, needle drugs, intense prolonged eye contactBe sure to sub to our Youtube channel for video episodes!https://www.youtube.com/@thedevilsworkpodcastWatch PsydeShow on Twitch: twitch.tv/psydeshowJoin the discussion on Facebook (The Devil's Work Podcast) and Instagram/TikTok @thedevilsworkpod Email us your own reviews about the films or your thoughts on episodes at: thedevilsworkpodcast@gmail.com
Kancheli is a Georgian producer and a resident DJ at Bassiani who has been crucial in shaping the country's club culture, going on to become one of the most popular DJs in his hometown Tbilisi, headlining many major festivals in Georgia and performing at the industry's most respected venues such as Berghain, Robert Johnson, Shelter, Dimensions and CTM Festival. Behind the decks, Kancheli is capable of conjuring up the kind of magic that can only come from a 10+ year residency at one of electronic music's finest institutions, with this exceptional mix another fine example of his intricate sonic sorcery and mind-controlling incantations. Follow: https://soundcloud.com/kancheli https://www.instagram.com/dj_kancheli/ https://www.facebook.com/djkancheli Monument x Carbon Carbon is a new music platform designed by and for fans of electronic music. Carbon's goal is to provide a more convenient platform to discover new and relevant content while improving revenues artists and labels can earn from streaming. Visit: urlr.me/mNtbwu
Since November of last year, the small country of Georgia has seen daily protests against its increasingly authoritarian government. For over 150 straight days Georgians have been in the streets demanding that their country return to the path of European integration, and halt what they describe as its slide toward becoming a Russian client state. But the Georgian government has not budged, cracking down on the protests, sometimes with violence, and refusing to consider the protestors' demand for new elections. How might this all end, and what does Georgia's plight mean for the country itself, for Europe, and for the US? To discuss these questions, former senior Georgian government officials Batu Kutelia, Dato Sikharulidze, and Miro Popkhadze join Bob Hamilton on Chain Reaction. Get full access to FPRI Insights at fpriinsights.substack.com/subscribe
On this week's show, Steve, Dana, and Julia gab about Another Simple Favor, the sequel to Paul Fieg's 2018 A Simple Favor, which again pits Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in a twisty, noir comedy. Next, they discuss Amy Sherman Paladino's new Franco-American ballet TV confection Étoile. Finally, they confer on the shocking conclave pick of an American pope with New York Times journalist and Vatican-watcher Ruth Graham. In the exclusive Slate Plus Bonus Episode, the panel spoils the heck out of all the many wild plot turns of Another Simple Favor. Endorsements: Dana: The new film April by up-and-coming Georgian filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili. Julia: An essay by Keith Phipps's about six crucial seconds in The French Connection and the experience of seeing this William Friedken film classic at a repertory cinema near you. Steve: The enduringly nourishing poem “Peeling Onions” by Adrienne Rich. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tonight, we'll read a selection of recipes from the book English Housewifry by Elizabeth Moxon, published in 1764, starting with a recipe for whipt sillabubs.Moxon's book was one of the earliest English cookery books written specifically for middle-class women managing their own households, rather than for professional cooks or the aristocracy. Her recipes are practical but far from plain, offering glimpses into both the culinary expectations and the social rituals of Georgian-era domestic life.The title page promises recipes that are “useful, substantial and splendid,” and the tone throughout is no-nonsense, with an emphasis on health and frugality—though it's clear Moxon didn't shy away from a bit of showiness in presentation. A whipt sillabub, for example, was a frothy dessert drink made of sweetened wine or cider and thickened cream, often served in decorative glasses and topped with foam. It's the kind of indulgence that would have delighted guests at a genteel supper table, bridging the gap between refreshment and dessert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's show, Steve, Dana, and Julia gab about Another Simple Favor, the sequel to Paul Fieg's 2018 A Simple Favor, which again pits Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in a twisty, noir comedy. Next, they discuss Amy Sherman Paladino's new Franco-American ballet TV confection Étoile. Finally, they confer on the shocking conclave pick of an American pope with New York Times journalist and Vatican-watcher Ruth Graham. In the exclusive Slate Plus Bonus Episode, the panel spoils the heck out of all the many wild plot turns of Another Simple Favor. Endorsements: Dana: The new film April by up-and-coming Georgian filmmaker Déa Kulumbegashvili. Julia: An essay by Keith Phipps's about six crucial seconds in The French Connection and the experience of seeing this William Friedken film classic at a repertory cinema near you. Steve: The enduringly nourishing poem “Peeling Onions” by Adrienne Rich. Podcast production by Jessamine Molli. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this Washington Wednesday edition of Politically Georgia, hosts Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy take a closer look at the proposed Medicaid cuts advancing in Congress. From new work requirements to potential cost-sharing for low-income recipients, they break down what's at stake for millions of Americans. Plus, Kaiser Family Foundation's Sam Whitehead joins the show to explain how the changes could impact Medicaid and PeachCare coverage for 2 million Georgians. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Do dictators rule by death and nihilism? Do they want to make us powerless - and do they succeed? Is today's crisis also our chance? This is an online conversation between Polish philosopher Krzysztof Czyzewski, American historian Marci Shore, Georgian writer Iva Pezuashvili, and Ukrainian philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko. The event was held under the aegis of Dilemma project implemented by the Institute for Central European Strategy with the support of the European Commission Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media outlet about Ukraine run by Internews Ukraine. You can support our work at https://www.patreon.com/ukraineworld. Your support is crucial as our media increasingly relies on crowdfunding. You can also support our volunteer trips to the front-line areas, where we provide assistance to both soldiers and civilians - mainly by bringing cars for soldiers and books for civilians. You can support our trips via PayPal at ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.
On today's episode we examine how broader shifts in the global order, globalization and geopolitical trends since the end of the Cold War led to the current European security crisis and political context for the Russo-Ukraine War. We also explore how this context shapes Georgia's geopolitical and security environment, and is sowing the seeds for more open discussions about what geopolitical neutrality and explicit multi-vectorism could mean for Georgia. With guest co-host Beka Natsvlishvili, we welcome Richard Sakwa on to Reimagining Soviet Georgia. Richard Sakwa is Emeritus Professor of Politics at the University of Kent, U.K. His research interests include: political developments in Russia, international politics and the Second Cold War, multipolarity and global realignments, prospects for socialism, problems of European and global order, the English School and international systems. A description of Sakwa's recent book The Lost Peace: How the West Failed to Prevent a Second Cold War (2023, Yale University Press) below:The end of the Cold War was an opportunity—our inability to seize it has led to today's renewed era of great power competition The year 1989 heralded a unique prospect for an enduring global peace as harsh ideological divisions and conflicts began to be resolved. Now, three decades on, that peace has been lost. With war in Ukraine and increasing tensions between China, Russia, and the West, great power politics once again dominates the world stage. But could it have been different? Richard Sakwa shows how the years before the first mass invasion of Ukraine represented a hiatus in conflict rather than a lasting accord—and how, since then, we have been in a “Second Cold War.” Tracing the mistakes on both sides that led to the current crisis, Sakwa considers the resurgence of China and Russia and the disruptions and ambitions of the liberal order that opened up catastrophic new lines of conflict. This is a vital, strongly argued account of how the world lost its chance at peace, and instead saw the return of war in Europe, global rivalries, and nuclear brinksmanship.
As we recognize National Stress Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Stephen Palte, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, to explore the real impact of stress on our minds and bodies. Dr. Palte breaks down what stress really is, why it matters, and how it can silently lead to serious health conditions like heart disease and depression if left unchecked. He shares practical, science-backed tips for managing stress—whether at work, at home, or in everyday life—and offers a fresh perspective on how Georgians can build resilience and maintain both mental and physical well-being. This is a conversation you don't want to miss.
rWotD Episode 2932: Pharnavaz II Welcome to Random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Wednesday, 14 May 2025, is Pharnavaz II.Pharnavaz II (Georgian: ფარნავაზ II) (died 30 BC), of the Artaxiad dynasty, was a king (mepe) of Iberia (Kartli, eastern Georgia) from 63 to 30 BC. He is known as Pharnabazus in Classical sources, and is commonly identified with the Bartom or Bratman of the medieval Georgian chronicles.He succeeded upon the death of his father Artag who had been defeated by the Roman general Pompey in 65 BC. However, Roman hegemony over Iberia proved to be impermanent, and, in 36 BC, the legate Publius Canidius Crassus led his army into Iberia, forcing Parnavaz to make an alliance against Zober, king of neighboring Albania. Canidius and Parnavaz marched to Albania and subdued its people. Incidentally, no Georgian source documents these events reported by Cassius Dio in his Roman History Instead, the Georgian annals concentrates upon the homecoming of Mirvan, the exiled son of Parnajom, who had been brought up in Iran. Mirvan returned to Kartli at the head of an Iranian army, killed Bartom and became a king.Bartom is said to have adopted Kartam, the descendant of Kuji (the alleged ruler of Egrisi in the time of the first Iberian king Parnavaz). But Kartam had also been killed in battle against Mirvan. Nevertheless, Kartam's pregnant wife – the daughter of Bartom – fled to Armenia where she gave birth to a son named Aderki.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:07 UTC on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Pharnavaz II on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Matthew.
It dawned on me yesterday, while showing a house in Kennesaw for a mom sending her kids off to college not far away, that Georgia's political inhibitions towards rail transit continues to cost families like this one thousands per month for years, and unnecessarily. It's that sort of lack of vision - at the city level in Atlanta, the metro region, and of course, the state, that puts an undo burden on everyday Georgia families and it just got me to thinking about Atlanta mayor Andre DIckens' misfire on Beltline rail and the "dream big, aim high" appetite of Senator Jason Esteves, the early contender for the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nomination. More on that in a bit ...Meanwhile, there's a new Senate candidate on the right, and it isn't Marjorie Taylor Greene (thank God). With so many names in or out, the pundits on Sunday's "The Georgia Gang" had plenty to tongue-wag about so I eavesdropped on the conversation & added a little commentary of my own. ------So a former Beltline VP of planning - Beth McMillan - penned an op/ed in the Sunday AJC laying waste to Mayor Dickens' pivot on the in-city rail project he's now dooming to decades more in "wait, if at all." Kudos to her for bringing the receipts. It's that sort of decision that - in my mind - sours the Democratic party brand, which - as you'll hear - is very much on my mind today.
What price, a parent's love? A Scottish family, seeking a quiet life, rents Brentwood House – a grand, Georgian mansion standing in wooded grounds beside a ruined keep and a deep glen – only to find themselves in a terrifying ordeal. As their son plunges further into despair, can they, as a family, keep a hold of reality? Is there a happy solution? "The Open Door" by Margaret Oliphant was originally published in 1881 as part of the collection Stories of the Seen and Unseen. Join me, Tony Walker, narrator of The Classic Ghost Stories Podcast, for this week's story.
Youth sport is part of an ideal childhood, and nearly everyone—from the federal government to parents—encourages children to take part. Driven by the promise of better physical and mental health, better educational outcomes, and a better society, tens of millions of kids across the USA participate in this form of organized play. Yet, most children who enter youth sport quit by the time they reach adolescence, often due to injury or abuse, and many more are sidelined by its high financial burdens. In MORE THAN PLAY: How Law, Policy, and Politics Shape American Youth Sport, Dionne Koller, Director of the Center for Sport and the Law at the University of Baltimore, where she also serves as a law professor, delves into why youth sport has become all-consuming, costly, and, in too many cases, detrimental to boys and girls. Next we talk with Tracy Ide who has an incredible story of her mother and the gift of life she received twice from organ donors. She received both a heart and kidney transplant. Today more than 3,000 Georgians could benefit from organ or tissue transplantation. more than half of Georgians on the waiting list for a kidney transplant are African American.
What is the role of the artist when faced with social and political unrest? This month as protests take place across the world, we've been thinking of the long history between art and protest. Every day this month Georgians, Turks, Americans and Serbians are on the streets speaking out against the country's ruling governments. At Dash Arts we make art that challenges the world we all live in and this month we open our new theatre production, The Reckoning; based on witness testimonies from the Russian war in Ukraine. Join Dash's Artistic Director, Josephine Burton, as she revisits our 2024 interview with critically acclaimed journalist Peter Pomerantsev and catch up with Georgian Artist and Activist Ana Riaboshenko on what it's been like since the Georgian Dream party, widely seen as pro-Russian, maintained its majority in last year's elections. Professor Alan Finlayson also shares his insights from his new book - Our Subversive Voice: The History and Politics of English Protest Songs, 1600–2020.Book your tickets for The Reckoning on the Arcola Theatre's website.In the podcast, we hear from:Josephine Burton - Artistic Director, Dash Arts Peter Pomerantsev - Journalist and AuthorAna Riaboshenko - Artist & one of the Initiators of Culture for DemocracyProfessor Alan Finlayson - Professor of Political and Social Theory at the University of East AngliaOur intro music is Fakiiritanssi by Marouf Majidi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A reading of H.P. Lovecraft's “He,” which was first published in the September 1926 issue of Weird Tales, and first read aloud here, by me, in May of 2025.Please note: this is a horror podcast, and may not be for everyone. In particular, this story contains some unkind depictions of New York immigrants and Native Americans, an unexpected amount of architectural detail, a fancyboy-turned-necromancer, rum drinking, tobacco smoking, poorly inflected Georgian-era English, a particularly damaging bout of madness, and an inexplicable, multi-eyed ooze monster. If any of these elements are likely to disturb you, you may wish to skip this episode.You can read this story yourself at HPLovecraft.com, or enjoy the ambient "Victorian London" soundscape by The Vault of Ambience.You can text us now. Why? That's between you and your Elder God. Support the showLike the show? Say so with money! Or just hang out with us on Mastodon, at @podsothoth@defcon.social. Or email us at hideous@podsothoth.club. Best thing? Rate us (positively!) in your favorite podcast app. That helps other people find the show!
Denis Krivosheev; Amnesty International Deputy Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia; Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural & Community Development; Roderic O'Gorman, Green Party Leader and TD for Dublin West; Eoin Ó Broin, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Mid-West
'Saint Tamara was the only child of King George III. Upon his death in 1184, she became Queen at the age of twenty-four. Despite her youth, she ruled the country with such wisdom and godliness — leading it to unprecedented military triumphs over the neighboring Moslem countries in defence of her kingdom, fostering arts and letters, and zealously strengthening Orthodoxy — that her reign is known as the Golden Age of Georgia. After her coronation, she convoked a local council to correct disorders in church life. When the bishops had assembled from all parts of her kingdom, she, like Saint Constantine at the First Ecumenical Council, honoured them as if she were a commoner, and they Angels of God; exhorting them to establish righteousness and redress abuses, she said in her humility, "Do away with every wickedness, beginning with me, for the prerogative of the throne is in no wise that of making war against God." Saint Tamara called herself "the father of orphans and the judge of widows," and her contemporaries called her "King" instead of "Queen." She herself led her army against the Moslems and fearlessly defeated them; because of the reverence that even the enemies of Georgia had for her, entire mountain tribes renounced Islam and were baptized. She built countless churches and monasteries throughout her kingdom, and was a benefactress also to the Holy Land, Mount Athos, and holy places in Greece and Cyprus. She has always been much beloved by her people, who have memorialized her meekness, wisdom, piety, obedience, and peace-loving nature in innumerable legends, ballads, and songs; the poem written in her honor by Shota Rustaveli, "The Knight of the Panther Skin," is the masterpiece of Georgian literature. The great Queen Tamara departed the earthly kingdom for the heavenly in the year 1212.' (Great Horologion)
This week: the left-wing radicalism of Garden Court Garden Court Chambers has a ‘reassuringly traditional' facade befitting the historic Lincoln's Inn Fields in the heart of London's legal district. Yet, writes Ross Clark in the cover article this week, ‘the facade is just that. For behind the pedimented Georgian windows there operates the most radically effective cell of left-wing activists in Britain'. Ross argues that cases taken on by Garden Court lawyers raise questions of impartiality. Is this just another example of ‘law's expanding empire' over the domain of elected politicians, as former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption has warned? The Spectator's editor, and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove joined the podcast to discuss. (1:16) Next: cultural desert ‘From its gloopy green-filled chocolate to its soulless towers, Dubai is exerting a cultural influence over our capital' writes Angus Colwell in the magazine this week. More and more young people might be moving to the city, but its influence is being exported back. With around 250,000 Brits living in the Middle Eastern Emirate, why is Dubai so popular? Angus worries that we may lose some of the ‘pleasingly chaotic' aesthetic of London to Dubai's ‘artificial construction'. Angus joined the podcast alongside the writer Louise Perry. (13:43) And finally: the enduring obsession with Princess Diana Almost 30 years on from her death, why has a fascination with Princess Diana endured? Philip Hensher reviews Dianaworld: An Obsession, by Edward White, in the magazine this week which explores the effect that Diana had – and still has – on people around the world. Why did people feel such a connection to the late Princess of Wales? Philip joined the podcast alongside royal commentator Angela Levin. Philip explains that a ‘passive victimhood' has crept into society since Diana's death while, for Angela, the public felt they ‘owned' the Princess. (22:32) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Agriculture is the oldest and number 1 industry in Georgia. Its economic impact is more than $74 billion every year, employing more than 399,000 Georgians. For the May installment of “Coffee Conversations”, the “Closer Look” team headed to Community Grounds Coffee Shop. The conversation focused on Georgia’s agriculture industry, exploring what’s thriving and the challenges facing Georgia’s producers and growers. Rose talked with guests about the importance of supporting local farmers, how the economy is encouraging more Georgians to grow their own food, as well as everything you need to know about urban farming in Georgia. Guests include: Jeff Delp, the director of economic development for FSC Ministries & Community Grounds Coffee Shop Doug Deveaux, the CEO and co-founder of AgriUnity Robert Chappelle, a fifth-generation farmer and the founder of Moby’s Maters Henry Ostaszewski, a co-founder of Blue 42 Market Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO of Retaaza Katie Kissel, a co-chair for the board of directors for Unearthing Farm & MarketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week: the left-wing radicalism of Garden Court Garden Court Chambers has a ‘reassuringly traditional' facade befitting the historic Lincoln's Inn Fields in the heart of London's legal district. Yet, writes Ross Clark in the cover article this week, ‘the facade is just that. For behind the pedimented Georgian windows there operates the most radically effective cell of left-wing activists in Britain'. Ross argues that cases taken on by Garden Court lawyers raise questions of impartiality. Is this just another example of ‘law's expanding empire' over the domain of elected politicians, as former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption has warned? The Spectator's editor, and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove joined the podcast to discuss. (1:16) Next: cultural desert ‘From its gloopy green-filled chocolate to its soulless towers, Dubai is exerting a cultural influence over our capital' writes Angus Colwell in the magazine this week. More and more young people might be moving to the city, but its influence is being exported back. With around 250,000 Brits living in the Middle Eastern Emirate, why is Dubai so popular? Angus worries that we may lose some of the ‘pleasingly chaotic' aesthetic of London to Dubai's ‘artificial construction'. Angus joined the podcast alongside the writer Louise Perry. (13:43) And finally: the enduring obsession with Princess Diana Almost 30 years on from her death, why has a fascination with Princess Diana endured? Philip Hensher reviews Dianaworld: An Obsession, by Edward White, in the magazine this week which explores the effect that Diana had – and still has – on people around the world. Why did people feel such a connection to the late Princess of Wales? Philip joined the podcast alongside royal commentator Angela Levin. Philip explains that a ‘passive victimhood' has crept into society since Diana's death while, for Angela, the public felt they ‘owned' the Princess. (22:32) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
39 people, including 30 men, 4 women and 5 children were deported from Ireland last night on a chartered flight that landed in the Georgian capital Tbilisi this morning. This is the second chartered flight deporting people back to Georgia this year.Michael McNamara, Independent MEP for Ireland's South constituency, is critical of this decision by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and has asked the Minister to think of the economic realities, and give Georgian asylum seekers work permits and visas. He joins Kieran to discuss.
Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein, and Patricia Murphy unpack fresh AJC polling with UGA pollster Trey Hood. With 55% disapproving of Trump's economic record and inflation topping voter concerns, the results paint a stark picture of how Georgians view the current and future economy. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The embattled U.S. Agency for International Development and foreign powerbrokers such as George Soros poured enormous resources into subverting the Orthodox Church of Georgia as well as the society and its traditional values, explained Georgian lawmaker and vice chair of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Mariam Lashkhi. Speaking to The New American magazine Senior Editor Alex ... The post Soros & USAID Funded Subversion of Orthodox Church & Society in Georgia appeared first on The New American.
Elizabeth Percy, 1st Duchess of Northumberland, who lived at Alnwick Castle in the middle decades of the 18th century, was a collector, courtier and artistic patron. But did you know she was also a regular theatregoer?Her many diaries include various mentions of plays she saw, some of which were by William Shakespeare, and her collections include miniature portraits of famous actors and actresses. But what was Shakespeare and the theatre like for Georgian audiences? How did it change during the 1st Duchess' lifetime? And why is the 18th century important in the history of Shakespeare?To find out more, we spoke to our regular Shakespearean expert, Ronan Paterson, and another special guest. Professor Ryuta Minami, of the Tokyo Keizai University of Economics, is an expert in theatre of the 17th and 18th centuries, and joined us for a fascinating conversation.Among other things, you will hear how theatre and acting changed during this time, and how Shakespeare was changed for Georgian tastes; stories of the great actors of the 18th century, especially David Garrick, who had a few connections to the 1st Duchess; and Northumberland's own theatre history and traditions.Speaking of this, we have a Shakespeare troupe visiting us this summer! The Three Inch Fools bring their production of A Midsummer Night's Dream to Alnwick Castle on 22 July. Find tickets on our website, by searching Three Inch Fools At Alnwick Castle, or by visiting https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-midsummer-nights-dream-presented-by-the-three-inch-fools-tickets-1289546200399 . It's one of our favourite plays (even if Samuel Pepys wouldn't agree!)And for more Shakespeare on the Alnwick Castle Podcast, find our previous annual episodes in our feed - episode 8 for the castle's Shakespeare connections, episode 33 for Henry IV Part I, and episode 58 for Shakespeare's Wars of the Roses.
Welcome to our Royal Romance season.On this episode, we'll be talking about Georgian Couples that didn't have a happy ending. Please welcome Catherine Curzon back as we learn more about the Georgian couples whose Happily Ever After seemed to have an expiration date.We'll talking about George III of Great Britain & Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz andPrincess Charlotte of Wales and Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg Saalfeld.Our Favourite Books by Catherine: The Crown: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Royal-Family-vs-The-Crown-Hardback/p/51893/aid/1238Georgian Queens: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Queens-of-Georgian-Britain-Hardback/p/14066/aid/1238Georgian Kings: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Kings-of-Georgian-Britain-Hardback/p/12904/aid/1238Wives of Prince Regent: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Wives-of-George-IV-Hardback/p/20127/aid/1238Life in the Georgian Court: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Life-in-the-Georgian-Court-Hardback/p/12109/aid/1238The Real Bridgerton: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/The-Real-Bridgerton-Hardback/p/23199/aid/1238Our fangirling over Catherine's first book:https://www.ifitaintbaroquepodcast.art/post/life-in-the-georgian-court-the-long-18th-centuryFind Baroque:https://www.ifitaintbaroquepodcast.art/https://www.reignoflondon.com/https://substack.com/@ifitaintbaroquepodcastSupport Baroque:https://www.patreon.com/c/Ifitaintbaroquepodcast/https://buymeacoffee.com/ifitaintbaroqueJoin Natalie on her Georgian London walking tour:https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/royal-london-georgian-and-windsor-monarchs-walking-tour-t481355 Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 28th 2025 In this episode, Yuriy explores the profound implications of rejecting evil deals through the lens of the gospel and Putin's bloody schemes. A deep dive into how Putin manipulates and destroys, and why it's crucial for us to prevent our world from becoming his. You can email Yuriy, ask him questions or simply send him a message of support: fightingtherussianbeast@gmail.com You can help Yuriy and his family by donating to his GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-yuriys-family Yuriy's Podbean Patron sign-up to give once or regularly: https://patron.podbean.com/yuriy Buy Yuriy a coffee here: https://bmc.link/yuriymat Subscribe to his substack: https://yuriymatsarsky.substack.com/ ----more---- TRANSCRIPT: (Apple Podcasts & Podbean app users can enjoy accurate closed captions) It is April 28. I really love the episode in the gospel, where while tempting Christ, Satan offers him dominion over the whole world in exchange for just a single act of bowing before him. But Jesus refuses, he does not need the world, especially at the coast of bowing to the devil. Jesus does not want such a deal, he does not want any deals at all. The only successful deal in the gospels is the story of Judas and his easy money, but as everyone remembers, nothing good came out of it in the end. In general, all the gospels are about how life is far more complex than just a constant series of deals. Jesus, the apostles and all the positive characters simply do not know how to make deals. And do you know who does? Putin. Just one example. He came up with a scheme to kill Americans by proxy. Russia paid $200,000 to the Taliban for each U.S. Soldier were killed in Afghanistan. For Putin, it is like a present. $200,000. It is pocket money for him, just nothing. So he was paying pennies for his bloody entertainment. For him, this was like a video arcade, but in real life. The Taliban earned about $30 million through this scheme, maybe even more. Again: Putin incentivized the Taliban to kill Americans by paying them for every American casualty. Why did he do this? Because he hates the United States, he hates the free world, and he's ready to go to any Satan to crawl at his feet, not even for dominion over the planet, but for a few burned out villages, just so that the free Ukrainian flag would not fly over them but instead, his own filthy mat smeared rag. He kills Ukrainians, he has killed Georgians. Chechens, Americans. And America keeps forgiving him. Steve Witkoff, the US President's special envoy goes to the Kremlin like it is his day job, greets the murderer, asks how he's doing, says he's very glad to see him. And he shakes a hand that is stained with the blood of countless thousands murdered by this master of the deal. For three months now, the United States administration has been trying to figure out exactly what kind of deal Putin wants and what more they could offer him, like Witkoff's humiliations fawning over the murder of American soldiers. And Putin simply enjoys it: how a high ranking American official travels to meet him, how he groves around him, how he turns a blind eye to his bloodthirst and hatred, including hatred toward America. Putin does not need any deal. He wants the world itself. Preferably a world full of Witkoffs, unable to distinguish good from evil, Caesars from Gods. Jesus from Satan. It's a terrible world for those who value freedom. For those who would never bow to the devil for those who refuse to become subjects of a murderous maniac. And let's do everything we can do to prevent our world from becoming Putin's world. And one more request. I'm no master of the deal ever. I depend heavily on your support, which unfortunately is becoming scarcer. So I have to remind you, if you enjoy this podcast, please support me using the details provided in the episode description. Thank you very much.
- Jack Mallers, Tether, Softbank, and Cantor Announce XXI https://xxi.money + https://x.com/jackmallers/status/1915399337913290867- Strike Releases Strong Performance Numbers https://x.com/jackmallers/status/1915399340819960047- Ben Carman Joins Spiral https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqs995dedm8ua02mndvxzzrnvftt7sllmnm3nej2ytmf07ghxkhlhugyu5gnk- OCEAN's DATUM has found 100 blocks https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqsw529d0rhczep02qq075lw9r7var7vwqvkwe7rh2k6x7h4ha4k0sq692tgc- Florida's SB 868 proposes a backdoor into encrypted platforms https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/04/floridas-anti-encryption-bill-wrecking-ball-privacy-theres-still-time-stop-it- One year since Samourai Devs were arrested https://x.com/econoalchemist/status/1915367736596680853- Georgia | Bans Foreign Donations for Nonprofits and NGOsMere weeks after freezing the bank accounts of five NGOs supporting pro-democracy demonstrators in recent unrest caused by elections, Georgia's regime passed a new law that bans foreign organizations from providing “monetary or in-kind grants” to Georgian organizations and individuals without regime approval. Introduced by the increasingly repressive Georgian Dream party, the bill is part of a broader effort (including the controversial foreign agents law passed in 2024) designed to silence dissent and dismantle pro-democracy groups. Rights groups warn these laws will cripple civil society by cutting funding and imposing heavy fines for violators. Last week, parliament also read a bill that would grant officials the power to ban opposition parties entirely. With civil society financially repressed, Georgia is sliding further into tyranny, where free expression, political opposition, and grassroots organizations are under siege. FinancialFreedomReport.org- Coinswap v0.1.1: Protocol Efficiency, Security & Usability Improvements https://www.nobsbitcoin.com/coinswap-v0-1-1/- ZEUS v0.11.0-alpha2 https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqs09fdhqyuxy37756y8mwcm6073wyx4vtgp37k3ca0jdha8zcxjrtqaplxq0- Minibits v0.2.2-beta https://github.com/minibits-cash/minibits_wallet/releases- Nunchuk Desktop v1.9.45 https://github.com/nunchuk-io/nunchuk-desktop/releases- Blitz wallet v0.4.4-beta https://github.com/BlitzWallet/BlitzWallet/releases- Amber v3.2.8 https://github.com/greenart7c3/Amber/releases/tag/v3.2.8- Aegis v0.1.1 https://nostr.band/note1ljdczm267y648fv3jwv2jwn3mu4ae6jyzzpq4v0h8cthf020lyyss9ymde- Nostash https://github.com/tyiu/nostash- Nostur v1.20.0 https://github.com/nostur-com/nostur-ios-public- YakiHonne v1.6.8 https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqszg7q7pawm49wnrdxu0f7agcgpv7xd9n27l6fxwwg7xe39yr5whtspz4mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduhsygpqnphms0nhtktdrzx2tjwlzr8x6cf7p6m72a52pu939vmumtppkvpsgqqqqqqss9ap9d- Openvibe v1.10.0 https://primal.net/e/nevent1qqstfhjxmetzw2xuap6h0533hfq5h0vr4qkdhjmv7gmthfazzxsnh3spp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzyq87pvvtfklsuz4yplx5wgym9fymxsclc3fmgc80eazu5z73d0t2csr7c7f- Odell on Bitcoin Treasury Strategy https://youtu.be/CuZEWE_b89w- Marty on Tom Woods Show https://youtu.be/i8RAqHMYQyc0:00 - Intro3:04 - Tax zoomer16:53 - Dashboard20:31 - XXI and Strike53:13 - Ben Carman at Spiral55:16 - OCEAN DATUM hits 100 blocks59:13 - Florida anti-encryption and phone addict kids1:12:23 - 1 year since Samourai arrest1:16:14 - HRF Story of the Week1:22:05 - Boosts1:24:01 - Software updates1:30:39 - Matt and Marty on other shows1:35:55 - Exchange drain1:36:00 - Closing riffShoutout to our sponsors:Coinkitehttps://coinkite.com/Unchainedhttps://unchained.com/rhr/Bitkeyhttps://bitkey.world/Stakworkhttps://stakwork.ai/Follow Marty Bent:Twitterhttps://twitter.com/martybentNostrhttps://primal.net/martyNewsletterhttps://tftc.io/martys-bent/Podcasthttps://tftc.io/podcasts/Follow Odell:Nostrhttps://primal.net/odellNewsletterhttps://discreetlog.com/Podcasthttps://citadeldispatch.com/
In 2014, a well-trained, mysterious band of mercenaries arrived in Ukraine, part of Russia's first attempt to claim the country as its own. Upon ceasefire, the “Wagner Group” faded back into shadow, only to reemerge in the Middle East, where they'd go toe-to-toe with the U.S., and in Africa, where they'd earn praise for “tough measures” against insurgencies yet spark outrage for looting, torture, and civilian deaths. As Russia gained a foothold of influence abroad, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin's Chef,” went from caterer to commander to single greatest threat Putin has faced in his over-twenty-year rule. Dually armed with military and strategic prowess, the Wagner Group created a new market in a vast geopolitical landscape increasingly receptive to the promises of private actors. In this trailblazing account of the Group's origins and operations, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025) by John Lechner-the only journalist to report across its many warzones-brings us on the ground to witness Wagner partner with fragile nation states, score access to natural resources, oust peacekeeping missions, and cash in on conflicts reframed as Kremlin interests. After rebelling, Prigozhin faced an epic demise-but Wagner lives on, its political, business, and military ventures a pillar of Russian operations the world over. Featuring exclusive interviews with over thirty Wagner Group members, Death Is Our Business is the terrifying true tale of the renegade militia that proved global instability is nothing if not an opportunity. John Lechner is a journalist and an independent researcher and consultant to NGOs and other institutions working in Africa. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. He speaks Russian, French, Turkish, Georgian, Chechen, Sango, and more. His reporting has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the BBC and published in Foreign Policy, Lawfare, and War on the Rocks, among others. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he lives in Washington, D.C. Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, military history, War studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history
Russian pranksters against Zourabishvili, Salmonella in a chicken shipment, a far-right movement registered as a political party, the World Bank's predictions on the Georgian economy, demonstrators fined, and much more! Thanks for tuning in!Let us know what you think and what we can improve on by emailing us at info@rorshok.com You can also contact us through Instagram @rorshok_georgia or Twitter @RorshokGeorgiaLike what you hear? Subscribe, share, and tell your buds.Byron Smith's Exhibition: https://www.facebook.com/events/664603709611193/“April Is” Review: https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/dea-kulumbegashvili/april-movie-review-dea-kulumbegashvili-georgia-abortion-drama-reproductive-rights We want to get to know you! Please fill in this mini-survey: https://forms.gle/NV3h5jN13cRDp2r66Wanna avoid ads and help us financially? Follow the link: https://bit.ly/rorshok-donateOops! It looks like we made a mistake. In 5:38, the reader should have said, "12%"Sorry for the inconvenience!
In 2014, a well-trained, mysterious band of mercenaries arrived in Ukraine, part of Russia's first attempt to claim the country as its own. Upon ceasefire, the “Wagner Group” faded back into shadow, only to reemerge in the Middle East, where they'd go toe-to-toe with the U.S., and in Africa, where they'd earn praise for “tough measures” against insurgencies yet spark outrage for looting, torture, and civilian deaths. As Russia gained a foothold of influence abroad, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin's Chef,” went from caterer to commander to single greatest threat Putin has faced in his over-twenty-year rule. Dually armed with military and strategic prowess, the Wagner Group created a new market in a vast geopolitical landscape increasingly receptive to the promises of private actors. In this trailblazing account of the Group's origins and operations, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025) by John Lechner-the only journalist to report across its many warzones-brings us on the ground to witness Wagner partner with fragile nation states, score access to natural resources, oust peacekeeping missions, and cash in on conflicts reframed as Kremlin interests. After rebelling, Prigozhin faced an epic demise-but Wagner lives on, its political, business, and military ventures a pillar of Russian operations the world over. Featuring exclusive interviews with over thirty Wagner Group members, Death Is Our Business is the terrifying true tale of the renegade militia that proved global instability is nothing if not an opportunity. John Lechner is a journalist and an independent researcher and consultant to NGOs and other institutions working in Africa. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. He speaks Russian, French, Turkish, Georgian, Chechen, Sango, and more. His reporting has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the BBC and published in Foreign Policy, Lawfare, and War on the Rocks, among others. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he lives in Washington, D.C. Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, military history, War studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In 2014, a well-trained, mysterious band of mercenaries arrived in Ukraine, part of Russia's first attempt to claim the country as its own. Upon ceasefire, the “Wagner Group” faded back into shadow, only to reemerge in the Middle East, where they'd go toe-to-toe with the U.S., and in Africa, where they'd earn praise for “tough measures” against insurgencies yet spark outrage for looting, torture, and civilian deaths. As Russia gained a foothold of influence abroad, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin's Chef,” went from caterer to commander to single greatest threat Putin has faced in his over-twenty-year rule. Dually armed with military and strategic prowess, the Wagner Group created a new market in a vast geopolitical landscape increasingly receptive to the promises of private actors. In this trailblazing account of the Group's origins and operations, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025) by John Lechner-the only journalist to report across its many warzones-brings us on the ground to witness Wagner partner with fragile nation states, score access to natural resources, oust peacekeeping missions, and cash in on conflicts reframed as Kremlin interests. After rebelling, Prigozhin faced an epic demise-but Wagner lives on, its political, business, and military ventures a pillar of Russian operations the world over. Featuring exclusive interviews with over thirty Wagner Group members, Death Is Our Business is the terrifying true tale of the renegade militia that proved global instability is nothing if not an opportunity. John Lechner is a journalist and an independent researcher and consultant to NGOs and other institutions working in Africa. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. He speaks Russian, French, Turkish, Georgian, Chechen, Sango, and more. His reporting has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the BBC and published in Foreign Policy, Lawfare, and War on the Rocks, among others. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he lives in Washington, D.C. Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, military history, War studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/russian-studies
In 2014, a well-trained, mysterious band of mercenaries arrived in Ukraine, part of Russia's first attempt to claim the country as its own. Upon ceasefire, the “Wagner Group” faded back into shadow, only to reemerge in the Middle East, where they'd go toe-to-toe with the U.S., and in Africa, where they'd earn praise for “tough measures” against insurgencies yet spark outrage for looting, torture, and civilian deaths. As Russia gained a foothold of influence abroad, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin's Chef,” went from caterer to commander to single greatest threat Putin has faced in his over-twenty-year rule. Dually armed with military and strategic prowess, the Wagner Group created a new market in a vast geopolitical landscape increasingly receptive to the promises of private actors. In this trailblazing account of the Group's origins and operations, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025) by John Lechner-the only journalist to report across its many warzones-brings us on the ground to witness Wagner partner with fragile nation states, score access to natural resources, oust peacekeeping missions, and cash in on conflicts reframed as Kremlin interests. After rebelling, Prigozhin faced an epic demise-but Wagner lives on, its political, business, and military ventures a pillar of Russian operations the world over. Featuring exclusive interviews with over thirty Wagner Group members, Death Is Our Business is the terrifying true tale of the renegade militia that proved global instability is nothing if not an opportunity. John Lechner is a journalist and an independent researcher and consultant to NGOs and other institutions working in Africa. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. He speaks Russian, French, Turkish, Georgian, Chechen, Sango, and more. His reporting has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the BBC and published in Foreign Policy, Lawfare, and War on the Rocks, among others. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he lives in Washington, D.C. Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, military history, War studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies
In 2014, a well-trained, mysterious band of mercenaries arrived in Ukraine, part of Russia's first attempt to claim the country as its own. Upon ceasefire, the “Wagner Group” faded back into shadow, only to reemerge in the Middle East, where they'd go toe-to-toe with the U.S., and in Africa, where they'd earn praise for “tough measures” against insurgencies yet spark outrage for looting, torture, and civilian deaths. As Russia gained a foothold of influence abroad, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as “Putin's Chef,” went from caterer to commander to single greatest threat Putin has faced in his over-twenty-year rule. Dually armed with military and strategic prowess, the Wagner Group created a new market in a vast geopolitical landscape increasingly receptive to the promises of private actors. In this trailblazing account of the Group's origins and operations, Death Is Our Business: Russian Mercenaries and the New Era of Private Warfare (Bloomsbury Publishing, 2025) by John Lechner-the only journalist to report across its many warzones-brings us on the ground to witness Wagner partner with fragile nation states, score access to natural resources, oust peacekeeping missions, and cash in on conflicts reframed as Kremlin interests. After rebelling, Prigozhin faced an epic demise-but Wagner lives on, its political, business, and military ventures a pillar of Russian operations the world over. Featuring exclusive interviews with over thirty Wagner Group members, Death Is Our Business is the terrifying true tale of the renegade militia that proved global instability is nothing if not an opportunity. John Lechner is a journalist and an independent researcher and consultant to NGOs and other institutions working in Africa. He holds a master's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University. He speaks Russian, French, Turkish, Georgian, Chechen, Sango, and more. His reporting has been featured in outlets such as the New York Times, the Atlantic, the Washington Post, and the BBC and published in Foreign Policy, Lawfare, and War on the Rocks, among others. A native of Boston, Massachusetts, he lives in Washington, D.C. Stephen Satkiewicz is an independent scholar whose research areas are related to Civilizational Sciences, Social Complexity, Big History, Historical Sociology, military history, War studies, International Relations, Geopolitics, as well as Russian and East European history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the April 21 edition: A victory in court for Georgia international students; Georgians react to Pope Francis' death; 10 counties will soon benefit from Healthy Start program.
Catholics share their connections to, memories of, Pope Francis; the Hawks fire their GM; and what possible Medicaid cuts mean for Georgians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Jenner is joined by guests Dr Sally Holloway and comedian Cariad Lloyd in the long 18th Century to explore Georgian love and courtship.Forget Bridgerton and Jane Austen – this is a historical how-to guide to finding a spouse in Georgian England. This episode takes you through a typical courtship in the era, from where to meet a potential partner, what gifts to buy them, and how much involvement your parents might have in the whole affair. This was a time when penning a love letter was a serious commitment, whilst sweets and spoons were considered flirtations of the highest order!This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Bethan Davies Written and produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Project Management: Isla Matthews Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Executive editor: Philip Sellars
GDP Script/ Top Stories for April 17th Publish Date: April 17th From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Thursday, April 17th and Happy birthday to Roddy Pipper ***04.17.25 - BIRTHDAY – RODDY PIPPER*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Stone Mountain Park To Host Annual Sunrise Service Easter Sunday Snellville preparing to break ground on Briscoe Park community center Authorities seize an amount of fentanyl that could kill every Georgian twice Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Celiac Disease All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG STORY 1: Stone Mountain Park To Host Annual Sunrise Service Easter Sunday The Easter Sunrise Service tradition at Stone Mountain Park, started in 1944, continues on Sunday, April 20. Worshippers can hear messages from Bryant Wright, Crawford Loritts, and Parker Wyatt, with services beginning at 7 a.m. The park opens at 3 a.m., and the Summit Skyride starts at 4 a.m. The event includes sign language interpreters and family-friendly activities like Dino Fest afterward. Vehicle entry costs $20 for a day or $40 annually, while church vans and buses enter free. Walking the trail is free, and Skyride fees are $20 round-trip. STORY 2: Snellville preparing to break ground on Briscoe Park community center After two decades of planning, Snellville will break ground on a 34,000-square-foot community center at T.W. Briscoe Park on May 1, with construction starting May 5. Opening in summer 2026, the $11.3 million facility will feature basketball courts, an indoor walking track, multi-purpose rooms, an aerobics room, and an outdoor pavilion. Funded by special sales tax dollars, the project will enhance recreation and programming for the community. Construction impacts include the closure of outdoor basketball courts, re-routing of the fitness trail, and road closures within the park. New outdoor courts are planned for future development. STORY 3: Authorities seize an amount of fentanyl that could kill every Georgian twice Federal officials announced a major drug bust in Atlanta, seizing over 100 pounds of fentanyl—enough to kill 23 million people—and arresting 22 individuals linked to two Mexican cartels. However, cartel leaders Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga remain at large, with an $8 million reward for their capture. The operation uncovered a Gwinnett County money-wiring scheme, "smurfing," to send drug proceeds to Mexico. The DEA called it Atlanta's largest fentanyl seizure, valued at $1.5 million. The years-long investigation was aided by the cartels' designation as foreign terrorist organizations. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: STORY 4: UPDATE: Three Arrested at Marjorie Taylor Greene Town Hall in Acworth Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's town hall in Acworth turned chaotic, with three arrests, two taser incidents, and nine protesters removed. Greene emphasized it was a "peaceful" event despite disruptions, including protesters shouting insults. The event, open only to registered constituents, featured pre-submitted questions. Greene defended Trump-era policies, denied Medicare cuts, and celebrated immigration crackdowns. She also promoted banning gender-affirming care for minors and praised Trump for pardoning Jan. 6 offenders. Outside, peaceful protests criticized Greene's actions. The event lasted an hour, with Greene addressing audience questions and reaffirming her commitment to the MAGA movement. STORY 5: Gwinnett moving closer to commuter bus service handover Gwinnett County is moving closer to transferring its Ride Gwinnett commuter bus routes to The ATL’s XPress service, consolidating routes between Gwinnett and Atlanta job centers. The transition, set for June 16, aims to save costs for riders and the county. Local bus, paratransit, and microtransit services will remain under county control. The move follows a 2023 study identifying inefficiencies in metro Atlanta commuter services. Public feedback led to adjustments in route times, and the county will finalize the agreement with The ATL in May. The change reflects efforts to streamline transit along the I-85 corridor. Break 3: And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on Celiac Disease We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: Ingles Markets 5 Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: ingles-markets.com kiamallofga.com monsterjam.com/en-us/ #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the April 14 edition: Georgians have a little extra time to file taxes this year; a Macon hospital has special care program for pregnant or postpartum; a 100-year-old WWII vet receives France's highest honor.
We're traveling to Yorkshire in our latest episode, where Kayla and Jordan are RANTING about this new Wuthering Heights. The film, which is directed by Emerald Fennell and stars Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie, is drawing a lot of attention online with controversial first looks and behind the scenes photos. Kayla and Jordan talk about theories to do with the new film and some of the arguements for and against Fennell directing the new version. Then, we dive into the menacing world of blackmailing in the Georgian era where we explore court cases from the 1700s where loss of reputation was almost as dangerous as death... The Development of Blackmail: https://www.jstor.org/stable/1089700 Also, we're on Youtube, subscribe for more period drama content! Watch our video on Iphone face, Wuthering Heights and accents in period dramas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOBVdnOgdI4 Listen to the Regency Rumours Podcast! Our site: https://www.regencyrumours.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3VtoQoZ... Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow us on social media! Website: https://www.regencyrumours.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/regencyrumours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regencyrumo... Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk62npSnwt8B6QxkA27bCyg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@regencyrumours Email: regencyrumours@gmail.com
It's Wednesday, April 9th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Ugandan Muslim husband kills newly converted Christian wife A Muslim man in Uganda stabbed his wife to death after she converted to Christianity last month. Forty-one-year-old Nasiimu Mirembe was the mother of six children. She put her faith in Christ on March 21st after hearing the Gospel from a friend. On March 23rd, she attended a church service for the first time. Tragically, her husband attacked her on her way home from church. Mirembe's friend told Morning Star News, “Immediately he started slapping his wife. I started screaming and shouting for help. [He] then removed a long knife and started cutting her with it.” She died from her wounds the next day. Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Church attendance up in United Kingdom A new report from the Bible Society found that church attendance is growing in the United Kingdom. Twelve percent of adults in England and Wales attended church at least monthly last year, up from 8% in 2018. Young people, especially young men, are leading the growth. Sixteen percent of 18 to 24-year-olds attend church monthly, up from 4% in 2018. Church attendance by young men grew from 4% to 21% over the same time period. In Titus 2:1, 2, and 6, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. … Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded.” Supreme Court blocks reinstatement of fired federal workers for now In the United States, the Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked an order that the Trump administration rehire 16,000 federal employees who were let go in mass firings aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government, reports The Associated Press. The justices acted in the administration's emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that the probationary employees at six federal agencies be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn't follow federal law. Appearing on NBC News, legal analyst Danny Cevallos spoke to the practical fallout of the Supreme Court decision on the 16,000 federal workers who were let go. CEVALLOS: “When it comes to these probationary workers, functionally, if they're not being reinstated for a certain period of time, they're going to go find other work. So, this is one of those situations where a stay in this case may eventually lead to them just going off and getting other jobs, and they may never return, even if they someday are entitled to return.” President Trump boosts coal production President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday to boost coal as an energy source. The order allows some older coal-fired power plants to stay online instead of being retired. This comes as data centers, artificial intelligence, and electric cars increase the demand for electricity in the U.S. The order also removes some restrictions on coal mining and encourages coal leasing on U.S. lands. Georgia passed Religious Freedom Restoration Act Last Friday, Georgia became the 30th state to enact a Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The act protects people from unjust government punishment for living out their faith. Greg Chafuen with Alliance Defending Freedom said, “Our laws should protect the freedom of every person to live and worship according to their faith. This law provides a sensible balancing test for courts to use when reviewing government policies that infringe upon the religious freedom rights of Georgians.” IRS ends investigation into church praying for school board candidate First Liberty Institute announced Monday that the Internal Revenue Service ended its investigation of a church in Florida recently. New Way Church in Palm Coast, Florida came under investigation after praying for a local school board candidate during a service last year. Jeremy Dys with First Liberty Institute said, “We are pleased that the IRS not only closed its investigation, but affirmed that this church's activities of praying for political candidates during its church service do not threaten its tax-exempt status.” Planned Parenthood closes 3 Michigan abortion mills Planned Parenthood of Michigan announced last Wednesday that it will close three locations in the state. Appearing on Fox 2 in Detroit, Michigan Planned Parenthood President Paula Greear was upset. GREEAR: “A lot of people have reached out to me, and they are angry and they are hurt. And you know what? We are too!” The abortion group blamed funding cuts by the Trump administration. GREEAR: “They are trying to do everything to defund Planned Parenthood.” Young pro-lifers have been praying outside one of the abortion mills for years. Kevin Weed, the headmaster for St. Michael High School in Petoskey, Michigan, told CatholicVote, “Many people are attributing the closing to the Trump administration's cutting of funds, which I'm sure makes a big difference. Our students have been praying there, and those prayers have been answered. However that came to be, we're just happy that this facility is closed.” Space flight around Earth's poles And finally, a cryptocurrency billionaire and his crew of three people completed the first space flight around the Earth's poles last week. Chun Wang is a Chinese-born investor of Malta, the island country located in the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and North Africa. The bitcoin billionaire funded the mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The crew launched last Monday and returned Friday. Together, they accomplished the first crewed orbit over the north and south poles. Before the launch, Chun said, “My own journey has been shaped by lifelong curiosity and a fascination with pushing boundaries. As a kid, I used to stare at a blank white space at the bottom of a world map and wonder what's out there. … We hope our mission will further inspire later people to do the same.” Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, April 9th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe for free by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
GDP Script/ Top Stories for April 8th Publish Date: April 8th From The BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, April 8th and Happy Birthday to Francis Ford Copella ***04.08.25 - BIRTHDAY – FRANCIS FORD COPELLA*** I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia Gwinnett Libraries Celebrating National Library Week Gas South Arena will host 2026 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament High-Speed Chase Ends With Arrest Of Buford Man Suspected Of Multiple Armed Robberies All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia MOG (07.14.22 KIA MOG) STORY 1: Gwinnett Libraries Celebrating National Library Week National Library Week celebrates the transformative role of libraries in communities. The Gwinnett County Public Library invites everyone to explore its offerings, from books to programs, with over 3.6 million checkouts and 2.3 million visits in 2024 alone. Celebrations include selfie frames, stickers, and comment sheets to share library love. April 8 marks National Library Workers’ Day, honoring staff with gifts. Most branches will host a “Color Our World” chalk contest, inviting patrons to draw favorite books or characters for prizes. Join the fun and show your library love this week! STORY 2: Gas South Arena will host 2026 ACC Women's Basketball Tournament The 2026 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament is heading to Gwinnett County’s Gas South Arena from March 4-8, marking a major shift after 25 years in Greensboro, N.C. Presented by Ally, the tournament will showcase top Division I women’s basketball teams, including past Sweet 16 and Elite Eight contenders. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips and local leaders expressed excitement about bringing this prestigious event to a new, state-of-the-art venue, highlighting Gwinnett County’s vibrant community and growing reputation as a sports destination. This marks a new chapter for the longest-running collegiate women’s basketball tournament. STORY 3: High-Speed Chase Ends With Arrest Of Buford Man Suspected Of Multiple Armed Robberies Gwinnett County Police arrested 19-year-old Trevon Hogges of Buford in connection with multiple armed robberies from January. The arrest followed a high-speed chase on Feb. 26, where Hogges crashed a stolen vehicle and fled on foot before being caught. He faces charges including aggravated assault, theft, and firearm possession during a felony. Detectives linked him to two January robberies at check-cashing businesses in Duluth and Smyrna, where he fired a gunshot during one attempt. Police had sought public help in February to identify the suspect, now confirmed as Hogges. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL STORY 4: Barrow Airport Authority bill draws protests from Winder officials Barrow County and the city of Winder are clashing over Senate Bill 331, which would transfer ownership and control of Barrow County Airport from an independent authority to the county government. Winder officials oppose the move, citing concerns about financial burdens on residents and the city’s historical land contributions to the airport. They argue the bill undermines prior agreements and demand a transparent process involving all stakeholders. Barrow County, however, claims Winder’s involvement ended in 1986 and views the takeover as a step toward boosting economic development. The bill now awaits Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision. STORY 5: Peachtree Corners-based organization highlighting need for organ, tissue donors Sherrell Gay, a heart and kidney transplant recipient, celebrates life and her 50th wedding anniversary after overcoming life-threatening health challenges. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy at 38, she survived sudden cardiac death and later received two heart transplants and a kidney transplant, thanks to organ donors. Her story, highlighted during Donate Life Month, underscores the life-saving impact of organ donation. Gay now advocates for donor registration, emphasizing the 3,000+ Georgians and 104,000+ Americans awaiting transplants. Her journey has allowed her to witness her children’s milestones and cherish family moments, including an upcoming celebratory cruise. Break: Ingles Markets 1 ***Guide Weekly Health Minute*** 10.15.24 GUIDE HEALTH MINUTE_FINAL*** Break 4: MONSTER JAM 2025_FINAL Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Monster Jam #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Faranak Amidi visits three places in Tbilisi, Georgia to find out more about its history and what's behind the current political turmoil in the country. The Parliament building has been the site of the recent protests, where people have been gathering for more than 100 days. The ‘Dezerter bazar' was said to be founded by deserters from the Czar's army, who came there to sell their equipment over 100 years ago. Now it's the biggest farmers market in Tbilisi. The history of the sulphur baths date back to the 5th century and Georgians have been coming here for generations to relax. With Nina Akhmeteli, Rayhan Demytrie and Maka Dzneladze. Presented by Faranak Amidi Produced by Hannah Dean and Caroline Ferguson(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)
Georgia finds itself in political turmoil. For decades many Georgians have longed to be a part of the EU, feeling that their values align more closely than they do with neighbours such as Russia and Turkey. But the goverment, led by the conservative Georgian Dream party, has suspended talks to join the EU, in a move that critics say is kowtowing to Russia. Protests have been going on every day since November 2024. Journalists are left to navigate this complex picture as the country finds itself at a crucial moment, reckoning with its past relationship with Russia and its potential future relationship with Europe. BBC's Nina Akhmeteli, Rayhan Demytrie and Maka Dzneladze all live and work in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia. They discuss the current political situation and its cultural and historical backdrop.Presented by Feranak Amidi. Produced by Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean.(Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)