Podcasts about Grand Canyon

From combat missions in the F-22 Raptor to more than five months aboard the International Space Station, Lt. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers '11 has seen it all. SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. Ayers reflects on mentorship, teamwork and building the next generation of warriors and astronauts.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK     TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS 1. Leadership is fluid: sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow. On Dragon and the ISS, command shifted between Anne McClain and Takuya Onishi. Everyone alternated between being commander and flight engineer, showing that strong teams normalize moving between leading and supporting roles. 2. Team care starts with self‑care. Vapor repeatedly links sleep, rest, hydration, and health to leadership performance. You can't be present for others if you're exhausted or burned out; taking care of yourself is a leadership duty, not a luxury. 3. People first, mission second (to enable mission success). Whether on deployment with 300 personnel or in space with 7, she focuses on taking care of the human—family issues, logistics, burnout, and emotions—trusting that performance and mission execution follow from that. 4. Trust is built long before the crisis. ISS emergency training with all seven crew, plus years of joint training in multiple countries, builds shared understanding and trust. When emergencies happen, the crew isn't figuring each other out for the first time. 5. Quiet, thoughtful leadership can be incredibly powerful. Takuya Onishi's style—observant, calm, speaks only when it matters, and brings thoughtful items for others—shows that you don't need to be loud to command respect. When he spoke, everyone listened. 6. Leadership means being fully present, especially on others' hard days. In both combat and space, you can't “hide” when someone's struggling. Being reachable, attentive, and emotionally available is a core leadership behavior, not a soft add‑on. 7. Normalize mistakes and share lessons learned. From F‑22 sorties to NASA operations, it's expected that you openly admit errors and pass on lessons so others don't repeat them. A culture where “experience is what you get right after you need it” only works if people share that experience. 8. Plan for “seasons” of intensity, not permanent balance. She frames life as seasons: some are sprints (deployments, intense training, big trips); others are for recovery. Wise leaders anticipate these cycles, push hard when needed, then deliberately create room to reset afterward. 9. Model the behavior you want your team to adopt. If the commander is always first in, last out, everyone else feels pressure to match that. By visibly protecting her own rest and home life, she gives permission for others to do the same and avoid burnout. 10. Lean on—and be—a support system. Her twin sister, long‑term friends, and professional peers form a lifelong support network she turns to when she fails, doubts herself, or hits something “insurmountable.” Great leaders both rely on and serve as those trusted people for others.     CHAPTERS 0:00:00 – Introduction & Vapor's Journey (Academy, F‑22, NASA) 0:00:38 – Launch Scrub, Second Attempt & What a Rocket Launch Feels Like 0:03:33 – First Moments in Space, Floating & Seeing Earth (Overview Effect) 0:06:11 – Leadership & Teamwork in Space: Roles, Trust, and Small-Crew Dynamics 0:10:19 – Multinational Crews & Leadership Lessons from Other Cultures 0:14:47 – No‑Notice F‑22 Deployment & Leading a Squadron in Combat 0:18:14 – Managing Burnout: Scheduling, Human Factors & “Crew‑10 Can Do Hard Things” 0:19:46 – Self‑Care as Team Care: Seasons of Life, Rest, and Being Present 0:26:02 – Family, Being an Aunt, and Balancing a Demanding Career 0:28:14 – Life After Space: Mentoring New Astronauts & Evolving as a Leader     ABOUT NICHOLE BIO U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers is a trailblazing pilot, leader and astronaut whose journey began at the United States Air Force Academy, where she graduated in 2011 with a degree in mathematics. An accomplished F-22 Raptor pilot, Ayers is one of the few women ever to fly the world's most advanced stealth fighter — and she's one of even fewer to command them in formation for combat training missions. Col. Ayers earned her wings through years of training and operational excellence, logging over 200 flight hours in combat and playing a critical role in advancing tactical aviation. Her exceptional performance led to her selection in 2021 by NASA as a member of Astronaut Group 23, an elite class of 10 chosen from among 12,000 applicants. As a NASA astronaut candidate, Col. Ayers completed intensive training at Johnson Space Center, which included spacewalk preparation, robotics, survival training, systems operations and Russian language. Now qualified for spaceflight, she stands on the threshold of a new chapter that led her to the International Space Station. Throughout her career, Col. Ayers has exemplified the Academy's core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. Her journey from cadet to combat aviator to astronaut is a testament to resilience, determination and a passion for pushing boundaries.   LEARN MORE ABOUT NICHOLE NASA Astronaut Nichole Ayers   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Host: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99 Guest: Lt. Col. Nichole "Vapor" Ayers '11   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:00 Vapor, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. We are so thrilled you're here. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:11 Thank you. Thanks for having me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:12 Absolutely. So the cadets get to spend some time with you at NCLS. Here the Long Blue Line is going to get to hear from you. And you know, we can actually go through the list. You know, F-22 pilot, USAFA 2011 graduate, you've been in combat, you're a NASA pilot. The list is probably shorter what you haven't done. But, frankly, I'm just excited that you're here on Earth with us, because the last time we spoke, you called me from outer space. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:35 Yeah, that was a lot of fun. That was a lot of chat with you then too. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 0:38 So let's just jump right in. So if we can just kind of catapult you, and let's do it in the way that they that NASA does, into space, maybe starting with the countdown, and then the Gs you take, what is that experience like? And maybe, what are some things you were thinking about in those moments? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 0:53 Oh, yeah. So, you know, we launched on March 14. First attempt was March 12, and we actually scrubbed the first launch. So we got all the way down to T minus 42 minutes right before we armed the launch escape system. So that's kind of a big milestone on the countdown. We were having issues with some hydraulics in the clamp that actually holds on to the rocket wall and then let's go. We weren't quite sure whether it was gonna let go, so they scrubbed the launch then, and it was a fascinating — you don't feel like you've got a ton of adrenaline going, but, you know, you feel kind of like you're in a sim. We do some really phenomenal training. And so when you're sitting on top of the rocket, it feels like you're in a simulator, except it's breathing and living, and the valves are moving, and you can hear the propellant being loaded and all of that. And so there's a very real portion to launch date. But then, coming down off of that adrenaline, we got a day off, thankfully. We could just kind of rest and relax and then go again. So everything went smoother the second try. Of course, you know, everybody's nerves are a little less, and everything was — it just felt calmer the whole way out. But, yeah, when that countdown hits zero, I like to say you're being slingshotted off the Earth. That's how it felt. You know, in that moment, you're going. There's over a million pounds of thrust, and it's going. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:10 I mean, that sounds like a lot. I can't really fathom in my mind what that feels like. Can you describe it? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 2:17 You know, so I talked about in an F-22 and an afterburner takeoff, which is the most thrust that we have basically in any airplane on Earth. You know, you get set back in your seat really far. And, if you think of an airliner takeoff, you kind of get set back in your seat a little bit. Multiply that by, like, 10 or 20, and then that happened for nine minutes straight on a rocket. You're just being forcefully set back in your seat for nine minutes straight and just thrown off of the Earth, and in nine minutes, you're in orbit. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 2:49 So when you had your practice, did you experience that level for that long as well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 2:54 For the simulators? So they can't that. We can't necessarily simulate the Gs in the sim. So that's like the one part that, you know, we go through the whole launch, but you're sitting at one G the whole time, and throughout the launch, you know, the Gs build, then we back off the thrust and the Gs build again, and then you have an engine cut off. And I like to explain, like, if you could visualize, like an old cartoon, and everybody's in the car driving, and Dad slams on the brakes, and everybody hits the windshield. And then he slams on the gas again, and everybody goes back to their seats. Like, that's what it felt like when the engine cut off and, you know, main engine cuts off, and then within a few seconds, the second engine lights, and you're set back in your seat again. So I like to give that visual. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 3:33 That's really helpful, actually. Wow. OK, so you're there, you're in space. And I guess my first question would be, what's something that, in that moment, you're either thinking or you're just, are you still just orienting yourself? What is that like? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 3:45 Oh, man, you know, we're still in the seats for the first few moments in space, and we have to open the nose cone. There's some other things that are happening on the spacecraft, and getting ready for a burn, for a phasing burn, to get up to and catch up with the International Space Station. But, you know, then eventually you get to unbuckle and get out of your seat and floating for the first time. I got out of my seat and I'm floating there. It felt like, you know, Captain Marvel when she's, like, hanging out. Yeah, that's, that's how I felt. And, you know, I like to give the visual, because it's like, it's just nothing you've ever experienced in your life, you know. And then you look out the window and the view is something, it's indescribable. You know, I don't think we have the right words in the English language to describe what it feels like to look back at Earth from space. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 4:35 Was there a moment when you're looking out at Earth — did you kind of play back just different things in your life? Did you think about, you know, significance of things, or, like, scope of things, or even just the vantage point? Did it kind of just change things or were you just in awe at the moment? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 4:49 No, I think, you know, we talked about the overview effect, when astronauts specifically look back at Earth, and it hits everybody kind of differently. And for me, I think the biggest thing you know, when you look at a map of the states or a map of the world, you know, every country is a different color, or every state's a different color, and there are lines that describe the borders, right? And those don't exist in in space. Those don't exist like when you can't see different colored states, right? But you can see the Grand Canyon, and you can see the mountains, and you can see the Amazon, and you can see the desert in Africa. And you get to, you know, you get to learn the world geography by colors and terrain. And it's just a really good reminder that, you know, we're all humans, and we're all on this little fragile marble, just trying to take care of each other and trying to take care of Earth. And so I think that's what hit me the most, was just there are no borders, and we're all the same. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 5:44 Gosh, well, it's a unique and probably highly impressive team that you're with. I mean, we know the road to get to becoming a NASA astronaut is certainly one that is very difficult. Starts from many, many, in the 1000s, down to 10. And so, you know, when we think about leadership, and I've heard you share this before with others, you talk about teamwork and leadership, maybe explain a little bit what that's like in space when you're all so highly effective leaders. You know, what does that look like? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 6:12 That's a great question. You know, I think for us, it is a very fluid movement, right? You lead one day; you follow the next. And you know, I'll give you an example. So Anne McClain was the commander of SpaceX Crew-10 for NASA. So she was in charge of Crew-10 is our ride up to the space station, and our ride home, right? It's the capsule, the rocket and the capsule. And then we were on Expedition 73 aboard the International Space Station, where Takuya, who it was, Takuya Onishi, who was our mission specialist on Dragon, soon as we crossed into the hatch and he took command. He is now the commander of the Space Station, and Anne and I are flight engineers, and so it's a pretty fluid movement in terms of leading and following. But ultimately, you know, it's just about being a good team and taking care of each other. And I think that being a good leader is taking care of other people. And, you know, we talk about team care — self-care, and team care are like the huge parts that we actually train and learn about at NASA as we go through our training, because you're on this really small space in the vacuum of space for five-plus months at a time, and it's — there are only seven people up there and everybody's going to have a bad day. We're all humans, and you can't, there's no hiding.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 7:30 What's a bad day like in space?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 7:32 People make mistakes, right? We're all human. You might make a mistake on something, you might mess up a procedure. You hope that it's not something that causes a safety incident, right? The main goal for me, at least, was, I know I'm going to make mistakes. As long as I'm not unsafe, I'll be happy. And I think that a lot of us have that conscious decision-making process. But I think that we're also humans and have Earth lives, and your Earth life doesn't stop when you go to space. And so bad days could be something going on at home. Bad days could be something going on in space. Could be an interaction that you had with somebody on the ground that, you know, there's a lot of communication that happens between us on the ground. There are thousands of humans on the Earth that keep the Space Station running. So that day could be anything but it's tough to hide up there. Here, you can kind of like, duck and cover and maybe you just spend the day in an office. But it doesn't happen up there. We have to continue to work and continue to function. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:32 So you mentioned that there are seven of you in this tight space. Now, when you go up there, your crew, is it the same seven?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 8:38 For the majority of the time. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 8:42 OK, excellent. So one of the things we think about whenever we're leading or we're working with teams is trust, and obviously you have a great amount of trust with the crew that you're going up there with. But then you mentioned you went on to the ISS and you're working with others. What does that look like when it's someone maybe you haven't worked as closely with in a really important mission? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 9:03 So for the seven expedition members, we actually do train together for a little bit of it, not nearly as closely as, you know, the four of us training for Dragon mission. But because the most dynamic parts are launch and landing, we do a lot of training together, just as the four of us, but we train all over the world. So we go to Japan and Germany and Canada, and we go to, you know, Hawthorne, California, and we go to Russia, and we train with them, and we learn about the Russian segment, and we train with our fellow cosmonauts there. And we do emergency training specifically all together, because it takes all seven of us in an emergency doing the right thing and knowing everybody's roles. And so we train that together as well. And then anytime you're in the same country or same city together, then you get to spend the time outside of the training to get to know each other. And so you actually know your crew fairly well. But obviously, everybody's from a different nation. And we had Americans, we had a Japanese astronaut, we had Russians, so you learn everybody's culture, and it's actually, you know, to your point on being in that small — and not necessarily knowing everybody. There's also a cultural aspect; we get to know each other. We get to learn about other people's cultures and figure out how to communicate and live and work, even across the whole world. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 10:19 What was something that you learned from another culture of astronaut, maybe in the leadership realm, or just something that you took away, that's really something that surprised me, or like to emulate? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 10:30 I love Taku's leadership style. So Takuya Onishi — he's one of those more quiet humans, and he's super kind, but he is the most intelligent human I've ever met, and he is super-efficient with everything he does, and he pays attention to all of the little things. And so he only speaks up when he thinks something needs to be changed, or when he thinks that, like, we need to go in a different direction, otherwise, he's pretty happy to let you go, like, let you go as far as you want to go on something. And then when he thinks you're gonna run off a cliff, he pulls you back. So when he speaks, everybody listens. And I love that. I think some of that is cultural, obviously, him being from Japan, but I think it's also just his personal leadership style, but I learned a ton from him in terms of how to interact with people, how to let people be themselves, but also how to run a ship, and everybody knew exactly who was running the ship. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 11:22 Wow. And it shows that respect lens that you're just kind of talking about when he spoke. Everybody listens. Is that something that you feel you already had that kind of leadership style or is that something that you've kind of evolved in yourself? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 11:37 I like to think that that's the way that I lead. That's kind of how I try to be a leader. But we're not perfect, right? Nobody's perfect. And watching him, you know, taking notes from how he interacted with everybody, the things that he thought of, the things that he brought with him for us on station, you know, we get a very limited amount of stuff, personal things that we get to bring with us. And he brought things for the crew that were like, huge milestones for professional careers. You know, just the attention to detail on the human beings around him was pretty phenomenal. So it's one of the things I'm working on to be better at, because I like to think I'm good at it. But I saw the master work. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 12:18 I love that. And something you said about him, he always has attention to detail, and he saw the little things. He paid attention to the little things. I remember a past conversation we had. You had a little nugget from Col. Nick Hague, also USAFA — '98 I believe. And I think he said to you, something about, you know, “Nicole, don't forget that you're squishy,” or something like that. And so have you had more of those moments in there where they're like little nuggets or little moments that actually give you a big return or big lessons in your life? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 12:46 Oh, definitely, yeah, that one's a funny one, because the space station is metal. Everything is metal, and it's hard and so we still have weight, well, mass. We still have mass. We don't have weight, right, because we're in microgravity. But if you're cooking around a corner and you run into a handrail, it's gonna hurt, you know, if you imagine going 10 or 15 mph into something metal, it's gonna hurt — you're squishy. So that was a great lesson in slowing down and making sure you're watching your surroundings. But one of the things that Anne McClain says that cracks me up, but every time it happens, like, “Yep, this is definitely—," she says, “Experience is that thing you learn right after you need it.” And so we had a lot of those moments where you learn a lesson and you're like, “Ah, I wish I knew that five minutes ago.” And so that's something that applies everywhere. Experience is that thing you always needed right before that happened. But we also like to say Crew-10 can do hard things. That's another thing that was just kind of our motto, whether it's training — some of the training can be really physically demanding. It's really mentally demanding. And it's a lot of travel. When you get assigned to a mission, it's probably a year and a half to two years of training, and then you're gone for six months. So out of that two to two and a half years, you're not home for over a year. So you're all over the world, traveling to train and work. And like I said, we're all humans. We have Earth lives, we have homes, you get situations back home. And so navigating personal lives, navigating professional lives, navigating tough training. Crew-10 can do hard things. We like to say that. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 14:22 I like that. It also talks a bit about your grit. Crew-10 grit. So, talking about hard things, I'd like to take us to the time when you've been piloting the F-22 and you've seen combat. I heard you speaking a little bit before about a no-notice deployment. Let's visit that time in your life. What were you doing? What was your role, and what was something you experienced? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 14:47 Sure. So I was actually flying the day that we got notified. And, you know, just a standard training sortie — had landed, and some of the maintainers were like, “Hey, have you heard what's happening?” And I was like, “No, what's happening?” And then we had a big squadron meeting, and that's when we got notified, like, “Hey, we're deploying.” We were on the GRF, is what it was called at the time, Global Response Force, and I think some of that structure has changed since I left that squadron, but we knew that once we were on the GRF, there was a chance that we would get activated and get moved somewhere. Didn't necessarily expect it to be quite that quick. I think it was like the next week we got this deployment. So we got notified on a Thursday, I think, and then on Monday, I was taking off.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:31 Oh, really no notice.   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 15:33 Yeah, so, four days later, we were taking off, and then seven days later, we were flying missions from — we were stationed at Al Udeid Air Base, so we're flying out of Al Udeid within a week. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 15:45 How many with you?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 15:47 So when we deploy, we actually deploy with our maintenance squadrons, 300 people. Twenty to 30 of them are the pilots, and then the rest are the maintainers. And so it's the entire squadron. We morph into an expeditionary squadron. And so there are 300 people that head out. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 16:03 So I imagine, you know, on top of the fact that it was such a rapid movement, there's probably things that people had to obviously work through family. This needs to happen. But what were some things that you experienced in that deployment, or even in just that transition? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 16:21 Again, I go back to taking care of people. I was a flight commander at the time. We had two flight commanders, so I'm in charge of basically half the squadron, and we had a really wonderful commander who gave us the authority and the autonomy to leave the squadron. So, you know, it's about saying, like, “How are you guys doing at home?” Half our squadron didn't even have tan flight suits. You know, we're trying, we're working with logistics. We're trying to get everything ready. Like, does everybody have a go bag? Does everybody even know what a go bag is? Do you have the things you need? So working all of that. And then do you have the childcare figured out? Do you have the — how is all your family doing? Are you ready for this? And then we had to do a bunch of last-minute training before we left. And so it's a really busy time, but it was one of the first times where I felt like I had an influence on the people that were under me, that I had supervised. And so it was a really great experience to solve those problems, figure it out and help people get off the ground in four days successfully, and leaving something, some semblance of structure at home. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 17:24 So you said it was the first time where you kind of really felt that you had that impact. What would you say kind of maybe crystallized within yourself in learning that? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 17:36 I think it really solidified. I think I said, “I try to lead by taking care of people,” right? I truly believe if you take care of the human, they're going to do a really great job. You don't have to ask much of people at work and in their professional life, if their personal and the human side of them is taken care of and so that's kind of what I mean when I say that solidified it for me, like, make sure that the humans are good to go, and they'll go do anything you want to do. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 18:04 Wow. So while on that deployment, you're leading half of that squadron. What were some of the challenges maybe that you experienced, and how did you grow as a leader during that timeframe? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 18:14 Scheduling is definitely a tough one. So we flew daytime and nighttime. We basically had an F-22 airborne for almost 24 hours a day for the entire six months, six and a half months. We left and we were told it might be two- or three-month deployment, and then it turned into six months. And then we got delayed up coming home. And so then we stayed through Christmas. And those are the things that really are tough for people. But we have a limited number of jets that we took. We have a limited number of pilots; we have a limited number of maintainers and parts. And so I think for us, managing a schedule between me and the other flight commander, managing a schedule, managing quality of life for everybody, and make sure that we're not burning people out, or that they're not —we're flying eight-, nine-, 10-hour sorties, right? And that's exhausting. It's just you and that airplane with your wingman and a different airplane. And so you have to manage, again, that human factor. The human capital is probably the toughest thing to manage. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 19:15 Wow, and you talked about how the deployment kind of got extended. What were some things, because many of our listeners and our viewers are leaders, and at different levels of leadership and different times in their lives where they're doing that. When you were leading, and you had some of those subordinates, or those that were working with you that really experienced some troubles, through emotions, through some of that. How did you help navigate them through that when you were all in that as well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 19:46 Right. You know, I think at NASA especially, we talk about self-care being a huge part of team care. And so making sure I do this in my regular life too, but, you know, making sure that you're getting enough rest, making sure that you're taking care of yourself and your personal life, so that you can truly be present for the other people that need you. And I think being present for others is one of the biggest things that you can do. You know, they may not need a ton of help, or they may not need the solution, but being there, being available and being present for people is really important. But you can't do that unless you're good to go yourself. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 20:18 Did you see that from someone? Did you learn that from someone you saw doing that? Or just, how did, I mean NASA's — you said, NASA, but did you see that at the Academy? Or where did you kind of gather that? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 20:28 You know, I think one of the things that hit me hard about showing up and being present was actually more professional. I kind of skated through the Academy on minimal sleep, and I was able to manage everything. But I wasn't flying a $143 million airplane. And so, in pilot training, we started to talk about crew rest and pilot rest. That's the first time that I had heard this concept of, “You need to go home and get rest so that you can be on your game.” Because flying airplanes, your decisions have real consequences, right? And you have to be present and available, and you have to be on your game to fly airplanes and do well in airplanes. And then the faster and the higher and the better the airplane gets, the more on your game you have to be. So I think it's something that has just kind of evolved in me. And then, as a leader, I realized, if you don't have any gas in the tank, you cannot help somebody else. And so for me, it's just kind of been, over the last decade and a half, of, wow, I need my sleep. I need to make sure I'm good to go. I need to make sure my human is good, so that way I can help other humans. And yeah, when your decisions have real consequences, it's important that you're present and you're ready to go. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 21:43 Have you seen some of the fact that you prioritize that for yourself, for you as your own human? Have you seen others kind of like see that, view that, and actually take that on as well themselves. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 21:53 Yeah, I think they do. And I think, as a leader, it's really important to set that example. The commander cannot be the first one in last one out. Like, you just can't do that, because everybody's going to stay until you leave. So setting the example, setting the example of having a good home-life balance as well. Like, home and work have to be balanced. Sleep has to be balanced. Again, self-care is the biggest part of team care, I think. And if you model that, people start to realize it's important. You know, the younger people that might burn themselves out trying to get somewhere, trying to get to the next step, or trying to impress somebody, or whatever the case may be, if they see you taking a step back and they see your success, maybe then they can start worrying about themselves too. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 22:34 I think that's a great lesson, leading by example. For sure. There are probably moments that you experience both at the Academy, while flying the F-22 or as an astronaut, where you don't have the luxury of balance. How do you navigate that and how do you help others get to that space maybe quicker? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 22:53 I think of everything as a season in life. It might just be a busy season, and you might just have to put some time in but making sure that you are planning ahead and know that you're gonna be able to take some time and reset. And that could be anything, right? That could be personal life, professional life. That could be the four-week training trip that we've got is going to be rough, and its multiple time zones, and it's a ton of training, it's a ton of information. You just have to get through it. But then, that week, when we got home, I made sure my schedule was a little lighter. Whatever the balance is, I think of things in seasons. Crew-10 can do hard things, right? And that came from — you can get through this next training session, right? But we're gonna do a mask-to-suit transition, which is like in a fire, you've got a mask on. You have to get from that mask into your spacesuit. It's a significant physical event. And there's limited oxygen; there's limited ability to breathe in the suit when in that specific environment. And so how do you slow down, take the breaths you need to get in there to not then get to a point where you're panicking, right? Or that you're too exhausted or too hot or overdid, or whatever it is, right? So I think even just that, that is a season. We're going to do two hours of this. That's my season, and then we'll get out of the simulator, we'll take a break, right? And if it happened on orbit, it would be like, “We're going to get through this. We're going to solve the problem. We're going to manage the emergency, and then once things are set, we'll have a moment to breathe.” So that's kind of how I think of it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 24:21 Did seasons come something, a term that you kind of realized maybe at the Academy, you were a volleyball athlete at the Academy, and so volleyball has a season. But my question is, like, how did you come to that realization? Like, “Oh, I can get through this, and I put it in a bucket of time.” Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 24:35 You learn a lot of time management at the Academy, and when you're in the fall, you're really busy, spring season is less busy, and so you kind of learn early how to manage. Like, “OK, I've got to run. I gotta sprint,” right? “And then I can jog later, or I can walk later.” So, I think you learn that growing up in school, and you know, if you play sports or you do extracurricular activities or other things like that, or even just seasons in life at home, life ebbs and flows. I don't even know when I started saying it, but my sister and I started saying “seasons of life” to each other a long time ago. You know, she's got three kiddos, so she's been in all sorts of seasons. But, yeah, it's just, you know, I think I started to time block things, or block things off and just, and that's the only way you're going to get through life, is if you focus on what you need to do right now, be good at it, and then move to the next thing. You can have an idea of what's coming next, but you have to be present and do what you're doing there. Yes, so, yeah, seasons, time, blocks, whatever you want to call it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 25:39 I like that. Well, you brought up your sister, and so you're an auntie of three. Let's talk about your personal life and leadership, some experiences you've had navigating your schedule. You're on the road so much. How do you prioritize? I guess the things that are important to you when you have such a heavy schedule, yeah, being on the road and the people that are important to you, right? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:03 Man, I think that for me, my family has been a huge support system my whole life. My twin sister — built in best friend.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:13 And who is older? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:14 She is. She's got me by a minute. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 26:18 OK. Does she hold that over you?   Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 26:20 Yes, of course she does. We've just always supported each other 100% and everything. She's been my biggest cheerleader through all of my life, and I've been her biggest cheerleader through all of her life. And you know, my main goal in life is to be the coolest auntie, like the best auntie, and I would die happy. And they're a huge priority to me. I see them every couple two to three months — since my oldest has was born. So for the last 14 years, just made it a priority, even if it's like, leave late on a Friday night and then get home late Sunday night, I make the effort to go see them and to interact with them. And you know, to help foster them. You know they're growing up. And I love watching kids grow up and experience the world and see what can be done. Their dad's a Marine, their mom's this really successful real estate agent, their auntie' a pilot-slash-astronaut. You know, they've got, like, all these no family that's really not doing very much. Yeah, you know, they've got all these really great role models. And my goal is to just show them that it doesn't matter who you are, like they only ever know me as auntie. Like they know I'm an astronaut, and they love that. Their friends know that I'm an astronaut. Anti vapor, no, no, yeah. But, you know, like, they're always gonna get a big hug from auntie, like, that's, that's what's important to me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:36 Well, you mentioned, going into space, being an auntie. So, would you describe your time and space is, it's probably out of this world. I mean, that's, wow, that's terrible. That's terrible I said it that way. But I think you've mentioned it is kind of the best time in your life. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 27:52 Yeah. Best five months my life. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 27:56 Best five months of your life, and it's passed. Now, when we think about our evolution, whether personally, professionally, as leaders, etc., we have these ideas in our mind, like, this is the pinnacle. How do you navigate what's next after you've experienced that pinnacle? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 28:14 Yeah, that's a great question, and I think it's something that a lot of us struggle with when we come home. What's next? We get six months, some time to think and kind of get reintegrated. And you don't necessarily have to go back to work right away. I was able to spend a ton of time with my sister and her kiddos. Yeah, what's next. And I think for me, like the drive out to the launch pad, I was like, “Man, I've made it.” You know, the first time I looked out the window from Dragon, “I've made it.” First time we crossed the hatch, and I went and looked out the glass like, “Wow. The hard work paid off.” And I still feel like that to this day. I would have spent four more months in space if they had asked me to, and I would have turned around and launched right back then the day that we landed, and it was because of the crewmates that I spent it with and the fulfillment that I got from the mission. But I think you can find fulfillment in a lot of ways. And you know, my job, now that I've been back, I'm going to be working with the new class of astronauts and their training for spacewalk. So in the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, our big pool, like, my job is to be their mentor as they go through the spacewalk training. And you know, like, I cannot wait. I'm so excited. I cannot wait to have an impact and try to help teach this next generation of spacewalkers, this next generation of astronauts, to be better than us. I find a lot of fulfillment in making the next generation better. So I think, however the fulfillment shows up for people, I think as long as you can find something, there you'll be happy. Going to space was great, but teaching and instructing and mentoring is also really fulfilling for me. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:54 And that will be 10 of them? How many will that be? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 29:55 Ten.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 29:56 Ten. So then you'll have 13. You'll be auntie to 13. Oh, that's wonderful. What have you learned about yourself since then? You know, you've evolved as a leader through different situations, high threat, high risk. Safety is paramount. All of those different experiences. And now you're back on Earth and you're about to, you know, mentor. How have you evolved your leadership, and where would you say you're trying to go? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 30:23 Where am I trying to go? I think, for me, leadership is also about being vulnerable and being open and honest with people about failures or hardships and so, you know, like in the flying community, if you make a mistake, you're immediately like, “Hey, I messed this up. Here's how we fix it.” And that's something that we do at NASA as well, especially on a grand scale, right? Thousands of employees and everybody like, that's the only way that we get to space is by admitting when we've made mistakes, talking to each other about how we fix it and sharing those lessons learned. And so I think that especially when you get into the higher roles of leadership, it's important to go, “Hey, I messed up,” or, “Hey, I don't know the answer.” And being transparent with the people that you're working with. And if you don't know it, but you know where to go find it, like, “I'll get that answer for you,” instead of making up an answer, trying to figure out how to look like you're in charge, right? It's really important to me to also show that we don't know everything. We're human. We make mistakes, and it's OK to make mistakes, as long as you share it, and you share the lessons learned, and you make the next person better. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 31:32 Did you experience that personally? Did you have a moment in which you had to say, “Hey, I made a mistake,” and that's helped you realize that being vulnerable is really important or is that just something you've seen done really well? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 31:40 Oh, I've admitted a lot of mistakes. You know, I made a couple pretty big mistakes in the Raptor. Everybody's gonna make a big mistake at some point in their life. And, you know, I think that that was something that was modeled really well in the flying community early on. And it's something that's not tolerated if you're not willing to share your lessons learned. It's not tolerated in that community. That's a really good thing. I learned that in pilot training, right? If your buddy in your class makes the same mistake the next day that you made, you get in trouble because you didn't tell them how to how to prepare. And so it's fostered early on, especially in the flying community. I can't speak to any other community because I grew up there, but it's fostered early on, and so it's just something that comes naturally. I think eventually, because you just, you've seen it done so many times, and if you want other people to succeed, you're going to do it. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 32:29 All right. Well, we have two questions left. The first one is, what's something you do every day to be a better leader? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 32:37 That's a good one. This is gonna sound silly, but I sleep. Like, I'll go back to the self-care thing, right? Like, I put a lot of attention into being healthy, being hydrated, sleeping well. Like, if you take care of your body, your mind is going to do way more for you. And so I think you can show up as a better leader if you show up, rested, hydrated, fed, worked out whatever you need to do to be the best human you can be. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 33:09 That's what I try to do. OK. I like that a lot, and I think that's a good indication for me that six hours is probably not enough. Naviere needs a little bit more. And it's truth, because you told me, though I'm gonna do that. The second one is, if you could go back in time, maybe what's something you would have told yourself — your younger self — or maybe, as our cadets are listening, that you've learned and what they can be doing now to be a better leader down the road. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 33:34 If you run into a hardship or you fail at something, or something feels insurmountable, or you don't feel like you're ready, good enough, or whatever the case may be, doubt starts to seep in, right? I would say, rely on the support system that you have. Rely on the people around you. Talk about it. Figure out, you know, “Hey, I failed this GR, like, man, this kind of sucks.” And you know, maybe you just need to hear me say it out loud, and maybe I just need to get it off my chest, or maybe I need help trying to figure out the solution for whatever the case may be. So, you know, I had a built-in team on the volleyball team. I had a built-in friends and teammates that I could lean on. Maybe that's your squadronmates or your classmates, or whoever it is, right? And I think finding the friends that you can rely on for the rest of your life. Professionally, I've got a friend here that I met in the F-22 community. We've been friends for almost a decade now, and he's still one of the first people that I call when something happens, like, “Oh, I messed this up today. Help.” So, you know, finding a support system. My sister's the other person that I call first off. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:38 She probably knows you're gonna call when you call. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 34:39 Yeah, we talk way too much. But, you know, having that support system around you and finding people that really bolster you and get you across that line and help you find the courage to take the next step, I think that's really important. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 34:54 I know I said there was only two, but as I've listened to you, I just think you're just you're just remarkable, and maybe what's something that you're proud about yourself as a leader. I would really love to hear that in your, you know— Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 35:05 I think the thing that makes me the most proud as a leader is when somebody succeeds and it's something that I helped them do. I've had somebody come back and say, “Thanks for saying that.” That pushed me out the edge, you know, like, I'm really into building the next generation and make them better than us. And so if I see somebody succeeding, that's good. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:27 Well, this has been incredible. Is there anything that we didn't cover that you would love to share with the Long Blue Line in our community? Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 35:33 Oh, man, the community is great. I think I would just say thank you to the community. I've gotten so much love and support from Coloradans, but also the Long Blue Line and the Air Force in general. You know, I love the community that we have. It goes right back to what I just said, right, finding a community that supports you and pushes you to do better and be better. And this is that community. Col. Naviere Walkewicz 35:55 Well, Vapor, I promise I'm gonna get more sleep, and I just want to thank you for being such an incredible leader and guest here on Long Blue Leadership. Col. Nichole “Vapor” Ayers 36:03 Thanks for having me back. Absolutely.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz 36:05 Thanks. You know, this conversation was really incredible with Vapor. I think some of the things that really stood out to me is just how incredible as a human she is. She brings humanity into leadership. She puts people first. She thinks about the team. She works hard. Don't forget to prioritize sleep. But I think really, some of the lessons that we can all take away can hit us all personally, because if you think about people first and taking care of them, and the fact that you have to take care of yourself too, you can go really far in leadership. So I really appreciate her today on Long Blue Leadership. And I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. Until next time.   KEYWORDS Joel Neeb, Long Blue Leadership, Air Force Academy leadership, USAFA leadership, military leadership podcast, leadership development, leadership lessons, character-based leadership, leadership under pressure, leading with integrity, decision making in leadership, mentorship and leadership, values-based leadership, service before self, leadership mindset, leadership podcast interview, military leadership stories, leadership for professionals, leadership for entrepreneurs, how to be a better leader, leadership growth.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation        

Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell lost his sight in a hunting accident in 1997. He was 30 years old, blind, and raising three daughters alone. What he did next is the kind of story that makes you rethink every excuse you've ever made. In episode 303 of Tango Alpha Lima, Bedwell shares his extraordinary journey — from talking his way onto a construction crew as a blind man, to kayaking 226 miles through the Grand Canyon (earning National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year), to summiting Mount Everest with a failed oxygen mask 750 feet from the top. Now Bedwell is one expedition away from making history. He has summited six of the Seven Summits and skied to the South Pole. When he reaches the North Pole, he will become the first blind American to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam — an achievement fewer than 75 people in history have accomplished. His journey is the subject of a feature documentary called Beyond Vision. "I lost my eyesight," he says. "I gained vision." Also in this episode: the VA's new Artificial Intelligence tool and what it means for your appointments, plus three new laws signed into law that expand housing access, improve VA accountability, and strengthen job training for veterans.SHOW NOTESDownload the VA Health and Benefits mobile appJoin The American LegionLearn more about Lonnie BedwellLearn more about the film "Beyond Vision"Join The American Legion Family USA 250 ChallengeNew VA Database causes concern among lawmakersAI tool helps VA doctors minimize administrative tasks and focus on patientsView American Legion Legislative AgendaCheck out The American Legion Grassroots Action CenterLearn more about American Legion Advocacy

"The gang attempts to expand their horizons by taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon." -Original Air Date: 9/24/2009- This week we're talking about The Gang Hits the Road, one of the guys having similar eating habits to Charlie, late-2000's iPod tuners and taking an Amtrak across the country. This is No Hugging, No Learning, the show about one thing...watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia for the first time. Want more NHNL? Next week's episode drops early on Patreon! This episode was posted a week ago and it's 17 MINUTES LONGER! Get the first seven days FREE and then it's just $5/month after that. You'll get every episode one week early with all of the extra content that we usually clip out of each release and movie reviews from the Seinfeld Extended Universe. Join Us at patreon.com/nohugging Wanna start your own podcast? Do it with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free podcasting service with our Libsyn code HUGGING. Get a FREE No Hugging, No Learning sticker by giving us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you listen to this! Just be sure to send us your address! Email us: nohuggingnolearningshow@gmail.com Follow us!  @nohugging on X @nohugging_nolearning on Instagram @nohugging.bsky.social on Bluesky Music: "The Gang Gets Trapped" by Reed Streets

Dan Sileo reviews the Eagles' free agency week — grading Howie Roseman's moves, the Dallas Goedert restructure mystery that's dragging on for days, and why the safety hole is "as large as the Grand Canyon." Plus: Diana Rossini drops BREAKING news live on air that the Rams and Patriots are making strong pushes for A.J. Brown. Are the Eagles about to trade their star receiver? Dan breaks down every scenario including the 13th overall pick.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dan Sileo reviews the Eagles' free agency week — grading Howie Roseman's moves, the Dallas Goedert restructure mystery that's dragging on for days, and why the safety hole is "as large as the Grand Canyon." Plus: Diana Rossini drops BREAKING news live on air that the Rams and Patriots are making strong pushes for A.J. Brown. Are the Eagles about to trade their star receiver? Dan breaks down every scenario including the 13th overall pick.Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's time for another Mind Gap Podcast! This week, Justin is joined by Mind Gap all star, Chris Vellucci, while Doug is on special assignment in New York. They kick things off by Justin asking Chris a question he's been wanting to ask for quite some time, "how do you visualize a calendar?" This turns into a debate about how each season ranks against the others. Once that's settled, Chris tells Justin what he's been up to for the past 8 months and about a whitewater rafting trip he's going on in the Grand Canyon. Chris's upcoming adventure leads Justin to inform Chris of a truly wild race called the Barkley Marathons. It won't do it justice to elaborate here, you'll just have to listen to hear how wild this gets.   Things are wrapped up with a new game called 3 in 5, where Chris has 5 seconds to list 3 things belonging to categories Justin has curated.   Check out our YouTube channel! Be sure to like and subscribe for this content as well as episode highlights, Doug Watches Awkward Videos, Justin Plays Video games, and more!   We have MERCH now! Follow us on all of our social medias and other platforms!

John is "The Voice in My Helmet" on Instagram, but there is so much more to this story.  What if a single ride could reset your sense of time, place, and what truly matters? We sit down with John Gorley from eastern New Mexico—yes, the neighbor down the dirt road where the stars burn bright—to trace a journey that moves from Route 66 nostalgia to the modern meaning of riding for peace, love, and presence. This isn't a gear checklist or a speed brag. It's a story of how two wheels can carry us into deeper connection with each other and the land.We start with small towns and big skies, then zoom into the centennial energy around Route 66 and what happens when interstates bypass history. John's Honda Goldwing becomes a quiet hero: a machine so smooth it disappears, leaving the ride to do the talking. The heart beats loudest during a father-daughter trip that runs Albuquerque to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas, then drops into Death Valley where June heat boils gas and vapor-lock forces a hard stop. Less than a day later, they're above 12,000 feet in Yosemite, playing in snow. In between, there's ice cream, laughter after a parking lot tip-over, Highway 1's cliffs, the Avenue of the Giants' humbling scale, and the eerie beauty of Nevada's Highway 50, the loneliest road with Pony Express ghosts and a horizon that never seems to arrive.“The voice in my helmet” isn't a brand—it was his daughter, the navigator, the companion who turned miles into meaning. When she said he'd miss that voice, she named a feeling every rider knows: the way presence sounds when you're truly in it. John now uses that phrase on Instagram to share short, unscripted notes from the road—sunrises, quiet encouragement, and reminders to notice the light. We talk about why positivity matters, how riding can dissolve worry, and why gratitude grows when we choose the slow road, the older route, the scenic pass. Colorado's Million Dollar Highway, Silverton's night silence after the last steam train departs, and the Cumbres and Toltec line add texture to the map and proof that wonder is a renewable resource.If you crave stories that honor small places, reliable bikes, family bonds, and the simple joy of stepping outside, this one's for you. Hit play, ride with us through heat and snow, and rediscover the peace that waits on the other side of the next bend. If it resonates, subscribe, share with a riding friend, and leave a review to help others find the road. Tags: Mindfulness, Motorcycle riding, mindful motorcycling, motorcycle therapy, nature connection, peace on two wheels, Rocky Mountain tours, rider self-discovery, spiritual journey, motorcycle community, open road philosophy.

On this week's podcast, co-host Kevin "Wild" Westendorf talks about his recent experiences hiking in the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona and Petrified Forest and Painted Desert National Parks. He and Bob talk about the difficulties of the hikes, Kevins encounters with other hikers and his overall experiences on this trip. It's a great travelogue and must-listen for anyone considering visiting any of these places in northern Arizona. Please consider becoming a patron of this podcast! Visit: https://www.patreon.com/hikingbob for more information Hiking Bob website: https://www.HikingBob.com Wild Westendorf website: https://wildwestendorf.com/ Where to listen, download and subscribe to this podcast: https://pod.link/outdoorswithhikingbob

Rodrigo Schmitt holds a PhD in Space Systems Engineering from Purdue and leads Stellerian's commercialization strategy as Chief Commercial Officer. He specializes in translating complex mission needs into clear offerings, building partnerships across defense and commercial space, and driving customer discovery, pricing, and go-to-market strategy for on-orbit operations. He's also the co-founder of RocketPy, a widely used Python-based rocketry simulation library. In this episode, Rodrigo shares the latest on space exploration, rocket simulation, and his unique experiences from backpacking the Grand Canyon to analog Mars training missions. Key Takeaways:- Developments in space exploration- How RocketPy helps engineers simulate launches- How Rodrigo balances entrepreneurship and scienceEpisode Timeline:00:00Introduction to Rodrigo Schmitt1:50Tod is learning about astrophysics2:45Backpacking the Grand Canyon5:55Exciting developments in space exploration7:00Legal and ethical aspects of space resources8:00AI's role in space11:20Star trackers and space navigation using stars13:07RocketPy: Rocket simulation and safety in space competitions15:35RocketPy's future18:40Mars Mission desert research stations21:40How Rodrigo finds balance between entrepreneurship and scienceThis episode's guest:• Follow Rodrigo Schmitt on LinkedIn • RocketPy's website and Instagram• Stellerian on LinkedIn• Purdue's Mars analog research facilitySubscribe and leave a 5-star review: https://pod.link/1496390646Contact Us!•Join the conversation by leaving a comment!•Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn!Thanks for listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Noisy Narratives, Kaitlyn Schaefer joins us to share her journey into becoming a certified doula and the heart behind her work supporting women and families. While living in Germany and having her own children there, Kaitlyn experienced firsthand the incredible care and support that surrounded mothers during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season. That experience deeply shaped her understanding of what women truly need during one of the most transformative times of their lives.After returning to the United States, Kaitlyn felt called to bring that same kind of care and encouragement to other women. As a doula, she walks alongside mothers and families through pregnancy, labor, and the weeks that follow—offering guidance, advocacy, and steady support during a season that can be both beautiful and overwhelming.In this conversation, Kaitlyn shares why support matters so deeply, how birth can be both powerful and vulnerable, and why no woman should feel alone in the journey of bringing life into the world. Her story is a reminder of the strength of family, the importance of community, and the meaningful ways we can care for one another through life's biggest moments.** Production note - we had some more mic issues - it doesn't last long but Debbie sounds like she's hiking in the Grand Canyon for a couple minutes ....

Welcome to The Other Side of Midnight with Lionel, where life is random, beautiful, and a little macabre. In this episode, Lionel kicks things off with a rant about the miseries of JFK airport before diving deep into the legal and ethical complexities of the death penalty. Sparked by an Alabama felony murder case, the show explores the grim mechanics of capital punishment, contrasting botched lethal injections and new nitrogen hypoxia methods with the historical efficiency of the guillotine. The midnight madness continues as Lionel takes the phones to debate the moral minefield of physician-assisted suicide and "death pods," all while fielding and shutting down absurd caller suggestions—like freezing inmates, using instant implosion chambers, or just dropping people into the Grand Canyon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been wondering, and we'll discuss, not for the first time, that the EV market will not be the dominant, world saving segment of the automotive industry in the United States. They'll have a niche, but not what was projected.From pondering AI and the “new normal,” to ghost stories in the Grand Canyon, to wondering what “living your best life” really means, Mitch invites guests and listeners alike to sit down, swap stories, and wrestle with the questions we all think about but don't always say out loud. Catch up on all episodes, see pics. of each weekly guest, YouTube clips, subscribe, and visit the Merch Store at https://mitchwonders.com/ .  Got feedback? Hit Mitch up at https://tinyurl.com/kc2e4wu3  and...Thank You! 

On today's newscast: Arizona reports fewer measles cases in February, Hobbs vetoes Charlie Kirk license plate, underground Grand Canyon hotel closes, and more.

What keeps a classic car honest isn't a fresh coat of paint—it's the quiet, careful work that makes it start, steer, and stop like it should. We sit down with Tim Winton, founder of Cambrian Classics in West Wales, to unpack the craft of mechanical stewardship: how a small, dedicated team brings MGs, Triumphs, Austin‑Healeys, Alfas, and air‑cooled VWs back from the shed to the street. Tim shares the overlooked checks that transform the driving experience—like why an MGB's steering rack must be oil‑filled—and how correct tire pressures, proper lubrication, and smart carb and ignition tuning often beat expensive “upgrades.”Tim's journey from the modern motor trade to a thriving classic workshop reveals what really builds trust: consistent results and a feel for how these machines were meant to behave. We talk MG identity in 2026, the difference between bodywork makeovers and true recommissioning, and why variety—from a TR5 to a rare Humber Hawk—keeps the craft sharp. You'll hear how long‑stored cars return to life step‑by‑step, and why experience across “a hundred variations on a theme” helps diagnose issues by sound and feel alone.We broaden the lens with two practical segments for everyday drivers and road‑trippers. First, a clear look at parking space design—30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° layouts—how aisle widths and one‑way flow affect access, safety, and door clearance, and why perpendicular slots can be the worst for usability. Then we map five spring break road trips across the United States: the Grand Canyon loop from Flagstaff, California's Pacific Coast Highway, the Great Smoky Mountains, Utah's Mighty Five, and the timeless pull of Route 66. Whether you drive a well‑loved MG or a modern SUV, you'll leave with actionable tips and fresh ideas for the next journey.If this mix of hands‑on wisdom and road inspiration hit the mark, follow the show, share it with a car‑loving friend, and leave a quick review so more enthusiasts can find us.Be sure to subscribe for more In Wheel Time Car Talk!The Lupe' Tortilla RestaurantsLupe Tortilla in Katy, Texas Gulf Coast Auto ShieldPaint protection, tint, and more!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.---- ----- Want more In Wheel Time car talk any time? In Wheel Time is now available on Audacy! Just go to Audacy.com/InWheelTime where ever you are.----- -----Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast provider for the next episode of In Wheel Time Podcast and check out our live multiplatform broadcast every Saturday, 10a - 12nCT simulcasting on Audacy, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch and InWheelTime.com.In Wheel Time Podcast can be heard on you mobile device from providers such as:Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music Podcast, Spotify, SiriusXM Podcast, iHeartRadio podcast, TuneIn + Alexa, Podcast Addict, Castro, Castbox, YouTube Podcast and more on your mobile device.Follow InWheelTime.com for the latest updates!Twitter: https://twitter.com/InWheelTimeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/inwheeltime/https://www.youtube.com/inwheeltimehttps://www.Facebook.com/InWheelTimeFor more information about In Wheel Time Podcast, email us at info@inwheeltime.com

Year A – Third Sunday in Lent– March 8, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd Exodus 17:1-7 John 4:1-42 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who is truly the Savior of the world. Amen. *** Many… many years ago, Bill and I had the privilege of attending my friend's wedding… she and her partner got married in the Valley of Fire in the Grand Canyon… at sunset. It was… spectacular!   Our little party was delivered to this magical location on helicopters, which flew us through the Canyon, across the incredible landscape that just… stretched on for as far as I could see.   As we flew, the walls of the Canyon were on either side of us, and yet, my brain couldn't make sense of the scale. Then the pilot pointed out a little dark spec that was way under us… he said, "That's the other helicopter."   Those four words… radically changed my perspective. I mean… sure, I could see that the place was well worth the title of 'Grand,' …but suddenly, 'Grand' couldn't even contain the full scope of where we were.   Nothing could… I don't think there is any word in our language that can truly encapsulate the landscape… the magnitude… of what we call… The Grand Canyon.   And the same is true… about God's love.   God's love is so grand… so deep and wide and never ending… that we bump up against the same inability to fully wrap our minds around the full scope… the full scale of what it really means… that God so loved the world.   On that helicopter… I didn't even begin to understand how big that landscape was until the pilot showed me what it meant… until he gave me a new perspective and showed me how Grand it really was.   And that's what's happening in our text today… Jesus is showing the disciples what it means… that God so loved the world.   Telling them isn't going to be enough… he must show them… which is why it was necessary for them to go through Samaria. Verse 4.   Our translation reads, "But he had to go through Samaria." …the Greek word is stronger than that, though… It was 'necessary' …it was imperative that he go through Samaria.   Why? …they were traveling north from Judea to Galilee… and Samaria is between those two places. But, as the text points out… something that everyone at the time would have understood… very clearly… the Jews and the Samaritans do not associate with each other.   It was an ancient family feud… they have the same ancestors… but different theology around the critical question of… where is God found?   For the Jewish people, God was found in the Temple in Jerusalem… in the Holy of Holies. That's where they went to worship.   For the Samaritans, God was found high on the top of Mount Gerizim. That's where they went to worship.   They had other differences as well, but this was the most pressing theological question of their time... the question that went back to the time of Moses, in the wilderness of Sin, when they were dying of thirst… Where is God? Is the Lord among us or not?   These are heavy questions… and modern denominations have split apart for less.   So, to avoid the tension and the feud, Jewish people traveling from Judea to Galilee would have taken the road that ran along the Jordan River Valley. They would not have climbed through the mountains of Samaria.   So why… why was it necessary for them to go through Samaria?   It was necessary… because Jesus needed to show his disciples the full scale and scope of his ministry… he needed to give them a new perspective.   Jesus needed to challenge their assumptions about who is in and who is out… he needed to widen their understanding of what sort of people Jesus was seeking… about whom he loved.   So he took them to the very place they would have assumed was excluded. Samaria.   Jesus needs to go there to find his first witness… he needs to find her… the unnamed, unmarried, powerless, Samaritan woman… discarded or widowed five times over… now living with the brother of her late husband in a Levirate marriage.   She is a nobody… an outsider among religious outsiders… visiting the well when no one else would have been there… at the hottest… and brightest time of the day.   Remember what I said about day and night in the Gospel of John?   She's there when the sun is at its brightest… and with this woman… Jesus proceeds to have the longest recorded conversation that he has with anybody… in any of the four gospels.   It was necessary for him to go through Samaria… to find… her.   Now, like anyone who talks to Jesus, she doesn't fully understand him at first, but she sticks with it… and she trusts him with her truth.   So, in response to her faith and her growing understanding around the coming Messiah… he shares his truth… He is… the I AM… the Great I AM… the same I AM from the burning bush and Moses…   I know our translation says that Jesus replies, "I am he" …but that's just added grammar for verbal flow. Jesus' response to her is only… I AM. …and his statement holds the power and weight of all the other I AM statements.   He reveals his true identity to her… before any of the disciples figured it out. And in her joy, she left her water jar at the well to run to share the good news with her neighbors…   She told them of her experience… of her encounter with this man… she shared her wondering… "He cannot be the Messiah, can he?"   And she invited them to come and see… come and meet him… come, and hear from him yourself. She shared her witness… her testimony… and then invited them to come and experience him for themselves.   And because of her witness, her town became followers of Jesus… and were the first to recognize that he was truly… the Savior of the world.   This… out-of-the-way place… in Samaria.   Its… incredible. And this is only chapter four! Jesus hasn't hardly done anything yet!   He was identified by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God, come to take away the sin of the world. …then he called his first disciples…   …and they enjoyed a party at the Wedding at Cana, where, thanks to some strong encouragement from his mother, Mary, Jesus ensured there would be plenty of the very best wine for the happy couple and their guests.   After that, Jesus went to the Temple, where he… caused a scene. The other gospels have this Temple scene happening at the end of his ministry.   John, however, has it at the beginning… it gives Jesus quite the reputation.   And then Nicodemus came to visit him… at night. That's really all that has happened until this point, when he started heading back to Galilee and said it was necessary for them to go through Samaria.   Jesus was still seeking someone he could entrust his identity to… so he went to find this woman.   She taught the disciples… as she teaches us… how to be a witness… how to share our stories of encounter with God… with our Savior, Jesus Christ.   We don't need to fully understand every moment of meaning… only that meeting Jesus is to encounter God… the Holy Spirit… the Divine among us… and to be in relationship with him brings salvation.   We don't have to convince others… Jesus can do that… we just need to invite people to come and see… come and encounter a love so pure and inclusive, that it's hard to wrap our minds around.   Jesus was also seeking to demonstrate to his disciples… to give them a new perspective of just how grand God's love really was.   He needed to push all the boundaries and prejudices they held… and choose the most unlikely person to be the first one with whom he shared his truth.   She was his first witness… the first evangelist… starting the first church… first worshipping community… who understood that the answer to the most pressing theological question of their time… Where is God?   …that the answer was, God is with us, wherever we are.   Jesus needed to give them all some perspective… and we still need that today.   We like to draw boundaries… we like to know who's in and who's out… We like to think that this is all something we can fully wrap our minds around and have some certainty about it. …especially when it comes to God's approval… and God's love.   But it's hard to hold that kind of scope and scale in our minds… so we need this constant reminder… this continual renewal of our perspective… this pointing out of those people that we might be tempted to exclude…   God's love includes them, too.   For God so loved the world… will always be so much bigger than we can imagine, which is good news… because it means that no matter what, everyone is in.   Amen.      

I've recently gained a lot of new followers, so for this week's episode of the Fancy Scientist Podcast, I wanted to share with you my vast experience that I've had working as a wildlife biologist for nearly twenty years, so that you can fully understand what this field is like.My career has taken me all over the world, and I've been on all different kinds of adventures: from hiking the deserts of Utah to the top of Mount Kenya, and from flour beetles to forest elephants. I have worked across four different continents and in almost every type of organization that you can think of: the government, zoos, museums, universities, and alongside nonprofits.In this episode, I break down each one of the positions that I have had in the past, telling you what they're like and what I did, but more importantly, how I felt about the position emotionally, mentally, and what it did for my career.This is a comprehensive, yet fun overview of my journey. It's you and me hanging out, sharing the raw reality of these different places, so you can see the truth behind the resume. I do not shy away from discussing real challenges, like navigating toxic work environments and the “sink or swim” nature of graduate research. Chances are, you'll find it refreshing how I don't hold back, but also share how I pulled through.I started my wildlife career officially in 2003 when I graduated with my Bachelor's degree. My first position was an internship with the Bureau of Land Management in St. George, Utah, where I searched for water catchments to help wildlife combat drought and started some preliminary bat research in the Grand Canyon. This got me started in my wildlife career, but this was a challenging internship, and I almost quit!I'm so glad I didn't because that experience led me to a dream internship at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where I worked in a glass-walled lab doing endocrine research on the captive animals there, including African savanna elephants and the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkey. This was a total 180 from my experience in the desert! I loved Disney World and spent my days catching tamarin poop and helping to monitor elephant pregnancies. It was a supportive environment that showed me how much I loved combining science with outreach.From there, my journey took me to Kenya as an intern for the School for Field Studies, which was also enriching but challenging. Again, I almost quit! But here I showed that I could work at a field station internationally long-term, which was a major flex for my upcoming Ph.D. research. It also gave me the invaluable experience of publishing.My Kenya internship led me into a six-and-a-half-year Ph.D. program studying African forest elephants in Gabon. I loved my Ph.D., but each step was a mix of incredible highs like observing wild elephants for months on end in Central Africa and the lows of being lonely in a field station or figuring out how to do something that has never been done before! Here, I fully understood what scientific research was really all about.This episode is a must-listen to one if you are interested in going into wildlife fields, want to get to know me better, or are just curious to know what it's like to be a wildlife biologist!Specifically, we go over:How I landed my first “legit” field internship with the Bureau of Land Management in Utah and why it was so hard on meThe inside scoop on working at a world-class zoo and in Disney World, being a Reproductive Biology intern, including what it's like to catch cotton-top tamarin poop and monitor elephant pregnanciesWhat it's like to live in Kenya for a year, and in a remote field stationNavigating toxic work environments and almost quitting more than onceHow I got my first scientific publicationsA brief overview of my research on forest elephants in Gabon, the “sink or swim” reality of graduate school, and why I considered dropping down to a Master'sHow to study “disgust” in raccoons and why I drove around looking for roadkill carcassesMy seven-year postdoc at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, running global camera trap projects, and the birth of “The Fancy Scientist”How these 17 years of experience led me to leave the traditional research path to start my own business in science communication and career mentoringOther fun experiences, like seeing a tiger in the wild or watching a leatherback turtle lay eggsAnd MORE!Dream of being a wildlife biologist, zoologist, conservation biologist, or ecologist? Ready to turn your love of animals into a thriving career?

In this episode of the Dirt Podcast, co-hosts Coach Loretta and Coach Lindsay share a trail-tested guide to preparing for hiking or running the Grand Canyon. From smart training strategies and must-have gear to safety considerations and route planning, this episode is packed with practical nuggets to help you feel confident for your canyon adventure—whether you're going rim-to-rim or building toward your first big day on the trails.

In 1909, an Arizona newspaper reported that an explorer discovered a hidden cave deep inside the Grand Canyon filled with Egyptian-style artifacts, hieroglyphs, and a massive underground complex. The story claimed the Smithsonian was involved… but the discovery was never mentioned again. In this episode, we explore the mysterious report and the theories surrounding one of the strangest archaeological claims in American history. Watch the full episode on YouTube:▶ https://bit.ly/TheoriesOfTheThirdKindYT Support the show + unlock bonus episodes:

Nik is going to Burning Man, Christina is Grand Canyon bound, TJ is headed to Nanaimo, and there's some health concerns with family to discuss. There is a lot planned for 2026. Hopefully we survive the year. nowherestaff@gmail.com Music courtesy of Yoo Soo via Songfinch

L'info du matin - Un rival inattendu dans la vie de couple. Le chat domestique peut parfois créer des tensions en raison de son comportement nocturne et de son attachement à un seul des partenaires. Le winner du jour - Christian Madsen, 31 ans, ancien officier en Floride, a été démis de ses fonctions et inculpé pour vol et fraude. - Un journaliste américain a failli manquer son interview avec Ryan Gosling car il était bloqué au Grand Canyon. Le flashback - Février 1997. Sortie en France du film "Mars Attacks!" avec Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Glenn Close, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michael J. Fox, Natalie Portman et Danny DeVito. - Sortie de l'album "Blur" du groupe Blur. Le savoir inutile - Au Brésil, un programme lancé en 2012 permet aux détenus de réduire leur peine en lisant. Un livre validé peut retirer quatre jours de détention. La chanson du jour - Zazie "Homme sweet homme" 3 choses à savoir sur Bee Gees Qu'est-ce qu'on fait ? - Spectacle de Johnathan O'Donnell à la salle Salle Paul Garcin à Lyon, puis au Spotlight à Lille. - 58e édition du Carnaval de Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu. Le jeu Surprise (1,2,3,4) - Sandra de Vichy repart avec un Zen Morphée. La Banque RTL2 - Jennifer de Grenoble gagne un séjour 2 jours / 1 nuit pour 4 personnes à Europa-Park. - Chloé de Hillion, vers Saint-Brieuc, gagne un séjour 8 jours / 7 nuits pour 2 adultes et 2 enfants dans un village Villages Clubs du Soleil. Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

Mike and Ben look at the live photo of Jesus' baptism in Matthew's Gospel and what it shows us about the nature of God - the Father, the Son and Spirit. ...they also muse on the complexity of an IKEA table, reflect on David Beckham's leadership qualities and stand in awe of the Grand Canyon. King's Church is here to invite all people into an ever growing relationship with King Jesus. We have worship services at 9am and 11am each Sunday - you should come along...! We'd love to see you. Enjoy the pod? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a comment or drop us an email on exploremore@kingschessington.org YouTube - www.youtube.com/@KingsChurchChessington website - www.kingschessington.org email - exploremore@kingschessington.org

Coach Tory and Coach Don open episode 410 with a show rundown. Tory issues corrections: when last week's undefeated Power Four teams segment released, North Carolina and Grand Canyon were also unbeaten. This week's City of the Week is Spartanburg, South Carolina, citing USC Upstate, nearby JUCOs, and the Tiger River softball complex. Player of the Week is a player recognized for commitment and rapid improvement despite little prior experience. Listener question asks how long pitchers should warm up; they stress that “ready” means able to locate every expected pitch (not just feeling loose), that travel-ball uncertainty can tempt corner-cutting, and that pitcher plans and honest fatigue communication help. The lead-off segment begins with part one of an interview with Ken Krause and Jay Bolden of the “From the Coach's Mouth” podcast: Ken coached travel ball ~15 years, shifted to full-time lessons; Jay is an educator who entered softball via a JV opening, played men's fastpitch, coached travel/high school, and has coached college while teaching pitching/hitting. They describe a guest-interview format plus occasional topic episodes  Key takeaways include lifelong learning, coaching the person first, and hearing elite coaches' doubts and growth journeys. They highlight Bill Hillhouse's influence on pitching mechanics and Rick Pauly's mentorship and and discuss increased crossover from men's fastpitch into women's programs. In cleanup, Coach Tory and Coach Don address travel-ball organizations pushing “D1 or bust,” arguing it's often marketing that discounts strong D2/NAIA options, overlooks playing time realities, and ignores that any college roster spot signifies a high-level player; they also note NIL/transfer portal dynamics. The coaching tip emphasizes written practice plans, “everyday drills,” targeting weaknesses with data, better staff coordination, and using past plans to prevent recurring problems.Support the show

On today's newscast: Uranium shipments on Navajo Nation to face new rules, human remains identified in cold case of missing Golden Valley man, part of North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon reopens, and more.

For the first time since last summer's Dragon Bravo Fire, the National Park Service has spoken in depth about the true condition of the North Kaibab Trail. In this exclusive interview, Grand Canyon Trail Supervisor Adam Gibson shares what he saw firsthand on Upper North Kaibab — debris flows powerful enough to erase stone structures, hydrophobic soils accelerating runoff, and elevated risk that could reshape Rim-to-Rim hiking for years. This is the clearest picture yet of what's happening behind the scenes, what reopening realistically looks like, and why uncertainty may define the 2025 season. If you care about North Kaibab, this is essential listening.*****Our new hiking packs are here! Our signature Rim2Rim Pack is back, along with the new Canyon Elite 25, which takes the same features that made the Rim2Rim Pack famous — namely its front pockets and insulated hydration pocket — and adds a much-requested hip belt to make it even easier to dial in your fit. Find out more and order yours at hiKin.club. Supplies are limited, so be sure to check it out today.*****Please join Hike Club Grand Canyon on Facebook by clicking here. This is the official group of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show, and it's a judgment-free zone full of interaction, information, and inspiration—it's simply THE place to get the best information in advance of your Canyon adventure. Join Brian, Coach Arnie, and most of the guests you've heard on the show in an environment created to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience below the rim. It's completely free.*****Bright Angel Outfitters is now hiKin, where hiking meets kinship to form a community of like-minded hikers dedicated to helping each other hike our best hike. It's about all of us. *****To reach Coach Arnie, you can call or text him (yes, really!) at (602) 390-9144 or send him a message on Instagram @painfreearnie.*****Have an idea for the show, or someone you think would be a great guest? Reach out to Brian anytime at brian@hikin.club.*****The Grand Canyon Shade Tracker is our gift to the Grand Canyon hiking community. This incredible interactive tool lets you see when and where you'll have precious shade on your Grand Canyon hike—every route on every hour of every day of the year. Check it out at gcshadetracker.com. Another free resource from hiKin aimed at making your Grand Canyon adventure the best and safest it can be.*****For more great Grand Canyon content, please check us out on the following platforms:YouTube (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for informative and inspirational videosInstagram (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for photos from the trailTikTok (@GrandCanyonHikerDude) for fun and informative short-form videosFacebook (@GrandCanyonHikerDude)

Colorado St vs. New Mexico College Basketball Pick Prediction by Tony T. Colorado St vs. New Mexico Profiles Colorado St at New Mexico 10PM ET— Colorado St has a record of 19-10 overall and 10-8 in the Mountain West with road wins against Grand Canyon, Air Force, UNLV as well as San Jose St. Road defeats against Utah St, Fresno St, Boise St, San Diego St and Wyoming. New Mexico is 22-7 along with 13-5 in the Mountain West with home wins against San Jose St, Wyoming, Grand Canyon, Fresno St, Nevada, Air Force and San Diego St. Home losses against Utah ST and Boise St.

Spring is here, the parks are waking up, and the rails are shining again.In this episode, we kick things off with opening weekend energy and dive into the momentum building across Texas parks. Then we sit down with JB Thrills (@jb_thrills_), one of the most recognizable voices in the Texas coaster scene. From boots-on-the-ground updates at Six Flags Over Texas to major ride announcements and growing nationwide coverage, JB shares how he built his platform, what drives his passion, and where he sees the Texas thrill scene heading next.We also hear a powerful story from Jake (@jake_likesrides) about a trip to the Grand Canyon that helped him reconnect with himself — and how roller coasters unexpectedly became part of that journey back. It's a reminder that this hobby is more than just rides — it's community, healing, and finding joy again.Whether you're planning your first park day of the season or just counting down to your next credit, this one's for you.The rails are polished.

Today on Coast To Coast Hoops Greg recaps Monday's college basketball results, talks to Trist Freeman of Bustin Brackets about the landscape of the ACC & Atlantic 10 conferences, & the conference tournaments to watch this week, & Greg picks & analyzes every Tuesday game! Link To Greg's Spreadsheet of handicapped lines: https://vsin.com/college-basketball/greg-petersons-daily-college-basketball-lines/ Greg's TikTok With Pickmas Pick Videos: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregpetersonsports?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Podcast Highlights  2:42-Recap of Monday's Results 14:09-Interview with Rocco Miller 28:53-Start of picks Tennessee vs South Carolina 31:24-Picks & analysis for Eastern Michigan vs Buffalo 33:54-Picks & analysis for Alabama vs Georgia 36:14-Picks & analysis for Towson vs Stony Brook 38:47-Picks & analysis for BYU vs Cincinnati 41:24-Picks & analysis for Dayton vs Richmond 43:24-Picks & analysis for TCU vs Texas Tech 45:44-Picks & analysis for George Mason vs VCU 48:01-Picks & analysis for Georgetown vs St. John's 50:33-Picks & analysis for Wake Forest vs Virginia 53:07-Picks & analysis for UNC Wilmington vs Elon 55:17-Picks & analysis for Kentucky vs Texas A&M 57:47-Picks & analysis for Toledo vs Miami OH 1:00:27-Picks & analysis for Ohio vs Massachusetts 1:02:34-Picks & analysis for Monmouth vs Northeastern 1:05:02-Picks & analysis for Clemson vs North Carolina 1:07:46-Picks & analysis for Missouri vs Oklahoma 1:09:40-Picks & analysis for Seton Hall vs Xavier 1:12:35-Picks & analysis for North Carolina A&T vs Campbell 1:15:12-Picks & analysis for Akron vs Central Michigan 1:17:33-Picks & analysis for Drexel vs Hofstra 1:19:43-Picks & analysis for Ball St vs Western Michigan 1:21:58-Picks & analysis for Oklahoma St vs Central Florida 1:24:18-Picks & analysis for Hampton vs William & Mary 1:26:22-Picks & analysis for Kent St vs Northern Illinois 1:29:05-Picks & analysis for Mississippi St vs Florida 1:31:58-Picks & analysis for West Virginia vs Kansas St 1:34:22-Picks & analysis for San Jose St vs Fresno St 1:36:44-Picks & analysis for Oregon vs Illinois 1:39:12-Picks & analysis for Vanderbilt vs Ole Miss 1:41:22-Picks & analysis for Kansas vs Arizona St 1:43:27-Picks & analysis for San Diego St vs Boise St 1:45:54-Picks & analysis for Syracuse vs Louisville 1:48:42-Picks & analysis for Boston College vs Virginia Tech 1:51:06-Picks & analysis for Colorado vs Utah 1:53:48-Picks & analysis for Grand Canyon vs Air Force 1:56:11-Picks & analysis for LSU vs Auburn 1:58;33-Picks & analysis for Nevada vs Wyoming 2:00:50-Picks & analysis for Nebraska vs UCLA 2:03:15-Picks & analysis for Utah St vs UNLV 2:05:47-Picks & analysis for Georgia St vs Louisiana 2:08:54-Picks & analysis for UL Monroe vs Old Dominion 2:11:32-Start of extra game UMBC vs NJIT 2:13:50-Picks & analysis for UMass Lowell vs Maine 2:15:52-Picks & analysis for Bryant vs New Hampshire 2:17:50-Picks & analysis for Albany vs Vermont 2:20:21-Picks & analysis for Southern vs Alabama St 2:22:30-Picks & analysis for Grambling vs Alabama A&M 2:24:47-Picks & analysis for Arkansas Pine Bluff vs Jackson St 2:26:53-Picks & analysis for Mississippi Valley St vs Alcorn St 2:28:55-Picks & analysis for Army vs Bucknell 2:30:52-Picks & analysis for Holy Cross vs Lafayette Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send a text

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker break down the win by Utah State men's basketball over Grand Canyon on Saturday. What were the key factors and how did USU pull off the win against a team that presented many potential matchup problems? Who were the big performances that stuck out? All that and more in this summary of Saturday's game.Eric and Jason also discuss the $2.5 million pledge to the Aggies' athletics department from an anonymous donor and the Mountain West championships won by Utah State Gymnastics and pole vaulter Logan Hammer.

There are over 140 games on the betting board for Saturday & Greg picks & analyzes EVERY one of them!  Link To Greg's Spreadsheet of handicapped lines: https://vsin.com/college-basketball/greg-petersons-daily-college-basketball-lines/ Greg's TikTok With Pickmas Pick Videos: https://www.tiktok.com/@gregpetersonsports?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Timemarkers 3:35-Start of picks NC State vs Notre Dame 6:04-Picks & analysis for Virginia vs Duke 8:02-Picks & analysis for Iowa vs Penn St 9:59-Picks & analysis for Seton Hall vs Connecticut 12:00-Picks & analysis for Florida St vs Georgia Tech 14:31-Picks & analysis for St. Joseph's vs Rhode Island 17:10-Picks & analysis for Colorado vs Houston 19:41-Picks & analysis for Fordham vs VCU 21:52-Picks & analysis for Missouri vs Mississippi St 24:18-Picks & analysis for New Mexico St vs Middle Tennessee 26:33-Picks & analysis for Cleveland St vs Robert Morris 29:22-Picks & analysis for Georgetown vs Xavier 31:44-Picks & analysis for Massachusetts vs Bowling Green 34:07-Picks & analysis for UCLA vs Minnesota 36:32-Picks & analysis for Campbell vs Towson 38:44-Picks & analysis for South Dakota St vs South Dakota 41:14-Picks & analysis for Fort Wayne vs IU Indy 43:45-Picks & analysis for William & Mary vs No Carolina A&T 46:22-Picks & analysis for Oklahoma St vs Cincinnati 48:38-Picks & analysis for Oregon vs Northwestern 50:56-Picks & analysis for Central Michigan vs Buffalo 53:22-Picks & analysis for Boston College vs Miami 55:52-Picks & analysis for Vanderbilt vs Kentucky 58:04-Picks & analysis for San Diego St vs New Mexico 1:00:26-Picks & analysis for Youngstown St vs UW Green Bay 1:02:54-Picks & analysis for St. Bonaventure vs George Mason 1:05:06-Picks & analysis for VMI vs Chattanooga 1:07:06-Picks & analysis for The Citadel vs Wofford 1:09:30-Picks & analysis for Louisville vs Clemson 1:11:48-Picks & analysis for Sacramento St vs Montana St 1:14:19-Picks & analysis for Detroit vs Oakland 1:16:10-Picks & analysis for Florida International vs Louisiana Tech 1:18:40-Picks & analysis for Elon vs Monmouth 1:21:19-Picks & analysis for UTEP vs Western Kentucky 1:24:25-Picks & analysis for South Carolina vs Georgia 1:27:01-Picks & analysis for Utah vs Arizona St 1:29:28-Picks & analysis for Richmond vs Loyola IL 1:31:45-Picks & analysis for Texas Tech vs Iowa St 1:34:02-Picks & analysis for Northern Colorado vs Idaho 1:36:37-Picks & analysis for Ball St vs Northern Illinois 1:38:58-Picks & analysis for San Diego vs Portland 1:41:17-Picks & analysis for Portland St vs Montana 1:43:28-Picks & analysis for Toledo vs Ohio 1:45:39-Picks & analysis for Nebraska vs USC 1:48:26-Picks & analysis for Kansas vs Arizona 1:50:40-Picks & analysis for Valparaiso vs Evansville 1:52:39-Picks & analysis for Northeastern vs Hampton 1:55:13-Picks & analysis for Southern Indiana vs Little Rock 1:57:33-Picks & analysis for Northern Arizona vs Eastern Washington 1:59:49-Picks & analysis for Abilene Christian vs Utah Valley 2:02:29-Picks & analysis for Texas vs Texas A&M 2:04:58-Picks & analysis for Wisconsin vs Washington 2:06:48-Picks & analysis for Pittsburgh vs California 2:08:42-Picks & analysis for Air Force vs Wyoming 2:10:41-Picks & analysis for Tennessee St vs UT Martin 2:13:09-Picks & analysis for Lindenwood vs Western Illinois 2:15:06-Picks & analysis for Eastern Illinois vs SIU Edwardsville 2:17:36-Picks & analysis for East Tennessee vs Mercer 2:20:09-Picks & analysis for Tennessee Tech vs SE Missouri St 2:22:07-Picks & analysis for Colorado St vs San Jose St 2:24:21-Picks & analysis for North Dakota vs North Dakota St 2:26:38-Picks & analysis for Delaware vs Kennesaw St 2:29:10-Picks & analysis for Providence vs Creighton 2:31:09-Picks & analysis for Missouri St vs Sam Houston 2:33:07-Picks & analysis for Furman vs Western Carolina 2:35:28-Picks & analysis for BYU vs West Virginia 2:37:21-Picks & analysis for Syracuse vs Wake Forest 2:39:53-Picks & analysis for Oklahoma vs LSU 2:42:17-Picks & analysis for Dartmouth vs Princeton 2:44:43-Picks & analysis for Yale Columbia 2:47:00-Picks & analysis for SMU vs Stanford 2:49:35-Picks & analysis for Brown vs Cornell 2:51:47-Picks & analysis for UNC Greensboro vs Samford 2:54:13-Picks & analysis for Liberty vs Jacksonville St 2:56:34-Picks & analysis for Harvard vs Penn 2:59:17-Picks & analysis for San Francisco vs Pacific 3:01:40-Picks & analysis for Weber St vs Idaho St 3:04:01-Picks & analysis for Alabama vs Tennessee 3:06:12-Picks & analysis for TCU vs Kansas St 3:08:08-Picks & analysis for Wright St vs Northern Kentucky 3:11:00-Picks & analysis for Hawaii vs CS Fullerton 3:13:16-Picks & analysis for Stony Brook vs Hofstra 3:15:06-Picks & analysis for Boise St vs Fresno St 3:17:17-Picks & analysis for Washington St vs Pepperdine 3:19:19-Picks & analysis for Oral Robert vs Kansas City 3:21:28-Picks & analysis for Omaha vs St. Thomas 3:23:28-Picks & analysis for Oregon St vs Santa Clara 3:25:29-Picks & analysis for Baylor vs Central Florida 3:27:29-Picks & analysis for CS Northridge vs UC Riverside 3:29:21-Picks & analysis for Villanova vs St. John's  3:31:45-Picks & analysis for Duquesne vs Saint Louis 3:34:11-Picks & analysis for Ole Miss vs Auburn 3:36:27-Picks & analysis for Arkansas vs Florida 3:38:29-Picks & analysis for Utah Tech vs Southern Utah 3:40:36-Picks & analysis for Virginia Tech vs North Carolina 3:42:27-Picks & analysis for Tarleton St vs Cal Baptist 3:44:19-Picks & analysis for Seattle vs Loyola Marymount 3:46:12-Picks & analysis for Long Beach St vs CS Bakersfield 3:48:21-Picks & analysis for Nevada vs UNLV 3:50:27-Picks & analysis for Grand Canyon vs Utah St 3:52:38-Picks & analysis for Cal Poly vs UC San Diego 3:54:56-Picks & analysis for UC Santa Barbara vs UC Irvine 3:56:55-Picks & analysis for Gonzaga vs St. Mary's 4:01:05-Start of extra games Le Moyne vs New Haven 4:02:40-Picks & analysis for Army vs Lafayette 4:04:33-Picks & analysis for Chicago St vs Wagner 4:06:19-Picks & analysis for St. Francis PA vs Central Connecticut 4:08:10-Picks & analysis for Queens NC vs Central Arkansas 4:10:08-Picks & analysis for Austin Peay vs Bellarmine 4:12:05-Picks & analysis for Boston U vs American 4:14:05-Picks & analysis for Charleston Southern vs UNC Asheville 4:16:12-Picks & analysis for UMB vs UMass Lowell 4:18:25-Picks & analysis for Florida Gulf Coast vs Stetson 4:20:11-Picks & analysis for Loyola MD vs Holy Cross 4:22:06-Picks & analysis for New Hampshire vs Albany 4:23:49-Picks & analysis for Maine vs Binghamton 4:25:36-Picks & analysis for Mercyhurst vs Stonehill 4:27:29-Picks & analysis for Bucknell vs Lehigh 4:29:13-Picks & analysis for North Alabama vs West Georgia 4:31:20-Picks & analysis for Gardner Webb vs USC Upstate 4:33:22-Picks & analysis for Radford vs Longwood 4:35:24-Picks & analysis for Bethune Cookman vs Southern 4:37:20-Picks & analysis for NJIT vs Bryant 4:39:01-Picks & analysis for Colgate vs Navy 4:40:34-Picks & analysis for Howard vs Morgan St 4:42:40-Picks & analysis for Presbyterian vs Winthrop 4:44:22-Picks & analysis for Lipscomb vs Eastern Kentucky 4:46:09-Picks & analysis for SE Louisiana vs Nicholls 4:48:01-Picks & analysis for Fairleigh Dickinson vs Long Island 4:49:52-Picks & analysis for South Carolina St vs Maryland Eastern Shore 4:51:41-Picks & analysis for Norfolk St vs Coppin St 4:53:31-Picks & analysis for NC Central vs Delaware St 4:55:14-Picks & analysis for Stephen F Austin vs Houston Christian 4:57:04-Picks & analysis for Lamar vs Incarnate Word 4:59:13-Picks & analysis for Alabama St vs Alabama A&M 5:01:15-Picks & analysis for Jackson St vs Texas Southern 5:03:00-Picks & analysis for Alcorn St vs Prairie View 5:04:34-Picks & analysis for East Texas A&M vs UT Rio Grande Valley 5:06:31-Picks & analysis for McNeese vs New Orleans 5:08:15-Picks & analysis for Jacksonville vs North Florida 5:10:24-Picks & analysis for Mississippi Valley St vs Arkansas Pine Bluff 5:12:32-Picks & analysis for Northwestern St vs Texas A&M CC 5:14:25-Picks & analysis for Florida A&M vs Grambling Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker preview Utah State men's basketball and their game against Grand Canyon this weekend. They go over what went wrong in the last matchup between the Aggies and Lopes and what needs to change in this game, especially in light of USU's current two-game losing streak.

Route 66 through Arizona offers a lot of interesting history, sights, people and places that are well worth visiting, including the longest remaining unbroken stretch of original Route 66. We share our experience celebrating the centennial of Route 66 in this week's StressLess Camping RV podcast.  We drove from Kingman to Peach Springs, then on to Homolovi State Park. Along the way we saw a giant head, lots of old gas stations and cafes, and fun towns that really embrace Route 66 culture and history. We got to tour caverns and drive right down to the Colorado River on the western end of the Grand Canyon.   You can find this week's podcast at our home on the web or wherever you enjoy getting podcasts: https://www.stresslesscamping.com/podcast/0348 The StressLess Camping podcast is a weekly RV podcast with information, tips and tricks to help every RVer and camper enjoy some StressLess Camping.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees more than 12 million acres in Arizona alone. And much like the rest of the West, it has public lands making up national monuments that hold value for tribes. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, President Donald Trump's pick to run BLM pledged to respect them in his confirmation hearing this week. During his first term, President Trump shrank the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante in Utah – only for President Joe Biden to restore them and name 10 new ones. Former U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM) answered “yes” when asked about whether he was committed to honoring those sites by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA), who thanked the nominee for his “great” and “short, clear, concise, and on-the-record” answer. Pearce added that “the Native Americans sometimes are overlooked from Washington and …” when Sen. Padilla interrupted with, “And not just sometimes, far too often”. Pearce then noted “We became a voice for them, and would continue to do that.” Pearce doubled down when U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) asked about Arizona's Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni, which President Biden created near the South Rim in 2023. “The Grand Canyon, it's one of the most magnificent things, frankly, in the world. So we'll do whatever we can to work with you any way that's necessary.” X̱'unei Lance Twitchell teaching pre-kindergarten students. (Courtesy Ryan Conarro) Language educators in Juneau are working to create a Master's in Teaching program for teaching Indigenous languages at the University of Alaska Southeast. It would be the first of its kind in Alaska. KTOO’s Yvonne Krumrey reports. Lingít language professor X̱'unei Lance Twitchell talked about the possible future degree program during KTOO's Juneau Afternoon. “My colleague Éedaa Heather Burge and I are collaborating to create a certificate in teaching Indigenous languages, and as we look at how our language is taught in Alaska, who teaches them, what are their qualifications? What are they permitted to do in the current school systems? And what they’re permitted to do is just not enough.” The program would be for those who want to go into teaching Alaska Native languages to all ages. There are more than 20 distinct Indigenous languages throughout the state. Twitchell said the program still has some steps ahead of it before prospective students can enroll. “This degree has to go before the Board of Regents, and so we’re very hopeful that they will see the value in it. They’ll see the need. They’ll see the demand. I think it’s maybe one of two programs that are like it, perhaps in all of North America.” Twitchell said, while Southeast Alaska Native languages have endured and continue to grow, they should still be prioritized – and with urgency – by schools and communities. “But to be able to get to that is going to take some monumental shifts in the way that we do things, which is really hard today, because one of the things that a colonial government likes to do is pretend that there’s no time, there’s no money, everything’s already spoken for.” Twitchell said this program would create more pathways for educators who can advocate for time, money, and effort to go into revitalizing Indigenous languages. He said the program would focus on the “hows” of teaching Indigenous languages: how to create schools, build programs, and what materials to use. University officials are currently reviewing the proposal. After that, it'll be up to the University of Alaska Board of Regents to decide whether to approve the program. Meda DeWitt (Tlingit) is running for governor as an independent. (Courtesy DeWitt campaign) A 17th candidate has entered the Alaska governor’s race. Alaska Public Media’s Liz Ruskin has more. Meda DeWitt is a traditional healer, drawing on her Tlingit heritage. She teaches at the University of Alaska. She is running as an independent candidate, unaffiliated with any party. “I care about our future. I care about the way that we steward our lands and want to see a state that has a thriving ecosystem and healthy communities that can live in perpetuity.” In 2021, DeWitt chaired a campaign to recall Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-AK). The petition gathered more than 60,000 signatures but fell short of the number needed for a recall election. Her campaign website lists a wide array of priorities, from cost of living to health care to the state economy. DeWitt lives in Anchorage and has family roots in Wrangell and Yakutat, as well as relatives around the state. The August 18 primary will feature a long list of gubernatorial candidates, most running with the Republican label. In the primary, voters can choose just one. The top four candidates, of any party, will advance to the November ballot. General election voters will have the option of ranking up to four candidates. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Friday, February 27, 2026 — Native Playlist: Cary Morin and Status/Non-Status

Americana singer-songwriter Reverend Hylton shares how sobriety, van life touring, and radical leaps of faith shaped both his music and his life. From playing intimate Georgia venues to performing nearly 200 shows a year while living on the road, he reflects on songwriting as therapy, fatherhood, and a transformative journey through the Grand Canyon. This episode explores creativity, resilience, and what it means to truly follow the dream.

Back on this day in 1919, the Grand Canyon was offically designated as a national park. It was President Woodrow Wilson who would make it official.

In this episode, geologist-turned-writer Evan Howell discusses his High Country News article exploring the surprising scientific link between the Grand Canyon and Meteor Crater in northern Arizona.

A meteor strike tens of thousands of years ago in northern Arizona formed what is now called Meteor Crater. New research suggests that impact may have been felt elsewhere, too. Plus, the cultural forces that draw Filipinos into nursing in Arizona and around the country.

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 6 is here! Something Something Something Winslow, Arizona Route 66's Steepest Climb Randy discussed his journey along Route 66, focusing on the steep climb from Ash Fork to Williams, which he described as the steepest on the route. He explained that modern vehicles easily navigate this challenging terrain, unlike the early 20th-century cars that struggled to ascend. Randy also mentioned encountering abandoned cars along the route, which he finds fascinating and takes pictures of, though he lacks the expertise to identify many of the makes and models. Automotive Industry Consolidation History The discussion focused on the history of the automotive industry, with Randy sharing that a Ford Model T cost $250 in 1926 (equivalent to $4,500 today) while a Packard cost $3,300, and that there were 1,800 different car companies in the United States in the 1920s, compared to just three major companies today (Ford, GM, and Stellantis). They discussed how the industry has undergone significant consolidation over time, with many companies failing during the Great Depression and World War II playing a crucial role in Jeep's survival. Bubba noted parallels between the automotive industry's history and the current AI landscape, where many companies may eventually be consolidated down to a few major players. Williams: Route 66 Gateway The discussion focused on the history and significance of Williams, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained that Williams was the last town bypassed by Interstate 40, which was notable because they negotiated three distinct entrances and exits in exchange for being bypassed. They discussed the town's history as a gateway to the Grand Canyon, despite Route 66 not directly reaching the canyon, and highlighted the presence of the Grand Canyon Railway, which still operates train service from Williams to the Grand Canyon. The conversation also touched on the Harvey Hotels, which were prominent railroad stops with elegant dining and lodging, with La Posada in Winslow being one of the few remaining original Harvey houses. Flagstaff's Route 66 Resilience The discussion focused on the history and significance of Flagstaff, Arizona, as a key stop along Route 66. Randy explained how Flagstaff survived and thrived despite the construction of Interstate 40, attributing its success to the establishment of Northern Arizona University and the presence of the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. They discussed Flagstaff's unique dark sky ordinance requiring neon lights to be turned off 30 minutes after business hours, and Bubba shared a personal story about his son's astronomy class at NC State, where students can remotely control satellites to take pictures of celestial objects like galaxies Route 66: Winslow's Revival Journey The discussion focused on the history and development of towns along Route 66, particularly Winslow, which gained fame from the Eagles' song "Take It Easy." The town transformed from a ghost town to a popular tourist destination after building a park and statue on the corner referenced in the song. The conversation also covered Two Guns and Two Arrows, two nearby towns with different attractions, and mentioned that Route 66 passed through the Petrified Forest National Park before being rerouted. Route 66 Maintenance Challenges Randy discussed Route 66, highlighting its historical significance and the challenges in maintaining the original road for a national bike route. They explained that while some states have completed their sections, others like Arizona and New Mexico have not, making it dangerous for cyclists. Randy shared experiences driving through the Petrified Forest, describing its stunning rock formations and the transformation of the Painted Desert Inn into a visitor center. They noted that after Flagstaff, Route 66 becomes less maintained and less accessible, with many dead ends and issues with tribal land permissions. Route 66 Exploration and Challenges Randy shared his experience exploring Route 66 in Arizona, including visiting a 50,000-year-old crater and the town of Winslow, famous for the song "Take It Easy." They discussed the challenges of maintaining businesses along the less-traveled Route 66 compared to Interstate 40, noting the abundance of abandoned gas stations and trading posts. Randy highlighted the unique attractions in towns like Holbrook and Winslow, and mentioned plans to continue exploring Route 66 into New Mexico in the following week. Route 66 Podcast and Preservation Randy and Bubba discussed their ongoing Route 66 podcast and social media project, noting their growing Facebook following of 25,000 and plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in mid-March. They explored the challenges of preserving Route 66, including the need to complete certain sections to enable a bike path, and shared their concerns about younger generations losing interest in road trips. Bubba suggested the idea of renting classic cars along Route 66 to enhance the travel experience, and both agreed on the importance of capturing nostalgia for future generations. They also discussed their use of AI, specifically Beth, to assist with their project and the potential for future developments in automated driving.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

We’ve all seen things we’ll never forget. Maybe we saw Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Or we stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Or maybe it was watching our child take their first steps. But nothing on earth could have prepared these certain onlookers for the spectacle they were about to see. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the Transfiguration of Jesus, we’ll see it left them speechless. Well, should have left them speechless – but one of them spoke anyway. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all seen things we’ll never forget. Maybe we saw Old Faithful in Yellowstone. Or we stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Or maybe it was watching our child take their first steps. But nothing on earth could have prepared these certain onlookers for the spectacle they were about to see. Today on A NEW BEGINNING, as Pastor Greg Laurie takes us to the Transfiguration of Jesus, we’ll see it left them speechless. Well, should have left them speechless – but one of them spoke anyway. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Learn about its true origin and biblical significance. Consider going on one of our Grand Canyon tours!

The Padres made news in the past week with free agent signings. Now the question is, can these guys perform? MLB Union Chief Tony Clark is in a lot of trouble. Week of Opinions with Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers. San Diego State suffers a bad loss to Grand Canyon and Aztec Nation is not taking it well. USD fires Steve Lavin and UCLA's Mick Cronin goes crazy. Lakers blueprint is not so clear. NFL trade rumors involving Raiders, Patriots, Cardinals, Jets, 49ers, Vikings, Dolphins, Chiefs. SDSU Football finally gives in and lowers ticket prices. Olympic Hockey pointing to a Team USA vs Team Canada final for gold. Plus, Penguins, Gulls, and IOC. Gotta question or comment for Hacksaw? Drop your take in the live chat on YouTube, X or Facebook. Here's what Lee Hamilton thinks on Thursday, February 19, 2026.   1)...PADRES...STEAL THE HEADLINES THIS WEEK "WEEK OF DECISIONS"   PRELLER CASTELLANOS FRANCE BUEHLER MARQUEZ CANNING MC KENZIE GONZALEZ   2)...MLB UNION-LEADESHIP CRISIS…TONY CLARK "SHOCKING DECISIONS-FIRING"   3)...SPRING TRAINING NOTEBOOK…YANKEES/RED SOX/TIGERS) "WEEK OF OPINIONS"   ----------- 4)...AZTECS BASKETBALL…BRIAN DUTCHER "BAD LOSS...BAD REACTION"   5)...COLLEGE COACHING…USD-STEVE LAVIN, UCLA-MICK CRONIN "FIRING & ERUPTION"   6)...LAKERS-START 2ND HALF OF SEASON…ROB PELINKA/LEBRON JAMES "LAKERS-BLUEPRINT" ======== (HALFTIME-DIXIELINE LUMBER) ========= 7) NFL NOTEBOOK...BRING ON PLAYER DEALS "TRADE RUMOR CENTRAL"   RAIDERS...PATRIOTS ARIZONA...JETS 49ERS...VIKINGS MIAM CHIEFS   8)...SAN DIEGO STATE-TRIES TO RALLY FOOTBALL PROGRAM…JD WICKER "WE HAVE HEARD OUR FANS" -------------- 9)...HOT HEADLINES "OFF THE SPORTSWIRE"   TEAM USA...TEAM CANADA PITTSBURGH PENGUINS SAN DIEGO GULLS IOC LOGO =====   #MLB #yankees #redsox #tigers #PADRES #joemusgrove #michaelking #ajpreller #nickcastellanos #griffincanning #germanmarquez #tyfrance #walkerbuehler #aaronjudge #justinverlander #ALEXBREGMAN #RAFAELDEVERS #TONYCLARK #MLBPA #nfl #DOLPHINS #JETS #PATRIOTS #CHIEFS #CHARGERS #RAIDERS #VIKINGS #49ERS #CARDINALS #raiders #maxxcrosby #chargers #MEHKIBECTON #tyreekhill #justinfields #tuatagovaiola #rasheerice #kylermurray #macjones #lakers #lebronjames #grandcanyon #sandiegostate #aztecs #sdsu #jdwicker #ucla #briandutcher #milesbyrd #usd #stevelavin #nhl #penguins #sidneycrosby #connormcdavid #megankeller #teamusa #teamcanada       Be sure to share this episode with a friend! ☆☆ STAY CONNECTED ☆☆ For more of Hacksaw's Headlines, The Best 15 Minutes, One Man's Opinion, and Hacksaw's Pro Football Notebook: http://www.leehacksawhamilton.com/ SUBSCRIBE on YouTube for more reactions, upcoming shows and more! ► https://www.youtube.com/c/leehacksawhamiltonsports FACEBOOK ➡ https://www.facebook.com/leehacksaw.hamilton.9 TWITTER ➡ https://twitter.com/hacksaw1090 TIKTOK ➡ https://www.tiktok.com/@leehacksawhamilton INSTAGRAM ➡ https://www.instagram.com/leehacksawhamiltonsports/ To get the latest news and information about sports, join Hacksaw's Insider's Group. It's free! https://www.leehacksawhamilton.com/team/ Thank you to our sponsors: Dixieline Lumber and Home Centers https://www.dixieline.com/  

Americans are capable of achieving extraordinary things when they have the freedom and opportunity to do so. This is American Potential, and in this episode, host David From continues the “50 Stars, 50 Stories” series with a February-themed deep dive into the states that joined the Union during this month. David is joined by Ross Connolly, Americans for Prosperity's regional state director for the Northeast, and Stephen Shadegg, AFP's state director in Arizona. Together, they test their knowledge with fast-paced trivia covering Oregon, Massachusetts, and Arizona—touching on everything from the Oregon Trail and Salem's witch trials to the Grand Canyon and Pluto's discovery in Flagstaff. But the conversation doesn't stop at history. Ross and Stephen also share what's happening today in their regions. Stephen discusses Arizona's housing affordability crisis, energy policy, and long-term infrastructure challenges tied to rapid growth. Ross highlights how voters across the Northeast are pushing back against rising costs driven by bad energy and housing policy, and why there's real hope even in states that often get overlooked in national conversations. It's a lively mix of American history, state pride, and forward-looking policy—proof that understanding where we came from can help shape where we're going next.

At the bottom of Grand Canyon you can touch rocks from the original creation while touching flood layers. Why is that we have these distinct layers?

We talk about how to parent like a Sheppard, Grand Canyon restrictions, synchronicities between The Magus and Epstein Island,   more esoteric info on Epstein, Robots and Drones moving fast, Gosford glyphs, UFO's too big to move. Who was prevalent in the Pentagon in 2002? Why are the files missing during this time? Astral travelling to the Zorro ranch, and massive election fraud getting real. The Q side of some things..... Bondi the trapper.   To gain access to the second half of show and our Plus feed for audio and podcast please clink the link http://www.grimericaoutlawed.ca/support.   For second half of video (when applicable and audio) go to our Substack and Subscribe. https://grimericaoutlawed.substack.com/ or to our Locals  https://grimericaoutlawed.locals.com/ or Rokfin www.Rokfin.com/Grimerica Patreon https://www.patreon.com/grimericaoutlawed   Support the show directly: https://open.spotify.com/show/2punSyd9Cw76ZtvHxMKenI?si=ImKxfMHgQZ-oshl499O4dQ&nd=1&dlsi=4c25fa9c78674de3 Watch or Listen on Spotify https://grimericacbd.com/ CBD / THC Tinctures and Gummies https://grimerica.ca/support-2/ Our Adultbrain Audiobook Podcast and Website: www.adultbrain.ca Our Audiobook Youtube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@adultbrainaudiobookpublishing/videos Check out our next trip/conference/meetup - Contact at the Cabin www.contactatthecabin.com Other affiliated shows: www.grimerica.ca The OG Grimerica Show Join the chat / hangout with a bunch of fellow Grimericans  Https://t.me.grimerica grimerica.ca/chats   Discord Chats Darren's book www.acanadianshame.ca Eh-List Podcast and site: https://eh-list.ca/ Eh-List YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEh-List www.Rokfin.com/Grimerica Our channel on free speech Rokfin Leave a review on iTunes and/or Stitcher: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/grimerica-outlawed http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/grimerica-outlawed Sign up for our newsletter http://www.grimerica.ca/news SPAM Graham = and send him your synchronicities, feedback, strange experiences and psychedelic trip reports!! graham@grimerica.com InstaGRAM https://www.instagram.com/the_grimerica_show_podcast/  Purchase swag, with partial proceeds donated to the show www.grimerica.ca/swag Send us a postcard or letter http://www.grimerica.ca/contact/ ART - Napolean Duheme's site http://www.lostbreadcomic.com/  MUSIC Tru Northperception, Felix's Site sirfelix.bandcamp.com    Links to the stuff we chatted about: https://x.com/BrianRoemmele/status/2023911797468918081?s=20 https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2023791639601230195?s=20 https://x.com/XH_Lee23/status/2023387529135988951?s=20 https://x.com/KirkLubimov/status/2022118865136931034?s=20 https://x.com/BrianRoemmele/status/2022312845485183039?s=20 https://x.com/pascal_bornet/status/2022189257037935040?s=20 https://x.com/CyberRobooo/status/2021212181812138065?s=20 https://x.com/pascal_bornet/status/2009203711227347395?s=20 https://x.com/Auki/status/1999064846638121048?s=20 https://x.com/LearnWithBishal/status/1908539094545707498?s=20 https://x.com/NimaZeighami/status/2008698411512647705?s=20 https://x.com/ChineseEmbinAus/status/2007309698220077555?s=20 https://x.com/beatsinbrief/status/1938272594664526313?s=20 https://x.com/Rainmaker1973/status/2006961821442531507?s=20 https://x.com/nielslesniewski/status/2022961147214000268?s=20 https://x.com/Dprwpm/status/2023681336804815153?s=20 https://x.com/sayerjigmi/status/2023580172683825430?s=20 https://x.com/AreOhEssEyeEe/status/2023583121568923683?s=20 https://x.com/thedorbrothers/status/2023460644905742577?s=20 https://x.com/Smokahontas2024/status/2023173612908200312?s=20 https://x.com/TheQNewsPatriot/status/2023060881324531871?s=20 https://x.com/Milajoy/status/2022830824458961116?s=20 https://x.com/itscarterhughes/status/2022049781598896437?s=20 https://x.com/MrPool_QQ/status/2022040423737462789?s=20 https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2020834709266456904?s=20 https://x.com/BrianRoemmele/status/2012781177212481667?s=20 https://x.com/lukas_m_ziegler/status/2005551513758736395?s=20 https://x.com/pati_marins64/status/2010127240936468693?s=20 https://www.malone.news/p/house-report-on-eu-censorship-and?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=583200&post_id=187860068&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=24pqe&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gohAJUhru_M&t=195s https://jaimejessop.substack.com/p/islam-in-the-dog-house?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=576327&post_id=188173753&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=24pqe&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email https://x.com/thedrivenman/status/2023783887558918237?s=43 https://x.com/OMApproach/status/2023554142069821895 https://x.com/interstellaruap/status/2023779765757313443?s=43 https://x.com/interstellaruap/status/2023667482628944020?s=43 https://www.bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?ID=9552&PrinterFriendly=True https://x.com/naticoineth/status/2022886444394512576?s=43 https://x.com/shadowofezra/status/2023808532475216307?s=43 https://x.com/wallstreetapes/status/2023620094627332350?s=43 https://x.com/marionawfal/status/2023582548010357117?s=43 https://x.com/afshinrattansi/status/2023439869020692883?s=43 https://x.com/thedrivenman/status/2023486971704996240?s=43  

Ben & Woods kick off the 7am hour by talking about a critical home loss for San Diego State who fell last night to Grand Canyon 73-63, and if their only chance to make the NCAA Tournament now means winning the MW Tournament next month? Then we get to "Don't (And DO) Do This" before we head out to Peoria where Spring Training Sammy Levitt is standing by for his daily check-in! Listen here!

Some Phillies media and fans are trashing Nick Castellanos on his way out of Philly. SDSU suffers another brutal loss to Grand Canyon. Mick Cronin is a jackass. Netflix enters the MMA world. Olympic cheating scandal.Support the show: http://kaplanandcrew.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Seth and Josh welcome Rory Scovel to the podcast! Rory talks about growing up in Greenville, South Carolina as the second-oldest of seven (with five half-siblings), family beach trips to Myrtle Beach, his dad's ideal vacation at the beach, what his daughter thinks of his standup career now, taking his daughter to London, his favorite cities for shows like Amsterdam, Madrid, and Dublin, and reflects on how social media has changed international touring. Rory also talks about his comedy true-crime podcast series, “CrimeLess,” which is available now! CrimeLess is a production of iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network and SmartLess Media available weekly on Wednesdays on the iHeartRadio app, and everywhere podcasts are heard. Watch more Family Trips episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlqYOfxU_jQem4_NRJPM8_wLBrEEQ17B6 Support our sponsors: Mill Try Mill risk-free for 90 days and get $75 off at https://mill.com/trips and use code TRIPS at checkout. IQ Bar Text TRIPS to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply. Superpower Take the guesswork out of getting healthy in 2026. Get full body testing that goes 5x deeper than an annual physical and a personalized action plan that tells you exactly what to do next. All for just $199. Go to https://Superpower.com and use code TRIPS for $20 off your membership this year. Marley Spoon Use https://marleyspoon.com/offer/trips for 45% off your first order and free delivery. That's right… 45% off your first order and free delivery. AG1 For a limited time only, go to https://DRINKAG1.com/TRIPS to get a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler and AGZ Sampler to try all the flavors, plus FREE Vitamin D3+K2 and AG1 Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS WEEK'S STORIES: • Pride flag removed at Stonewall National Monument following new federal guidance • New Interior Department communication rules reshape how parks share information • A possible new national park along the Los Angeles coast enters public comment • Special resource study launched on historic lynching sites in the Memphis area • Historic restoration underway at Grand Canyon's Lookout Studio • Olympic marmot may be headed toward Endangered Species Act protection • Yosemite's Horsetail Fall “Firefall” returns for 2026 • Oregon State Parks visitation dips after years of record crowds If you care about national parks, public lands, and the stories shaping how we experience these places — subscribe for weekly coverage and deeper context behind the headlines. Comment on the LA Coastline National Park Study: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsOpenForReview.cfm?projectID=133718&parkID=415 Comment on the Memphis Lynching Site Study: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/documentsOpenForReview.cfm?projectID=124261&parkID=415 Join the PARKography Facebook group to discuss this episode and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parkography

We hear “the outdoors are for everyone” a lot, and while that is true, accessibility to the outdoors is not always created equal. Today's episode is dedicated to two remarkable stories of people with disabilities reaching for history in National Parks. A group of paraplegic hikers who set out to climb Guadalupe Peak in wheelchairs and two kayakers who paddled through the Grand Canyon—facing some of the hardest whitewater in the world—completely blind.Documentaries: Assault on the Mountain, The Weight of Water, Blink, Wampler's Ascent Books: No Barriers: A Blind Man's Journey to Kayak the Grand Canyon by Buddy Levy and Erik Weihenmayer​​Touch the Top of the World by Erik WeihenmayerPodcasts: No Barriers For a full list of our sources, visit http://npadpodcast.com/episodesFor the latest NPAD updates, group travel details, merch and more, follow us on npadpodcast.com and our socials at:Instagram: @‌nationalparkafterdarkTikTok: @‌nationalparkafterdarkSupport the show by becoming an Outsider and receive ad free listening, bonus content and more on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Want to see our faces? Catch full episodes on our YouTube Page!Thank you to the week's partners!BetterHelp: National Park After Dark is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off.Butcher Box: Head to ButcherBox.com/NPAD to sign up. New listeners get their choice between filet mignon, ny strip, or chicken breast in every box for a year, free shipping, PLUS $20 off your first box.Liquid IV: Use our code NPAD at checkout to get 20% off your first order.3 Day Blinds: For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/NPAD.