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Captagon, an illicit amphetamine, has earned the nickname “the jihad pill” for its unique role in modern conflict. Fighters across the Middle East, including ISIS during the height of the Syrian Civil War, have used the drug for stamina, fearlessness, and psychological detachment—turning it into a battlefield weapon as much as a narcotic. Reports have linked its use to Hamas militants during the October 7th attacks, reinforcing its association with both heightened aggression and religious militancy. The drug's stimulant effects keep combatants awake for days, enabling relentless violence while deadening physical and emotional inhibitions.More critically, Captagon has become a multi-billion-dollar revenue engine that sustains jihadist movements and authoritarian regimes alike. Syria, under the Assad regime, has become the epicenter of Captagon production, with military and political elites orchestrating its mass manufacture and export. Hezbollah acts as a key facilitator, protecting production lines and trafficking corridors, ensuring supply reaches lucrative markets in the Gulf, Europe, and Asia. The trade not only dwarfs much of the region's traditional economy but also provides a steady stream of funding to groups and governments otherwise strangled by sanctions—turning Captagon into both the financial backbone of jihad and a destabilizing force across the Middle East.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:How did Europe help Syria become a bigger drug dealer than Mexico's cartels? | Euronews
This week we're taking listeners down to the Texas coast. From the Selena Museum to Padre Island's breezy beaches, Corpus Christi is a city where art, food, and culture collide. Join us as we explore local galleries, fresh Gulf seafood, and the creative spirit that makes this destination unforgettable.____________________________________S03 Ep124 Original air date: September 21, 2024 (Episode 77)____________________________________Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @unscaledtravelshowTwitter: @fullmetaltravlrFacebook: @fullmetaltravelerWebsite: https://www.unscaledtravelshow.com/
TODAY IS THE 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina battering Louisiana and Gulf states. Killing at least 1,800 people and flooding New Orleans after the levees broke. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, host Joe Baya explores the late summer transition along the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, bringing you a packed episode of fishing insights, local knowledge, and hands-on strategies for anglers and families alike. In “Late Summer Bounty: Fall Fishing Tactics, Tech on the Water, and Gulf Coast Living,” Joe is joined by surf fishing expert Justin Reed, offshore technology innovator Tom Hilton, and inshore guide Captain Blake Nelson. Together, they break down what's happening as August gives way to September—from the explosion of bait in the bays and surf to the latest trends in offshore marlin and inshore redfish action. Learn how to adapt your approach as the seasons shift: discover why sand fleas are the hot bait for pompano, how to maximize your success with both simple and high-tech tactics, and what to look for when fishing bridges, flats, and the open Gulf. The episode also dives into the impact of technology on finding fish, the importance of confidence and pattern recognition, and how to keep fishing fun and accessible for the whole family. Plus, Joe and his guests discuss the evolving real estate market along the Gulf Coast, sharing tips for anglers looking to find their own slice of waterfront paradise. Whether you're a seasoned offshore angler, a surf fishing enthusiast, or just looking to get your kids hooked on fishing, this episode is your guide to making the most of late summer and gearing up for a fantastic fall on the water. Tune in for expert advice, local stories, and the inspiration you need to catch more fish and enjoy the Gulf Coast lifestyle! Sponsors Fishbites Dixie Supply and Baker Metal Killerdock Test Calibration Coastal Connection EXP Realty Great Days Outdoors Hilton's Realtime Navigator Bucks Island Marine AFTCO Sea Tow Shoreline Plastics Return Em Right Southeastern Pond Management Pure Flats Admiral Shellfish
We're heading into the long weekend, but not before breaking down the biggest stories from the week. Host Raheel Ramzanali is joined by political insider Rafael Lemaitre to break down what exactly is happening with Harris County's budget deficit. Plus, how one politician is pushing for Elon Musk's Boring Co. flood tunnel project. And, why teachers are taking HISD to court. Stories we talked about on today's show: A Texas Congressman Is Quietly Helping Elon Musk Pitch a $760M Plan to Build Tunnels Under Houston to Ease Flooding Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, Judge Lina Hidalgo hold separate budget briefings Harris County leaders clash over looming budget deficit Here are the Republicans who might run for Texas' newly drawn congressional seats Pay-for-performance dispute between Houston ISD and its largest teachers union continues in court Thursday Houston Furniture Bank Should Texans stop being surprised when the Gulf of Mexico is blue? Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode: British International School of Houston The Holdsworth CenterTurboTenant Downtown Houston+Wise Want to become a City Cast Houston Neighbor? Check out our membership program. Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Ed Uthman/Creative Commons
John Diorio, managing director and vice president of business development for Celestyal, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his first impressions of the boutique destination-focused cruise line, which sales the Mediterranean in Greece and the Adratic and the Gulf of Arabia. Diorio, who joined Celestyal only a few months ago also reveals details of the cruise line's new Sail & Stay program offering cruises with land packages in Athens. He also talks about Celestyal's travel advisor engagement survey and how that will result in new programs for the trade. For more information, visit www.celestyalcompass.com or www.celestyal.com. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean, iHeartRadio, Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.
MONEY FM 89.3 - Prime Time with Howie Lim, Bernard Lim & Finance Presenter JP Ong
Ever wondered how your bank or insurance app seems to know what you need—sometimes before you even do? It’s not magic. It’s AI, working quietly behind the scenes to power faster service, smarter recommendations, and seamless digital experiences. But making AI truly work for people—and feel relevant to local markets—is no easy feat. How are financial institutions in Southeast Asia and the Gulf pulling it off? And what role do smart regulations play in helping them innovate safely and fast? On The Right Business, Hongbin Jeong speaks with Tomas Skuomal, Chairman & Co-Founder of Dyna.ai, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What should have been the happiness and excitement of their first week back at school turned into terror and heartbreak. An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed and 17 people were injured during a shooting today at a Mass for students at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. Plus, 20 years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf region, we take you back to the floodwaters, and one of the most powerful moments we reported on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Conditions close to the United States are more favorable for tropical depression formation due to the Gulf Stream current and the warm Gulf waters. Also, cool, fall-like weather will have people reaching for jeans and sweatshirts rather than shorts and bathing suits across the Great Lakes and Northeast into the Labor Day weekend, according to AccuWeather meteorologists. Temperatures more common for October will trend as much as 15 degrees below historical averages, with near-record lows at night for many locations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On August 25th, 2005, Hurricane Katrina crossed over South Florida and into the Gulf, where it quickly strengthened into a massive category 5 storm. Gulf Coast residents watched with increasing alarm as it became obvious that Mississippi was in the crosshairs of this once-in-a-generation weather event. As President George W. Bush declared a state of emergency and evacuations were ordered for New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, emergency crews, equipment, and supplies, were prepositioned for the rescue and recovery efforts that would follow. Key to those efforts would be the Mississippi National Guard. Already stretched thin due to deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, Adjutant General Harrold "Hac" Cross knew we would need assistance from other states to meet the moment. When the storm made landfall near the Louisiana-Mississippi state line early on the morning of August 29, those who were unable or unwilling to evacuate experienced sustained winds of 120 miles per hour and a 27 foot wall of water. Many clung to trees or floating debris, desperate to survive. By the time Hurricane Katrina left Mississippi, no part of the state was left untouched. All 82 counties were declared disaster areas. On the Gulf Coast, some 90% of the buildings within a half mile of the shoreline were wiped away, leaving 238 people dead, 67 missing, and billions of dollars in damages. As massive as the storm itself was the rescue and recovery efforts. Relief agencies and philanthropic groups from around the world descended on Mississippi with truckloads of food, water, and other desperately need supplies. Rescue and relief would take weeks, recovery efforts would take years. Even before the power was fully restored, the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage at the University of Southern Mississippi began planning for an oral history project to preserve for future generations, the shared impact of what our people had just experienced. Over the next five years, the Center would collect some 400-plus interviews to be used for museum exhibits, presentations, books, radio programs, and even a stage play. In this four-episode podcast series, produced by the Center for Oral History and Cultural Heritage, and the Center for the Study of the National Guard at USM, with support from the Mississippi Humanities Council, we will mine that collection for stories of survival and resilience. To those stories we will add new interviews with key decision-makers and scholars to gain some new perspectives on the lasting legacy of Hurricane Katrina. I'm your host Bill Ellison, inviting you to take this journey with me as we witness the ferocity of nature and the resilience of our citizens. Mississippi Moments Presents: Voices of Our People - Hurricane Katrina: Twenty Years Later. Hosted by Bill Ellison Produced by Ross Walton Executive Producer Dr. Kevin Greene. Written by Ross Walton, Isabel Loya, Jerra Runnels, Andrew Leib, and Holli Parker. Additional interviews were conducted by Isabel Loya, Jerra Runnels and Andrew Leib. Graphic Design and Social Media: Isabel Loya. Special thanks to the Center for the Study of the National Guard and the Mississippi Humanities Council.
Last month, when the Trump regime allied with Israel in their Twelve-Day War and bombed Iran, there was much scrutiny of presidential war powers. In this episode, I look at the evolution of undeclared wars and military authorizations throughout US history, specifically examining the conspiracy claims about two preludes to war: Pearl Harbor and the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Get 3 months of premium wireless service for $15 bucks a month at MintMobile.com/Blindness Check out the show merch, perfect for gifts! Pledge support on Patreon to get an ad-free feed with exclusive episodes! Check out my novel, Manuscript Found! Find a transcript of this episode with source citations and related imagery at www.historicalblindness.com. Direct all advertising inquiries to advertising@airwavemedia.com. Visit www.airwavemedia.com to find other high-quality podcasts! Some music on this episode was licensed under a Blue Dot Sessions blanket license at the time of this episode's publication. Tracks include "Tarte Tatin," "Illa Vallardo," "Delicates," "Cicle Vascule," "Vellum and Steel," "Black Ballots," and "Cicle Deserrat." Additional music, including "Remedy for Melancholy" and "Wake Up" is by Kai Engel, licensed under Creative Commons. Other music: "Leaving Home" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today we talk about a little remember battle that could have been a turning point in the First World War - a battle between the German High Seas fleet and the Russian Baltic fleet in the Gulf of Riga.
Today's episode is one of the more encouraging and hopeful conversations I've had the pleasure of recording. My guest is Sam Baker, co-founder of WriggleBrew, a company on a mission to combat one of the most insidious environmental issues we face today: toxic algal blooms.These blooms occur globally, devastating everything from our local inland lakes to the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, and even here in the San Francisco Bay, right in my own backyard. They create vast "dead zones" that choke out life, and their leading cause is something you might not expect: synthetic fertilizers.In this episode, Sam and I get into the details of why synthetic fertilizers leave a trail of destruction, and why they've become so deeply ingrained in large-scale farming. We'll explore how Wriggle Brew has developed a game-changing solution by figuring out how to scale up worm casting production into a stable liquid form—a critical breakthrough for sustainable agriculture.And we don't stop there. Did you know that some insect larvae can break down plastics? Sam shares how he and his team are working to replicate that process in bioreactors. It's an inspiring look at how nature and innovation can come together to solve some of our biggest problems.This is a truly fascinating and hopeful discussion, and I can't wait for you to hear it.You can find WriggleBrew and learn more about their work at wrigglebrew.com, and at wrigglebrew on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.FULL SHOW NOTES (with photos!)Related EpisodesGabe Brown: https://naturesarchive.com/2023/06/19/regenerative/Elaine Ingham: https://naturesarchive.com/2022/02/07/soil/LINKSWriggleBrew.comThe Soil Triangle (texture)Support Us On Patreon!Buy our Merch!Music: Spellbound by Brian Holtz MusicLicense (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-licenseArtist site: https://brianholtzmusic.com Discover the Jumpstart Nature Podcast - entertaining and immersive, it's the nature fix we all need.Check past Nature's Archive episodes for amazing guests like Doug Tallamy, Elaine Ingham, and Rae Wynn-Grant, covering topics from bird migration to fungi to frogs and bats!
Mo Ogrodnik is an NYU Professor who served as the associate dean of the arts for NYU in Abu Dhabi. She is the author of GULF, a novel tracing the intertwined journeys of five women—from the Philippines, Ethiopia, and New York City—whose lives converge in the Arabian Gulf with both devastating and transformative consequences. Yasmeen Hassan is a prominent Pakistani-American lawyer and women's rights advocate who served as Global Executive Director of Equality Now.
The unofficial end of summer will feature a little bit of everything, ranging from triple-digit heat in the Southwest, tropical downpours near the Gulf and even sweater weather to millions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On the Middle East with Andrew Parasiliti, an Al-Monitor Podcast
Last week's arrest of Lahur Talabani in a violent raid that left four dead set a dangerous precedent, one that could undermine PUK leader Bafel Talabani and the Kurdistan region as a whole, says independent analyst Shayan Talabany.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Whiskey of the Week: Balcones True Blue (Blue Corn Whiskey) — butterscotch, vanilla tasting notes. Firebro pours his out in disgust. Also sampled – Red River Distillery's Vermejo Añejo agave spirit (aka “not-tequila tequila”).The Bros kicked things off with their usual mix of raunch and banter, warning listeners (again) not to look up “donkey punch.” They joked about becoming feminists with back-to-back female guests, then welcomed Amanda Black (returning) and Crystal Cardwell (mayor of Newark).Conversation roamed through Boyd speed traps, regional quirks (is it “flip” or “flick” someone off?), and Florida vs Texas Gulf Coast beaches — with a joke that “Trump renamed it the Gulf of America.”Big highlight: Camp Quit Your Bitchin' — a new glamping resort on Lake Bridgeport with stagecoach cabins, futuristic vessels, saloon, beer garden, and tetherball. Its grand opening hits Labor Day weekend. Guest Crystal's marketing firm Pugnacious drives their campaigns, with a fiery, media-savvy approach that could boost shows like Whiskey Bros.Side trails included aviation streaming apps, small-plane claustrophobia, and fishing nostalgia. All delivered in the Bros' trademark style: local politics + whiskey + unapologetic humor.#WhiskeyBros #WhiskeyBrosPodcast #TheUnprofessionals #Unprofessionals #CertifiedUnprofessional #MarkerCellars #WineNotWhiskey #ClydeMystery #AudiobookWars #TexasPodcasts #WiseCounty #WiseCountyTalk #Atrantil #AtrantilAdventures #FoundersBrewery #HighWest #StillAustin #WhistlePig #EvanWilliams #BuffaloTrace #MarkerCellars #BalconesWhiskey #RedRiverDistillery #CampQuitYourBitchin
Twenty years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated America's Gulf coast and overwhelmed the city of New Orleans. The destruction and the response to the storm became infamous and are debated to this day. Climate scientists warn that the warming world is likely to make typhoons, cyclones and hurricanes more intense and so even more dangerous. Graihagh Jackson and Jordan Dunbar ask what the world has learned since the disaster in New Orleans, and how we can build cities that can stand up better to more extreme weather events. They chat to Prof Reggie DesRoches, an engineer who was on the ground in the aftermath of Katrina to help find out what had gone wrong. His work specialises in adapting infrastructure for natural disasters, including developing innovative materials and practical techniques that might just help us adapt to more violent storms. Can we build a world where hurricanes can't kill? Guest: Prof Reggie DesRoches, President, Rice University, HoustonPresenter: Graihagh Jackson with Jordan Dunbar Producers: Jordan Dunbar, Di Richardson and Nik Sindle Sound mix: Tom Brignell and Sarah Kimberley Editor: Simon WattsGot a climate question you'd like answered? Email: TheClimateQuestion@BBC.com or WhatsApp: +44 8000 321 721
Rebecca Tickell is an actor, singer, writer, producer, and environmental activist. Born in Ohio in a farming community, her roots are deep in agriculture. After moving to Vermont with her mother, at nine years old she became a movie star, playing a leading role in the Christmas-classic Prancer. She was instantly famous, appearing on the Today show and the Tonight show, among others. From that early age, she knew that she wanted to be a storyteller, using films to reach the masses.After a start in Hollywood, and a role in a horror film, Rebecca knew that she wanted to focus on films that make a difference. After seeing Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth, it became clear to her that she wanted to tell stories about the ravages of climate change and ways to save the Earth. Working with her husband Josh, they have produced over 20 climate-conscious films... reaching some 2 billion people.Their first films focused on oil... its devastating impacts... made crystal clear by their documentary on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. Filming the accident poisoned Rebecca and solidified her commitment to caring for the planet.Influenced by a colleague, they shifted from oil to soil, highlighting the great value of soil in carbon sequestration. Paul Hawken's Project Drawdown influenced Rebecca. By caring for the soil through regenerative agriculture, Hawken stated that the teraton of carbon that humans have released to the atmosphere since the industrial revolution could be captured. She and Josh then bought a farm in Ventura County to practice what they preached.Rebecca discusses the basic tenets of regenerative agriculture, and how it can not only boost production, but address the vast areas of land globally that have been desertified. Their award-winning and broadly revered films -- Kiss the Soil and Common Ground -- have been rooted in rebuilding the soil. And they highlight successes, more profitable forms of agriculture, a greater diversity of products able to withstand droughts, fires, and flood. Farmers are finding that eliminating herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides can save them $400 an acre... helping them break out of the vicious farming cycle of loans and risk and unhealthy produce.Today, Rebecca notes that about 5% of American agriculture is based on the principles of regeneration,. But this is ten times what it was five years ago... and projections suggest that 10% of American farming will be regenerative in the next few years. This is the tipping point... when the forces of logic in agriculture become unstoppable, both domestically and worldwide.Healthy soils lead to healthy food, which leads to healthy people. Our health, Rebecca makes clear, is a reflection of the health of our soil. The health of our guts is a reflection of the health of the microorganisms in our soil. This will happen acre by acre, inch by inch. For more information and to download Rebecca's films, visit bigpictureranch.com.
Maybe what angry drivers really need is just a little toot; 20 years later, the Lower Ninth Ward is moving up but still needs help; Shout out to the snowflakes crying into the Gulf of Mexico; Flag-burning is abhorrent but it's still protected speech; This terrible list of sports movies is missing a couple big ones
You wouldn't believe what MAGA crybabies will say about you if you dare to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by it's proper name
Meet Nour Al Din Al Youssef — one of the most recognized media personalities in the Arab world. Nour began his television journey at just 13 years old and quickly rose to fame through his dynamic presence on major networks like Dubai TV, Al Jazeera, MBC, Alhurra, Sama Dubai, and Abu Dhabi TV.Don't miss this conversation with a true pioneer of Gulf media — blending tradition with innovation, storytelling with purpose.Subscribe for more inspiring profiles and exclusive podcast episodes.#hikmatwehbipodcast #podcast#arabicpodcast #nouraldin#wstudiodxbحكمت_وهبي#حكمت_وهبي_بودكاست#
#sports #prepsportsnation #highschoolathlete #highschoolsports #football #basketball #youthsports #highschoolathletes #sportsvideos #champion #playerempowerment #athlete #atheletes #atheletics #studentathlete #support #morethananathlete #youthdevelopment #recruitment #promote #encourage #encouragement #teams #sportstraining #sportsmanship #ballislife #football #sports #sportsradio #sportspodcast #podcast #sportstalk #espn #broadcast #radioshow #basketball #baseball #motivation #athlete #bhfyp #radio #follow #thelockerroom #thankyouforyoursupport
Here in the water, we know the Gulf's true name because it's written in the currents, sung in whale-song, and traced in the migrations of sharks. Try to rename a living body of water? That's like trying to rename the moon and expecting the tides to care.
1. Recognition of Somaliland The senator discusses efforts to urge President Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. Somaliland is portrayed as a stable, democratic ally of the U.S., strategically located near the Gulf of Aden. The senator criticizes China's influence in Africa, particularly its opposition to Somaliland's ties with Taiwan and the U.S. A letter to President Trump is read aloud, advocating for recognition based on Somaliland’s governance, military cooperation, and geopolitical importance. 2. Crime and Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C. The senator supports President Trump’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement in D.C., claiming it led to a significant drop in crime. Statistics are cited showing reductions in robbery, carjacking, and violent crime. The narrative criticizes Democratic leadership in D.C., alleging manipulation of crime data and failure to address public safety. The DC Police Union chairman is quoted, blaming legislative changes for the breakdown of the criminal justice system. 3. Criticism of Media and Democratic Leadership The hosts repeatedly accuse mainstream media of ignoring or misrepresenting stories that reflect positively on Trump or negatively on Democrats. There is a strong emphasis on the idea that Democrats prioritize political narratives over public safety, especially in high-crime urban areas. 4. Biden’s Use of the Autopen for Pardons The senator raises legal concerns about President Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons and executive orders. DOJ officials reportedly warned that some pardons were legally questionable and involved violent offenders, contradicting public claims. The discussion suggests that Biden may not have personally authorized some actions, potentially invalidating them. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow #BidenAdministration #ChineseinfluenceinAfrica #PresidentZelensky #Somaliland #DonaldTrump #PresidentDonaldTrump #DT #Democrats #DC #washingtonDCcrime #violence #Autopen #DOJ #Senatortedcruz#TedcruzYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two decades after Hurricane Katrina and its devastating aftermath reshaped New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, we gathered to remember all that was lost, reflect on the lessons learned, and pay tribute to all the good that has been done in the two decades since. And, we look to the future: where do we go from here, and how can this region not just survive but thrive?Renowned jazz musician Dr. Michael White performs original music written in response to Katrina and reflects on connections between recovering from the tragedy and the city's jazz culture. (Dr. White on clarinet, Mitchell Claire on bass, and Sevva Bennet on banjo.)And we are joined by an esteemed panel:Troy Carter - US Congressman. He was previously a member of the Louisiana State Senate, served on the New Orleans City Council, and was a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives.Colette Pichon Battle - Lawyer and Climate Justice Organizer. She's the vision and initiatives partner for Taproot Earth, a frontline organizing project working across the Gulf and Global South.David Waggonner -Architect and founder of Waggonner and Ball, an award-winning, internationally active architecture and environment practice located in New Orleans.Josh Lewis - Scientist and Schwartz Professor of River and Coastal Studies at the Tulane Bywater Institute.—Sea Change is a WWNO and WRKF production. We are part of the NPR Podcast Network and distributed by PRX. Sea Change is made possible with major support from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Sea Change is also supported by the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans. WWNO's Coastal Desk is supported by the Walton Family Foundation, the Meraux Foundation, and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.
Over a span of 39 years, twenty-three aliases, twenty-eight arrests in twenty cities, and a dozen imprisonments, Robert Spears had lived a con artists' life of unparalleled adventure and intrigue. This is his story.Shortly before Thanksgiving Day in 1959, a plane exploded in mid-air, killing all forty-two passengers and crew and leaving scattered debris and bodies across the otherwise tranquil Gulf waters. Listed on the manifest was Dr. Robert Spears—once the highly regarded president of the Texas Naturopathic Association.Father of two small children with a lovely, society-minded wife and an elegant home in an exclusive neighborhood, it was a monumental tragedy for them, as it was for all the souls lost that day. Less than two months later, Robert Spears miraculously “rose from the dead” in Phoenix where he was promptly arrested. Headlining newspapers nationwide— “Man Downs Airliner to Fake Death”—Spears was discovered to have cleverly switched identities, persuaded his friend, Al Taylor, to fly with his plane ticket, asked him to carry “a package” on board and drove away in his friend's car with his wallet and driver's license.As the FBI began to investigate, they uncovered a stunning, mind-bending tale of murder, abortion rings, and false identities—more than twenty-five aliases for Spears alone—as well as insurance frauds and investment frauds that stretched over decades. But that was far from the end of the story. Methodically and carefully researched for years and meticulously sourced by a research sociologist and author, Vanishing Act is one of the great true crimes.He is the author of Vanishing Act: A Crashed Airliner, Faked Death, and Backroom Abortions. https://jerryjamison.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.org
You might have heard of the new term: “woke right.” It's the idea that the illiberalism that has swallowed the progressive left—what we often refer to as “wokeness”—has come for the right. Here's how we think about the dynamic: Over the past two decades the woke left said: “Everything is taboo”—our Founding Fathers, the idea that men and women are different, the idea that wearing hoop earrings is verboten because it's cultural appropriation, and on and on. Naturally, people got fed up. Including people like Bari. Then some on the right exploited that anger, and said: “Nothing is taboo”—not words like “gay” or “retarded,” but also not “Holocaust revisionism” or “white nationalism.” Some of this dynamic is playing out in the headlines: The woke left changed Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. Then the White House changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America—the Trump administration even temporarily banned the Associated Press from the White House press room after it continued to publish “the Gulf of Mexico.” When the woke left tried to change the character of our nation's founding and take down statues of Winston Churchill and George Washington, the right took down a description of Jackie Robinson's military service that was on the Department of Defense website because it was too DEI-coded. On that note, the White House also recently said they would conduct a review of Smithsonian exhibitions to make sure they align with American ideals. And when the woke left said trans, disabled, people of color are the most oppressed class in America, the woke right says white, Christian men are actually at the bottom of the totem pole—creating a new form of identity politics, in right-wing language. It's a fascinating and alarming dynamic. The same phenomenon on each side of the political spectrum. We would argue wokeness on the left went totally mainstream. Rod Dreher is one of the rare voices calling attention to the illiberalism on the right—and the danger it poses. He says the right has a unique opportunity to stop this woke impulse before it metastasizes. Rod is a contributing editor at The American Conservative. He's the author of many books including his new bestseller, Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents. And he most recently wrote in our pages “The Radical Right Is Coming for Your Sons.” Bari recently sat down with him to discuss why the woke right tolerates antisemitism and white nationalism, why this movement is appealing to men specifically, if it is fair to equate the woke right with the woke left, why he himself is not even comfortable with the term woke right—we'll get into that in the conversation—and what happens if this impulse on the right goes mainstream. This interview was originally a Free Press subscriber-only livestream, and we're planning to do more of these. If you want to come to one, all you need to do is become a Free Press subscriber today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices