Podcasts about Iraq

Schuyler Williamson is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, West Point graduate, military veteran, and family man. After serving in Iraq and Afghanistan as a combat arms officer, Schuyler transitioned to business where he's now a Top 1% real estate agent, co-owner of 4 laundromats, and operator of multiple companies. He's also the author of The Steady Leader: Leadership Models That Bring Clarity to Chaos, where he shares proven frameworks for leading with steadiness in uncertain times. In this episode, you'll discover: Military-tested leadership frameworks you can apply at home and in business. The power of modeling — why great leaders don't invent, they adapt what works. Practical parenting routines (like his morning ritual that fuels his kids' confidence). Stories from combat and entrepreneurship that reveal how clarity and steadiness transform leadership. This conversation is packed with frameworks, stories, and takeaways you can start using right away — whether you're leading your family, your team, or both. ______________________________________________  

Nearly one week after the tragic shooting at a Catholic church in Minnesota, the Archbishop of Minneapolis shares how the community is healing. Meanwhile, in Iraq, two historic churches destroyed by ISIS have reopened. And, hundreds gathered at the annual EWTN Family Celebration in Virginia.

Dr Robert Seely MBE was a British Conservative Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Isle of Wight from 2017 until the constituency was split in two in 2024. Seely is a former journalist and soldier. From 1990 to 1995, he worked as a foreign correspondent in the last year of the USSR and in post-Soviet states. From 2008 to 2017, he served in the British Armed Forces in the Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and ISIS campaigns. Seely has been a research associate at the Changing Character of War Programme at the University of Oxford. Today we're going to be exploring his unique definition of Russian hybrid war, and highly impactful book: The New Total War: From Child Abduction to Cyber Attacks and Drones to Disinformation – Russia's Conflict with Ukraine and the West. ----------Partner on this video: KYIV OF MINE 'Kyiv of Mine' is a documentary series about Ukraine's beautiful capital, Kyiv. The film production began in 2018, and much has changed since then. It is now 2025, and this story is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/@UCz6UbVKfqutH-N7WXnC5Ykg https://www.kyivofmine.com/#theprojectKyiv of Mine is fast paced, beautifully filmed, humorous, fun, insightful, heartbreaking, moving, hopeful. The very antithesis in fact of a doom-laden and worthy wartime documentary. This is a work that is extraordinarily uplifting. My friend Operator Starsky says the film is “Made with so much love. The film series will make you laugh and cry.” ----------LINKS:https://www.amazon.co.uk/New-Total-War-Abduction-Disinformation/dp/1785909487https://x.com/IoWBobSeelyhttps://www.rusi.org/people/seelyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Seelyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-seely-mbe-10304468/?originalSubdomain=ukhttps://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/persons/bob-seely----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasWe need to scale up our support for Ukraine, and these events are designed to have a major impact. Your support in making it happen is greatly appreciated. All events will be recorded professionally and published for free on the Silicon Curtain channel. Where possible, we will also live-stream events.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

In this episode, Mardi Winder-Adams is joined by Anisa Palmer, whose life and work offer insight into the power of service, resilience, and purpose in the face of significant adversity. Anisa shares the path that led her to become a combat veteran, author, and dedicated social impact leader, with a special focus on health equity for underserved communities. Drawing inspiration from her father's entrepreneurial compassion and her mother's dedication to serving others even during her battle with breast cancer, Anisa learned early on the importance of connecting with and uplifting those around her.After two tours in Iraq, Anisa felt called to serve in a new way, driven by personal experiences that echoed her mother's influence during her deployment. The loss of her mother to breast cancer at just 38 shaped Anisa's mission, leading her to found I Will Survive, Inc. The organization started by providing a listening ear. It evolved to address the broader needs of cancer survivors and their families, offering everything from food and rental assistance to transportation and crucial mental health resources. Anisa shares information on the mentoring programs and partnerships that help entire families, acknowledging the ripple effect of a cancer diagnosis on loved ones and caregivers.Through the discussion, Anisa highlights how finding purpose during life's lowest moments can spark personal transformation. She recounts guiding clients through dark times by helping them visualize a life beyond their diagnosis, and she is candid about her own journey through postpartum struggles and divorce. Anisa emphasizes the importance of accessible support, healthy lifestyle choices, and the small steps that foster long-term well-being.About the Guest:Anisa Palmer is a combat veteran, author, and social impact leader dedicated to health equity and community empowerment. Born in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, she served two tours in Iraq before founding the nonprofit I Will Survive, Inc. in 2010, inspired by the loss of her mother to breast cancer. Based in Atlanta, her organization provides economic support, prevention education, and wellness services to those affected by breast cancer. Anisa holds a B.A. in Speech Communications from Georgia State University and an MPA from the University of Central Florida, focusing on nonprofit management and public health. She is also the CEO of Palmer Firm Group, a veteran-owned consultancy offering coaching and nonprofit strategy.For more information on how to support survivors directly or join our mission to provide wellness kits, emergency funding, and mental health services:https://www.iwillsurviveinc.org/donate https://www.youtube.com/IWillSurviveChannelTo connect with Anisa: Organization Website: https://www.iwillsurviveinc.org Firm Website: https://www.palmerfirmgroup.comBooks by Anisa Palmer: Purpose: The Ultimate Climax https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Ultimate-Climax-Guide-Finding/dp/1702351017 Nonprofit Success Blueprint: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Ultimate-Climax-Guide-Finding/dp/1702351017LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anisapalmerFacebook Group: I Will Survive, Inc. https://www.facebook.com/iwillsurviveincPage YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/IWillSurviveChannelAbout the Host: Mardi Winder-Adams is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce. Are you interested in learning more about...

DeDe Halfhill is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Keynote Speaker, and Advisor helping leaders Master the Unseen™: the messy, human side of leadership most people avoid, but everyone feels. She has spent 25 years leading teams through incredibly tough situations - advising the Commanding General in Iraq during intense combat operations, guiding the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs through some of the most turbulent moments of our time, and taking a front-row seat to countless high-stakes leadership decisions.But the most important lessons she learned didn't come from the high-stakes, dramatic moments. They came from the ordinary days, when she had to get real with herself, her teams, and what was quietly getting in their way.Join me in one of the deepest conversations I've had about what it means to be courageous in our everyday lives and master the unseen.

//The Wire//2300Z September 1, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: EARTHQUAKE STRIKES AFGHANISTAN. BLACKOUT REPORTED IN VENEZUELA. VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK CONDUCTED AT RUSSIAN CONSULATE IN AUSTRALIA. PROTESTS CONTINUE IN CHICAGO DURING LABOR DAY CRIME WAVE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Germany: A 16-year-old Ukrainian refugee was murdered over the weekend, after an illegal immigrant from Iraq pushed her in front of a train in Friedland. The migrant was not arrested at the scene, but after DNA evidence was gathered authorities arrested and placed him in a psychiatric facility where he awaits a decision on whether or not he will be charged for the murder.Analyst Comment: This case is important as the local media immediately tried to paint this story as the girl taking her own life. However, local authorities have confirmed that this is not the case. At the moment it's hard to independently confirm, but some sources claim that the victim was also speaking on the phone with her grandfather at the time of the attack, and remarked that a group of migrants were following her before the call was cut short. If this detail is true, this could be what triggered the investigation in the first place as there are no security cameras at the train station where she was murdered.Afghanistan: This morning an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 6.0 struck near the border with Pakistan. Hundreds of casualties have been reported, with the hardest-hit regions being the eastern districts of Kunar and Nangarhar.Venezuela: Over the weekend, large-scale blackouts were reported throughout Caracas and several outlying cities. Separately, the tensions between the United States and Venezuela continue, as both sides remain at a heightened state of military readiness throughout the region.Analyst Comment: As the US Navy continues power-projection operations in the area, many have been quick to link the blackouts in Venezuela with the American ships parked off the coast. However, this incident is probably more related to Venezuela's crippled electrical infrastructure, rather than any intervention by the United States. The United States is certainly not above sabotage in Venezuela, so it's certainly possible. However Venezuela has been "rationing" electricity for many years now, which has included the implementation of unplanned (and unannounced) rolling blackouts. This history indicates that if the U.S. were to bomb or sabotage electrical substations in Venezuela, it's doubtful that anyone would notice anything out of the ordinary.Australia: Yesterday a vehicle ramming attack was carried out at the Russian Consulate in Sydney. One unidentified man drove his vehicle up to the Entry Control Point (ECP) for the facility, and after being approached by security personnel, proceeded to ram his vehicle into the gates. The man was arrested at the scene, and one security guard was injured by broken glass while attempting to extract the man from the vehicle. No further details have been provided regarding the motivation for the attack.-HomeFront-Illinois: Throughout Chicago, several anti-Trump demonstrations were held over the weekend, which mostly took the form of opposing the recent anti-crime initiatives posed by the White House. Separately, a few dozen shootings were reported throughout the city over the weekend, which has included approximately 8x murders.Texas: An 11-year-old was shot in Houston after taking part in a growing trend around the United States. The child was shot after allegedly engaging in a game of "ding dong ditch" which prompted the homeowner to engage the suspects, killing one of them.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: As with every event these days, many media sources leave out critical context. For instance, the recent rise of "ding dong ditch" "pranks" around the United States, aren't

In this heartfelt episode, Ash sits down with Lydia, a journalist from Iraq now living in Australia, to explore her journey of resilience, faith, and healing. Lydia shares about the emotional struggles she faced when starting fresh in a new country, including a season of depression and anxiety, and how she found her way back to God’s grace. Together, Ash and Lydia dive into 2 Chronicles 7:14, unpacking God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to humble ourselves, seek Him, and turn away from what holds us back. This episode is a powerful reminder that even when life feels like a dark pit, God’s love and grace are always present, ready to guide us toward hope and healing. Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation filled with hope, inspiration, and moments of everyday joy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 196 - Chris Kruger - Black Hawk Helicopters, Multiple Deployments, Anger and Fear, Lessons for DadsAbout the authorChris Kruger grew up just outside Spokane, Washington, and joined the Army before turning 21, driven by a sense of purpose and a thirst for challenge. Over the next 22 years, he forged a diverse and demanding military career—starting as an infantryman and eventually becoming a Blackhawk maintenance test pilot. His journey took him from Basic Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he completed an impressive lineup of elite training programs, including Amphibious Reconnaissance School, Ranger School, HALO and HALO Jumpmaster, and Flight School, among others. Along the way, he earned the Expert and Combat Infantryman Badges, a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal, and several other honors. Chris deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Far East, spending more than five and a half years overseas—experiences that deeply shaped his outlook on leadership, resilience, and life. After retiring, he turned to writing as a way to unpack and give meaning to those intense years. What began as personal reflection quickly became a mission to reach others walking similar paths. Today, Chris lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with his wife Genevieve and their two daughters, Charlize and Isabelle—writing from a place of survival, strength, and connection. Together, Chris and Genevieve are active in their local church and committed to encouraging others to overcome life's hardships, expanding their reach through writing and a forthcoming podcast aimed at inspiring healing, faith, and perseverance.Book: Walking Away from the Ledge: A Soldier's MemoirWalking Away from the Ledge is a hard-hitting, no-BS military memoir that goes beyond the battlefield to expose the raw truth of war, survival, and self-destruction. With an unapologetic voice and brutal honesty, Chris takes readers deep inside the challenging world of an Army Ranger, the brotherhood that holds soldiers together, and the personal demons that threaten to tear them apart.More than a war story, this book is about what happens when the fight doesn't end—the toll of combat, the grip of addiction, and the struggle to hold onto love when everything else is falling apart. This memoir hits hard, digs deep, and refuses to look away.https://a.co/d/4nhPNiR___https://dadspace.camusic provided by Blue Dot SessionsSong: The Big Ten https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/258270

While the protests have been fuelled by a wide range of issues - including the death of a ride-sharing driver - one core complaint concerns a new monthly allowance for lawmakers. We'll hear from a protester and a member of the country's ruling party.Also on the programme: China hosts leaders from Russia, India and others nations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit; and we'll hear about 40 ancient tombs which have been unearthed by archaeologists in Iraq.(Photo: Policemen during clashes with protesters outside the parliament building in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia on 30 August 2025. Credit:MADE NAGI/EPA/Shutterstock)

On today’s episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, I have with me Rob D’Amico for this special two-part interview that will conclude next Sunday. Rob D’Amico has over thirty-six years of federal government service—ten years in the United States Marine Corps and nearly twenty-seven with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He is the founder and principal consultant at Sierra One Consulting.  Rob began a life of service when he enlisted as a US Marine during college at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and, after obtaining his bachelor's degree, was commissioned as an officer and served his first overseas tour in the first Gulf War. His work on reconnaissance missions with the Marine Corps opened the door to Rob’s long and successful career with the FBI. After four years based out of the Bureau’s Miami, Florida field office, apprehending the most violent felons of South Florida as a member of a multi-agency violent crime fugitive task force, Rob transitioned into deep undercover work against the most notorious U.S. and Italian-based organized crime families. Rob was among the few selected for the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, in which he served as a sniper and was first deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Rob’s career with and beyond the HRT team placed him at each pivotal step in the resolution of kidnapping and hostile detention matters. He has worked on every facet of operations—negotiating hostage releases and exchanges, operating under the highest pressure against pirates, negotiators, warlords, leaders of terrorist networks, as well as with ambassadors, generals, foreign ministers, and non-government organizations.  From being deep undercover, going after the mob, to dealing with Somali pirates, Rob has had a career that movies are literally made of.  Today’s episode, we do a deep dive into his beginnings and Marine career. We also dive into what goes on in the head of an FBI SWAT and HRT team member and brush on his undercover work. Next Sunday, we go deep into a hostage rescue operation on the high seas, dealing with Somali pirates!   In today’s episode, we discuss: ·      Thank you, Jerri Williams, over at the FBI File Review Podcast, for the intro. ·      What were Rob’s influences that led to his life of service to his country? ·      Marine Recon, the best of the best. Not just FBI, but high-risk undercover operations and HRT, high-speed operators, again, the best of the best. What instilled that in him? ·      What drove him to be the best of the best? What continues to drive him today?. ·      How does Rob deal with rejection? ·      What are the biggest misconceptions people have of the Marines and or combat? ·      What steered him towards the FBI? ·      When did he start doing undercover work? ·      What’s most important to the mob? ·      How soon into his career was he doing undercover work? ·      The difference between HRT and SWAT in the FBI. Who should be doing this work? What attributes should they have? All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.  

Kenneth Webb has lived several lifetimes in one. He spent 33 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, with combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. He knows what it means to lead under fire and carry the unseen weight of command—but his toughest battles began long before the military, growing up in a home marked by trauma and chaos.Now retired from both the Army and American Airlines, Ken has chosen a different fight: rebuilding his life on his own terms. Living in Peru, he's writing his first psychological thriller, Trapped in Deception—a raw story shaped by betrayal, manipulation, and emotional warfare.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHR2DxkWSMABecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

End of Summer Recap, Camera Flashes, and Fall Preview - Episode 173

In Episode 254, Part 3 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland continues his conversation with former Green Beret Mark Gianconia, delving into the complex motivations behind the Iraq War and Mark's post-combat transition. The episode opens with a discussion on the murky intelligence surrounding weapons of mass destruction and the decision to invade Iraq, exploring whether it was a justified response to perceived threats or influenced by ulterior motives. Mark reflects on the chaotic post-invasion landscape, including his role in devastating airstrikes against the Iraqi military, navigating minefields, and managing volatile tribal factions in Tuz. He shares the emotional toll of combat, including feelings of guilt and fear, which led to his decision to leave special operations. Mark's career pivots dramatically as he becomes an instructor for the 18 Fox intelligence course, mastering geospatial intelligence and coding, which propels him into a tech career. He also discusses his book, One Green Beret, a cathartic effort to process his experiences, and his current role in geospatial technology, emphasizing AI as a tool rather than a threat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Black Rifle Coffee Podcast, Logan Stark sits down with Marine veteran, conservationist, and hunting guide James Nash. Raised on a remote ranch in Oregon and shaped by war in Iraq, James brings an unmatched perspective on life, death, and everything in between. He dives deep into the burdens of leadership in combat, how the outdoors can heal what war breaks, and why real masculinity is rooted in humility and responsibility. From bowhunting ethics to battlefield decision-making, this is a masterclass in manhood, purpose, and living with intention.

JP Dinnell and Lucas Pinckard talk about whether Immersion Camp is worth the investment and how to get alignment to be able to get time to train and decompress.  Get your free training from First In Nutrition: https://www.firstinnutrition.com/jppod More from JP Dinnell: https://www.jpdinnell.com/ Join the conversation on instagram JP Dinnell: http://instagram.com/jpdinnell/ Lucas Pinckard: https://www.instagram.com/lucaspinckard Bruiser Arms: https://www.instagram.com/bruiserarms Echelon Front: https://echelonfront.com/ Little Cattle Co: http://littlecattle.co On The Path Printing: https://www.instagram.com/onthepathprinting JP Dinnell is a former U.S. Navy SEAL and now a Leadership Instructor, Speaker and Strategic Advisor with Echelon Front, where he serves as Director of Experiential Leadership Training Programs. J.P. is also a pro team athlete and spokesperson for Origin Maine and Jocko Fuel, an American clothing and supplement company. J.P. has a signature Energy Drink flavor “Sour Apple Sniper” with Jocko Fuel. Jeremiah spent nearly a decade in the SEAL Teams with three combat deployments. Sent to the violent terrorist stronghold of Ar Ramadi, Iraq in 2006 with SEAL Team Three's Task Unit Bruiser, J.P. served as point man, machine gunner, and lead sniper for Delta Platoon opposite the American Sniper, Chris Kyle, who was in Charlie Platoon. For his leadership and courage under fire, JP was awarded a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor helping Task Unit Bruiser to become the most highly decorated special operations unit of the Iraq War. He worked closely with SEAL Officers Jocko Willink, his Task Unit Commander, and Leif Babin, and was the driving force on many of the daring combat operations Jocko and Leif wrote about in Extreme Ownership. Upon his return, J.P. again worked directly for Jocko as a training instructor at Naval Special Warfare Group One Training Detachment, where he orchestrated realistic and challenging training scenarios for Special Operations Urban Combat training and Close Quarters Combat training to better prepare SEAL units for the real-world battlefield. He also served as a Combatives Instructor, Marksmanship Instructor and earned his Master Trainer Specialist qualification while helping Jocko rebuild and enhance these training programs into the highly effective platforms they are today. J.P. brings exceptional experience and frontline leadership perspective from the winning mindset and culture of Task Unit Bruiser.

On this week's Progress Report, Emma covers a whopping five reports of optimism from around the world. Poverty is declining in Iraq and Indonesia, and risk of child poverty is down across Europe. China reports a dip in its emissions that may continue, and Africa has invested heavily in solar energy over the past year. There are positive developments since the release of the U.S.'s first over-the-counter birth control, and NASA has discovered a new moon orbiting Uranus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anche quest'anno il 19 agosto si è celebrata la Giornata Mondiale dell'Aiuto Umanitario, istituita dall'ONU dopo l'attentato del 19 agosto 2003 al Canal Hotel di Baghdad, in Iraq, che uccise 22 operatori umanitari. Per Gianluca Ranzato è stata un'opportunità di sensibilizzare il pubblico sui rischi sempre maggiori di questa professione.

The Terminal List: Dark Wolf rewinds the clock to chart Ben Edwards' (Taylor Kitsch) path from SEAL to CIA operative. Set in 2015 during the real-life Inherent Resolve campaign, the series gives us Iraq, covert missions, bombings, and more uses of the word “brother” than a Desmond Hume highlight reel. We cover the three-episode premiere (“Inherent Resolve,” “The Audition,” “What's Past Is Prologue”), how it compares to The Terminal List, and our rating. Tune in and enjoy. Welcome to Today's Episode!

In this gripping second part of Episode 254 of the Mike Drop podcast, host Mike Ritland sits down with former Green Beret Mark Gianconia to explore his extraordinary career in special operations. Unlike many post-9/11 operators, Mark's journey began in Kosovo, working alongside Russian forces in a vastly different operational landscape. Returning just before the 9/11 attacks, Mark shares his visceral reaction to the tragedy and how it propelled his unit into action. This episode takes you deep into his covert missions in Iraq, including the daring Advanced Force Operations (AFO) infil via rental cars from Turkey and the intense Operation Viking Hammer against terrorist strongholds like Ansar al-Islam. Expect raw, firsthand accounts of unconventional warfare, coordination with Kurdish allies, and the chaos of combat in the early days of the Iraq War. From dodging mortar fire to orchestrating airstrikes, Mark's stories offer a vivid window into the high-stakes world of special forces during a pivotal moment in history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Islam's complex relationship with arts and culture across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia presents special paradoxes and intrigue in the realm of music. Islam has been used both to nurture and curtail musical expression. This program delves into the historic roots of this debate, all the way back to Baghdad in the early centuries of Islam. Case studies highlight sublime and ecstatic music from Iraq, Iran, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan and more. Author and Middle East specialist Joseph Braude discusses the history and issues with two Islamic scholars. (originally aired 2008) Produced by Banning Eyre APWW #561

Jeremy Stalnecker is a Marine Corps veteran, pastor, and the CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to helping America's military warriors and their families overcome the unseen wounds of combat, such as PTSD. Drawing on his own challenges transitioning home after Iraq, Jeremy has made it his mission to offer faith-based hope, healing, and leadership to veterans, first responders, and their loved ones. His experience in both combat leadership and ministry uniquely positions him as a transformative voice for resilience, character, and servant leadership. Takeaways: ●       Healing unseen wounds takes community and purpose: Jeremy credits his journey of healing from trauma to having the right support network and a strong sense of faith, which now fuels his responsibility to help others walking a similar path. ●       Leadership is about being, not just doing: Effective leadership is rooted in character and presence—not just tactics or positional authority. True leaders leverage their resources and opportunities to help others grow and succeed. ●       Resilience in a changing world requires clarity: With an overload of information and rapidly evolving challenges, leaders must be grounded in their purpose and values to navigate uncertainty and positively impact those around them. Sound Bites: “So many people are carrying traumas and brokenness within them that goes undealt with... if you don't address these, eventually it will have a very damaging effect on you.” “My job as a leader is not to get you to do what I want you to do. It's to leverage everything I have at my disposal to make you better than you would be without me.” “When those things pop up in front of us, we have to decide, am I going to stay where I am and die, or am I going to march?” Connect & Discover Jeremy: Website: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/ Website: https://www.mightyoaks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeremystalneckerofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremystalnecker/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JeremyStalnecker Podcast: March or Die Books: Offensive Faith March or Die Leadership By Design  

Center Stage Chronicle is back as Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss the month of August 1990 in the National Wrestling Alliance and pop culture in general. Topics of discussion include:The status of guaranteed contracts possibly coming to an end in the NWA.THE PEARL, The New Fantastics, Hector Guerrero, Ivan Koloff, Terry Taylor, and many others make debuts/returns as this month has all kinds of names making appearances.Sting having two different convention appearances end in some form of controversy.Jim Herd and Ole Anderson beefing over the usage of older talent.“Mean” Mark Callous, Paul Orndorff, and more leave the NWA.Speculation about The Black Scorpion starts kicking up.“Young Guns II,” “Air America,” “My Blue Heaven,” and more hit the theatres.Extreme's “Pornograffiti,” Prince's “Graffiti Bridge,” Alice In Chains' “Facelift,” and more ht the stores.The TV series adaptation of “Ferris Bueller” debuts on NBC.Iraq invades Kuwait and the Desert Storm Conflict has begun.All of this and TONS more on another strong episode of CSC.---To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Patron-only chat room on Slack, and anything else we do outside of the main shows!If you're looking for the best deal on a VPN service—short for Virtual Private Network, it helps you get around regional restrictions as well as browse the internet more securely—then Private Internet Access is what you've been looking for. Not only will using our link help support Between The Sheets, but you'll get a special discount, with prices as low as $1.98/month if you go with a 40 month subscription. With numerous great features and even a TV-specific Android app to make streaming easier, there is no better choice if you're looking to subscribe to WWE Network, AEW Plus, and other region-locked services.For the best in both current and classic indie wrestling streaming, make sure to check out IndependentWrestling.tv and use coupon code BTSPOD for a free 5 day trial! (You can also go directly to TinyURL.com/IWTVsheets to sign up that way.) If you convert to a paid subscriber, we get a kickback for referring you, allowing you to support both the show and the indie scene.You can also use code BTSPOD to save 25% on your first payment — whether paying month to month or annually — when you subscribe to Ultimate Classic Wrestling Network at ClassicWrestling.net!To subscribe, you can find us on iTunes, Google Play, and just about every other podcast app's directory, or you can also paste Feeds.FeedBurner.com/BTSheets into your favorite podcast app using whatever “add feed manually” option it has.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/between-the-sheets/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Listen to the first episode of AJC's new limited podcast series, Architects of Peace. Go behind the scenes of the decades-long diplomacy and quiet negotiations that made the Abraham Accords possible, bringing Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and later Morocco, together in historic peace agreements.   Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief of Policy and Political Affairs, explains the complex Middle East landscape before the Accords and how behind-the-scenes efforts helped foster the dialogue that continues to shape the region today. Resources: Episode Transcript AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace - Tune in weekly for new episodes. The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC.org/CNME - Find more on AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow Architects of Peace on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace You can reach us at: podcasts@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript: Jason Isaacson: It has become clear to me in my travels in the region over the decades that more and more people across the Arab world understood the game, and they knew that this false narrative – that Jews are not legitimately there, and that somehow we have to focus all of our energy in the Arab world on combating this evil interloper – it's nonsense. And it's becoming increasingly clear that, in fact, Israel can be a partner. Manya Brachear Pashman: In September 2020, the world saw what had been years – decades – in the making: landmark peace agreements dubbed the Abraham Accords -- normalizing relations between Israel and two Arabian Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain.  Later in December, they were joined by the Kingdom of Morocco. Five years later, AJC is pulling back the curtain to meet key individuals who built the trust that led to these breakthroughs. Introducing: the Architects of Peace. Manya Brachear Pashman: On the eve of the signing of the Abraham Accords, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson found himself traveling to the end of a tree filled winding road in McLean, Virginia, to sip tea on the back terrace with Bahraini Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Jason Isaacson: Sitting in the backyard of the Bahraini ambassador's house with Dr. Al Zayani, the Foreign Minister of Bahrain and with Shaikh Abdulla, the ambassador, and hearing what was about to happen the next day on the South Lawn of the White House was a thrilling moment. And really, in many ways, just a validation of the work that AJC has been doing for many years–before I came to the organization, and the time that I've spent with AJC since the early 90s.  This possibility of Israel's true integration in the region, Israel's cooperation and peace with its neighbors, with all of its neighbors – this was clearly the threshold that we were standing on. Manya Brachear Pashman: If you're wondering how Jason ended up sipping tea in such esteemed company the night before his hosts made history, wonder no more. Here's the story. Yitzchak Shamir: The people of Israel look to this palace with great anticipation and expectation. We pray that this meeting will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Middle East; that it will signal the end of hostility, violence, terror, and war; that it will bring dialogue, accommodation, co-existence, and above all, peace. Manya Brachear Pashman: That was Israel's Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir speaking in October 1991 at the historic Madrid Peace Conference -- the first time Israel and Arab delegations engaged in direct talks toward peace. It had taken 43 years to reach this point – 43 years since the historic United Nations Resolution that created separate Jewish and Arab states – a resolution Jewish leaders accepted, but Arab states scorned. Not even 24 hours after Israel declared its independence on May 14, 1948, the armies of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria attacked the new Jewish state, which fought back mightily and expanded its territory. The result? A deep-seated distrust among Israel, its neighboring nations, and some of the Arab residents living within Israel's newly formed borders. Though many Palestinian Arabs stayed, comprising over 20 percent of Israel's population today, hundreds of thousands of others left or were displaced. Meanwhile, in reaction to the rebirth of the Jewish state, and over the following two decades, Jewish communities long established in Arab states faced hardship and attacks, forcing Jews by the hundreds of thousands to flee. Israel's War of Independence set off a series of wars with neighboring nations, terrorist attacks, and massacres. Peace in the region saw more than a few false starts, with one rare exception.  In 1979, after the historic visit to Israel by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, he and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin joined President Jimmy Carter for negotiations at Camp David and signed a peace treaty that for the next 15 years, remained the only formal agreement between Israel and an Arab state. In fact, it was denounced uniformly across the Arab world.  But 1991 introduced dramatic geopolitical shifts. The collapse of the Soviet Union, which had severed relations with Israel during the Six-Day War of 1967, diminished its ability to back Syria, Iraq, and Libya. In the USSR's final months, it re-established diplomatic relations with Israel but left behind a regional power vacuum that extremists started to fill. Meanwhile, most Arab states, including Syria, joined the successful U.S.-led coalition against Saddam Hussein that liberated Kuwait, solidifying American supremacy in the region and around the world. The Palestine Liberation Organization, which claimed to represent the world's Palestinians, supported Iraq and Libya.  Seizing an opportunity, the U.S. and the enfeebled but still relevant Soviet Union invited to Madrid a joint Jordanian-Palestinian delegation, along with delegations from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, and Israel. Just four months before that Madrid meeting, Jason Isaacson had left his job on Capitol Hill to work for the American Jewish Committee. At that time, AJC published a magazine titled Commentary, enabling Jason to travel to the historic summit with media credentials and hang out with the press pool. Jason Isaacson: It was very clear in just normal conversations with these young Arab journalists who I was spending some time with, that there was the possibility of an openness that I had not realized existed. There was a possibility of kind of a sense of common concerns about the region, that was kind of refreshing and was sort of running counter to the narratives that have dominated conversations in that part of the world for so long.  And it gave me the sense that by expanding the circle of relationships that I was just starting with in Madrid, we might be able to make some progress. We might be able to find some partners with whom AJC could develop a real relationship. Manya Brachear Pashman: AJC had already begun to build ties in the region in the 1950s, visiting Arab countries like Morocco and Tunisia, which had sizable Jewish populations. The rise in Arab nationalism in Tunisia and rebirth of Israel eventually led to an exodus that depleted the Jewish community there. Emigration depleted Morocco's Jewish community as well.  Jason Isaacson: To say that somehow this is not the native land of the Jewish people is just flying in the face of the reality. And yet, that was the propaganda line that was pushed out across the region. Of course, Madrid opened a lot of people's eyes. But that wasn't enough. More had to be done. There were very serious efforts made by the U.S. government, Israeli diplomats, Israeli businesspeople, and my organization, which played a very active role in trying to introduce people to the reality that they would benefit from this relationship with Israel.  So it was pushing back against decades of propaganda and lies. And that was one of the roles that we assigned to ourselves and have continued to play. Manya Brachear Pashman: No real negotiations took place at the Madrid Conference, rather it opened conversations that unfolded in Moscow, in Washington, and behind closed doors in secret locations around the world. Progress quickened under Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. In addition to a peace treaty between Israel and Jordan, reached in 1994, secret talks in Norway between Israel and PLO resulted in the Oslo Accords, a series of agreements signed in 1993 and 1995 that ended the First Intifada after six years of violence, and laid out a five-year timeline for achieving a two-state solution. Extremists tried to derail the process. A Jewish extremist assassinated Rabin in 1995. And a new terror group  launched a series of suicide attacks against Israeli civilians. Formed during the First Intifada, these terrorists became stars of the Second. They called themselves Hamas. AP News Report: [sirens] [in Hebrew] Don't linger, don't linger. Manya Brachear Pashman: On March 27, 2002, Hamas sent a suicide bomber into an Israeli hotel where 250 guests had just been seated for a Passover Seder. He killed 30 people and injured 140 more. The day after the deadliest suicide attack in Israel's history, the Arab League, a coalition of 22 Arab nations in the Middle East and Africa, unveiled what it called the Arab Peace Initiative – a road map offering wide scale normalization of relations with Israel, but with an ultimatum: No expansion of Arab-Israeli relations until the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 armistice lines and a so-called right of return for Palestinians who left and their descendants.   As the Second Intifada continued to take civilian lives, the Israeli army soon launched Operation Defensive Shield to secure the West Bank and parts of Gaza. It was a period of high tension, conflict, and distrust. But behind the scenes, Jason and AJC were forging ahead, building bridges, and encountering an openness in Arab capitals that belied the ultimatum.  Jason Isaacson: It has become clear to me in my travels in the region over the decades that more and more people across the Arab world understood the game, and they knew that that this false narrative that Jews are not legitimately there, and that somehow we have to focus all of our energy in the Arab world on combating this evil interloper – it's nonsense. And it's becoming increasingly clear that, in fact, Israel can be a partner of Arab countries. Manya Brachear Pashman: Jason led delegations of Jewish leaders to Arab capitals, oversaw visits by Arab leaders to Israel, and cultivated relationships of strategic and political consequence with governments and civil society leaders across North Africa, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula. In 2009, King Mohammed VI of Morocco bestowed on him the honor of Chevalier of the Order of the Throne of the Kingdom of Morocco. Jason's priority was nurturing one key element missing from Arab-Israeli relations. An element that for decades had been absent in most Middle East peace negotiations: trust.   Jason Isaacson: Nothing is more important than developing trust. Trust and goodwill are, if not synonymous, are so closely linked. Yes, a lot of these discussions that AJC's been engaged in over many years have been all about, not only developing a set of contacts we can turn to when there's a crisis or when we need answers to questions or when we need to pass a message along to a government. But also, develop a sense that we all want the same thing and we trust each other. That if someone is prepared to take certain risks to advance the prospect of peace, which will involve risk, which will involve vulnerability. That a neighbor who might have demonstrated in not-so-distant past animosity and hostility toward Israel can be trusted to take a different course. Manya Brachear Pashman: A number of Israeli diplomats and businesspeople also worked toward that goal. While certain diplomatic channels in the intelligence and security spheres stayed open out of necessity – other diplomats and businesspeople with dual citizenship traveled across the region, quietly breaking down barriers, starting conversations, and building trust.  Jason Isaacson: I would run into people in Arab capitals from time to time, who were fulfilling that function, and traveling with different passports that they had legitimately, because they were from those countries. It was just a handful of people in governments that would necessarily know that they were there. So yes, if that sounds like cloak and dagger, it's kind of a cloak and dagger operation, a way for people to maintain a relationship and build a relationship until the society is ready to accept the reality that it will be in their country's best interest to have that relationship. Manya Brachear Pashman: Privately, behind the scenes, signs emerged that some Arab leaders understood the role that Jews have played in the region's history for millennia and the possibilities that would exist if Muslims and Jews could restore some of the faith and friendship of bygone years.  Jason Isaacson: I remember sitting with King Mohammed the VI of Morocco just weeks after his ascension to the throne, so going back more than a quarter century, and hearing him talk with me and AJC colleagues about the 600,000 subjects that he had in Israel. Of course, these were Jews, Israelis of Moroccan descent, who are in the hundreds of thousands. But the sense that these countries really have a common history. Manya Brachear Pashman: Common history, yes. Common goals, too. And not for nothing, a common enemy. The same extremist forces that have been bent on Israel's destruction have not only disrupted Israeli-Arab peace, they've prevented the Palestinian people from thriving in a state of their own and now threaten the security and stability of the entire region. Jason Isaacson:  We are hopeful that in partnership with those in the Arab world who feel the same way about the need to push back against extremism, including the extremism promoted, promulgated, funded, armed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, that we can have enough of a network of supportive players in the Arab world, in the West. Working with Israel and working with Palestinian partners who are interested in the same future. A real future, a politically free future, where we can actually make some progress. And that's an ongoing effort. This is a point that we made consistently over many years: if you want to help the Palestinian people–and we want to help the Palestinian people–but if you, fill in the blank Arab government official, your country wants to help the Palestinian people, you're not helping them by pretending that Israel doesn't exist.  You're not helping them by isolating Israel, by making Israel a pariah in the minds of your people. You will actually have leverage with Israel, and you'll help the Palestinians when they're sitting at a negotiating table across from the Israelis. If you engage Israel, if you have access to the Israeli officials and they have a stake in your being on their side on certain things and working together on certain common issues. Manya Brachear Pashman: Jason says more and more Arab leaders are realizing, with some frustration, that isolating Israel is a losing proposition for all the parties involved. It has not helped the Palestinian people. It has not kept extremism at bay. And it has not helped their own countries and their own citizens prosper. In fact, the limitations that isolating Israel imposes have caused many countries to lag behind the tiny Jewish state. Jason Isaacson: I think there was just this sense of how far back we have fallen, how much ground we have to make up. We need to break out of the old mindset and try something different. But that before the Abraham Accords, they were saying it in the years leading up to the Abraham Accords, with increasing frustration for the failure of Palestinian leadership to seize opportunities that had been held out to them. But frankly, also contributing, I think, to this was this insistence on isolating themselves from a naturally synergistic relationship with a neighboring state right next door that could contribute to the welfare of their societies. It just didn't make a whole lot of sense, and it denied them the ability to move forward. Manya Brachear Pashman: Jason remembers the first time he heard an Arab official utter the words out loud – expressing a willingness, daresay desire, to partner with Israel. Jason Isaacson: It took a long time, but I could see in 2016, 17, 18, 19, this growing awareness, and finally hearing it actually spoken out loud in one particular conference that I remember going to in 2018 in Bahrain, by a senior official from an Arab country. It took a long time for that lesson to penetrate, but it's absolutely the case. Manya Brachear Pashman: In 2019, Bahrain hosted an economic summit where the Trump administration presented its "Peace to Prosperity" plan, a $50 billion investment proposal to create jobs and improve the lives of Palestinians while also promoting regional peace and security. Palestinians rejected the plan outright and refused to attend. Bahrain invited Israeli media to cover the summit. That September, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, AJC presented its inaugural Architect of Peace Award to the Kingdom of Bahrain's chief diplomat for nearly 20 years. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs at the time, told Jason that it was important to learn the lessons of the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and late Jordanian King Hussein, both of whom signed peace treaties with Israel. He also explained the reason why Bahrain invited Israeli media.  Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa: President Anwar Sadat did it, he broke a huge barrier. He was a man of war, he was the leader of a country that went to war or two with Israel. But then he knew that at the right moment he would want to go straight to Israeli and talk to them. We fulfilled also something that we've always wanted to do, we've discussed it many times: talking to the Israeli public through the Israeli media.  Why not talk to the people? They wake up every day, they have their breakfast watching their own TV channels, they read their own papers, they read their own media, they form their own opinion.    Absolutely nobody should shy away from talking to the media. We are trying to get our point across. In order to convince. How will you do it? There is no language of silence. You'll have to talk and you'll have to remove all those barriers and with that, trust can be built. Manya Brachear Pashman: Jason had spent decades building that trust and the year to come yielded clear results. In May and June 2020, UAE Ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh and UAE Minister of State Dr. Anwar Gargash both participated in AJC webinars to openly discuss cooperation with Israel – a topic once considered taboo.  So when the Abraham Accords were signed a few months later, for Jason and AJC colleagues who had been on this long journey for peace, it was a natural progression. Though no less dramatic.  Sitting with Minister Al Khalifa's successor, Dr. Al Zayani, and the Bahraini ambassador on the evening before the White House ceremony, it was time to drink a toast to a new chapter of history in the region. Jason Isaacson: I don't think that that would have been possible had there not been decades of contacts that had been made by many people. Roving Israeli diplomats and Israeli business people, usually operating, in fact, maybe always operating with passports from other countries, traveling across the region. And frankly, our work and the work of a limited number of other people who were in non-governmental positions. Some journalists, authors, scholars, business people, and we certainly did a great deal of this over decades, would speak with leaders in these countries and influential people who are not government officials. And opening up their minds to the possibility of the advantages that would accrue to their societies by engaging Israel and by better understanding the Jewish people and who we are, what we care about, who we are not.  Because there was, of course, a great deal of decades, I should say, centuries and millennia, of misapprehensions and lies about the Jewish people. So clearing away that baggage was a very important part of the work that we did, and I believe that others did as well. We weren't surprised. We were pleased. We applauded the Trump administration, the President and his team, for making this enormous progress on advancing regional security and peace, prosperity. We are now hoping that we can build on those achievements of 2020 going forward and expanding fully the integration of Israel into its neighborhood. Manya Brachear Pashman: Next episode, we hear how the first Trump administration developed its Middle East policy and take listeners behind the scenes of the high stakes negotiations that yielded the Abraham Accords.  Atara Lakritz is our producer. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jason Isaacson, Jon Schweitzer, Sean Savage, and the entire AJC team for making this series possible.  You can subscribe to Architects of Peace on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace.  The views and opinions of our guests don't necessarily reflect the positions of AJC.  You can reach us at podcasts@ajc.org. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to spread the word, and hop onto Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate us and write a review to help more listeners find us. ___ Music Credits: Middle East : ID: 279780040; Composer: Eric Sutherland Middle East Violin: ID: 277189507; Composer: Andy Warner Frontiers: ID: 183925100; Publisher: Pond5 Publishing Beta (BMI); Composer: Pete Checkley (BMI) Middle East Tension: ID: 45925627 Arabic Ambient: ID: 186923328; Publisher: Victor Romanov; Composer: Victor Romanov Arabian Strings: ID: 72249988; Publisher: EITAN EPSTEIN; Composer: EITAN EPSTEIN Inspired Middle East: ID: 241884108; Composer: iCENTURY Middle East Dramatic Intense: ID: 23619101; Publisher: GRS Records; Composer: Satria Petir Mystical Middle East: ID: 212471911; Composer: Vicher    

This week on The MisFitNation Show, host Rich LaMonica sits down with Derek Funk—a 13-year U.S. Army Veteran and longtime contractor who served an additional 13 years supporting Identity Intelligence missions with NGIC. With 8 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan under his belt, Derek brings a gritty, honest perspective on service, sacrifice, and what it really means to continue the mission after the uniform comes off. Today, Derek works as a Scrum Master for Booz Allen, supporting the USMC on PEO Digital, and sits on the Board of Directors for Living Free Together, an organization focused on helping military and Veteran families rebuild, reconnect, and thrive. In this episode, we'll dive into:

Michael Rosen talks to Samantha Ellis, author of Chopping Onions on My Heart, about her efforts to keep alive the language of her parents: Judeo-Iraqi Arabic. Samantha grew up in London hearing her parents speak the language they spoke in their homeland of Iraq. Now she's keen to try and speak it herself, and to share the poetic expressions of Judeo-Iraqi Arabic with her son.Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Sally Heaven, in partnership with The Open University.Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz

Tito brought stories that will make you laugh, wince, and wonder why anyone gives gunners ANY spare time! Kool-Aid boots and hot-sauce toilets are savage reminders that no one is safe in a combat zone! Tito's journey took him from slinging bombs as a “Load Toad,” to fighting fires in baked-potato suits, to strapping into the legendary AC-130 Spectre gunship—where 105mm recoil could literally make the airplane flinch. He survived dunkers, duct tape wars, pink-mist firefights, and kept Nair on hand as a weapon of revenge. And when he wasn't flattening bad guys in Afghanistan and Iraq, he was saving lives in HH-60 Pave Hawks. Tito also wrote Moonchild, a raw memoir about combat, camaraderie, and finding humor in the absurd. If you like war stories spiked with ridiculous pranks, blunt honesty, and a side of absurdity, buckle up. This one will shake the walls. Order his excellent memoir here! Moon Child Book CoverVersion 1.0.0

Dr Kavi (Mufti) Haji arrived in Australia with her toddler son and husband in 1995 due to the difficult situation in Iraq during the Gulf War. She and her husband had both studied medicine and worked in rural areas in Iraq. When they arrived in Melbourne they had to study and pass exams in order to continue in their fields. Dr Haji has achieved a lot since arriving here despite the obstacles she faced. Dr Haji is now a staff consultant intensivist, and supervisor of training at Peninsula Health, Mornington Peninsula Victoria, Australia. She is an academic physician and an adjunct senior lecturer at Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. She has special interest in echocardiography and ultrasound. She has a PhD on the role of examination-assisted ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit. Her other interest is teaching. She is a faculty in various courses in critical care, including mechanical ventilation and critical care ultrasound and echocardiography locally and internationally. - Dr Kavî Muftî û malbata xwe di sala 1995 de ji ber rewşa aloz ya li Êraqê hatin Australya. Dr Kavî jineke gelekî zîreke û gelek serkeftin bi dest xistine. Ew li nexweşxaneyeke li Melbourne li beêê lênerîna giran/intensive care kar dike. Ew herweha doktoreke akademîke û mamosteyeke şûn-bilinde li Zanîngeha Monash.Wê PhD di sonerê de bi dest xistiye. Em derbarê jiyan wê ya li Australya pêre diaxafin.

Center Stage Chronicle is back as Kris Zellner is joined by Rob Naylor and Our Good Buddy Charles to discuss the month of August 1990 in the National Wrestling Alliance and pop culture in general. Topics of discussion include:The status of guaranteed contracts possibly coming to an end in the NWA.THE PEARL, The New Fantastics, Hector Guerrero, Ivan Koloff, Terry Taylor, and many others make debuts/returns as this month has all kinds of names making appearances.Sting having two different convention appearances end in some form of controversy.Jim Herd and Ole Anderson beefing over the usage of older talent.“Mean” Mark Callous, Paul Orndorff, and more leave the NWA.Speculation about The Black Scorpion starts kicking up.“Young Guns II,” “Air America,” “My Blue Heaven,” and more hit the theatres.Extreme's “Pornograffiti,” Prince's “Graffiti Bridge,” Alice In Chains' “Facelift,” and more ht the stores.The TV series adaptation of “Ferris Bueller” debuts on NBC.Iraq invades Kuwait and the Desert Storm Conflict has begun.All of this and TONS more on another strong episode of CSC.---To support the show and get access to exclusive rewards like special members-only monthly themed shows, go to our Patreon page at Patreon.com/BetweenTheSheets and become an ongoing Patron. Becoming a Between the Sheets Patron will also get you exclusive access to not only the monthly themed episode of Between the Sheets, but also access to our new mailbag segment, a Patron-only chat room on Slack, and anything else we do outside of the main shows!If you're looking for the best deal on a VPN service—short for Virtual Private Network, it helps you get around regional restrictions as well as browse the internet more securely—then Private Internet Access is what you've been looking for. Not only will using our link help support Between The Sheets, but you'll get a special discount, with prices as low as $1.98/month if you go with a 40 month subscription. With numerous great features and even a TV-specific Android app to make streaming easier, there is no better choice if you're looking to subscribe to WWE Network, AEW Plus, and other region-locked services.For the best in both current and classic indie wrestling streaming, make sure to check out IndependentWrestling.tv and use coupon code BTSPOD for a free 5 day trial! (You can also go directly to TinyURL.com/IWTVsheets to sign up that way.) If you convert to a paid subscriber, we get a kickback for referring you, allowing you to support both the show and the indie scene.You can also use code BTSPOD to save 25% on your first payment — whether paying month to month or annually — when you subscribe to Ultimate Classic Wrestling Network at ClassicWrestling.net!To subscribe, you can find us on iTunes, Google Play, and just about every other podcast app's directory, or you can also paste Feeds.FeedBurner.com/BTSheets into your favorite podcast app using whatever “add feed manually” option it has.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/between-the-sheets/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Grammy-winning producer/engineer Patrick Burkholder has lent his production expertise to chart-topping artists such as Christina Aguilera, Hanson, Snoop Dogg and Powerman 5000. Most recently, Patrick has produced High Rolling, the new solo record from LA-based rocker Regina Zernay. Patrick & Regina received mix input from legendary producer Michael Beinhorn, who gained a reputation for producing landmark albums that helped define the careers of the music industry's biggest stars. Having worked with rock icons Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Ozzy Osbourne and Korn to name just a few, his recordings achieved worldwide sales of more than 45 million. High Rolling was recorded almost entirely remotely with musicians from around the world including Argentina, Brazil, England, Hungary and Ukraine. High Rolling incorporates a fusion of music genres that reflect lead singer/bassist Regina Zernay's varied styles and experience, from rock & roll to blues. Regina is best known for performing with five-time Grammy winner Cee Lo Green during the height of his popularity. During her time with Cee Lo, Regina performed on Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, The Tonight Show, Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America, Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel and many more. She recorded with Cee Lo at the legendary BBC Studios and opened for Prince at Madison Square Garden and the Foo Fighters at Wembley. Before her time with Cee Lo, Regina was a member of the New Orleans band Cowboy Mouth and played hundreds of shows across the U.S. as well as internationally in Iraq and Kuwait. Cowboy Mouth performed at some of the nation's biggest festivals including New Orleans' JazzFest before tens of thousands of attendees. Regina most recently fronted the LA-based punk band Detroit Diesel Power which performed at famous venues throughout the west coast including the Coliseum, the Viper Room and House of Blues.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-like-it-s-live--4113802/support.

Carlos Evans is the founder of C.R. Evans Ministries. Carlos was born in Puerto Rico, where he was an avid athlete throughout his high school and college years. At the university level, Carlos studied Theology and was very active in his church. It was during that time that the tragic events of September 11th occurred, and he felt compelled to join the family legacy of service in the United States Marine Corps -- and originally planned to join as a Chaplain.    Carlos served three tours of duty in Iraq and was assigned to Afghanistan for his fourth deployment. In May 2010, he was the squad leader on foot patrol when he stepped on an improvised explosive device.   The blast took both of his legs and his left hand. Medically discharged after his rehab at Walter Reed, Carlos served in the Marine Corps for eight years.  Carlos is now a minister with the Assemblies of God USA, a Wounded Warrior Spokesman, and a motivational speaker.   He and his wife, Rosemarie co-authored a book called Standing Together, an inspirational story of a wounded warrior and an enduring love.  They reside in Orlando, Florida, and they have two beautiful daughters.   If you'd like to contact Carlos or get a copy of his book, just go to his website at http://www.crevans.org    ----------------------     If you want to help us transform the lives of even MORE MEN for God's glory, please take a minute to leave us a helpful REVIEW on iTunes: http://www.rmcpodcast.com and SHARE this podcast with any young man (or men) you're mentoring or discipling.   Talk with Dr. Joe 1-on-1: Are you tired and stuck? Want to go to get your faith, marriage, family, career and finances back on track?  Then maybe it's time you got a coach. Every CHAMPION has one. Schedule an appointment to chat with Dr. Joe. He takes on only a few Breakthrough Calls each week.  The call is FREE, but slots are limited to ONE call only.  NO RESCHEDULES.  Just click on the link below and select the BREAKTHROUGH CALL option to set up an appointment: http://TalkwithDrJoe.com  If no slots are available, please check back in a week.   Also join us on: Online Podcast Community (on Station):  https://station.page/realmen Facebook: @realdrjoemartin YouTube: http://www.RealMenTraining.com Instagram: @realdrjoemartin Twitter: @professormartin Website: https://RealMenConnect.com

The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – The territory of both Venezuela and Colombia lends itself to guerrilla wars, and, as is well known from Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. military has not covered itself in glory when fighting guerrilla wars. The administration should not make the mistake it made in Yemen and Iran, and assume that South America's military and guerrilla forces cannot adapt to...

This week on Countdown 2 Eternity, pastors James and Tom will discuss breaking news on the Temple Mount, big changes in Iraq leading to the coming city of Babylon, and the rapture! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1479/29

Michael Ware witnessed some of the most violent battles in Baghdad; and was kidnapped three times.He was one of the few Western journalists to live full-time in Iraq during the war, embedded with U.S. forces, insurgents, and terrorists. Leaving the war zone and resettling in Brisbane, Michael has had to 'consciously attempt to reclaim his life'.Further informationOriginally broadcast July 2012.Content warning: This interview contains distressing content. Please listen with care.Michael released a film in 2015, Only The Dead, based on more than 250 hours of his personal footage from the front lines. If you need help, you can call Open Arms, 24-hour crisis support for Veterans and their families on 1800 011 046https://www.openarms.gov.au/Or you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.https://www.lifeline.org.au/This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien. Carmel Rooney is the Executive Producer of the 20th Anniversary Collection.You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784This episode of Conversations touches on Saddam Hussein, ISIS, IS, Islamic State, embedding, Australian Defence Force, ADF, Baghdad bad boys and Al-Qaida.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

Chris Miorin's path to the CFO office began in a crucible of leadership. At West Point, and later at Ranger School, he was forged in environments designed to test resolve. Commissioned shortly after 9/11, he knew combat was certain. Leading an infantry platoon in Iraq, he found himself working side-by-side with a colonel “30 years my senior.” The challenge, he tells us, was learning how to add value humbly yet confidently in an environment where everything was fluid. Those early lessons in partnership and adaptability became cornerstones of his leadership style.When Miorin left the Army, he reset with an MBA at Kellogg, which he calls “two years to really immerse in how businesses run.” Investment banking followed, where he advised some of the world's largest oil and gas companies. In capital-intensive, cyclical industries, he saw firsthand how major decisions on raising capital, acquisitions, and divestitures shaped enterprise value. “It helped me understand how finance could have that strategic impact,” he recalls.From there, corporate development and M&A roles deepened his conviction that the CFO's crucial role is capital allocation—directing resources to projects that generate the highest return on invested capital. At Ingersoll Rand, he added investor relations to his toolkit, learning how to tell a “story with numbers” that connected business strategy to investor interest.Looking back, Miorin points to four experiences—Army, investment banking, corporate development, and investor relations—as the foundation for his CFO journey. That foundation ultimately led to his first CFO appointment at SpendHQ, an opportunity introduced through his Kellogg network.

The National Security Hour with Col. Mike and Dr. Mike – The territory of both Venezuela and Colombia lends itself to guerrilla wars, and, as is well known from Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. military has not covered itself in glory when fighting guerrilla wars. The administration should not make the mistake it made in Yemen and Iran, and assume that South America's military and guerrilla forces cannot adapt to...

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.  

Dive into this epic conversation on the Mike Drop Podcast with Green Beret legend Mark Giaconia. A 20-year Army veteran who traded infantry boots for Special Forces grit, Mark opens up about his raw reaction to 9/11—burning with jealousy as Fifth Group charged into Afghanistan, only to carve his own pinnacle in Iraq's brutal ops. But before the GWOT glory, he takes us back to the forgotten chaos of Bosnia in the late '90s, where peacekeeping turned into high-stakes intel gathering: embedding in remote villages, renting houses amid fresh war scars, and dodging tense standoffs with Serbian cops who grabbed their weapons at the sight of an American. From concealed pistols and civilian rides to wild encounters—like spotting a Beirut bombing fugitive in a roadside eatery or monitoring Russian convoys on the brink of World War III—Mark's stories pulse with the raw edge of undercover life in a powder keg. We geek out on metal shredding (check Patreon for the deep dive), philosophy from Socrates to Nietzsche, and his time-travel wish to homestead in colonial Connecticut. Whether it's surviving Ranger School's 200+ day grind, losing 40 pounds in the suck, or bonding with locals over slivovitz amid genocide echoes, this episode hooks you with unfiltered warrior wisdom, historical twists, and the unexamined life's brutal truths. Don't miss Mark's insights on human nature, founding principles, and why the Balkans' hospitality hides a world of shadows—perfect fuel for any Mike Drop fan craving real talk from the front lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Download Episode. Scott brings William Van Wagenen on to talk about his new book Creative Chaos: Inside the CIA's Covert War to Topple the Syrian Government. They talk about why Wagenen was first drawn to the topic before digging into the details we know about covert US policy in Syria, Iraq and the region […]

Send us a textJoin Brian Michael Day and Thomas Grimm on a new episode of The Day's Grimm as they sit down with a special guest, a Marine veteran and Evansville native named Paul. In this candid interview, Paul shares his incredible life journey, from a promising high school baseball career to serving multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.This episode covers:A Life-Altering Injury: Paul recounts the high school baseball injury that ended his dreams of playing professionally and led him down a new path.A Shift in Focus: Discover how Paul's eye injury led him to explore his artistic side, playing in a high school band called Phoenix Dawn and making short films with friends.The Road to the Marines: Paul discusses his fascination with military movies like Forrest Gump, Black Hawk Down, and Rambo, and the family history that influenced his decision to enlist.Military Life Unfiltered: Hear firsthand what it was like to go through Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island and the unique challenges he faced. Paul also weighs in on popular war films like Warfare, 1917, and Lone Survivor, offering his veteran perspective on their accuracy and realism.This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, service, and the unexpected turns that shape a person's life.[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c [The Days Grimm is brought to you by]Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)

The Battle of Mogadishu, known by many as "Black Hawk Down," lasted roughly 18 hours and cost the lives of 18 Americans and one Malaysian, along with many more allied troops wounded. Somali casualties were far higher, with some estimates nearing 700 dead or injured. Jonathan Carroll, author of Beyond Black Hawk Down, points out that this was just one day in a nearly two-and-a-half-year operation. He joins host and Editor-in-Chief JP Clark to discuss what he has deemed the most ambitious attempt in history to rebuild a nation—the first country to be called a "failed state" after a brutal civil war. Carroll concludes that Somalia offers crucial lessons on the need for a clear strategy and that the events there foreshadowed challenges later faced in Iraq and Afghanistan. In my view, Somalia isn't an example of why we shouldn't intervene... Somali is an example of don't go in without a strategy on how to get there. Jonathan Carroll is an Associate Professor of Military History at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a doctoral graduate of Texas A&M University and a former infantry officer in the Irish Defence Forces, Jonathan specializes in analyzing modern military operation with a current focus on the military history of 1990s conflict and stabilization operations. In addition to his recent work on the intervention in Somalia, Jonathan is working on research projects focusing on the UNAMIR mission during the Rwandan Genocide, and the UN/NATO intervention during the Bosnian War.  The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: A "technical" vehicle in Mogadishu at the time of the UNOSOM I mission 1992-1993. Photo Credit: CT Snow from Hsinchu, Taiwan via Wikipedia.org

 Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Qwynn Galloway – Salazar, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Transformation at PsychArmor and founder and CEO of In Their Honor, an organization that supports veterans and those who care for them through the end of life.  Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. About Today's GuestDr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a veteran of the United States Army (01-06) and spouse to a retired combat Veteran. Her work has spanned the last 20 years, supporting our Nation's Military and Veteran communities. As the founder of In Their Honor, LLC, Qwynn serves as an End-of-Life Doula and Trainer. This Spring, she is slated to roll out state-specific training for End-of-Life Professionals supporting Veterans and their Caregivers; and training specifically geared towards the Veteran Caregiver community. In addition, serving as the Co-Principal Investigator of the Brooklyn College Veterans History Project, Qwynn conducts oral history interviews of Veterans, listening to how Veterans make meaning of their experiences and sharing with larger audiences. She believes, as a society, the way we make sense of the Veteran experience shapes the care and support future generations of Veterans receive.While blending her heart work with her head work, her doctoral dissertation entitled “Post-9/11 Women Veterans' Experiences Transitioning Into the Civilian Workforce” landed her the opportunity to serve as a qualitative researcher for the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), § 9104, Study on Unemployment Rate of Women Veterans Who Served on Active Duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. Along with co-authoring a chapter on “Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue” in Veteran care providers.Qwynn earned her Ph.D. from Walden University, specializing in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Suicidology and the Advisory Board of the Veterans Studies Association.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeDr. Qwynn Galloway – Salazar on LinkedInIn Their Honor web site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Library. Whether you're a health care provider, educator, employer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — PsychArmor courses are designed for you.  You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/collections Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Join Kyle Matthews in an in-depth conversation with Mike Sarraille, a retired Navy SEAL officer and bestselling author. In this episode, the duo explore critical themes of resilience, leadership, mental toughness, and overcoming victim mentality. Mike shares real-life lessons from the battlefields of Iraq and delves into the powerful concept of emotional intimacy within high-performing teams. Learn insights on facing adversity, fostering a winning mindset, and the importance of discipline and accountability. Whether you're looking to elevate your leadership skills or seeking inspiration to overcome personal challenges, this episode offers valuable takeaways for achieving excellence.00:00 Introduction to Mike Sarraille: Resilience, Leadership, and Mental Toughness00:28 College Days and Military Beginnings01:55 Marine Corps Journey and Recon Marine Experience03:10 Transition to Officer and Texas A&M Experience04:58 Life Lessons and Family Dynamics07:31 Building a Career Post-Military13:30 The Brotherhood and Emotional Intimacy in the Military17:18 High-Performance Teams and Personal Sacrifices23:16 Adventures and World Records25:56 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life32:04 Introduction to SEAL Training Challenges32:42 The Impact of Sleep Deprivation34:28 Daily Routine and Physical Demands35:25 Mental Toughness and Resilience37:46 Hell Week and Attrition Rates38:14 Spotting Potential in Trainees39:47 The Story of Dr. Johnny Kim42:23 Raising Resilient Children45:58 Victim Mentality vs. Warrior Mindset58:17 Building High-Performing Teams01:06:46 Navigating Employee Departures01:07:18 The Impact of C Players01:08:27 Parental Influence and Values01:09:47 Managing Fear and Anxiety01:20:19 The Importance of Discipline01:26:09 Teamwork and Leadership01:28:37 Lessons from Combat01:34:30 Evolved Leadership01:37:02 Common Traits of Successful Leaders01:42:13 Closing Remarks

Hear stories about standing up for human rights around the world and struggling for truth, accountability and justice. _____________________________ Subscribe to The Maverick Show's Monday Minute Newsletter where I email you 3 short items of value to start each week that you can consume in 60 seconds (all personal recommendations like the latest travel gear I'm using, my favorite destinations, discounts for special events, etc.). Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram ____________________________________ Etelle Higonnet joins Matt for a wine night from Copenhagen, and begins by talking about her role as a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Round table.  She then describes her family background, her experience moving around growing up, and how her passion for social justice developed.  Etelle talks about her college experience at Yale and what compelled her to move to Guatemala to work with refugees and displaced people.  She describes a scary encounter there with masked gunmen and her eventual publication a book on the U.S.-backed genocide in Guatemala.  Etelle then talks about spending time in Chiapas, Mexico, supporting a lawsuit brought by indigenous women, and attending a speech by Subcommandante Marcos, the spokesperson of the Zapatista movement. Next, she describes her experience working for Human Rights Watch and investigating crimes of sexual violence in the Ivory Coast after the 2007 civil war.  Etelle also talks about her time living in Iraq documenting testimonies from victims of political violence, her human rights work with Amnesty International in Sierra Leone, and her role in helping establish the Cambodian war crimes tribunal.  She reflects on the history and legacy of French colonialism, the need for post-colonial justice systems, and shares some human rights victories in Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.  Finally, Etelle offers her insights, strategies, and encouragement to everyone working to stop the genocide in Palestine.  FULL SHOW NOTES WITH DIRECT LINKS TO EVERYTHING DISCUSSED ARE AVAILABLE HERE. ____________________________________ See my Top 10 Apps For Digital Nomads See my Top 10 Books For Digital Nomads See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that's not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn  See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ____________________________________ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Please Leave a Rating and Review. It really helps the show and I read each one personally.  You Can Buy Me a Coffee. Espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes! :)

Marine veteran Ralph Sarabia takes you inside the chaos of Iraq...convoys hit by IEDs, RPGs ripping overhead, close-quarters ambushes, and the split-second choices that decide who makes it home. In todays Urban Valor Podcast episode, he opens up about survivor's guilt, hypervigilance, and rebuilding life after deployment with faith, family, and boxing. This is a raw, unfiltered account of Marine combat and the fight to heal.

Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate and former Army Special Forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader. He is a cofounder and principal at Applied Leadership Partners and the director for health and well-being at the George W. Bush Institute.Blayne also serves on the board of the Armed Services Arts Partnership and as an advisory board member of GORUCK. Previously, Blayne was the first executive director of Team Red, White, and Blue, a veterans' nonprofit that has grown into one of the most trusted and effective organizations in the space. During his time in the military, Blayne led combat units in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Draper Leadership Award recipient, the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Army's Ranger School, and was awarded three Bronze Stars, including one for valor. Blayne holds an MBA from the University of Florida and currently lives in Maine with his wife and three children. For more information:www.appliedleadershippartners.comwww.perseverancebook.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/blayne-smith/

What does the struggle against the deep state look like from inside one of the Left's most cherished agencies? Glenn Beck asks the Left's biggest nightmare — EPA chief Lee Zeldin. He's fought in Iraq and in Congress, and now he's taking a sledgehammer to entrenched special interests and even his own agency's rebellion. He pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth about geoengineering and contrails; Obama and Biden's green energy scams; and extreme taxpayer waste. From dismantling the 2009 Endangerment Finding to restoring auto jobs, nuclear, and coal, Zeldin reveals how Trump's EPA is putting American energy dominance first.    GLENN'S SPONSORS PreBornBy introducing an expecting mother to her unborn baby through a free ultrasound, PreBorn doubles the chances that she will choose life. To donate securely, dial #250 and say the keyword “baby,” or visit https://preborn.com/glenn.   Relief FactorTired of pain controlling your life? Try Relief Factor's three-week QuickStart for only $19.95. Visit https://www.relieffactor.com/ or call 800-4-RELIEF. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

داستان عراق، کشور مهم بزرگی که محل تولد تمدن بشریه ولی هنوز یک قرن هم نیست که کشور شده.متن: زهره سروش‌فر، علی بندری | ویدیو و صدا: حمیدرضا فرخ‌سرشتبرای دیدن ویدیوی این اپیزود اگر ایران هستید وی‌پی‌ان بزنید و روی لینک زیر کلیک کنیدیوتیوب بی‌پلاسکانال تلگرام بی‌پلاسمنابع و لینک‌هایی برای کنجکاوی بیشترکتاب «The Modern History of Iraq» اثر Phebe Marr و Ibrahim Al-Marashiکتاب «The Land between Rivers» اثر Burtle Bullکتاب «Inventing Iraq» اثر Toby Dodgeکتاب «From Mesopotamia to Iraq» اثر Hans J. Nissen و Peter Heineمهاجرت علمای عتبات به ایران؛ بازتاب و پیامدهای آن از حجت فلاح توتکار و محسن پرویشIraq Country Studiesپان عربیسمIraq vi. Pahlavi PeriodIraq x. Shi'ites of IraqBoundaries iv. With IraqIraq (1932-Present)پیمان سعد آبادIraq under Saddam HusseinU.S. withdrawal and the rise of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ralph welcomes Ben Cohen (anti-war activist and ice cream entrepreneur) to discuss his new campaign, "Up in Arms," which advocates for a common-sense Pentagon budget. Then, Ralph speaks to Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi about her recent piece: "When will we finally admit: the Gaza death toll is higher than we've been told."Ben Cohen is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and longtime anti-war activist. He is a co-founder of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry's and a prominent supporter of progressive causes. He is co-founder of Up In Arms, a public education and advocacy campaign pushing for a common-sense approach to military budgeting. In May of this year, Ben was arrested by Capitol Police after he interrupted Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s testimony by screaming,”Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid.”We're up in arms because the government has taken the kindness, the heart, the soul of the American people and essentially replaced it with so many bombs that there's no rational use for them. They've turned us all into mass murderers.Ben CohenYou know, politicians starting from Reagan are fond of saying “a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought.” And then they turn around and spend $100 billion a year on a nuclear arsenal that's capable of blowing up the entire world several times over. So they say one thing and they do another. I mean, a nuclear arsenal capable of blowing up the entire world several times over? That's not deterrence. That's delusion.Ben CohenI just go back to the moral issue of our time, which is Gaza—two-thirds of the American people don't support continuing to arm Israel. And we need to make our politicians pay the price for continuing to arm Israel… We have a midterm election coming up. If your guy voted to continue to essentially facilitate the genocide, vote them out.Ben CohenWhen you have more money than is needed, you tend to invite corruption, cost overruns, machinery that doesn't work, and I would advise that you look into why the GAO and the Pentagon auditors are being asked to do fewer audits of the military budget. Because there's almost a direct correlation between throwing money at a government program (especially at that scale) and corruption. And corruption is understandable to everybody. It's the number one political issue all over the world, when the pollsters poll.Ralph NaderArwa Mahdawi is a columnist for the Guardian and author of Strong Female Lead: Lessons from Women in Power. Here is her recent piece on the genocide in Gaza: “When will we finally admit: the Gaza death toll is higher than we've been told” (The Guardian, August 8, 2025)To be fair, the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal have published some pretty devastating reports from their reporters in that area. They've put out some devastating features on what's going on [in Gaza], but it doesn't translate into editorial denunciation by these papers. And it doesn't translate into taking the next step and doing what they would do in other conflicts around the world where there isn't so much prejudice and domestic pressureRalph NaderI'm an opinion writer, but as journalists, you're always supposed to report facts. And the fact is: we have absolutely no idea how many people are dead in the Gaza Strip. But there are plenty of studies (which I reference in the article—one Lancet peer-reviewed study, one letter to the Lancet by a highly-respected scientist, one empirical study by Michael Spagat) which show that the death count is a lot higher. So I truly believe that unless you're saying “the official figure from the Ministry of Health is around 60,000 but studies show it is probably much higher,” then that's just journalistic malpractice.Arwa MahdawiI think there's just this instinct to believe that Palestinians are lying and Israelis are telling the truth. And it also goes back to…this isn't just Israel's war, this is America's war as well. And this desire to see America as the good guys—we're the good guys, the Palestinians are the bad guys. And to have this black-and-white narrative where, obviously, we're the good guys, you know, and so if the Palestinian narrative casts doubt on that, then it must be wrong.Arwa MahdawiI always suggest that people write to the media outlets and say that they want to see more Palestinian narratives, they want the media outlets to voice their concern that foreign reporters are not being let in, that more aid workers are not being let in, that pictures are not coming out.Arwa MahdawiThere are very few pictures coming out of the scale of this destruction in Gaza, but when you see the ones that do come out, it is very, very obvious that there are more than 60,000 people dead.But there seems to be this lack of curiosity with some of my peers. Why aren't they asking, “Why aren't we seeing more pictures?” There should be nonstop outrage that their press freedom is being stifled like this and so many Palestinian journalists are being slaughtered.Arwa MahdawiNews 8/22/25* Last Thursday, during an event in her Masscusetts congressional district, Congresswoman Katherine Clark – who holds the position of House Minority Whip, making her the number two Democrat in the House – called Israel's campaign in Gaza a “genocide,” per Axios. According to Zeteo, this makes Clark the 14th member of Congress to use the “g word.” Lest she be accused of bravery however, Clark quickly walked back her comments. In a statement to the Jewish News Syndicate, Clark said “last week, while attending an event in my district, I repeated the word ‘genocide' in response to a question…I want to be clear that I am not accusing Israel of genocide.” This incident illustrates the cross-cutting pressures facing Democratic Party leaders. This divide will be on the agenda again at the DNC meeting on August 26th, where among other issues, party leaders will vote on competing resolutions to lay out the Democrats' position on Gaza. Allison Minnerly, the progressive DNC delegate sponsoring the resolution to end arms shipments to Israel, is quoted saying “Our voters…are saying that they do not want U.S. dollars to enable further death and starvation anywhere across the world, particularly in Gaza…I don't think it should be a hard decision for us to say that clearly,” per the Intercept.* Even as Democrats wrestle with their position on Gaza, the politics are clearly shifting. The Reject AIPAC coalition has released a new statement saying that among Democrats, AIPAC is now a “toxic pariah.” As evidence of this, Reject AIPAC cites the fact that only 14 House Democrats attended the AIPAC-sponsored Israel trip this year. According to Mondoweiss, “In 2023, the lobbying group brought 24 House Dems to Israel over recess. In 2019, over 40 attended.” Reject AIPAC also cites the fact that Reps. Valerie Foushee and Maxine Dexter, both recipients of millions of AIPAC dollars, voted to block arms to Israel and Foushee is even now rejecting AIPAC money. As these small victories mount, the horizon of possibility for movement within the party grows ever wider.* Last week, Tom Artiom Alexandrovich – a senior department head in Israel's National Cyber Directorate – was arrested in a “multi-agency operation targeting child sex predators,” in Clark County, Nevada according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. According to Reuters, “Alexandrovich faces a felony charge of luring or attempting to lure a child or mentally ill person to commit a sex act ‘with use of computer technology.'” Yet, inexplicably, Alexandrovich was released by U.S. authorities and is back in Israel. This set off a firestorm in the U.S., with many accusing the Trump administration of facilitating Alexandrovich's release. The State Department was forced to issue a statement denying these claims, stating that Alexandrovich "did not claim diplomatic immunity and was released by a state judge…Any claims that the U.S. government intervened are false." The AP adds that the “Israeli Embassy in Washington and the Israeli Prime Minister's Office did not immediately return messages.” Disturbingly, the mainstream media seems to be purposely ignoring this case. While it has been covered by the Guardian, the Times of Israel, and Haaretz, there has been zero coverage in the New York Times or Washington Post, or ABC, NBC, or CBS. This media blackout adds fuel to the speculation that this case is being tamped down by the administration for political reasons.* Another troubling story regarding minors on the internet comes to us from Mark Zuckerberg's Meta AI. According to Reuters, internal documents from Meta Platforms detail “policies on chatbot behavior…[permitting] the company's artificial intelligence creations to ‘engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual,' generate false medical information and help users argue that Black people are ‘dumber than white people.'” Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan called these reports “disturbing” and cited a legal complaint filed by the FTC to the Justice Department against Snap in January, under her leadership, “charging that [Snap's] AI chatbot was creating risks and harms for young users.” Khan noted that the “DOJ hasn't filed the case or taken any steps to protect these kids,” and demanded that “Any lawmaker concerned about big tech's abuse of kids should ask what is going on.” The administration's lack of action on these issues indicates that despite their rhetorical inveighing against the tech industry, they are treating SIlicon Valley with the same kid gloves they use for the rest of corporate America, even when it affects minors.* In more positive news from abroad, the Washington Post reports that between 2022 and 2024, Mexico lifted a stunning 8.3 million residents out of poverty. This 18% drop in poverty includes a 23% decrease in extreme poverty and a 16% drop in moderate poverty. According to experts, this remarkable achievement is the result of the policies of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, or AMLO, and his successor Claudia Sheinbaum, such as tripling the minimum wage and instituting a raft of social programs to aid “senior citizens, unemployed youth, students, farmers and people with disabilities.” President Sheinbaum is now plowing ahead with a new project – producing a “small, 100% electric, accessible [EV],” called the “Olinia,” to be fully manufactured and assembled in Mexico, per Mexico News Daily.* Turning to domestic politics, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik finally showed up in her district on Monday after an extended period of avoiding public appearances. At a ceremony honoring a late Clinton County clerk in Plattsburgh, Stefanik was drowned out by cries of “‘You sold us out!', ‘Shame!', and ‘Unseal the Epstein files!', along with a “steady stream of boos,” according to the Daily Beast. Stefanik “left the podium after speaking for less than a minute,” and when she returned, she was booed again. Stefanik's chronic absence and chilly reception is a bad sign for her gubernatorial aspirations. In the months since she has held a town hall, her constituents held a mock town hall where they addressed an empty chair, per WRGB, and New York Democrats AOC and Paul Tonko held town halls in her district, per the Albany Times-Union.* In more political news from New York, disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo is explicitly seeking to woo New York Republicans in his independent bid for Mayor of New York City. POLITICO reports that at a fundraiser at media mogul Jimmy Finkelstein's Southampton estate, Cuomo told the crowd that he agrees with President Trump that the “goal is to stop Mamdani.” To this end, he is trying to convince Republicans that they would be “wasting [their] vote on [Curtis] Sliwa,” the Republican nominee for Mayor, “because he'll never be a serious candidate.” Cuomo also implied that he is open to an alliance with Trump, telling the crowd “Let's put it this way: I knew the president very well.” Dora Pekec, a spokesperson for the Zohran campaign, is quoted saying “Since he's too afraid to say it to New Yorkers' faces, we'll make it clear: Andrew Cuomo IS Donald Trump's choice for mayor.”* In Texas, state Democrats have returned to the state, ending their attempt to defeat Governor Abbott's mid-decade redistricting scheme by denying the legislature a quorum. In a statement Gene Wu, chairman of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, said "We killed the corrupt special session, withstood unprecedented surveillance and intimidation, and rallied Democrats nationwide to join this existential fight for fair representation — reshaping the entire 2026 landscape," per the BBC. The legislature is now expected to approve the redrawn congressional maps; the state Democrats plan to continue fighting them in the courts. California has vowed to redraw their own maps to compensate for the expected loss of five Democrat-held seats in Texas. New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Maryland are also considering their own redistricting plans. Vice President JD Vance was deployed to Indiana to pressure Republicans in that state to redraw their maps to favor Republicans as well, per the IndyStar. It is a sad state of affairs that American politics has been reduced to such naked power grabbing plots, but here we are.* In local news, the federal occupation of Washington, D.C. continues to deepen. CBS reports the governors of at least six Republican-led states are sending contingents from their National Guards to the capital. These include Mississippi and Louisiana, West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee. Just what these troops will do in Washington remains unclear. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who is sending 160 troops, cited “monument security” and “traffic control” among their official responsibilities. The federal agents on the ground, with little to do – the DOJ itself reports as violent crime is at a 30-year low in the District – seem to be mostly just harassing residents. The Daily Beast reports ICE tore down a banner and replaced it with a dildo. A local, Amanda Moore, posted a photo of 15 federal agents calling an ambulance for a drunk girl in Dupont Circle. And, while the Lever reports D.C. corporate lobbyists pushed for the occupation, it is wreaking havoc on local businesses; Rolling Stone reports reservations at D.C. restaurants are down between 25 and 31%, to take just one example. We can only hope that this pointless, destructive farce of quasi-fascistic political theater ends sooner rather than later.* Finally, investigative reporter and Iraq war veteran Seth Harp is out with a new book – The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces – which details the double murder of Master Sergeant Billy Lavigne and Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Dumas, along with the “many more unexplained deaths…other murders connected to drug trafficking in elite units, and dozens of fatal overdoses,” at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Among other remarkable discoveries, Harp “describes a U.S. special forces k9 [unit] that was given titanium dentures and encouraged to feast on human brains in the field,” in the words of publisher and producer Chris Wade. Remember these titanium dentures whenever you hear that there is no money to pay for critical social programs. The money is there. The political will is not.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Mike Drop Podcast featuring Chuck Hayes, a 40-year Navy SEAL veteran whose career spanned from enlisted ranks to captain. In this episode, Chuck dives deep into the pivotal moments that shaped his post-9/11 journey, including the tragic loss of a teammate during training, the profound impact of September 11th on his career, revamping SEAL training for the Afghanistan theater, intense deployments as a task unit commander, kinetic operations against Taliban leaders, and candid reflections on the purpose, sacrifices, and outcomes of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Listeners will find raw stories of leadership under fire, hard lessons from combat, geopolitical insights, and thoughtful critiques on military strategy, national policy, and the human cost of endless conflict—delivering inspiration, introspection, and unfiltered truth from a warrior's perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

>Join Jocko Underground< Apache pilot, Dan McClinton recounts the harrowing mission over Baghdad that claimed the lives of two fellow crew members. Through vivid memories and raw emotion, he shares the bond of the Crazy Horse team, the reality of combat in the skies, and the enduring weight of loss.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/jocko-podcast/exclusive-content