Podcasts about International Center

Today's episode features Part 1 of our October 30, 2025 webinar, "AI in Financial Services: Understanding the White House Action Plan – and What It Leaves Out." In this installment, a panel of leading experts breaks down the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in financial services—from foundational concepts to the latest regulatory developments. Moderated by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel,  founder and former longtime leader of Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group, and Greg Szewczyk, chair of the firm's Privacy and Data Security Group, the discussion cuts through hype and uncertainty to provide clear, practical insights. Alan and Greg guide an energetic conversation about how AI has become a strategic priority for banks, credit unions, payments companies, and fintechs. Our panel includes: Charley Brown, leader of Ballard Spahr's technology and patents teams, who explains how institutions can protect and capitalize on AI-enabled technologies; Dean Ball, former White House senior advisor and one of the architects of the White House AI Action Plan, who provides a rare inside look at the policy landscape; Kristian Stout, Director of Innovation Policy at the International Center for Law and Economics, who examines the intersections of AI, regulation, and competition; and Charlie Bullock, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Law and AI, who outlines practical frameworks for responsible, compliant AI governance. Together, they unpack the complex patchwork of state, federal, and international rules now shaping AI deployment in financial services. The discussion highlights how automated decision-making laws, privacy requirements, and emerging definitions of "artificial intelligence" are forcing institutions to rethink compliance programs, manage risk differently, and anticipate new regulatory expectations. You'll also hear real-world examples of how organizations are grappling with these challenges in practice. This episode provides an essential foundation for understanding where AI and financial services intersect, and where the regulatory environment is headed. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for Part 2, where our experts delve even deeper into the future of AI, innovation, and legal risk in the financial sector. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr and founder of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe on their preferred podcast platform for weekly insights into the consumer finance industry.

In a world where division feels louder than ever, our share explores how we're not as different as we think — and how showing up authentically can be a powerful antidote to polarization. We'll dig into how our culture of sameness, algorithms, and chatbots shape conversations, and hidden fears of being unseen all keep us in boxes. Then we'll go deeper: what does authentic self-expression really look like — for individuals, communities, and society at large?We'll blend story, science, and meditation and reflect on how we fall into “us vs them”, how technology (including bots and chat AI) amplifies voices and distorts consensus, and how each of us can help build space for connection, nuance, and genuine voice.Let's lean into who we are, together.Here's a link to the Mel Robbins podcast that inspired this episode:  https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-329/______Pam Allen-LeBlanc is a scientist, businesswoman, and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) with the International Center for Reiki Training.Get in Touch with Pam:pam@reikifromthefarm.comwww.reikifromthefarm.comRegister for our newsletter! Instagram Facebook Youtube pam@reikifromthefarm.com

"Mercedes Luján", es guitarrista flamenca, compositora y productora. Nacida en Lorca, Murcia, en el seno de una familia de artistas, Mercedes comenzó su formación musical de la mano de su abuelo paterno, el guitarrista flamenco "Maestro Palmita". Ha acompañado a la guitarra a grandes cantaores flamencos y desde hace años se ha comprometido a dar visibilidad a las mujeres instrumentistas, colaborando con la "Orquesta Firdaus", en Dubái y presentando su espectáculo "Flamencas", que cuenta con una banda femenina. Ahora nos presenta su primer larga duración: "Origen y Revolución" en el que encontramos el origen del flamenco, con la soleá y después la evolución hasta la modernidad, un universo sonoro en el que el bajo, la percusión y los vientos, dialogan con la esencia flamenca y elevan la guitarra flamenca a otro nivel. En el disco encontramos colaboraciones maravillosas como las de José Mercé y Arcángel, entre otros. Hablamos con Mercedes y disfrutamos con este excelente trabajo.""José Carlos Bouso" es doctor en Farmacología y Psicólogo. Lleva más de 30 años investigando los psiquedélicos (MDMA, Ayahuasca, LSD e Ibogaína, entre otros) y es director científico de la "Fundación ICEERS" (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research and Service) y de la clínica "Synáptica", la primera clínica de medicina psiquedélica de España, situada en Barcelona. José Carlos es uno de los mayores expertos internacionales en este campo y viene al programa con su libro "Medicina Psiquedélica"-Manual para pacientes, clínicos, usuarios y curiosos- (Editorial Kairós). En este excelente trabajo José Carlos analiza con detalle la evidencia científica que respalda la seguridad y eficacia de estas sustancias, para tratar una gran variedad de dolencias, tanto físicas como psicológicas y nos explica que, poco a poco, estas sustancias están siendo autorizadas para su uso médico, de ahí la importancia de conocerlas muy bien, darlas a conocer a la población y formar adecuadamente al personal sanitario que va a trabajar con ellas."Escuchar audio

According to Wikipedia, 28 is “approximately the number of grams in an ounce, and used as such in commercial trade.” This may explain why there were 28 points in the US plan to end Russia's war on Ukraine: it was drafted by people interested in commerce and trade, and the US stands to gain some US$ 300 billion from this deal. However, the US financial gain is the only original element in the plan, the rest being a list of Russian demands denying Ukraine sovereignty by taking land from it, defining its military, its constitution and its elections, and forcing cultural and religious issues upon it.That this draft was cooked up by US forces friendly to Russia is common knowledge, but that does not make the event, let alone the plan, less of an abomination: Ukraine was treated as no more than item, while the EU was not consulted — despite being listed as liable to underwrite much of the programme. At base, this is a plan to reward aggression and the taking of land by force while imposing penalties upon those who object.To understand what exactly is wrong with the proposals, and where Ukraine goes from here, Ilana Bet-El is joined by two true women leaders: Dr Hanna Shelest, Director of Security Programmes at the Foreign Policy Council "Ukrainian Prism (https://prismua.org/en/)", and Iryna Krasnoshtan, Programme Director at the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (https://ukrainianvictory.org/). With the facts at their fingertips and the passion of fighters, this conversation explains what is at stake for the world as well as Ukraine.This episode was recorded on 27 November 2025ChaptersDissecting the 28 point “peace proposal”The international dynamics of the war in UkraineWhy Ukrainians and Europeans are left out of the conversation?What would a Ukrainian peace plan look like?MentionsUkraine Analytica Ukraine Institute28 point planWashington roiled by leaked transcript of Witkoff-Ushakov callAgathe Demarais article on the US-Russia Plan , De Wever Overstates Belgium's RisksFollowIryna Krasnoshtan LinkedIn Hanna Shelest LinkedInIlana Bet-El Women Leaders Instagram & YouTubeELNCreditsProduction: Florence FerrandoMusic: Let Good Times Roll, RA from #UppbeatContribute to the conversation with a comment & a 5-⭐️Reach us on our Instagram and follow for updates @women_leaders_podcastWatch now our episode on Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Five years after the signing of the Abraham Accords, the Middle East looks very different—defined by both extraordinary cooperation and unprecedented challenges. In this episode, we unpack how Israel's defensive war on seven fronts affected regional partnerships, why Abraham Accords nations have stood by the Jewish state, and what expanded normalization could look like as countries like Saudi Arabia and others weigh making such monumental decisions.   We also explore the growing importance of humanitarian coordination, people-to-people diplomacy, and the critical role AJC is playing in supporting deeper regional collaboration. From shifting narratives to new economic and security opportunities, we chart what the next five years could mean for peace, stability, and integration across the region. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. This episode is up-to-date as of November 25, 2025. Read the transcript: Building What's Next | Architects of Peace - Episode 6 | AJC Resources: AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace - Tune in weekly for new episodes. The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC.org/CNME - Find more from 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: ANNE DREAZEN: One thing that I have learned from my many years at the Department of Defense is that military instruments of power are not sufficient to really build longlasting peace and stability.  The importance of trade, of economic development, of people-to-people ties, is so essential to what we think of as an enduring or a lasting peace. 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 and build bonds that would last. Introducing: the Architects of Peace. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: It has been five years since Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain signed the Abraham Accords on the South Lawn of the White House. In those five years, Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking a massive refugee crisis. The U.S. elected one president then re-elected his predecessor who had ushered in the Abraham Accords in the first place.  And amid news that Saudi Arabia might be next to join the Accords, the Hamas terror group breached the border between Israel and Gaza, murdered more than 1,200 people and kidnapped 251 more. Israel suddenly found itself fighting an existential war against Iran and its terror proxies on multiple fronts – Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and Iran itself. At the same time, Israel also fought a worldwide war of public opinion – as Hamas elevated the death toll in Gaza by using Palestinian civilians as human shields and activists waged a war of disinformation on social media that turned international public perception against the Jewish state. Through it all, the Abraham Accords held. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: There are those who work hard to undermine what we are doing. And this is where many question: 'How come the UAE is still part of the Abraham Accords?'  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi is a leading parliamentarian and educator in the United Arab Emirates. He has served as the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge. He currently serves as the Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, The International Center of Excellence for Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism. The center is based in Abu Dhabi.  He was one of the first to go on Israeli and Arab media to talk to the general public about the Abraham Accords and was known for correcting news anchors and other interview subjects, that the UAE had not simply agreed to live in peace with the Jewish state. It had agreed to actively engage with the Israeli people. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: We saw the importance of engaging with both sides. We saw the importance of talking to the Israeli general public. We saw the importance of dialogue with the government in Israel, the Knesset, the NGO, the academician, businessman. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: That engagement started almost immediately with flights back and forth, musical collaborations, culinary exchanges, academic partnerships, business arrangements–much of which came to a halt on October 7, 2023. But that simply meant the nature of the engagement changed. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas War, the UAE has provided extensive humanitarian aid to Gaza, delivering more than 100,000 tons of food, medical supplies, tents, and clothing, by land, air and sea—about 46% of the total assistance that entered Gaza. It established six desalination plants with a combined capacity of two million gallons per day.  And, in addition to operating field and floating hospitals that treated 73,000 patients, the UAE also provided five ambulances, facilitated a polio vaccination campaign, and evacuated 2,785 patients for treatment in the UAE. From Dr. Al-Nuami's point of view, the Abraham Accords made all of that humanitarian aid possible. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: This is why we were able to have these hospitals in Gaza, we were able to do these water solutions for the Palestinians, and we did so many things because there is a trust between us and the Israelis. That they allowed us to go and save the Palestinian people in Gaza.  So there were so many challenges, but because we have the right leadership, who have the courage to make the right decision, who believe in the Abraham Accords principles, the vision, and who's working hard to transform the region. Where every everyone will enjoy security, stability, and prosperity without, you know, excluding anyone. Why the UAE didn't pull out of the Abraham Accords? My answer is this. It's not with the government, our engagement. The government will be there for two, three, four years, and they will change.  Our Abraham Accords is with Israel as a nation, with the people, who will stay. Who are, we believe their root is here, and there is a history and there is a future that we have to share together. And this is where we have to work on what I call people to people diplomacy. This is sustainable peace. This is where you really build the bridges of trust, respect, partnership, and a shared responsibility about the whole region. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: On October 9, two years and two days after the start of the war between Israel and Hamas, the White House announced a ceasefire would take effect, the first step in a 20-point peace plan proposed for the region. Four days later, President Donald Trump joined the presidents of Egypt and Turkey, and the Emir of Qatar to announce a multilateral agreement to work toward a comprehensive and durable peace in Gaza. Since then, all but the remains of three hostages have been returned home, including Lt. Hadar Goldin, whose remains had been held since 2014, ending the longest hostage ordeal in Israel's history. Finally, the prospect of peace and progress seems to be re-emerging. But what is next for the Abraham Accords? Will they continue to hold and once again offer the possibilities that were promised on the White House Lawn in September 2020? Will they expand? And which countries will be next to sign on to the historic pact, setting aside decades of rejection to finally formalize full diplomatic relations with the Jewish state? The opportunities seem endless, just as they did in September 2020 when the Abraham Accords expanded the scope of what was suddenly possible in government, trade, and so much more.  ANNE DREAZEN: The Abraham Accords really opened up lots of opportunities for us in the Department of Defense to really expand cooperation between Israel and its partners in the security sphere.  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN:  Anne Dreazen spent the last 18 years as a civil servant in the U.S. Department of Defense. For most of that time, she worked on Middle East national security and defense policy, focusing on Iran, Iraq and Lebanon. And most recently serving as the principal director for Middle East policy, the senior civil service job overseeing the entire Middle East office. She was working at the Pentagon when the Abraham Accords were signed under the first Trump administration and immediately saw a shift in the region. ANNE DREAZEN: So, one thing that we saw at the very end of the first Trump administration, and it was made possible in part because of the success of the Abraham Accords, was the decision to move Israel from U.S. European Command into U.S. Central Command. And for many decades, it had been thought that that wouldn't be feasible because you wouldn't have any Middle East countries in CENTCOM that would really be willing to engage with Israel, even in very discreet minimal channels.  But after the Abraham Accords, I think that led us policymakers and military leaders to sort of rethink that proposition, and it became very clear that, it would be better to increase cooperation between Israel and the other Gulf partners, because in many cases, they have similar security interests, specifically concerns about Iran and Iranian proxies and Iranian malign activity throughout the region. And so I think the Abraham Accords was one item that sort of laid the groundwork and really enabled and encouraged us to think creatively about ways through which we could, in the security and defense sphere, improve cooperation between Israel and other partners in the region. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But sustaining peace in the region is more than a matter of maintaining security. Making sure young people can fulfill their dreams, make a contribution, build relationships and friendships across borders, and transcend religion and ideologies – even those in the security sphere know those are the necessary ingredients for peace and prosperity across the region.  Despite the efforts of Hamas and other Iran-backed terror proxies to derail the Abraham Accords, the U.S., Arab, and Israeli leaders had continued to pursue plans for an Israeli-Saudi peace agreement and to explore a new security architecture to fight common threats. This spirit of optimism and determination led AJC to launch the Center for a New Middle East in June 2024. In October, Anne joined AJC to lead that initiative. ANNE DREAZEN: One thing that I have learned from my many years at the Department of Defense is that military instruments of power are not sufficient to really build long lasting peace and stability. The importance of trade, of economic development, of people-to-people ties is so essential to what we think of as an enduring or a lasting peace.  And so at AJC, we're actually focused on those aspects of trying to advance normalization. Really trying to put more meat on the bones, in the case of where we already have agreements in place. So for example, with Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco, trying to really build out what more can be done in terms of building economic ties, building people-to-people ties, and advancing those agreements. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Of course, that work had already begun prior to Anne's arrival. Just two years after the Abraham Accords, Retired Ambassador to Oman Marc Sievers became director of AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, the first and only Jewish agency office in an Arab and Islamic country.  After more than 30 years as a U.S. diplomat serving across the Middle East and North Africa, Marc has witnessed a number of false starts between Arab nations and Israel. While the Abraham Accords introduced an unprecedented approach, they didn't suddenly stabilize the region.  Marc's four years in Abu Dhabi have been fraught. In January 2022, Houthis in north Yemen launched a drone and missile attack on Abu Dhabi, killing three civilians and injuring six others. In 2023, the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, Israel's retaliation, and Israel's war on seven fronts dimmed Emiratis' public perception of Jews. As recently as this past August, the U.S. Mission to the UAE issued a dire warning to Israeli diplomats and Jewish institutions in Abu Dhabi – a threat that was taken seriously given the kidnapping and murder of a Chabad rabbi in 2024.  But just as the UAE stood by its commitment to Israel, Marc and AJC stood by their commitment to the UAE and Arab neighbors, working to advance Arab-Jewish and Muslim-Jewish dialogue; combat regional antisemitism and extremism; and invigorate Jewish life across the region. From Marc's vantage point, the Abraham Accords revolutionized the concept of normalization, inspiring a level of loyalty he's never before seen.  It's worth noting the precursor to the Abraham Accords: the Peace to Prosperity Summit. For decades, diplomats had frowned on the idea of an economic peace preceding a two-state solution.  MARC SIEVERS: That idea's been out there for a long time. …It was just never embraced by those who thought, you know, first you have a two-state solution. You have a Palestinian state, and then other things will follow. This approach is kind of the opposite. You create an environment in which people feel they have an incentive, they have something to gain from cooperation, and that then can lead to a different political environment. I happen to think that's quite an interesting approach, because the other approach was tried for years and years, and it didn't succeed. Rather than a confrontational approach, this is a constructive approach that everyone benefits from. The Prosperity to Peace Conference was a very important step in that direction. It was harshly criticized by a lot of people, but I think it actually was a very kind of visionary approach to changing how things are done. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: The conference Marc is referring to took place in June 2019 –  a two-day workshop in Bahrain's capital city of Manama, where the Trump administration began rolling out the economic portion of its peace plan, titled "Peace to Prosperity."  The workshop's host Bahrain, as well as Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the Emirates participated, to varying degrees.  The plan called for large scale investment, mostly by other countries in the Gulf and Europe, to advance the Palestinian economy, to integrate the Palestinian and Israelis' economies and establish a small but functional Palestinian state.  Angered by Trump's recognition of Jerusalem, Palestinian leadership rejected the plan before ever seeing its details. But as former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman pointed out in an earlier episode of this series, that was expected. The plan enabled Israel to demonstrate that it was open to cooperation. It enabled the Trump administration to illustrate the opportunities missed if countries in the region continued to let Palestinian leadership call the shots. It was economic diplomacy at its finest. And it worked.  MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN:  Benjamin Rogers, AJC's Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives, who also serves as Deputy Director of the Center for a New Middle East, said the Center has focused heavily on expanding private sector engagement. Israelis and Arab entrepreneurs have quietly traveled to the U.S. as part of the Center's budding business collectives.  BENJAMIN ROGERS: So people who are focused on med tech, people who are focused on agri tech, people who are focused on tourism. And what we do is we say, 'Hey, we want to talk about the Middle East. No, we do not want to talk about violence. No, we don't want to talk about death and destruction. Not because these issues are not important, but because we're here today to talk about innovation, and we're here to talk about the next generation, and what can we do?' And when you say, like, food security for example, how can Israelis and Arabs work together in a way that helps provide more food for the entire world? That's powerful. How can the Israelis and Arabs working together with the United States help combat cancer, help find solutions to new diseases?  If you really want to get at the essence of the Abraham Accords – the ability to do better and work together, to your average person on the street, that's meaningful. And so one of the initiatives is, hey, let's bring together these innovators, these business leaders, private sector, and let's showcase to Arabs, Israelis, non-Jewish community, what the Middle East can be about. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: People-to-people connections. That's what AJC has done for decades, traveling to the region since 1950 to build bridges and relationships. But providing a platform to help facilitate business ventures? That's a new strategy, which is why AJC partnered with Blue Laurel Advisors. The firm has offices in Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Washington, D.C.. It specializes in helping companies navigate the geopolitics of doing business in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Israel.  At AJC Global Forum in April, founder and Managing Director Tally Zingher told an audience that the Abraham Accords, which effectively lifted the UAE's ban on business with Israel, brought already existing deals above the radar. TALLY ZINGHER: We've been wowed by what the Center for a New Middle East has been able to do and put forth in the very short time that it's been incubated and Blue Laurel Advisors are really delighted to be part of this project and we're really aligned with its mission and its vision. It's quite simple in the region because the region is really driven by national agendas. I think it's no surprise that the appendix to the Abraham Accords was a direct parallel to the Abu Dhabi national vision. It's the key areas of growth in UAE and Saudi Arabia that are now really well aligned with Israeli strength.  We're talking about the diversification efforts of the UAE and of Saudi Arabia. At Blue Laurel, we're quite focused on Saudi Arabia because of the real growth story underway there created by the diversification efforts. But they're focused on water, energy, renewable energy, healthy cyber security, tourism. Ten years ago when you were doing this work, 15 years ago there wasn't as much complementarity between Israel and the start-up innovation ecosystem and what was going on. The region is really ready and ripe to have Israeli innovation be a part of its growth trajectory. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Benjy said there's another advantage to building bridges in the business world – continuity. BENJAMIN ROGERS:Out of the three sectors that we're focused on – diplomatic, business, and civil society – business relations are the most resistant to political conflict. There's this element of self interest in it, which I'm not saying is a bad thing, but when you tie the relationship to your own worth and your own value, you're much more likely to go through kind of the ebbs and flows of the political.  Whereas, if you're a civil society, you're really at the mercy of populations. And if the timing is not right, it's not impossible to work together, but it's so much more difficult. Business is even more resistant than political engagement, because if political engagement is bad, the business relationship can still be good, because there's an element of self interest, and that element of we have to work together for the betterment of each other. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: The economic diplomacy complements AJC's partnership with civil society groups, other non-profits that work to bring people together to experience and embody each other's realities in the Middle East. The Center also has continued AJC's trademark traditional diplomacy to expand the circle of peace. Though Marc prefers to call it the circle of productivity.  MARC SIEVERS: I think it achieved new relations for Israel that were perhaps different from what had happened with Egypt and Jordan, where we have long standing peace agreements, but very little contact between people, and very little engagement other than through very specific official channels. The Abraham Accords were different because there was a people-to-people element. The UAE in particular was flooded with Israeli tourists almost immediately after the Accords were signed, Bahrain less so, but there have been some. And not as many going the other way, but still, the human contacts were very much there.  I think it was also building on this idea that economic engagement, joint partnerships, investment, build a kind of circle of productive relations that gradually hopefully expand and include broader parts of the region or the world that have been either in conflict with Israel or have refused to recognize Israel as a sovereign Jewish state. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: It being all of those things explains why the potential for expansion is all over the map. So where will the Abraham Accords likely go next? The Trump administration recently announced the addition of Kazakhstan. But as the Central Asian country already had diplomatic relations with Israel, the move was more of an endorsement of the Accords rather than an expansion. In November 2025, all eyes were on the White House when Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman paid a visit. In addition to the customary Oval Office meeting, President Trump also hosted the Saudi royal at a black-tie dinner. ANNE DREAZEN: Right now, everyone is really talking about and thinking, of course, about Saudi Arabia, and certainly I think there's a lot of promise now with the ceasefire having been achieved. That sort of lays a better groundwork to be able to think about whether we can, whether the United States can play an important role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Israel to the table to move forward on normalization. Certainly from the Saudis have have made they've cautioned that one of their prerequisites is a viable path toward Palestinian statehood. And we've known that, that's in President Trump's 20-point plan. So I think it remains to be seen whether or not Israel and Saudi Arabia can come to a mutually agreed upon way of addressing that key concern for Saudi Arabia. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But there are also countries who only a year ago never would have considered a relationship with Israel. With Hezbollah diminished and a moderate and forward-leaning Lebanese government in place, quiet conversations are taking place that could lead to a significant diplomatic achievement, even if not as ambitious as the Abraham Accords. The same in Syria, where Ahmed al-Sharaa is sending positive signals that he would at least be willing to consider security arrangements. ANNE DREAZEN: Even if you don't have a Syrian Embassy opening up in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv,  even if you don't have an Israeli embassy opening up in Damascus, there could be other arrangements made, short of a full diplomatic peace accord that would lay the groundwork for some understandings on security, on borders. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Marc said it remains to be seen whether Oman, his final diplomatic post, will join the Accords. Two years before the signing of the Accords, while serving as ambassador, there was a glimmer of hope. Well, more than a glimmer really. MARC SIEVERS: In Oman, the late Sultan Qaboos, a good, almost two years before the Abraham Accords, invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to visit him in his royal palace in Muscat. Netanyahu came with his wife, Sarah, but also with a lot of the top senior leadership. Certainly his military secretary, the head of the Mossad, a few other people. As soon as Netanyahu landed in Israel, the Omanis put it all over the media, and there were some wonderful videos of the Sultan giving Netanyahu a tour of the palace and a choir of children who came and sang, and some other things that the Sultan liked to do when he had important guests.  And it was quite an interesting moment, and that was two years before. And that was not initiated by the United States. Unlike the Abraham Accords process, that was an Omani initiative, but again, other than the meeting itself, nothing really came of it. The Omanis took a lot of pride in what they had done, and then they backed away. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Instead, Marc points to the country with the largest Muslim population in the world: Indonesia – especially following recent remarks to the United Nations General Assembly by Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto. PRABOWO SUBIANTO: We must have an independent Palestine, but we must also recognize, we must also respect, and we must also guarantee the safety and security of Israel. Only then can we have real peace. Real peace and no longer hate and no longer suspicion. The only solution is the two-state solution. The descendants of Abraham must live in reconciliation, peace, and harmony. Arabs, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, all religions. We must live as one human family. Indonesia is committed to being part of making this vision a reality. MARC SIEVERS: We've heard that, you know, Indonesia needs some time to consider this, which makes a lot of sense. It's not something to be done lightly, and yet that would be a huge achievement. Obviously, Indonesia has never been a party to the conflict directly, but they also have never had relations with Israel, and they are the most populous Muslim country. Should that happen, it's a different kind of development than Saudi Arabia, but in some ways, it kind of internationalizes or broadens beyond the Middle East, the circle of peace. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But in addition to adding signatories, Anne said AJC's Center for a New Middle East will work to strengthen the current relationships with countries that stayed committed during Israel's war against Hamas, despite public apprehensions. Anne recently traveled to Bahrain and the UAE with AJC's Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson, who has long led AJC's Middle East outreach. There, Anne discovered a significant slowdown in the momentum she witnessed when the Accords debuted. ANNE DREAZEN: I saw a real hesitancy during my travels in the region for politicians to publicly acknowledge and to publicly celebrate the Abraham Accords. They were much more likely to talk about peaceful coexistence and tolerance in what they characterize as a non-political way, meaning not tied to any sort of diplomatic agreements. So I saw that as a big impediment.  I do think that among the leadership of a lot of these countries, though, there is a sense that they have to be more pragmatic than ever before in trying to establish, in time to sustain the ceasefire, and establish a more enduring stability in the region. So there's a bit of a disconnect, I think, between where a lot of the publics lie on this issue.  But a lot of the political leaders recognize the importance of maintaining ties with Israel, and want to lay the groundwork for greater stability. We are very interested now in doing what we can as CNME, as the Center for New Middle East, to help rebuild those connections and help reinvigorate those relationships. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: This is especially the case in Bahrain, which has not seen the same economic dividends as the UAE. ANNE DREAZEN: Bahrain is a much smaller country than the UAE, and their key industries – they have less of a developed startup tech ecosystem than the UAE. And frankly, many of Bahrain's sectors don't overlap as neatly with some of Israel's emerging tech sectors, as is the case with the UAE. So, for example, Bahrain is very heavy on steel and aluminum manufacturing, on logistics. Manufacturing is a big part of the sector.  Israeli tech doesn't really, in general, provide that many jobs in that type of sector. Tourism is another area where Bahrain is trying to develop as a top priority. This obviously was really challenged during the Abraham Accords, especially when direct flights stopped over Gulf air. So tourism was not a natural one, especially after October 7.  Bahrain has really prioritized training their youth workforce to be able to take on jobs in IT and financial services, and this is one area we want to look into more and see what can be done. Bahrain is really prioritizing trying to build relationships in areas that can provide jobs to some of their youth. It is not as wealthy a country as the UAE, but it has a very educated young workforce. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Again, fulfilling dreams, giving youth an opportunity to contribute. That's the necessary narrative to make the Abraham Accords a success.  ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: It's very important to focus on the youth, and how to create a narrative that will gain the heart and the mind of all youth in the region, the Israeli, the Palestinian, the Arabs, the Muslims. And this is where it is very important to counter hate that comes from both sides. Unfortunately, we still see some hate narratives that come from those far-right extremists who serve the extremists on the Arab side, taking advantage of what they are saying, what they are doing. From the beginning, I convey this message to many Israelis: please don't put the Palestinian people in one basket with Hamas, because if you do so, you will be saving Hamas. Hamas will take advantage of that.  This is where it's very important to show the Palestinian people that we care about them. You know, we see them as human beings. We want a better future for them. We want to end their suffering. We want them to fulfill their dream within the region, that where everybody will feel safe, will feel respected, and that we all will live as neighbors, caring about each other's security and peace.  We have to engage, have a dialogue, show others that we care about them, you see, and try to empower all those who believe in peace who believe that Israeli and Palestinian have to live together in peace and harmony. And it will take time, yes, but we don't have other options. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: But Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasizes that it can't be just a dialogue. It must be a conversation that includes the American voice. The UAE has been clear with the Israeli public on two occasions that attempts by Israel to unilaterally annex the West Bank would be a red line for the relationship between their two countries. But even as the five-year anniversary of the Abraham Accords approached, a milestone that should've been a reminder of the countries' mutual commitments, it took U.S. intervention for Israel to heed that warning. Anne Dreazen agrees that the U.S. plays an important role. She said Israel must continue to defend itself against threats. But in order to create a safe space for Israel in the long term, the U.S., the American Jewish community in particular, can help bridge connections and overcome cultural differences. That will keep the Accords moving in the right direction. ALI RASHID AL NUAIMI: I believe many Arab and Muslim leaders are eager to join it, but you know, they have to do their internal calculation within their people. We have to help them, not only us, but the Israelis. They are looking for a way, a path, to have them as neighbors, and to have a solution that the Palestinian will fulfill their dreams, but the Israeli also will be secure. I think having such a narrative that will take us to the next level by bringing other Arab countries and Muslim country to join the Abraham Accords. MANYA BRACHEAR PASHMAN: Thank you for listening. Atara Lakritz is our producer. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jason Isaacson, 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 Inspired Middle East: ID: 241884108; Composer: iCENTURY Mystical Middle East: ID: 212471911; Composer: Vicher

"The energy itself only has the higher frequencies of creation within it. It doesn't have any preference around your belief system—it takes you to your own inner truth." - Colleen BenelliEpisode DescriptionWhat if the most powerful healing technology isn't something you need to buy, but something you already possess? In this transformative episode, join mother-daughter Reiki masters Colleen and Robin Benelli as they share their extraordinary journeys into energy healing—from life-changing messages delivered by a horse to a near-death experience that cracked open new dimensions of consciousness.Discover how these pioneers are revolutionizing Reiki practice by integrating shamanic wisdom, intuitive development, and practical daily applications that work for everyone—even analytical, left-brain thinkers. Whether you're Reiki-curious or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation offers profound insights into making ancient healing practices relevant in our modern world.Colleen Benelli is a licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center for Reiki Training and shamanic practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Her journey began when her horse, Dakota, delivered a telepathic message: "I went lame to deliver you to your power to heal." She's passionate about making Reiki mainstream healthcare.Robin Benelli came to Reiki after a near-death experience at age 30. With a background in business and finance, she proves analytical, left-brain thinkers can be deeply intuitive. She's partnered with her mother since 2016 to create global training programs making energy healing accessible to everyone.What You'll Learn:Reiki Journey Techniques & Daily Practice:Combining shamanic practices with energy healing"Reiki on the fly"—using energy during stress or conflict without ceremonyThe "Stay stable, be kind" mantra for moment-to-moment practiceIntegrating Reiki into everyday healthcare and wellnessBuilding supportive communities beyond divisionsWhy Reiki works with any belief systemTo learn more about Colleen and Robyn and all of their amazing trainings and offerings, please visit their website https://reikilifestyle.com/You will find information on all of their offerings and free resources including their podcast and You Tube videos on shamanic journeys.  CALLING ALL EMPRESSES! Ready to stop feeling invisible and start stepping into your power?

Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!EPISODE 67: SHIKOKU PILGRIMAGE PART 1In this opening episode, we set foot on Japan's legendary 88-temple route: the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Guided by the spirit of Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism, pilgrims walk through misty mountains, quiet villages, and visit temples to cleanse and reconnect to their inner light. I am hoping to take you there and experience some of what I lived in my ten days visiting temples and attending rituals. Nathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki,  is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), and Infinite Light: Conversation with 21 Reiki masters and practitioners.Support the show

Bonsucro, the global leader in promoting sustainable sugarcane, has announced a new partnership with the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) to advance the Climate Resilience Platform (CRP) and extend its utility for sugarcane and cotton producers globally. This collaboration is delivered in close partnership with Better Cotton, as part of Bonsucro's Climate Action Toolkit initiative. Farmers Tackle Climate Challenges, COP30 Developed initially by Pepsico, Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR), and the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, the Climate Resilience Platform translates the latest climate science into actionable information for farmers and agri-businesses, helping them anticipate yield risks and implement strategic, targeted interventions. The open-access, digital platform is powered by CGIAR, the world's largest public agricultural research partnership, guaranteeing robust, unbiased insights trusted by over 100 countries.? This latest phase of the Climate Resilience Platform will extend its capabilities to sugarcane producers in Latin America, Southern Africa, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia, as well as cotton growers in India and Brazil. Bonsucro members will be able to use the newly developed tools to assess local climate threats and prepare resilience plans, offering practical support to tackle climate impact challenges.? Mike Ogg, Regional Manager for Africa and Middle East, Bonsucro commented "Climate resilience is critical for producers in regions facing increasingly unpredictable weather and market conditions. By joining the Climate Resilience Platform, Bonsucro will help more producers harness the latest scientific insights and practical tools to plan and protect livelihoods." The Climate Resilience Platform brings scientific rigour to a range of agricultural practices and increases public access to research, supporting sustainable food and energy systems at a critical time for the sectors. "Bonsucro is investing in innovative tools to enable our members and partners to adapt to fast-changing risks of the climate emergency and support collaborative efforts to transform agriculture systems in critical sectors and regions." said Danielle Morley CEO, Bonsucro.? "We are proud to partner with Bonsucro by bringing the benefits of the Climate Action Toolkit to cotton producers. Recognising the crucial role of adaptation to support farmers in the face of a changing climate, this collaboration exemplifies our commitment to meeting farmer needs and sharing innovation across agricultural sectors." said Klara Shepard, Senior Climate Impact Coordinator at the Better Cotton Initiative. These developments happen as COP30 gets under way, reflecting the urgent focus on resilient, sustainable food and agricultural systems worldwide. The Climate Resilience Platform's open-access, collaborative approach aligns with Bonsucro's mission to make sustainable sugarcane the economic, environmental, and responsible choice for producers, communities, and markets everywhere.? About Bonsucro Bonsucro is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to accelerating the sustainable production of sugarcane. As a multi-stakeholder membership platform, convening more than 350 members in over 50 countries, Bonsucro enables collaboration, certification, and innovation for continuous improvement. Bonsucro is ISEAL Code Compliant. Its system has been independently evaluated against ISEAL's Codes of Good Practice- a globally-recognised framework for effective, credible sustainability systems. About ISEAL Innovation Fund The Bonsucro Climate Action Toolkit project is possible thanks to a grant from the ISEAL Innovations Fund. The ISEAL Innovations Fund is ISEAL's grant making-facility, funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO and UK International Development from the UK government. It supports the exploration of innovations that help sustain...

This Week's Guests: Yael Danieli, PhD - Founder and Executive Director, International Center for MultiGenerational Legacies of Trauma: www.icmglt.org - Director, Group Project for Holocaust Survivors and their Children Past-President, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Senior Representative to the United Nations, International Organization for Victim Assistance. Episode 367 "Rethink Production presents "Live From America Podcast" - a weekly show that combines political commentary with humor. Hosted by the comedy cellar owner Noam Dworman and producer Hatem Gabr, the show features expert guests discussing news, culture, and politics with a blend of knowledge and laughter. Follow Live From America YouTube @livefromamericapodcast twitter.com/AmericasPodcast www.LiveFromAmericaPodcast.com LiveFromAmericapodcast@gmail.com Follow Hatem Twitter.com/HatemNYC Instagram.com/hatemnyc/ Follow Noam Twitter.com/noam_dworman #YaelDanieli #InternationalCenterforMultiGenerationalLegaciesofTrauma #Islam

Send Bidemi a Text Message!In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde spoke with Derek Newton, an academic-integrity journalist, author, contributing writer, communications professional, and the founder of Verify My Writing (VMW). The conversation unpacked how AI-generated content is overwhelming editors, peer reviewers, and publishers—and how provenance-based verification can restore trust. They explore why detectors alone keep failing, practical disclosure norms for scientists and writers, and a playbook to protect credibility in the age of AI. Derek's work has appeared in The Atlantic, Forbes, NBC, USA Today, and many other outlets. Beyond writing, he's a leader in integrity and fraud: he delivered the keynote at the 2025 International Center for Academic Integrity conference and publishes The Cheat Sheet, a newsletter on cheating and authentic work that has released 400 issues and reaches roughly 5,000 subscribers. Support the show

This week, a former Ukrainian lawmaker and a Ukrainian military official join the podcast to discuss North Korea's support of Russian forces, and why this poses a threat to South Korea's security. Dr. Hanna Hopko, co-founder of the International Center of Ukrainian Victory, and Ukrainian National Guard Lt. Volodymyr Vernygora examine the evolving DPRK-Russia military partnership, which they say should be raising alarms throughout the international community, as well as Seoul's response. The two experts also stress that South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should boost bilateral engagements to counter these developments, while warning that North Korea's troops are obtaining something money can't always buy: battlefield experience. Hopko is a former member of Ukraine's parliament and the co-founder of the International Center of Ukrainian Victory, a nongovernmental organization seeking to mobilize international support for Kyiv's fight against Ukraine. Vernygora is a lieutenant and international cooperation officer in the 1st Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine, with two decades of experience in international relations, academia, and strategic communications.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insights from our very own journalists.

As the WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) prepares for COP11 in Geneva, its track record of silencing dissent and bending evidence to demonize safer nicotine products stands exposed. Through tortured data, selective science, and an absolutist anti-nicotine agenda bankrolled by billionaire donors, the FCTC has shifted from a treaty against smoking to a template for exclusionary global health governance—one that ignores evidence, excludes dissenting experts, and punishes nations that embrace harm reduction. Joining RegWatch to dissect this threat is Dr. Roger Bate, PhD economist, international health policy researcher, and nonresident scholar at the International Center for Law and Economics. Dr. Bate explains how WHO's hostility to market-driven alternatives isn't just misguided—it's dangerous. The organization's stance fuels illicit markets and cartels, undermines cessation science, emboldens prohibitionists, and replaces public-health pragmatism with billionaire-funded paternalism. Only on RegWatch by RegulatorWatch.com. https://youtu.be/qF2XkYhHFLs Released: November 13, 2025 Produced by: Brent Stafford This episode is supported by DEMAND VAPE. Make RegWatch happen, go to https://support.regulatorwatch.com #RegWatch #VapeNews  

Robert D. Morningstar is currently Co-Editor of UFO Digest. RDM is a civilian intelligence analyst, and photo analyst living in New York City. He is a graduate of Power Memorial Academy ('67) with a degree in psychology from Fordham University ('74). While at Fordham University, Robert D Morningstar was recruited as a research associate in some of the earliest studies of "Artificial Intelligence" in a program sponsored by ONI & IBM. During the 1970s, Robert D Morningstar became a "China Watcher," specializing in Chinese language studies, as well as, a Yang Family Tai Chi master, acknowledged by the Hong Kong Tai Chi Masters Association and the highest-ranking masters in. RDM has taught Tai Chi for the East Asian Studies Department at Oberlin College (1980-81) and as an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College (1994-95), City University of New York. From 1992-1994, he served as a consultant and movement therapist in the Behavioral Sciences Department at The International Center for the Disabled in New York City teaching Movement Therapy, Stress Management and Behavioral Modification Programs. During the 1990s, Robert D Morningstar dedicated himself to investigating the JFK Assassination and exposed the doctoring of the Zapruder Film and the alteration of the medical and forensic evidence in the Warren Commission Report. Robert has been studying UFOs since the mid-1950s and has had several close encounters while airborne and on the ground (most recently in September '07). Morningstar is a civilian pilot, FAA-certified Instrument Ground Instructor and a USG certified Weather Specialist. Robert D Morningstar works regularly with victims of alien abduction around the world (via Internet) and uses Tai Chi, Taoist meditation methods to relieve trauma resulting from PTSS (post traumatic stress syndrome) of ETAP. Morningstar teaches psychic and psychological skills (like Remote Viewing) to combat "intruders" and thwart psychic attacks and alien abductions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

In our time when rumors and lies spread across the internet with lightning speed, journalists play a vital role in debunking misinformation and disinformation.Media outlets run by and for non-white audiences, while working under great financial pressure, occupy a special role in the information ecosystem. With immigrants and people of color so often targeted, ethnic and indigenous media outlets are often paying closer attention to these rumors and lies about their own communities. So, they're well positioned to address disinformation before it reaches the general population. And they offer lessons for mainstream journalists and news consumers. A new report, Disarming Disinformation: United States takes an in-depth look at how disinformation shows up in ethnic and indigenous communities and in their news media, and also highlights ways these outlets are fighting disinformation. It was published in October 2025 by the International Center for Journalists in collaboration with journalism schools at the University of Maryland and Arizona State University.Our guests this episode are:Garry Pierre-Pierre, editor-in-chief of The Haitian Times, an English-language news outlet that covers Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. The Haitian Times was one of five case studies highlighted in the disinformation report. Sarah Oates, Associate Dean for Research/Professor and Senior Scholar at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland. Oates is a co-author of Disarming Disinformation: United States, and of the book Seeing Red: Russian Propaganda and American News. Special thanks to Nabeelah Shabbir. Music in this episode by Doctor Turtle.  ABOUT THE SHOW The Making Peace Visible podcast is hosted by Jamil Simon and produced by Andrea Muraskin. Our associate producer is Faith McClure. Learn more at makingpeacevisible.orgSupport our work Connect on social:Instagram @makingpeacevisibleLinkedIn @makingpeacevisibleBluesky @makingpeacevisible.bsky.social We want to learn more about our listeners. Take this 3-minute survey to help us improve the show!

For thousands of years, humans have sought healing from within — through breath, movement, and energy. Practices like Qigong, yoga, and, more contemporarily, Reiki have emerged from traditions as powerful ways to restore balance, vitality, and inner peace. Qigong uses slow, intentional movement and breath to cultivate life force energy, while yoga unites body and mind through postures and controlled breathing. Reiki, rooted in Japanese energy medicine, offers gentle, hands-on healing by channeling universal energy. In our current world of constant changes, stressors, and stimulations, are these ancient grounding practices for healing and harmony still viable?In this episode, we are joined by three expert guests within the tenets of Qigong, yoga, and Reiki. Firstly, Lisa Li is the founder of The Qi (a flowering tea wellness company) and a certified Qigong instructor, having trained in the traditional Chinese practice for 7 years. Lisa and The Qi have been featured on New York Magazine, Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, and Good Housekeeping.Melissa Jeng is a decade-long yoga and mindfulness teacher based in New York City. Trained through Yogamaya and with Jules Mitchell, Melissa pursued advanced training in biomechanics, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and breath work.Margaret Wang is a Usui/Tibetan Reiki practitioner, having completed her training at The International Center for Reiki Training.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Welcome to Dive Into Reiki, an interview series hosted by Nathalie Jaspar that explores the journeys of high-profile Reiki teachers and practitioners.You can support the mission of spreading Reiki education through my Patreon for less than the cost of a cup of coffee or for free by rating this podcast on your app!Here is the link to the Reiki Rays Global Summit: https://summit.reikirays.com/summit2025.php?aff=118509_unj5jicwAnd here is the link for the Reiki 1 class in December: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reiki-1-certification-tickets-1486751747499?aff=oddtdtcreator Nathalie Jaspar, the founder of Dive Into Reiki,  is a Reiki master with over a decade of experience. She's a graduate teacher from the International House of Reiki, led by world-renowned Reiki master Frans Stiene. She also trained with the Center for True Health and the International Center for Reiki. To gain an even deeper understanding of Reiki practice, Nathalie went to Japan to practice Zen Buddhism at the Chokai-san International Zendo. She is the author of Reiki as a Spiritual Practice: an Illustrated Guide, Reiki Healing Handbook (Rockridge Press), and Infinite Light: Conversation with 21 Reiki masters and practitioners.Support the show

In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with James Sherr, Honorary Fellow at the International Center for Defense and Security in Tallinn. They unpack a week of geopolitical whiplash — from talk of U.S. Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine to sudden reversals and new sanctions on Russia. Whitmore and Sherr break down what this rollercoaster reveals about the state of the war, the shifting diplomacy around it, and Europe's evolving stance at the latest EU summit.

For the episode we're continuing our conversation with Rick Hester, Amy Shilze and Lucy Butler. Rick is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavioral programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. We're also joined by Amy Schilze, who has the dream job of working with the Cheyenne Mountain zoo's giraffe. Amy is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, where she runs giraffe workshops and conferences, both stateside and internationally. Both Rick and Amy also partner with Dr. Susan Friedman and her Behavior Works consulting team so you'll hear a lot of references to Susan throughout this conversation. In addition to Rick and Amy, I invited Lucy Butler to join us. Lucy and her husband run the River Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island. I knew she would have a lot of questions for Rick and Amy. When you take in animals who are the victims of abuse, there's a lot to be learned from the work that goes on in zoos to reduce the stress of handling and also to improve the overall quality of life for the animals under their care. In this episode Rick and Amy talk about the educational programs which are woven into the experience Guests have as they tour the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. There are twenty-three shows for the public every day. In these shows the animals are the star. It is about showing what they can do, what their natural behaviors are - all while protecting the dignity of the animals. The shows at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo show animals controlling their reinforcers and using their bodies in ways that are natural to them. Trainers interpret both what their life in the zoo looks like, what their life in the wild environment looks like, and how capable they are of learning. They are trying to create connections between the public and the animals at the zoo in a way that elevates the animal. For Lucy this part of the conversation was especially relevant because the public is invited in to tour the River Haven Animal Sanctuary that she and her husband run. She was getting many great ideas for how they can make this experience better both for their guests and their resident animals. But even if you don't give tours, there's much here that can be used to enrich your horse's life. We begin the episode with a discussion of techniques used to introduce new animals into an existing social group.

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

Have you ever wondered how to grow your Reiki practice in today's digital world without feeling pushy or inauthentic? In this week's Reiki from the Farm™ episode, I sit down with my dear friend Andrea Kennedy, who has built a thriving Reiki community through her teaching, practice, and her blossoming YouTube channel. Together, we'll talk about her journey, the lessons she's learned about visibility and vulnerability, and how Reiki has guided her growth every step of the way. We'll also finish with a Reiki meditation to help you step more confidently into your own authentic presence—online or offline.______Pam Allen-LeBlanc is a scientist, businesswoman, and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) with the International Center for Reiki Training.Get in Touch with Pam:pam@reikifromthefarm.comwww.reikifromthefarm.com______Andrea Kennedy is a Reiki Master Teacher, energy intuitive, and spiritual channel with over 25 years of experience. She teaches Reiki worldwide, hosts the Mainstream Reiki YouTube channel, and hosts the Beyond the Reiki Gateway podcast. Andrea is also the founder of the Mainstream Reiki Community, a global membership space for Reiki practitioners to learn, grow, and connect.Get in Touch with Andrea:https://www.mainstreamreiki.comhttps://zaap.bio/andreakennedy  https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/blogLearn about her courses:Reiki Business Success Course page:     https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/reiki-business-success-courseChannel Your Divine Self Course page: https://www.mainstreamreiki.com/channel-your-divine-selfher newsletter:  http://eepurl.com/dbdVDrRegister for our newsletter! Instagram Facebook Youtube pam@reikifromthefarm.com

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear In the late 1960s, Dr. J. Allen Hynek was a key figure in getting members of the scientific community to take flying saucers/UFOs seriously. He was a prominent astronomer who was involved in the mystery at the very beginning as a consultant for the Air Force's investigation, which operated for most of its existence as Project Blue Book until its termination in 1969. He was born in Chicago in 1910 and worked and lived in Ohio from 1935 until he became chair of the astronomy department at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1960. In 1973, he founded the Center for UFO Studies, which was based in Chicago. Then, in 1984, after spending his entire life in the Midwest, he rather suddenly moved with his family from Chicago to Scottsdale, Arizona. In this blog, we'll explore what was going on behind the scenes. Read more →

For the episode we're continuing our conversation with Rick Hester, Amy Shilze and Lucy Butler. Rick is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavioral programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. We're also joined by Amy Schlis, who has the dream job of working with the Cheyanne Mountain zoo's giraffe. Amy is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, where she runs giraffe workshops and conferences, both stateside and internationally. Both Rick and Amy also partner with Dr. Susan Friedman and her Behavior Works consulting team so you'll hear a lot of references to Susan throughout this conversation. In addition to Rick and Amy, I invited Lucy Butler to join us. Lucy and her husband run the River Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island. I knew she would have a lot of questions for Rick and Amy. When you take in animals who are the victims of abuse, there's a lot to be learned from the work that goes on in zoos to reduce the stress of handling and also to improve the overall quality of life for the animals under their care. In this episode Rick and Amy introduce the concept of freeing up the operant: what that means and how that impacts the implementation of enrichment opportunities for the animals under their care. This episode is rich with ideas for providing more enrichment for our horses.

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/academic-life

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/popular-culture

As a child in the foothills of the Himalayas, Priyanka Kumar was entranced by forest-like orchards of diverse and luscious fruit—especially apples. These biodiverse orchards seemed worlds away from the cardboard apples that lined supermarket shelves in the United States. Yet on a small patch of woods near her home in Santa Fe, Kumar discovered a wild apple tree—and the seeds of an odyssey were planted. Could the taste of a feral apple offer a doorway to the wild? In The Light Between Apple Trees: Rediscovering the Wild Through a Beloved American Fruit, Kumar takes us on a dazzling and transformative journey to rediscover apples, unearthing a rich and complex history while illuminating how we can reimagine our relationship with nature.Apples are popular, but in our everyday lives we rarely encounter more than a handful of varieties: of the sixteen thousand apple varieties once celebrated in America, scarcely a fifth remain accessible. Kumar reveals the richness of a hidden world, bringing readers to the vibrant forests and orchards where historic trees still survive. These mature and wild orchards offer more than just fruit: they are havens for creatures from hummingbirds to bears and a living connection to generations past. She brilliantly weaves together science and childhood memories with the apple's storied history, from its roots in Kazakhstan to Spanish orchards in the Southwest and Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello fruitery. Kumar shows how—if we follow untamed paths—the tang and texture of an apple can lead us back to the wild. Our guest is: Priyanka Kumar, who is the author of Conversations with Birds, and The Light Between Apple Trees. Her essays appear in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Orion, and Sierra magazine. She holds an MFA, and has taught at the University of California Santa Cruz and the University of Southern California. Her feature documentary, The Song of the Little Road, is in the permanent collection of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and her awards include an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Award, a New Mexico/New Visions Governor's Award, an International Center for Jefferson Studies Fellowship, and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Fellowship. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and freelance editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show's newsletter. Playlist for listeners: Big Box USA In The Garden Behind the Moon Disabled Ecologies Endless Forms The Well-Gardened Mind Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day

The bridegroom continues to extol the beauty of his bride, calling her to his home and longing for her kinship. His words are borne out of thankfulness for God's gift of the marital union, rejoicing in the delight that God gives to a husband and wife in holy matrimony. Her love requites his love, and the marriage is joyfully consummated.   Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Song of Solomon 4:8-5:1.  “God's Gift of Marriage” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies the Song of Solomon and other key texts from the Bible concerning marriage. Although the world is terribly confused concerning what marriage is, God's Word reveals how good a gift marriage truly is and points us to the relationship between Christ, the Bridegroom, and His Church, the Bride.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

For the episode we're heading to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for a conversation with Rick Hester, Amy Schilz and Lucy Butler. Rick is the Curator of Behavioral Husbandry for the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He oversees all the zoo's behavioral programming. His work includes the zoo's animal training for husbandry, medical, and public show behaviors, enrichment, developing programs to improve problem behavior situations, the zoo's formal animal welfare assessments, and exhibit design for behavior goals. We're also joined by Amy Schilz who has the dream job of working with the Cheyanne Mountain zoo's giraffe. Amy is the Senior Animal Behaviorist for Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe, where she runs giraffe workshops and conferences, both stateside and internationally. Both Rick and Amy also partner with Dr. Susan Friedman and her Behavior Works consulting team so you'll hear a lot of references to Susan throughout this conversation. In addition to Rick and Amy, I invited Lucy Butler to join us. Lucy and her husband run the River Haven Animal Sanctuary in Rhode Island. I knew she would have a lot of questions for Rick and Amy. When you take in animals who are the victims of abuse, there's a lot to be learned from the work that goes on in zoos to reduce the stress of handling and also to improve the overall quality of life for the animals under their care. In this episode Rick and Amy talk about fine-tuning what a “no response” looks like and what handlers should do when they see the first signs of an animal saying “no”. As they fine tuned their understanding of “no” responses, they were actually describing an operationalized behavior that is “yes”. What does it look like for an animal to say “yes” Assent is a behavior the learner performs and continues to perform that lets us know we can continue. When they stop performing that behavior, assent is withdrawn, so we have to withdraw. This is the process that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo trainers follow. Relief is readily available to the animal learners. Across species in a system where relief is abundantly available and there are strong reinforcers at a high rate for opting in, most animals opt in more and opt out less. After Rick and Amy describe the training that they are doing at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, we switch the focus to horse training. Letting horses opt out runs counter to traditional horse training methods. But certainly we know that horses also opt in more when they have the option of saying “no”. This episode also includes an announcement for my new book: “Never Get A Wizard Mad At You”: Book One in the Upstairs Armadillo Series.

Have you ever wondered what Ayurveda is?In this podcast, we explored how Reiki's gentle yet powerful energy can guide us back into balance and alignment—and how the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda can support that process in simple, practical ways.I shared some of the small shifts that changed everything for me: drinking water first thing in the morning, rising and resting with the sun, noticing the seven kinds of hunger, keeping a food journal, brushing my skin, and even healing my gut with the help of sourdough bread.So many empaths and people with autoimmune challenges struggle with digestion, sleep, and balance. Together, we explored how Reiki helps us identify areas where we're out of alignment, and how Ayurveda provides gentle practices to restore harmony.We closed with a guided Reiki meditation to help you sense where balance is needed in your own life—and invite Reiki and Ayurveda to work together in bringing you home to health and wholeness.Here are some of recipes from the share:Golden milk2 cups milk1tsp turmeric½ tsp cinnamon¼ tsp ginger black pepperHoney after heatingSour Dough Starter1 cup flour (can use gluten-free)1 cup warm waterpinch of yeastcover loosely and leave on counter 24 hours or more until it starts bubbling; each day, remove 1/2-1 cup starter to use in recipes and add more flour and water.  When you want to slow it down, or don't need to bake, place it in the fridge.Sourdough biscuitsDry ingredients1 cup flour (I use gluten-free mix)½ tsp fine pink salt¼ tsp baking soda1 tsp baking powder2 tbsp butterWet ingredients1 cup active sourdough starter2-4 Tbsp milk optional 1 tsp honey helps gluten-free biscuits brownI add additional butter and liquid and bake these in muffin tins at 425 degrees for 18-22 minutes until they are golden brown - enjoy!We also talked about this…Want to come to Africa with me?I'm thrilled to finally share something that has long been on my heart — a Reiki journey to Africa!For years, I've dreamed of visiting Africa, the cradle of humankind, but it always felt out of reach.Now, it isn't.We'll gather in Nairobi for Reiki and Animal Reiki training, deep healing, and connection with the land and animals, while also experiencing some of Africa's most treasured sites — the Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, Nairobi National Park, and Naivasha Game Park.There's room for just six students.  Past students are welcome to join and review their classes at a special price, and the remainder of the details are on us!  We will arrange transportation, accommodations, even some meals.  If this speaks to you, I'd love to have you join us!To learn more, please join Kristy and I for an Information Q&A Session with an African-inspired meditation on Monday, October 13, at 10am Eastern time.______Pam Allen-LeBlanc is a scientist, businesswoman, and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) with the International Center for Reiki Training.Get in Touch with Pam:pam@reikifromthefarm.comwww.reikifromthefarm.comRegister for our newsletter! Instagram Facebook Youtube pam@reikifromthefarm.com

A conversation with Paul Pfeiffer, Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa, and Anthony Elms recorded in May 2025. Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa makes art, writes about it, and occasionally edits essay anthologies. His artist's book, INDEX 2025, is out now from ROMA Publications, and his recent essay “ECHO—LOCATION,” on installations at Dia Art Foundation by Cameron Rowland and Steve McQueen, featured in the April issue of e-flux journal.  Recent exhibitions include Scene at Eastman, at George Eastman Museum (2025), Greater New York at MoMA PS1 (2021), and But Still, It Turns at the International Center of Photography, New York (2021).  Read more essays in e-flux journal by Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa here. Paul Pfeiffer recasts the visual language of pop spectacle to investigate how media images shape our perception of the world and ourselves. Working in video, photography, sculpture, and sound, he is drawn to moments intended for mass audiences (live sports events, stadium concert tours, televised game shows, celebrity glamour shots), which he meticulously samples and re-edits to expose an uncanny emptiness underneath. From the hyperreality of photo retouching and digital erasure to the endless repetition of video loops, his mastery of postproduction allows him to magnify the surreal aspects of contemporary existence, where bodies become sites of saturated observation, and violence-as-entertainment flirts with nationalism, religion, and ancient myth. While he also experiments with the format and scale of his works, immersive audiovisual installations often cohabit with portable fetish objects in his exhibitions. Throughout his practice, Pfeiffer seeks to reflect and heighten the existential condition of the viewer as consumer by perversely blurring the boundary between voyeurism and contemplation. The recent exhibition discussed in this episode, Paul Pfeiffer: Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom was presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, and the MCA Chicago.  Read a review from e-flux Criticism of Prologue to the Story of the Birth of Freedom at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Los Angeles by Juliana Halpert. Anthony Elms organizes exhibitions and writes. He recently organized Rodney McMillian: Neighbors for the Henry Art Gallery, Seattle, Wa. opening in October 2025. An essay on artist Oliver Ressler, "Ellipsesverse," posts online this fall for Ressler's exhibition Scenes from the Invention of Democracy at the Museum Tinguely. His essay "Begin to begin to begin to begin to begin" is forthcoming in Ecstatic Aperture: Perspectives on the Life and Work of Terry Riley. from Auryfa / Shelter Press.

Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, and Gus Hurwitz, Senior Fellow and CTIC Academic Director at Penn Carey Law School and Director of Law & Economics Programs at the International Center for Law & Economics, join Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to explore how academics can overcome the silos and incentives that plague the Ivory Tower and positively contribute to the highly complex, evolving, and interdisciplinary work associated with AI governance.The trio recorded this podcast live at the Institute for Humane Studies's Technology, Liberalism, and Abundance Conference in Arlington, Virginia.Read about Kevin's thinking on the topic here: https://www.civitasinstitute.org/research/draining-the-ivory-towerLearn about the Conference: https://www.theihs.org/blog/curated-event/technology-abundance-and-liberalism/Find Scaling Laws on the Lawfare website, and subscribe to never miss an episode.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Political Scene's Washington Roundtable—the staff writers Jane Mayer, Susan Glasser, and Evan Osnos—discuss how, in the wake of the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel's show, public resistance has a chance to turn the tide against autocratic impulses in today's politics. They are joined by Hardy Merriman, an expert on the history and practice of civil resistance, to discuss what kinds of coördinated actions—protests, boycotts, “buycotts,” strikes, and other nonviolent approaches—are most effective in a fight against democratic backsliding. “Acts of non-coöperation are very powerful,” Merriman, the former president of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, says. “Non-coöperation is very much about numbers. You don't necessarily need people doing things that are high-risk. You just need large numbers of people doing them.”This segment originally aired on The Political Scene on September 26, 2025.

Today, the Safari heads to Colorado to the legendary Cheyenne Mountain Zoo! We talk all things giraffe with Amy Schilz, the senior animal behaviorist at the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffe at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. We talk training, husbandry, conservation work, and so much more. Amy is an incredibly passionate guest, and I'm wildly excited to share her story with you. EPISODE LINKS: www.cmzoo.org @cheyennemountainzoo on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

In the Google search case, a forced spin-off of Chrome was never gonna happen, but a court-ordered divestiture of GAM isn't beyond the pale in the ad tech case, says Geoffrey Manne, president and founder of the International Center for Law and Economics.

Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, and Gus Hurwitz, Senior Fellow and CTIC Academic Director at Penn Carey Law School and Director of Law & Economics Programs at the International Center for Law & Economics, join Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to explore how academics can overcome the silos and incentives that plague the Ivory Tower and positively contribute to the highly complex, evolving, and interdisciplinary work associated with AI governance. The trio recorded this podcast live at the Institute for Humane Studies's Technology, Liberalism, and Abundance Conference in Arlington, Virginia.Read about Kevin's thinking on the topic here: https://www.civitasinstitute.org/research/draining-the-ivory-towerLearn about the Conference: https://www.theihs.org/blog/curated-event/technology-abundance-and-liberalism/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Washington Roundtable discusses how, in the wake of the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel's show, public resistance has a chance to turn the tide against autocratic impulses in today's politics. They are joined by Hardy Merriman, an expert on the history and practice of civil resistance, to discuss what kinds of coördinated actions—protests, boycotts, “buycotts,” strikes, and other nonviolent approaches—are most effective in a fight against democratic backsliding. “Acts of non-coöperation are very powerful,” Merriman, the former president of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict, says. “Non-coöperation is very much about numbers. You don't necessarily need people doing things that are high risk. You just need large numbers of people doing them.” This week's reading: “Donald Trump Keeps Finding New Ways to Shock the World,” by Susan B. Glasser “Is Trump's Attack on the Media Following Putin's Playbook?,” by Joshua Yaffa “Where Should the Democrats Go from Here?,” by Jon Allsop “Donald Trump's Firing of a Federal Prosecutor Crosses the Reddest of Lines,” by Ruth Marcus “Seeing Enemies Everywhere,” by Jonathan Blitzer “Can Progressive Mayors Redeem the Democratic Party?,” by Bill McKibben Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston tackle a controversial topic by ranking the most and least important school subjects, debating priorities for functional adulthood amid potential backlash. They reveal top picks like ELA for communication, social studies for civic discourse, and math/personal finance for economic literacy, while critiquing lesser focuses like foreign languages or advanced sciences. Weston argues for reclaiming social studies testing to fix political dysfunction, as Molly champions science for natural world understanding and MAP (music, arts, PE) for creativity and health. Covering pedagogical gaps, age-appropriate teaching, and societal impacts, they encourage reasonable discourse on education's core needs. Listeners are inspired to rethink curricula, value critical thinking, and engage in productive debates. In this episode: Molly and Weston debate subject myths, like ELA's articulation focus vs. social studies' compromise skills. Insights on top rankings, including math's debt lessons, science's critical reasoning, and MAP's holistic benefits. Personal takes on controversies, from lost political discourse to prioritizing finance over rote memorization. Their reveal game explores disagreements, like ELA vs. science priorities and bottom-three subjects like foreign languages. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

In this conversation, Jeff Schoep speaks about his recently published memoire, American Nazi - the story of his transformative journey from leading the National Socialist Movement to founding Beyond Barriers, an organization dedicated to helping individuals exit extremist groups. He discusses the challenges of writing his memoir, the psychological factors that contribute to radicalization, and the importance of human connections in overcoming hate. Schoep emphasizes the need for dialogue and understanding in combating extremism and shares insights from his current work in educating youth about the dangers of hate and the value of compassion.For over 2 decades, Schoep led America's largest neo-Nazi organization, the National Socialist Movement (NSM), overseeing its growth to a nationwide movement. Beginning in 2016, through interactions with a black musician, Daryl Davis, and a Muslim film maker, Deeyah Khan, Jeff began to question not only his work, but his entire life. Experiencing relational dialogue and interpersonal relationships with those he once vilified changed Jeff's life forever. In 2019, he left the the NSM and publicly denounced the ideology. Jeff Schoep transitioned from mastering propaganda that promoted hatred and fear dedication to speaking about our shared humanity. He provides unique insights into the inner workings of far-right extremism from first hand knowledge and personal experience. Jeff has spoken nationally and internationally, from synagogues to universities, from broadcasts to speaking at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway with Deeyah Khan. In 2020, Jeff founded Beyond Barriers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to a world devoid of extremism, radicalized organizations, hate, violence, coercive and violent ideologies. In addition to working alongside both community and government agencies, such as the Office of Juvenile Justice Department (OJJDP), Jeff and his organization, Beyond Barriers, have worked with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, RAND Corporation, International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism (ICSVE), mental health professionals, academic research and development teams, as well as religious and educational institutions across the United States and abroad. 

In this episode of The Power Vertical Podcast, host Brian Whitmore speaks with Michael Carpenter, Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Affairs at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and James Sherr, Honorary Fellow at the International Center for Defense and Security. They unpack Russia's latest drone incursions into NATO airspace, the EU's proposed “drone wall,” and Moscow's broader sabotage campaign across Europe. The discussion explores whether these escalations mark a new phase in Russia's hybrid war and what the West can do in response.

Our ancestors gifted us life, wisdom, resilience—and sometimes, patterns of pain that no longer serve us. In this week's Reiki from the Farm™ episode, we'll explore how Reiki can help us heal our ancestral lineage, drawing from Healthcare Reiki practices and the beautiful teachings of Rebecca Campbell. Together, we'll discover how to honor our roots, accept the blessings passed down through generations, and release burdens that don't belong to us. You'll also be guided through a Reiki meditation to connect with your ancestry, receive its gifts, and lovingly set down the weight you no longer need to carry.______Pam Allen-LeBlanc is a scientist, businesswoman, and Licensed Reiki Master Teacher (LRMT) with the International Center for Reiki Training.Get in Touch with Pam:pam@reikifromthefarm.comwww.reikifromthefarm.comRegister for our newsletter!Register for our newsletter! Instagram Facebook Youtube pam@reikifromthefarm.com

On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston explore the value of raising children near extended family, reflecting on their own transitions from isolated upbringings to Colorado's close-knit dynamics. They weigh pros like community support, grandparent help, and cousin bonds against cons such as constant pop-ins and balancing multiple families. Weston recounts culture shock from family fridge raids and open-concept home debates, while Molly highlights holiday gatherings and in-law navigation. Covering emotional adjustments, space needs, and generational baggage, they affirm family's role in community-building while acknowledging not everyone has the option. Listeners are inspired to embrace proximity's benefits, set boundaries, and adapt to evolving family roles. In this episode: Molly and Weston debate family proximity myths, from Weston's "unemployed" label to managing 35-person Thanksgivings. Insights on pros like date-night help and closet fixes, plus cons like constant presence and open-concept overwhelm. Personal stories of transitions, from small-house pop-ins to fearing overload when parents move nearby. Discussions on community raising, imperfect families, and inviting everyone to everything for balanced dynamics. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

This week the American photographer Barbara Nitke whose life has taken her from hardcore porn sets to the BDSM world and to the fashion world as her art evolves. She is as ambitious as ever expanding her many talents to currently producing her own movie American Ecstasy, which is projected to begin filming in 2026. As a vibrant septuagenarian, Barbara has widened her aperture across a career that began in the porn theaters of the 80s where she was tasked to screen more than 100 films; to the high art of the fashion industry in the reality TV show Project Runway, which she shot for 18 seasons.  Barbara was born in Lynchburg, VA in 1950 the eldest of three children to Eloise “Vicky” Smiley Gregory, a meteorologist who worked for 30 years at the National Weather Service, and Paul Gervase Gregory, Jr., a WWII veteran and air traffic controller. Barbara has a younger brother, Gary Gregory, a software developer, and sister Mary Jane Gregory, a glass artist. She describes her childhood as unhappy and rebellious, constantly seeking her own independence. It was 1967 before her father disclosed an earlier marriage to the family and in 1987 she discovered that the author and sex researcher Shere Hite was her half-sister. Barbara's family moved across the country when she was a child from Virginia to Alaska, which meant she attended a variety of schools. For college Barbara made her way to New York to study business, literature and writing at Baruch College, and photography at the International Center for Photography and School of Visual Arts. In her late 20's she started photographing professionally and in1982, she says she found her subject on a porn set when she was given full access to be creative. Her first marriage to Herb Nitke lasted 13 years and gave her opportunities to develop her photographic skills in an unlikely world.  Among her many credits are Hustlers, 2019, Monsterland, 2020, The Equalizer, 2021, The Gilded Age, 2023, Smile, 2024 and Project Runway - 225 episodes from 2004-2021. Barbara's work has been exhibited internationally at venues including Storage APT, New York; the Hartnett Gallery at University of Rochester; One Eyed Jacks Gallery, Brighton, England; and Barristers, New Orleans. She is included in the permanent collections of the Kinsey Institute, the Finnish Museum of Photography, the Leslie-Lohman Museum, and others. Her images have been the subject of articles in numerous venues, including Office Magazine, Forbes, Dazed, Slate, Vice, Harper's Magazine, and The New York Times. Barbara is married to Kenneth Wyban an Army Veteran and the couple divide their time between New York City and Ohio.Barbara's links: https://www.barbaranitke.com/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632987/https://www.instagram.com/barbaranitke/ Some of Barbara's favorite female artists:Mary Ellen MarkDiane ArbusSally MannCindy ShermanMarilyn Minter Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wisp--4769409/support.

This week the American photographer Barbara Nitke whose life has taken her from hardcore porn sets to the BDSM world and to the fashion world as her art evolves. She is as ambitious as ever expanding her many talents to currently producing her own movie American Ecstasy, which is projected to begin filming in 2026. As a vibrant septuagenarian, Barbara has widened her aperture across a career that began in the porn theaters of the 80s where she was tasked to screen more than 100 films; to the high art of the fashion industry in the reality TV show Project Runway, which she shot for 18 seasons.  Barbara was born in Lynchburg, VA in 1950 the eldest of three children to Eloise “Vicky” Smiley Gregory, a meteorologist who worked for 30 years at the National Weather Service, and Paul Gervase Gregory, Jr., a WWII veteran and air traffic controller. Barbara has a younger brother, Gary Gregory, a software developer, and sister Mary Jane Gregory, a glass artist. She describes her childhood as unhappy and rebellious, constantly seeking her own independence. It was 1967 before her father disclosed an earlier marriage to the family and in 1987 she discovered that the author and sex researcher Shere Hite was her half-sister. Barbara's family moved across the country when she was a child from Virginia to Alaska, which meant she attended a variety of schools. For college Barbara made her way to New York to study business, literature and writing at Baruch College, and photography at the International Center for Photography and School of Visual Arts. In her late 20's she started photographing professionally and in1982, she says she found her subject on a porn set when she was given full access to be creative. Her first marriage to Herb Nitke lasted 13 years and gave her opportunities to develop her photographic skills in an unlikely world.  Among her many credits are Hustlers, 2019, Monsterland, 2020, The Equalizer, 2021, The Gilded Age, 2023, Smile, 2024 and Project Runway - 225 episodes from 2004-2021. Barbara's work has been exhibited internationally at venues including Storage APT, New York; the Hartnett Gallery at University of Rochester; One Eyed Jacks Gallery, Brighton, England; and Barristers, New Orleans. She is included in the permanent collections of the Kinsey Institute, the Finnish Museum of Photography, the Leslie-Lohman Museum, and others. Her images have been the subject of articles in numerous venues, including Office Magazine, Forbes, Dazed, Slate, Vice, Harper's Magazine, and The New York Times. Barbara is married to Kenneth Wyban an Army Veteran and the couple divide their time between New York City and Ohio.Barbara's links: https://www.barbaranitke.com/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0632987/https://www.instagram.com/barbaranitke/ Some of Barbara's favorite female artists:Mary Ellen MarkDiane ArbusSally MannCindy ShermanMarilyn Minter Host: Chris StaffordProduced by Hollowell StudiosFollow @theaartpodcast on InstagramAART on FacebookEmail: theaartpodcast@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.

On Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg, Dani speaks with Dr. Jane Nyaranga Ambuku Wamatu, a Senior Small Ruminant Nutritionist at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). They discuss the role that animal agriculture plays in regenerative food systems, how scientists can work alongside farmers to develop resilience, and training youth to become agri-preneurs. Plus hear about what's in the latest report from the Make America Healthy Again Commission, what new findings reveal about women's role in sub-Saharan food and agriculture systems, the devastation caused by heavy rains in India and Pakistan, and hopeful news on pesticide regulation. While you're listening, subscribe, rate, and review the show; it would mean the world to us to have your feedback. You can listen to “Food Talk with Dani Nierenberg” wherever you consume your podcasts.

Eli Reed was born in the US in 1946 and studied pictorial illustration at the Newark School of Fine and Industrial Arts, graduating in 1969. In 1982, he was a Nieman Fellow at Harvard University. At Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, he studied political science, urban affairs, and the prospects for peace in Central America.Eli began photographing as a freelancer in 1970. His work from El Salvador, Guatemala and other Central American countries attracted the attention of Magnum, he was the first African American photographer, and indeed the first person of colour, to join the agency, becoming a full member in 1988.In the same year, Eli photographed the effects of poverty on America's children for a film documentary called Poorest in the Land of Plenty, narrated by Maya Angelou. He went on to work as a stills photographer for major motion pictures. His video documentary Getting Out was shown at the New York Film Festival in 1993 and honored by the 1996 Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame International Film and Video Competition in the documentary category.Eli's special reports include a long-term study which became his first, highly acclaimed book, Beirut, City of Regrets; the ousting of Baby Doc Duvalier in Haiti (1986); US military action in Panama (1989); the Walled City in Hong Kong; and, perhaps most notably, his documentation of African American experience over more than 20 years. Spanning the 1970s through the end of the 1990s, his book Black in America includes images from the Crown Heights riots and the Million Man March. In 2015, he published his first career retrospective, A Long Walk Home.Eli has lectured and taught at the International Center of Photography, Columbia University, New York University, University of Texas and Harvard University and is a member of Kamoinge, the collective of black photographers founded in 1963 and the longest continuously running non-profit group in the history of photography. On episode 264, Eli discusses, among other things:His ongoing mentoring of former studentsHow working in a hospital was good prep for the kind of work he doesGrowing up in the Delaney Homes housing project in Perth Amboy, NJHow a visiting art critic gave him early encouragement at schoolLosing his mum at 12 years oldThe importance of certain teachers and mentors, especially Donal GreenhouseHow his project Black In America came aboutWorking for the San Francisco ExaminerJoining Eugene Smith's workshop after a long waitHow Philip Jones Griffiths invited him to join MagnumWhether he is still an optimist?Photographing TrumpKamoingeA teaser about the book he is writingBeing the first person of colour to join Magnum PhotosReferenced:Jaqueline KennedyRoy De CaravaW Gene SmithBruce DavidsonEugene RichardsSusan MeiselasSon of SamGordon ParksGilles Peress Become a A Small Voice podcast member here to access exclusive additional subscriber-only content and the full archive of 200+ previous episodes for £5 per month.Subscribe to my weekly newsletter here for everything A Small Voice related and much more besides.Follow me on Instagram here.Build Yourself a Squarespace Website video course here.

Photographer Edward Burtynsky discusses his new show The Great Acceleration at the International Center of Photography, the first major exhibition of the world renowned photographer in New York City in over two decades. The show, which explores industry, property development and other environmental factors at the intersection of nature and civilization, is on view until Sunday, Sept. 28.

On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston offer practical advice on communicating with educators, drawing from their experiences as teachers and parents amid back-to-school chaos. They break down boundaries for parents—like weekend email limits and 24-hour response windows—while addressing student interactions and stranger small talk on planes. Weston shares airplane peacock questions and celebrity encounters, as Molly emphasizes clear school guidelines to avoid confusion. Covering email etiquette, weekend no-gos, and aligning teacher expectations, they stress respect for educators' personal time to sustain the profession. Listeners are encouraged to foster positive dialogues, set realistic expectations, and navigate varying norms with empathy. In this episode: Molly and Weston discuss parent-teacher boundaries, including why Sundays are off-limits and the pitfalls of inconsistent colleague responses. Insights on stranger interactions, from Weston's plane chat shutdowns to avoiding self-importance in "what do you do?" questions. Personal stories of coaching connections, like Travis's NFL contractor alias, and celebrity plane rides with Adam Carolla and Molly Shannon. Tips for students and parents, such as administration guidelines, direct communication lines, and respecting 24-hour windows. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.

On Teaching Keating, Molly and Weston dive into the evolution of social etiquette, sharing hilarious personal anecdotes on bodily functions, burping, and family dynamics as they celebrate Molly's birthday month. They explore norms lost to casual society—like airplane attire, gym awareness, and yoga mat boundaries—and debate reclaiming formalities for better public interactions. Weston reflects on sweaty hugs and allergy mishaps, while Molly pushes for reclaiming politeness in shared spaces. Covering generational shifts, ignorance vs. intentional rudeness, and the pendulum swing toward formality, they encourage reclaiming boundaries without becoming curmudgeons. Listeners are inspired to reflect on everyday courtesies and adapt to modern casualness while valuing respect. In this episode: Molly and Weston share laugh-out-loud stories on family bodily function taboos, from holding in farts to sprinkler sneezes. Insights on lost etiquette in public spaces, like avoiding dumbbell hogging at gyms or stepping on yoga mats, with tips for polite navigation. Personal takes on airplane dress codes, from pajamas and filthy pillows to dressing like an adult for flights. Discussions on societal changes, including formal attire's decline and the need for boundaries in casual times. Connect with Us: Follow us for updates and more episodes. Share your thoughts in the comments below about your strategies for building habits rather than setting resolutions. Learn more at: westonkieschnick.com   About Weston and Molly: Weston is a former high school teacher and administrator who now works as a Senior Fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education. His work as a keynote speaker and instructional coach has allowed him to learn alongside teachers and administrators from all 50 states and more than 30 countries around the world. Molly is a former elementary and middle school teacher who now works with teens and young adults in parochial education programs around Colorado. She and Weston are the parents of children who provide additional fodder for Teaching Keating.