Podcasts about Italian

What does 2026 hold for indie authors and the publishing industry? I give my thoughts on trends and predictions for the year ahead. In the intro, Quitting the right stuff; how to edit your author business in 2026; Is SubStack Good for Indie Authors?; Business for Authors webinars. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability (3) The start of Agentic Commerce (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. 2026 Trends and Predictions for Indie Authors and Book Publishing (1) More indie authors will sell direct through Shopify, Kickstarter, and local in-person events — and more companies like BookVault will offer even more beautiful physical books and products to support this. This trend will not be a surprise to most of you! Selling direct has been a trend for the last few years, but in 2026, it will continue to grow as a way that independent authors become even more independent. The recent Written Word Media survey from Dec 2025 noted that 30% of authors surveyed are selling direct already and 30% say they plan to start in 2026. Among authors earning over $10,000 per month, roughly half sell direct. In my opinion, selling direct is an advanced author strategy, meaning that you have multiple books and you understand book marketing and have an email list already or some guaranteed way to reach readers. In fact, Kindlepreneur reports that 66% of authors selling direct have more than 5 books, and 46% have more than 10 books. Of course, you can start with the something small, like a table at a local event with a limited number of books for sale, but if you want to consistently sell direct for years to come, you need to consider all the business aspects. Selling direct is not a silver bullet. It's much harder work to sell direct than it is to just upload an ebook to Amazon, whether you choose a Kickstarter campaign, or Shopify/Payhip or other online stores, or regular in-person sales at events/conferences/fairs. You need a business mindset and business practices, for example, you need to pay upfront for setup as well as ongoing management, and bulk printing in some cases. You need to manage taxes and cashflow. You need to be a lot more proactive about marketing, as you won't sell anything if you don't bring readers to your books/products. But selling direct also brings advantages. It sets you apart from the bulk of digital only authors who still only upload ebooks to Amazon, or maybe add a print on demand book, and in an era of AI rapid creation, that number is growing all the time. If you sell direct, you get your customer data and you can reach those customers next time, through your email list. If you don't know who bought your books and don't have a guaranteed way to reach them, you will more easily be disrupted when things change — and they always change eventually. Kindlepreneur notes that “45% of the successful direct selling authors had over 1,000 subscribers on their email lists,” with “a clear, positive correlation between email list size and monthly direct sales income — with authors having an email list of over 15,000 subscribers earning 20X more than authors with email lists under 100 subscribers.” Selling direct means faster money, sometimes the same day or the same week in many cases, or a few weeks after a campaign finishes, as with Kickstarter. And remember, you don't have to sell all your formats directly. You can keep your ebooks in KU, do whatever you like with audiobooks, and just have premium print products direct, or start with a very basic Kickstarter campaign, or a table at a local fair. Lots more tips for Shopify and Kickstarter at https://www.thecreativepenn.com/selldirectresources/ I also recommend the Novel Marketing Podcast on The Shopify Trap: Why authors keep losing money as it is a great counterpoint to my positive endorsement of selling direct on Shopify! Among other things, Thomas notes that a fixed monthly fee for a store doesn't match how most authors make money from books which is more in spikes, the complexity and hassle eats time and can cost more money if you pay for help, and it can reduce sales on Amazon and weaken your ranking. Basically, if you haven't figured out marketing direct to your store, it can hurt you.All true for some authors, for some genres, and for some people's lifestyle. But for authors who don't want to be on the hamster wheel of the Amazon algorithm and who want more diversity and control in income, as well as the incredible creative benefits of what you can do selling direct, then I would say, consider your options in 2025, even if that is trying out a low-financial-goal Kickstarter campaign, or selling some print books at a local fair. Interestingly, traditional publishers are also experimenting with direct sales. Kate Elton, the new CEO of Harper Collins notes in The Bookseller's 2026 trend article, “we are seeing global success with responsive, reader-driven publishing, subscription boxes and TikTok Shop and – crucially – developing strategies that are founded on a comprehensive understanding of the reader.” She also notes, “AI enables us to dramatically change the way we interact with and grow audiences. The opportunities are genuinely exciting – finding new ways to help readers discover books they will love, innovating in the ways we market and reach audiences, building new channels and adapting to new methods of consuming content.” (2) AI-powered search will start to shift elements of book discoverability From LinkedIn's 2026 Big Ideas: “Generative engine optimization (GEO) is set to replace search engine optimization (SEO) as the way brands get discovered in the year ahead. As consumers turn to AI chatbots, agentic workflows and answer engines, appearing prominently in generative outputs will matter more than ranking in search engines.” Google has been rolling out AI Mode with its AI Overviews and is beginning to push it within Google.com itself in some countries, which means the start of a fundamental change in how people discover content online. I first posted about GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) in 2023, and it's going to change how readers find books. For years, we've talked about the long tail of search. Now, with AI-powered search, that tail is getting even longer and more nuanced. AI can understand complex, conversational queries that traditional search engines struggled with. Someone might ask, “What's a good thriller set in a small town with a female protagonist who's a journalist investigating a cold case?” and get highly specific recommendations. This means your book metadata, your website content, and your online presence need to be more detailed and conversational. AI search engines understand context in ways that go far beyond simple keywords. The authors who win in this new landscape will be those who create rich, authentic content about their books and themselves, not just promotional copy. As economist Tyler Cowen has said, “Consider the AIs as part of your audience. Because they are already reading your words and listening to your voice.” We're in the ‘organic' traffic phase right now, where these AI engines are surfacing content for ‘free,' but paid ads are inevitably on the way, and even rumoured to be coming this year to ChatGPT. By the end of 2026, I expect some authors and publishers to be paying for AI traffic, rather than blocking and protesting them. For now, I recommend checking that your author name/s and your books are surfaced when you search on ChatGPT.com as well as Google.com AI Mode (powered by Gemini). You want to make sure your work comes up in some way. I found that Joanna Penn and J.F. Penn searches brought up my Shopify stores, my website, podcast, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even my Patreon page, but did not bring up links to Amazon. If you only have an author presence on Amazon, does it appear in AI search at all? Do you need to improve anything about what the AI search brings up? Traditional publishers are also looking at this, with PublishersWeekly doing webinars on various aspects of AI in early 2026, including sessions on GEO and how book sales are changing, AI agents, and book marketing. In a 2026 predictions article on The Bookseller, the CEO of Bloomsbury Publishing noted, “The boundaries of artificial intelligence will become clearer, enabling publishers to harness its benefits while seeking to safeguard the intellectual property rights of authors, illustrators and publishers.” “AI will be deeply embedded in our workflows, automating tasks such as metadata tagging, freeing teams to focus on creativity and strategy. Challenges will persist. Generative AI threatens traditional web traffic and ad revenue models, making metadata optimisation and SEO critical for visibility as we adjust to this new reality online.” (3) The start of Agentic Commerce AI researches what you want to buy and may even buy on your behalf. Plus, I predict that Amazon does a commerce deal with OpenAI for shopping within ChatGPT by the end of 2026. In September 2025, ChatGPT launched Instant Checkout and the Agentic Commerce Protocol, which will enable bots to buy on websites in the background if authorised by the human with the credit card. VISA is getting on board with this, so is PayPal, with no doubt more payment options to come. In the USA, ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Free users can now buy directly from US Etsy sellers inside the chat interface, with over a million Shopify merchants coming soon. Shopify and OpenAI have also announced a partnership to bring commerce to ChatGPT. I am insanely excited about this as it could represent the first time we have been able to more easily find and surface books in a much more nuanced way than the 7 keywords and 3 categories we have relied on for so long! I've been using ChatGPT for at least the last year to find fiction and non-fiction books as I find the Amazon interface is ‘polluted' by ads. I've discovered fascinating books from authors I've never heard of, most in very long tail areas. For example, Slashed Beauties by A. Rushby, recommended by ChatGPT as I am interested in medical anatomy and anatomical Venuses, and The Macabre by Kosoko Jackson, recommended as I like art history and the supernatural. I don't think I would have found either of these within a nuanced discussion with ChatGPT. Even without these direct purchase integrations, ChatGPT now has Shopping Research, which I have found links directly to my Shopify store when I search for my books specifically. Walmart has partnered with OpenAI to create AI-first shopping experiences, and you have to wonder what Amazon might be doing? In Nov 2025, Amazon signed a “strategic partnership” with OpenAI, and even though it's focused on the technical side of AI, those two companies in a room together might also be working on other plans … I'm calling it for 2026. I think Amazon will sign a commerce agreement with OpenAI sometime before the end of the year. This will enable at least recommendation and shopping links into Amazon stores (presumably using an OpenAI affiliate link), or perhaps even Instant Checkout with ChatGPT for Amazon. It will also enable a new marketing angle, especially if paid ads arrive in ChatGPT, perhaps even integrating with Amazon Ads in some way as part of any possible agreement, since ads are such a good revenue stream for Amazon anyway. The line between discovery, engagement, and purchase is collapsing. Someone could be having a conversation with an AI about what to read next, and within that same conversation, purchase a bookwithout ever leaving the chat interface. This already happens within TikTok and social commerce clearly works for many authors. It's possible that the next development for book discoverability and sales might be within AI chats. This will likely stratify the already fragmented book eco-system even more. Some readers will continue to live only within the Amazon ecosystem and (maybe) use their Rufus chatbot to buy, and others will be much wider in their exploration of how to find and discover books (and other products and services). If you haven't tried it yet, try ChatGPT.com Shopping Research for a book. You can do this on the free tier. Use the drop down in the main chat box and select Shopping Research. It doesn't have to be for your book. It can be any book or product, for example, our microwave died just before Christmas so I used it to find a new one. But do a really nuanced search with multiple requirements. Go far beyond what you would search for on Amazon. In the results, notice that (at the time of writing) it does not generally link to Amazon, but to independent sites and stores. As above, I think this will change by the end of 2026, as some kind of commerce deal with Amazon seems inevitable. (4) AI-assisted audiobook narration will go mainstream I've been talking about AI narration of audiobooks since 2019, and over the years, I've tried various different options. In 2025, the technology reached a level of emotional nuance that made it much easier to create satisfying fiction audio as well as non-fiction. It also super-charges accessibility, making audio available in more languages and more accents than ever before. Of course, human narration remains the gold standard, but the cost makes it prohibitive for many authors, and indeed many small traditional publishers, for all books. If it costs $2000 – $10,000 to create an audiobook, you have to sell a lot to make a profit, and the dominance of subscription models have made it harder to recoup the costs. Famous narrators and voice artists who have an audience may still be worth investing in, as well as premium production, but require an even higher upfront cost and therefore higher sales and streams in return. AI voice/audio models are continuing to improve, and even as this goes out, there are rumours on TechCrunch that OpenAI's new device, designed by Jony Ive who designed the iPhone, will be audio first and OpenAI are improving their voice models even more in preparation for that launch. In 2026, I think AI-narrated audio will go mainstream with far-reaching adoption across publishing and the indie author world in many different languages and accents. This will mean a further stratification of audiobooks, with high quality, high production, high cost human narrated audio for a small percentage of books, and then mass market, affordable AI-narrated audio for the rest. AI-narrated audiobooks will make audio ubiquitous, and just as (almost) every print book has an ebook format, in 2026, they will also have an audio format. I straddle both these worlds, as I am still a human audiobook narrator for my own work. I human-narrated Successful Self-Publishing Fourth Edition (free audiobook) and The Buried and the Drowned, my short story collection. I also use AI narration for some books. ElevenLabs remains my preferred service and in 2025, I used my J.F. Penn voice clone for Death Valley and also Blood Vintage, while using a male voice for Catacomb. I clearly label my AI-narration in the sales description and also on the cover, which I think is important, although it is not always required by the various services. You can distribute ElevenLabs narrated audiobooks on Spotify, Kobo Writing Life, YouTube, ElevenReader, and of course your own store if you use Shopify with Bookfunnel. There are many other services springing up all the time, so make sure you check the rights you have over the finished audio, as well as where you can sell and distribute the final files. If they are just using ElevenLabs models in the back-end, then why not just do that directly? (Most services will be using someone's model in the back-end, since most companies do not train their own models.) Of course, you can use Amazon's own narration. While Amazon originally launched Audible audiobooks with Virtual Voice (AVV) in November 2023, it was rolled out to more authors and territories in 2025. If your book is eligible, the option to create an audiobook will appear on your KDP dashboard. With just a few clicks, you can create an audiobook from a range of voices and accents, and publish it on Amazon and Audible. However, the files are not yours. They are exclusive to Amazon and you cannot use them on other platforms or sell them direct yourself. But they are also free, so of course, many authors, especially those in KU, will use this option. I have done some for my mum's sweet romance books as Penny Appleton and I will likely use them for my books in translation when the option becomes available. Traditional publishers are experimenting with AI-assisted audiobook narration as well. MacMillan is selling digital audiobooks read by AI directly on their store. PublishersWeekly reports that PRH Audio “has experimented with artificial voice in specific instances, such as entrepreneur Ely Callaway's posthumous memoir The Unconquerable Game,” when an “authorized voice replica” was created for the audiobook. The article also notes that PRH Audio “embrace artificial intelligence across business operations—my entire department [PRH Audio] is using AI for business applications.” And while indie authors can't use AI voices on ACX right now, Audible have over 100 voices available to selected publishing partnerships, as reported by The Guardian with “two options for publishers wishing to make use of the technology: “Audible-managed” production, or “self-service” whereby publishers produce their own audiobooks with the help of Audible's AI technology.” In 2026, it's likely that more traditional publishers — as well as indie authors — will get their backlist into audio with AI narration. (5) AI-assisted translation will start to take off beyond the early adopters Over the years, I've done translation deals with traditional publishers in different languages (German, French, Spanish, Korean, Italian) for some fiction and non-fiction books. But of course, to get these kinds of deals, you have to be proactive about pitching, or work with an agent for foreign rights only, and those are few and far between! There are also lots of languages and territories worldwide, and most deals are for the bigger markets, leaving a LOT of blue water for books in translation, even if you have licensed some of the bigger markets. I did my first partially AI-translated books in 2019 when I used Deepl.com for the first draft and then worked with a German editor to do 3 non-fiction books in German. While the first draft was cheap, the editing was pretty expensive, so I stopped after only doing a couple. I have made the money back now, but it took years. In 2025, AI Translation began to take off with ScribeShadow, GlobeScribe.ai, and more recently, in November 2025, Kindle Translate boosting the number of translated books available. Kindle Translate is (currently) only available to US authors for English into Spanish and also German into English, but in 2026, this will likely roll out to more languages and more authors, making it easier than ever to produce translations for free. Of course, once again, the gold standard is human translation, or at least human-edited translations, but the cost is prohibitive even just for proof-reading, and if there is a cheap or even free option, like Kindle Translate, then of course, authors are going to try it. If the translation gets bad reviews, they can just un-publish. There are many anecdotal stories of indie success in 2025 with AI-translated genre fiction sales (in series) in under-served markets like Italian, French, and Spanish, as well as more mainstream adoption in German. I was around in the Kindle gold-rush days of 2009-2012 and the AI-translation energy right now feels like that. There are hardly any Kindle ebooks in many of these languages compared to how many there are in English, so inevitably, the rush is on to fill the void, especially in genres that are under-served by traditional publishers in those markets. Yes, some of these AI translated books will be ‘AI-slop,' but readers are not stupid. Those books will get bad reviews and thus will sink to the bottom of the store, never to be seen again. The AI translation models are also improving rapidly, and Amazon's Kindle Translate may improve faster than most, for books specifically, since they will be able to get feedback in terms of page reads. Amazon is also a major investor in Anthropic, which makes Claude.ai, widely considered the best quality for creative writing and translation, so it's likely that is used somewhere in the mix. Some traditional publishers are also experimenting with AI-assisted translation, with Harlequin France reportedly using AI translation and human proofreaders, as reported by the European Council of Literary Translators' Associations in December 2025. Academic publisher Taylor and Francis is also using AI for book translation, noting: “Following a program of rigorous testing, Taylor & Francis has announced plans to use AI translation tools to publish books that would otherwise be unavailable to English-language readers, bringing the latest knowledge to a vastly expanded readership.” “Until now, the time and resources required to translate books has meant that the majority remained accessible only to those who could read them in the original language. Books that were translated often only became available after a significant delay. Today, with the development of sophisticated AI translation tools, it has become possible to make these important texts available to a broad readership at speed, without compromising on accuracy.” (6) AI video becomes ubiquitous. ‘Live selling' becomes the next trend in social sales. In 2025, short form AI-generated video became very high quality. OpenAI released Sora 2, and YouTube announced new Shorts creation tools with Veo 3, which you can also use directly within Gemini. There are tons of different AI video apps now, including those within the social media sites themselves. There is more video than ever and it's much easier to create. I am not a fan of short form video! I don't make it and I don't consume it, but I do love making book trailers for my Kickstarter campaigns and for adding to my book pages and using on social media. I made a trailer for The Buried and the Drowned using Midjourney for images and then animation of those images, and Canva to put them together along with ElevenLabs to generate the music. But despite the AI tools getting so much easier to use, you still have to prompt them with exactly what you want. I can't just upload my book and say, “Make a book trailer,” or “Make a short film.” This may change with generative video ads, which are likely to become more common in 2026, as video turns specifically commercial. Video ads may even be generated specifically for the user, with an audience of one, maybe even holding your book in their hands (using something like Cameos on Sora), in the same way that some AI-powered clothing stores do virtual try-ons. This might also up-end the way we discover and buy things, as the AI for eCommerce and Amazon Sellers newsletter says about OpenAI's Sora app, “OpenAI isn't just trying to build a TikTok competitor. They're building a complete reimagining of how we discover and buy things …” “The combination of ChatGPT's research capabilities and Sora's potential for emotional manipulation—I mean, “engagement”—could create something we've never seen before: an AI ecosystem that might eventually guide you through every type of purchase, from the most considered to the most impulsive.” In 2026, there will be A LOT more AI-generated video, but that also leads to the human trend of more live video. While you can use an AI avatar that looks and sounds like you using tools like HeyGen or Synthesia, live video has all the imperfect human elements that make it stand-out, plus the scarcity element which leads to the purchase decision within a countdown period. Live video is nothing new in terms of brand building and content in general, but it seems that live events primarily for direct sales might be a thing in 2026. Kim Kardashian hosted Kimsmas Live in December 2025 with a 45 minute live shopping event with special guests, described as entertainment but designed to be a sales extravaganza. Indie authors are doing a similar thing on TikTok with their books, so this is a trend to watch in 2026, especially if you feel that live selling might fit with your personality and author business goals. It's certainly not for everyone, but I suspect it will suit a different kind of creator to those who prefer ‘no face' video, or no video at all! On other aspects of the human side of social media, Adam Mosseri the CEO of Instagram put a post on Threads called Authenticity after Abundance. He said, “Everything that made creators matter—the ability to be real, to connect, to have a voice that couldn't be faked—is now suddenly accessible to anyone with the right tools.” “Deepfakes are getting better and better. AI is generating photographs and videos indistinguishable from captured media. The feeds are starting to fill up with synthetic everything. And in that world, here's what I think happens.Creators matter more.” It's a long article so just to pick a few things from it: “We like to talk about “AI slop,” but there is a lot of amazing AI content … we are going to start to see more and more realistic AI content.” I've talked to my Patreon Community about this ‘tsunami of excellence' as these tools are just getting better and better and the word ‘slop' can also be applied to purely human output, too. If you think that AI content is ‘worse' than wholly human content, in 2026, you are wrong. It is now very very good, especially in the hands of people who can drive the AI tools. Back to Adam's post: “Authenticity is fast becoming a scarce resource, …The creators who succeed will be those who figure out how to maintain their authenticity [even when it can be simulated] …” “The bar is going to shift from “can you create?” to “can you make something that only you could create?” He talks about how the personal content on Instagram now is: “unpolished; it's blurry photos and shaky videos of people's daily experiences … flattering imagery is cheap to produce and boring to consume. People want content that feels real… Savvy creators are going to lean into explicitly unproduced and unflattering images of themselves. In a world where everything can be perfected, imperfection becomes a signal. Rawness isn't just aesthetic preference anymore—it's proof. It's defensive. A way of saying: this is real because it's imperfect.” While I partially love this, and I really hope it's true, as in I hope we don't need to look good for the camera anymore I would also challenge Adam on this, because pretty much every woman I know on social media has been sent sexual messages, and/or told they are ugly and/or fat when posting anything unflattering. I've certainly had both even for the same content, but I don't expect Adam has been the target for such posting! But I get his point. He goes on:“Labeling content as authentic or AI-generated is only part of the solution though. We, as an industry, are going to need to surface much more context about not only the media on our platforms, but the accounts that are sharing it in order for people to be able to make informed decisions about what to believe. Where is the account? When was it created? What else have they posted?” This is exactly what I've been saying for a while under my double down on being human focus. I use my Instagram @jfpennauthor as evidence of humanity, not as a sales channel. You can do both of course, but increasingly, you need to make sure your accounts at places have longevity and trust, even by the platforms themselves. Adam finishes: “In a world of infinite abundance and infinite doubt, the creators who can maintain trust and signal authenticity—by being real, transparent, and consistent—will stand out.” For other marketing trends for 2026, I recommend publicist Kathleen Schmidt's SubStack which is mostly focused on traditional publishing but still interesting for indies. In her 2026 article, she notes: “We have reached a social media saturation point where going viral can be meaningless and should not be the goal; authenticity and creativity should. She also says, “In-person events are important again,” and, “Social media marketing takes a nosedive… we have reached a saturation point … What publishers must figure out is how to make their social media campaigns stand out. If they remain somewhat uninspired, the money spent on social ads won't convert into book sales.” I think this is part of the rise of live selling as above, which can stand out above more ‘produced' videos. Kathleen also talks about AI usage. “AI can help lighten the burden of publicity and marketing.” “A lot of AI tools are coming to market to lessen the load: they can write pitches, create media lists for you, send pitches for you, and more. I know the industry is grappling with all things AI, but some of these tools are huge time savers and may help a book more than hurt it.” On that note … (7) AI will create, run, and optimise ads without the need for human intervention Many authors will be very happy about this as marketing is often the bane of our author business lives! As I noted in my 2026 goals, I would love to outsource more marketing tasks to AI. I want an “AI book marketing assistant” where I can upload a book and specify a budget and say, ‘Go market this,' then the AI will action the marketing, without me having to cobble together workflows between systems. Of course, it will present plans for me to approve but it will do the work itself on the various platforms and monitor and optimize things for me. I really hope 2026 is the year this becomes possible, because we are on the edge of it already in some areas. Amazon Ads launched a new agentic AI tool in September 2025 that creates professional-quality ads. I've also been working with Claude in Chrome browser to help me analyse my Amazon Ad data and suggest which keywords/products to turn off and what to put more budget into. I'll do a Patreon video on that soon. Meta announced it will enable AI ad creation by the end of 2026 for Facebook and Instagram. For authors who find ad creation overwhelming or time-consuming, this could be a game-changer. Of course, you will still need a budget! (8) 1000 True Fans becomes more important than ever Lots of authors and publishers are moaning about the difficulty of reaching readers in an era of ‘AI slop' but there is no shortage of excellent content created by humans, or humans using AI tools. As ever, our competition is less about other authors, or even authors using AI-assisted creation, we're competing against everything else that jostles for people's attention, and the volume of that is also growing exponentially. I've never been a fan of rapid release, and have said for years that you can't keep up with the pace of the machines. So play a different game. As Kevin Kelly wrote in 2008, If you have 1000 true fans, (also known as super fans), “you can make a living — if you are content to make a living but not a fortune.” [Kevin Kelly was on this show in 2023 talking about Excellent Advice for Living.] Many authors and the publishing industry are stuck in the old model of aiming to sell huge volumes of books at a low profit margin to a massive number of readers, many of them releasing ever faster to try and keep the algorithms moving. But the maths can work for the smaller audience of more invested readers and fans. If you only make $2 profit on an ebook, you need to sell 500 ebooks to make $1000, and then do it again next month. Or you can have a small community like my patreon.com/thecreativepenn where people pay $2 (or more) a month, so even a small revenue per person results in a better outcome over the year, as it is consistent monthly income with no advertising. But what if you could make $20 profit per book? That is entirely possible if you're producing high quality hardbacks on Kickstarter, or bundle deals of audiobooks, or whole series of ebooks. You would only need to sell to 50 people to make $1000. What about $100 profit per sale, which you can do with a small course or live event? You only need 10 people to make $1000, and this in-person focus also amplifies trust and fosters human connection. I've found the intimacy of my live Patreon Office Hours and also my webinars have been rewarding personally, but also financially, and are far more memorable — and potentially transformative — than a pre-recorded video or even another book. From the LinkedIn 2026 Big Ideas article: “In an AI-optimized world, intentional human connection will become the ultimate luxury.” The 1000 True Fans model is about serving a smaller, more personal audience with higher value products (and maybe services if that's your thing). As ever, its about niche and where you fit in the long long long long long tail. It's also about trust. Because there is definitely a shortage of that in so many areas, and as Adam Mosseri of Instagram has said, trust will be increasingly important. Trust takes time to build, but if you focus on serving your audience consistently, and delivering a high quality, and being authentic, this emerges as part of being human. In an echo of what happened when online commerce first took off, we are back to talking about trust. Back in 2010, I read Trust Agents: by Julien Smith and Chris Brogan, which clearly needs a comeback. There was a 10th anniversary edition published in 2020, so that's worth a read/listen. Chris Brogan was also on this show in 2017 when we talked about finding and serving your niche for the long term. That interview is still relevant, here's a quick excerpt, where I have (lightly edited) his response to my question on this topic back in 2017: Jo: The principle of know, like, and trust, why is that still important or perhaps even more important these days? Chris: There are a few things that at play there, Joanna. One is that the same tools that make it so easy for any of us to start and run a business also allow certain elements to decide whether or not they want to do something dubious. And with all new technologies that come, you know, there's nothing unique about these new technologies. In the 1800s, anyone could put anything in a bottle and sell it to you and say, this is gonna cure everything. Cancer — gone. And the bottle could have nothing in. You know, it could be Kool-Aid. And so, the idea of trying to understand what's behind the business though, one beautiful thing that's come is that we can see in much more dimensions who we're dealing with. We can understand better who's the face behind the brand. I really want people to try their best to be a lot clearer on what they stand for or what they say. And I don't really mean a tagline. I mean, humans don't really talk like that. They don't throw some sentence out as often as they can that you remember them for that phrase. But I would say that, we have so many media available to us — the plural of mediums — where we can be more of ourselves. And I think that there's a great opportunity to share the ‘you' behind the scenes, and some people get immediately terrified about this, ‘Ah, the last thing I want is for people to know more about me,' but I think we have such an opportunity. We have such an opportunity to voice our thoughts on something, to talk about the story that goes behind the product. We were all raised on overly produced material, but I think we don't want that anymore. We really want clarity, brevity, simplicity. We want the ability for what we feel is connection and then access. And so I think it's vital that we connect and show people our accessibility, not so that they can pester us with strange questions, but more so that you can say, this person stands with their product and their service and this person believes these things, and I feel something when I hear them and I wanna be part of that.” That's from Chris Brogan's interview here in 2017, and he is still blogging and speaking at writing at ChrisBrogan.com and I'm going to re-listen to the audiobook of Trust Agents again myself as I think it's more relevant than ever. The original quote comes from Bob Burg in his 1994 book, Endless Referrals, “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” That still applies, and absolutely fits with the 1000 True Fans model of aiming to serve a smaller audience. As Kevin Kelly says in 1000 True Fans, “Instead of trying to reach the narrow and unlikely peaks of platinum bestseller hits, blockbusters, and celebrity status, you can aim for direct connection with a thousand true fans.” “On your way, no matter how many fans you actually succeed in gaining, you'll be surrounded not by faddish infatuation, but by genuine and true appreciation. It's a much saner destiny to hope for. And you are much more likely to actually arrive there.” In 2026, I hope that more authors (including me!) let go of ego goals and vanity metrics like ranking, gross sales (income before you take away costs), subscribers, followers, and likes, and consider important business numbers like profit (which is the money you have after costs like marketing are taken out), as well as number of true fans — and also lifestyle elements like number of weekends off, or days spent enjoying life and not just working! OK, that's my list of trends and predictions for 2026. Let me know what you think in the comments. Do you agree? Am I wrong? What have I missed? The post 2026 Trends And Predictions For Indie Authors And The Book Publishing Industry with Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of the Chicago Outfit’s informants, featuring insights from my late friend, Cam Robinson, and Paul Whitcomb, a well-respected expert on the mob. This special compilation draws from past interviews and shorts that once highlighted various informants who operated during the notorious 1980s era of organized crime in Chicago. Through a series of concise segments, we explore the lives of key players who chose to turn against the Outfit, revealing the complex motivations and consequences of their decisions. We kick things off by revisiting the tale of Paul “Peanuts” Pansko, an influential figure leading the Polish faction of the Outfit. Pansko's criminal activities, including a racetrack heist, not only placed him in dangerous territory but also set into motion a chain of events that would later link to the infamous Family Secrets trial. It's during this journey that we outline how interconnected the informants’ narratives are, showcasing how Pansko’s actions inadvertently unraveled parts of the organization.   The discussion shifts to more dramatic stories, including Mario Rainone. Rainone's infamous decision to cooperate with the authorities opened the door to significant revelations about Lenny Patrick, one of the highest-ranking Outfit members to switch sides. Rainone's tapes ultimately led to the dismantling of major sections of the Outfit’s operations, including political connections that had long shielded them from legal repercussions.   We also explore the tale of Ken “Tokyo Joe” Eto, a Japanese mobster who thrived within the Outfit’s ranks. His attempts at self-preservation after surviving an assassination effort highlighted the stark realities faced by those who navigated the perilous landscape of organized crime. As he eventually became a witness for the prosecution, Eto’s insights illuminated the internal workings of one of Chicago’s most feared organizations. The episode further examines dramatic betrayals and deadly encounters that shaped the Outfit’s legacy. From the chilling events surrounding the murders of the Spilotro brothers, orchestrated by their own associates for reasons steeped in loyalty and betrayal, to the grim fate that met informants like Al Toco and the impact of domestic discord on organized crime, each tale is a window into the bleak realities faced by both mobsters and informants alike. As we round out the episode, we reflect on the cultural dynamics surrounding informants, particularly how personal relationships and family ties heavily influenced their decisions to cooperate. It becomes clear through the interviews that while fear of retribution often compels loyalty, the specter of betrayal looms large within the mob. This multifaceted examination blends personal stories with historical context, providing a deeper understanding of the Chicago Outfit’s complexity and its operatives. Join us in this retrospective journey through the shadows of organized crime as we pay homage to those who bravely shared their stories, revealing the inner workings of a criminal empire that continues to fascinate and terrify in equal measure. Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer @ganglandwire Click here to “buy me a cup of coffee” Subscribe to the website for weekly notifications about updates and other Mob information. To go to the store or make a donation or rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click here To rent ‘Brothers against Brothers’ or ‘Gangland Wire,’ the documentaries click here.  To purchase one of my books, click here. Transcript [0:00] Well, hey, guys, after listening to Bob Cooley, one of the more damaging sources and witness and informant to the Chicago Outfit outside of the Calabrese family, [0:13] Nick and his nephew, Frank Jr., I got the rest of the Chicago Outfit informants on tap here. No, not really. They’re not coming in. But I did do a story. I did a series of shorts a few years, or I don’t know, two or three years ago, maybe. [0:32] I interviewed my late friend, Cam Robinson, rest in peace, Cam. So you get to hear from him again. And Paul Whitcomb, who is a Chicago outfit expert, he’s been on this. They used to have some kind of a round table show up there. I don’t know if they still have it or not with the Seiferts. But anyhow, I got these guys to sit down with me and talk about all the different informants in Chicago during the, it was during the 80s. So this is just kind of a series of shorts that I put up before. They’re six or eight minutes long, I think, each one of them, that they talk about different informants. This kind of threw it together as another little bonus episode we’ve done. And I went to Chicago, if you notice, after Johnny Russo, which I apologize for in a way, I don’t know. I mean, the guy’s got some crazy-ass stories, doesn’t he? Who am I to say that he didn’t do it? But most people know that he didn’t do most of that stuff. Anyhow, so I threw up another Chicago right away about the guy that had the race wire that they killed, James Reagan. [1:38] Then i had this interview that i’d been doing during those last couple weeks with bob cooley who’s appeared uh out of nowhere and he’ll maybe see him on some other shows now he’s he’s wanting to do shows he tells me so after hearing bob cooley talk i thought well i’m doing do one more i want to just throw it up as an extra uh from some of my old chicago outfit stuff and that’ll finish me off on the Chicago outfit for a while. I hadn’t, I hadn’t been in Chicago, uh, doing shows about Chicago for quite a while. And, and I didn’t want to, uh, neglect you guys. You know, I get a lot of books written about New York and I’ve got all these authors that are wanting to do these books about New York. Uh, not so much about Chicago. So if you got anybody that, you know, wants to, got a book and wants to come on the show, uh, talking about the outfit, why steer them to me. So anyhow, just sit back and relax and enjoy. [2:37] My late, great friend, Cam Robinson. One more look at Cam, for those of you who remember him, and Paul Whitcomb. And we’re going to talk about famous snitches from Chicago. Thanks, guys. Well, let’s move along now to, this is kind of interesting, Paul Peanuts Panczko, who was the leader of the Polish branch of the outfield. Is that what you would call Peanuts Panczko, the leader of the Polish branch? If the Polish branch is the Panczko family, which you could easily say there were three brothers, then yeah, that wouldn’t be right. We haven’t really done a show on them. I don’t know a whole lot about them other than they were released at all. So we said non-Italian, Peckerwood, as we call them at Kansas City, professional criminals who did a lot of business with different outfit people. And he did a robbery of a racetrack. I think it’s the Balmoral Racetrack. It’s the name of it. James Duke Basile and then Panczko was in trouble for that and he convinced Basile to come in and they did some talking remember anything about that situation, you know in a lot of ways you. [3:50] Panczko could be considered one of the first dominoes that eventually led to the Family Secrets trial. Panczko, as you said, led to Dookie Bazile, who they had done robberies together. Bazile led them to Scarpelli, who was a much higher guy. I mean, there’s debate, but he was, because there was a making ceremony at this time, but Scarpelli was pretty highly ranked. I mean, he was a known killer, and he was up there. He was in the wild bunch. But Scarpelli then did tell them about a lot of the things that Frank Calabrese had done. [4:28] He wasn’t known as well as Scarpelli had brought him up to be. And a lot of those things dominoed into what would eventually lead to family secrets years later. [4:42] Scarpelli, I think, did not know so much about Nick, but he did know about Frank. And so a lot of that information sort of filled in the gaps. And even though Frank Calabrese Jr. Led them led them to Nick They A lot of seeds were planted And can be traced back to Pianus Pansico Um. [5:01] So it is kind of an interesting line. Basile, he wore a wire on Scarpelli and not even talking about a lot of these things. It’s not the FBI knew about that. They were in a car together. Right. If I remember right, he even talked about a mob graveyard. They went up there and they found two or three bodies. One of them was connected. It wasn’t anybody really important, but one of them was connected to Harry Aleman. So it was a pretty important wearing of a wire on Scarpelli, who then came at himself for a while. And that’s what led to the family secrets. He talked about Frank Calabrese. Is that what you’re saying? Yeah, that’s right. And some of those bodies in that graveyard were 10 years apart, which was interesting. I’ve got, it’s on the map that I created, but some of those bodies, there was years in between them. So it was something they were going back to and they believed that there were a lot of things there they did not find. Yeah, because they built a health care facility or something. They built some big building over where there would have been bodies. Right. Right. And the fascinating thing about this is Scarpelli, like, just like Cam said, this guy was a serious killer. He was a muscle builder. He was a terrifying guy. I mean, he had almost inhuman physical strength. Yeah. And when he flipped, he was completely debriefed by the FBI and the DOJ and then decided to try and change his mind. [6:27] But before he could do that He hung himself in the bathroom Of the Metropolitan Correctional Center With his hands behind his back And a bag over his head, Who was he in prison with? Who was he in MCC with, Paul? Was it anybody? He did happen to be in the MCC with the German at the time. He bound his hands behind his back and put a bag over his own head. He did. He did. And so the outfit continues to somehow persuade people to take their own lives rather than testify against them. [7:07] It’s a hell of a way to die by suicide it is by suicide at least they didn’t have arrows in his back, not as far as we know yeah it was terrible he cut his own head off I saw a cartoon once that the homicide guy liked to go ahead and maybe real suckle of suicide because then you could just walk away from it so there’s a dead body laying there with a bunch of arrows at his back and a homicide detective standing over him with a hand and pencil and says, hmm, suicide, huh? [7:44] Got the inside joke. It worked homicide. You see how those guys sometimes will try to make something into a suicide that probably is a homicide. On the other hand, we had one, we had a mob guy, he wasn’t really a mob associate, who had gone to Vegas. He lost a lot of money and they found his body in his car at the airport parking lot after coming back from Vegas and they found out later lost a lot of money and the car was parked up against the fence and he was shot in the head and there was no gun in the car you know found so just assume that somebody shot him in his head the car kept going and rolling up against the fence. [8:25] But this one detective, I remember Bob Pence is his name. He was dumb. And he started, he went back over and he dusted that car for prints again. And he got some more evidence out of it. And then he went back to the airport and he looked and started asking questions. And he found out later that somebody who had a pickup truck parked there had a week later, three or four days later, come back and got his truck. When he got home he found a pistol inside the bed of his truck and he called the airport or he called somebody turned it in Pinson found that pistol that was a pistol that that shot the guy so Pinson's theory was he was rolling along in his car he shot himself in the head and then he flipped that pistol out is with a reaction he flipped it out and went in the bed in that pickup and then it rolled on up against the fence and they ruled it a suicide wow damn that’s not that different than Scarpelli I mean the fbi to this day insists it was suicide yeah well, Oh, well, right. All right. Let’s move along to Mario. John, the arm. Rainone. [9:41] Is that correct, Cam? That yeah, that’s Rainone. Yeah. So tell us about that. I know we talked about this, you know, a little bit about this one. [9:50] This is kind of a funny one. He was he was sent to kill a building inspector. Raynaud was with the Grand Avenue crew and so he’s en route to kill this guy and this is one of those mob blunders and he sees a couple guys following him and it’s Rudy Fredo and Willie Messino and he recognizes him when he’s driving over there and it’s important to point out who these guys are, Cam, not to interrupt you Willie Messino, was the right hand man and bodyguard for Tony Accardo for 30 years I mean, he was serious, serious business. Rudy Frayto, you know, the chin, but Massino was serious news. If you saw Willie Massino, you knew he were in for trouble. Yeah, he wasn’t there as backup to do anything except clean up after Rainone, including Rainone. So Rainone saw the writing on the wall. He pulls up and he goes straight to the FBI. [10:54] And he informs, he talks to them and gives them his information. And later on, he sort of regrets doing so, denies that he ever did. Uh, there were, there were, uh, articles written about him. There’s a, there’s a Chicago Tribune writer, John Cass, and Ray Nolan had a back and forth with him writing letters. This is how these mob guys in Chicago operate, talking about, I’m, I ain’t no beefer. And, uh. Once he was out of prison in 2009, he was busted several more times. If you can believe it, he stayed in the criminal life. He was robbing a liquor store with another guy. And the guy he was robbing with, this is why I jump ahead a little bit, was a guy named Vincent Forliano. He claimed that he didn’t even know Fratto or Messino. These were guys he didn’t know, so he never would have informed against them. The guy he was robbing the liquor store with and he was committing other robberies with, Vincent Forliano, was Fredo’s son-in-law. [11:56] So he was committing robberies with a guy related to the guy, but he didn’t know who they were. And to say that somebody didn’t know, as Paul said, Willie Messino, is just ludicrous. Anybody in the criminal atmosphere, period, knew who Willie Messino was because you were probably paying money to it. to exist. And this is extremely important because Rainone, at the time this happened, Rainone cooperated long enough to record conversations with Lenny Patrick. That’s right. That’s right. And that set dominoes in place that would lead to the fall of the outfit. Even though he tried to take back his cooperation, to say he never cooperated, I’ve heard those tapes that were played in trials that I participated in, so I I know better. Uh, and that’s why they call him Mario flip flop Rainone because he, uh, would cooperate and uncooperate and then cooperate. But he is the one who got Lenny Patrick on the hook. Yeah. [13:00] Interesting, interesting. Let’s just continue on with this Lenny Patrick because we weren’t going to talk about him. That’s a good lead hand to talk about another, really one of the most important informants that year who testified. [13:13] Can you talk about the domino that led to the end? Rainone really, really flipped the domino that kicked over. Go ahead, Paul. Well, Lenny Patrick was the highest, and even to this day, remains the highest ranking member of the outfit to ever turn state’s evidence. The guy was a capo in all but name. He had been in charge of Rogers Park, the gambling. He was essentially the head of the Jewish arm of the mafia, kind of the Meyer Lansky figure of Chicago. And when the Lawndale neighborhood moved north to Rogers Park, he moved with them, and he had his own crew. He reported directly to Gus Alex, who was, of course, at the very top, and Sam Carlisi. And he was dealing with Marcello and Carlesi in a number of different outfit ventures, loan sharking. He personally had been staked by Carlesi with a quarter million in cash to put out on the street. And he was involved in extortions Bombings of theaters All these things directly at the command of Sam Carlisi Who was then the boss of bosses of the Chicago outfit So when Rainone got him on tape They set up what was the beginning of the end for the outfit And I think people need to understand who Gus Alex is also For people outside of Chicago Gus Alex was. [14:40] Basically, I guess you could call him the equivalent of maybe the consigliere in Chicago. When you look at Chicago, the triumvirate in the 70s, once a guy like Paul Ricca died and several major outfit leaders died in the early 70s. [14:58] Tony Accardo decided that the outfit would be led by himself, by Joy Iupa, and the political wing and all of the non-Italians and all of the grift and a lot of aspects would be led by Gus Alex. So he was essentially on the same level as Joey Iupa, and he was responsible for much more for things of greater import than Joey Iupa. I mean, controlling the political arm and all the payoffs and all of that is much, much more than the streets and the murders. So all the politics and all the anything that had to do was definitely fell under gus alex and he was part of a ruling triumvirate he was a non-italian part of a ruling triumvirate with iupa and uh acardo so he was the the leader top of the outfit and he had been for years going back to going back to the 30s and the 40s 40 he had come up under, the Murray the Camel Humphreys and had made those connections he was the most connected guy in the Chicago outfit, so for a guy like Lenny Patrick to be. [16:15] Rollover against is essentially the political leader, national political leader and political leader of Chicago. This was absolutely crippling to the outfit. That was he wiped out the entire political arm of the Chicago outfit. After Lenny Patrick brought down Gus Alex, this became a basically a street crime organization. It was that those political contacts. I mean, I think that’s a fair statement, right, Paul? Those political contacts and judges, I mean, that was all but eliminated with Gus Alex going away. You’re absolutely right, Cam. And he not only took out Gus Alex, but he took out the boss of the Italians, too. That’s right, yeah. Both of them at the same time. He wiped out the outfit, and you put it beautifully by saying it became a street crime organization. You think about the division of labor and it started with IUP and IUP and. [17:19] La Pietra, Jackie Cerone, they had all the gambling, a lot of the sports gambling, but they also had the skim from Las Vegas, and they ran all that stuff, while Gus Alex, along with Lenny Patrick, ran all that politics, and you can’t have a mob organization if you don’t have cover politically. That’s why even in Kansas City, we’re pretty clean here, but we still never had any real mob prosecutions. [17:47] And it certainly had very few, if any, little, if any mob prosecutions at Cook County. And you couldn’t even get convicted of a real crime, murder, assault, or something. It’s just a straight-out crime. You weren’t even trying to do a RICO, I think, on anybody. So it was, you know, they just operated with impunity. Well, you took out that whole gambling side. That was all the money coming in. And then shortly thereafter, you take out the political side, who then turns back and gets the new boss on the gambling side and loan sharking and all that. [18:23] I’ll tell you, by 1990, the outfit’s gone. It really is. It still exists to a degree, but Sam Carlisi was the last traditional old line boss of the outfit. you, that, in my opinion, that ever ruled. After that, it was never the same. Yeah, I think a guy like Gus Alex, you know, like you said, Gary, you had Aiuppa who was dealing with gambling, but I think that’s a lot of, there’s a lot of optics to that, you know, and you’ve got all these cities who have got characters who are not Italian, Gus Alex in Chicago, and, you know, as Paul said, Meyer Lansky, who was New York, and you had Mashie Rockman in Cleveland, and these characters not italians so they know when to step back and let and let the italians talk but that doesn’t mean that they’re not running things it’s just for the optics of city to city where the italians have to see that they’re dealing with italians they don’t walk in the room it doesn’t mean that behind the scenes they’re not pulling the levers they just because of of the uh uh criminal um. [19:34] The the criminal view of of non-italians in that world sort of sort of their own prejudices these guys don’t always walk in the room when they’re dealing with other cities gus alex is is sitting down with anybody in chicago but you go to kansas city you go to new york, you know meyer lansky would leave the room when they were when they were talking you know italian to Italian. And the same thing with Gus Alex or Mace Rockman or any of those other guys who are not Italian. It was just an optics city to city. It doesn’t mean that they weren’t pulling the levers. Is it Yehuda or Jehuda, Cam? Jehuda. I’ve always heard of Jehuda. Yeah, Jehuda. So he kind of dealed with the IRS that year. [20:23] He must have had some. The IRS was really strong working the mob in Chicago. I’ve noticed several references to IRS investigations. We did not have that in Kansas City, and the IRS did a little bit, but they were not as strong as they were up in Chicago. [20:38] Yeah, he met with an agent, Tom Moriarty, who’s been around and worked Chicago for a long time. He was a pretty well-known guy up here. But Bill Jehota worked under Ernest Rocco Infelice, who was a real powerhouse going back a long time. And out in Cicero, and his crew, a lot of these crews had their own little names, and they called the good shit Lollipop. He was a huge gambling enterprise, you know. And they bought a house up in Lake County, which is north of the city. It’s funny, this house they bought was actually the family that had lived in it. The son had murdered the family. It was a murder house before the outfit bought it. and uh they bought it used it as a as a gambling den and and after that moved out they used it for prostitution and they would park cars at a nearby motel that they ran and then then have a uh a, valet service that drove him to this this gambling house and there was also quite a few uh murders that uhJahoda witnessed i’m sure he took no part in it he just happened to be standing outside of the house when they when they these murders were committed there was a uh was it hal smith and um. [21:57] Oh i can’t remember the they killed somebody else in this home and they burnt these were guys who didn’t want to pay his tree tags, and they were gamblers who refused to give in. And he brought down this entire crew. I mean, Rocco and Felice was… There’s a famous picture of the day after the Spolatros were killed. And it was really the upper echelon of the up that you’ve got. You’ve got little Jimmy Marcello. You’ve got the boss, Sam Wings-Carlesi. You’ve got the street boss, Joe Ferriola. And you’ve got Rocco and Felice, who’s right there. These are the four top guys, basically, in the outfit as far as at this time, the Cicero crew had risen to the top. That was the powerhouse crew. And so he was involved in those discussions because he was such a powerhouse out there with Ferriola being the street boss. So he was, it really can’t be thatJahodatestimony that eventually brought down this crew was really, it really crippled that crew for a long time. Well, those people that went down in that trial have only in the last five years come out of prison. Yeah, we’ve actually had been talking to somebody. We’ve had the… [23:13] Opportunity to meet he brought down uh uh robert um to go beat um bellavia and another guy who doesn’t like to be mentioned who runs a pretty successful pizza pizza chain up in lake county and uh these guys went down for a long time the beat was down for 25 years and he just came out. [23:39] So and billJahoda have if you read his testimony it is kind of kind of odd that he was standing outside of the building and just looked in the window and they were committing a murder and he just he he places himself outside of the house witnessing a murder through the window which is convenient when you’re the one testifying against murderers it certainly is yeah. [24:03] So so that was he was involved in the gambling so that makes sense then the irs got him and millions of dollars millions of dollars a month they were bringing and he met uh, i don’t remember paul and you did he he contacted moriarty right or did moriarty reach out to him because he was under investigation i i thought Jahoda was was worried about himself so he reached out to them i can’t remember the details i think you’re right yeah i i think he was worried about his own his own safety gary and he reached out to moriarty and they met up at a hotel just outside the city on the uh up in the northwest and uh they talked about things i actually found the location and on the little map you can find where where they met each other but he they met each other in disgust and they would meet different locations and and jahuda wore a wire and some of those some of those wiretaps are they really make for that. [25:05] That those conversations come right out of the movie just i love what we’re doing out here and i love my job and and you actually where i’m going to make you trunk music i mean you really hear these things that that you see it right in the movies i mean you you can’t write the dialogue that these guys are actually using it’s it’s it’s you know it it comes straight out of a book i mean You’ve got, you’ve got, uh, this is the toughest dialogue you’ll ever hear. Interesting. How’d you buy it? Where’d you find that at? Is that, uh, it’s probably not the audio in probably anywhere. No book or something. Yeah. You can, if you look up, if you look up different, different, you know, you go on newspapers.com or you go in different, uh, I believe, uh, I’ve got, um, uh, mob textbook by, um, Howard Abedinsky. I’ve got a couple of copies of his, of his textbook, organized crime. And he’s got some clips of it. This guy who owns a pizza shop up north is talking about how he loves his job. He loves what he does. And it’s funny to hear he talk about smashing somebody and loving what you do. Really? I’ve heard a few conversations like that back at the station house. [26:25] I don’t care. It’s on both sides. Is that what you’re saying? When you live in that world. Those guys can go either direction. [26:37] Well, let’s talk about ex-Chicago cops. Speaking of cops, let’s talk about, Vince Rizza, his daughter actually appeared on that Chicago Mob Housewives, or they tried to do a show. And Frank Schweiss’ daughter was on it. And Pia Rizza, who has gotten some notoriety as a model or something, I can’t remember. And she really, she was tight. She would not talk about her dad at all. I read an interview of her. She would just talk about her dad at all. But he came in and he testified against Harry Aleman, of all people, and linked him to the murder of this bookie, Anthony Ritlinger. Remember that one? [27:22] Go ahead, Paul. No, that one I’m not very up on, Cam. I’m sorry. So, Ritlinger, I believe he didn’t want to pay his street tax, if I’m right, Gary. Yeah, you’re right. He had been warned. Rattlinger had been warned that he needs to pay, he needs to pay, and he was making a good deal of money. And Ratlinger was he was brought in just the normal course of action with the wild bunch because he was a wild bunch murder I’m a little rusty but here it comes so he was a wild bunch killing, he was brought in he was warned it was the typical Harry Ailerman and if I’m remembering correctly and people correct me if I’m not it was Butch Petruccelli they sat him down. [28:11] Usually it would be Butch and, um, uh, Borsellino who would do the talking, uh, Tony Borsellino, and they would do the talking. And then afterwards, Butch Petruccelli would just sit down and glare. So he was a pretty scary guy. And he had that, uh, uh, Malocchio, the, the evil eye, and he would just glare at people. And that would send the message and Rattlinger didn’t, didn’t listen. He was making too much money, he’s not going to pay any damn Degos, that kind of line. And so he, of course, fell victim to these guys. And I believe he may have been trunk music. I think I remember this one, Matt, but I can’t remember. Yeah, I got this one. He went to a restaurant. That’s right. That’s right. And he had already, his daughter lived with him. I’m not sure about the wife, but he had warned his family to take all kinds of extra cautious. He knew something was coming. And it was, you know, after reading that thing, it’s, It’s kind of like, well, we talked about Spilotro taking off their jewelry. Ken Eto did this similar kind of a thing and told his wife he may not be coming back. [29:22] I tell you, another guy that did the same thing was Sonny Black. That’s right. It came out about Joe Pistone, the Donnie Brasco story. He did the same thing. He went to a sit-down or a meeting, and he took off his jewelry, I believe left his billfold, when he went to the meeting. this. Ken Eto was the same way. Ken Eto, I think, thought he could talk his way out. I think all of them thought they could talk their way out of it. So Rettlinger went out by himself and sat in a prominent place in this local restaurant that was really well known up there in the north side. It’s north of downtown Chicago, and I can’t remember the name of it. [30:02] And he just sat there and pretty soon a car pulls up and two guys run in kind of like a Richard Cain kind of a deal and just start popping. And that was a Harry Aleman deal. That’s right. He did, I believe. There’s an old guy who married the girlfriend of Felix Adlericio, I believe. He and this woman are sitting out in front of their brownstone, and Aleman and some other dude pull out and get out when guys walk up to him and shoot him and kill him. [30:31] And so that was – Yeah, that was Petrocelli and Aleman walked up, And he had been, he had been dating, uh, uh, Aldericio’s, Alderico’s girlfriend. Now that’s the famous hit from beyond the grave. Because we’re going to go on the old Samuel’s just sitting in the lawn chair thinking he’d got it made. That’s right. You know, Gary, you and I did the show on the outfit, uh, a long time ago. No, I’m sorry. On the wild bunch, a long time ago. So a lot of those, and they did so much work back in the day. A lot of those run together, but yeah, you’re now, uh, now that you’re right, writing her was he was eating in a restaurant. I’m, Uh, I can’t remember the name. It may have been, been Luna’s, but he was, went out in public. He thought he’d be safe. And like you said, a lot of these guys have a six cents because they come up on the street and they know these things. And, uh, like a guy like Sammy and Reno knew it was coming. He was dodging them for a long time, but they, they know that their time is coming. Eventually they just, they stay ahead of it for a while and figure they can fight their way out or talk their way out. And yeah, they, he was blown away right in public. Like it was similar to the, I remember it being similar to the, to the Richard Cain murder. And this was in, it was right around the same time. It was, it was in the mid seventies, 75, 74, 75, 76. It might’ve been 75 that writing or happened right, right in the middle of the restaurant. [31:58] I’ve been a lot cheaper to pay the street tax, I reckon. You know, and it wasn’t, I don’t recall that they’re asking for so much, but once these murder started happening yeah i think it was it wasn’t like it was half or 75 i think they just wanted it was you know it might have been a quarter it might have just been a flat fee across the board but once that street tax was was instituted i mean we’ve talked about this before gary that was when the wild bunch was out there that was that was they really didn’t play around When Ferriola told these guys, get everybody in line, [32:31] they really cracked down and they weren’t playing at all. You pay or you die. And guys like Alem and Patrick Shelley, whether it was right in public or whatever, in the outfit in the 70s, Paul, you know this from Richard Cain and several others. They just write in public would just blow you away. and writing her was just was almost textbook just like the Richard Cain it was it was right in the right in the restaurant yeah I’ll tell you I’ll tell. [33:05] I was conflating him with Hal Smith. Okay. I’ll tell you something about those mob hits. When they kill somebody in public like that in a public way, more than likely it’s because whoever the victim is has been alerted, and they can’t get anybody to get close to them. They will already try to send somebody around to get them isolated, and when they can’t get them isolated, then they want them bad enough. They’ll just lay, as Frank Calabrese, I heard him say once, well, lay on them. And I thought, oh, that’s interesting. Well, lay on them. I read that somewhere else. They use that term when you’re following somebody and you’re trying to set them up, or yet they lay on them. Calabrese even said, you know, you’re like, get an empty refrigerator box and hide inside of it. I mean, it’s just like the kind of stuff we used to do at the intelligence unit to run surveillances on people. And so they’ll lay on them for a while until they can get you somewhat isolated. And if they can’t, then they’ll just take you out in public. It might be to send a message, but I don’t think so because it’s so risky to get somebody in public. You can have a young, all-fitty cop in there that you didn’t even notice, and he comes out blazing. And, you know, it’s just not worth it. Even if you take him out, he’s probably got to get you. [34:21] So it’s kind of a last resort. A desperation. Yeah, it’s desperation because they can’t get you isolated. [34:28] You look at some of these public murderers, guys like Richard Cain or Ridinger, like you said, who was on the watch. Sam Annarino, who was right on Cicero. [34:39] A guy like Chris Carty, who was years later. I mean, these are guys who would have been smart enough and street smart enough to be on the watch, to watch their step, to know what was going on. With the exception of a guy like Michael Cagnoni, who just happened to be difficult to get, and he probably might have had an idea that something was happening, but I think just he was a family guy, and so it was hard to isolate. They blew him up on the interstate, but I think that in general, that’s a good point, Gary. These guys, if they just run up and blow away, it’s just a last resort. That’s an excellent point. I have always been in that camp of, oh, that must be sending a message. But you, with your experience, I think you’re exactly right. One thing, guys, I think we’re mixing up Sambo Cesario with Sam Annarino. I was thinking when they – yeah, you’re right, Paul. I was thinking, though, when they blew away Sam Annarino in the parking lot with his family, though, they had been trying to get him for several months. And they finally just went after him in the parking lot, called in a robbery, and blew him away in the furniture store parking lot. That was what I meant. Yeah, Gary was referring to Sambo earlier. I just meant they had been trying to get Sam Annarino for a long time, and when they couldn’t, they just got him in the parking lot. [36:08] Well, interesting. You know, no matter how much terror these guys strike in the heart of their underlings, in the end, they still will turn once in a while. And I think people don’t really not turn because they’re afraid of getting killed so much if they don’t turn because they don’t want to have their family suffering the disgrace of them being a rat or a snitch. I think that’s more important to be a man and go out like a man in this subculture and believe me I’ve lived in a subculture where being a man and being a tough guy is more important than anything else, I think that’s the most important thing that keeps people from coming in you’re like a wimp you’re a puss, you can’t take it, can’t handle it you know what I mean you can’t handle five years I could do five years standing on my head or a tray like the dude told me so uh you know but even even with all that and still there’s a certain percentage that will end up coming in sure and usually there are people that either don’t care about their family like lenny patrick yeah or that don’t have close family so that they don’t have it so much of that pressure that you’re talking about gary because you make a really valid point that that that cultural value is so strong yeah yeah it’s it’s. [37:36] In a lot of these small towns, you see in Detroit where they’re all family tied in and everything, you don’t see informants. I think they’ve had one. Kansas City, as you said, Gary, you don’t see. But then you look at a place like Rochester where they’re all just lower tier mob guys. Everybody was informing on everybody because they really weren’t as upper echelon sort of mob guys. So I think that, like you said, once you get that culture seeped in, you’ve got those families and all, there’s a lot of factors. But if it’s a deep-rooted mob town, you really don’t see a lot of real informants. [38:11] So, guys, now we’ve got one that I did a show on. I did a couple of shows on him. I talked to the FBI agent who brought him in and dealt with him for quite a while. Ken Tokiojo Eto. He survived a murder attempt. When that didn’t happen for him with the outfit, what happened after that? [38:32] I believe his attempted assassins got killed themselves. So tell me a little bit about Tokyo Joe Eto. There’s a photograph I have from the late 50s, early 60s And it shows Joe Ferriola And a couple of other heavyweights Hanging around with a young Ken Eto, And a lot of people didn’t know who Ken Eto was But he ran the Japanese game, Gambling, Bolita And lots of money Poured into the outfit through Tokyo Joe As they called him And there was a rumor that perhaps Tokyo Joe was going to turn under a little bit of pressure. And so Jasper Campisi put three slugs in the back of his head. [39:22] Miraculously, he survived three slugs at point blank range. And if he wasn’t going to turn state’s evidence before, he certainly had a powerful incentive to do so now. He seems to insist As I’ve heard that he was not His intention was not It’s hard to say at this point But he says he had no intention Of flipping and that he’s not sure What the evidence was against him But he was not going to flip until, It was Yeah. [39:55] I’m drawing a blank, Paul. Who was it that sent? It wasn’t the saint. It was Vincent Solano. He was kind of Vincent Solano, who was a union guy and a made guy up there. He kind of had which one. [40:11] He was a capo. And which crew was it? Do you remember? He was on the north side. North side crew. North side crew. And actually, Ken went to Vince Solano and had a talk with him. Said you know what i can do this he was looking at a tray i had a dude tell me what’s that pressure and tried to get him to talk and he said uh he said what am i gonna get out of this a tray he said man i can do a tray standing on my head and i threw him right then that’s right gotta talk to me so uh and that’s all he had to do but solano for some reason uh who knows what was in his head because uh ken Eto had made him a lot of money a lot of money and he was a tough little dude he had he had survived he had been put in the uh concentration camps if you will during the internment camps yeah internment camps and then came as a young man up chicago and been around for a long time by the time this all came down he’d been with him for a long time and made him a lot of money and all kinds of different gambling operations but particularly the bolita. [41:13] So uh it just didn’t make sense i heard one thing that these guys in chicago got the idea Yeah, to keep the noise down, they were loading their own rounds with lighter loads of powder. I don’t know. They had like a hit car up there. The guys in Chicago were pretty sophisticated or tried to be. And so they used these lighter loads. And when it went into his head, it just didn’t penetrate his skull. I remember I was at the hospital once, and there was a young guy who had gotten shot in the head. And they said that the bullet was not a good bullet because it went in under his skin and then went under his scalp, along his skull, and then lodged up on his forehead. [41:56] Wow. And so Eto was kind of the same way. Those bullets were probably lodged up underneath his scalp. He pulled himself to a neighboring, I believe it was a pharmacy that was right there, a corner store. And then that guy went to help him. I think he had to dial a call of 911 or whatever. 911 was in place then. He had to call for help for himself from a phone booth. You know, he saved his own life by being smart and playing dead. Yeah, that’s right. And you look at Chicago, it’s a city of neighborhoods, and you’ve got the Mexican town, and you’ve got the different towns, and you’ve got Chinatown where there’s so much money and so much gambling. And while Haneda was Japanese and there’s obviously division between Japanese and Chinese, it would be much easier for him to go in and then some of these outfit guys and because of different things going on back in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. But he could go into neighborhoods and represent the outfit in ways in different communities that the outfit wouldn’t go into or a lot of these made guys. [43:12] And that gave him entry into a lot of communities. In the Asian community, there’s a lot of gambling that he was able to tap into. He was smart enough to see that as a route that maybe the Italian guys didn’t, just like Lenny Patrick, who we’ve talked about in other episodes, had that access into the Jewish communities and other Jewish gangsters. There’s a lot of gambling there. If you can get somebody who has an in to different communities, that’s really a way to go and that’s part of why he made so much money. A game like BolEto wouldn’t normally be and that’s huge in the Hispanic communities and huge with Asians also. You know in kansas city that’s interesting that you should point that out camp we had a um large vietnamese community moved in after the the boat peoples when it started and they moved in through the same church uh. [44:09] Sacred Heart Church and Don Bosco Center that the Italians moved in, the Sicilians moved into back in the turn of the century, the same neighborhoods. And Italians are getting successful and they’re moving out the suburbs and the Vietnamese are moving in and creating the Vietnamese restaurants and Vietnamese shops. And they brought, they have a love for gambling. Like you said, they have huge love for gambling. They don’t drink so much or do so many drugs, but they do love to gamble, it seemed to me like. [44:36] And so they had their own book. he was called the king a guy a friend of mine told me a story uh there’s a mob book he got on the periphery that neighborhood’s got a joint and he he was running a sports book and he had a lot of action going in and out of his joint so this one vietnamese guy had a big debt owed to the king so he goes down and talks to this guy’s name was Larry Strada, he ends up getting killed by some other uh mobsters in a deal they thought he was going to testify but i just needed to hear are there, this young, middle-aged Vietnamese guy goes down to the Caddyshack, Larry Strada’s bar. And he starts telling him about the king. He said, man, he said, the king, you take all your business. He said, he got all business down here. He take all your business. He said, you know, you need to do something about the king. He said, you know, we’re close to the river here. And then he made a motion across his throat like he was cutting his throat. So he was trying to get out of his gambling debt to convince this Italian, La Cosa Nostra bookie to go back and kill me yeah king piano. [45:42] You know i’ve heard a lot of stories and some of them are true some are not that one had to ring a truth to it it had a definite ring of truth that that got to do that playing them against each other yeah you bet and you know another thing about tokyo joe and you know he could testify But Ben Solano had Campizé and Gattuso killed right away. Found them in the trunk of their car, I think. Maybe at the airport, even. [46:09] Chicago trunk music, but they have some saying like that. And so Solano knew that they could testify against him, and they didn’t want to go down for attempted murder, more than likely, and he just didn’t take a chance. So he had them killed, and I can’t remember if he went down behind this or not. But another thing Tokyo Joe was able to do, I mean, he certainly could expose all the inner workings of what he knew about to the FBI, which gives you a lot of tips on where to go, who to work on, and maybe where to throw up microphones or some wiretaps. But he also traveled around he came to Kansas City during the skimming trial because they’re working on the Chicago hierarchy. So they just fly him into town. They show him that picture, the last separate picture where everybody’s in the picture. And they say, now, who’s that? Oh, that’s Aiuppa. Okay, then who’s that? Oh, that’s Vince Solano. Yeah, he reports to Aiuppa. You know, and who’s that guy? I can’t remember the other people at all. So the nation said that Joe is up hard. Oh, yeah, he reports to this guy. So to show the organization of the mob in Chicago and that it is an organization that gives orders to have other people carry it to make the RICO case, that he was a storyteller for that. And he didn’t know anything about the skim at all. But he was a storyteller on getting the mob name and the organization in front of a jury. That’s huge, as you know, Paul. [47:35] Absolutely. We had a similar arrangement during the Carlesi trial about how [47:40] the Carlesi crew operated and who was who, and to tell the story. Yeah. You have to make it a story. Let’s take a look at Betty Toco, which, uh, this is pretty interesting. There was a, um, I’m not sure. Albert Toco was your husband. Remind me what his position was at the outfit at that time. So Al Toco was, there’s sort of a division on who was the leadership of, who was the central leader of Chicago Heights. There’s Dominic Tuts Palermo and Al Toco, who was really a powerhouse in Chicago Heights. And Tuts Palermo was definitely highly connected and across the pond too, also in Italy. But uh Toco was involved in the in the chop shop wars really really heavily involved and he had a lot of connections in chicago too he was involved with lombardo and a lot of these chop shops throughout chicago he had a lot of partnerships and so this was a 30 million dollar a year racket stolen cars chop shops international car rings uh car rings throughout stolen car rings throughout the country. Toco was responsible for burying the Spolatro brothers. It was very sectioned off. Each crew had a part in their murder. And then Chicago Heights was responsible for the burial. [49:02] And they were down in Enos, Indiana. They got kind of turned around a little bit. They were down a farm road. They were burying them in a freshly tilled field. And the road where they’re on, there’s a little side road that you would drive down. There’s very little down there. I’ve, I’ve seen it, but a car happened to come down middle of night and they were in a, there’s a, there were a couple of feet off of a wooded area and they see this car coming down and they sort of all panicked and before they had a chance to cover the area or really do anything, it just looked like a freshly dug, it really just looked like freshly dug mound. And so they all fled and three of Toco’s guys went one way and he went the other. They had the car in both radios. [49:46] He’s wandering around barefoot, and he calls his wife finally. She shows up, and he’s screaming and yelling. And he runs to Florida, and he’s waiting for permission to come back from Joe Ferriola. He’s worried he’s going to get killed because they find the Spallachos immediately because the farmer sees his field all messed up, freshly tilled ground, and it looks really suspicious, like somebody had been poaching deer and burying the carcass. Uh but Toco was a tyrant to his wife he was he was horrible to her he was he was when you think of what a mob guy was that was Toco you know tipping the guy who mows his lawn the kid who mows his lawn hundred bucks and wandered around town everybody knows him but he’d come home and unlike a lot of these guys he was he was a real you know a real. [50:36] Real bastard to his wife you know and for years she put up with this sort of abuse and finally after this this happened and it was in the news and all he finally pushed her too far and she began informing on him and and he was arrested later on he was in his jail cell talking about all the murders he had committed and and this and that about his wife and uh his his uh uh A cellmate repeated everything that he said to try and lessen his sentence. So really, Toco got buried by his big mouth and his terrible behavior. He initially fled to Greece before he was arrested, and they extradited him back from Greece. So this is, I mean, Toco is like deep in mob behavior. [51:22] I mean, fleeing the country and all. I mean, it doesn’t get much more mafia than Al Toco. I hesitate to use that word with Chicago, but that was, Al Toco was running deep. and that Betty Tocco’s testimony eventually led to the trial of Al Tocco. And that was really a blow to the Chicago Heights crew that nowadays, I mean, they continued on and had a few rackets, but after the eventual trial that stemmed from that, it really wasn’t, there’s not much activity now. I’m in that area and there’s just, there’s really nothing here. [51:59] Interesting. Now, so Tony and Michael Spilotro had been lured to somebody’s house on the promise that Michael was going to be made. It’s my understanding. I believe that’s what Frank Collada had reported. And some other people, not part of the Chicago Heights crew, killed him. How did that go down? And how did they pass off the body? You guys, is there anything out there about that? Wasn’t that the family secrets trial, maybe? It was. And, of course, it’s been popularly portrayed in the movie Casino. And it’s surprisingly accurate Except for the fact That where they were beaten But what happened was Little Jimmy Marcello called them. [52:41] And said Sam, meaning Sam Carlisi, the boss, wanted to see them. And they knew that that was ominous because of what was going on beyond the scope of this show. But they took off the jewelry. They left. They told their wives, if we’re not back by 930, it’s not good. They really did not suspect that it was to make Michael. That’s what Collada said. You’re absolutely right about that, Gary. But I don’t think that’s correct at all. They knew that it was bad. And they went. He took a pistol, which was against the rules. They hit him a pistol. Tony hit a pistol on his brother, which you do not do when you go to see the boss. And they were picked up by, by Marcello and taken to a house. I, uh, was it Bensonville? Yeah. Up in Bensonville. Uh, in, in the basement, they walked down the stairs and all of a sudden they looked into the eyes of Carlici and, uh, DeFranzo and everybody, the whole, all the couples were there to spread the, the, uh, liability around and they were beaten to death with, with fists and feet, uh, in, in that basement and then transported to that burial ground, which coincidentally was just maybe a couple hundred yards away from Joey Aupa’s farm. [54:00] Right. So I guess that they must have had, uh, Toco standing by, because I don’t believe he was in that basement. I like that. He must have had him standing by to go grab the bodies and take them out. Really interesting. He should have had the old Doug before he got there. You know, that’s what they always say. First you dig the hole then you go do the murder right and i don’t think he had it done before he got there yeah i don’t i really that’s a good that’s a good point gary i really don’t know and nobody’s ever come forward to say what the status of the hole was beforehand uh you know it was a deep it was a deep it was it was a pretty deep hole uh but they may have had a dug ahead of Tom, but, but, uh, cause they knew the location and it’s pretty obscure location. So they had clearly been there before. And, and, you know, everybody knew that that was, I, I hope was, I got it right. Farm. And, uh, So they may have had it dug, and they just did a shoddy job covering it up. [55:05] But I also haven’t heard the specific details about how they handed it off to Toco. I don’t recall seeing that in Calabrese’s testimony. Yeah, it was Nick Calabrese that testified about that. It brought up the light. He named the killer. So he may not have gone that far, probably having Toco and having his wife testify that he did do this. that she picked him up out there. It was just a piece of the entire prosecution on the spot, which it really never was a trial or anything on that. I don’t believe. Another odd thing is he, I believe he ranted and raved the entire car ride back. And from where he was, you would run up with, It’s now turns into Indianapolis. So it’s a good car ride from where they were to Chicago Heights. I believe he ranted and raved about the guys and his crew and the burial and everything, the entire car ride, which was not something most guys would do in front of their wives. But I really, especially when he treated like that. Right. And complained about how long it took her to get there and everything. So she was able to verify a lot of what Calabrese was saying from the final end of it. Interesting. A friend of mine was in the penitentiary, and he said, there’s a guy in there who called himself a verifier. He said, what do you mean? He said, I’m a professional verifier. What he was, he was an informant. That’s what he was, but he called himself a verifier. [56:33] A girl would come to him and say, well, I heard this, this, and this. Is that true or not? He’d say, well, that’s true. That’s not true. [56:40] I guess that’s a more preferable term. Yeah, she was a verifier. Well, that was great. I really appreciate having that on there and Paul. And I really, I still miss Cam. Every time I get ready to do a Chicago show, I think, oh, I want to get Cam or Rochester. [56:58] We did one about Rochester. We did one about Utica. I did several other shows about other families. And he was a good guy and a real great researcher and a real expert on the outfit and other mafia families. So rest in peace, Cam and Paul. I hope to talk to you again one of these days. Guys, don’t forget, I got stuff to sell out there. Just go to my website or just search on my name for Amazon. I can rent my movies about the skim in Las Vegas, about the big mob war between the Savella brothers and the Spiro brothers in Kansas City. Then one about the great 1946 ballot theft in which the mob… Rigged election, helped Harry Truman rig an election. It’s a little harder to find than mine. You need to put ballot theft and Gary Jenkins. I think you’ll find it then. The other two, Gangland Wire and Brothers Against Brothers, Sabella Spiro, were a little bit easier to find. Had to put it up a different way because Amazon changed the rules, but I got them up there. So thanks a lot, guys.

Johnny Spoiler dives into Wrath of Daimajin (1966) — the brutal, emotional final entry in the legendary Japanese Daimajin trilogy, where feudal samurai drama collides with full-blown kaiju monster wrath.Before we get to giant stone gods and sulfur pits, Johnny opens with a cold open on a recurring problem: people keep comparing him to Elvis Presley — usually at the worst possible times, like buying pizza at a gas station. Is it the sideburns? The sunglasses? The curse of compliments from strangers? The comparison stops here.From there, we hit Home Video Headlines, covering:Mickey Rourke's financial struggles and the dark side of fameWhy actors hide in day jobsClickbait movie rankings, overrated awards chatter, and why Bonanza still beats DeadwoodDirected by Kazuo Mori, Wrath of Daimajin follows a group of children on a deadly journey to rescue their enslaved fathers from a tyrannical lord forcing villagers to mine sulfur in Hell's Valley. As blizzards rage and bodies fall, the ancient stone god Daimajin awakens, delivering one of the most haunting monster finales of the 1960s.We break down:The film's Stand By Me–style adventure with demons instead of bulliesShocking second-act brutalityThe evolution of Daimajin from stone idol to flesh-and-blood avengerWhy this sequel might be the best film in the trilogyJohnny also digs into the movie's strange U.S. release history, mis-titled home video versions, late English dub, and why this is one of the most overlooked gems in Japanese genre cinema.Binge Now. Emotional, brutal, beautifully staged, and unforgettable — proof that third entries don't always fall off.Plus:Fan service shoutout to Larry Z and the eternal logic of Surf NinjasStaff pick spotlight on Denzel Washington's time-travel thriller Déjà VuA taste-driven partner shoutout to MEATZY, delivering premium proteins straight to your door https://tr.ee/GetMeatzyJohnnyStick around for laughs, monsters, nostalgia, and zero Elvis impersonations.

Fake or For Real, Jeff's Italian Word of the Day: Welcome back, and 1K Letter of the Day... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's story: Labubu is a mischievous, rabbit-eared character created by illustrator Kasing Lung. Chinese toymaker Pop Mart has turned Labubu into a global toy craze, using gamified sales tactics and regularly releasing new collectible sets. Fans can't get enough. They film themselves opening the famous “blind boxes,” take photos with their Labubus, and bid up the value of their favorites online. Transcript & Exercises: https://plainenglish.com/827Get the full story and learning resources: https://plainenglish.com/827--Plain English helps you improve your English:Learn about the world and improve your EnglishClear, natural English at a speed you can understandNew stories every weekLearn even more at PlainEnglish.comMentioned in this episode:Hard words? No problemNever be confused by difficult words in Plain English again! See translations of the hardest words and phrases from English to your language. Each episode transcript includes built-in translations into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Polish, and Turkish. Sign up for a free 14-day trial at PlainEnglish.com

Nat and Linny are back. It's a chance to chat over the last few weeks, and look forward through the January blues with a bit of sunshine and silliness. Enjoy! xx Please subscribe, follow, and leave a review. xxx You can find us in all places here; ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podfollow.com/lifewithnat/view⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We're on Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/lifewithnatpod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nat's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natcass1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Marc's insta: ⁠@camera_marc⁠ Neice's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@natsnieces⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tony's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tonycass68⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linny's insta: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@auntielinny.lwn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ MORE LIVE SHOW! 07/02/2026 Brighton, The Forge ⁠TICKETS⁠ 08/02/2026 Newcastle upon Tyne, The Stand ⁠TICKETS⁠ 25/02/2026 Folkestone, Quarterhouse ⁠TICKETS⁠ 28/02/2026 Colchester, Arts Centre ⁠TICKETS⁠ 07/03/2026 Manchester, Fairfield Social Club ⁠TICKETS⁠ 22/03/2026 Leeds, The Wardrobe ⁠TICKETS⁠ 29/03/2026 Bristol, The Gaffe - ⁠TICKETS⁠ Book Club: November's book - All Together for Christmas by Sarah Morgan & December's book (optional extra for the speedy readers) - A Heart for Christmas: Advent Romance by Sophie Jomain Nat's solo chats - any rants always welcome!  Scraping the Barrel - SCAN AND SHOP VIRGIN NO LONGER! Bonce vs list! - Are you a list maker? Always collecting for Nostalgia Fest! What's brewing with the Nieces - are we all skipping the end of summer, all of autumn and going straight to Christmas - Nat's door is! Group chat ettiquette & pranks. Nice Lorraines… get in touch! Advent calendars & gift recommendations v. welcome! Things we're nagging with Linny about - More lateness stories and some cleaning questions, please! The Tony talks chatter - Keep your DIY questions coming, also open to some saucy two paragraph stories for Tony to read out at the Southend show - think cheeky postcards (both in tone and length)! Can we make Tony an influencer and get him any freebies?  TBC Cultural differences ep - inspired by Linny's Mediterranean heritage and her & Ellia's Italian trip, we'd love to hear about the cultural differences you've noticed between the UK and basically ANYWHERE else!  A 'Keep It Light Media' Production Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@keepitlightmedia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send in your music story!Start with a question: what happens when your words shape your year? We dive into that idea headfirst, sharing New Year goals about speaking with intention, listening better, and even using silence as a strategic tool. From high-stakes business meetings to decompressing at home, we talk about how choosing our words—and choosing when not to speak—can shift outcomes, mindsets, and relationships.Then we pivot into our favorite kind of chaos: holidays, family, and music. We trade stories about Christmas hosting mishaps, perfect plates from an ex–Italian chef grandpa, and gifts that fuel creativity, like a personalized guitar capo and a full art chest. Parenting makes a surprise entrance too: a toddler's sudden language burst, color naming, and the first proud “trash can.” It's the kind of moment that reminds you growth looks flat until it rockets ahead.On the music front, we break down the 2025 charts and confess our personal favorites, from Alex Warren's Ordinary to Teddy Swims and Billie Eilish. Sparks fly when we challenge the ease of country crossovers and ask whether dominant sounds invite outsiders to take over. It's lively, opinionated, and packed with examples—why some artists thrive across genres, why others don't, and how “90s alternative” still echoes through modern playlists. We also compare mood-based listening with old-school genre boxes and ask what really drives a hit in the streaming era.We wrap with pure fun: movies that blindsided us with big feelings, game recommendations, and a slate of plans for Pokemon's 30th anniversary—think retro runs, builds, card openings, and music-themed teams that listeners can help name. Hit play for a candid, energetic ride that blends real life with real music talk.If you're into thoughtful riffs, chart debates, and a community that builds together, follow the show, tap the bell, and share this episode with a friend. Rate and review to help more music nerds find us—what was your number one track of 2025?Check out our Youtube and Instagram! Check out our Website! Become a member!Support the showPlease give us a quick rate and review. If you enjoyed the audio version head over to our Youtube for video content! Follow the Instagram for special content and weekly updates. Check out our website and leave us a voice message to be heard on the show or find out more about the guests!Ever wanted to start your own podcast? Here is a link to get started!https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1964696https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONMXkuIfpVizopNb_CoIGghttps://www.instagram.com/hook_and_bridge_podcast/https://www.thehookandbridgepodcast.com/

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Epiphany in Rome: Rekindling Friendship and New Beginnings Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-05-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Le luci natalizie brillavano su Campo de' Fiori, creando un'atmosfera magica nelle serate di gennaio.En: The Christmas lights sparkled over Campo de' Fiori, creating a magical atmosphere on January evenings.It: Era un giorno speciale: l'Epifania.En: It was a special day: the Epiphany.It: Le bancarelle erano ricche di prodotti tipici, dalle calze della Befana alle caldarroste profumate.En: The stalls were filled with traditional products, from la Befana's stockings to fragrant roasted chestnuts.It: Appariva un cielo limpido ma gelido sopra Roma.En: A clear but freezing sky appeared above Rome.It: Giulia camminava tra la folla, il cuore diviso tra l'eccitazione e la curiosità di rivedere i suoi amici d'infanzia dopo tanto tempo passato a studiare all'estero.En: Giulia walked through the crowd, her heart torn between excitement and the curiosity of seeing her childhood friends again after spending so much time studying abroad.It: Indossava una sciarpa rossa e un cappotto nero.En: She wore a red scarf and a black coat.It: Il profumo di spezie che riempiva l'aria era confortante ma anche nostalgico.En: The scent of spices that filled the air was comforting yet nostalgic.It: All'improvviso, sentì una voce familiare: “Giulia!” Si voltò e vide Enrico e Alessandro che la salutavano con grandi sorrisi.En: Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice: “Giulia!” She turned and saw Enrico and Alessandro waving at her with big smiles.It: Si abbracciarono calorosamente, scambiando i classici saluti italiani tra baci sulle guance e pacche amichevoli.En: They embraced warmly, exchanging the classic Italian greetings with cheek kisses and friendly pats.It: Alessandro, sempre allegro, disse: “Finalmente sei tornata!En: Alessandro, always cheerful, said: “Finally, you're back!It: Campo de' Fiori è ancora più bello con te qui!” Iniziarono a camminare insieme tra le bancarelle, assaggiando dolci e comprando piccole cose.En: Campo de' Fiori is even more beautiful with you here!” They started walking together among the stalls, tasting sweets and buying little things.It: Giulia osservava Enrico.En: Giulia observed Enrico.It: Era cresciuto, ma il suo sguardo era sempre lo stesso, sincero e rassicurante.En: He had grown, but his gaze was still the same, sincere and reassuring.It: Mentre chiacchieravano, Giulia si accorse che qualcosa dentro di lei si risvegliava.En: As they chatted, Giulia realized that something inside her was awakening.It: Dopo un po', Alessandro si fermò per comprare dei dolci da una bancarella.En: After a while, Alessandro stopped to buy sweets from a stall.It: Questo lasciò Giulia ed Enrico soli.En: This left Giulia and Enrico alone.It: Enrico prese un respiro profondo e disse: “Giulia, c'è una cosa che volevo dirti da tanto tempo.” Giulia lo guardò, sorpresa e curiosa.En: Enrico took a deep breath and said: “Giulia, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a long time.” Giulia looked at him, surprised and curious.It: “Enrico, cosa c'è?” “Ho sempre avuto dei sentimenti per te,” confessò lui, guardando il pavimento imbarazzato.En: “Enrico, what is it?” “I've always had feelings for you,” he confessed, looking at the ground embarrassed.It: “Non sapevo se dirtelo, ma ora non volevo perdere l'occasione.” Giulia restò in silenzio per un attimo, colpita dalle sue parole.En: “I didn't know if I should tell you, but I didn't want to miss the chance.” Giulia remained silent for a moment, struck by his words.It: Guardò Enrico negli occhi e rispose: “Anch'io sento che c'è qualcosa di speciale tra noi.En: She looked into Enrico's eyes and replied: “I also feel that there's something special between us.It: Non so cosa porterà il futuro, ma vorrei scoprirlo insieme.” Il viso di Enrico si illuminò di speranza.En: I don't know what the future holds, but I'd like to discover it together.” Enrico's face lit up with hope.It: Sapeva che poteva fidarsi di quei momenti autentici tra amici di vecchia data.En: He knew he could trust those authentic moments between long-time friends.It: Alessandro tornò in quel momento con i dolci, ignaro della conversazione appena avvenuta.En: Alessandro returned at that moment with the sweets, unaware of the conversation that had just taken place.It: I tre continuarono a girare per il mercato, ma ora c'era una nuova energia tra Giulia ed Enrico.En: The three continued to wander through the market, but now there was a new energy between Giulia and Enrico.It: La tensione svanì, lasciando spazio a una promessa di nuove esperienze e legami più profondi.En: The tension vanished, leaving room for a promise of new experiences and deeper connections.It: La serata si concluse con loro che si promettevano di rivedersi presto, per condividere nuove avventure.En: The evening ended with them promising to meet again soon, to share new adventures.It: Giulia salì le scale del treno diretta a casa sua, pensando che, nonostante tutto, certe cose non cambiano mai davvero.En: Giulia climbed the steps of the train heading to her home, thinking that, despite everything, some things never really change.It: Aveva lasciato Roma come una ragazza timorosa e ora tornava più sicura di sé e aperta ai sentimenti che aveva sempre temuto di esprimere.En: She had left Rome as a timid girl and was returning more confident and open to the feelings she had always been afraid to express.It: Così, sotto un cielo stellato, iniziò un nuovo capitolo della loro amicizia, mentre Campo de' Fiori continuava a pulsare di vita nella gelida notte romana.En: Thus, under a starry sky, a new chapter of their friendship began, while Campo de' Fiori continued to pulse with life in the chilly Roman night. Vocabulary Words:the lights: le lucithe atmosphere: l'atmosferathe stalls: le bancarellefragrant: profumatethe sky: il cielofreezing: gelidothe heart: il cuoreexcitement: l'eccitazionenostalgic: nostalgicothe crowd: la follared: rossathe scarf: la sciarpathe coat: il cappottothe breath: il respiroembarrassed: imbarazzatoauthentic: autenticithe gaze: lo sguardosincere: sinceroreassuring: rassicuranteto awaken: risvegliarsito confess: confessareto wander: girareto vanish: svanirethe hope: la speranzato share: condividereconfident: sicura di séthe childhood: l'infanziathe train: il trenotimid: timorosato climb: salire

Jerry and Tracy talk about the infamous Poveglia island that is so haunted the Italian govenment forbids the public to go there. They also talk to Andrea Whitney about the Black Hope Horror in Texas. and the article she wrote on Hillbilly Horror Stories

"Bloody Crowns and Broken Myths: Michael Livingston on the Real Hundred Years War" The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series For more details, check out Smithsonian Associates:  https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/hundred-years-war The Hundred Years War: A New History Bloody Crowns A New History of the Hundred Years War ⚔️ Henry V at Agincourt. Joan of Arc at Orléans. But that's just the beginning… Smithsonian Associate, Military historian Michael Livingston joins The Not Old Better Show to expose what really happened during the Hundred Years War—and why it wasn't 100 years at all. Think two centuries of shifting alliances, brutal innovation, and the making of modern Europe.

This holiday episode finds hosts John Viola, Patrick O' Boyle, Dr. Marcella Martin welcoming "La Befana" for a funny, warm conversation about the Epiphany gift-giver and Italian holiday traditions. The banter centers on coal, "naughty lists," and the idea that Befana—not Santa—was historically the one who brought gifts in many Italian homes. Befana explains her roots in older seasonal and pagan imagery—sweeping out the old year and welcoming renewal—later blended with the Christian Epiphany story of the Magi on January 6. John and the gang touch on the liturgical calendar, modest stocking traditions of tangerines, sweets, and "sugar coal," and the Italian notion of bella figura as respect and preparedness rather than mere fashion. The episode turns hands-on as Befana makes pasta, shares regional lore from Puglia and Sardinia, and swaps gifts with the hosts. It closes with a call for Italian Americans to keep their language and traditions alive through family rituals, children's activities, and community—using Befana as a joyful way to carry culture forward.   HOSTS: John Viola Patrick O'Boyle Dr. Marcella Martin   SPECIAL GUEST: La Befana (Viviana Altieri)   PRODUCED BY: Nicholas Calvello-Macchia

Bonus Episode #61 of BGMania: A Video Game Music Podcast. Today on the show, Bryan enrolls at a secluded island university where cryptids, folklore, and tactical combat collide in Demonschool, the stylish RPG from developer Necrosoft Games. Drawing heavy inspiration from Italian horror cinema, Persona, and classic strategy RPGs like Fire Emblem, Demonschool blends a striking visual identity with an offbeat narrative centered on first-year student Faye and her classmates as they uncover the dark truths lurking beneath campus life. This Musical Review takes a deep dive into Demonschool's bold and groovy soundtrack, composed by Kurt Feldman. We explore how its pulsing synths, rhythms, and eerie tonal shifts reinforce the game's surreal atmosphere and emotional undercurrents, often doing more narrative work than dialogue ever could. Along the way, Bryan also discusses the game's grid-based combat, character-driven storytelling, and deliberate pacing, ultimately examining whether Demonschool managed to stand out in a crowded 2025 release for its commitment to its vision. Email the show at bgmaniapodcast@gmail.com with requests for upcoming episodes, questions, feedback, comments, concerns, or any other thoughts you'd like to share! Special thanks to our Executive Producers: Jexak, Xancu, Jeff, & Mike. EPISODE PLAYLIST AND CREDITS Battle -Cutscene- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Monday Overworld -Story- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Shopping from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Tuesday Battle -Action- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Wednesday Battle -Action- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Fishing from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Thursday Battle -Action- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Mansion from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Cooking from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Friday Overworld -Investigation- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Boss Battle -Action- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Weekend from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Final Battle -Action Phases I-III- from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] Credits from Demonschool [Kurt Feldman, 2025] LINKS Patreon: https://patreon.com/bgmania Website: https://bgmania.podbean.com/ Discord: https://discord.gg/cC73Heu Facebook: BGManiaPodcast X: BGManiaPodcast Instagram: BGManiaPodcast TikTok: BGManiaPodcast YouTube: BGManiaPodcast Twitch: BGManiaPodcast PODCAST NETWORK Very Good Music: A VGM Podcast Listening Religiously

Send us a textSome of the greatest observers of climate change are mountain guides. They travel on foot or ski, day after day, year after year, decade after decade, with clients from all around the world sharing their passion for nature.  Their profession requires diligence for the safety of not only their clients, but for other outdoor recreations sharing the same mountain meccas. Their intimate knowledge of the mountains is incredibly valuable for observations of climate change.One particularly seasoned mountain guide named Sergio Gabbio of the Italian Alps has watched the changes in his home region of Alagna. In this episode, Sergio shares his observations and stories as he approaches his 70th Birthday.Thanks for listening to the Alaska Climate & Aviation Podcast!Katie WriterKtphotowork@gmail.comhttps://katiewritergallery.comhttps://agingskibum.comhttps://montagnadiluce.itSupport the showYou can visit my website for links to other episodes and see aerial photography of South Central Alaska at:https://www.katiewritergallery.com

Send us a textIP attorney Massimo SterpiMassimo Sterpi photo by Eolo Perfido Show Notes:1:30 Sterpi's work with emerging tech2:30 shift in use of emerging tech/arts issues3:55 Brazilian artist Eduardo Kac's transgenic work4:30 blockchain / NFT as a testing area5:10 generative AI and copyright6:20 copyrighted works as training data 12:25 11 Nov 2025 judgment by Munich Regional Court in GEMA v. OpenAI (Case No. 42 O 14139/24)14:20 fair use in the US17:05 copyright of outputs23:55 "A Single Piece of American Cheese"26:00 Gema decision's impact on OpenAI's business model29:00 UK decision in Getty v. Stability AI32:30 harmonisation 34:20 collective licensing as a solution for AI training36:20 view of justice/injustice with emerging tech in the arts38:40 cultural impact of emerging tech42:00 Christie's auction of "Portrait of Edmond de Belamy"43:40 2024 Venice Biennale - The Conference on Art and AI's “The Neo-Synthetic: A Dialogue on Art, A.I., and Emergent Aesthetics”44:30 expanding area regarding the roles involved in outputs46:40 authenticity becoming enigmatic47:00 attempts to create digital scarcity47:55 different standards of creativity 48:30 neighboring rights for AI50:00 Italy's protection of “simple photographs” versus “photographic works”50:40 UK's Section 9(3) copyright of outputs fictionally attributed to human involved52:40 Agentic AI  Please share your comments and/or questions at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.comMusic by Toulme.To hear more episodes, please visit Warfare of Art and Law podcast's website.To leave questions or comments about this or other episodes of the podcast and/or for information about joining the 2ND Saturday discussion on art, culture and justice, please message me at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.com. Thanks so much for listening!© Stephanie Drawdy [2025]

Happy new year let's start this off with a banger, it's Dynamite review time! Why are there always 50 contenders? The longest catch phrase ever Briscoe still goofy Mina jealous Sasha and Io bad promo and one doesn't speak english Fun house mirror for Mortis Stand by match for 2 mins Why not make it for the title Thank god for Skye that it's pretaped A good guy but the rest bad guys No multi titles and now what since you did it backwards? Subscribe on patreon.com/LingusMafia for ad-free and video versions of the show, exclusive PPV/PLE reviews and bonus shows including every Wrestlemania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, Survivor Series, and Saturday Night's Main Event ever. Get access to over 10 years of podcasts! Stay connected: All our social media (@LingusMafia) links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/lingusmafia We have merch! Shirts, hoodies, stickers and more: lingusmafiashop.printify.me/ Drop us an email with comments or questions: lingusmafia@gmail.com Check our YouTube out at Wrestle Lingus Show! Remember to leave a comment and rate the show wherever you get your podcast from, we gotta get the word out there, we aren't too proud to beg, please?   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

My WitnessesJanuary 04, 2026Teacher: Pastor Dave BrownBut you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.—Acts 1:8Witnesses = MartyrsOur proclamation of the Good News must flow out of a life transformed by that Good News.The church is the bearer to all the nations of a gospel that announces the kingdom, the reign, and the sovereignty of God.  It calls men and women to repent of their false loyalty to other powers, to become believers in the one true sovereignty, and so to become corporately a sign, instrument, and foretaste of that sovereignty of the one true and living God over all nature, all nations, and all human lives.  It is not meant to call men and women out of the world into a safe religious enclave but to call them out in order to send them back as agents of God's kingship.— Leslie Newbigin“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'— Matthew 25:34-40The translation of dikaiosyne poses problems, however, at least in English.  It can refer to justification, or to righteousness, or to justice.  Most English New Testament translations reveal a bias toward the second meaning…To find a correct translation is, therefore, crucial.  A wrong translation may in fact prove the aptness of the Italian saying…”The translation is a traitor!”  Perhaps, however, we should not allow ourselves to choose between “righteousness” and “justice” when seeking for the meaning of dikaiosyne.  Our problem may, rather, lie in the fact that the English language is unable to embrace the wide scope of dikaiosyne in one word.  Maybe, then, we should translate it with “justice-righteousness,” in an attempt to hold on to both dimensions.— David BoschInstead of “righteousness,” we should think in terms of “acting-rightly” for us and our neighbors.2 Parts to “acting-rightly”Spirituality — Loving GodMissions — Loving our neighborThe goal of mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of ethnic or social-economic status, experiences the fullness of the Kingdom of God here and now.When I think of words to describe deeply formed mission, I have in mind such words as patience, empathy, curiosity, discernment, incarnation, non coercive, invitational, justice, and service.  We need these words to combat a way of doing mission that is is often impatient, transactional, coercive, obtrusive, judgmental, disembodied, and anxious.— Rich Villodas

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Doubt to Triumph: Lorenzo's Journey to Exam Success Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-04-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Le case del quartiere residenziale erano coperte da un leggero strato di neve.En: The houses in the residential neighborhood were covered with a light layer of snow.It: Le luci delle finestre brillavano debolmente nella fredda sera d'inverno.En: The lights in the windows shone faintly in the cold winter evening.It: Lorenzo sedeva alla sua scrivania, il cuore pesante.En: Lorenzo sat at his desk, his heart heavy.It: I suoi libri erano aperti, sparsi ovunque.En: His books were open, scattered everywhere.It: Mancavano solo pochi giorni agli esami finali e la pressione cresceva.En: Only a few days were left until the final exams, and the pressure was building.It: La sua famiglia si aspettava tanto da lui.En: His family expected a lot from him.It: Lorenzo voleva ottenere un punteggio perfetto.En: Lorenzo wanted to achieve a perfect score.It: Voleva rendere i suoi genitori orgogliosi.En: He wanted to make his parents proud.It: Ma il dubbio strisciava nella sua mente, come un'ombra.En: But doubt crept into his mind, like a shadow.It: "E se non riesco?"En: "What if I can't do it?"It: pensava.En: he thought.It: Dopo una giornata difficile, Lorenzo decise che aveva bisogno di aiuto.En: After a difficult day, Lorenzo decided he needed help.It: Pensò a Giovanni e Francesca, suoi compagni di classe.En: He thought of Giovanni and Francesca, his classmates.It: Forse, lavorare insieme sarebbe stata la soluzione.En: Maybe working together would be the solution.It: Con uno squillo veloce, organizzò un incontro per il pomeriggio seguente.En: With a quick call, he arranged a meeting for the following afternoon.It: La casa di Giovanni era accogliente e calda.En: Giovanni's house was cozy and warm.It: Un profumo di biscotti appena sfornati riempiva l'aria.En: The smell of freshly baked cookies filled the air.It: Francesca era già lì, con il suo quaderno aperto.En: Francesca was already there, with her notebook open.It: Giovanni preparava il tavolo con libri e quaderni.En: Giovanni was setting the table with books and notebooks.It: "Iniziamo con matematica?"En: "Shall we start with math?"It: chiese Lorenzo, cercando di affrontare subito il suo timore più grande.En: Lorenzo asked, trying to tackle his biggest fear right away.It: Passarono ore in silenzio, interrotto solo dal rumore delle penne sulle pagine.En: Hours passed in silence, broken only by the sound of pens on pages.It: Dopo un po', Lorenzo si bloccò su un problema difficile.En: After a while, Lorenzo got stuck on a difficult problem.It: Giovanni e Francesca lo guardavano con aspettativa.En: Giovanni and Francesca looked at him expectantly.It: Lorenzo si concentrò, provando a capire il problema.En: Lorenzo focused, trying to figure out the problem.It: All'improvviso, come per magia, una soluzione si fece chiara nella sua mente.En: Suddenly, as if by magic, a solution became clear in his mind.It: "Ho capito!"En: "I got it!"It: esclamò Lorenzo con un sorriso.En: Lorenzo exclaimed with a smile.It: Era la prima volta che si sentiva così sicuro durante lo studio.En: It was the first time he felt so confident while studying.It: Questa piccola vittoria diede a Lorenzo la fiducia che gli mancava.En: This small victory gave Lorenzo the confidence he was missing.It: Continuarono a studiare, affrontando ogni materia una alla volta.En: They continued to study, tackling each subject one by one.It: La paura di Lorenzo iniziava a svanire, sostituita da una calma determinazione.En: Lorenzo's fear began to fade, replaced by a calm determination.It: Il giorno degli esami arrivò presto.En: The day of the exams arrived soon.It: Il quartiere sembrava ancora più tranquillo quella mattina.En: The neighborhood seemed even quieter that morning.It: L'aria era fresca e Lorenzo camminava a scuola con una nuova leggerezza.En: The air was fresh, and Lorenzo walked to school with a new lightness.It: Le domande degli esami non sembravano più montagne insormontabili.En: The exam questions no longer seemed like insurmountable mountains.It: Grazie al supporto di Giovanni e Francesca, Lorenzo affrontò ogni problema con calma.En: Thanks to the support of Giovanni and Francesca, Lorenzo faced each problem calmly.It: Quando consegnò l'ultimo foglio, Lorenzo sentì che il peso sul suo cuore si era sciolto.En: When he handed in the last paper, Lorenzo felt the weight on his heart melt away.It: Sapeva di aver dato il meglio di sé.En: He knew he had done his best.It: Ora capiva di non essere solo nelle sue battaglie.En: Now he understood he was not alone in his battles.It: La famiglia sarebbe stata fiera non solo dei voti, ma anche del suo coraggio.En: The family would be proud not only of his grades but also of his courage.It: Lorenzo uscì da scuola, il sole del pomeriggio scioglieva la neve attorno.En: Lorenzo left school, the afternoon sun melting the snow around.It: E con quella nuova sicurezza, camminava verso un domani meno spaventoso.En: And with that new confidence, he walked towards a less frightening tomorrow. Vocabulary Words:the neighborhood: il quartierethe layer: lo stratofaintly: debolmentethe desk: la scrivaniascattered: sparsithe pressure: la pressionethe doubt: il dubbioto creep: strisciarethe shadow: l'ombrato arrange: organizzarecozy: accoglientethe smell: il profumofreshly baked: appena sfornatithe notebook: il quadernoto tackle: affrontareto get stuck: bloccarsithe expectation: l'aspettativato figure out: capirethe magic: la magiavictory: vittoriathe confidence: la fiduciato fade: svanirecalm determination: calma determinazioneinsurmountable: insormontabilito hand in: consegnarethe weight: il pesoto melt: scioglierethe battle: la battagliathe courage: il coraggiothe confidence: la sicurezza

This playlist is 67% vinyl friendly. Poor. ‘In the year 2021, few turntables have captured the essence of that time the way that the Old Future Turntable and Speaker has. The silhouette of the player itself pays homage to ’70s architecture in Seoul. Slanted roofs were common during that era, and when you place the turntable and speaker side-by-side, they look like part of a ’70s city skyline. Some vinyl-lovers may not like this product initially because a flat, horizontal turntable would be preferred for sound quality. For those who care about audio quality over aesthetics, the turntable's legs are adjustable, so you can make the table more even‘. – yankodesign.com Looks like it could more readily blow out hot and cold air than music. Any track marked * has been given either a tiny or a slightly larger 41 Rooms tweak/edit/chop and the occasional tune might sound a bit dodgy, quality-wise. On top of that, the switch between different decades and production values never helps in the mix here. Lyric of Playlist 147 ‘Observational, not sexist‘ noted Jean-Jacques Burnel. 00.00 (Intro) THE FLAMINGOS – Stars (Edit) – Unreleased demo – 1983. Episode #1 for info. 00.41 NEW ORDER – Face Up – Low-life, LP – Factory – 1985 Face Up? More like Jump up, given the NO audience reaction when the chorus kicks in. 05.25 THE YOUNG GODS – Mes Yeux De Tous – Appear Disappear, 2LP – Two Gentlemen Records – 2025 Given that in the mid ’80s they were initially loosely bandied around in the same ‘industrial’ bag as my ‘charges’ Click Click I’ve heard very little of their lengthy and regular catalogue. This though is a mighty tune. 09.19 BLAWAN – Toast – Dismantled Into Juice, 12″ EP – XL Recordings – 2023 Nicely odd, with a ‘chorus’ that makes me smile. 11.56 BASETANK – Got Some Skills – The New Breed, v/artists promo only CD – Detonation – 1999 If it wasn’t for the 35 year age gap I might have said the vocalist on Got Some Skills and the modern day Microwave Man and his electric dirt bike online ‘Let Me Tell You Something, right?‘ words of wisdom sketches were of the same family. 15.44 9 LAZY 9: Turn Me Loose; UP, BUSTLE & OUT: Nightwalk; DJ FOOD: Klutes Groove; DJ TOOLZ: Rusty Goes GaGa; FUNKI PORCINI: It’s A Long Road – The Morning After The Night Before (one half of a CD free with DJ magazine – 1994 Old skool mixing from Cold Cut. ‘It’s (been) a long road… ‘ indeed. 22.00 HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR (feat HIPS & LIPS) – Someone Else Is Calling, 12″ EP – Stratasonic – 2025 The sort of hypnotic beats that could have fitted in with a Winkles, Bedford set list back in the ’80s… although someone might point a sound or two here didn’t exist back then. 26.12 FUNKY GREEN DOGS – The Way * – 12″ – Twisted – 1997 ‘Anyone who ever liked That Sound from the Murk camp will like this just as much, even if they do whinge that it’s very similar to their previous favourite. The original is the heart-winner with its quivering vocal and acid-meets-funk groove, but the mixes are all attractive in their respective ways – Farley & Heller plod sweetly, Canadian Crash Productions do something along the same lines. Dirty White Boy rock and roll and Club 69 kick up a noisy messy rumpus. The best track of all is possibly the excellent FGD way-out beats. **** Daisy & Havoc, Record Mirror (Music Week), 10.5.97 Tough, liquidy goings on from the Murk camp. I was a fan. 32.51 JOY – Fragile Space – 7″ – DB-Low – 2000 ‘Isaac Hayes meets Led Zeppelin‘ ran the press release for Joy Jones’ one-off (at the time) dip into music, and there’s something sad about a single of substance that didn’t do enough for the artist to build on. 35.52 TALKING HEADS – Listening Wind – Remain In Light, LP – Sire – 1980 Just checked. This is the last in a near complete run of the album’s tracks making it to 41 Rooms. So, that must make Remain In Light a bit of a classic to my ears. 39.36 THE SOULSAVERS – Rumblefish – Beginning To See The Dark 12″ – Ghost Ride Music – 2002 The sort of drifting beats thing that would crop up late night/early morning on KISS FM or maybe Ross Allen radio shows of the time. 43.28 BETHANY & RUFUS – 900 Miles – 900 Miles, CD only – Little Monster Records – 2005 With Bethany being the daughter of ’60s folk group, Peter Paul and Mary’s Pete Yarrow, an ancient tune reworked. And it’s a cello apparently, not a double bass. 46.48 STARGARD – (Theme Song From) Which Way Is Up – 7″ – MCA -1977 As funky now as the day it was delivered. I was 20… and this would have been hitting someone’s decks at Bedford’s Nite Spot, Spectrum, Pilgrims, The Anglers’ Laird bar and elsewhere out of town I went. 51.29 THE STAPLE SINGERS – I’ll Take You There – 7″ – Stax – 1972 They never let on where exactly ‘there’ is but with their gospel background we can maybe guess. Good luck with it. 55.30 CARLA THOMAS – Things Ya Make Me Do (Summer Mix) – 12″ – Ruff Justice – 1994 Not the ’60s Stax label Carla Thomas but it’d be nice to think this CT’s parents had that lady in mind when naming this lady. What might have been tagged ‘street soul’… and possibly out of Manchester, UK. 59.06 THOMAS DYBDAHL – All’s Not Lost – That Great October Sound, CD only – Checkpoint Charlie Audio Productions – 2001 Delicate sounds from Norway. 01.04.06 PURESSENCE – Don’t Know Any Better – 7″ – Reaction Records – 2008 James Mudriczki’s vocal… 01.07.22 DAVID SYLVIAN – Nostalgia – Brilliant Trees, LP – Virgin – 1994 Post Japan, his first solo album making its mark in fine style. It was unlikely to do otherwise. 01.12.57 JOY DIVISION – Insight – The Peel Sessions, 12″EP – Strange Fruit – 1986 Peel sessions sort of mimicked a live gig recording at its crystal clear best… this one included. 01.16.50 SIOUXSIE and THE BANSHEES – Christine (Warner Chappell demo) – Kaleidoscope, CD only – Polydor – 2006 With everyone and everything here ‘battling’ to be the most understated – and with it all quite possibly recorded in a rehearsal room, on the likes of (say) a 4-track Portastudio – this is as demo’ish as a major act’s demo could sound back then. 01.19.32 THE FLAMINGOS – Shone Like The Sun #3 (unreleased demo) – 1984 With Cliff (Peacock) in Scott Walker-mode there were a few versions of this tune and to these ears it sounds even better now than it did back then. In effect the above might have doubled as my 27th birthday party and Shone Like The Sun was very likely on the Flamingos set list. 01.24.12 THE WAKE – Make You Understand – Here Comes Everybody, CD only comp – Factory Benelux – 2015 Recorded for a Feb ’84 BBC Radio 1 session for David/Kid Jensen and played live but the former only ever surfaced on the above. Stephen, Mac, Carolyn and Caesar: Winkles, Bedford, 13.11.83 Photo credit/copyright: Dec Hickey 01.26.33 LITTLE NEMO – Bed In Summer – La Cassette Froide, split cassette (with Rain Culture) – self released – 1986 Not the first European band in the mid to late ’80s to have sounded as if heavily influenced by UK bands of the early ’80s and with a track only to be found on this cassette. I won’t be acquiring one any time soon. 01.30.27 THE STRANGLERS – London Lady – 7″ – United Artists – 1977 Yep, Jean-Jacques Burnel with a lyric or two (well, one in particular) that we youth most probably laughed through back in the day but now would maybe slightly wince at. The times… 01.32.52 ELVIS COSTELLO – (I Don’t Want To Go To) Chelsea – 7″ – Radar – 1978 I had a brief moment with Declan’s singles around this time… and you had to admire the balls of a musician who wanted to strike out as an Elvis. 01.35.53 THE SUB ENSEMBLE – Faster Than The Sun (Domu Remix) – Download only – 2008 Very short-lived crew aided and abetted here by acclaimed Bedford-based (then, anyway) DJ, producer, remixer, Domu. 01.41.01 JAZZ THE GLASS – 16 Seconds – Download only, Soundcloud – 2019 A 41 Rooms regular, with another winner. Dave reminded me it uses a sample from a US boy band. I think it was a white label 12″ with anonymous writing (just initials?), that I took a punt on at no more than 20p. 01.44.47 FPI PROJECT – Come On (And Do It) (TC Funky Mix) – 12″ – Synthetic Records – 1993 ‘Tremendous funky Italian offering as ever from those talented members of Ital’s most consistent band. Chocca full of good alternative mixes, including a wicked guitar ladened TC Funky mix… ‘ – Kenny Grogan, Mixmag Update, 28.4.93 ‘Everything you love/hate about Italian records in double helpings. Very FPI Project but bang on time with its riffing flamenco-style guitar and a bundle of irresistibly funked up mixes firm Mother-man Lee Fisher, which include a wonderful reinvention of the bouncy original into a big booming beast of a track‘. Matthew Cole, Record Mirror (Music Week), 10.7.93 ‘Girl chanted powerful Hamilton Bohannon-ish happy party pounder’s original Gypsy Kings-like guitars strummed 125bpm Official, 125.2bpm Gipsy, TC 1993 wukka-wukked 125.2bpm TC Funky Mixes, new sax squawked jerkily percussive building 124.9bpm Mothers At Work Remix and Dub‘. – James Hamilton, Record Mirror (Music Week), 7.8.93 As mentioned on the show, a one and a bit trick pony but sometimes a funky break and some vocal snippets is all you need for some head nodding bizniz. 01.49.36 CHEZ DAMIER & CO-INSIDE – Give A Little Love (Made In Detroit Mix) – The United States EP, 12″ – t:ime – 1993 ‘Nottingham’s Sine boys have always (worn) worthier US influences on their sleeves. This time they make a more permanent connection with two excellent transatlantic collaborations. Their Made In Detroit Mix of Give A Little Love by Chez Damier & Co-Inside is a supremely cool organ-washed garage groove with the repeated title line drifting in and out of the mix. It becomes less mellow and more dubby as it progresses…‘ – Andy Beevers, Record Mirror (Music Week), 4.9.93 And yet another tune with a minimal use of different lyrics… and here you’re not getting the full nine minutes they’re spread over on the 12″. Still, jaunty US house with a bit of a UK ’90s garage’y feel… and I think I edited out some frogs sounds. 01.53.15 THE REESE PROJECT – The Colour of Love (Groove Corporation Trance Mix) * – 12″ – Network – 1992 ‘Even by his own standards, Kevin Saunderson is having a good year. With Inner City firmly re-established as one of the world’s leading dance acts, he now takes the limelight under his alter-ego for what will be one of the biggest tunes of the year. The Deep Reese mix (featured on the Network ‘Elixir Vitae’ double pack extravaganza that some might say is their apology for KWS) is still the one for me. The coffee table intro soaring into a menacing groove with the hookiest of vocal samples… bliss. But wait, let us not forget Groove (aka Electribe 101) Corporation’s four mixes full of true British grit and trance appeal… ‘ – Dave Seaman ****1/2 Mixmag Update, July 9, ’92. ‘Kevin ‘Master Reese’ Saunderson’s powerful Rachel Kapp wailed Club Chart topper is now out on one single in brilliant swimming bass pulsed wriggly warbling 121.6bpm Magic Juan Atkins Mix, gospelishly started hypnotically chugging (0-)123.4bpm Deep Reese Mix, piano plonked 121.6-121.5bpm Underground Resistance Mix, repetitively stuttered Kym Sims-ish 122-122.1bpm MK Deep Dub, good insistently rolling 114.7-114.8bpm Groove Corporation Trance Mix and bass bubbled blippy 114.9-114.8bpm Groove Corporation Wobble Dub, while the first of the separate promos had its throbbing somehow then steady 115bpm Vocal (Trance Mix) and 115-114.9bpm Acid Revival (Wobble Dub), plus alternative swirlingly chugging 115bpm Plae Blue Mix and Instrumental Groove Corporation 021 Remixes‘. – James Hamilton, Record Mirror (Music Week), 1.8.92 Slinky Saunderson… and albeit it the same theme, a thousand miles from Terry Callier’s What Colour Is Love in every other way. Show 148 should surface here Feb 1. Dec x The post Post Punk Plus Podcast Playlist 147 – Original upload 4.1.26 appeared first on 41Rooms.

Fluent Fiction - Italian: From Math Problems to Epiphany Magic: Adriana's Journey Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-04-23-34-02-it Story Transcript:It: In un freddo pomeriggio d'inverno, la casa di Adriana era illuminata dalle luci calde delle festività.En: On a cold winter afternoon, la casa of Adriana was illuminated by the warm lights of the holidays.It: Le tende rosse e gli addobbi per l'Epifania aggiungevano un tocco di magia alla stanza.En: Le tende rosse and the decorations for the Epiphany added a touch of magic to the room.It: Sul tavolo di legno, c'erano libri aperti su matematica e scienze, mentre l'aroma dolce di biscotti fatti in casa si diffondeva nell'aria.En: On the wooden table, there were open books on mathematics and science, while the sweet aroma of homemade cookies was spreading through the air.It: Adriana, una ragazza con grandi occhi curiosi, era circondata da Luca e Giovanni, i suoi compagni di studio.En: Adriana, a girl with big curious eyes, was surrounded by Luca and Giovanni, her study mates.It: Ogni giorno, dopo la scuola, si riunivano in quel salotto accogliente per studiare insieme.En: Every day, after school, they gathered in that cozy living room to study together.It: Luca, sempre sorridente e pieno di energia, faceva battute cercando di alleggerire l'atmosfera, mentre Giovanni, con i suoi silenzi pensosi, osservava e ascoltava.En: Luca, always smiling and full of energy, would make jokes trying to lighten the atmosphere, while Giovanni, with his thoughtful silences, would observe and listen.It: "Ecco il piano, ragazzi," disse Adriana, cercando di mantenere il controllo della situazione.En: "Here's the plan, guys," said Adriana, trying to maintain control of the situation.It: "Voglio fare qualcosa di speciale.En: "I want to do something special.It: Celevriamo l'Epifania, con dolcetti e decorazioni.En: Let's celebrate the Epiphany, with sweets and decorations.It: Così, possiamo conoscersi meglio."En: That way, we can get to know each other better."It: Luca applaudì l'idea con entusiasmo.En: Luca applauded the idea enthusiastically.It: "Ottimo! Ma la befana porterà carbone anche quest'anno, Giovanni?"En: "Great! But will the befana bring coal again this year, Giovanni?"It: Giovanni sorrise timidamente, arrossendo leggermente.En: Giovanni smiled shyly, blushing slightly.It: "Spero di no, ma vedremo!"En: "I hope not, but we'll see!"It: Mentre preparavano la stanza, Adriana sentiva crescere l'ansia.En: As they prepared the room, Adriana felt her anxiety growing.It: Voleva tanto che tutto andasse bene, che finalmente potesse sentirsi parte di questo gruppo.En: She wanted so much for everything to go well, so she could finally feel part of this group.It: Guardò Giovanni preparare le decorazioni, dimostrando attenzione ai dettagli, e questo le diede coraggio.En: She watched Giovanni prepare the decorations, showing attention to detail, and this gave her courage.It: Quando le chiacchiere diventarono più leggere, Luca e Giovanni iniziarono a discutere di un problema di matematica.En: When the chatter became lighter, Luca and Giovanni started discussing a math problem.It: All'improvviso, un piccolo equivoco si inserì tra di loro.En: Suddenly, a small misunderstanding arose between them.It: "Non è così, Giovanni!" esclamò Luca, alzando la voce.En: "That's not it, Giovanni!" exclaimed Luca, raising his voice.It: "Guarda, è semplice."En: "Look, it's simple."It: Giovanni sembrava ferito dalle parole di Luca, e Adriana capì che era il momento di intervenire.En: Giovanni seemed hurt by Luca's words, and Adriana understood it was time to step in.It: "Ragazzi, fermatevi un attimo," disse con calma.En: "Guys, stop for a moment," she said calmly.It: "Luca, forse Giovanni vede il problema in un modo diverso.En: "Luca, maybe Giovanni sees the problem differently.It: Possiamo cercare di capire insieme, no?"En: Can we try to understand it together, no?"It: Il silenzio cadde nella stanza, mentre Luca e Giovanni la guardavano sorpresi.En: Silence fell in the room as Luca and Giovanni looked at her surprised.It: Dopo un momento, Luca parlò.En: After a moment, Luca spoke.It: "Hai ragione, Adriana.En: "You're right, Adriana.It: Mi dispiace, Giovanni.En: I'm sorry, Giovanni.It: Possiamo riprovare a vedere il problema insieme?"En: Can we try to look at the problem together again?"It: Giovanni annuì, sollevato.En: Giovanni nodded, relieved.It: "Certamente.En: "Certainly.It: Posso spiegare la mia idea, e magari funziona."En: I can explain my idea, and maybe it works."It: Così, il gruppo tornò a discutere più serenamente, e il sorriso di Adriana si fece più sicuro.En: Thus, the group resumed discussing more calmly, and Adriana's smile grew more confident.It: Sentì di aver trovato il suo posto, non solo come guida nello studio, ma anche come amica.En: She felt she had found her place, not only as a guide in studying but also as a friend.It: Aveva paura di esprimersi, ma quel giorno scoprì il potere della sua voce.En: She had been afraid to express herself, but that day she discovered the power of her voice.It: Quando la serata si concluse, con i dolci della Epifania condivisi e i cuori più leggeri, Adriana sentì di essere finalmente a casa.En: When the evening concluded, with the Epiphany sweets shared and hearts lighter, Adriana felt she was finally at home.It: Aveva costruito legami veri, e sapeva che, da quel momento, non sarebbe più stata sola.En: She had built true bonds, and she knew that, from that moment on, she would never be alone again. Vocabulary Words:the afternoon: il pomeriggiothe house: la casathe lights: le lucithe holidays: le festivitàthe curtains: le tendethe decorations: gli addobbithe Epiphany: l'Epifaniathe room: la stanzathe table: il tavolothe aroma: l'aromathe cookies: i biscottithe air: l'ariathe girl: la ragazzathe eyes: gli occhithe study mates: i compagni di studiothe living room: il salottothe energy: l'energiathe atmosphere: l'atmosferathe silences: i silenzithe details: i dettaglithe courage: il coraggiothe math problem: il problema di matematicathe misunderstanding: l'equivocothe voice: la vocethe plan: il pianothe joke: la battutathe idea: l'ideathe heart: il cuorethe bond: il legamethe fear: la paura

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the BBC World Service. Our guest is Professor Barbara Keys, a specialist in US history at Durham University.We start with a celebration of the American Freedom Train, as the US prepares to mark 250 years of independence. Then, the South African railway enthusiast who created one of the most luxurious train services in the world.We hear about the invention of text messaging and how it changed the way we communicate. Plus, 75 years of Radio Free Europe broadcasting news to audiences behind the Iron Curtain.The thousand-year-long musical composition that's due to end in 2999. And our Sporting Witness looks at how a British teenager won a six-month contract to play for Italian champions Inter Milan. Contributors: Lou Nelson - former security guard on the American Freedom Train 1975-76.Rohan Vos - founder and CEO of Rovos Rail.Friedhelm "Fred" Hillebrand - inventor of SMS and text messaging.Arch Puddington - former deputy director Radio Free Europe.Jem Finer - musician and composer of Longplayer.Ben Greenhalgh - Margate player-manager and winner of reality show "Football's Next Star".(Photo: American Freedom Train, 1976. Credit: NARA/DVIDS)

We've told the story of labor conflicts from Harlan, Kentucky to Blair Mountain, West Virginia. This week, we tell a story that's not set in the Kentucky or West Virginia coalfields, but in Western North Carolina. It's the story of the 1906 “Tally War,” a violent clash between Italian railroad laborers and company officials of contractors for the South and Western Railroad, which was building their railroad through the North Carolina mountains.  Between Spruce Pine and Marion, North Carolina, a violent confrontation erupted over a wage dispute and the harsh conditions in the railroad construction camps that ended in an international incident between the United States and Italy.It's another one of the Stories of Appalachia.Subscribe to the Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss a single one of our Stories of Appalachia. Thanks for listening.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Most Holy Name of Jesus The Story of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Although Saint Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul wrote in Philippians that God the Father gave Christ Jesus “that name that is above every name” (see 2:9), this devotion became popular because of 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but especially through the preaching of Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Bernardine used devotion to the most holy name of Jesus as a way of overcoming bitter and often bloody class struggles and family rivalries or vendettas in Italian city-states. The devotion grew, partly because of Franciscan and Dominican preachers. It spread even more widely after the Jesuits began promoting it in the 16th century. In 1530, Pope Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended this feast to the entire Church. Reflection Jesus died and rose for the sake of all people. No one can trademark or copyright Jesus' name. Jesus is the Son of God and son of Mary. Everything that exists was created in and through the Son of God (see Colossians 1:15-20). The most holy name of Jesus is debased if any Christian uses it as justification for berating non-Christians. Jesus reminds us that because we are all related to him we are, therefore, all related to one another. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email 2 thoughts on “Most Holy Name of Jesus” Pingback: Mary, The Most Holy Mother of God Lectionary Reflection: January 1, 2023 | peaceonjustice Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this intense episode of We're Done Here, comedian Brittany Brave sits down with Meka Mo to talk candidly about domestic violence. Together, they unpack the realities of abuse, the ways it shapes personal and professional life, and the strength it takes to speak openly about experiences often kept in the dark. Raw, thoughtful, and deeply human. Are you ready to be done here? Grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to laugh, cry, and learn. This is “We're Done Here”, and we're done talking. Now it's your turn to listen.

In 2009, British 17-year-old Ben Greenhalgh won a reality TV show called Football's Next Star, earning him a six-month contract to play for Italian champions Inter Milan. During his time in Milan, the club enjoyed the greatest season in its history - winning the treble of Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the Champions League. He trained alongside star players including Patrick Vieira, Samuel Eto'o and a young Mario Balotelli. But Greenhalgh says nobody was above José Mourinho, who was at the peak of his managerial powers. Ben Greenhalgh looks back on the remarkable story with Ben Henderson. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive and testimony. Sporting Witness is for those fascinated by sporting history. We take you to the events that have shaped the sports world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes, you become a fan in the stands as we take you back in time to examine memorable victories and agonising defeats from all over the world. You'll hear from people who have achieved sporting immortality, or those who were there as incredible sporting moments unfolded.Recent episodes explore the forgotten football Women's World Cup, the plasterer who fought a boxing legend, international football's biggest ever beating and the man who swam the Amazon river. We look at the lives of some of the most famous F1 drivers, tennis players and athletes as well as people who've had ground-breaking impact in their chosen sporting field, including: the most decorated Paralympian, the woman who was the number 1 squash player in the world for nine years, and the first figure skater to wear a hijab. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the tennis player who escaped the Nazis, how a man finally beat a horse in a race, and how the FIFA computer game was created.(Photo: Ben Greenhalgh. Credit: Ben Greenhalgh)

In the turbulent years following the conclusion of the First World War, a young Romanian law student named Corneliu Zelea Codreanu becomes utterly convinced that his nation is under threat by a Jewish-Communist conspiracy. Inspired by the success of the Italian fascists, Codreanu begins working to create a similar right-wing movement in his own country. Email me: perspectivesinhistorypod@gmail.com Podcast Website Follow me on Twitter Facebook Page Buy Some Used Books Bibliography Clark, Roland. Holy Legionary Youth: Fascist Activism in Interwar Romania. Cornell University Press, 2015 Codreanu, Cornelieu Zelea. For My Legionaries. Black House Publishing Ltd, 2015 Hitchins, Keith. A Concise History of Romania. Cambridge University Press, 2014 Ioanid, Radu. The Sword of the Archangel: Fascist Ideology in Romania. Columbia University Press, 1990 Iordachi, Constantin. The Fascist Faith of the Legion “Archangel Michael” in Romania, 1927-1941: Martyrdom and National Purification. Routledge, 2023 Kaplan, Robert D. Balkan Ghosts: A Journey Through History. Picador, 2005. Nagy-Talavera, Nicholas. The Green Shirts and the Others: A History of Fascism in Hungary and Romania. Hoover Institution Press, 1970.  Tiu, Ilarion. The Legionary Movement after Corneliu Codreanu. Columbia University Press, 2009 Sturdza, Michel. The Suicide of Europe: Memoirs of Prince Michel Sturdza, Former Foreign Minister of Rumania. Islands Publishers, 1968. Sima, Horia. The History of the Legionary Movement. The Legionary Press, 1995 Cover Image: Romanian prime minister Ion Antonescu and deputy prime minister Horia Sima at a demonstration memorializing Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, the late founder of the Iron Guard. (Bucharest, Romania. October, 1940.) Closing Theme: “Sfanta Tinerete Legionara,” (Hymn of the Legionary Youth) 

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Love Rekindled: A New Beginning in Central Park Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-03-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Nel cuore dell'inverno, Central Park si trasformava in un paesaggio incantato.En: In the heart of winter, Central Park transformed into an enchanted landscape.It: Una coperta di neve fresca avvolgeva i viali, mentre una quiete quasi magica regnava.En: A blanket of fresh snow covered the paths, while an almost magical quietness reigned.It: Le decorazioni natalizie brillavano ancora, nonostante il cielo grigio e minaccioso portasse con sé una tempesta inattesa.En: The Christmas decorations still shone, despite the gray and threatening sky bringing with it an unexpected storm.It: Luca camminava lentamente, il respiro visibile nel freddo pungente.En: Luca walked slowly, his breath visible in the biting cold.It: Era tornato nell'Urban Metropolis dopo anni trascorsi all'estero, pieno di ambizioni e sogni.En: He had returned to the Urban Metropolis after years spent abroad, full of ambitions and dreams.It: Ma oggi, aveva un unico desiderio in mente: incontrare Giulia.En: But today, he had only one desire in mind: to meet Giulia.It: Giulia era rimasta in città, costruendo una vita che amava.En: Giulia had stayed in the city, building a life she loved.It: La sua carriera creativa era fiorente, e nel profondo sentiva curiosità e una leggera inquietudine per l'improvviso ritorno di Luca.En: Her creative career was flourishing, and deep down she felt curiosity and a slight unease about Luca's sudden return.It: Quali potevano essere le sue intenzioni?En: What could his intentions be?It: Cosa voleva realmente?En: What did he really want?It: Si trovarono davanti a una panchina coperta di neve.En: They met in front of a snow-covered bench.It: "Luca!"En: "Luca!"It: esclamò Giulia, sorridendo nonostante il freddo.En: exclaimed Giulia, smiling despite the cold.It: "È passato così tanto tempo."En: "It's been so long."It: "Sì, troppo," rispose Luca, cercando di nascondere la tensione nella sua voce.En: "Yes, too long," replied Luca, trying to hide the tension in his voice.It: "Avevo bisogno di vederti."En: "I needed to see you."It: Camminarono fianco a fianco lungo i sentieri innevati, il silenzio interrotto solo dal rumore soffice dei loro passi.En: They walked side by side along the snowy paths, the silence broken only by the soft sound of their footsteps.It: La tempesta cominciava a intensificarsi, costringendoli a rifugiarsi sotto una grande quercia.En: The storm began to intensify, forcing them to take shelter under a large oak tree.It: Il vento ululava mentre i fiocchi di neve cadevano fitti.En: The wind howled as the snowflakes fell thickly.It: "Giulia," iniziò Luca, guardandola negli occhi, "dobbiamo parlare."En: "Giulia," Luca began, looking her in the eyes, "we need to talk."It: Giulia sentì il cuore accelerare.En: Giulia felt her heart race.It: Quella conversazione era inevitabile.En: That conversation was inevitable.It: Anni di emozioni represse stavano per venire a galla.En: Years of repressed emotions were about to surface.It: "Ti ho pensato spesso," continuò Luca.En: "I've thought of you often," continued Luca.It: "Sei sempre stata importante per me... più di quanto abbia mai ammesso."En: "You've always been important to me... more than I've ever admitted."It: "Forse stai cercando illusioni," rispose Giulia, provocando un piccolo turbamento dentro di sé.En: "Maybe you're chasing illusions," replied Giulia, causing a small turmoil within herself.It: Ma voleva davvero sapere la verità.En: But she truly wanted to know the truth.It: "È vero," disse Luca.En: "It's true," said Luca.It: "Sono tornato per capire se ci fosse ancora qualcosa tra noi.En: "I came back to see if there was still something between us.It: Non posso fingere che non sia così."En: I can't pretend there isn't."It: Giulia abbassò lo sguardo, i fiocchi di neve si scioglievano lentamente sul suo cappotto.En: Giulia lowered her gaze, the snowflakes slowly melting on her coat.It: Era arrivato il momento di decidere.En: The moment had come to decide.It: "E se ci dessimo una nuova opportunità?"En: "And what if we gave ourselves a new opportunity?"It: propose Luca, sperando senza certezze, ma con il cuore aperto.En: Luca proposed, hoping without certainty, but with an open heart.It: Giulia lo guardò, valutando le sue parole, il suo sguardo sincero.En: Giulia looked at him, weighing his words, his sincere gaze.It: Sentiva che Luca era cambiato.En: She felt that Luca had changed.It: Forse, erano cambiati entrambi.En: Perhaps, they both had.It: "Ok," disse infine, un lieve sorriso si fece strada.En: "Okay," she finally said, a slight smile breaking through.It: "Possiamo tentare."En: "We can try."It: Con la tempesta che iniziava a placarsi, decisero di andare avanti insieme, accettando il passato e abbracciando il futuro.En: With the storm beginning to subside, they decided to move forward together, accepting the past and embracing the future.It: Un futuro che li aspettava con la promessa di una nuova alba, in un nuovo anno.En: A future that awaited them with the promise of a new dawn, in a new year.It: Camminarono attraverso Central Park, il paesaggio intorno a loro simbolo di un nuovo inizio.En: They walked through Central Park, the landscape around them a symbol of a new beginning.It: Luca aveva finalmente svelato il suo cuore, Giulia aveva scelto la fiducia.En: Luca had finally revealed his heart, and Giulia had chosen trust.It: Ora, mano nella mano, erano pronti ad affrontare il mondo insieme, mentre la neve dipingeva un quadro di speranza tutt'intorno.En: Now, hand in hand, they were ready to face the world together, as the snow painted a picture of hope all around. Vocabulary Words:heart: il cuorelandscape: il paesaggioblanket: la copertapaths: i vialidecorations: le decorazionistorm: la tempestaambitions: le ambizionidreams: i sognidesire: il desideriocareer: la carrieraunease: l'inquietudineintentions: le intenzionisilence: il silenziofootsteps: i passishelter: il rifugiooak: la querciawind: il ventosnowflakes: i fiocchi di nevegaze: lo sguardoemotions: le emozioniillusions: le illusioniturmoil: il turbamentoopportunity: l'opportunitàcertainty: la certezzadawn: l'albayear: l'annotrust: la fiduciaworld: il mondohope: la speranzabeginning: il nuovo inizio

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Lost in Venezia: An Unplanned Adventure of Heart and Spirit Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-03-23-34-01-it Story Transcript:It: Il sole invernale si rifletteva piano sulle acque del canale, mentre la nebbia leggera avvolgeva l'atmosfera di Venezia in un abbraccio misterioso.En: The winter sun gently reflected on the waters of the canal, while the light fog enveloped the atmosphere of Venezia in a mysterious embrace.It: Alessandro e Livia si trovavano nel cuore di questa meravigliosa città, seduti su una gondola che dondolava dolcemente avanti e indietro.En: Alessandro and Livia found themselves in the heart of this wonderful city, seated on a gondola that gently rocked back and forth.It: Alessandro stringeva tra le mani un foglio, convinto che fosse la loro mappa, ma un rapido sguardo lo fece trasalire: era il menu di una pizzeria locale.En: Alessandro held a sheet of paper in his hands, convinced that it was their map, but a quick glance made him startle: it was the menu of a local pizzeria.It: Dietro di lui, Livia non riusciva a trattenere una risata.En: Behind him, Livia couldn't hold back a laugh.It: "Tranquillo, Ale!En: "Don't worry, Ale!It: Vedi, è un segno!En: You see, it's a sign!It: Avventura ci chiama!"En: Adventure is calling us!"It: esclamò Livia, gettando uno sguardo curioso attorno.En: exclaimed Livia, casting a curious glance around.It: Alessandro, da viaggiatore prudente, provò una leggera ansia al pensiero di perdersi, ma non volle ammettere la sua preoccupazione.En: Alessandro, a cautious traveler, felt a slight anxiety at the thought of getting lost, but he didn't want to admit his worry.It: "Dobbiamo trovare Piazza San Marco presto," disse, tentando di mantenere la calma.En: "We need to find Piazza San Marco soon," he said, trying to stay calm.It: Il rumore delle onde e i canti lontani di qualche musicista riempivano l'aria.En: The sound of the waves and the distant songs of some musician filled the air.It: Il vento trasportava l'aroma del caffè e del pane appena sfornato.En: The wind carried the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread.It: Livia si voltò verso il suono dell'accordeon che riecheggiava tra i vicoli stretti.En: Livia turned toward the sound of the accordion echoing through the narrow alleys.It: "Seguiamo la musica," suggerì con occhi luminosi.En: "Let's follow the music," she suggested with bright eyes.It: Alessandro esitò ma, alla fine, decise di fidarsi del suo istinto e annuì.En: Alessandro hesitated but ultimately decided to trust his instinct and nodded.It: "Va bene, seguo te."En: "Alright, I'll follow you."It: Attraversarono canali stretti e buie calli, ogni passo una scoperta nuova.En: They crossed narrow canals and dark calli, each step a new discovery.It: Si persero ancora a vicenda nel labirinto, ridendo dello strano incontro con un gruppo di festaioli mascherati per La Befana.En: They got lost again in the maze, laughing about the strange encounter with a group of masked revelers for La Befana.It: A un tratto, giunsero in una piccola piazza.En: Suddenly, they arrived at a small square.It: Qui, una festa vibrante li circondava.En: Here, a vibrant celebration surrounded them.It: L'atmosfera era gioiosa, con lo spirito della Befana che aleggiava nell'aria.En: The atmosphere was joyful, with the spirit of the Befana hovering in the air.It: La musica li avvolgeva, e le luci natalizie risplendevano come stelle.En: The music enveloped them, and the Christmas lights shone like stars.It: In quel momento, Alessandro si lasciò andare.En: In that moment, Alessandro let himself go.It: Si unì a Livia nel ballo, sentendosi libero come mai prima.En: He joined Livia in dancing, feeling freer than ever before.It: Ridendo sotto le luci festose, capì che perdersi non era stato poi così male.En: Laughing under the festive lights, he realized that getting lost hadn't been so bad after all.It: Con il calar del sole tornarono verso il cuore di Venezia, trovando finalmente la via per Piazza San Marco.En: As the sun set, they returned toward the heart of Venezia, finally finding their way to Piazza San Marco.It: Arrivarono appena in tempo per la loro prenotazione a cena, ma con qualcosa in più: una nuova prospettiva.En: They arrived just in time for their dinner reservation, but with something more: a new perspective.It: "È stata la serata migliore," confessò Alessandro mentre si sedette al tavolo.En: "It has been the best evening," Alessandro confessed as he sat down at the table.It: Livia annuì, contenta di aver condiviso quell'avventura insolita.En: Livia nodded, happy to have shared that unusual adventure.It: Da quel giorno, Alessandro imparò a non temere l'imprevisto, apprezzando che, a volte, i momenti più belli sono quelli che non pianifichi mai.En: From that day, Alessandro learned not to fear the unexpected, appreciating that sometimes the most beautiful moments are the ones you never plan.It: E così, in una notte d'inverno a Venezia, tra canzoni e risate, scoprirono il vero spirito del viaggio: lasciarsi guidare dal cuore e dalla curiosità.En: And so, on a winter night in Venezia, amidst songs and laughter, they discovered the true spirit of travel: letting oneself be guided by the heart and curiosity. Vocabulary Words:the winter sun: il sole invernalelight fog: la nebbia leggeramysterious embrace: un abbraccio misteriosothe map: la mappato startle: trasalirethe menu: il menuglance: sguardocurious: curiososlight anxiety: leggera ansiaworry: preoccupazioneto maintain calm: mantenere la calmathe waves: le ondemusician: musicistathe aroma: l'aromafreshly baked bread: il pane appena sfornatoaccordion: accordeonto echo: riecheggiarenarrow alleys: vicoli strettito hesitate: esitareinstinct: istintoto trust: fidarsicanals: canalimasked revelers: festaioli mascheratithe square: la piazzavibrant celebration: una festa vibrantejoyful atmosphere: l'atmosfera gioiosato hover: aleggiareChristmas lights: le luci natalizieto dance: ballarereservation: prenotazione

In September 2007, 20-year-old American college student Amanda Knox moved to Perugia, Italy to study abroad and experience life on her own. She settled into a stone villa with three other young women and quickly began building friendships with her new roommates, forming a particularly close bond with 21-year-old British exchange student Meredith Kercher. Just weeks later, on November 2, Amanda would find herself standing outside that same home as police and paramedics rushed inside. Not fluent in Italian, she didn't fully understand what was happening - only that Meredith had been found murdered in the villa they shared.  Despite having no clue what was going on, Amanda became the focus of the murder investigation within hours. And what followed would become one of the most controversial criminal cases of the modern era, marked by intense scrutiny, global media coverage, and sharply divided opinions about guilt, innocence, and how justice is pursued when the world is watching. Try our coffee! - www.CriminalCoffeeCo.com Become a Patreon member -- > https://www.patreon.com/CrimeWeekly Shop for your Crime Weekly gear here --> https://crimeweeklypodcast.com/shop Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CrimeWeeklyPodcast Website: CrimeWeeklyPodcast.com Instagram: @CrimeWeeklyPod Twitter: @CrimeWeeklyPod Facebook: @CrimeWeeklyPod ADS: 1. 'Crimes Of...' - Check out the latest podcast from 'Two Girls One Ghost' hosts Sabrina Deana-Roga and Corinne Vien, where they cover crimes of a different theme every season - and this season is crimes of passion. For unsolved murders, mysterious disappearances and more, listen to 'Crimes Of...' wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode sponsored by Baya Bar   LightSpeed VT: https://www.lightspeedvt.com/ Dropping Bombs Podcast: https://www.droppingbombs.com/   In this electrifying Dropping Bombs episode, Baya Bar founder Billy Loesch shares his grind from Wall Street failure to building a thriving 55-location franchise empire and modern Italian hotspot Terina NYC. As a Brooklyn-born hustler with an old-school ethic, he's now coaching entrepreneurs on real scaling.    Billy breaks down franchising perks, spotting opportunities, and mindset shifts for growth. He reveals the systems that drive expansion, common pitfalls to dodge, and ways to create recurring revenue streams. If you're starting or scaling a business, this conversation is your golden ticket—grab his strategies and level up now.  

On this episode of the Win Make Give podcast, Chad Hyams and Bob Stewart engage with Dan Tocchini, an entrepreneur with Italian heritage. Dan shares insights on embracing vulnerability, navigating conflicts, and balancing candor with tact to foster leadership and growth. He highlights the importance of addressing complaints to uncover personal and professional development opportunities. Discover approaches to effective communication and conflict resolution while enhancing leadership abilities. Additionally, learn about Dan's upcoming leadership event, Revenant, designed for transformational experiences. Don't miss this empowering discussion on leadership dynamics and personal evolution. ---------- Connect with the hosts: •    Ben Kinney: https://www.BenKinney.com/ •    Bob Stewart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/activebob •    Chad Hyams: https://ChadHyams.com/ •    Book one of our co-hosts for your next event: https://WinMakeGive.com/speakers/ More ways to connect: •    Join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/winmakegive •     Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://WinMakeGive.com/sign-up •     Explore the Win Make Give Podcast Network: https://WinMakeGive.com/ Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network

Rob Dawson, James Olley and Mark Ogden discuss Enzo Maresca's departure from Chelsea and explain why Liam Rosenior is the main candidate to replace the Italian manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Friday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan covers new laws taking effect in 2026, easing mortgage rates, major tariff changes, mounting concerns about President Trump's health, the radical transformation of New York City under its new socialist mayor, and fast-moving global developments from China, Ukraine, Venezuela, Iran, Spain, and the medical world. Good News for Homebuyers and New Laws for 2026: Mortgage rates opened the year at 6.15 percent, down sharply from last year. Trump's Triple B bill now allows a tax deduction of up to ten thousand dollars in interest for Made in the USA vehicles. States also rolled out new laws, including social media limits for children in Virginia and Nebraska, expanded unemployment benefits for mental health claims in Illinois, and sharply different approaches to gender dysphoria in Colorado and New Hampshire. White House Adjusts Tariffs and Deployments: The administration delayed steep tariffs on furniture and cabinetry and rolled back anti-dumping duties on Italian pasta following talks with Italy's prime minister. Trump is also withdrawing National Guard troops from Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland after a Supreme Court ruling narrowed his authority unless he invokes the Insurrection Act. Questions About Trump's Health: The Wall Street Journal reports modest concern among Trump's family and advisors as he enters the second year of his term at age seventy-nine. Trump dismissed the worries, joking about his hearing and explaining his long-standing use of aspirin despite doctors recommending a lower dose. New York City's Radical Shift: Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as mayor of New York City, placing his hand on the Quran and naming a former al-Qaeda defense attorney as chief counsel. He was sworn in by Senator Bernie Sanders, while socialist outlet Jacobin declared the moment a chance to dismantle capitalism nationwide. Bryan argues the development represents a profound ideological takeover of America's largest city and financial center. China Escalates the Mineral Wars: Beijing is restricting silver exports through a new licensing system, tightening global supply just as it has done with rare earth minerals. China is stockpiling silver for industrial use and currency support, raising prices worldwide and intensifying competition over strategic resources. Ukraine, Venezuela, and Iran Edge Closer to Conflict: President Zelenskyy claims discussions are underway for U.S. troops to deploy to Ukraine after a peace deal, a claim the White House has not confirmed. In Venezuela, U.S. forces killed additional narco traffickers and surged elite aviation and ground units into the region as oil tankers flee sanctions. In Iran, nationwide protests entered their sixth day, with crowds chanting against the Ayatollah as economic conditions deteriorate. Europe's Populist Surge Continues: Spain's Vox Party doubled its representation in regional elections, pulling votes from Socialists while traditional conservatives resist coalition talks. Bryan notes the same elite-versus-populist split now defines politics across much of Europe. Medical Warning on Microplastics: Researchers at UC Riverside found evidence that microplastic exposure in men may increase metabolic disease risk in their children. The findings add to growing concerns about plastics, particularly when heating food in plastic containers.     "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: January 2 2026 Wright Report, mortgage rates 6.15 percent, Triple B bill tax deduction cars, new state laws 2026 social media limits, Trump tariff rollback Italian pasta, National Guard withdrawal Supreme Court, Trump health Wall Street Journal, Zohran Mamdani socialist mayor NYC, China silver export restrictions, Ukraine U.S. troops claim, Venezuela narco strikes, Iran protests Day Six, Spain Vox Party surge, microplastics metabolic disease study

From the BBC World Service: Iranian authorities say at least seven people were killed in protests on Thursday, the fifth day of demonstrations against the government's economic policies. Plus, the U.S. Department of Commerce will reduce controversial anti-dumping tariffs on some Italian pasta brands, which were accused of selling their products in the U.S. at artificially low prices. And we look at one profession that has become a casualty of the digital age — the film critic.

From the BBC World Service: Iranian authorities say at least seven people were killed in protests on Thursday, the fifth day of demonstrations against the government's economic policies. Plus, the U.S. Department of Commerce will reduce controversial anti-dumping tariffs on some Italian pasta brands, which were accused of selling their products in the U.S. at artificially low prices. And we look at one profession that has become a casualty of the digital age — the film critic.

Amelia Thomas is a Cambridge University-educated author, naturalist, journalist, horse-owner, and mother of five. Her non-fiction book, The Zoo on the Road to Nablus, the true story of the last Palestinian zoo, was a Daily Mail (UK) and Washington Post Critic's Choice, and inspired the Italian documentary, Waiting for Giraffes. Her new book What Sheep Think About the Weather, asks: what are animals trying to say - not to each other, but to us? Amelia has written for numerous newspapers and magazines, including the Washington Post, Sunday Times (UK), CNN Traveler, the Christian Science Monitor, Lonely Planet magazine, and the Middle East Times. She has authored and contributed to over a dozen travel books for Lonely Planet, including guides to Lebanon, India, and the first Israel and Palestinian Territories guide to be published after the Second Intifada. She presented a documentary for National Geographic Channel's “Roads Less Travelled” series, spent a year following a family of clowns in a Russian circus for a documentary for European TV networks, and is presently in pre-production for an investigative documentary into the disappearance of Jodi Henrickson, a teenager missing since 2009.Animals have often featured in her work and travels, from visiting elephant sanctuaries in Laos to galloping through remote jungles in Belize to rehoming stray puppies in rural India. She is currently working on a book on how we can best listen to animals, which will be published by Sourcebooks in the US and Elliott & Thompson in the UK in summer, 2025: a journey of discovery through the scientific, practical and spiritual work of the world's best animal-listeners, seeking to find out what animals are saying, not to each other, but to humans specifically - and to learn how we can become better listeners. Website: www.ameliathomas.co.ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/starscameout/Send us a textSupport the showCan't get enough of the Journey On Podcast & it's guests? Here are two more ways to engage with them. Find exclusive educational content from previous podcast guests which include webinars, course and more: https://courses.warwickschiller.com If you want to meet your favorite podcast guest in person, you can attend our annual Journey On Podcast Summit either in person or via live stream: https://summit.warwickschiller.com Become a Patreon Member today! Get access to podcast bonus segments, ask questions to podcast guests, and even suggest future podcast guests while supporting Warwick: https://www.patreon.com/journeyonpodcastWarwick has over 900 Online Training Videos that are designed to create a relaxed, connected, and skilled equine partner. Start your horse training journey today!https://videos.warwickschiller.com/Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarwickschillerfanpageWatch hundreds of free Youtube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/warwickschillerFollow us on Instagram: @warwickschiller

You asked for it, so here it is: a recap of Amanda's first two weeks of her 2025 Japan trip! What Amanda covers in this episode:Tips for finding the best prices on airline tickets. Special shout to Rebecca for being in the ELITE 1% of listeners who read the show notes!

Vittorio Angelone is flying Alan Air this week! He chats to Alan about his fascinating journey from classical musician to stand-up comedian, and his love of walking holidays with his girlfriend. We hear about performing huge drums at The Royal Albert Hall, the highs and lows of touring, and a disastrous last ditch attempt to save a relationship in Amsterdam. Plus, discover hidden gems in Belfast, Vittorio's Italian gelato heritage, and his forthcoming tour starting 16th January. (Tickets: https://vittorioangelone.com/tour) Watch his latest standup special: https://youtu.be/mfU3TyeEkZQ?si=bxJ09F6t_cjAoT5U 00:00 Intro00:24 Daddy's little meatball00:55 Performing in New York02:20 Walking holidays & The Saltpath tales04:45 Classical music vs stand-up comedy07:49 Worst gigs & blow-up doll stage invasion09:00 Comedy scene insights & Alan's veteran status11:00 Devon walks & funicular trains12:50 Amsterdam heartbreak14:15 Intense holidays & relationship moments16:36 Corfu indulgence18:43 Childhood holidays in Belfast20:10 Belfast hidden gems 20:42 Vittorio's being tested for Autism  21:43 Celebrity Traitors and Alan buying his own cloak 22:57 Back to Belfast hidden gems - The Sunflower and Bousham 24:00 Mummified fingers and monks - Napoli and Koh Samui 25:45 Vittorio's Italian “gelato” heritage 26:30 Sicily Mondello and Palermo, and another monk   28:10 The Trans-Siberian Express and Grindr  30:40 Quickfire round & landing #LifesABeach #VittorioAngelone #AlanCarr #StandUpComedy #WalkingHolidays #TravelStories #BelfastGems #ItalianHeritage #PodcastChat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Explore the enigmatic realm of unidentified flying objects through three rare, obscure photographs that have intrigued UFO researchers, skeptics, and conspiracy enthusiasts. Captured in a time before digital editing, these images—from snowy Poland, wartime China, and sunny Italy—defy simple explanations and hint at extraterrestrial observers challenging our reality.MF Thomas starts by honoring the infamous 1975 Billy Meier photo from Switzerland: a silver disc "beamship" that inspired The X-Files' "I Want to Believe" poster. Debunked as a hoax with models, strings, and confirmed by his ex-wife Kalliope and experts like Joe Nickell, it contrasts with the episode's more resilient cases.In Part 1, travel to 1959 Muszyna, Poland, where Dr. Stanislaw Kowalczewski photographed a flattened oval UFO during a winter holiday. Emerging from a yellow-orange cloud as a luminous orb, it appeared as a dark saucer on film. Experts in Warsaw papers like Stolica affirmed it 90% likely a self-luminous flying saucer. Linked to Polish UFO lore like Gdynia and Emilcin, it faded under Soviet secrecy—alien craft or artifact?Part 2 delves into WWII Pacific Foo Fighters, focusing on the 1942 Hopeh UFO photo from Tianjin, China, under Japanese occupation. This street-level shot shows a domed silver disc overhead, with pointing pedestrians. Ufologist Shi Bo attributes it to an American witness; analyses dismiss planes or shells. Tied to sightings like Sergeant Brickner's 150+ wobbling objects over Tulagi, it anchors Asian UFO history.In Part 3, relive Italian pilot Giancarlo Cecconi's 1979 Treviso encounter. Radar spotted an erratic object with a blue trail; Cecconi snapped 80+ photos of a 25-foot matte-black cigar-shaped craft with a dome, maneuvering at 300 mph. Backed by witnesses and researcher Antonio Chiumiento, who uncovered potential Ministry cover-ups. Parallels include Chiles-Whitted (1948), RB-47 (1957), and Gemini 4 (1965) cylinders.Weaving testimonies, analyses, and cosmic philosophy, this episode sparks wonder: portals to other worlds or illusions? Ideal for paranormal fans, alien tales, and mysteries.www.mydarkpath.com/78-historical-ufo-photosRead MF Thomas' novels Like Clockwork https://amzn.to/417lOzyArcade https://amzn.to/4aTpisxA Sickness in Time https://amzn.to/41apSPKSeeing by Moonlight ...

Apriamo la nostra rassegna di attualità parlando di una tendenza piuttosto preoccupante: il forte arretramento dei diritti delle donne in Israele. Nella seconda notizia discuteremo di una nuova ondata di chatbot basati sull'intelligenza artificiale che impersonano Gesù, offrendo consigli spirituali e una forma di compagnia online. Nella sezione scientifica parleremo di un problema comune durante le festività: le diete "detox" dopo gli eccessi stagionali. Gli esperti sostengono la necessità di un approccio più sostenibile all'alimentazione, durante e dopo le feste. E infine, ci divertiremo un po' commentando alcune dichiarazioni del Presidente Trump mentre risponde alle telefonate dei bambini che svelano i loro desideri natalizi.    La seconda parte della puntata è dedicata alla lingua e alla cultura italiana. L'argomento grammaticale di oggi è Adverbs of Manner. Ne troverete diversi esempi all'interno del dialogo sulla decisione del Comune di Roma di introdurre un biglietto a pagamento per visitare la Fontana di Trevi. Un luogo affollato e meraviglioso, da sempre accessibile gratuitamente a tutti e che oggi si trova al centro di un cambiamento destinato a far discutere. Nel finale ci soffermeremo sull'espressione idiomatica di oggi: Tagliare la testa al toro. La useremo all'interno di un dialogo dedicato a una scoperta archeologica davvero sensazionale nel cuore delle Alpi. Migliaia di orme di dinosauri, risalenti a oltre 200 milioni di anni fa, sono state ritrovate in un luogo destinato a diventare il sito più importante del suo genere mai scoperto in Italia. - Il drammatico arretramento dei diritti delle donne in Israele riflette una regressione globale? - I chatbot basati sull'IA impersonano Gesù e offrono una guida spirituale - Gli esperti mettono in guardia dalle diete detox e invitano a un approccio equilibrato all'alimentazione durante le feste - Trump promette ai bambini di non permettere al "Babbo Natale cattivo" di infiltrarsi negli Stati Uniti - Il Comune decide: Fontana di Trevi a pagamento - Una valle di dinosauri nel cuore delle Alpi italiane

At the time of recording, Enzo Meresca was still the manager of Chelsea Football Club. And now, the tumult at Chelsea has been thrown into overdrive as the Italian manager has been relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge. Nonetheless, a huge match between two title hopefuls could have massive implications on the league season. Should City win, pressure will remain on Arsenal and Chelsea will be relegated to a top four race. If Chelsea prevail, they may hold lingering beliefs that they could mount an unlikely title push. Elsewhere, Tottenham will welcome promoted Sunderland. After taking points off Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, the Black Cats will look to do the same to Spurs. And can Burnley start to build a run that can see them survive for another season in the EPL? A trip to Brighton awaits Scott Parker's men. Check out this weeks preview of the EPL on RCR.Join the RCR discord to chat with the boys and make your picks for the week: https://discord.gg/bKt4eMbjdDConnect with us on social media. Follow us on Twitter: https://x.com/RedCard_Radio​​​​Brad: https://x.com/KSBradG​​​​Sean: https://x.com/WhiteHart_Sean​​​​James: https://x.com/JamesTiffany​Follow us on Instagram now toohttps://www.instagram.com/redcard_radioTime Stamps to come#liverpool #arsenal #manchesterunited #manchestercity #chelsea #podcast #vodcast #soccer #football #tottenham #newcastleunited #fifa

Host: Cindy Allen Published: January 2, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The first Cindy's Version episode of 2026 kicks off with reflection, perspective, and a clear-eyed look at how fundamentally global trade has changed. Inspired by Taylor Swift's Right Where You Left Me, Cindy Allen explains why many trade professionals feel stuck between old rules and a completely new enforcement reality. While the holidays brought a brief pause in activity, the underlying shifts from 2025 are still very much in motion. From tariff threats that didn't materialize, to delayed Section 232 actions, to long-awaited automation updates from CBP, Cindy walks through what changed—and what didn't—over the past two weeks. More importantly, she explains why 2025 will be remembered as a pivotal year in trade history, on par with other transformational moments like containerization, air cargo, and automated clearance. This Week in Trade • Proposed 92% antidumping duties on Italian pasta were ultimately set far lower, avoiding combined duty rates exceeding 100% • Section 232 cases on upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets were delayed for one year • Importers planning remodels may benefit from acting within the next year • The trade community continues to wait on Supreme Court decisions related to IEEPA reciprocal and fentanyl cases • Attention now shifts to when the Court returns to session CBP & Regulatory Updates • CBP announced all duty refunds will be issued electronically beginning in February • Electronic refunds become mandatory in March • CBP clarified procedures for refunds owed to brokers or third parties using Form 4811 • Industry hopes this signals a move toward fully electronic payments, including: • Protests • Post-Summary Corrections • Other remittance processes COAC Updates • COAC will meet virtually on January 14 • Previous subcommittees and workgroups were dissolved last year • Industry is watching closely for: • A new COAC structure • New workgroups or subcommittees • Applications for new COAC members closed in December • Several current members are rolling off after reaching term limits • Appointments are expected later in the year, not at the January meeting Why “Right Where You Left Me” Fits This Moment Cindy explains that while trade professionals earned every bit of their experience in 2025, the rules of engagement have changed. Enforcement is heavier, actions are more industry-specific, and governments are using every tool available—sometimes in new and unexpected ways. Formal announcements are often replaced by rumors, social media posts, or informal signals, forcing the industry to operate in a constant state of readiness. At the same time, the government expects the trade community to adapt just as aggressively—leveraging automation, data, and new technologies to meet rising compliance expectations. What was once a rigid, compartmentalized system has become layered and complex, operating simultaneously at the country, industry, company, and even product level. The challenge now is not getting stuck in the way trade “used to be,” but learning how to move forward in a system that no longer looks the same. Key Takeaways • 2025 marked a fundamental shift in how trade policy is applied and enforced • Tariffs and trade remedies are increasingly industry-, company-, and product-specific • Automation and data will play a critical role in future compliance • Informal signals now often precede formal policy announcements • Trade professionals must evolve—or risk being left behind RESOURCES & MENTIONS • Global Training Center • TradeForce Multiplier Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn Subscribe & Follow New episodes every Friday. This episode sponsored by Pax Presented by Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals. Connect with us: • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn • Global Training Center on LinkedIn • YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

State Rep James Talarico raised almost 7 million dollars for his US Senate campaign and Pres Trump considers removing tariffs on Italian goods. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The search continues today for victims of the devastating fire in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. At least 40 young people are feared dead and as many as 100 injured. We hear from BBC journalist Imogen Foulkes.

In this episode of the Brief Talk Podcast, Tim sits down with Sam, the founder of SB Swimwear, to talk about his lifelong love of Speedos, how CrossFit helped spark a viral moment, and what led him to launch his own swimwear brand—designed and manufactured in Italy. Born and raised in Italy, Sam grew up wearing Speedos as the norm, from childhood beach days to swimming workouts. That early comfort carried into adulthood, CrossFit training, and eventually competition—where a Speedo-only workout in Miami went viral and helped grow his Instagram following. From there, the idea for SB Swimwear was born. Sam shares how he worked closely with an Italian manufacturer in Tuscany, leaned on family support, and refined a classic swim brief cut designed to work just as well for swimming laps as it does for beach lounging. The result is a clean, confident design launched first in red, followed by white and blue—colors that nod to both his Italian roots and American identity. The conversation also dives into: • Why Speedos are more functional than board shorts • How body confidence develops over time • Wearing swim briefs beyond the beach (including competitions and hiking) • Customer reactions from around the world • The slow cultural shift toward swim briefs making a comeback • Advice for guys who want to wear Speedos but feel hesitant Sam also opens up about what success looks like for him—not just sales, but seeing customers feel more confident in their own skin. If you've ever thought about wearing a swim brief, designing your own gear, or challenging outdated ideas around masculinity and swimwear, this episode is for you. Follow SB Swimwear: Find SB Swimwear through Sam's Instagram http://www.instagram.com/SamuelBaiano SB Swimwear – https://puhxyx-ue.myshopify.com Support UNB For on going support join our Patreon – www.patreon.com/unbblog You can now Join for free.  For one time support  visit our support page – https://www.underwearnewsbriefs.com/about/support-unb/ You can donate by Ko-fi or Paypal  Or buy from the UNB Store – www.unbstore.com  Gift us something from our wish list – https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/KCJXCDDPU0LI?ref_=wl_share  Buy Amoresy – https://amoresy.com/UNBTIM Buy BodyAware – https://bodyaware.com?bg_ref=7FgHF6QR1x Buy Xdress – https://xdress.com?bg_ref=cG6ohBdgUO Buy Real Men – https://www.rmac.store/TIM77812 Find out More Read more at unbblog.com Follow unb on Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/unbblog Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/unbblog Reddit – https://www.reddit.com/r/unbstoreandblog/ Follow Tim Twitter – https://www.twitter.com/unbtim Instagrm – https://www.instagram.com/unbtim Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/unbtim BlueSky – https://bsky.app/profile/unbtim.bsky.social Spandex Party – https://spandexparty.com/unbtim Send Feedback/questions to feedback@brieftalkpodcast.com

Fluent Fiction - Italian: Overcoming Winter's Chill: Giovanni's Path to Serenity Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/it/episode/2026-01-02-08-38-20-it Story Transcript:It: Nell'aria c'era un freddo pungente, tipico dell'inverno italiano.En: In the air was a biting cold, typical of the Italian winter.It: I fiocchi di neve danzavano fuori dalla finestra della clinica psichiatrica, aggiungendo un tocco magico a quell'ambiente grigio.En: The snowflakes danced outside the window of the psychiatric clinic, adding a magical touch to that gray environment.It: Giovanni, un uomo di mezza età con occhi tristi, guardava il mondo esterno cercando un senso di pace perduto.En: Giovanni, a middle-aged man with sad eyes, looked at the outside world, searching for a lost sense of peace.It: All'interno del reparto, il tempo scorreva con una certa monotonia.En: Inside the ward, time passed with a certain monotony.It: Tuttavia, il Nuovo Anno portava un po' di speranza nella sterile routine quotidiana.En: However, the New Year brought a little hope into the sterile daily routine.It: Maria, un'infermiera dal sorriso gentile, era sempre pronta a offrire una parola di conforto ai pazienti.En: Maria, a nurse with a gentle smile, was always ready to offer a word of comfort to the patients.It: Luca, invece, era un ragazzo giovane, dinamico, che stava cercando di vincere la sua battaglia contro la depressione.En: Luca, on the other hand, was a young, dynamic man who was trying to win his battle against depression.It: Oggi, Maria doveva andare a fare spese di prima necessità per il reparto.En: Today, Maria had to go shopping for the ward's basic necessities.It: Mentre preparava la lista, Giovanni sentì il desiderio di accompagnarla, di sfidare le proprie paure e trovare un po' di normalità.En: As she prepared the list, Giovanni felt the desire to accompany her, to challenge his fears and find a bit of normality.It: "Posso venire con te?"En: "Can I come with you?"It: chiese a Maria con tono incerto.En: he asked Maria with an uncertain tone.It: Maria, sorpresa e felice per la richiesta, accettò subito.En: Maria, surprised and happy about the request, immediately accepted.It: "Certo, Giovanni!En: "Of course, Giovanni!It: Anche Luca viene con noi," rispose, felice di vedere Giovanni prendere l'iniziativa.En: Luca is also coming with us," she replied, pleased to see Giovanni taking the initiative.It: Il tragitto verso il negozio fu breve ma pieno di emozioni per Giovanni.En: The journey to the store was brief but full of emotions for Giovanni.It: Il mondo esterno sembrava caotico, intimidatorio.En: The outside world seemed chaotic, intimidating.It: Gli scaffali erano colmi di prodotti scontati, custodi di ricordi delle recenti festività.En: The shelves were filled with discounted products, custodians of memories of the recent holidays.It: Giovanni sentì il cuore battere più velocemente mentre la folla si muoveva frenetica per le corsie.En: Giovanni felt his heart beat faster as the crowd moved frantically through the aisles.It: All'improvviso, tutto sembrava chiudersi su di lui.En: Suddenly, everything seemed to close in on him.It: Una morsa di panico afferrò il suo petto.En: A grip of panic seized his chest.It: Giovanni si fermò, il respiro spezzato, travolto dal tumulto interno.En: Giovanni stopped, his breath broken, overwhelmed by internal turmoil.It: Maria, notando il suo disagio, si avvicinò.En: Maria, noticing his discomfort, approached him.It: "Respira, Giovanni.En: "Breathe, Giovanni.It: Sono qui con te," disse piano, posandogli una mano rassicurante sulla spalla.En: I am here with you," she said softly, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.It: Con le parole di Maria come ancora, Giovanni riuscì a calmarsi.En: With Maria's words as an anchor, Giovanni managed to calm himself.It: Iniziò a respirare profondamente, sentendo pian piano il controllo ritornare.En: He began to breathe deeply, gradually feeling control return.It: Con Luca che lo incoraggiava con un cenno del capo, Giovanni riprese a concentrarsi sulla lista: pane, latte, caffè, e altri articoli di uso quotidiano.En: With Luca encouraging him with a nod, Giovanni started to focus on the list again: bread, milk, coffee, and other everyday items.It: Al ritorno al reparto, con le borse della spesa piene tra le mani, Giovanni era esausto ma sollevato.En: On the way back to the ward, with the shopping bags full in hand, Giovanni was exhausted but relieved.It: Sistemando gli acquisti sugli scaffali della cucina comune, provava un piccolo ma significativo senso di vittoria.En: Arranging the purchases on the shelves of the communal kitchen, he felt a small but significant sense of victory.It: "Grazie, Maria," disse Giovanni, riconoscente per il supporto ricevuto.En: "Thank you, Maria," said Giovanni, grateful for the support received.It: "Grazie, Luca."En: "Thank you, Luca."It: La giornata che era iniziata con ansia ora sembrava avvolta da un leggero velo di fiducia.En: The day that had begun with anxiety now seemed wrapped in a light veil of trust.It: Giovanni capì l'importanza di cercare aiuto e accettarlo quando offerto.En: Giovanni understood the importance of seeking help and accepting it when offered.It: All'interno del freddo inverno, il calore umano aveva reso la sfida affrontabile.En: Within the cold winter, human warmth had made the challenge manageable.It: E così, in quel reparto psichiatrico, tra le mura grigie ma cariche di speranza, Giovanni trovò un nuovo coraggio.En: And so, in that psychiatric ward, among the gray but hopeful walls, Giovanni found a new courage.It: Una piccola fiammella si era accesa, pronta a guidarlo nel cammino verso una vita più serena.En: A small flame had been lit, ready to guide him on the path to a more serene life. Vocabulary Words:biting cold: freddo pungentesnowflakes: fiocchi di nevepsychic clinic: clinica psichiatricamiddle-aged: di mezza etàmonotony: monotoniasterile: sterilegentle smile: sorriso gentiledynamic: dinamiconecessities: necessitàbreath: respiroturmoil: tumultopanic grip: morsa di panicoreassuring: rassicuranteanchor: ancorashelves: scaffalidiscounted products: prodotti scontaticommunal kitchen: cucina comunesupport: supportochaotic: caoticointimidating: intimidatorioexhausted: esaustotrust: fiduciacourage: coraggioserene life: vita serenapsychiatric ward: reparto psichiatricoveil: velohuman warmth: calore umanochallenge: sfidaflame: fiammellapath: cammino

New year, clean slate, and maybe time for a closer look at the person managing your money. Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off 2026 by answering the question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, they break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel over time. The 5 red flags: • Poor communication that keeps you in the dark • Office culture that feels off • Confusing jargon (often a feature, not a bug) • Unclear or hidden fees • Products over process Plus: Doug's Italian food trivia, New Year's breakfast burrito chaos, and a reminder that you're allowed to expect clarity and respect. Question for you: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share in the comments—your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. The Red Flags Your Financial Advisor Hopes You Miss New year, clean slate, and maybe a closer look at the person helping you manage your money. In this episode of The Stacking Benjamins Show, Joe Saul-Sehy and OG kick off the year by pulling back the curtain on a question many Stackers quietly wonder about: Is my financial advisor actually good at their job? Rather than talking theory or credentials, the guys break down five real-world red flags that signal an advisor might be more focused on products, commissions, or their own ego than on your goals. These are the subtle warning signs you'll never see in a glossy brochure but you'll absolutely feel them over time. From how an advisor communicates (or doesn't), to what their office culture tells you, to why confusing jargon is often a feature not a bug, this episode gives you practical ways to evaluate whether your advisor is truly on your team. And because this is Stacking Benjamins, the serious stuff is balanced with laughs, a little New Year's chaos, and Doug's trivia detour into Italian food. If you've ever wondered whether you should stay, ask better questions, or quietly run for the exit, this episode gives you the confidence to decide. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The top five red flags that signal a subpar financial advisor Why great advisors focus on process and goals, not hot products How poor communication quietly sabotages your financial progress What an advisor's office environment and staff behavior can reveal Why unclear fees and excessive jargon should make you nervous How to check public records without feeling overwhelmed ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: A fresh start to the year with breakfast burritos, Doug's trivia break on Italian food, a reminder that you are allowed to expect clarity and respect, plus community updates and what's coming next. HERE'S A QUESTION TO THINK ABOUT: What's the biggest green flag or red flag you've seen from a financial advisor? Share your experience in Spotify comments or bring it to the Basement Facebook group. Your story might help another Stacker avoid a costly mistake. Because the right advisor doesn't just manage money. They help you sleep better at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patreon preview. Unlock full episode at https://www.patreon.com/stavvysworldHappy New Years folks!! We ring in 2026 with a live call show where we talk directly to our beautiful Patreon members on Discord. Stav and Eldy help callers including a man whose Italian professor dad is marrying one of his students, a woman whose military vet family friend abruptly left his wife and kids, and an update from an all-time caller whose mother was murdered in Albania.If you'd like to be a part of future live call episodes, subscribe at www.patreon.com/stavvysworld to get access to the Stavvy's World Discord channel where these live calls are taken.☎️ Have a question for a regular episode? Call 904-800-STAV and leave a voicemail to get advice!

Kick off 2026 with a special edition of the Global DJ Broadcast: New Year's Rehab. Markus Schulz takes you on a journey through the sultry, sexy and euphoric moods of the afterhours, blending indie dance, Italian disco-inspired sounds and hypnotic late-night grooves. This standalone mix captures the essence of the early morning hours where music turns introspective, playful, and irresistibly addictive. Perfect for winding down after the celebrations or for embracing the start of a brand-new year.   Tracklist:   01. Hellmuth - Can't Resist 02. The Organism vs. John Summit, HAYLA & Millero - Serotonin Where You Are (Markus Schulz Mashup) 03. John Lord Fonda & Damon Jee vs. Tall Paul - Les Dunes d'Altair de Voodoo Ray (Markus Schulz Mashup) 04. Monococ - Pressure 05. Frankey & Sandrino - Acamar 06. Hellmuth - Stockholm Syndrome 07. Rex the Dog - Change This Pain for Ecstasy 08. David Tort & Kurt Caesar - Clear All Patterns 09. Alessa Khin - Hanami 10. GENESI, Wave Wave & Roland Clarke - Phones Down (Hellmuth Rework) 11. Damon Jee & Demian - Memories 12. Architectural vs. Stylo & Space Motion - Never Be Yours Again, Boy (Markus Schulz Mashup) 13. Ed Ed - The Ellcrys 14. Laurent Garnier - Man with the Red Face 15. Infektion vs. MODEON - Disco Crazy Armor (Markus Schulz Mashup) 16. Kollektiv &Turmstrasse - Stalker: Cold Love 17. Frankie Knuckles presents Director's Cut - Your Love (Director's Cut Signature Mix) 18. Luka Cikic - Floating in Desert 19. Dave Brody - Eclipse (Guy J Remix) 20. Ame, Trikk & Jens Kuross - Don't Waste My Time 21. Empire of the Sun - We Are the People (Adam Sellouk Remix) 22. Eagles & Butterflies - The Trip (Jennifer Cardini & Damon Jee Remix) 23. Deep Dish x Eynka featuring Wrabel - Midnight  

L'Italia racchiude storia millenaria, capolavori artistici e paesaggi naturali unici. Dal Colosseo alla Torre di Pisa, queste cinque meraviglie di cui parliamo oggi mostrano la straordinaria varietà del paese.Start learning Italian today!1. Explore more simple Italian lessons: https://italianmatters.com/2242. Download the Italian Verb Conjugation Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/freebieverbblueprint⁠⁠⁠3. Subscribe to the YouTube lessons: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/italianmatters⁠⁠⁠The goal of the Italian Matters Language and Culture School is to help English speakers build fluency and confidence to speak the Italian language through support, feedback, and accountability. The primary focus is on empowering Italian learners to speak clearly and sound natural so they can easily have conversations in Italian. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.