Podcasts about iwp

In his new book, Resources, Power, and Nation Building: Afghanistan and the Promise of Minerals, Dr. Haroon Hakimi analyzes how critical and strategic minerals can either underpin nation building efforts or intensify conflicts. Drawing on his doctoral research at the Institute of World Politics, this lecture examines lessons from U.S. nation building, China's resource strategy, and the emerging global competition over critical minerals that is reshaping power in the 21st century. Dr. Haroon Hakimi is an academic practitioner with more than fifteen years of experience across media, public policy, research, teaching, and diplomacy. His career bridges government service and scholarly research, focusing on the connections between energy and mineral security, national resilience, and international stability. A former diplomat and senior government official, Dr. Hakimi, has advised on foreign affairs, resource policy, and strategic communications at the national and international levels. He has served as Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Tourism of Afghanistan, and Head of Chancery and Latin America Affairs at the Embassy of Afghanistan in Washington, D.C. Currently, Dr. Hakimi leads the Energy Security and Minerals Program at the America–Eurasia Center and serves as a Research Analyst at the Global Policy Institute, focusing on the evolving role of critical and rare earth minerals in the global energy transition. His research explores how energy resources shape national policy design and the architecture of state-building in post-conflict and emerging economies. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

The memoirs of Paweł Z. Woś highlight the significant research challenges encountered by historians of the Intermarium area. Polish conspiracy during the German occupation, participation in the Warsaw Uprising, and operating a small business were all, in reality, acts of anti-communist resistance. The many omissions and instances of imprecision stem not only from the passage of time, but also from the carefully cultivated discretion imposed by the all-powerful communist secret police. For scholars, this represents a major challenge in the reconstruction of events and the discovery of historical truth. Dr. Sebastian Bojemski Graduated from the Institute of History of Warsaw University and gained his doctoral degree at The Cardinal Wyszyński University in Warsaw. At the Institute of World Politics (Washington, DC) he attended individual courses in geography and strategy, geoeconomy, strategic influence and propaganda. He was awarded scholarships by the Kosciuszko Foundation (USA) and the M. Grabowski Fund (UK). Mr Bojemski also has extensive experience in strategic communication, marketing, sales and management. For over 15 years (2003-2018) he had owned a Warsaw-based consulting firm. Between 2018-2024 he was an executive director for marketing at PKN Orlen – the largest oil company in Central Europe, a vice chairman at Lotos Fuels, the second largest oil company in Poland and a vice chairman at PERN, the largest fuel and logistics company in the region and critical infrastructure operator. He is currently affiliated with the University College of Professional Education as a member of the Center for Research on Disinformation and Cybersecurity and a senior fellow at the Eastern Flank Institute, a Brussels-based think tank. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

This talk argues that the ethnic conflicts of Southeast Europe are not the result of “ancient hatreds,” but of a specific historical configuration shaped during the Ottoman period. Under Ottoman rule, earlier forms of statehood did not disappear but survived in memory and identity in a kind of “suspended animation,” while at the same time demographic structures were significantly reshaped. Conflict emerged where these two processes intersected. In regions such as Kosovo, Bosnia, Vojvodina, and Transylvania, one group could claim historical precedence based on earlier statehood, while another could claim legitimacy based on later demographic dominance. The Greek–Turkish case shows a similar pattern, where a Byzantine territorial memory and Turkish nationhood collided over territories that became ethnically mixed during the Ottoman rule. The result is a particular type of conflict: not between truth and falsehood, but between competing and internally coherent forms of historical legitimacy — where both sides can plausibly claim that the land is, in different senses, their own. Csaba B. Horváth, PhD earned his PhD in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest after completing degrees in History and Political Science at Eötvös Loránd University. He is a member of the General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific as well as on Central and Eastern Europe. He has held visiting research fellowships at several universities in Australia, China and Taiwan, and earlier in his youth, spent two years living in Japan, where he acquired conversational proficiency in Japanese. He is also a regular participant in international conferences and held public talks across the Indo-Pacific, including in Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

This presentation examines the growing tension between the sovereignty of nation-states and the expanding ideological and institutional pressure exerted by dominant left-liberal circles in Europe. It begins with the question of why Poland—particularly during the conservative governments of 2015–2023—became one of the primary targets of political and economic pressure from the central institutions of the European Union. At the heart of this conflict lies a fundamental clash of visions of the state and the law. On one side stands the model of a sovereign state grounded in its constitution, democratic legitimacy within the nation-state, and the Christian roots of European civilization, committed to protecting the family and the welfare of children. On the other side is the project of an increasingly centralized Europe, in which law is used as a tool to advance a harmful ideological agenda—ranging from radical woke doctrines and coercive net-zero policies to the mass relocation of culturally incompatible migrants—while simultaneously serving as an instrument of political pressure on member states. This tension is particularly visible in disputes concerning family law and the protection of children, where Poland under previous conservative administration —in cooperation with Hungary—resisted attempts to ideologically reshape these areas of European law. The presentation also addresses the growing phenomenon of lawfare in Poland after 2023, namely the use of legal mechanisms and state institutions as instruments of political repression against the conservative opposition. Marcin Romanowski is a Polish lawyer, academic, and Member of the Polish Parliament. He holds a PhD in law from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and an LL.M. from the University of Regensburg. He served as Director of the Institute of Justice (2016–2019) and Deputy Minister of Justice (2019–2023), where he worked on justice system reform, cybersecurity, victim support, and family law. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

Unmask the shadowy world of Russian espionage in this lecture with Sean M. Wiswesser, a national security professional whose career spans nearly three decades across intelligence, foreign service, and defense institutions. Drawing on his experience as a senior operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency—including multiple overseas tours, war-zone deployments, and service as a chief of station—Wiswesser offers a rare, insider perspective on the evolving landscape of global intelligence. Centering on the Russian Intelligence Services (RIS), this talk explores the doctrine of Maskirovka—the art of denial, deception, and manipulation that underpins Russian strategy. Through historical case studies and firsthand insights, Wiswesser examines the structure and operations of Russia's principal intelligence agencies: the SVR, GRU, and FSB. Topics include the use of double agents, surveillance and “street work,” honey traps, sabotage, active measures, assassinations, and the role of intelligence services in the Russo-Ukraine War. A Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wiswesser holds a bachelor's degree in history and Russian & Slavic linguistics. He earned a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College in 2023, where he received the Russia Integrated Deterrence Award. Subscribe for more expert lectures and conversations at the forefront of global policy, strategy, and leadership. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

CRM Wars: Endgame for the Legacy?In conversation with Paul MillerIn this episode, James is joined by Paul Miller to explore why most financial planning firms don't have a true tech strategy, and why that's becoming a serious risk.After leading technology at IWP, one of the UK's early consolidators, Paul has seen first-hand what happens when multiple firms attempt to operate as one, with different systems, inconsistent processes and fragmented data underneath it all.At the centre of the problem is the assumption that the CRM is the source of truth; when in reality, it often isn't.In this episode, they discuss:Why most firms don't have a true tech strategyThe limitations of CRM as a “source of truth”The challenge of integrating multiple firms and systemsA practical approach to improving data without stopping the businessThe hidden risks of “shadow AI”Why data quality is becoming critical in M&A valuationsWhy AI will amplify problems if the data isn't rightThis episode offers a practical and honest look at the infrastructure behind advice firms — and why getting the foundations right matters more than ever.If you're a financial planner, firm owner or leader thinking about data, systems or AI, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode (Tuesday 2 of 2)  of the Steak for Breakfast Podcast, we are covering:    The Trump Admin cracks down on the artist formally known as Kassam Soleimani's unappreciative family members here in the U.S. and MAGA Polls don't lie    POTUS, SecDef and the Joint Chief hosted the media in White House Press Pool on Monday and we've got all the highlights    Guests: In Order of Appearance    All profile handles are for X (formerly Twitter)    Christine Balling: (@CBbeebird) - Senior Vice President for Professional Affiliations, IWP; Founder of Fundación ECCO; Former Advisor to the US SOCSOUTH Commander   Website: https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/christine-balling/   Steak for Breakfast Links:    SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/steak-for-breakfast-podcast/id1498791684   SUBSCRIBE on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MXIB2s8IWLoT4tnBMAH9n?si=izN0KShBSAytW5JBBsKEwQ   SUBSCRIBE on YouTube:    Full shows: https://youtube.com/@steakforbreakfastpod   Steak Tidbits: https://youtube.com/@steaktidbits   EMAIL the show: steakforbreakfastpodcast@protonmail.com    Steak for Substack: https://steakforbreakfastpodcast.substack.com   linktree: https://linktr.ee/steakforbreakfastpodcast   MyPillow: Promo Code: STEAK at checkout  Website: https://mystore.com/steak Website: https://www.mypillow.com/steak  Via the Phone: 800-658-8045    My Patriot Cigar Co. Enter Promo Code: STEAK  and save 25% http://mypatriotcigars.com/usa/steak   Man Rubs Enter Promo Code: STEAK15 and save 15% https://manrubs.com   BattleBorn Coffee Roasters enter promo code: STEAK and save 20% off your first order  https://www.battleborn.coffee   New Hope Wellness use this link or enter promo code: STEAK during intake for free consultation and $100 off your first order https://www.newhopewellness.com/steak Call: 1-800-527-2150

The EU Ambassador to the U.S. Jovita Neliupšienė addresses the European Union's growing role as a key defense actor. Framed within the broader context of EU-U.S. relations and NATO, the discussion focuses on shifting European security concerns, particularly in response to Russian aggression. The conversation highlights the EU's strategic perspective and defense dynamics, and showcases its commitment to increased defense spending. About the speaker: Ambassador Jovita Neliupšienė. She became the Ambassador of the European Union to the United States on January 1, 2024. Before that, she was a Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania from September 2022, where she was responsible for the coordination of European Affairs, European bilateral and regional issues, as well as national sanctions coordinator. From 2020-2022, she was Vice Minister of Economy and Innovation of Lithuania, tasked with investment and export promotion, international cooperation, including policy coordination of state-owned enterprises, as well as chairing the interagency commission for export control. In 2020, she held the post of Chancellor and State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania. This position included responsibility for staff coordination, legal and consular affairs. Between 2015-2020, she served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the EU. These years were marked by the migration crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. From 2009-2015, she worked as an advisor and chief foreign policy advisor to the President of the Republic of Lithuania Ms. Dalia Grybauskaite. She was responsible for foreign policy coordination, inter-institutional relations, as well as the role of sherpa/EU advisor, and in this respect took a leading position in preparing and coordinating the Lithuanian presidency of the EU Council in 2013. In 2014, she was awarded the State Decoration Order ""For Merit to Lithuania"" Commander's Cross. Rear Admiral Henning Faltin. Previous to his posting as military attaché for the EU Delegation, he served as a German Flotilla Commander and Director of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Operations in Confined and Shallow Waters. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

In her book, Wife, Mother, Spy: An Extraordinary Life Filled with Ordinary Days, Ms. Ann Butler explores the complexities of balancing a career in the Agency's Clandestine Service while raising five children with a “non-tandem” spouse. This event will offer students unique insights into the realities of operational tradecraft, specifically the discipline required to maintain work-life balance as a wife and mother while navigating often risky high-stakes overseas field assignments as a 24/7 undercover CIA spy. About the Author: Ann Elizabeth Butler was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and grew up in Endicott, New York with her parents and three brothers. At Union-Endicott High School, Ann was editor of the yearbook, played clarinet in the marching and concert bands, often went to Greek Peak with the ski club, and was active in the French and Key Clubs. She majored in Economics at the University of Notre Dame, spending her sophomore year abroad in Angers, France at the Université Catholique de l'Ouest. After graduation, Ann received a Rotary Scholarship to study in Belgium and obtained a Master's in International Trade from the Université de l'Etat à Mons. In 1986, Ann began a 27-year-long career as an undercover officer in the Directorate of Operations at the Central Intelligence Agency. Early on, while working full time, Ann attended evening classes at George Washington University and earned an MBA with a concentration in International Business. Before moving to Washington, DC to start her new career, Ann met Joseph Potak, to whom she has now been married for 37 years. They have five children together: Claire, Kyle, Eric, Alexis, and Katrina. Ann's work with the CIA required her family to move every few years to a different city, country, or continent. Her mission was simple - recruit spies and collect intelligence, to help protect the United States. Ann Butler has spent her life striving to find the balance between being a wife, a mother, and a spy. Her story is full of both very challenging as well as very rewarding moments. Now, she has written them all down. With her memoir, Wife, Mother, Spy, she wants others to read her story and know that although it's not easy - they too can have it all." **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

Jan Kasprzycki-Rosikon is the Founder and CEO of Convrsy, Inc., an AI-powered communication training platform focused on high-stakes negotiation, crisis communication, and adversarial simulation. Previously, he co-founded and scaled MillionYou, a collective intelligence and crowdsourcing platform acquired by EY. Over the past decade, he has led large-scale innovation and AI initiatives across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, working with global organizations and public-sector stakeholders. His current work focuses on applying AI simulation to diplomacy, leadership training, and values-based education. This lecture explores how AI-driven simulation can be used to prepare individuals and institutions for high-stakes conversations in diplomacy, public affairs, and crisis environments. Rather than focusing on AI as a tool for content generation, the session examines AI as a training mechanism, capable of recreating emotionally complex negotiations, strategic dialogue, escalation scenarios, and real-time decision pressure. The discussion will also address broader implications for national security, negotiation training, leadership development, and the future of strategic influence in an era of increasingly persuasive AI. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

News; birthdays/events; did your parents make you sit at the table for hours because you refused to eat a certain food?; word of the day. News; Ashley thought her dog pooped in her car...sfa; game: quiz; game: feud. News; Aussie slang terms; when you hear about 'tricks in the kitchen' are you tempted to try them?; IWP...injured while parenting--what's your funny story? News; have you heard of the 'stress laxative'?; game: calendar trivia; goodbye/fun facts....National Puppy Day celebrates that most adorable of our four-footed friends, the baby canine...It doesn't matter the breed or gender, all puppies are the perfect solution to a terrible day. The day also brings awareness to the need for care of and homes for orphaned pups as well as to educate people about puppy mills across the country. Puppies are a big responsibility...so keep that in mind if you plan on getting one! There are lots of other ways that you can celebrate National Puppy Day as well. If you have your own puppy, you can try to teach it new tricks, you can take them to the park or for an extra long walk, or you can make a donation to an animal shelter...or all of the above!

Dr. Caroline Batka analyzes PMCs in Private Military Contractors: Understanding the Non-State Actors Changing the Institution of War. This lecture draws on Dr. Caroline Batka's compendium of research on Private Military Contractors (PMCs) and examines how they are reshaping the modern institution of war. The presentation explores key similarities and differences in how the U.S. military and the European Union employ and integrate PMCs, clarifies PMC terminology and classifications, and assesses their relationship to mercenaries, warlords, and other non-state actors. The lecture also examines the Wagner Group as a distinct and influential non-state organization. Dr. Caroline Batka is a senior military analyst at Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. She is currently working on a study funded by the Slovak Research and Development Agency examining hybrid warfare in Europe. This includes studies on the societal factors facilitating receptivity to pro-Russian disinformation in Slovakia; the organizational structure of the Wagner Group; the EU's use of private military and security contractors; and Slovak-Polish defense industrial base collaboration. Dr. Batka is also an adjunct professor at Bay Atlantic University in the Political Science and International Relations Department where she teaches Public Administration. In 2020-2021, Dr. Batka worked at King's College London on a study of the U.S. military personnel's interprofessional bonds with private military contractors. In that role, Dr. Batka conducted and analyzed qualitative interviews with contractors and coauthored a published article. From 2018-2020, she taught US Foreign Policy at Webster Vienna Private University. Beyond her academic experience, Dr. Batka has worked in a range of non-profit oversight and government capacities. From October 2011 to July 2016, she worked at RAND Corporation in Washington, D.C. where her research focused on Army operations and planning, military programs and policy, health care, and veterans' issues. Dr. Batka served as RAND's liaison to the U.S. Army G-3/5/7 (Operations and Plans). In this capacity, Dr. Batka led coordination and communication between the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-3/5/7 and the RAND leadership team. Dr. Batka has honed expertise in U.S. military and veterans' health and mental health issues. She has conducted dozens of studies for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on the effectiveness of treatment programs and policy for PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries. Dr. Batka is also a skilled and experienced qualitative researcher. She has conducted, coded, and analyzed hundreds of interviews with policymakers and stakeholders on a range of specialized and sensitive subjects, including military sexual assault, mental health and health policies and programs, and identification of potential DoD programs and activities for consolidation or elimination. Dr. Batka also has extensive experience working with surveys, cenarios analysis, and case studies. Prior to working at RAND, Dr. Batka has worked at the National Academy of Public Administration, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the Disabled American Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and on Capitol Hill. Dr. Batka holds a PhD from Comenius University, a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Communication from Virginia Tech **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Dr. Paul Hall, Stefanie Thayer, Dr. Craig Thayer, Pastor Ron Greer Guest, Dr Jim Robbins - Geopolitical Shifts and the Future of Iran Dear Friends, This week on Raising Expectations we have Dr. Jim Robbins joining us again:   Join us for a special discussion with Dr. Jim Robbins of the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC. We will explore the issues and events surrounding the war with Iran, Washington politics, and the implications for the future under President Trump and his administration. Dr. Robbins, an outstanding historian and Dean of Academics at IWP, Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council, and former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, will share his expertise and insights.    Jim is a great man of Faith and has a God given ability to not only understand questions but to discern the heart of the person asking! I am often reminded of the sensitivity of C.S. Lewis with Dr. Robbins.    Find out more about Dr. Jim work at his institute's website: www.iwp.edu In this episode of Raising Expectations, host Joe Schofield and his team sit down with historian and academic dean Jim Robbins to discuss the shifting landscape of Middle East diplomacy, the strategic use of energy markets, and the ongoing challenges to American national security. The conversation highlights the potential for a "new world" in the Middle East through regime pressure and economic leverage. Strategic Perspectives on the Middle East The discussion centers on four critical issues currently facing the administration in the Middle East: the ongoing conflict with Iran, the stabilization of oil markets, the pursuit of the Abraham Accords for regional normalization, and the long-term redevelopment of Gaza. Jim Robbins emphasizes that the primary goal is to return to a period where Iran acts as a strategic partner rather than an adversary, noting that before the 1979 revolution, Iran maintained strong ties with both the United States and Israel. The current strategy involves maintaining pressure to eventually defund regional proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas, which rely heavily on Iranian oil revenue. Economic Leverage and Global Security A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the "drill, baby, drill" energy policy as a tool for national security. Robbins argues that lowering oil prices serves a dual purpose: it eases domestic inflation for American consumers and simultaneously cripples the Iranian economy. Historical data suggests that when oil prices drop toward $52 per barrel or lower, the Iranian regime loses its ability to fund its nuclear program and global terrorism. Furthermore, the participants discuss the internal "crisis of legitimacy" in Iran, where a younger, digital-native population increasingly rejects theocratic control in favor of Western-style freedoms and prosperity. Regarding domestic safety, the panel expresses concern over "lone actor" terrorist threats. Robbins notes that while the administration has been successful in targeting high-level leadership abroad—disrupting their ability to coordinate large-scale attacks—the presence of unvetted individuals within the U.S. remains a high-risk factor. The conversation also touches on a new "War on Fraud" initiative aimed at uncovering the destination of approximately $2 trillion in funds dispersed during the COVID-19 era. The episode concludes with a call for national resilience and strategic patience. By combining economic pressure through energy markets with a firm stance on border security and domestic oversight, the speakers envision a future where both American interests and Middle Eastern stability are significantly enhanced.

George Byczynski is a defense and security expert specializing in Central and Eastern Europe. He is an Adviser to the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Poland and a Chief Operating Officer of Anders de Wiart Associates. A former Adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Lithuania and Ukraine and a founder of the British Poles Media Group. He holds an LLM in International Law from the University of Westminster and a BSc in International Politics from Brunel University. He is a member of the New Security Leaders of the Warsaw Security Forum and co-author of the reports Three Seas Initiative and the Opportunities for Global Britain and Financing the Future – How to Attract More Foreign Investors to the Three Seas Region. He was awarded the Commission of National Education Honours (KEN) by the Polish Minister of Education and the “Ambassador of Polish History” state award by the Institute of National Remembrance. Byczynski volunteers for the Royal British Legion and the RAF Museum Charity and serves as an Ace Ambassador of the National Spitfire Project. This lecture examines the critical contributions of the British Polish community and the United Kingdom government to Poland's Solidarity movement during the 1980s. It analyzes the significance of the Polish Solidarity Campaign, Solidarity Working Group and the strategic advocacy by Polish émigrés in briefing British parliamentarians, the imposition of economic and diplomatic sanctions on Poland's communist regime following the introduction of martial law in December 1981, the public demonstrations that galvanized support for the Polish cause and the multifaceted approach of British trade unions towards Polish anti-communist movements. The lecture elucidates how these concerted efforts bolstered Poland's struggle for liberty and shaped the broader narrative of international solidarity against the communist oppression. This lecture is part of the 18th Annual Symposium of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. This year, the 17th annual Kościuszko Chair Conference focuses on the topic of threats and opportunities in the Intermarium. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

Dr. Sebastian Bojemski graduated from the Institute of History of Warsaw University and gained his doctoral degree at The Cardinal Wyszyński University in Warsaw. At the Institute of World Politics (Washington, DC) he attended individual courses in geography and strategy, geoeconomy, strategic influence and propaganda. He was awarded scholarships by the Kosciuszko Foundation (USA) and the M. Grabowski Fund (UK). Mr Bojemski also has extensive experience in strategic communication, marketing, sales and management. For over 15 years (2003-2018) he had owned a Warsaw-based consulting firm. Between 2018-2024 he was an executive director for marketing at PKN Orlen – the largest oil company in Central Europe, a vice chairman at Lotos Fuels, the second largest oil company in Poland and a vice chairman at PERN, the largest fuel and logistics company in the region and critical infrastructure operator. He is currently affiliated with the University College of Professional Education as a member of the Center for Research on Disinformation and Cybersecurity and a senior fellow at the Eastern Flank Institute, a Brussels-based think tank. The start of the Russian invasion in 2014 changed the security architecture in Central and Eastern Europe. These changes deepened in 2021 after Belarus launched a border operation targeting Poland. Another milestone in this process was Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine. The level of security on Poland's eastern border has significantly decreased. In this situation, it is necessary to make changes in the area of national security. This includes the development of the armed forces, the assignment of new strategy to the secret services, and the strengthening of critical infrastructure protection. This lecture is part of the 18th Annual Symposium of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. This year, the 17th annual Kościuszko Chair Conference focuses on the topic of threats and opportunities in the Intermarium. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

Professor Przemysław Żurawski vel Grajewski - Polish political scientist, an academic, and an associate professor at the University of Lodz. Furthermore, he is an associate of the European Institute in Łódź, the Center for Political Thought, and a lecturer at the Natolin European Center and the National School of Public Administration. In 2015, Mr. Żurawski vel Grajewski became a member of the National Development Council, appointed by President Andrzej Duda. His main areas of research include international relations and geopolitics. This lecture is part of the 18th Annual Symposium of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. This year, the 17th annual Kościuszko Chair Conference focuses on the topic of threats and opportunities in the Intermarium. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

Csaba B. Horváth, PhD earned his PhD in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest after completing degrees in History and Political Science at Eötvös Loránd University. He is a member of the General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific as well as on Central and Eastern Europe. He has held visiting research fellowships at several universities in Australia, China and Taiwan, and earlier in his youth, spent two years living in Japan, where he acquired conversational proficiency in Japanese. He is also a regular participant in international conferences and held public talks across the Indo-Pacific, including in Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The talk explores the idea that East-Central Europe is currently experiencing a rare strategic “window of opportunity” not seen since the 18th century. For centuries, the region functioned largely as a buffer zone dominated by external imperial powers. Today, the effective disappearance and disintegration of traditional continental empires has created a structural power vacuum in the region, which, combined with shifting global power balances and growing strategic interest from the United States, is generating unprecedented conditions for East-Central Europe to emerge as a more autonomous geopolitical actor. The presentation examines the risks, constraints, and potential pathways for such a transformation. This lecture is part of the 18th Annual Symposium of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. This year, the 17th annual Kościuszko Chair Conference focuses on the topic of threats and opportunities in the Intermarium. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

IWP Professor Glenn Corn provides an update on the situation in Ukraine based on his recent travels to that country, including visits to multiple cities/locations. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi offers a firsthand perspective on the war in Ukraine, focusing on children, families, and resilience. Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi will offer a firsthand pastoral perspective on life amid the prolonged war in Ukraine, with particular attention to the experiences of children and families. Drawing on his role as Roman Catholic Bishop of Kyiv–Zhytomyr, he will discuss how the Church fosters stability, resilience, and recovery through parish life, youth ministry, and structured programs serving children and families under wartime conditions. The lecture will be delivered with interpretation by Valentyna Pavsyukova, Founder, President, and CEO of Chalice of Mercy, who will translate for Bishop Kryvytskyi throughout the event. About the Speakers: Bishop Vitalii Kryvytskyi, SDB, is the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Kyiv–Zhytomyr, a role he has held since his appointment by Pope Francis in 2017. Born in Odesa, Ukraine, he entered the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco in 1990 and completed his theological formation in Poland, earning a Master of Theology from the Catholic University of Lublin. Ordained a priest in 1997, Bishop Kryvytskyi has devoted much of his ministry to parish leadership, youth formation, and pastoral care across Ukraine, particularly in Odesa, Zhytomyr, and Lviv regions. In addition to his diocesan responsibilities, he serves in several national leadership roles within the Catholic Church in Ukraine, including Deputy Chair of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Ukraine and Head of its Ecumenical Commission. He is also an active member of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which he led in 2019. His episcopal ministry is guided by his motto, In Iesu Christo (“In Jesus Christ”). Valentyna Pavsyukova is the Founder, President, and CEO of Chalice of Mercy, a nonprofit organization she established in 2007 to advance humanitarian aid, pro-life advocacy, and family support in Ukraine. Born and raised in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, she immigrated to the United States after winning the U.S. Green Card Lottery and became a U.S. citizen in 2010. Her early years in the U.S. included a career in cosmetology, which she left in 2009 to dedicate herself fully to mission work following a profound spiritual conversion influenced by Mother Teresa and St. John Paul II. Valentyna continues her intellectual and spiritual formation through studies at the Theology of the Body Institute and Oxford University's Politics Certification Program. Under her leadership, Chalice of Mercy has delivered extensive humanitarian and medical assistance, including over $80 million in medical supplies since 2022, organized life-saving medical missions, supported hospitals, hospices, orphanages, and families, and founded faith-based educational initiatives such as Saint Maria Goretti Daycare in Zaporizhzhia. A frequent international speaker, she has addressed audiences at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., Ukrainian Week, and major youth and policy forums. She also serves as a Strategic Adviser to the Protez Foundation, supporting rehabilitation and prosthetics for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, and her work has been recognized by Ukrainian and international institutions for extraordinary humanitarian and defense support. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

About the Lecture: The Israeli, a novel by veteran journalist Phil Kurata, is set in the years 1947 to 1965, after the end of World War II, when in the Middle East, newly independent countries were shaking off the colonial powers of Britain and France. It reimagines the life of famed spy Eli Cohen. Beginning in Alexandria, Egypt, it transitions to a nascent Israel and then to Syria, where Cohen spies for the Israelis. Steeped in the food and the culture of the Middle East at that formative period, it takes a hard-eyed view of racism and prejudice on both the Israeli and Arab sides. It takes the reader on a deep dive into the intractable and often vicious conflicts that split the region today. About the Speaker: Phillip Kurata is a novelist and former journalist who grew up in Lawrence, Kansas, and earned a bachelor's degree in French literature and a master's degree in Asian Studies from the University of Kansas. He studied at the University of Tunis in the mid-1960s, and—as a fluent French speaker—he returned to Tunisia as a Peace Corps Volunteer and a public health educator. He got into journalism while studying Chinese in Taiwan, writing for the Far Eastern Economic Review. He later worked for United Press International, Agence France Presse and Voice of America in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Beijing, France, and Washington, DC. Phil served for many years as a writer with the U.S. Department of State, based in Washington, DC. His first novel, The Reluctant Agent, was published by Washington Writers' Publishing House as the Fiction Prize winner. His most recent novel, The Israeli, published in 2024, is a fictionalized story of the legendary Israeli spy, Eli Cohen, and examines the destructive power of ethnic hatred. Dr. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie is a forensic psychiatrist with special expertise in military and veterans' issues. She has been Chief of Psychiatry at Medstar Washington Hospital Center since 2018. She retired from the Army in 2010, after holding numerous leadership positions within Army Medicine, including Psychiatry Consultant. She trained at Harvard, George Washington, Walter Reed, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and has completed fellowships in both forensic and preventive and disaster psychiatry. She is a Professor of Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Georgetown University, and George Washington University School of Medicine. An internationally recognized expert, she brings a unique public health approach to the management of disasters and combating mental health issues. Her assignments and other missions have taken her to Korea, Somalia, Iraq, and Cuba. She has over 250 publications, mainly in the areas of forensic, disaster, suicide, ethics, military combat psychiatry, and women's health issues. Recent volumes include: “Forensic and Ethical Issues in Military Behavioral Health”, “Women at War”, “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Diseases in Combat Veterans”, “Intimacy After Injury: Restoring Sexual Health on Return from Combat”; “Psychiatrists in Combat, Clinicians Experience in the War Zone”, “Gay Mental Healthcare Providers and Patients in the Military: Personal Experiences and Clinical Care” and “Clinical Management of the Homeless Patient: Social, Medical and Psychiatric Issues." **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

About the Lecture: This lecture will discuss the dangers that advanced AI would pose to the United States, the world, and humanity if developed and deployed without proper safeguards. These dangers would include its impact on our economy, geopolitical relations, and our national security. About the Speaker: Brendan Steinhauser is a Partner with Steinhauser Strategies, a public affairs firm based in Austin, Texas. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Government from The University of Texas in 2004 and earned his M.A. in Statecraft and International Affairs from The Institute of World Politics in 2013. Brendan served as an adjunct professor of Political Science and Global Studies at St. Edward's University in Austin, where he taught courses on Global Issues and State & Local Government. He has been published in the peer-reviewed academic journal, The Journal of South Texas. ‍Brendan has led campaigns for candidates and causes in more than 40 states, including for Senator John Cornyn, Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congressman Dan Crenshaw. TIME magazine named Brendan as one of "40 Under 40" rising stars in American politics. Campaigns & Elections magazine awarded him a "Rising Star" award in 2012. Former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey called working with Brendan one of the highlights of his career. Over the years, Brendan has worked as a Director of Federal and State Campaigns, Communications Director, and Chief Strategy Officer of various nonprofit organizations. He is a frequent media commentator and has appeared on Fox News, Comedy Central, MSNBC, CNN, the BBC, NewsNation, and Newsmax. He has also been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and many more newspapers, magazines, books, and journals. Some of his clients have included the Republican Party of Texas, Texas Right to Life, State Senator Angela Paxton, and the War Veterans Fund. Brendan serves as a First Lieutenant and Company Commander in the Texas State Guard, the premier state defense and emergency response force in the U.S. He graduated from Officer Candidate School and received his commission in 2021, at the age of 39. He earned a certificate in Counterintelligence Awareness from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense. Mark Beall is a leading expert at the intersection of AI policy and national security. After serving as the inaugural Pentagon AI Policy Director at the Department of Defense's Joint AI Center, he became the Senior Advisor at the AI Policy Network, an organization that builds bipartisan support for legislation that will help the United States prepare for the future capabilities of AI systems. Beall also co-founded Gladstone AI, an entity that advocates for the responsible development of AI and guardrails to protect the country against national security threats from AI. He has publicly spoken on these issues numerous times through speeches, interviews, and more, and is a voice critical in the mission to prioritize security in the development of AI. Beall holds a BA in Physics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MA in Statecraft and National Security from the Institute of World Politics. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

Overview Book talk and signing with Capt. Bryan Leese on At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet—the evolution of U.S. naval intelligence in the Cold War. ***This lecture is sponsored by the IWP IAFIE Alpha Student Chapter*** About the Lecture: At Sea Against the Soviet Fleet examines the critical transformation of naval intelligence during a pivotal era marked by the Cold War and the Vietnam conflict. Bryan Leese meticulously details how U.S. Navy operational intelligence evolved to meet the complexities of modern naval warfare, particularly in response to the increasing threats posed by the Soviet Navy. Structured into four main parts, this book begins by examining the Vietnam War and the institutionalization of shipboard operational intelligence, or what Navy intelligence calls Opintel. The book highlights the establishment of Integrated Operational Intelligence Centers as part of the RA-5C Vigilante program and the innovative strategies that emerged in air combat and targeting. Leese goes on to underscore the necessity of Opintel to the U.S. Navy's close and distant blockade strategy in the 1960s and 1970s. He delves into the decentralization of intelligence processes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and the need to prevent surprise attacks. This evolution is framed within the transition to the Navy's Ocean Surveillance Information System, a decentralized and responsive operational intelligence system. The ongoing developments of shipboard intelligence capabilities are explored, demonstrating how these advancements empowered naval commanders. In the 1970s, the organizations evolved as the revolutionary Opintel adaptations of the 1960s that leveraged cooperation without hierarchy became formalized. Leese highlights the revolution to evolution process by introducing Opintel support to shipboard tactical decisions to integrate operational intelligence into comprehensive naval strategies. Capturing the essence of this transformative period, the author discusses the cultural dynamics within the Navy that fostered innovation and interdepartmental collaboration. These developments not only contributed to maintaining a strategic edge over the Soviet Union, but also laid the groundwork for future naval operations in the digital age. Leese's work reveals the intricate interplay between technology, strategy, and personnel in creating an effective intelligence framework that allows the U.S. Navy to assert influence at sea, setting conditions for sea control in conflict. By blending rich archival research with firsthand accounts, this book offers a nuanced understanding of how the Navy adapted to an ever-changing operational landscape, ultimately preserving peace while navigating the complexities of high-stakes maritime conflict. About the Speaker: Capt. Bryan Leese, USN (Ret.), was a career naval intelligence officer with extensive experience in operational intelligence, including key roles supporting ground combat operations and tours at sea, including as the N2 (head of intelligence) of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and the George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. He has held senior positions across the intelligence community, most notably as Chair, Defense Intelligence Department at the National Intelligence University, and as Branch Chief, Transregional and then North/West Africa in J2 (Joint Intelligence) Africa Command, during the 2011–2012 crisis in Libya. Before joining the Joint Forces Staff College in September 2023, Dr. Leese served on the faculty of the U.S. Naval War College's Joint Military Operations Department. He holds a PhD in war studies from King's College London and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia, with his wife, Elizabeth. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduat... ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/W...

Overview Join Dr. Susan Yoshihara for a lecture, reception, and signing of "Women, Peace, & Security in U.S. Security Cooperation." About the Lecture: The authors of this groundbreaking book explore the origins, rationale, and evolution of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) efforts in the context of US security cooperation. Focusing on real-world policy and practice, they draw on cases ranging from post–World War II Japan to contemporary Ghana to demonstrate how including women in security cooperation efforts, while not without challenges, has improved operational effectiveness across the US military, built better security relationships, and advanced civil-military relations and human rights. About the Speaker: A faculty member at IWP, Dr. Susan Yoshihara, is founder and president of American Council on Women Peace and Security, a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank in the nation's capital advancing peace and security for women, their families, and communities through education, on-the-ground engagement, policy analysis, and advocacy. Dr. Yoshihara was a senior advisor on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) to NORAD and USNORTHCOM, and WPS Advisor to Defense Security Cooperation Agency and University, where she led the team that integrated the requirements of the WPS Act of 2017 into education and training for the U.S. security cooperation workforce. Dr. Yoshihara participated in UN negotiations on development, security, and human rights as part of civil society, served on the Holy See delegation and advised the UN Security Council. She served twenty years as a U.S. Naval Aviator, leading helicopter combat logistics missions in the Gulf War and humanitarian assistance and search and rescue missions in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Dr. Yoshihara holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, M.F.A. in creative writing from Antioch University, Los Angeles, M.A. in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School, and B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy. This is her third book. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=18

Die Krankenkassenprämien steigen auch dieses Jahr wieder und die Zeitungen sind voll mit Schlagzeilen. Unbestritten ist, dass die Belastung für viele sehr gross ist. Mit Dr. Melanie Häner-Müller, Ökonomin beim IWP schauen wir, was wir machen können, um die Kosten zu optimieren.Spartipps funktionieren nicht, ohne dass man das System versteht. Deshalb erklärt Melanie auch, wie das Gesundheitssystem überhaupt finanziert ist (es ist nicht nur durch die Krankenkassen), ob alle Menschen gleich viel bezahlen und ob wir in der Schweiz ein faires System haben.Wir sprechen über:PrämienverbilligungenOb Frauen teurere Prämien haben als MännerWie die Qualität des Schweizer Gesundheitssystems istWoher die Kostenexplosion kommtAnmeldung EventHole dir dein Ticket: www.missfinance.ch/eventKrankenkassenvergleichpriminfo.chFolgen mit Melanie064 - Die Baustellen der Schweizer Altersvorsorge081 - Aufstiegschancen in der Schweiz: Von Prinzen, die eine Prinzessin suchen oder doch vom Tellerwäscher zum Millionär?106 - Der Gender Pay Gap unter der LupeWerbung:Sponsorin von Money Matters ist die ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bank Cler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Vielen Dank! Die Bank Cler redet mit dir über Geld – offen und ehrlich. Egal, wie viel du davon hast. Und zwar so, wie's ihr Name verspricht: «Cler» bedeutet im Rätoromanischen «klar, einfach, deutlich». Die Bank Cler macht also deine Bankgeschäfte so unkompliziert und angenehm wie möglich.

About this Event: Join us for a fireside chat, “The Future of U.S. Involvement in the Middle East,” featuring House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Tex.), in conversation with journalist Dr. James Robbins. The discussion will be moderated by Haley Byrd Witt, Senior Reporter at NOTUS. This event will examine the evolving role of the United States in the Middle East through perspectives from Congress, the media, and policy experts. About the Speakers: House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Tex.) is currently serving his eleventh term representing Texas' 10th District in the U.S. Congress. He previously served as Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and is currently Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. Prior to Congress, he served as Chief of Counter Terrorism and National Security in the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He also served as Texas Deputy Attorney General under Senator John Cornyn and as a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice's Public Integrity Section in Washington, DC. A fourth-generation Texan, Congressman McCaul earned a B.A. in Business and History from Trinity University and a J.D. from St. Mary's University School of Law. He and his wife Linda are the proud parents of five children. Dr. James S. Robbins is IWP faculty and the current Dean of Academics. He is also a national security columnist for USA Today and Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council. Dr. Robbins is a former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and in 2007 was awarded the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award. He is also the former award-winning Senior Editorial Writer for Foreign Affairs at The Washington Times. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, National Review, and other publications, and he appears regularly on national and international television and radio. Dr. Robbins holds a Ph.D. from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and has taught at the National Defense University and Marine Corps University, among other schools. His research interests include terrorism and national security strategy, political theory, and military history. Haley Byrd Witt is a Senior Reporter at NOTUS, covering politics and Congress with a focus on the Republican Party, foreign policy, human rights, and domestic legislation. Her reporting has appeared in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, and Christianity Today. She previously covered Congress for The Dispatch, CNN, and The Weekly Standard.

Send Vanessa a Text MessageOriginal air date: 3/26/24LISTENER DISCOUNT: Use code VANESSA10 for 10% off any GembaRed product (U.S. customers only)Shop: GembaRed.comReady to cut through the noise on red light therapy? This BEST OF episode brings back one of the most comprehensive, myth-busting conversations ever aired on IWP. Here I sit down with Andrew LaTour, founder of GembaRed, and one of the most research-driven voices in the light therapy space.We dive deep into the real science behind red and near-infrared light, how it impacts the body, and what most companies (and influencers) get wrong. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your practice, this conversation is your go-to resource.Some of What We Cover:The basics of red light therapy (photo biomodulation)Red vs. near-infrared vs. far-infraredCellular & mitochondrial health benefitsHow to dose correctlyEMFs, flicker, and other overlooked risksUsing RLT for pain, inflammation, skin health, wound healing & moreContraindications (tattoos, implants, cancer, medications)Are red light bulbs and heat lamps effective?Industry honesty & informed consent concernsWhat to actually look for in a quality deviceGembaRed Discount for ListenersSave 10% with code: VANESSA10 (U.S. customers only) Shop GembaRed: https://gembared.comHelpful Links & ResourcesGembaRed WebsiteLearning CenterProduct Shopping GuideDosing CalculatorEMF InformationFlicker SafetyGembaRed Vector Mini PanelGembaRed on InstagramGembaRed on YouTubeConnect with the Podcast, Vanessa and Offerings:All My Favorites + Exclusive Discounts: Linktree Podcast on Instagram: @well.with.vanessaVanessa on Instagram: @thegiftofgoodsVanessa on Threads: @thegiftofgoodsPodcast on YouTube: @IntentionallyWellPodcastPodcast on TikTok: @well.with.vanessaPodcast on X (Twitter): @wellwithvanessaEmail: intentionallywellpodcast@gmail.comSupport the showPodcast Website: Intentionally Well with Vanessa LopezThis episode is for informational purposes only. Please consult a trusted health practitioner for individual concerns.

James S. Robbins, Dean of Academics, IWP; Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council; Former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 50th anniversary of Vietnam

About the Lecture: **This lecture is part of the Intermarium Lecture Series and the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at The Institute of World Politics** What is hybrid warfare? How does one identify and read unconventional attacks by autocratic regimes? Dr. Ivana Stradner will address these and related questions, providing insights into the various tools and techniques used by the Russian Federation against NATO countries and beyond. She will draw on her experience and research on Russian activities in Central Europe and the Balkans. About the Speaker: Dr. Ivana Stradner serves as a research fellow with FDD's Barish Center for Media Integrity. She studies Russia's security strategies and military doctrines to understand how Russia uses information operations for strategic communication. Her work examines both the psychological and technical aspects of Russian information security. Ivana also analyzes Russian influence in international organizations; she is currently focusing on the UN Cybercrime Treaty and UN efforts to regulate information security. Ivana has testified before the European Parliament and has briefed various government officials. Ivana also serves as a special correspondent for KyivPost. Before joining FDD, Ivana worked as a visiting scholar at Harvard University and a lecturer for a variety of universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, and as a Jeane Kirkpatrick fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Ivana has been published in academic journals and has written for The Washington Post, New York Post, Foreign Affairs, The Hill, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Telegraph, National Review, and more. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

In this episode of the Investing with Purpose podcast, host Steve Libman and IWP guest, longtime friend Aaron Fisher discuss their journey in real estate investing, the importance of mentorship, and the purpose behind their entrepreneurial endeavors. They explore various investment strategies, the significance of giving back, and how personal experiences shape their views on success and lifestyle choices. The conversation emphasizes the value of collaboration, creativity in accessing capital, and the importance of adapting to new challenges in both business and life.TakeawaysAaron Fisher shares his background as an attorney and entrepreneur.The importance of leveraging capital creatively in real estate investing.Perception in real estate investing should be based on market data, not personal opinion.Hiring experts allows entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths.The transition from active income to passive income is crucial for financial freedom.Mentorship plays a significant role in personal and professional growth.Understanding the purpose behind investments can lead to a more fulfilling life.The balance between work and lifestyle is essential for happiness.Giving back to the community can be a rewarding experience.Recognizing when to adapt and change is key to continued success.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests01:44 Background of Aaron Fisher and His Journey06:09 New Chapter 210:52 Investment Philosophy and Early Experiences19:51 Current Investment Strategies and Diversification21:30 Navigating Career Transitions and Investments24:02 The Importance of Giving Back29:08 Mentorship and Career Growth36:23 Defining Personal Success and Purpose42:07 Balancing Lifestyle and EntrepreneurshipAbout Aaron FischerAaron Fisher is an attorney turned entrepreneur and real estate investor with a passion for mentorship and building wealth with intention. With a background in law and a mindset rooted in growth, Aaron has dedicated his career to helping others . His journey reflects a commitment to collaboration, community impact, and designing a life and business that align with deeper purpose.Connect with Aaron FischerAaron Fischer LinkedInasflegalservices.com/ (Company)datadoghq.com/ (Company)Connect with UsAre you interested in joining a community of like-minded individuals who aspire to build true wealth through real estate passive investing? Go to IHG Investor Club to learn more!

About the Lecture It has been fifteen years since the Smolensk air disaster. On April 10, 2010, a Polish presidential plane crashed near the Smolensk military airport on Russian territory. The aircraft was carrying a delegation to Katyn to participate in the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the 1940 Soviet massacre, and all 96 passengers and crew members were killed. Among the victims were President Lech Kaczynski and his wife, Maria. The causes of the crash remain unknown and controversial. How has this event impacted politics in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe? What lessons can we learn from this tragic event? Professor Zurawski vel Grajewski will answer these and other questions. About the Speaker Professor Przemysław Żurawski vel Grajewski is a Polish political scientist, an academic, and an associate professor at the University of Lodz. Furthermore, he is an associate of the European Institute in Łódź, the Center for Political Thought, and a lecturer at the Natolin European Center and the National School of Public Administration. In 2015, Mr. Żurawski vel Grajewski became a member of the National Development Council, appointed by President Andrzej Duda. His main areas of research include international relations and geopolitics. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

In what will likely be this podcast's final episode, Mike Meginnis interviews distinguished translator Jennifer Feeley, who, at the time of this conversation, had recently published translations of the books Tongueless, by Lau Yee-Wa, and Mourning a Breast, by Xi Xi. We very much appreciate her taking the time for this conversation, and regret our delays in making it public. Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The host is IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). This podcast is ending, at least for now, because Mike's position has been eliminated due to the loss of funding announced at iwp.uiowa.edu/announcement-iwp. Fortunately, Mike has found other work. He hopes you will consider reading his books, now and in the future. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa, with additional funding provided by various partner organizations and donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

Hear from IWP's expert panel on "Assessing U.S. Relations with Russia and Ukraine." As the war in Ukraine evolves and U.S. policies toward Russia shift, the world may be entering uncharted territory. Join IWP's expert panel as they examine these developments, drawing on decades of experience shaping and implementing U.S. policy — from the Reagan Administration to today. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

About the Lecture: This lecture is part of the Student Speaker Series Through engagements like the Digital Silk Road and various state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has succeeded in creating an immense global network for data collection and stores of the world's data. This capability is unnerving, but a more serious threat emerges coupled with CCP's intentions to dominate on the world stage. Direct risk to the US varies depending on how the CCP will learn to process and use this data—whether for economic or coercive advantage. We can assume they would seek both, but the US knows little about what or how much data has been collected or the advancement of Chinese data learning technologies. Using the international financial system as inspiration, a model for monitoring, limiting, and reporting on global data collection and trading emerges that could provide the transparency needed to prevent China from conquering the datasphere. About the Speaker: Laren Reesman came to IWP with a B.A. in Intelligence Studies and double minors in French and Anti-Money Laundering from Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania. She has always been interested in public service, foreign affairs, and policy. Laren completed her Master of Arts in Statecraft and National Security specializing in Defense at IWP summer of 2024. She has focused on China as a US adversary and hopes to help strengthen the US against Chinese threats. Laren honed her research skills through her time at IWP and is excited to share a relevant and emerging topic with her peers. Registration is available at the door if seating permits. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

To reverse the dangerous and destructive trend towards religion- and ethnic-based conflicts there needs to be a concerted effort to chart a different approach that is rooted in a shared understanding of a common providential purpose for all humanity and animated by a mutual determination on the part of people of faith and goodwill to collaborate in education and action aimed at building a world of sectarian harmony and peace. This is the core purpose of the Abrahamic Peace Initiative (API), which recognizes Abraham and his family not only as the origin point of the three great monotheistic religions but also as the central figures tasked with forging a world of goodness based on enlightened hearts and minds working together for the peaceful resolution of conflicts. (API is a project of New America Initiative.) API believes that this, and not violent extremism, is the true purpose of religion and other moral and ethical systems, and that this peaceful approach is needed around the world today—from America and Europe to Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It is an approach that can inspire and guide leaders in peace-building and reconciliation relevant to communities of all religious affiliations. The API provides an ideology of inter-religious harmony that can underpin initiatives such as the Abraham Accords and other worthy peace-making efforts. This presentation will also inform the attendees about the Hizmet Movement. Hizmet (meaning “service” in Turkish) is a transnational network of education, dialogue and humanitarian initiatives. The movement is faith-inspired yet faith-neutral as it welcomes people from all backgrounds. Hizmet's foundations come from mainline Sunni Islam with a strong component of Islamic spirituality. The movement represents a school of thought that upholds personal devotion, freedom of expression, entrepreneurship, and nonviolence. Hizmet is a significant partner in the Abrahamic Peace Initiative. About the Speaker: Thomas Cromwell is co-founder of the New America Initiative and Chairman of the API. He spent 25 years in the Middle East, 18 of which as publisher and editor of the Middle East Times. During his time in the region he conducted a series of conferences that brought together Arabs and Israelis, Greeks, Turks and Iranians, to address shared challenges to their societies, from urbanization and agriculture to education and conflict resolution. He has travelled to 130 countries in the pursuit of understanding and to promote solutions to inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts. He has authored several books on these topics, including The Triumph of Good. Ibrahim Anli is Executive Director of the Rumi Forum and Advisor to API. He was a visiting researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He later joined the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF), Hizmet Movement's leading organization based in Turkey, and led the foundation's diplomatic outreach as well as its intellectual dialogue programs. Ibrahim taught International Relations and Diplomacy at Tishk International University in Erbil, Kurdistan before he joined the Rumi Forum in 2019. He holds a BA in Economics and an MA in Conflict Resolution. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

About the Lecture This lecture is part of the Student Speaker Series The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), also known as North Korea, has one of the worst human rights records in the world, leading many of its citizens to escape through nearby Southeast Asian countries to seek asylum in South Korea or other willing nations. A significant issue these escapees face is having an ambiguous United Nations (UN) refugee status and the fear of forced repatriation, also known as refoulement. The countries of China, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand are the most used Southeast Asian escape routes for North Korean refugees. This lecture seeks to solidify North Korean escapee's status as refugees, explain the status of Southeast Asian countries' relationship with North Korea and their history of forced repatriation, and proposes a UN General Assembly Human Rights Council Resolution that creates an international body called “The Committee on the Resettlement of North Korean Refugees,” which shall encourage Southeast Asian countries not to repatriate them and coordinate the removal of these refugees from Southeast Asia to be resettled in South Korea or other willing nations. About the Speaker Peace Ajirotutu is a Master of Arts candidate at the Institute of World Politics, pursuing a Masters in Statecraft and International Affairs with a concentration in Asian regional area studies. Before attending IWP, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Summa Cum Laude, with a major in Political Science and a double minor in History and Asian Studies. Peace is currently an editorial intern at the Jamestown Foundations China Brief publication. She has previously presented research on North Korea at the 2024 Intelligence Studies Consortium's Symposium. Peace specializes in the regions of China, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Join war correspondent Mitzi Perdue as she shares compelling insights from her four journeys to Ukraine, including on-the-ground reporting from bomb shelters in cities under siege. Explore innovative police initiatives to combat human trafficking and counter Russian propaganda, as well as the pioneering efforts of Mental Help Global, an initiative inspired by her harrowing encounter with a 14-year-old orphan who survived the atrocities in Bucha. She will highlight how artificial intelligence, combined with Ukrainian psychological expertise, is bridging the mental health gap for the estimated 15 million Ukrainians in need of support—an urgent crisis compounded by the limited number of mental health professionals available in the country. This lecture is a powerful testament to human courage, innovation, and resilience in the face of devastating conflict. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academic-programs/ ***Make a gift to IWP: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=3

About the Lecture The Svalbard Archipelago is a remote collection of Norwegian islands in the Arctic, un-militarized and seemingly unimportant. However, their geographic proximity to Russian military assets in the Arctic make them a potentially valuable strategic asset for NATO, and a source of concern for the Russians, who have engaged in gray zone activities there since the Cold War. In recognition of these facts, NATO should reevaluate its stance on Svalbard and consider turning them into a frontier fortress in an increasingly-important region of the world. About the Speaker Jacob Spencer is a first-year student of strategic intelligence studies at IWP. He studied history at the University of Arkansas at Monticello and spent 9 months teaching English as a foreign language in Uzbekistan. He is fluent in the Russian language and is pursuing a career as an expert on Russian and post-Soviet affairs

Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Stefanie and Dr Craig Thayer, Dr Paul Hall, and Ron Greer With Guest, Jim S Robbins, Historian, Dean of Academics, Institute of World Politics Dr. Jim Robbins “Institute of World Politics” on Raising Expectations! Join us on Election 2024 evening with our special friend Dr. Jim Robbins of the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC. As Jim shares , we will be discussing the issues and events that have transpired and helped direct the 2024 election across the nation culminating on Election Day-tomorrow. Dr. Robbins is an outstanding historian and Dean of Academics, IWP; Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council; Former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Jim is a man of Faith in God and has the ability to hear and discern the root of question and the heart of the person asking! Tune in on, Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn and, Amazon Podcasts at, 6:00 pm Pacific 8:00pm Central 9:00 pm Eastern Pastor Joe Joe Schofield Dr. Paul Paul Hall Stef Stefanie Shaw Thayer Dr. Craig Craig Tank Thayer Pastor Ron Ron Greer

About the Lecture: James Lawler's talk, titled “Soulcatcher,” delves into the complex and often disturbing motivations that drive ordinary people to commit espionage. Drawing from his extensive 25-year career as a senior CIA case officer, during which he earned prestigious honors such as the Donovan Award, the CIA Director's Award, the HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Trailblazer Award, Mr. Lawler provides a vivid, hard-hitting account of the realities of intelligence work. Through real-life examples, he reveals the psychological and emotional triggers that lead individuals to betray their countries, and discusses the crucial role that recruiting these intelligence sources plays in safeguarding the national security of the U.S. and its allies. While maintaining the unclassified nature of his presentation by omitting specific details like the time, place, and nationality of the spies he recruited, Mr. Lawler offers valuable insights into the methods he used to convince these individuals to cooperate. He also touches on his role in the takedown of the A.Q. Khan nuclear weapons network, one of the most significant intelligence operations in modern history. Though he must avoid many of the sensitive aspects of this operation, he speaks in general terms about the challenges and successes of disrupting this dangerous network, which involved Pakistan and Libya. Having delivered this talk twice at Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies to great acclaim, Mr. Lawler believes it would be equally compelling and appropriate for an audience at IWP. About the Speaker: James Lawler is a national security consultant and Senior Partner at MDO Group, where he provides HUMINT training to the Intelligence Community and the commercial sector, with a focus on WMD, counterintelligence, technical, and cyber issues. A noted speaker on insider threats in government and industry, he has appeared on numerous national podcasts. Mr. Lawler served as a CIA operations officer for 25 years, with five overseas assignments from 1982 to 1994, and later as Chief of the Counterproliferation Division's Special Activities Unit. A member of the CIA's Senior Intelligence Service (SIS-3) from 1998 until his retirement in 2005, he specialized in recruiting foreign spies, dedicating much of his career to combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. As Chief of the A.Q. Khan Nuclear Takedown Team, Mr. Lawler led the effort to dismantle the most dangerous nuclear weapons network in history. His leadership earned him the CIA's Trailblazer Award in 2007, and high praise from former DCI George Tenet, who stated, “What you and your team have achieved will rank up there as one of the most spectacular intelligence accomplishments in the history of the CIA.” Former DDCI John McLaughlin called it “the closest thing I've ever seen to a perfect intelligence operation.” Mr. Lawler also received the Director's Award, the U.S. Intelligence Community's HUMINT Collector of the Year Award, and the Donovan Award. Before joining the CIA, he practiced law and served as president of a steel components company in Texas. A graduate of Rice University and the University of Texas School of Law, Mr. Lawler is also an accomplished author, with two CIA-cleared espionage novels, *Living Lies* and *In the Twinkling of an Eye*. He is currently working on his third novel, *The Traitor's Tale*. Mr. Lawler is married with three children and seven grandsons.

We continue our series of conversations with IWP staff and collaborators by interviewing Lisa Gardinier from the University of Iowa Libraries. Lisa is a frequent collaborator of the IWP and of Nataša Ďurovičová, with whom she collaborated to curate the special 55 Years of International Writers in Iowa City exhibit discussed in this episode. A transcript is available at https://iwp.uiowa.edu/page/say-the-world-episode-13-podcast-transcript. Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

We continue our series of conversations with IWP staff and collaborators by interviewing Nataša Ďurovičová, who recently retired after serving as the program's editor for twenty-two years. We discuss her academic history and interest in cinema, the roles of writers in public life as imagined by different cultures, how the IWP has changed over the years, and the difficulties of escaping from language. The Lit_Cast Slovakia episode discussed is here: https://www.litcentrum.sk/en/article/litcast-slovakia-9-natasa-durovicova The 55th Anniversary virtual exhibit is here: https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/gallery/exhibit/iwp55years/  Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

This episode kicks off a series of interviews with the staff of the IWP, which begins with a conversation with the IWP's director, Christopher Merrill. We discuss his friendship and collaboration with Marvin Bell, as well as his career (more than two decades) as director of the IWP. We discuss how his tenure here began, as well as several especially memorable moments. This episode description will be updated when the official transcript is available for this episode. Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

41 - Healing Invisible Wounds with Russ Hanes What do you do when you're a first responder and you're struggling and making bad decisions at work and you realize this is not working out for you?  That's where Russ Hanes was at after 17 years of working in law enforcement, corrections, and 911 dispatch.  Fortunately for Russ, he was finally able eventually get his life together but it meant leaving the job he loved.  But he still wanted to help people. So, he launched the Invisible Wounds Project, a non-profit that helps improve the lives and mental health of veterans, first responders and their families.  Today we'll hear a little about his story and about an innovative new initiative his nonprofit is launching this month!  Stay tuned for his story.  ABOUT OUR GUEST Russ Hanes is the Founder and Executive Director of the Invisible Wounds Project (IWP) a Minnesota-based nonprofit whose mission is to positively impact and enhance the lives of those who serve(d). IWP provides access to qualified therapy services, and other support services for military, police, fire, EMS, frontline medical staff, corrections, 911 dispatch, and their families related to PTSD, mental health and suicide issues.  Russ spent 17 years working in the public safety field as a police officer, corrections officer, and 911 dispatcher. In 2016, Russ left public safety after silently battling PTSD. Since 2009 Russ has been involved in fundraising for veteran, and first responder causes. It was in 2016 as he battled his own inner demons, and after being told that he "didn't qualify for help" because he wasn't a veteran, that the Invisible Wounds Project was born. Russ recognized that many of his friends and colleagues were suffering from PTSD and cumulative stress but had nowhere to turn. The Invisible Wounds Project which has annually served hundreds of individuals and families, just recently began construction of its IWP Support Center, which is a day-use therapeutic space meant to provide those they serve a place to go for connection and services. The IWP Support Center has a community lounge with recreation activities and a coffee bar. It also has a multi-use meeting and training space, a woodworking shop, art studio, offices, and more. With this facility, IWP can provide daily therapeutic activities, connection opportunities, mentoring, education, retreats, and much more. CONNECT WITH RUSS https://www.iwproject.org/ +++++ Register for the Western Maryland First Responder Health and Wellness Conference here: https://ptsd911movie.com/tickets/ +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST/PTSD911 MOVIE Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC Copyright ©2024 ConjoStudios, LLC All rights reserved.

This episode description will be updated when the official transcript is available for this episode. Today's guest is Mary Rokonadravu. We discussed the history of her home of Fiji, writing from and about nature, working through writing with incarcerated people, the benefits of participating in the IWP, the importance of solidarity in the literary world, and more.  Bio: Mary Rokonadravu (fiction, nonfiction, prose poetry; Fiji) creates stories, poetry, and literary nonfiction inspired by art, history, and science. Shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize (Pacific region) in 2017, she won it in 2015 and in 2022. Her work has been published in Granta, adda, and Synkretic, and anthologized by the University of London Press and Penguin Random House; she is now working on a novel. Her participation is supported by the U.S. State Department through its Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.   Read Mary Rokonadravu's writing sample: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/ROKONADRAVU_sample_formatted.pdf Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

You can read this episode's podcast at https://iwp.uiowa.edu/page/say-the-world-podcast-transcript-episode-9-busisiwe-mahlangu. Today's guest is Busisiwe Mahlangu. We discussed the various forms in which Mahlangu works, her experiences with performing in a staged production of her own poetry, and the challenges of writing short fiction, among other things. Bio: Busisiwe Mahlangu (poet, playwright, fiction writer; South Africa) is the author of SURVIVING LOSS, a 2018 poetry collection also adapted for theater. She was awarded the inaugural South Africa National Poetry Prize, has had work longlisted for the Sol Plaatje European Union Poetry Award, and is published in Kalahari, Atlanta Review, 20.35 Africa, Best ‘New' African Poets, and elsewhere. In 2022, she was a fellow at the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study. Her participation is made possible by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.   Read Busisiwe Mahlangu's writing sample: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/MAHLANGU_sample_formatted.pdf. Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

You can read this episode's transcript at https://iwp.uiowa.edu/page/say-the-world-podcast-transcript-episode-8-kevin-chen Today's guest is the Taiwanese novelist Kevin Chen. We discussed the ways that people confuse biography and fiction, Chen's colorful work history, how literary lies can bring us closer to the truth, and more. Bio: Kevin Chen (novelist; Taiwan) started his career as a stage and screen actor. He is also the author of ten novels and short story collections, which have garnered him several literary awards in Taiwan. GHOST TOWN, in Darryl Sterk's translation, among Library Journal's Best Books of World Literature 2022, was longlisted for PEN's 2023 Translation Prize and will be translated into 11 languages. Chen lives in Berlin, where he long was foreign correspondent for Taiwanese TV. His participation was made possible by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.   Read Kevin Chen's English writing sample: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/CHEN_sample%20ENG.pdf Read Kevin Chen's writing sample in the original language: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/Chen_sample_original.pdf Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

You can read this episode's transcript at https://iwp.uiowa.edu/page/say-the-world-podcast-transcript-episode-7-marina-porcelli. Today's guest is the Argentinian writer Marina Porcelli. We're joined by podcast research assistant Derick Edgren Otero for a conversation on the ways they've collaborated in translating a piece originally authored by Porcelli. The piece has since been published; you can read it here. We also discussed a variety of other topics, including the importance of writing about work. Bio: Marina Porcelli (fiction writer, essayist; Argentina) is the author of the novella A WINTER NOTEBOOK (2021), a collection of essays on gender NAUSICAA. JOURNEY TO THE OTHER SIDE OF OTHERNESS (2021), the story collections THE HUNT (2016) and OF THE BROKEN NIGHT (2009/2021), and others. Her work has garnered her the 2014 Edmundo Valadés Ibero-American Award and the 2021 Eduardo Mallea National Essay Award; she has attended residences in Mexico, Canada, and China. A frequent contributor to Latin American newspapers, she writes the column “The Lyrical Knockout” about gender and boxing for Playboy Mexico. Her participation was made possible by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Read Marina Porcelli's English writing sample: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/PORCELLI_sample_formatted.pdf. Read Marina Porcelli's writing sample in the original language: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/PORCELLI_sample_original.pdf. Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

You can read this episode's transcript at https://iwp.uiowa.edu/page/say-the-world-podcast-transcript-episode-6-reetta-pekkanen. Today's guest is the Finnish poet Reetta Pekkanen. We discussed how she came to write poetry, what life is like as a professional poet, how she makes every word count, and more. Bio: Reetta Pekkanen (poet; Finland) has published the collections SMALL HARD BUDS (2014), TENDRIL (2019), SMUGGLIGNS (2021) and CUT TULIPS (2023). Her poetry focuses on themes of personal and environmental loss, non-human perspectives, and natural semiotics. Among her awards are the Kalevi Jäntti Prize, the Katri Vala Prize and the Silja Hiidenheimo Memorial Stipend; she is a member of the poetry publishing cooperative Poesia. Her participation was made possible by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.    Read Reetta Pekkanen's English writing sample: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/PEKKANEN_sample_formatted.pdf Read Reetta Pekkanen's writing sample in the original language: https://iwp.uiowa.edu/sites/iwp/files/Pekkanen_sample_original.pdf Say the World: An International Writing Podcast is made by the International Writing Program. The hosts are IWP Director Christopher Merrill, most recently the author of ON THE ROAD TO LVIV (Arrowsmith Press, 2023) and IWP Communications Coordinator Mike Meginnis, most recently the author of DROWNING PRACTICE (Ecco, 2022). Additional research, transcription, and other support provided by Research Assistant Derick Edgren Otero. IWP programming is primarily funded by the University of Iowa and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the U.S. Department of State, with additional funding provided by organizations like the Doris Duke Foundation, as well as donors like you. If you'd like to donate to IWP, go to bit.ly/iwp-support. Learn more about IWP at iwp.uiowa.edu.

This lecture is part of the Student Speaker Series About the Lecture: China's advancements in space technology and orbital operations are second only to the U.S. Historically assisted by the Soviet Union, China's space program has set an impressive timeline of space launch milestones, meeting every spacefaring goal for the past 30 years. Under the guise of scientific research, PLA documentation and dual-use technology has demonstrated that even commercial space activities serve military interests. As investment in launch capabilities increases and China's presence in cislunar space becomes more of a concern, what are the intentions, plans, and capabilities behind China's interest and activities in space? With tensions rising in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, will China start utilizing space operations to support terrestrial military activity? Does China's capacity to operate in space match its strategic interests? How does China's advancing capabilities create more risk for U.S. space interests? This lecture will discuss a brief history of China's accomplishments in space and highlight PLA ambitions and operations in three areas: counterspace weapons in orbit, a permanent lunar presence, and interest in the future space economy. The lecture will also discuss the risk these three areas pose to U.S. interests and the proposed strategies for deterrence in what the DoD, NATO, and the PLA define as a new "warfighting domain." About the Speaker: Carlos Alatorre is an M.A. candidate for Statecraft and National Security Affairs at IWP with a specialization in Defense. Prior to joining IWP, he was a middle school teacher who spent five years teaching English in South Korea and China before deciding to make a transition to the national security and intelligence field. He brings his experience of Chinese political culture and East Asian geography (as well as his Mandarin skills) to complement his studies in Chinese military and geopolitical affairs in the Indo-Pacific. His research focuses on China's usage of emerging technologies, specifically the PLA's research in and implementation of AI, space/cislunar operations, and hypersonic missiles. Originally from Southern California, he earned his B.A. in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

About the Lecture: The Wagner Group has operated as a manifestation of Russian influence, supporting critical Russian interests in key domains across the globe. The organization, originally founded in 2014 by oligarch businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin as a private mercenary force, has become one of the more prolific instruments of power projection in the Russian geopolitical arsenal. About the Speaker: Dr. John R. McCarthy is currently the Senior Program Advisor with the US Navy's only explosives, weapons, and foreign materiel Technical Exploitation command. In 2006, John was recruited from the private sector by Naval Surface Warfare Center, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division and subsequently mobilized as a naval reserve officer to initiate programmatic, infrastructure, and organizational development for the newly established Technical Support Detachment (TSD), which was to specialize in investigating, exploiting, and attacking the improvised explosive device (IED) manufacturing network on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. The command, renamed Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE (EXU-1), now spans the globe working with Combatant Commanders, Special Operations Command and forces, and the Intelligence Community supporting technical exploitation, technical intelligence collection, counterterrorism, and irregular warfare activities. Prior to his return to active-duty military and current federal service, John held a senior leadership position supporting business and financial operations at a non-profit healthcare organization and was a technical business development executive for a global specialty chemical manufacturer serving the industrial sector, for over 16 years. In addition, he has served as an adjunct professor and part time faculty of leadership & management and other business and intelligence disciplines for a number of universities, since 2004. Educationally, Dr. McCarthy holds a Graduate Certificate of Intelligence Studies (Strategic Intelligence in Special Operations concentration), a Master of Science of Strategic Intelligence (MSSI) degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organization and Management with a specialization in Leadership studies. Always seeking to enhance and broaden his knowledge base, Dr. McCarthy remains engaged in continuous learning opportunities and is a currently enrolled in IWP's Certificate of Graduate Study program focusing on Statecraft and National Security.