Podcasts about Latvia

Mother Maria was born in Latvia in 1891. Like many of the pre-Revolutionary Russian intelligenstia, she was an atheist and a political radical in her youth, but gradually came to accept the truths of the Faith. After the Revolution, she became part of the large Russian emigre population of Paris. There she was tonsured as a nun by Metropolitan Evlogy, and devoted herself to a life of service to the poor. With a small community of fellow-believers, she established 'houses of hospitality' for the poor, the homeless, and the alcoholic, and visited Russian emigres in mental hospitals. In 1939 Metropolitan Evlogy sent the young priest Fr Dimitry to serve Mother Maria's community; he proved to be a partner, committed even unto death, in the community's work among the poor. When the Nazis took Paris in 1940, Mother Maria, Fr Dimitry, and others of the community chose to remain in the city to care for those who had come to count on them. As Nazi persecution of Jews in France increased, the Orthodox community's work naturally expanded to include protection and care of these most helpless ones. Father Dimitri was asked to provide forged certificates of baptism to preserve the lives of Jews, and always complied. Eventually, this work led to the arrest of Mother Maria, Fr Dimitri, and their associates. A fragment survives of the Gestapo's interrogation of Fr Dimitri:   Hoffman: If we release you, will you give your word never again to aid Jews?   Klepinin: I can say no such thing. I am a Christian and must act as I must. (Hoffman struck Klepinin across the face.)   Hoffman: Jew lover! How dare you talk of helping those swine as being a Christian duty! (Klepinin, recovering his balance, held up the cross from his cassock.)   Klepinin: Do you know this Jew? (For this, Father Dimitri was knocked to the floor.)   "Your priest did himself in," Hoffman said afterward to Sophia Pilenko. "He insists that if he were to be freed, he would act exactly as before."   Mother Maria, Fr Dimitri, and several of their colleages, were sent to the Nazi concentration camps (Mother Maria to Ravensbruck, Fr Dimitri to Buchenwald) where, after great sufferings, they perished. It is believed that Mother Maria's last act was to take the place of a Jew being sent to death, voluntarily dying in his place.   A full account of their life and death is given on the site of the Orthodox Peace Fellowship.   Mother Maria and her companions were glorified by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2004.

One of Europe's most extraordinary baroque palaces is just 80 kilometres south of Rīga. Rundāle Palace, often referred to as the "Versailles of Latvia", represents more than architectural grandeur, as it embodies a fascinating story of political intrigue, artistic brilliance, and unwavering determination. The palace is deeply connected to one man: Ernst Johann von Biron. Join me as we explore the palace and the life of this remarkable man. Thanks for listening!

On 3-4 April 2025, the first ever EU-Central Asia Summit took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. At the summit, political leaders of the EU and Central Asian countries took the landmark step to upgrade relations between the two regions to a strategic partnership. In this IIEA webinar, Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, addresses what it means to have a strategic partnership between these two regions, what is the reason behind it, and how the EU can achieve and maintain this level of partnership in the future. Central Asia over its recent history has been closely related to Europe. This is especially true in relation to people-to-people contact and educational, cultural and touristic exchanges. However, Ambassador Stiprais underscores the need to realise the full potential of cooperation between the EU and Central Asia and speaks about why the EU must continue to build up its partnerships around the world patiently and meticulously. About the Speaker: Ambassador Eduards Stiprais joined the Latvian Diplomatic Service in 1993. He served in a variety of positions including as Head of the EU delegation in Uzbekistan (2016-2020) Tashkent, as the Permanent Representative of Latvia to the EU and as the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the United Kingdom, as well as to France. Ambassador Stiprais assumed his role as EU Special Representative for Central Asia in March 2025. Throughout his career, Ambassador Stiprais received several national and foreign awards and decorations. He has contributed to numerous publications on matters of European integration and the wider international agenda.

Cat from the Cinémathèque joined the Breakfast Show to share details about the return of Luxembourg's beloved open-air cinema series, set to begin on the 25th July in Place Guillaume II. With screenings curated by the Cinémathèque, this summer's programme promises a diverse mix of European cinema, Hollywood classics, and hidden gems, all shown under the stars in one of the city's most iconic squares. The open-air season opens with Charlie Chaplin's 'The Great Dictator', chosen for its enduring political resonance and cinematic legacy. The line-up spans from 1940s classics like 'Sunset Boulevard' to modern Oscar-winner 'Flow', a dialogue-free animated film from Latvia. Audiences can also enjoy cult favourites such as The Big Lebowski', 'The Goonies', 'La La Land', 'Plein Soleil', and 'The Devil Wears Prada'. The films, shown in their original languages with English or French subtitles, are carefully selected to appeal to a wide range of tastes and generations. “We wanted to offer something for everyone,” Cat explained on air, noting the thoughtful blend of cinephile picks and crowd-pleasers. In addition to the outdoor screenings, the Cinémathèque will temporarily close its historic indoor cinema on the 1st August with a farewell series titled 'A Love Letter to Cinema', celebrating stories about filmmaking itself. This final programme will run through early September before the screening room temporarily closes for renovation. With over 25 years of experience in hosting open-air screenings, the Cinémathèque continues to play a central role in Luxembourg's cultural life. Full programme details and practical information can be found at www.cinematheque.lu

“More competitions are being organized, and it has become a way for these conductors and choirs to work on their skills. By joining these competitions, the rate of their progress accelerated. People join choirs for different reasons. For most of us, we started only because we loved singing, because we found a place where we can share our voice with friends with the same interest. This desire to join competitions would just be a product of years of singing with a choir.”Mark Anthony Carpio is recognized as one of the most respected figures in choral music today. He is a faculty member of the Conducting and Choral Ensemble Department of the University of the Philippines College of Music, where he earned his Master's degree in Choral Conducting and his Bachelor's degree in Piano.In 2001, Prof. Andrea O. Veneracion, National Artist for Music, chose Mark to succeed her as choirmaster of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, also known as the “Madz.” Since then, he has continuously led the already much-awarded choir to even greater heights, including placing first in several prestigious choral competitions in Europe. Under his leadership, the group has been invited as guest choir in several international choral conferences in the USA and South America, among others.In 2007, under the baton of Mark, the Philippine Madrigal Singers won, for the second time, the grand prize in the European Grand Prix for Choral Singing in Arezzo, Italy. This victory makes them the first of the only four choirs in the world to win the grand prize twice.In 2009, UNESCO designated the group as a UNESCO Artist for Peace. This title is given to celebrity advocates charged with the mission of embodying and raising awareness of the UNESCO ideals, which include peace, security, fundamental human rights, and freedom.In the Philippines, he regularly collaborates with the Philippine Choral Directors Association, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, for music and choral education programs. He heads the Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Foundation, which spearheads choral music development initiatives including the Sing Philippines Youth Choir, whose singers come from all over the country.Mark has adjudicated in different choral festivals and competitions and presented around the world, including Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Italy, Latvia and the US. Locally, he has been the chairman of the board of jurors of the biennial Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival and the 1st Asia Choral Grand Prix (2019).He also directs the Consortium of Voices, a choral society of young choristers, consisting of the Kilyawan Boys Choir, Kilyawan Male Choir and the Voces Auroræ Girls Choir.​To get in touch with Mark, you can find him on Facebook (@markanthonycarpio) or visit the Philippine Madrigal Singers website.Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson

Social media has given farmers the perfect way to share the many joys, challenges and the daily realities of farming with people interested in how their food is produced. A growing number of influencers have gained millions of followers who welcome their regular and honest posts and the insights the content gives into their lives. Many say that they started sharing their stories to play a part in developing society’s interest in food production, land management and in appreciating the trade-offs that are a daily part of profitable and compliant agriculture. In this episode of the Science Behind your Salad we are celebrating some of these farmers who came together to connect and inspire one another at an AgXplorers’ Influencer Camp in Germany. Host Jane Craigie caught up with five of the 20 influencers at the event - Marie Hoffman, from Germany, Ally Hunter Blair who farms with his family in England’s Wye Valley, Tonis Soopalu, Estonia’s only farming influencer, Lasma Lapina from Latvia, and Austrian farmer, DJ and restaurateur, Johannes Burchhart, who describes farming as “like a heartbeat”. Jane also spoke to Thomas Fischer who farms very sustainably at Quellendorf near Berlin, one of the farm’s ecologist partners, Christian Schmidt Egger and BASF’s Anna Lena Hottendorf. Handles for the influencers: Ally Hunter Blair @wyefarm Johannes Burchhart @bauernjohny Marie Hoffman @marie_hfmn97 Lasma Lapina @lapainaa Tonis Soopalu @farmer.tonis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God is merciful, even if the world does not see it. Luther highlights the explanation as a reminder that the consequences of following other gods are eternal. Although it may seem that the world is prospering without faith in the Triune God, God is working good for His people according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We are to expect only what God promises to give and know that as the tomb is empty and Christ reigns on high, our hearts can trust in Him and Him alone. Rev. Samuel Bobby, professor at Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia, joins the Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of the 1st commandment. To learn more about Luther Academy, visit www.lut.edu.lv. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

What makes for a thrilling biography? Success in business, while simultaneously working as a British spy during the Russian Empire period in Latvia, and then during the Russian Revolution. Leading a triple life as a businessman, athlete and intelligence agent. Being named the father of Latvian football for introducing the sport to the country. And finally being tortured to death by the German Gestapo in Rīga during the Second World War. All this and more is the life of Harold Trevenen Hall. Let's get to know his story Thanks for listening!

The former president of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association says we could learn from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland, where farming and forestry coexist peacefully.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

️The Church Street Podcast: Missions Episode: Stories from Our Kenya Village At First Grapevine Methodist Church, missions are at the heart of who we are—both in our hometown of Grapevine and in our villages around the world, including Kenya, Latvia, Costa Rica, and beyond. In this special episode, join Dr. Keva Green, Mark Howe, Carol Howe, Kenda Diehm, and Wayne McNinch as they share stories from their most recent trip to our Kenya Village. They reflect on powerful experiences—from staying in the guest house to running medical clinics, supporting evangelists, and walking alongside orphans and vulnerable children. Hear how sponsoring a child can transform lives, how communities are moving from hopelessness to hope, and what's needed to support The Kenya Village's future. Stay connected by following us on social media for updates from The Church Street Podcast, and everything happening at First Grapevine. Let's grow together in truth and grace—we can't wait for you to join us!

In the latest episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Professor Julie Yu-Wen Chen of the University of Helsinki speaks with Mr. Mohamed Ariff Bin Mohamed Ali, Chargé d'Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Their discussion centered on Malaysia's Foreign Policy, Malaysia's current ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, and the country's engagement with Nordic nations moving forward. Mr. Ariff Ali, who is part of Malaysia's diplomatic missions in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia for the past four years, emphasises the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations as a foundation for stronger governmental and societal ties. He also highlights the potential role of the Malaysian diaspora in promoting awareness of Malaysia in the Nordic region. Julie Yu-Wen Chen is Professor of Chinese Studies and Asian studies coordinator at the Department of Cultures at the University of Helsinki (Finland). Since 2023, she has been involved in the EUVIP: The EU in the Volatile Indo-Pacific Region, a project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe coordination and support action 10107906 (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03). In the picture: Mr. Ariff Ali and Julie Yu-Wen Chen at the Malaysian embassy in Finland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In the latest episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Professor Julie Yu-Wen Chen of the University of Helsinki speaks with Mr. Mohamed Ariff Bin Mohamed Ali, Chargé d'Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Their discussion centered on Malaysia's Foreign Policy, Malaysia's current ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, and the country's engagement with Nordic nations moving forward. Mr. Ariff Ali, who is part of Malaysia's diplomatic missions in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia for the past four years, emphasises the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations as a foundation for stronger governmental and societal ties. He also highlights the potential role of the Malaysian diaspora in promoting awareness of Malaysia in the Nordic region. Julie Yu-Wen Chen is Professor of Chinese Studies and Asian studies coordinator at the Department of Cultures at the University of Helsinki (Finland). Since 2023, she has been involved in the EUVIP: The EU in the Volatile Indo-Pacific Region, a project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe coordination and support action 10107906 (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03). In the picture: Mr. Ariff Ali and Julie Yu-Wen Chen at the Malaysian embassy in Finland Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/southeast-asian-studies

In the latest episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Professor Julie Yu-Wen Chen of the University of Helsinki speaks with Mr. Mohamed Ariff Bin Mohamed Ali, Chargé d'Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Their discussion centered on Malaysia's Foreign Policy, Malaysia's current ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, and the country's engagement with Nordic nations moving forward. Mr. Ariff Ali, who is part of Malaysia's diplomatic missions in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia for the past four years, emphasises the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations as a foundation for stronger governmental and societal ties. He also highlights the potential role of the Malaysian diaspora in promoting awareness of Malaysia in the Nordic region. Julie Yu-Wen Chen is Professor of Chinese Studies and Asian studies coordinator at the Department of Cultures at the University of Helsinki (Finland). Since 2023, she has been involved in the EUVIP: The EU in the Volatile Indo-Pacific Region, a project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe coordination and support action 10107906 (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03). In the picture: Mr. Ariff Ali and Julie Yu-Wen Chen at the Malaysian embassy in Finland

In the latest episode of the Nordic Asia Podcast, Professor Julie Yu-Wen Chen of the University of Helsinki speaks with Mr. Mohamed Ariff Bin Mohamed Ali, Chargé d'Affaires of the Malaysian Embassy in Helsinki, Finland. Their discussion centered on Malaysia's Foreign Policy, Malaysia's current ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, and the country's engagement with Nordic nations moving forward. Mr. Ariff Ali, who is part of Malaysia's diplomatic missions in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia for the past four years, emphasises the importance of enhancing people-to-people relations as a foundation for stronger governmental and societal ties. He also highlights the potential role of the Malaysian diaspora in promoting awareness of Malaysia in the Nordic region. Julie Yu-Wen Chen is Professor of Chinese Studies and Asian studies coordinator at the Department of Cultures at the University of Helsinki (Finland). Since 2023, she has been involved in the EUVIP: The EU in the Volatile Indo-Pacific Region, a project funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe coordination and support action 10107906 (HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03). In the picture: Mr. Ariff Ali and Julie Yu-Wen Chen at the Malaysian embassy in Finland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A god is whatever we depend on for all good and seek for refuge in distress. One can believe that such good comes from the Triune God, or one could seek it elsewhere. What is your god? Luther warns of mammon, people, skill, power, friendship, and pride. Each of these can easily become a god. However, we know from Scripture that all that is good is from God (Mark 10:18). He is the One who gives us food, drink, nourishment, health, protection, peace, and everything else we need to support this body and life. The objects themselves are not God, but flow from the generosity of the One who gives us all things in Christ (Colossians 1:15-20).  Rev. Samuel Bobby, professor at Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia, joins the Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st commandment. To learn more about Luther Academy, visit lut.edu.lv. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

A god is whatever we depend on for all good and seek for refuge in distress. One can believe that such good comes from the Triune God, or one could seek it elsewhere. What is your god? Luther warns of mammon, people, skill, power, friendship, and pride. Each of these can easily become a god. However, we know from Scripture that all that is good is from God (Mark 10:18). He is the One who gives us food, drink, nourishment, health, protection, peace, and everything else we need to support this body and life. The objects themselves are not God, but flow from the generosity of the One who gives us all things in Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). Rev. Samuel Bobby, professor at Luther Academy, Riga, Latvia, joins the Rev. Brady Finnern to study the 1st commandment. To learn more about Luther Academy, visit lut.edu.lv. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

A cheeky little BONUS pod recorded live (last week) in Estonia. Pete and Mel (and Rory the Baby) went to an Estonian top division game so talk about that a bit, plus footy in Latvia. Crew are back to playing (and winning) and they barely talk about that. Enjoy!

Day 1,219.Today, after what some are calling a ‘triumphant' NATO summit in the Hague, we assess the pledges made by President Donald Trump, and ask whether it was a historic achievement by Secretary General Mark Rutte. Then we do deeper dives into Ukraine's military and strategic innovations, and the threat posed by Russia on Europe's eastern flank, with dispatches from Lithuania and Latvia.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Correspondent). @davidblairdt on X.Roland Oliphant (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @RolandOliphant on X.With thanks to Baiba Braže (Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs). @Braze_Baiba on X.Content Referenced:Why calling Trump Daddy got Nato what they wanted (David Blair in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/25/how-nato-conquered-trump/Europe is building a new ‘Iron Curtain'– with millions of landmines (David Blair in The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/06/24/lithuania-iron-curtain-landmines-europe/ An Interview With Andriy Zagorodnyuk (Professor Phillips O'Brian's Substack):https://open.substack.com/pub/phillipspobrien/p/an-interview-with-andriy-zagorodnyuk?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST' WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/ Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It's free for everyone, including non-subscribers.NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Get our free Weekly Rundown newsletter and be the first to hear about breaking news and offers: https://nomadcapitalist.com/email Join us for the next Nomad Capitalist Live event: https://nomadcapitalist.com/live/ One of the best ways to gain easy and cheap resident permits or even a second citizenship is by moving your liquid assets to another country. In this episode, Mr. Henderson discusses some of his favourite countries that offer resident permits through these banking options. Nomad Capitalist helps clients "go where you're treated best." We are the world's most sought-after firm for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, international diversification, and asset protection. We use legal and ethical strategies and work exclusively with seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors. We create and execute holistic, multi-jurisdictional Plans that help clients keep more of their wealth, increase their personal freedom, and protect their families and wealth against threats in their home country. No other firm offers clients access to more potential options to relocate to, bank in, or become a citizen of. Because we do not focus only on one or a handful of countries, we can offer unbiased advice where others can't. Become Our Client: https://nomadcapitalist.com/apply/ Our Website: http://www.nomadcapitalist.com/ About Our Company: https://nomadcapitalist.com/about/ Buy Mr. Henderson's Book: https://nomadcapitalist.com/book/ DISCLAIMER: The information in this episode should not be considered tax, financial, investment, or any kind of professional advice. Only a professional diagnosis of your specific situation can determine which strategies are appropriate for your needs. Nomad Capitalist can and does not provide advice unless/until engaged by you.

Doctor Solmaz Samae embodies the power of authenticity in dentistry—someone who speaks her truth with refreshing honesty. From building a successful business empire in Iran to studying dentistry in Latvia at 30, her unconventional journey reveals what happens when passion meets persistence. Now practising across multiple settings whilst building a thriving YouTube presence, Solmaz demonstrates that happiness in dentistry comes from genuinely caring about the patient experience. Her candid reflections on everything from charity work motivations to the challenges of mixed NHS-private practice offer valuable insights for dentists navigating their own paths to contentment and success.In This Episode00:01:40 - Current life satisfaction 00:02:40 - Six-pack goal and fitness routine 00:05:35 - Working across multiple practices 00:10:40 - Corporate versus independent experiences 00:16:05 - Communication versus clinical skills 00:20:15 - YouTube content creation journey 00:23:25 - Persian content and safety concerns 00:28:15 - Facial aesthetics expertise 00:31:05 - Hair loss treatments and personal experience 00:34:50 - Treatment philosophy and patient selection 00:40:45 - Blackbox thinking 00:46:35 - Turbulent journey to dentistry 00:53:50 - Business ventures in Iran 00:55:45 - Studying dentistry in Latvia 01:00:30 - Advantages and challenges of studying abroad 01:11:00 - Vision for dream practice 01:16:25 - Charity work in refugee camps 01:22:25 - Fantasy dinner party 01:24:30 - Last days and legacyAbout Solmaz SamaeDoctor Solmaz Samae is an aesthetic dentist and facial aesthetics practitioner working across multiple practices in London. After building successful businesses in Iran, she pursued dentistry at RSU in Latvia, graduating in 2018. She combines clinical practice with content creation through her Persian YouTube channel and runs a facial aesthetics clinic on Harley Street with her sisters.

In this episode, Dr. Schmidt talks with , an experts in restorative care. In the podcast, they take an engaging and highly educational look at the complexities of occlusion, the evolution of restorative philosophy, and the practical clinical tools available today. The conversation is especially valuable for clinicians who want to deepen their understanding of aesthetics and long-term restorative success. Dr. Melkers is a 1994 graduate of the Marquette University School of Dentistry and currently on faculty at Rīga Stradiņš University in Riga, Latvia and The Pankey Institute; and a lead educator for RIPEGlobal. He maintains a private clinical practice in Hanover, New Hampshire, with a focus on comprehensive adult restorative care.

Sponsor Details:This episode is brought to you by NordVPN...your gateway to online security and safe browsing. Discover your special Space Nuts discount by visiting www.nordvpn.com/spacenuts for an exclusive offer!Time Dilation, Cosmic Questions, and the Nature of SpaceIn this enlightening episode of Space Nuts, hosts Heidi Campo and Professor Fred Watson dive into a captivating array of listener questions that explore the intricacies of time, light, and the universe itself. From the mysteries of dark matter to the philosophical implications of faster-than-light travel, this episode is a treasure trove of astronomical insights.Episode Highlights:- Speed of Light and Time Dilation: The episode kicks off with a thought-provoking inquiry from Martins in Latvia about why an object traveling at the speed of light ages differently than one on Earth. Fred unpacks the concept of time dilation as described in Einstein's theory of relativity, illustrating how time behaves differently for observers in motion.- Ephemerides and Navigating Space: Art from Rochester, New York, poses a fascinating question about the navigation of rockets and the possibility of creating ephemerides for faster-than-light travel. Fred explains the significance of ephemerides in celestial navigation while addressing the theoretical challenges of faster-than-light journeys.- Galactic Colors and Time Travel: David from Munich wonders about the different colors of galaxies captured by the James Webb Telescope and the implications of traveling to these distant realms. Fred discusses redshift, the nature of light, and how our view of the universe is essentially a glimpse into the past.- Heat and Friction in Space: Daryl from South Australia asks whether objects in space produce heat as they move. Fred clarifies the role of friction in a vacuum and the conditions under which objects can generate heat through their motion.For more Space Nuts, including our continually updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.If you'd like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/aboutStay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.(00:00) Welcome to Space Nuts with Heidi Campo and Fred Watson(01:20) Discussion on time dilation and the speed of light(15:00) Navigating space with ephemerides(25:30) Exploring the colors of galaxies and time travel implications(35:00) Heat and friction in the vacuum of spaceFor commercial-free versions of Space Nuts, join us on Patreon, Supercast, Apple Podcasts, or become a supporter here: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support

John's guet this week is Field Reichardt, a political and governmental activist for decade in Western Michigan. They talk over his long term interest in the country of Poland and its leaders, especially the recent candidate for President of Poland, who lost a hotly contested runoff election. He has expanded his interest from Poland to include the Baltic countries of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. He reports on his observations and conversations with leaders of thought, media, government and culture in all of those countries after the Russian invasions of Ukraine.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National security expert and renowned geopolitical analyst Irina Tsukerman returns with sharp analysis on a week of global upheaval. From the tragic Air India incident that killed over 250 people, to rising Iran-Israel tensions, Trump's deepening legal troubles, and Russia's aggressive push in the Baltics—this episode connects urgent developments with on-ground insight from Latvia. A must-watch for those tracking global fault lines and fast-moving power shifts.About the guestIrina Tsukerman is a human rights and national security lawyer, geopolitical analyst, editor of The Washington Outsider, and president of Scarab Rising, Inc., a media and security and strategic advisory. Her writings and commentary have appeared in diverse US and international media and have been translated into over a dozen languages.Connect with Irina here:https://www.thewashingtonoutsider.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-tsukerman-4b04595/In The World According to Irina Tsukerman, we embark on a fortnightly journey into the heart of global politics. Join us as we explore the complex geopolitical landscape, delve into pressing international issues, and gain invaluable insights from Irina's expert perspective. Together, we'll empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate the intricate world of global politics. Tune in, subscribe, and embark on this enlightening journey with us.Catch up on earlier episodes in the playlist here:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt7IEKOM1t1tKItNEVaStzsqSChTCGmp6Watch all our global politics content here:https://khudaniaajay.substack.com/https://rumble.com/c/kajmasterclasshttps://www.youtube.com/@kajmasterclassPolitics==========================================

Radio International - The Ultimate Eurovision Experience is broadcast from Malta's Radio 105FM on Tuesday evenings from 2100 - 0059 hours CET. The show is broadcast live on Wednesday evenings from 1900 - 2300 hours CET on the Eurovision Radio International Mixcloud Channel as well as on the Facebook Page of Eurovision Radio International with an interactive chatroom.         AT A GLANCE - ON THE SHOW THIS WEEK  Interview with Eurovision Winner Emmelie de Forest (Denmark 2013) done at Malta Eurovision Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Interview with Kyle Alessandro (Norway 2025) done at Eurovision 2025 in Basel Interview with KAJ (Sweden 2025) done at the MancHagen Eurovision Party 2025 Interview with Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025) done at the London Eurovision Party 2025  Interview with Kurt Calleja (Malta 2012 and Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025) Eurovision Party 2025  Eurovision Spotlight: Eurovision 2025 - The Assessment with Alasdair Rendall Eurovision News with Nick van Lith from www.escXtra.com Eurovision Birthday File with David Mann Eurovision Cover Spot with David Mann Eurovision Calendar with Javier Leal New Music Releases by Eurovision Artists  Your music requests Eurovision 2013 Winner Emmelie de Forest  at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025   Interview with Eurovision Winner Emmelie de Forest (Denmark 2025): The Eurovision Song Contest 2013 came from the Malmö Arena in Sweden and neighbouring Denmark winning the contest with a young Emmelie de Forest with the song "Only Teardrops". Emmelie has been keeping active as a musician and has written many songs for herself but also other artists including Eurovision performers. She also very often gets invited to perform at the fanclub events as well as national finals. She was at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2014 and returned to Malta for a second time in the National in 2025. JP had the pleasure to conduct a catch-up interview with Emmelie de Forest you can hear on the show this week.   Kyle Alessandro (Norway 2025) with JP Interview with Kyle Alessandro (Norway 2025): Norway was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 by Kyle Alessandro with the song "Lighter" which came 18th in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Radio International Rowing Reporter Alain Forrotti had the pleasure to meet and interview Kyle Alessandro in Basel during the rehearsal week.  KAJ (Sweden 2025) Interview with KAJ (Sweden 2025): At the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 Sweden was  represented by Finnish Trio KAJ who won Sweden's Melodifestivalen with highest number of votes ever received by a Melodifestivalen Winner in the past and with that  represented Sweden at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song "Bara Bada Bastu" coming 4th in the Grand Final, although the betting odds showed Sweden with a winning chance of 50%. Radio International's Salman met and interviewed KAJ at the London Eurovision PreParty 2025. Listen to this interview on the show this week.    Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025)   Interview with Tautumeitas (Latvia 2025): Six great voices represented Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The group is called Tautumeitas and the song "Bur man laimi" successfully qualified for the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 where it reached Number 13. Radio International's Salman met the ladies at the London Eurovision PreParty 2025 for an interview which you can hear on the show this week. Kurt Calleja (Malta 2012 and Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025)   Interview with Kurt Calleja (Malta 2012 and Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025): On Sat. 08 Feb 2025 Miriana Conte and her song "Kant" (now "Serving") was selected by the jury and Maltese public to represent Malta at the Eurovision Song Contetest 2025 in Basel in May. Miriana successfully placed Malta in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest ranking 17th at the end of the voting sequence. Earlier on in February 2025, Radio International conducted interviews with all the contestants at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025 and more. This week, Radio International will broadcast an interview with Eurovision Veteran Kurt Calleja in view of his participation in the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with the song "Aziz/a" coming 8th. Kurt previously represented Malta at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 where he placed 21st with the song "This is the night".   You can watch all the interviews Radio International did at the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2025  by visiting the Radio International YouTube Channel - or check out our complete coverage of the Malta Eurovision Song Contest - click here.     The Eurovision Spotlight: The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 - The Assessment:  It is a tradition that Radio International will review the Eurovision Song Contest with the Team Members and talking about the highlights and sharing opinions on the staging of the contest. This week Alasdair Rendall will be continuing the series. Eurovision News, New Song Releases, Birthday File, Coverspot, Eurovision Calendar: Also JP will be joined by David Mann for the Eurovision Birthday File and Eurovision Coverspot.  Nick will be presenting the Eurovision News courtesy of escXtra.com. There will be a lot of the great new releases of Eurovision artists on the show as well as great Eurovision Classics. Javier will be updating us on the upcoming Eurovision events in the Eurovision Calendar and and and....   For full details of this week's Show Content and Play List - click here

Following the sermon in the Genesis series, God and His World, Tyler talks with Larry about his work and research on deception, the significance of trees, and some of his work as a missionary in Latvia. Passage: Genesis 3:1-6 If you have any questions about the sermon, fill out the form on the Church Center App.

Charlie Chaplin, Miss Piggy, grand opera spectacles and circus clowns—countless Showtime-inspired sand sculptures are emerging from the sand at the Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival in northeast Denmark. Launched in 2012 as a creative way to put the small seaside town of 8,000 on the tourist map, the Hundested Sand Sculpture Festival is now in its fourteenth year. Organizer Christian Warrer says, with so much going on in the world that is “not to laugh about,” they chose to explore a “funny” theme like Showtime. The sculptors have just days to complete their sandy masterpieces, but the festival runs till late October, so durability is key. The annual event, which opened to visitors on May 23, attracts every year an array of top international sand sculptors, from Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Latvia, the UK, the United States and more. Sixteen international artists are attending this year, most crafting two sculptures over the course of a fortnight. Italian sand sculptor Michela Ciappini, from Bologna, is finishing this graceful figure of an elderly woman mid-dance. “I imagine that now the very important person is the old generation who represent their entire life and actually our roots. So, I give them the dance and the freedom and the attention,” explains Ciappini. Elsewhere, British sand sculptor Nicola Wood is finishing this Picasso-esque strongman-themed sand sculpture. “I've just taken all the elements of a strong man, a woman, and pieced them all back together in a Picasso style, using his iconic parts,” she explains. “The weights, the strong arm, the bit of leopard print, some circus stripes, some circus lettering.” Wood says sand sculpting has evolved a lot over the past 20 years. “People are really testing the limits of sand. They're testing its capabilities. The texture, the strength of it. People are really taking it somewhere,” she adds. “People are pushing those boundaries and using sand to tell different stories and to make political messages. That's something that has definitely increased and evolved.” Over 60,000 visitors are expected to gaze on these daring creations over the festival's six-month run. This article was provided by The Associated Press.

Jūrmala is Latvia's premier resort town. Originally a series of fishing villages by the sea just a short distance from Rīga, it transformed from a 19th-century Baltic spa destination to the Soviet Union's most exclusive holiday retreat. It is still a wonderful place to relax. Join me as we explore Jūrmala's past and present. Thanks for listening!

The American dream increasingly feels like a nightmare for many – healthcare tied to employment, minimal vacation time, and a system that prioritizes profit over wellbeing. In this episode, we're focusing on one of the most popular destinations for Americans eyeing the exits - Europe - with its universal healthcare, work-life balance, and social stability. But is relocating across the Atlantic actually achievable for ordinary Americans?With approximately 1.2 million US citizens already having made Europe home, pathways exist that don't require exceptional wealth or connections – just planning, patience, and paperwork. Portugal stands out with its D7 visa requiring just $920 monthly income and offering citizenship after 5-6 years while allowing dual nationality. Spain welcomes those with remote income through its non-lucrative visa, though with higher financial requirements ($2,700/month) and a longer path to citizenship. Latvia provides perhaps the most flexible option – EU access with just one visit annually through property investment or bank deposits, ideal for those not ready to fully relocate.Beyond these front-runners, countries like Italy, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and Greece offer their own unique combinations of beauty, affordability, and bureaucratic quirks. Each presents a different lifestyle equation.The European transition requires cultural adaptation – embracing smaller living spaces, different shopping rhythms, and truly unplugging on weekends. The most successful expats approach these differences with curiosity rather than criticism, learn at least basic language skills, and integrate into communities rather than remaining in expat bubbles. This mindfulness transforms you from tourist to neighbor.Featuring:Basil ElzekiTim MartingDavid LesperanceKaren McCann Tim LeffelMatt Wilson-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

Three-time Olympian Sanita Puspure speaks with Kathleen McNamee on this week's Settle In. They look back on the highs and lows of her rowing career, the Tokyo disappointment, being a trailblazer, and her native Latvia. Settle In on Off The Ball is brought to you by Guinness 0.0 | #SetleIn

From the BBC World Service: India formally takes its dispute with the U.S. to the World Trade Organization, challenging Washington's global tariffs on cars. Then, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia work to stop Russia's fleet of illegal oil tankers from passing through the Baltic Sea. And later, students at the University of Havana in Cuba boycott classes over a sharp hike in mobile internet fees, and the Nintendo Switch 2 launches worldwide.

From the BBC World Service: India formally takes its dispute with the U.S. to the World Trade Organization, challenging Washington's global tariffs on cars. Then, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia work to stop Russia's fleet of illegal oil tankers from passing through the Baltic Sea. And later, students at the University of Havana in Cuba boycott classes over a sharp hike in mobile internet fees, and the Nintendo Switch 2 launches worldwide.

How TestDevLab's Ervins Grīnfelds Built a Global Software Testing Powerhouse Without Outside FundingOn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Ervins Grīnfelds, co-founder and co-CEO of TestDevLab, to explore the critical role of quality assurance (QA) in software development. Ervins shares how his company—launched from Latvia—has become a go-to QA partner for giants like Zoom, Microsoft, Discord, and Pinterest. This episode unpacks how smart QA practices can reduce risk, speed up development, and help businesses deliver world-class software.Why Quality Assurance Should Start on Day OneErvins explained that most companies think of QA as something to address at the end of development. But at TestDevLab, the approach is radically different: quality assurance starts at the very beginning. Integrating QA early means identifying bugs before they compound, improving user experience from the outset, and significantly lowering long-term costs. With a background leading mobile development teams at Microsoft's Skype, Ervins knows firsthand how missed bugs can affect product success and customer trust.Ervins also discussed how modern QA isn't just about functionality. It's about legal compliance (especially accessibility standards), performance optimization across devices, and ensuring high standards in today's AI-infused tech environment. With AI now playing a growing role in software development and testing, TestDevLab incorporates machine learning tools—but never loses sight of the human element. Their hybrid approach blends automation and manual expertise for reliable results.Another theme was scaling without outside funding. TestDevLab has grown to more than 500 employees and over 10 offices across Europe—all without a dollar of venture capital. Ervins offered his philosophy: build something valuable, prove its worth, and let great service drive sustainable growth.About Ervins GrīnfeldsErvins Grīnfelds is the co-founder and co-CEO of TestDevLab. A former engineering manager at Microsoft, where he led Skype mobile development teams, Ervins brings deep insight into building scalable, high-quality tech services. He is passionate about delivering reliable software solutions through a blend of trust, rigorous testing, and technical innovation.About TestDevLabTestDevLab is a leading software quality assurance company trusted by global tech giants including Zoom, Discord, Microsoft, Pinterest, and Twilio. Based in Latvia with 10+ offices across Europe, the company specializes in test automation, continuous testing, and custom QA solutions to accelerate development cycles and ensure top-tier product quality.Links Mentioned in this EpisodeTestDevLab WebsiteErvins Grīnfelds on LinkedInEpisode HighlightsWhy software QA is like insurance for your productHow TestDevLab scaled to 500+ employees without fundingThe hidden cost of skipping early-stage QAWhat it takes to win enterprise clients like Zoom and MicrosoftThe future of QA in an AI-driven development landscapeConclusionErvins Grīnfelds gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how one of Europe's fastest-growing software QA companies is helping developers ship better software, faster. His story is a lesson in long-term thinking, strategic growth, and the value of starting with quality from day one. Whether you're a startup founder or a CTO at a scaling tech company, this episode is a...

"Once it clicks, you have sweet epiphany." In the dingy dark hallway of an asylum or prison, two men are struggling in a battle of life or death. One man is writhing on the ground while the other has something wrapped around his throat. The art is captivating and gothic, verging on grotesque, and they're animated in an unsettling way. The movement suggests a moment caught in time. We, as investigators, are tasked with uncovering the sequence of events behind this story. The Rise of the Golden Idol is a mystery-solving, narrative-driven game, and the gameplay truly makes the players feel like detectives investigating the scene of a crime. You hear from suspects, examine the evidence and search crime scenes for clues. The story itself is twisty and fantastical, and feels almost impossible to solve at first until you start pulling at threads. There is a deep satisfaction to solving the puzzles and creating order from the chaos. Brothers Andrejs Klavins and Ernests Klavins of Color Gray Games join us all the way from Latvia to talk about creating this popular series of games. I really enjoyed hearing about the changes they made from The Case of the Golden Idol when developing the sequel, and how to fine-tune difficulty in these types of mystery games. I was also especially impressed to hear that these games are written in English, which is not their native language. If you love escape rooms, puzzle games, or solving investigative mysteries, I highly recommend you check out The Case of the Golden Idol and The Rise of the Golden Idol.     Episode Sponsors Thank you to our sponsors: Weldwood Marketing, Buzzshot, COGS by Clockwork Dog, and Patreon supporters like you.    Weldwood Marketing Maximize your online presence with Weldwood Marketing. It's a one-stop shop for digital marketing—specializing in web design, SEO, online ads, and best business practices. They can even manage all your integrations so you can track the customer journey from clicking on an ad to booking your game. Let Weldwood help unlock more money for your business. Special offer exclusively for REPOD listeners: Weldwood rarely offers discounts, but they did for us. REPOD listeners get 15% off Marketing Services for the first 3 months, PLUS $750 off escape room websites. Schedule your Discovery Call and mention REPOD in the notes! Visit weldwoodmarketing.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   Buzzshot Buzzshot is Escape Room Software, Powering Business Growth, Player Marketing, and improving the Customer Experience. They offer an assortment of pre and post game features including robust waiver management, branded team photos, and streamlined review management for Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and Morty. Buzzshot now has integration with the other REPOD sponsors: Morty and COGS. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners get an extended 21-day free trial plus 20% off your first 3 months, with no set-up fees or hidden charges. Visit buzzshot.com/repod to learn more about this exclusive offer.   COGS COGS by Clockwork Dog is an easy to use software/ hardware platform for running interactive events, including escape rooms, and other immersive experiences. They have plug & play hardware that seamlessly integrates with their software so you can create a show with lighting and sound cues without having to write a single line of code. Map all kinds of inputs to outputs by building up simple logic steps which determine what you want to happen and when. Special Offer for REPOD Listeners: REPOD listeners can get the COGS Starter Set for only $130 + free shipping to the USA. This bundle is usually valued at $257. You can learn more and purchase your Starter Set at cogs.show. Use code REPOD at checkout.   Become a Patron Today! Supporitng us on Patreon helps to fund our work, pay our team, and it grants you access to an incredible library of bonus content including:  The REPOD Bonus Show The Spoilers Club The Travelogue Series Thank you to all of our ongoing supporters

Star of The Serpent and the upcoming Kate Moss biopic Ellie Bamber joins Tanya Rose to share her travel secrets this week.In this episode, Ellie shares why Rome is her number one travel destination, how Latvia completely exceeded her expectations and why embracing the local cuisine is the best way to experience a new city. Plus, Ellie reveals her poignant travel memory of a cast trip to the Maldives and how she was taught to cook by a MasterChef winner in Thailand…Don't forget to follow @travelsecretsthepodcast and remember, you can watch all of our episodes on YouTube.Places mentioned:Portrait Roma Hotel, Rome, ItalyRhinoceros Roma Hotel, Rome, ItalyRoscioli, Rome, ItalyCiao Restorante, Rome, ItalyWaiheke Island, New ZealandBangkok, ThailandVilla Mabrouka, Tangier, MoroccoSoho House Istanbul, TurkeySomalisa Safari Camp, ZimbabweRoses, SpainLa Colombe d'Or Hotel, FranceMaldives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on MYTH, it's time for another exciting chapter from the chronicles of Lacplesis the Bearslayer.  You'll learn that God is a thief, that the Devil is extremely jealous, and that humans used to only have one eye. Then, in Gods and Monsters, hostilities are about to erupt in the Silly Goose War. Source: Latvian Mythology

ESC 2025 is now firmly in the history books, but who wins the coveted Euro Neuro Award for Biggest Disconnect Between Staging and Song? That's a question only the Eurovangies can answer, as the Eurovangelists award a number of songs in a wide variety of categories both serious and not. Jeremy's happy with the number of accordions this year, Dimitry does everything he can to not smash the Albania button, and Oscar explains the dictionary definition of costume.We highly recommend you watch the Grand Final before listening to this ep; the best audio quality can be found on the Swedish broadcaster's website: https://www.svtplay.se/video/8rQdwrw/eurovision-song-contest/finalThis week's companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/387ByHYLiIOc75IQy1QYGT?si=574e9e6a82804be2 The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!

When we talk about travel nightmares, we often picture what lurks outside - dark alleys, strangers with bad intentions, stories that begin with a missed train or a wrong run. But sometimes… the danger is already inside. Today, we're opening the door on something even more haunting: fire.  Sudden. Consuming, Unforgiving. Because for some travelers, the scariest part of their journey wasn't a distant unknown - it was their bed. Their room. The place they thought they were safest. In this episode, we're telling the stories of four devastating hostel fires: The Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel in Australia, where young backpackers from around the world came chasing sunshine and freedom - and never made it home. The Downunder Hostel fire in Sydney, Australia - where a broken alarm system and locked exits turned a simple stay into a fatal trap. A fire in Riga, Latvia - swift and deadly - inside an illegal hostel that should never have been open at all. And the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington, New Zealand, where residents living in budget rooms were left scrambling for their lives in the early hours of the morning. Each of these stories is different. But they all ask the same, terrifying question: What happens when your escape route disappears?This isn't about fear. It's about awareness. Because travel should feel like possibility, not risk.  Hostels should be spaces of laughter and late-night stories - not loss.So stay with me, as we retrace the final hours inside these hostels. We'll ask what went wrong… and what we can learn from the people who never got the chance to check out. Do you have a story to share? Send your email to lasttrippodcast@gmail.com We're on YouTube with full video: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLastTripPodcast Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/thelasttripcrimepod/ And join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheLastTripPodcast Listen to this week's podcast recommendation, A Scary State Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-scary-state/id1562755130   Theme Music by Roger Allen Dexter Sources: https://www.smh.com.au/national/childers-danger-known-say-families-20030620-gdgyl4.html https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/backpackers-unlawfully-killed-hostel-fire-2265489 https://thewest.com.au/news/australia/survivors-remember-childers-fire-a-decade-on-ng-ya-207764 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-02/childers-backpacker-hostel-killer-has-parole-bid-rejected/13114808 https://www.smh.com.au/national/childers-hostel-blaze-survivors-want-psychopath-killer-to-die-behind-bars-20200604-p54zj6.html https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2000/06/fire-j30.html https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/1387948/Loner-found-guilty-of-hostel-arson-murders.html https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1243&dat=19890917&id=yNE9AAAAIBAJ&sjid=B4cDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4507,2248979 https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/a-tragic-toll-building-fires-in-australia/news-story/647ba30dc34a6d279f392a2f18bb2851 https://www.iklimnet.com/hotelfires/case19.html https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/latvia-fire-riga-hostel-fire-kills-eight-people-b932170.html https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/fire-illegal-riga-tourist-hostel-kills-eight-injures-nine-2021-04-28/ https://www.baltictimes.com/eight_people_die_in_fire_in_downtown_riga_hostel/ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/wellington-hostel-fire-hearse-arrives-as-police-recover-first-body/P4WWETXKSVEHXCPGJEFHCQQT34/ https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/300879640/wellington-fatal-hostel-fire-what-is-loafers-lodge https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/16/wellington-hostel-fire-multiple-people-dead-in-new-zealand-blaze https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/490033/loafers-lodge-had-a-building-wof-but-what-exactly-does-that-mean https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/why-loafers-lodge-didnt-have-sprinklers-and-wellington-firefighters-fears-over-ageing-trucks/UJ6L4RSWHBDIRKQ7OYDSFCZRSU/

Sir Isaiah Berlin was one of the 20th century's most influential British philosophers and political theorists. He was born in 1909 in Rīga, Latvia, and his childhood had a lasting influence on his life and academic work. We explore Sir Isaiah's connections to Rīga with some interesting, relatively unknown stories.  Thanks for listening!

Martins from Gravity Team joins Sam to discuss the evolution of market making in Web3. Starting as a prop trading desk in 2017, Gravity now trades 1% of all spot crypto volume, provides liquidity to token projects, and invests in Web3 infrastructure. Martins explains what founders should look for in a market maker, why stablecoins and payments are the next wave, and how Gravity is building a global trading platform with offices from Latvia to Singapore.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Martins from Gravity Team and outlines the episode's topics. [00:01:00] Origin Story: Martins shares how he discovered Bitcoin in 2017 and launched a trading desk. [00:02:00] Early Arbitrage: Realizing inefficiencies in the Thai crypto market sparked Gravity's beginning. [00:04:00] What is Gravity: Martins explains Gravity's transition from prop trading to market making and investments. [00:05:30] Differentiator: Gravity's strength lies in bridging Web2 ↔ Web3 through tech-driven liquidity services. [00:06:30] Market Making 101: Why projects need market makers and what they should look for. [00:09:00] One-Stop Shop: Gravity offers OTC, treasury, and even investment—beyond just spreads. [00:11:00] Regulation Shift: Why 2025 will mark the rise of stablecoins and Web3 payment rails. [00:14:00] Prop Trading Arm: Gravity still runs HFT strategies, not just market making for clients. [00:16:00] Investment Focus: Gravity's criteria for backing projects like Cookie3 and Usual Labs. [00:18:00] Strategic Synergies: Gravity looks to invest in other trading teams and infrastructure. [00:19:30] Key Trends: The stablecoin surge and institutional interest in payments. [00:20:30] Infrastructure Gap: Web3 needs a “Stripe for stablecoins” to reach mass adoption. [00:21:00] Biggest Lesson: Martins would've scaled faster and taken more risk early on. [00:23:00] Managing Risk: Why mission-aligned strategies beat short-term gains. [00:25:00] Final Ask: Gravity is hiring globally, investing in trading talent, and open to partnerships.Connecthttps://gravityteam.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gravity-team-ltd/https://www.linkedin.com/in/martins-benkitis/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/

This savoury treat has its origins in pagan Europe and dates back to a time where each ingredient symbolized abundance and prosperity. It's a dish with similarities to other countries, by name and ingredients, but there's no true comparison to Latvia's version.  Filled with smoked meat, onions and a little seasoning, this simple dish a certainty on Christmas eve tables.  We're exploring the history and origins of piragi. Festive Foreign Film Fans: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/festive-foreign-film-fans Website: https://www.seasonseatingspodcast.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasonseatingspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasonseatingspod Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seasonseatpod.bsky.social Email: seasonseatingspodcast@gmail.com Youtube: https://youtube.com/@seasonseatings Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/seasonseatings

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia know their borders may be the next front for Russian aggression. They do not want to deploy mines and razor wire—but they must. Our correspondent visits the American city of Baltimore to investigate a national drop in violent crime (9:46). And a sweeping new biography of Mark Twain, who created a uniquely American style of fiction (17:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia know their borders may be the next front for Russian aggression. They do not want to deploy mines and razor wire—but they must. Our correspondent visits the American city of Baltimore to investigate a national drop in violent crime (9:46). And a sweeping new biography of Mark Twain, who created a uniquely American style of fiction (17:19).Get a world of insights by subscribing to Economist Podcasts+. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Our time in Switzerland is over, and a new Eurovision winner has hoisted the glass microphone! We talk through all performances from the Grand Final and those that didn't make it from Semi 2, as well as break down the voting from this year's contest. Jeremy votes in Eurovision for the first time ever, Dimitry finally gets the better of Stefan Raab, and Oscar celebrates JJ, wasted love or not. Watch the Grand Final and the Semis on SVT Play: https://www.svtplay.se/video/8rQdwrw/eurovision-song-contest/final?video=visaThis week's companion playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6PTGP49h5yyjxJ6TWYPMWs The Eurovangelists are Jeremy Bent, Oscar Montoya and Dimitry Pompée.The theme was arranged and recorded by Cody McCorry and Faye Fadem, and the logo was designed by Tom Deja.Production support for this show was provided by the Maximum Fun network.The show is edited by Jeremy Bent with audio mixing help was courtesy of Shane O'Connell.Find Eurovangelists on social media as @eurovangelists on Instagram and @eurovangelists.com on Bluesky, or send us an email at eurovangelists@gmail.com. Head to https://maxfunstore.com/collections/eurovangelists for Eurovangelists merch. Also follow the Eurovangelists account on Spotify and check out our playlists of Eurovision hits, competitors in upcoming national finals, and companion playlists to every single episode, including this one!

It's a massive week in the history of MT Melsungen as they compete for a European League title this weekend in Hamburg, then head to Berlin for a Bundesliga title eliminator on Thursday, so who better to speak about it than their biggest man - Dainis Krištopāns. We speak to Dainis about his unusual journey in handball, from Latvia via Slovakia, his development as an all-round player, the greatest weekend with Vardar in 2019 and why his inner-underdog led him to his current home in Melsungen. We also look forward to the title run-in in Germany and this weekend's EHF Finals, where Melsungen take on Flensburg, Montpellier and Kiel.  

These days, with everyone multitasking and constantly plugged in, real connection can feel rare. But what if the key to resilience and healthy relationships wasn't about talking more, but listening better? In a world filled with noise, distraction, and division, could the simple act of truly listening be the key to deeper connection, better mental health, and greater understanding—even across opposing viewpoints? In this powerful and timely episode, Chester and Adrian are joined by journalist and workplace mediator Emily Kasriel, whose upcoming book, Deep Listening, explores how we can transform our relationships by listening not just to others—but also to ourselves.Emily shares her 8-step method rooted in science and real-world examples—from Nelson Mandela's reconciliation efforts to Indigenous listening rituals—showing how active listening can ease anxiety, bridge divides, and foster psychological safety at work and at home.What You'll Learn:Why deep listening is a radical act in today's distracted worldHow leaders can balance empathy and efficiency in the workplaceThe surprising benefits of listening to your "foes"How self-reflection and curiosity make you a better listenerWhy listening ≠ agreement—and how to hold boundaries while staying presentA real-world story from Latvia that illustrates deep listening's power in divided communitiesNotable Quotes:“We rarely listen to understand. We listen to respond.” – Emily Kasriel “Listening does not signal agreement. It signals respect.” – Emily Kasriel “Being curious is the gateway to empathy and connection.” – Adrian GostickSupport the showFor a weekly dose of gratitude from Chester Elton, text GRATITUDE to 908-460-2820.Until next week, we hope you find peace & calm in a world that often is a sea of anxiety.If you love this podcast, please share it and leave a 5-star rating! If you feel inspired, we invite you to come on over to The Culture Works where we share resources and tools for you to build a high-performing culture where you work.Your hosts, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton have spent over two decades helping clients around the world engage their employees on strategy, vision and values. They provide real solutions for leaders looking to manage change, drive innovation and build high performance cultures and teams. They are authors of award-winning Wall Street Journal & New York Times bestsellers All In, The Carrot Principle, Leading with Gratitude, & Anxiety at Work. Their books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold more than 1.5 million copies. Visit The Culture Works for a free Chapter 1 download of Anxiety at Work.Learn more about their Executive Coaching at The Cultur...

BBC Defence Correspondent Jonathan Beale speaks to Dovilė Šakalienė, Lithuania's Defence Minister.The Baltic nation, along with its neighbours Latvia and Estonia, share a border with Russia, and have nervously watched the invasion of Ukraine, fearing they could be next.All three countries have had turbulent relationships with their much larger neighbour, Russia. They were annexed by the Soviet Union during the Second World War, and were subject to decades of rule from Moscow up until the end of the Cold War.In 2004, Lithuania joined both the European Union and NATO, and just over a decade later, adopted the Euro as its currency. But despite looking westwards, the country has always kept one eye on developments over its eastern border in Russia.Russia's annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014 set off alarm bells in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, and when the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia began in 2022, Lithuania and its neighbours began fearing - and preparing - for the worst.The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Presenter: Jonathan Beale Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Ep 441, pt 3: Discussing Jeremy Swayman's 2 starts for USA and Dans Locmelis's production for Latvia. Plus, what kind of player could Locmelis be as a pro? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I share my conversation with Roberts Rurans, a Latvia-based illustrator who creates all his work using traditional materials — literally painting his images with acrylics. When Roberts talks about his brushes, he means the actual ones lying on his table, not virtual tools in a menu! His process is physical, full of quirks, accidents, and unexpected moments — and yet, his work feels fresh and totally at home in today's digital illustration landscape.Roberts has worked with clients like Hermès, Nike, Apple, and Coca-Cola, but his artistic integrity shines through no matter the project. In our conversation, we talk about evolving your style, the tension between old and new work, the difference between art and design, and what it's really like to work 100% analog in a mostly digital world.Toward the end, Roberts answers questions submitted by my Patreon supporters — including whether he secretly uses any digital tools (you'll have to listen to find out). I wrap things up with some community notes and another “Embarrassing Story of the Episode,” featuring me, a trail run, some hikers caught unawares, and a well-placed band-aid.IN THIS EPISODEHow Roberts Rurans keeps his fully analog style feeling freshThoughts on evolving your style without disowning the pastThe line between art and design in illustrationAnalog tools vs. digital tools — which gives you the edge?PLUS - Embarrassing Moment of the Episode: Shirtless in the ForestSHOW LINKSRoberts Rurans on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/robertsruransRoberts's website – https://www.robertsrurans.comHOW TO SUPPORTShare this episode with your friends!Like/Subscribe/Follow/Comment/ReviewBecome a $3 Supporter or $8 Drawing Buddy on Patreon. Visit http://patreon.com/tomfroese to learn more.BECOME A DRAWING BUDDYLive, monthly Draw With Me meetupsAll past DWMs available as replaysExclusive access to the DWM Discord Serverhttp://patreon.com/tomfroeseFIND ME ELSEWHEREWork and Classes - http://www.tomfroese.comInstagram - http://www.instagram.com/mrtomfroeseDaily Drawings - http://www.instagram.com/drawingisimportantCREDITSMusic and Cues by Mark Allan Falk - http://www.linktr.ee/semiathletic