Podcasts about Lisbon

So what, exactly, was “The Enlightenment”? According to the Princeton historian David A. Bell, it was an intellectual movement roughly spanning the early 18th century through to the French Revolution. In his Spring 2025 Liberties Quarterly piece “The Enlightenment, Then and Now”, Bell charts the Enlightenment as a complex intellectual movement centered in Paris but with hubs across Europe and America. He highlights key figures like Montesquieu, Voltaire, Kant, and Franklin, discussing their contributions to concepts of religious tolerance, free speech, and rationality. In our conversation, Bell addresses criticisms of the Enlightenment, including its complicated relationship with colonialism and slavery, while arguing that its principles of freedom and reason remain relevant today. 5 Key Takeaways* The Enlightenment emerged in the early 18th century (around 1720s) and was characterized by intellectual inquiry, skepticism toward religion, and a growing sense among thinkers that they were living in an "enlightened century."* While Paris was the central hub, the Enlightenment had multiple centers including Scotland, Germany, and America, with thinkers like Voltaire, Rousseau, Kant, Hume, and Franklin contributing to its development.* The Enlightenment introduced the concept of "society" as a sphere of human existence separate from religion and politics, forming the basis of modern social sciences.* The movement had a complex relationship with colonialism and slavery - many Enlightenment thinkers criticized slavery, but some of their ideas about human progress were later used to justify imperialism.* According to Bell, rather than trying to "return to the Enlightenment," modern society should selectively adopt and adapt its valuable principles of free speech, religious tolerance, and education to create our "own Enlightenment."David Avrom Bell is a historian of early modern and modern Europe at Princeton University. His most recent book, published in 2020 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, is Men on Horseback: The Power of Charisma in the Age of Revolution. Described in the Journal of Modern History as an "instant classic," it is available in paperback from Picador, in French translation from Fayard, and in Italian translation from Viella. A study of how new forms of political charisma arose in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the book shows that charismatic authoritarianism is as modern a political form as liberal democracy, and shares many of the same origins. Based on exhaustive research in original sources, the book includes case studies of the careers of George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Toussaint Louverture and Simon Bolivar. The book's Introduction can be read here. An online conversation about the book with Annette Gordon-Reed, hosted by the Cullman Center of the New York Public Library, can be viewed here. Links to material about the book, including reviews in The New York Review of Books, The Guardian, Harper's, The New Republic, The Nation, Le Monde, The Los Angeles Review of Books and other venues can be found here. Bell is also the author of six previous books. He has published academic articles in both English and French and contributes regularly to general interest publications on a variety of subjects, ranging from modern warfare, to contemporary French politics, to the impact of digital technology on learning and scholarship, and of course French history. A list of his publications from 2023 and 2024 can be found here. His Substack newsletter can be found here. His writings have been translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Hebrew, Swedish, Polish, Russian, German, Croatian, Italian, Turkish and Japanese. At the History Department at Princeton University, he holds the Sidney and Ruth Lapidus Chair in the Era of North Atlantic Revolutions, and offers courses on early modern Europe, on military history, and on the early modern French empire. Previously, he spent fourteen years at Johns Hopkins University, including three as Dean of Faculty in its School of Arts and Sciences. From 2020 to 2024 he served as Director of the Shelby Cullom Davis Center for Historical Studies at Princeton. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a corresponding fellow of the British Academy. Bell's new project is a history of the Enlightenment. A preliminary article from the project was published in early 2022 by Modern Intellectual History. Another is now out in French History.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. FULL TRANSCRIPTAndrew Keen: Hello everybody, in these supposedly dark times, the E word comes up a lot, the Enlightenment. Are we at the end of the Enlightenment or the beginning? Was there even an Enlightenment? My guest today, David Bell, a professor of history, very distinguished professor of history at Princeton University, has an interesting piece in the spring issue of It is One of our, our favorite quarterlies here on Keen on America, Bell's piece is The Enlightenment Then and Now, and David is joining us from the home of the Enlightenment, perhaps Paris in France, where he's on sabbatical hard life. David being an academic these days, isn't it?David Bell: Very difficult. I'm having to suffer the Parisian bread and croissant. It's terrible.Andrew Keen: Yeah. Well, I won't keep you too long. Is Paris then, or France? Is it the home of the Enlightenment? I know there are many Enlightenments, the French, the Scottish, maybe even the English, perhaps even the American.David Bell: It's certainly one of the homes of the Enlightenment, and it's probably the closest that the Enlightened had to a center, absolutely. But as you say, there were Edinburgh, Glasgow, plenty of places in Germany, Philadelphia, all those places have good claims to being centers of the enlightenment as well.Andrew Keen: All the same David, is it like one of those sports games in California where everyone gets a medal?David Bell: Well, they're different metals, right, but I think certainly Paris is where everybody went. I mean, if you look at the figures from the German Enlightenment, from the Scottish Enlightenment from the American Enlightenment they all tended to congregate in Paris and the Parisians didn't tend to go anywhere else unless they were forced to. So that gives you a pretty good sense of where the most important center was.Andrew Keen: So David, before we get to specifics, map out for us, because everyone is perhaps as familiar or comfortable with the history of the Enlightenment, and certainly as you are. When did it happen? What years? And who are the leaders of this thing called the Enlightenment?David Bell: Well, that's a big question. And I'm afraid, of course, that if you ask 10 historians, you'll get 10 different answers.Andrew Keen: Well, I'm only asking you, so I only want one answer.David Bell: So I would say that the Enlightenment really gets going around the first couple of decades of the 18th century. And that's when people really start to think that they are actually living in what they start to call an Enlightenment century. There are a lot of reasons for this. They are seeing what we now call the scientific revolution. They're looking at the progress that has been made with that. They are experiencing the changes in the religious sphere, including the end of religious wars, coming with a great deal of skepticism about religion. They are living in a relative period of peace where they're able to speculate much more broadly and daringly than before. But it's really in those first couple of decades that they start thinking of themselves as living in an enlightened century. They start defining themselves as something that would later be called the enlightenment. So I would say that it's, really, really there between maybe the end of the 17th century and 1720s that it really gets started.Andrew Keen: So let's have some names, David, of philosophers, I guess. I mean, if those are the right words. I know that there was a term in French. There is a term called philosoph. Were they the founders, the leaders of the Enlightenment?David Bell: Well, there is a... Again, I don't want to descend into academic quibbling here, but there were lots of leaders. Let me give an example, though. So the year 1721 is a remarkable year. So in the year, 1721, two amazing events happened within a couple of months of each other. So in May, Montesquieu, one of the great philosophers by any definition, publishes his novel called Persian Letters. And this is an incredible novel. Still, I think one of greatest novels ever written, and it's very daring. It is the account, it is supposedly a an account written by two Persian travelers to Europe who are writing back to people in Isfahan about what they're seeing. And it is very critical of French society. It is very of religion. It is, as I said, very daring philosophically. It is a product in part of the increasing contact between Europe and the rest of the world that is also very central to the Enlightenment. So that novel comes out. So it's immediately, you know, the police try to suppress it. But they don't have much success because it's incredibly popular and Montesquieu doesn't suffer any particular problems because...Andrew Keen: And the French police have never been the most efficient police force in the world, have they?David Bell: Oh, they could be, but not in this case. And then two months later, after Montesquieu published this novel, there's a German philosopher much less well-known than Montesqiu, than Christian Bolz, who is a professor at the Universität Haller in Prussia, and he gives an oration in Latin, a very typical university oration for the time, about Chinese philosophy, in which he says that the Chinese have sort of proved to the world, particularly through the writings of Confucius and others, that you can have a virtuous society without religion. Obviously very controversial. Statement for the time it actually gets him fired from his job, he has to leave the Kingdom of Prussia within 48 hours on penalty of death, starts an enormous controversy. But here are two events, both of which involving non-European people, involving the way in which Europeans are starting to look out at the rest of the world and starting to imagine Europe as just one part of a larger humanity, and at the same time they are starting to speculate very daringly about whether you can have. You know, what it means to have a society, do you need to have religion in order to have morality in society? Do you need the proper, what kind of government do you need to to have virtuous conduct and a proper society? So all of these things get, you know, really crystallize, I think, around these two incidents as much as anything. So if I had to pick a single date for when the enlightenment starts, I'd probably pick that 1721.Andrew Keen: And when was, David, I thought you were going to tell me about the earthquake in Lisbon, when was that earthquake?David Bell: That earthquake comes quite a bit later. That comes, and now historians should be better with dates than I am. It's in the 1750s, I think it's the late 1750's. Again, this historian is proving he's getting a very bad grade for forgetting the exact date, but it's in 1750. So that's a different kind of event, which sparks off a great deal of commentary, because it's a terrible earthquake. It destroys most of the city of Lisbon, it destroys other cities throughout Portugal, and it leads a lot of the philosophy to philosophers at the time to be speculating very daringly again on whether there is any kind of real purpose to the universe and whether there's any kind divine purpose. Why would such a terrible thing happen? Why would God do such a thing to his followers? And certainly VoltaireAndrew Keen: Yeah, Votav, of course, comes to mind of questioning.David Bell: And Condit, Voltaire's novel Condit gives a very good description of the earthquake in Lisbon and uses that as a centerpiece. Voltair also read other things about the earthquake, a poem about Lisbon earthquake. But in Condit he gives a lasting, very scathing portrait of the Catholic Church in general and then of what happens in Portugal. And so the Lisbon Earthquake is certainly another one of the events, but it happens considerably later. Really in the middle of the end of life.Andrew Keen: So, David, you believe in this idea of the Enlightenment. I take your point that there are more than one Enlightenment in more than one center, but in broad historical terms, the 18th century could be defined at least in Western and Northern Europe as the period of the Enlightenment, would that be a fair generalization?David Bell: I think it's perfectly fair generalization. Of course, there are historians who say that it never happened. There's a conservative British historian, J.C.D. Clark, who published a book last summer, saying that the Enlightenment is a kind of myth, that there was a lot of intellectual activity in Europe, obviously, but that the idea that it formed a coherent Enlightenment was really invented in the 20th century by a bunch of progressive reformers who wanted to claim a kind of venerable and august pedigree for their own reform, liberal reform plans. I think that's an exaggeration. People in the 18th century defined very clearly what was going on, both people who were in favor of it and people who are against it. And while you can, if you look very closely at it, of course it gets a bit fuzzy. Of course it's gets, there's no single, you can't define a single enlightenment project or a single enlightened ideology. But then, I think people would be hard pressed to define any intellectual movement. You know, in perfect, incoherent terms. So the enlightenment is, you know by compared with almost any other intellectual movement certainly existed.Andrew Keen: In terms of a philosophy of the Enlightenment, the German thinker, Immanuel Kant, seems to be often, and when you describe him as the conscience or the brain or a mixture of the conscience and brain of the enlightenment, why is Kant and Kantian thinking so important in the development of the Enlightenment.David Bell: Well, that's a really interesting question. And one reason is because most of the Enlightenment was not very rigorously philosophical. A lot of the major figures of the enlightenment before Kant tended to be writing for a general public. And they often were writing with a very specific agenda. We look at Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau. Now you look at Adam Smith in Scotland. We look David Hume or Adam Ferguson. You look at Benjamin Franklin in the United States. These people wrote in all sorts of different genres. They wrote in, they wrote all sorts of different kinds of books. They have many different purposes and very few of them did a lot of what we would call rigorous academic philosophy. And Kant was different. Kant was very much an academic philosopher. Kant was nothing if not rigorous. He came at the end of the enlightenment by most people's measure. He wrote these very, very difficult, very rigorous, very brilliant works, such as The Creek of Pure Reason. And so, it's certainly been the case that people who wanted to describe the Enlightenment as a philosophy have tended to look to Kant. So for example, there's a great German philosopher and intellectual historian of the early 20th century named Ernst Kassirer, who had to leave Germany because of the Nazis. And he wrote a great book called The Philosophy of the Enlightened. And that leads directly to Immanuel Kant. And of course, Casir himself was a Kantian, identified with Kant. And so he wanted to make Kant, in a sense, the telos, the end point, the culmination, the fulfillment of the Enlightenment. But so I think that's why Kant has such a particularly important position. You're defining it both ways.Andrew Keen: I've always struggled to understand what Kant was trying to say. I'm certainly not alone there. Might it be fair to say that he was trying to transform the universe and certainly traditional Christian notions into the Enlightenment, so the entire universe, the world, God, whatever that means, that they were all somehow according to Kant enlightened.David Bell: Well, I think that I'm certainly no expert on Immanuel Kant. And I would say that he is trying to, I mean, his major philosophical works are trying to put together a system of philosophical thinking which will justify why people have to act morally, why people act rationally, without the need for Christian revelation to bolster them. That's a very, very crude and reductionist way of putting it, but that's essentially at the heart of it. At the same time, Kant was very much aware of his own place in history. So Kant didn't simply write these very difficult, thick, dense philosophical works. He also wrote things that were more like journalism or like tablets. He wrote a famous essay called What is Enlightenment? And in that, he said that the 18th century was the period in which humankind was simply beginning to. Reach a period of enlightenment. And he said, he starts the essay by saying, this is the period when humankind is being released from its self-imposed tutelage. And we are still, and he said we do not yet live in the midst of a completely enlightened century, but we are getting there. We are living in a century that is enlightening.Andrew Keen: So the seeds, the seeds of Hegel and maybe even Marx are incant in that German thinking, that historical thinking.David Bell: In some ways, in some ways of course Hegel very much reacts against Kant and so and then Marx reacts against Hegel. So it's not exactly.Andrew Keen: Well, that's the dialectic, isn't it, David?David Bell: A simple easy path from one to the other, no, but Hegel is unimaginable without Kant of course and Marx is unimagineable without Hegel.Andrew Keen: You note that Kant represents a shift in some ways into the university and the walls of the universities were going up, and that some of the other figures associated with the the Enlightenment and Scottish Enlightenment, human and Smith and the French Enlightenment Voltaire and the others, they were more generalist writers. Should we be nostalgic for the pre-university period in the Enlightenment, or? Did things start getting serious once the heavyweights, the academic heavyweighs like Emmanuel Kant got into this thing?David Bell: I think it depends on where we're talking about. I mean, Adam Smith was a professor at Glasgow in Edinburgh, so Smith, the Scottish Enlightenment was definitely at least partly in the universities. The German Enlightenment took place very heavily in universities. Christian Vodafoy I just mentioned was the most important German philosopher of the 18th century before Kant, and he had positions in university. Even the French university system, for a while, what's interesting about the French University system, particularly the Sorbonne, which was the theology faculty, It was that. Throughout the first half of the 18th century, there were very vigorous, very interesting philosophical debates going on there, in which the people there, particularly even Jesuits there, were very open to a lot of the ideas we now call enlightenment. They were reading John Locke, they were reading Mel Pench, they were read Dekalb. What happened though in the French universities was that as more daring stuff was getting published elsewhere. Church, the Catholic Church, started to say, all right, these philosophers, these philosophies, these are our enemies, these are people we have to get at. And so at that point, anybody who was in the university, who was still in dialog with these people was basically purged. And the universities became much less interesting after that. But to come back to your question, I do think that I am very nostalgic for that period. I think that the Enlightenment was an extraordinary period, because if you look between. In the 17th century, not all, but a great deal of the most interesting intellectual work is happening in the so-called Republic of Letters. It's happening in Latin language. It is happening on a very small circle of RUD, of scholars. By the 19th century following Kant and Hegel and then the birth of the research university in Germany, which is copied everywhere, philosophy and the most advanced thinking goes back into the university. And the 18th century, particularly in France, I will say, is a time when the most advanced thought is being written for a general public. It is being in the form of novels, of dialogs, of stories, of reference works, and it is very, very accessible. The most profound thought of the West has never been as accessible overall as in the 18 century.Andrew Keen: Again, excuse this question, it might seem a bit naive, but there's a lot of pre-Enlightenment work, books, thinking that we read now that's very accessible from Erasmus and Thomas More to Machiavelli. Why weren't characters like, or are characters like Erasmuus, More's Utopia, Machiavell's prints and discourses, why aren't they considered part of the Enlightenment? What's the difference between? Enlightened thinkers or the supposedly enlightened thinkers of the 18th century and thinkers and writers of the 16th and 17th centuries.David Bell: That's a good question, you know, I think you have to, you, you know, again, one has to draw a line somewhere. That's not a very good answer, of course. All these people that you just mentioned are, in one way or another, predecessors to the Enlightenment. And of course, there were lots of people. I don't mean to say that nobody wrote in an accessible way before 1700. Obviously, lots of the people you mentioned did. Although a lot of them originally wrote in Latin, Erasmus, also Thomas More. But I think what makes the Enlightened different is that you have, again, you have a sense. These people have have a sense that they are themselves engaged in a collective project, that it is a collective project of enlightenment, of enlightening the world. They believe that they live in a century of progress. And there are certain principles. They don't agree on everything by any means. The philosophy of enlightenment is like nothing more than ripping each other to shreds, like any decent group of intellectuals. But that said, they generally did believe That people needed to have freedom of speech. They believed that you needed to have toleration of different religions. They believed in education and the need for a broadly educated public that could be as broad as possible. They generally believed in keeping religion out of the public sphere as much as possible, so all those principles came together into a program that we can consider at least a kind of... You know, not that everybody read it at every moment by any means, but there is an identifiable enlightenment program there, and in this case an identifiable enlightenment mindset. One other thing, I think, which is crucial to the Enlightenment, is that it was the attention they started to pay to something that we now take almost entirely for granted, which is the idea of society. The word society is so entirely ubiquitous, we assume it's always been there, and in one sense it has, because the word societas is a Latin word. But until... The 18th century, the word society generally had a much narrower meaning. It referred to, you know, particular institution most often, like when we talk about the society of, you know, the American philosophical society or something like that. And the idea that there exists something called society, which is the general sphere of human existence that is separate from religion and is separate from the political sphere, that's actually something which only really emerged at the end of the 1600s. And it became really the focus of you know, much, if not most, of enlightenment thinking. When you look at someone like Montesquieu and you look something, somebody like Rousseau or Voltaire or Adam Smith, probably above all, they were concerned with understanding how society works, not how government works only, but how society, what social interactions are like beginning of what we would now call social science. So that's yet another thing that distinguishes the enlightened from people like Machiavelli, often people like Thomas More, and people like bonuses.Andrew Keen: You noted earlier that the idea of progress is somehow baked in, in part, and certainly when it comes to Kant, certainly the French Enlightenment, although, of course, Rousseau challenged that. I'm not sure whether Rousseaut, as always, is both in and out of the Enlightenment and he seems to be in and out of everything. How did the Enlightement, though, make sense of itself in the context of antiquity, as it was, of Terms, it was the Renaissance that supposedly discovered or rediscovered antiquity. How did many of the leading Enlightenment thinkers, writers, how did they think of their own society in the context of not just antiquity, but even the idea of a European or Western society?David Bell: Well, there was a great book, one of the great histories of the Enlightenment was written about more than 50 years ago by the Yale professor named Peter Gay, and the first part of that book was called The Modern Paganism. So it was about the, you know, it was very much about the relationship between the Enlightenment and the ancient Greek synonyms. And certainly the writers of the enlightenment felt a great deal of kinship with the ancient Greek synonymous. They felt a common bond, particularly in the posing. Christianity and opposing what they believed the Christian Church had wrought on Europe in suppressing freedom and suppressing free thought and suppassing free inquiry. And so they felt that they were both recovering but also going beyond antiquity at the same time. And of course they were all, I mean everybody at the time, every single major figure of the Enlightenment, their education consisted in large part of what we would now call classics, right? I mean, there was an educational reformer in France in the 1760s who said, you know, our educational system is great if the purpose is to train Roman centurions, if it's to train modern people who are not doing both so well. And it's true. I mean they would spend, certainly, you know in Germany, in much of Europe, in the Netherlands, even in France, I mean people were trained not simply to read Latin, but to write in Latin. In Germany, university courses took part in the Latin language. So there's an enormous, you know, so they're certainly very, very conversant with the Greek and Roman classics, and they identify with them to a very great extent. Someone like Rousseau, I mean, and many others, and what's his first reading? How did he learn to read by reading Plutarch? In translation, but he learns to read reading Plutach. He sees from the beginning by this enormous admiration for the ancients that we get from Bhutan.Andrew Keen: Was Socrates relevant here? Was the Enlightenment somehow replacing Aristotle with Socrates and making him and his spirit of Enlightenment, of asking questions rather than answering questions, the symbol of a new way of thinking?David Bell: I would say to a certain extent, so I mean, much of the Enlightenment criticizes scholasticism, medieval scholastic, very, very sharply, and medieval scholasticism is founded philosophically very heavily upon Aristotle, so to that extent. And the spirit of skepticism that Socrates embodied, the idea of taking nothing for granted and asking questions about everything, including questions of oneself, yes, absolutely. That said, while the great figures of the Red Plato, you know, Socrates was generally I mean, it was not all that present as they come. But certainly have people with people with red play-doh in the entire virus.Andrew Keen: You mentioned Benjamin Franklin earlier, David. Most of the Enlightenment, of course, seems to be centered in France and Scotland, Germany, England. But America, many Europeans went to America then as a, what some people would call a settler colonial society, or certainly an offshoot of the European world. Was the settling of America and the American Revolution Was it the quintessential Enlightenment project?David Bell: Another very good question, and again, it depends a bit on who you talk to. I just mentioned this book by Peter Gay, and the last part of his book is called The Science of Freedom, and it's all about the American Revolution. So certainly a lot of interpreters of the Enlightenment have said that, yes, the American revolution represents in a sense the best possible outcome of the American Revolution, it was the best, possible outcome of the enlightened. Certainly there you look at the founding fathers of the United States and there's a great deal that they took from me like Certainly, they took a great great number of political ideas from Obviously Madison was very much inspired and drafting the edifice of the Constitution by Montesquieu to see himself Was happy to admit in addition most of the founding Fathers of the united states were you know had kind of you know We still had we were still definitely Christians, but we're also but we were also very much influenced by deism were very much against the idea of making the United States a kind of confessional country where Christianity was dominant. They wanted to believe in the enlightenment principles of free speech, religious toleration and so on and so forth. So in all those senses and very much the gun was probably more inspired than Franklin was somebody who was very conversant with the European Enlightenment. He spent a large part of his life in London. Where he was in contact with figures of the Enlightenment. He also, during the American Revolution, of course, he was mostly in France, where he is vetted by some of the surviving fellows and were very much in contact for them as well. So yes, I would say the American revolution is certainly... And then the American revolutionary scene, of course by the Europeans, very much as a kind of offshoot of the enlightenment. So one of the great books of the late Enlightenment is by Condor Say, which he wrote while he was hiding actually in the future evolution of the chariot. It's called a historical sketch of the progress of the human spirit, or the human mind, and you know he writes about the American Revolution as being, basically owing its existence to being like...Andrew Keen: Franklin is of course an example of your pre-academic enlightenment, a generalist, inventor, scientist, entrepreneur, political thinker. What about the role of science and indeed economics in the Enlightenment? David, we're going to talk of course about the Marxist interpretation, perhaps the Marxist interpretation which sees The Enlightenment is just a euphemism, perhaps, for exploitative capitalism. How central was the growth and development of the market, of economics, and innovation, and capitalism in your reading of The Enlightened?David Bell: Well, in my reading, it was very important, but not in the way that the Marxists used to say. So Friedrich Engels once said that the Enlightenment was basically the idealized kingdom of the bourgeoisie, and there was whole strain of Marxist thinking that followed the assumption that, and then Karl Marx himself argued that the documents like the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen, which obviously were inspired by the Enlightment, were simply kind of the near, or kind of. Way that the bourgeoisie was able to advance itself ideologically, and I don't think that holds much water, which is very little indication that any particular economic class motivated the Enlightenment or was using the Enlightment in any way. That said, I think it's very difficult to imagine the Enlightement without the social and economic changes that come in with the 18th century. To begin with globalization. If you read the great works of the Enlightenment, it's remarkable just how open they are to talking about humanity in general. So one of Voltaire's largest works, one of his most important works, is something called Essay on Customs and the Spirit of Nations, which is actually History of the World, where he talks learnedly not simply about Europe, but about the Americas, about China, about Africa, about India. Montesquieu writes Persian letters. Christian Volpe writes about Chinese philosophy. You know, Rousseau writes about... You know, the earliest days of humankind talks about Africa. All the great figures of the Enlightenment are writing about the rest of the world, and this is a period in which contacts between Europe and the rest the world are exploding along with international trade. So by the end of the 18th century, there are 4,000 to 5,000 ships a year crossing the Atlantic. It's an enormous number. And that's one context in which the enlightenment takes place. Another is what we call the consumer revolution. So in the 18th century, certainly in the major cities of Western Europe, people of a wide range of social classes, including even artisans, sort of somewhat wealthy artisians, shopkeepers, are suddenly able to buy a much larger range of products than they were before. They're able to choose how to basically furnish their own lives, if you will, how they're gonna dress, what they're going to eat, what they gonna put on the walls of their apartments and so on and so forth. And so they become accustomed to exercising a great deal more personal choice than their ancestors have done. And the Enlightenment really develops in tandem with this. Most of the great works of the Enlightment, they're not really written to, they're treatises, they're like Kant, they're written to persuade you to think in a single way. Really written to make you ask questions yourself, to force you to ponder things. They're written in the form of puzzles and riddles. Voltaire had a great line there, he wrote that the best kind of books are the books that readers write half of themselves as they read, and that's sort of the quintessence of the Enlightenment as far as I'm concerned.Andrew Keen: Yeah, Voltaire might have been comfortable on YouTube or Facebook. David, you mentioned all those ships going from Europe across the Atlantic. Of course, many of those ships were filled with African slaves. You mentioned this in your piece. I mean, this is no secret, of course. You also mentioned a couple of times Montesquieu's Persian letters. To what extent is... The enlightenment then perhaps the birth of Western power, of Western colonialism, of going to Africa, seizing people, selling them in North America, the French, the English, Dutch colonization of the rest of the world. Of course, later more sophisticated Marxist thinkers from the Frankfurt School, you mentioned these in your essay, Odorno and Horkheimer in particular, See the Enlightenment as... A project, if you like, of Western domination. I remember reading many years ago when I was in graduate school, Edward Said, his analysis of books like The Persian Letters, which is a form of cultural Western power. How much of this is simply bound up in the profound, perhaps, injustice of the Western achievement? And of course, some of the justice as well. We haven't talked about Jefferson, but perhaps in Jefferson's life and his thinking and his enlightened principles and his... Life as a slave owner, these contradictions are most self-evident.David Bell: Well, there are certainly contradictions, and there's certainly... I think what's remarkable, if you think about it, is that if you read through works of the Enlightenment, you would be hard-pressed to find a justification for slavery. You do find a lot of critiques of slavery, and I think that's something very important to keep in mind. Obviously, the chattel slavery of Africans in the Americas began well before the Enlightment, it began in 1500. The Enlightenment doesn't have the credit for being the first movement to oppose slavery. That really goes back to various religious groups, especially the Fakers. But that said, you have in France, you had in Britain, in America even, you'd have a lot of figures associated with the Enlightenment who were pretty sure of becoming very forceful opponents of slavery very early. Now, when it comes to imperialism, that's a tricky issue. What I think you'd find in these light bulbs, you'd different sorts of tendencies and different sorts of writings. So there are certainly a lot of writers of the Enlightenment who are deeply opposed to European authorities. One of the most popular works of the late Enlightenment was a collective work edited by the man named the Abbe Rinal, which is called The History of the Two Indies. And that is a book which is deeply, deeply critical of European imperialism. At the same time, at the same of the enlightenment, a lot the works of history written during the Enlightment. Tended, such as Voltaire's essay on customs, which I just mentioned, tend to give a kind of very linear version of history. They suggest that all societies follow the same path, from sort of primitive savagery, hunter-gatherers, through early agriculture, feudal stages, and on into sort of modern commercial society and civilization. And so they're basically saying, okay, we, the Europeans, are the most advanced. People like the Africans and the Native Americans are the least advanced, and so perhaps we're justified in going and quote, bringing our civilization to them, what later generations would call the civilizing missions, or possibly just, you know, going over and exploiting them because we are stronger and we are more, and again, we are the best. And then there's another thing that the Enlightenment did. The Enlightenment tended to destroy an older Christian view of humankind, which in some ways militated against modern racism. Christians believed, of course, that everyone was the same from Adam and Eve, which meant that there was an essential similarity in the world. And the Enlightenment challenged this by challenging the biblical kind of creation. The Enlightenment challenges this. Voltaire, for instance, believed that there had actually been several different human species that had different origins, and that can very easily become a justification for racism. Buffon, one of the most Figures of the French Enlightenment, one of the early naturalists, was crucial for trying to show that in fact nature is not static, that nature is always changing, that species are changing, including human beings. And so again, that allowed people to think in terms of human beings at different stages of evolution, and perhaps this would be a justification for privileging the more advanced humans over the less advanced. In the 18th century itself, most of these things remain potential, rather than really being acted upon. But in the 19th century, figures of writers who would draw upon these things certainly went much further, and these became justifications for slavery, imperialism, and other things. So again, the Enlightenment is the source of a great deal of stuff here, and you can't simply put it into one box or more.Andrew Keen: You mentioned earlier, David, that Concorda wrote one of the later classics of the... Condorcet? Sorry, Condorcets, excuse my French. Condorcès wrote one the later Classics of the Enlightenment when he was hiding from the French Revolution. In your mind, was the revolution itself the natural conclusion, climax? Perhaps anti-climax of the Enlightenment. Certainly, it seems as if a lot of the critiques of the French Revolution, particularly the more conservative ones, Burke comes to mind, suggested that perhaps the principles of in the Enlightment inevitably led to the guillotine, or is that an unfair way of thinking of it?David Bell: Well, there are a lot of people who have thought like that. Edmund Burke already, writing in 1790, in his reflections on the revolution in France, he said that everything which was great in the old regime is being dissolved and, quoting, dissolved by this new conquering empire of light and reason. And then he said about the French that in the groves of their academy at the end of every vista, you see nothing but the gallows. Nothing but the Gallows. So there, in 1780, he already seemed to be predicting the reign of terror and blaming it. A certain extent from the Enlightenment. That said, I think, you know, again, the French Revolution is incredibly complicated event. I mean, you certainly have, you know, an explosion of what we could call Enlightenment thinking all over the place. In France, it happened in France. What happened there was that you had a, you know, the collapse of an extraordinarily inefficient government and a very, you know, in a very antiquated, paralyzed system of government kind of collapsed, created a kind of political vacuum. Into that vacuum stepped a lot of figures who were definitely readers of the Enlightenment. Oh so um but again the Enlightment had I said I don't think you can call the Enlightement a single thing so to say that the Enlightiment inspired the French Revolution rather than the There you go.Andrew Keen: Although your essay on liberties is the Enlightenment then and now you probably didn't write is always these lazy editors who come up with inaccurate and inaccurate titles. So for you, there is no such thing as the Enlighten.David Bell: No, there is. There is. But still, it's a complex thing. It contains multitudes.Andrew Keen: So it's the Enlightenment rather than the United States.David Bell: Conflicting tendencies, it has contradictions within it. There's enough unity to refer to it as a singular noun, but it doesn't mean that it all went in one single direction.Andrew Keen: But in historical terms, did the failure of the French Revolution, its descent into Robespierre and then Bonaparte, did it mark the end in historical terms a kind of bookend of history? You began in 1720 by 1820. Was the age of the Enlightenment pretty much over?David Bell: I would say yes. I think that, again, one of the things about the French Revolution is that people who are reading these books and they're reading these ideas and they are discussing things really start to act on them in a very different way from what it did before the French revolution. You have a lot of absolute monarchs who are trying to bring certain enlightenment principles to bear in their form of government, but they're not. But it's difficult to talk about a full-fledged attempt to enact a kind of enlightenment program. Certainly a lot of the people in the French Revolution saw themselves as doing that. But as they did it, they ran into reality, I would say. I mean, now Tocqueville, when he writes his old regime in the revolution, talks about how the French philosophes were full of these abstract ideas that were divorced from reality. And while that's an exaggeration, there was a certain truth to them. And as soon as you start having the age of revolutions, as soon you start people having to devise systems of government that will actually last, and as you have people, democratic representative systems that will last, and as they start revising these systems under the pressure of actual events, then you're not simply talking about an intellectual movement anymore, you're talking about something very different. And so I would say that, well, obviously the ideas of the Enlightenment continue to inspire people, the books continue to be read, debated. They lead on to figures like Kant, and as we talked about earlier, Kant leads to Hegel, Hegel leads to Marx in a certain sense. Nonetheless, by the time you're getting into the 19th century, what you have, you know, has connections to the Enlightenment, but can we really still call it the Enlightment? I would sayAndrew Keen: And Tocqueville, of course, found democracy in America. Is democracy itself? I know it's a big question. But is it? Bound up in the Enlightenment. You've written extensively, David, both for liberties and elsewhere on liberalism. Is the promise of democracy, democratic systems, the one born in the American Revolution, promised in the French Revolution, not realized? Are they products of the Enlightment, or is the 19th century and the democratic systems that in the 19th century, is that just a separate historical track?David Bell: Again, I would say there are certain things in the Enlightenment that do lead in that direction. Certainly, I think most figures in the enlightenment in one general sense or another accepted the idea of a kind of general notion of popular sovereignty. It didn't mean that they always felt that this was going to be something that could necessarily be acted upon or implemented in their own day. And they didn't necessarily associate generalized popular sovereignty with what we would now call democracy with people being able to actually govern themselves. Would be certain figures, certainly Diderot and some of his essays, what we saw very much in the social contract, you know, were sketching out, you knows, models for possible democratic system. Condorcet, who actually lived into the French Revolution, wrote one of the most draft constitutions for France, that's one of most democratic documents ever proposed. But of course there were lots of figures in the Enlightenment, Voltaire, and others who actually believed much more in absolute monarchy, who believed that you just, you know, you should have. Freedom of speech and freedom of discussion, out of which the best ideas would emerge, but then you had to give those ideas to the prince who imposed them by poor sicknesses.Andrew Keen: And of course, Rousseau himself, his social contract, some historians have seen that as the foundations of totalitarian, modern totalitarianism. Finally, David, your wonderful essay in Liberties in the spring quarterly 2025 is The Enlightenment, Then and Now. What about now? You work at Princeton, your president has very bravely stood up to the new presidential regime in the United States, in defense of academic intellectual freedom. Does the word and the movement, does it have any relevance in the 2020s, particularly in an age of neo-authoritarianism around the world?David Bell: I think it does. I think we have to be careful about it. I always get a little nervous when people say, well, we should simply go back to the Enlightenment, because the Enlightenments is history. We don't go back the 18th century. I think what we need to do is to recover certain principles, certain ideals from the 18 century, the ones that matter to us, the ones we think are right, and make our own Enlightenment better. I don't think we need be governed by the 18 century. Thomas Paine once said that no generation should necessarily rule over every generation to come, and I think that's probably right. Unfortunately in the United States, we have a constitution which is now essentially unamendable, so we're doomed to live by a constitution largely from the 18th century. But are there many things in the Enlightenment that we should look back to, absolutely?Andrew Keen: Well, David, I am going to free you for your own French Enlightenment. You can go and have some croissant now in your local cafe in Paris. Thank you so much for a very, I excuse the pun, enlightening conversation on the Enlightenment then and now, Essential Essay in Liberties. I'd love to get you back on the show. Talk more history. Thank you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Noah Lennox, aka Panda Bear, is a musician from Baltimore currently living in Lisbon. He's known for his work with the band Animal Collective, as well as collaborations with artists such as Daft Punk. His newest record, the highly acclaimed Sinister Grift, is out now on Domino. We chat about what to eat and watch on TV when staying at a mid-level Hilton near a secondary market, Oreo dunking, legacy protein bars, SNL mocking one's tooth size, how his son watches TV, the Rolling Stone - Pitchfork - Needle Drop pipeline, what he misses about America, the "sleaze" part of Indie Sleaze, 50mg of Zoloft, how having children makes you think about drugs, the comfort of watching Sportscenter, his recent Tiny Desk Concert, his favorite records as a kid, what his parents did for a living when he was growing up, some fans feel like he doesn't want to be wherever he's at, if his new record is a divorce record, when he learned how to collaborate, he's a lousy DJ, and his favorite Portuguese foods. instagram.com/pandabearofficial twitter.com/donetodeath twitter.com/themjeans howlonggone.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's lightning round, sponsored by the A&M Consumer and Retail Group, Simbe, Mirakl, Ocampo Capital, Infios, and ClearDemand, is packed with laughs and unexpected questions. Chris and Anne start by debating what the official Omni Talk uniform would be, inspired by Starbucks' new black-on-green dress code (0:01). Then they reminisce about epic faceplants, including Anne's “Great Fall of Lisbon” (1:17), and react to Jewel suing Kroger over her removal from the Wellness Festival (2:09). Chris unveils his Chris-apalooza music lineup—Elvis, the Beatles, and the Jackson 5 (2:37)—while Anne keeps things grounded with crosswalk tech that talks like Lil Jon (3:25). It's retail banter with a side of absurd. For the full episode head here: https://youtu.be/US96EqI2Bnk #RetailPodcast #lightninground #retailhumor #jewel #kroger #jeffbezos #jackson5 #starbucks #retailnews #blueorigin

Bruce & Tom sit down with movement expert and performance consultant Mark Bull at the stunning Cumberwell Park. From junior golf memories in Somerset to biomechanics labs and Ryder Cup insight, Mark takes us on a journey through his holistic philosophy on coaching, movement, and human performance.We explore why technique isn't everything, how beliefs shape behaviour, and why the best swing thoughts might be no thoughts at all. There's chat about caffeine, chaos theory, kinematic sequences, and even the art of drawing leaves with his daughter. Plus, reflections on Luke Donald, Johnny Wilkinson, and why comfort is the killer of progress.This is more than a golf podcast — it's a masterclass in how we move, learn, and evolve.Highlights include:Why “getting worse before getting better” might be a mythThe problem with predigested learning and “coach insurance”What the feet can tell us about the eyes (yes, really)How to remove rather than add swing thoughtsMark's 4-player Lisbon case study on movement causes“The only thing you truly own is the way you choose to see something”Grab a coffee (but maybe not three flat whites), settle in, and prepare to see golf – and learning – through a completely new lens.If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website

What if the thing holding you back from your next breakthrough isn't a lack of skill—but a lingering sense that you don't belong? In this powerfully honest episode of the Expert Speaker Podcast, executive coach and “Forgiveness Coach” Dionne Nicholls-Germain sits down with Majeed to explore the deeper roots of imposter syndrome, and why so many high-performing women secretly question their worth—despite the titles, accolades, and success. Dionne shares how unforgiveness (especially self-unforgiveness) quietly sabotages leadership, fulfillment, and confidence—and how reclaiming your power starts with a radical practice of compassion and courage. Drawing from her own story of reinvention, her keynote work in boardrooms around the world, and the tools in her 90-Day Conquering Unforgiveness Journal, Dionne equips us with a new lens for personal growth, executive leadership, and emotional freedom. Key Takeaways: Imposter Syndrome isn't about ability—it's about worthiness: Even top performers secretly fear being “found out.” High achievers often hide: Playing small and avoiding risks is a common coping mechanism for fear of being wrong. Confidence is built through action, not affirmation: Courage is the bridge between fear and confidence. Unforgiveness drains energy and blocks progress: It shows up in relationships, stalled careers, and self-sabotage. Forgiveness is a leadership superpower: Releasing old narratives builds emotional intelligence, decision-making clarity, and inner peace. Women leaders are still navigating systemic pressures: True belonging requires internal healing, not just external accomplishments. Notable Quotes: “At some point, someone's going to find out I don't belong.” “Confidence doesn't come before the action—it comes from the action.” “Forgiveness is not a feeling—it's a conscious decision to release what's no longer serving you.” “If you're feeling stuck in your career, your purpose, or your relationships—check your heart.” “Forgiveness is good business.” Meet the Guest: Dionne Nicholls-Germain is a professionally trained Life & Leadership Coach known as The Forgiveness Coach. After leaving a 20-year corporate fashion career as a single mom at 40, Dionne reinvented herself—and now helps other women do the same. Through her company Live Your Best Life for You, she empowers female executives and entrepreneurs to heal, lead, and thrive. She is the creator of the Conquering Unforgiveness Mastermind, author of The 90-Day Conquering Unforgiveness Journal, and an international speaker featured in Forbes, Negotiate Anything, and global leadership events from New York to Lisbon. Free Resource – Start Here: ✨ Download Dionne's free guide: 5 Tips to Boosting Self-Compassion https://notable-hall-20342.myflodesk.com/tipstoboostselfcompassion/checkout

A potential path to peace in Sudan’s two-year conflict begins in London. Donald Trump cuts billions in funding to Harvard, the expulsion of French officials from Algeria is “to have consequences” and Lisbon approves an updated version of the city’s Strategic Noise Map. Plus: Artem Chapeye on his book ‘Ordinary People Don’t Carry Machine Guns’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join me for An Author's Afternoon in The Locher Room as I welcome writer, storyteller, and adventurer Vincent Russell Van Patten to discuss his latest book, When the Sky Opens and the Answers Shimmer.Vincent's journey is one of exploration—both of the world and the self. Living a nomadic life, he seeks to inspire bold action and illuminate the beauty found in both the light and dark moments of human existence. His newest book is a coming-of-age travel memoir that follows his adventures from the bustling streets of Lisbon to the serene hills of southern Italy, where he confronts questions of purpose, meaning, and connection. In addition to being an author,Vincent shares weekly writings on travel, philosophy, and personal growth and co-hosts The Dare to Dream Podcast, encouraging listeners to embrace life's grand adventure.Don't miss this insightful conversation as we dive into the stories, lessons, and inspirations behind his journey.

What happens when a high-powered executive recruiter decides he's had enough of America's grind—and makes a bold move abroad?In this episode of the Blaxit Global Podcast, I sit down with Rory Verrett, founder of Protégé Search and the Protégé Leadership Academy, to explore his powerful journey from corporate boardrooms to a more peaceful life in Lisbon, Portugal.We talk about:The school violence that became the final tipping point for his BlaxitWhy traditional success no longer felt fulfillingHow he redefined purpose and peace outside of the U.S.His advice for Black professionals navigating Trump 2.0, layoffs, and the rollback of DEIHow to position yourself for global opportunities in this shifting landscapeWhether you're dreaming of living abroad, thinking about your next career move, or just looking for inspiration to reclaim your peace—this conversation is for you.

Is a Portuguese true crime series even possible? This week, Dylan is joined by Janne Aagaard. Janne is a journalist, writer and a podcast producer who has lived in Lisbon for more than 8 years. They chat about how she ended up in Portugal, what she enjoys about this country, why she is moving out of Lisbon and they discuss whether or not Portugal is a good setting for a true crime series…FOLLOW OUR GUESTSJanne on LinkedinJanne's websiteABOUT PORTUGAL THE SIMPLE LIFE PODCAST: "Portugal - The simple life”, an insider's perspective to Portugal. We already know about Portugal's fantastic weather, food and beaches. In this podcast, we go deeper to meet the people who make this country so wonderful. Dylan, who has made his life in Portugal, shares an insider's perspective on what makes Portugal the unique, beautiful and fantastic country it is.  Join him and his guests weekly as they shed light on the incredible people, culture, history and lifestyle that make Portugal one of the world's best places to live! Don't forget to subscribe to our Podcast to receive more stories about living and moving to Portugal!  ⭐ EXCLUSIVE FOR SUBSCRIBERS⭐ If you're looking to buy a home in Portugal, book a 30-minute call with Dylan here: BOOK A CALL There are only 5 slots available every week – EXCLUSIVE for our podcast subscribers! SPONSOR: Portugal Realty, a Leisure Launch group company, sponsors this episode.   FOLLOW US:Portugal The Simple Life WebsitePortugal The Simple Life FacebookPortugal The Simple Life InstagramPortugal The Simple Life XPortugal The Simple Life YouTubeFOLLOW OUR HOST: Dylan Herholdt - Portugal The Simple Life Podcast - LinkedIn Dylan Herholdt - Facebook Dylan The Simple Life - Instagram If you'd like to get in touch or share your experience with Portugal, Dylan would love to hear from you! Email: ola@portugal-the-simple-life.com WhatsApp: (+351) 910 571 613

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe climate scam is officially over, it has been defunded. The [CB] are struggling, Trump is setting the stage and is trapping the [DS] and China. Soon the dismantling will be complete. Trump and team are finally putting America first.  The [DS] is panicking, Trump and the patriots are releasing the puzzle pieces one piece at a time. Eventually the pieces will form a picture and the people will finally see who the true criminal. Tulsi sends a message to the [DS] and the people of this country. Trump replaces the portrait of Obama with fight, fight, fight portrait. All roads lead to Obama and HRC. Everything is being put into place to bring down the [DS].   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy https://twitter.com/TomFitton/status/1910890395304669444 USPS To Hike Stamp Prices By About 7.4% To 78 Cents Effective This Summer The U.S. Postal Service has proposed raising the price of a "forever" stamp from 73 cents to 78 cents as part of a broader rate hike set to take effect July 13, pending approval from the Postal Regulatory Commission, according to CBS News. The increase would raise mailing service prices by about 7.4%. The USPS says the hike is necessary for financial stability, continuing a trend of rate increases under former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who warned customers to expect “uncomfortable” pricing adjustments after a decade of flawed pricing models. Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/RealAllinCrypto/status/1910415797052203317   https://twitter.com/RealJessica05/status/1910812769164603530 trade surpluses with the U.S., are now facing real consequences. Tariffs hurt them more than us. Trump holds the leverage. China, Europe, and Latin America all are feeling the pressure. This is not just a pause. It's a test: Who's ready to renegotiate the terms of global trade Xi calls on EU to join China in jointly resisting 'unilateral bullying' by U.S. There is no winner in a tariff war, and going against the world will only result in self-isolation, says Chinese President Xi Jinping amid the tariff war with U.S. As U.S. President Donald Trump targeted China with heavy tariffs while pausing levies on other countries, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday (April 10, 2025) appealed to the European Union (EU) to “jointly resist the unilateral bullying" by Washington.  Source: thehindu.com   https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/1910721712250855787   negotiate with China to remove tariffs and trade barriers, and put in place strong structural protections for IP. Trump Lobs Energy Bomb at EU EU leaders face a dire choice with no consensus. Germany and France advocate talks, aiming to lessen Trump's demands—perhaps by partly meeting his energy terms—to avert disaster. They dread export slumps, factory closures, and a downturn worse than past crises, clinging to a fragile hope of stability. The EU Commission's pleas for cohesion fall flat amid the clash. Ireland and Luxembourg brace for export losses, while Italy and Spain eye energy price hikes that could spark unrest. The European Central Bank, hampered by debt and limited options, stands by anxiously. Protests ripple across cities like Lisbon and Warsaw, split between anger at Trump and frustration with Brussels' long drift. If the EU buckles under Trump's grip, a new path could open: a alliance of sovereign states, free from Brussels' overreach and Washington's demands. The West might be tearing itself apart, but from the debris, a stronger,

César Couto Ferreira spent over a decade deep in the world of global media—shaping MTV across Europe and Africa, working with stars, and riding the wave from analog to digital. But when Amy Winehouse died, something broke. Not in the headlines, but inside him. He saw how the industry treated artists as content—not people—and decided he couldn't be part of it anymore. That moment became his call to redesign his life. In this episode, César shares how he left global prestige behind to build systems of real impact—helping governments, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and bringing Web Summit to Portugal. For Gen Xers questioning the legacy of their work, this episode is a gut-check: you can walk away from the machine—and build something that lasts.>>The Rise and the Reckoning“I was living on the same street as Coldplay. But something felt deeply wrong.”Cesar traces his rise from DJ to MTV exec—and the moment he realized proximity to fame doesn't mean pride in the system.>>When Amy Winehouse Died, Everything Shifted“We prepped obituaries like playlists. And then Amy died. I couldn't unsee it.”Her death wasn't just tragic—it was Cesar's breaking point. It made him question everything about the machine he helped run.>>Leaving the Bright Lights to Build Real Change“I chose to stop. Not because I failed—but because I wanted to design something better.”Cesar reflects on the long walk away from global media—and into tech, civic transformation, and mentorship across Portugal and Brazil.>>Legacy Over Likes“Media taught me how to influence. Now I'm using that skill for society.”From helping bring Web Summit to Lisbon to working with governments and young founders, Cesar is now designing systems with human value.>>Advice from a Media Veteran to the Always-Online Generation“Read more books. Touch more people. Don't believe the hype.”Cesar leaves a timeless reminder: attention is power—and what you do with it matters more than who sees it._________________________Connect with Us:Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Cesar Couto Ferreira  --Chief Change Officer--Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligencefor Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.12 Million+ All-Time Downloads.Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.Global Top 3% Podcast.Top 10 US Business.Top 1 US Careers.>>>140,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.

“I like to say sometimes we are an analog experience. Everybody today is talking about digitalization, which is indeed important. But the digital means can never, ever replace the human connection between two people. We are artisans of memories. It's the software of our hotels. The hardware is in the beauty, how they look, but it would be completely empty and without soul if it was not about the people.”We're in great company with Ingrid Koeck, a Partner of Torel Boutiques in Portugal where her passion as an “Artisan of Memories” lies in crafting unique places. By infusing soul into remarkable structures with Portuguese artistry and interior design she intentionally creates a profound human connection with curious travelers turned guests.With a growing collection of prestigious Portuguese boutique hotels sprinkled across Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley and soon the Azores, Torel Boutiques embody excellence around every corner—from the service to the amenities, the gastronomy to the ambiance, the distinctive moments turned memories. In this episode, Ingrid's natural storytelling captivates us as she weaves a narrative of her own life's travels, painting for us a picture of the passion she found in Portugal, the home she created there, and the tales of cultural heritage she continues to capture in this convivial chapter. Top Takeaways[2:05] Ingrid's life is full of many colorful chapters—from growing up in her grandmother's rural Austrian bed & breakfast to spending a decade with the UN across Africa and the Middle East—a story where diverse cultures have shaped her profound curiosity of and appreciation for authentic human connection.[7:05] Through life's unexpected turns, Ingrid learned to balance her need for both adventure and stability—evolving from a fearless young traveler to seeking her European roots and creating her own hospitality business where meaningful connections happen on her terms.[12:15] Shaped by the resilient women in her family, Ingrid's defining traits of curiosity and courage allow her to embrace new challenges with the unwavering confidence that no matter what happens, she can always take care of herself.[20:05] Through Torel Boutiques' thoughtfully designed spaces, Ingrid honors her grandmother's wisdom that true hospitality creates memories based not on things, but on how guests feel when personally connected.[25:00] Celebrate a legacy of Portuguese royalty with Torel Palace Lisbon and indulge in Michelin star gastronomy at 2Monkeys.[25:35] Honor the writers of Portuguese literature with Torel Palace Porto and study your senses at BLIND.  [26:40] Discover a history of Portuguese expeditions with Torel 1884 and sip on a vault of fine wines at Bartolomeu Bistro & Wine.[27:40] Savor the heritage of Portuguese vineyards at Torel Quinta da Vacaria and taste the terroir at Schistó.[31:30] Craft artisanal traditions such as soap making at Torel Saboaria. [35:55] Embrace the timeless tranquility of Portugal through nature-inspired sanctuaries at Calla Wellness & Spa—from Douro Valley's wine therapy to Lisbon's exotic chocolate-infused sanctuary.[39:20] Uncover a hidden gem at Torel Terra Brava shining soon on the Azores Islands.Visit For YourselfTorel Boutiques Website Lisbon: @torelpalace_lisbon Porto: @torelpalace_porto | @torel1884 | @torelavantgarde | @torelsaboariaDouro Valley: @torelquintadavacaria Azores: @torelterrabrava

Hey Friends! Join the ladies this week as Monique and Kinard discuss their relationship story that led to their dream wedding and a recap of the wedding weekend! You can connect with the ladies of UNestablished on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also email any questions and/ or comments to unestablishedpodcast@gmail.com. If you would like to give a donation or support UNestablished as a podcast, you can head over to Buy Me a Coffee. There you can give a donation to help the podcast! Don't forget to leave us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Audible. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy...Cheers! 

Anna Pereira, CEO of The Wellness Universe, is a dedicated advocate for global well- being, empowering individuals and organizations to thrive. With a vision rooted in the belief that happier, healthier individuals foster global peace; Anna leads The Wellness Universe in its mission to enable humanity to live their best lives. As the founder of Wellness Universe Corporate, she provides solutions that enhance productivity, profitability, and overall wellness for employees and groups. Anna's leadership has propelled The Wellness Universe from its beginnings as an online community in 2014 to its evolution into a comprehensive platform offering live events, online learning, and practitioner directories. Her commitment to fostering connections and supporting wellness leaders has made The Wellness Universe a trusted resource for total well-being. As a #1 Best Selling Author, mentor, and producer of transformative events like SoulTreat Retreat, Anna continues to inspire positive change and holistic growth worldwide. With over 150 LinkedIn recommendations, her dedication to collective missions is evident in her unwavering passion for wellness and her tireless efforts to make a meaningful difference. Anna is a global citizen residing with her husband of 14 years in NJ, USA and Lisbon, Portugal. Contact Anna Pereira: https://www.thewellnessuniverse.com/the-wellness-universe-guide-to-complete- self-care-25-tools-for-life/ Dr. Kimberley Linert Speaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral Optometrist Event Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/ To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com 702.256.9199 Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator Podcast Available on... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platforms Author of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life" Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZ Website: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.com Please subscribe, share & LISTEN! Thanks. incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberley-linert-incredible-life-creator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.linert/ The Great Discovery eLearning Platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley l

Aaron Raymond is a Canadian potter that started his pottery journey in March of 2024. He has learned everything so far from the school of YouTube and by watching videos on Instagram.  Aaron's work focuses on creating tiled designs on his work using both original designs or recreating tiled flooring from around the world.  Aaron's interest in handmade pottery began while living in Lisbon, Portugal, for 2 years from 2018 to 2020, and it was the intricate stone designs in the plazas and sidewalks of Lisbon that first transpired the idea of putting these designs onto clay. https://ThePottersCast.com/1121

As winter melts away and the days grow longer, spring brings the perfect opportunity to refresh, reset, and explore. Whether you're chasing cherry blossoms, craving culture, or simply looking to relax with fewer crowds and better weather, spring is one of the best times to travel (hello shoulder season in most places). We've rounded up some of the most sought-after destinations this season to help you plan your next great getaway. In this episode, we'll give you the top 5 Spring Travel destinations and what will want to see in each location. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Come with us to visit the end of the Earth, Antarctica, the seventh continent — a true-bucket list destination - in 2026! Get all the details and sign up here! Get Our Ultimate Packing Guide for Traveling Smart and Packing Light + Access to Exclusive Weekly Content here. Let us help you plan your next trip. Get started here. Episodes we reference in this episode: 1. Rome Episode 67 - Rome in 48 Hours: Must-See Landmarks and Hidden Gems Get our FREE Rome Mini Guide Here 2. London Episode 103 - Hidden Gems in London: How to Get Off the Beaten Path Episode 70 - Europe Family Trip: First-Time Tips & Traveling with Kids Episode 63 - Exploring the UK Beyond London: Our Top 5 Must-See UK Destinations Episode 5: London Travel Guide London Travel Guide Coming Soon - follow us on Instagram so you don't miss it 3. Paris Check out Episode 68 - 2-Day Paris Itinerary: Our Must-See Attractions and Tips 4. Lisbon Portual Episode 38 - Lisbon, Portugal and Beyond Get our Lisbon, Portugal and Beyond Mini Guide Here 5. Tokyo, Japan Episode 81 - Traveling to Japan: Tips, Hidden Gems, and Must-See Destinations Find your Perfect Stay in these Cities at sunshinetravelers.com/booking Do More with Viator. Visit sunshinetravelers.com/viator to book local tours & experiences you'll remember. Stay connected when you travel for WAY LESS than using your carriers international plan, download an Esim from Gigsky and save a ton of money. Use code sunshine for 10% off Never Overpay for a Flight Again, Get Daily Drop Pro Don't waste your precious vacation time with Jet Lag, Get Flykitt and watch Jet Lag disappear! Protect your privacy, increase your security, keep your browsing data secure, and don't get locked out of websites with Express VPN - get 3 months free with a yearly plan Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Follow us on X (Twitter) Connect with us on LinkedIn Connect with us on Threads Music: This Acoustic Happy Music by Dmitrii Kolesnikov from Pixabay

The vibrant energy of Porto, Portugal comes to life through Cheryl's detailed account of her day and a half in this charming riverside city. While many travelers automatically gravitate toward Lisbon, Cheryl makes a compelling case for Porto's superior atmosphere, describing it as less touristy yet rich with authentic Portuguese culture.From the moment she steps off the train from Lisbon, Cheryl's adventure unfolds with visits to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore (which she recommends booking first thing in the morning to avoid crowds), the stunning Igreja dos Carmelitas with its iconic blue tiles, and the panoramic views from Clérigos Tower. Her exploration continues along Rua de Santa Catarina where local artists display their talents, though she cautions about distinguishing original artwork from printed replicas. The São Bento train station emerges as an unexpected highlight with its magnificent azulejo tile murals depicting Portuguese history.The crown jewel of Cheryl's Porto experience comes at sunset, where she describes climbing the hill past Ponte Luis I bridge to an old monastery vantage point. There, street performers create a lively soundtrack as the sun bathes the Douro River and Porto's terracotta rooftops in golden light. This magical moment, coupled with the city's walkability, rich architecture, and the unforgettable taste of authentic port wine, solidifies Porto as Cheryl's preferred Portuguese destination. Whether you're planning your own Portuguese adventure or simply dreaming of European travels, this episode provides both practical tips and the inspiration to discover Porto's unique charm. Have you considered Porto for your next solo adventure?Instagram @solotraveladventures50Facebook community: Solo Travel for Women Over 50 https://www.facebook.com/groups/860865768609200Send me a message or share your solo travel story with me.https://www.speakpipe.com/SoloTravelAdventuresLeave a review:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/solo-travel-adventures-safe-travel-for-women-preparing-for-a-trip-overcoming-fear-travel-tips/id1650161410

We welcome Nuno Fonseca, founder of Portuguese Products—a company built on passion, heritage, and innovation.Nuno's story is anything but conventional and this show is about having the opportunity to reinvent yourself. From his early days as a personal trainer, through his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, to the demanding hours in IATSE 873 on film sets, Nuno lived the grind. But when the intensity of the film industry became overwhelming, he made a bold decision: to reconnect with his Portuguese roots.Now, as a business developer for architectural materials—specializing in stone and ceramic tiles from Portugal—Nuno is on a mission to bridge two worlds:

Lou Manfredini, A.K.A. Mr. Fix-It is live from Portugal with great advice for homeowners, special guests, information on new products, and more! This broadcast is brought to you by TAP Air Portugal, offering non-stop flights from Chicago O’Hare to Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal – Embrace the World.

Paul Noble is the Founder and Creative Director of Spiritland, a series of venues for music lovers in London and Lisbon, and also a production company. Paul joins Elliot to talk about how his experience of the Japanese Listening Bars led to him shifting careers and setting out to create a London version of this phenomenom with - as he says - 'the best sound system in the world.'

Talking through Lisbon playoffs takeaways, including another final for MOUZ, G2 looking cooked, Vitality creating room for era conversation, and m0NESY to Spirit speculation. In other topics are joel's ban, Inferno update, Liquid signing siuhy in place of jks (but why not NAF?), more Valve rule debacles, and PGL Bucharest. Featuring voo!➡️ Follow us for updates:   / hltvconfirmed  

Welcome to episode 242 of the Women's Running podcast. I'm your host Esther Newman and she's your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.MaranoiaAs we get closer to Marathon Day, our maranoia has reached epic proportions. We talk about comparing ourselves to other runners on social media, about not matching our training plans, and about the fear of the last long runs.We have Jordan with us today, thankfully, so after 20 minutes of pure waffle, she stands in as Agony Aunt to give us a much-needed dose of reality in the face of our raging maranoia. Have we done enough mileage? Have we actually run enough? Have we eaten the things we should have eaten? Have we rested enough? We talk about logistics, we talk about crying, and the wobbles we have about those last long runs.Finish line proposalsAfter we chat to Jordan, we are back to talk about another controversy – and we would love to hear your thoughts. This isn't Lisbon this time, this is the practice of finish line proposals. What do you think?! Email us as ever at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk.Do come and see us at the London Marathon Expo on Sat April 26th at 10:15am: you'll hear our live pod up close and personal, it'll be lovely to see you.And before we forget to mention it, come on to Patreon NOW cos changes are afoot. You can now join our official Inner Circle for just £6 to shape what we talk about, and to hear about the Big Exciting Thing that we're doing in March 2026 first. And from there, jump into Discord to talk about it all with a bunch of lovely women. It's ace! Go to patreon.com/womensrunnning to find out more.Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning.We picked up our lovely hotel rooms through Marathon Tours: you can pick up hotel rooms for the Marathon here: TCS London Marathon 2025 | Marathon Tours & Travel UK. Do also check them out if you're eyeing up one of the other marathon majors.@marathontours_uk on Instagram ·      Subscribe to Women's Running – and you'll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we've been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last days before the Great Hunt.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.“Can the scorpion ever stop being a scorpion? “"Do we get our legally permitted weaponry back?" The bishop still held my hand."Sure. If it makes you feel better.""I would like to meet your people then," he gave my paw one last shake then released me. "Shall we go?""I will have someone take you to your car. I want to briefly meet with the President, of Havenstone, then I'll join you in the garage. We'll drive over to JIKIT and I'll make the introductions. Good enough?""That is acceptable," he nodded."What about you two?" I regarded the nun and the Swiss Super-soldier. The nun remained vigilant, and silent. The Swiss' eyes flickered to his boss before settling back on me."It is what I volunteered for," he stated firmly."Okay. Please never say I didn't give you a chance to take the sane way out. Also, Bishop Nicolö, circumstances have conspired to up my prospective wedding date to January 1st.""That will be more difficult. Why the change?" he remained grim."We are having twins. By March, this will be very visible.""That is, unfortunate," he shook his head."You have no idea," and then a brainstorm. "And I am curious about resurrecting the Order of the Dragon, the Societas Draconistarum." Technically that meant 'Society of the Dragonists' which was more appropriate than the literal Ordo Draconis."Precisely how do you plan to recreate a crusading Christian Order which was the purview of the Hungarian monarchs?" he didn't sound the least skeptical, just curious."I have billions of euros to fund such a thing," I winked. "Of far greater critical importance, I know where I can find the supernatural guidance and spiritual imperative for such an organization.""You are going to produce a dragon?" his eyes grew larger even as he fought down his fear. Good man. He was adaptive. He'd need to be."I never said such a thing. That would make me sound crazy," I smiled broadly. "Besides, when I say 'dragon', you think 'devil' and that's way too pedestrian for where we are going.""I am not a moral relativist.""Neither am I. I'm out to save lives and nurture the drive in the human spirit to reach for freedom, love and liberty. As you might imagine, I'm pretty freaking outnumbered.""I think you are crazy," he re-evaluated things."I just might be. In all honesty, you should back out now. Take your two compadres back to 25 East 39th Street (the Holy See's Permanent Observer Offices to the UN in NYC) and report 'Mission Failure'. You'll most likely live longer," I reasoned."I am not afraid to die," Sister Rafaela Sophia finally voiced an opinion."That's idiotic," I scoffed before the bishop could reprimand her for opening her mouth. "You should be.""My soul is in God's hands," she set her jaw."Does he talk to you?" I countered."His message is clear.""Not what I asked. I asked if he specifically directed you to toss your life fruitlessly away as an object lesson for the reckless, or careless?""This is uncalled for," Nicolö intervened."Nope. I bet you a phone call to my Brother to physically restore your bishopric that there are four people in this room who have murdered in cold blood," I kept eye contact with the nun, "and she's the odd one out. Right Juanita?""Yes, Ishara," Juanita slipped up. Her spycraft, like mine, needed work."You were in the military?" the bishop asked my bodyguard."Was? I am. Right now," she related. "I will be until I die."That earned me looks from the three Catholics."She is loyal," Nicolö nodded slightly toward her, referring to Juanita's declaration."Huh? To me? Nope. She's loyal to my office, which we shan't get into right now. Back to you, Sister Rafaela Sophia. Are you out to be a martyr, or has some saint, or angel, given you a directive the other two seem to be unaware of which causes you to devalue your life?""I am devoted to the One True God, Christ, our Savior," and Juanita snorted, "and the Virgin Mary," the nun stated firmly. "I don't hear voices in my head.""Juanita, that was rude. Apologize to our guest," I kept looking forward."No." Well, fuck you too."Gun," I commanded. I held out my left hand."What? No. I will not give you one of my guns," she resisted."Juanita, give me your primary weapon, or I will ask Pamela to beat you up the moment I depart for the Great Hunt. After yesterday's stunt, you know she will," I threatened. Fair, I was not. She drew a Glock-20 and handed it to me. I went through the routine, dropped the magazine then ejected the round before opening the door.Oh look, there were four SD chicks outside, ready to escort my visitors downstairs. I didn't even need to waste a phone call. It wasn't like the conference room wasn't being monitored."Excuse me," I took a half step out the door then hurled all three items down the hall. Looking back at Juanita. "Go fetch.""Fuck you," she snapped."And insulting her faith was as degrading to both her faith and her as me doing this to you is degrading to you right now," I lectured her. "It is important to her, therefore it is important to me because she is my guest in the same way it is important to me that I let my bodyguard do her job without being a total asshole all the time. Now go get your God-damn weapon," I barked. Off she went. I left the door open."Now Sister Rafaela Sophia, the point of all this is: I don't give a crap if you are willing to die for God. In fact, that makes you less than worthless to me and the team. I want to know if you are willing to put other motherfuckers in the ground so that Bishop Nicolá, or Mathias, might get to keep doing their jobs.""Murder is a sin," she declared."Go home," I sighed while shaking my head."She answers to me, the Church and God, not you, Mr. Nyilas," the bishop stepped forward."Then you can go home too," I shrugged. "I'm not asking for remorseless killers. I'm asking for people willing to kill to get the hard work done and best of all, for people who know the difference.""Everyone on JIKIT is a professional soldier, or killer?" he asked."No, but the ones who aren't don't carry guns and know to get down when things get funky," I bantered."I vouch for her," he insisted. Juanita came running back into the room."Cool beans. I don't know you either.""You apparently know my service history," he volleyed."Yeah. Ten years a foreigner in the service of France, then you went straight into a university which turns out Jesuits," I riposted."What turned your life around?" he evaded. That was okay. I'd gotten what I wanted. I was willing to bet he had read every bit of public information about me and it was rumored the heavy Catholic membership in the FBI had its benefits to the Church as well. Not so much as to give them insight into JIKIT, but,"Someone risked their life for me. It's been pretty much downhill from there," I confessed. It was the truth. After Katrina gave me the life line on Day Two, it had all spiraled to the revelation of my heritage, Dad's death, Summer Camp, the Hamptons, Romania and Aya's kidnapping."A person, a soldier, died saving my life," the bishop empathized. "Her story is similar. She seeks redemption. She is not suicidal. I am staking both our lives on it."Did he mean him and Mathias, or him and me? I wasn't certain. Still, it was good enough for now. I'd gotten a look at their emotional make up, even the relatively quiet Swiss."Very well," I agreed. "I have to go see the President about my new job description. I'll catch up with you at your car." To the SD team leader, "Take them to the garage. I will join the group of you very soon.""Yes Ishara," she nodded. I exited the room, Juanita in tow. Two SD entered. I was gone before the Papal team left. Upstairs we went, with one last chore to discharge. I had to check on Ms. French to be absolutely freaking sure it was Shawnee, because anyone else would spell disaster.{8:30 am, Monday, September 8th. Last day}A Room full of asistants:Well, there it was, the office of the Executive Director to the President, and not 'Executive Assistant', because this was Katrina's final 'fuck you, no, just her final 'fuck you' before the Great Hunt got underway. I shouldn't assume things, dang it!Anyway, according to the gray-haired matron running gatekeeper to the Office of the President, this was where I was supposed to show up. I shot Juanita a worried look. She glanced my way and shrugged, momentarily willing to not give me shit about the past 24 hours because where I was situated would determine how easily she could do her job.In we went. In the suite were three desks, the 'big' desk situated at the far end of the office space and two far more modest ones on either side of the entryway. The room expanded beyond the chokepoint formed by the two closest desks into a cluttered area. The walls were cluttered with inset bookshelves and portraits of women. Facing one another were a loveseat on my left with bookend plush chairs in an 'L' facing and a full sofa on the right. There were end tables at the ends of the sofa and the corners between the loveseat and each chair.As the door opened, I hadn't knock as this was my office, or so it seemed, the occupants, who had all been sitting in quiet conversation in the central section, began reacting. Oh look ~ Constanza! I nearly had a heart attack before I realized there were three other Amazons also in the room. Sadly, none were behind the 'big desk', so I couldn't tell who was in charge. Two of the other three choices weren't too much better. First off,"Ishara," Marilynn Saint John stood to greet me. I'd last seen her when I'd dedicated her grandmother's (Hayden's) spirit to the halls of my ancestors, not hers, after forcing the political crisis leading to Hayden's suicide ~ her taking herself to the cliffs and in doing so, destroying the Amazon Cult of Blood Purity. Marilynne was clearly still bitter with me. Umm, I could still incite passion in women I hadn't slept with, yet, woot?"Cáel," the senior-most and only friendly face in the room spoke next. Thank goodness it was Beyoncé Vincennes, Head of House Hanwasuit and House Ishara ally."Cáel Ishara," the third individual was deferential which I wasn't sure how to take as the last time I'd encountered her, yeah, things hadn't gone well either."Beyoncé," I started off with a smile. From there, I had to figure out, ah, Beyoncé's eyes flickered to Constanza then Sabia. I knew Marilynn, with her young age, had the least seniority, "Constanza, Sabia, Marilynn. How's tricks?"Glum faces by everyone except Beyoncé. I didn't ask about Sabia's particular well-being. It had been months since I'd beaten her into the mats of the Full-blooded gym. She'd attacked Yasmin, the Brazilian Hottie and my Brazilian Jujutsu sparring buddy, and I'd retaliated by ambushed her when she turned her back on us. Besides, she'd been giving me shit before I even could see straight.Constanza was minus her left eye because of her dire insult to me. If she wasn't capable of working, she wouldn't be here. If she appreciated my 'mercy' in sparing her life ~ her insult was worthy of her death ~ Constanza hid it well. I hadn't spared her expecting a change of heart. I hadn't felt words alone warranted anyone's death. I was a big boy and could take a few insults. House Ishara, as represented by me, could care less. These days, my sisters would be less understanding despite them knowing my heart."Constanza Landau of House Jaya and Marilynn Saint John of House Anahit are Assistants to President Shawnee French," Beyoncé eased things along, "so will be working closely with us, at least for the short term. Sabia Noel of House Guabancex, who I now think you know as well, has joined you as the other 'Assistant' to the 'Executive Director to the President', (that would make me an 'adept', but adept at what?), and since two of the three Regents are unfamiliar with the workings of Havenstone proper, Shawnee has asked me to perform in that role."Beyoncé was, or had been, Havenstone HQ's CFO (Chief Financial Officer). From what I was quickly piecing together, she would essentially be making all the day-to-day decisions concerning the running of Havenstone (how the Host made the majority of its money) until the Regents got up to speed.Only Buffy had actual experience with the New York office and, from what she had told me, solely within Executive Services. While ES knew 'who' did what inside Havenstone, they weren't aware precisely how those Amazons got their jobs done. That would have been an impossible task. Katrina could do it, but she knew it was beyond the ability of most of us 'mere mortals'. Since we were currently at war, the Host needed Katrina completely focused on her duties as Chief Spy-mistress, not baby-sitting the adults.Shawnee indeed had much gravitas among the other House Heads. Not only had she risen up to lead a First House, she had performed heroically during the final days of the last Secret War. Afterwards she had moved into the realm of Amazon jurisprudence and mediation. Until yesterday, she had lived in a House Arinniti freehold in Minnesota's Great Lakes region thus her desire for the 'Training Wheels' period.The Regency would not rule through telecommunication (the upper echelons feared being eavesdropped upon beyond the standard Amazon (read: paranoid) levels) and Havenstone: New York was the center best situated for the current war-fighting operations, so here she lived. I was sure a team from Executive Services was buying, outfitting/spy-proofing and fortifying a dwelling suitable for the President of a Fortune 500 company. Hayden's home would remain the domicile of Sydney thus Marilynn.The same rigmarole would be done for Rhada and Buffy (though I imaged Buffy would bitch endlessly). Publically, they were VP's of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars and they had to present the public trappings of such leaders.Why did the Amazons do this ~ unmask their leadership to public exposure? Legal-simple: they could request and expect all levels of public and private security for their executives who happened to also be important officials of the Host. Certainly not all executives at Havenstone were officeholders, House Heads, or House Apprentices, but the high level of competence which permitted one often led to the other.Beyonce:As an example: Beyoncé wasn't the most 'bad-ass' lethal chick in House Hanwasuit. As she was preparing to be casted, her intelligence, creativity and diligence at her future craft, finances, was noted by the Host and the members of her House. In due time her name was circulated as Apprentice and the elders approved. When her elder cousin, the prior House Head, took herself to the cliffs, Beyoncé assumed the top spot. Beyoncé wasn't even one of that woman's three daughters.Mirroring her advancement in her House was her advancement in Havenstone's Accounting, Acquisitions and Banking Divisions until she was appointed CFO Havenstone HQ ~ the supreme financial authority inside Havenstone, though the individual regional branches had a greater degree of autonomy than you might normally expect from a 21st century conglomerate, or a Bronze Age autocracy.I had to constantly remind myself, despite the near-constant feuding, Amazons exhibited a phenomenally higher level of trust than I'd ever found in any other society I'd ever witnessed, or read about, before. Though technically Beyoncé could have gone to President Hayden to enforce her decisions ~ or now the Regency ~ she was far more diplomatic in her approach in dealing with the other 'continental' CEO's and CFO's.That meant she had to wrangle the aspirations and resources from:North America (including Latin America, the 'Canadian Arctic' and the North Pacific Ocean),South America (includes both the South Atlantic and South Pacific as far as Samoa),Europe (mostly Central Europe these days plus Antarctica, the 'Russian' Arctic and the North Atlantic),Africa (mostly West-central Africa),India (the subcontinent plus the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean) and,Southeast Asia (which includes Australia)All of which suggested Havenstone hadn't redrawn the Amazons' geographic demarcations since the late 19th century. As an example, an East African venture, say in Tanzania, was as likely to be under the purview of Havenstone: India (due to its control over the Indian Ocean) as Havenstone: Africa (which traditionally had no East Coast holdings due to their constant struggles versus the Arabic slave trade).Returning to Beyoncé: initially she had held the proper 'conservative' (aka man-hating) mindset. My behavior during that first Board Meeting began to change her opinion of me and the New Directive. After the Archery Range incident, Beyoncé became a vocal proponent of the New Directive and faced challenges within her ranks. House Heads do not have to accept challenges and Beyoncé didn't, reasoning with her detractors they had no alternatives save the 'Old Ways' which spelled doom for the Amazon Race.Bing-bang-boom ~ I became the Head of a resurrected House Ishara by the Will of the Ancestors and Beyoncé was vindicated. Not necessarily in the New Directive, but in her support of me thus the rebirth of a sister First House. The purge following High Priestess' Hayden's death was her ultimate absolution. The Ancestors and Destiny had spoken and shown Beyoncé had been piloting House Hanwasuit along the proper course all along.Back to my current circumstances:Oh, why was I Assistant to the Executive Director to the President? It gave me direct access to the finances of Havenstone which was a critical leg of the war-fighting stool ~ people, morale, money and equipment. As Chief Diplomat, I helped with all four of those in varying degrees, allied troops, allied victories, allied bank accounts and allied armaments.The Great Khan, my spiritual 'Blood-Brother', was ramping up his logistic support for my Amazons in Africa, Asia and the Americas. We were 'Allies in the Struggle' and he wasn't going to wait for the Condottieri to begin coordinating with the Seven Pillars to declare them to be his enemies. They were already fighting the Amazons and 9 Clans, his allies, so their fates were sealed.In Japan, my Amazons provided small yet highly effective strike groups which the Ninja families furnished all the support services for. Everything from food to bullets to medical attention as needed. Without reservation, we shared their death-grapple with the Seven Pillars.From the dispatches I was getting back from my family members and envoys in Japan, we were making serious diplomatic inroads with the Ninja. Once again, it was the Amazons shocking capacity for violence as well as their fanaticism, professionalism and proficiency which all impressed our hosts and terrified our enemies, and this from people of a philosophical mindset which had them historically battling samurai.The Black Lotus were running around like rhesus monkeys on crack cocaine unleashed in a China Shop and given RPG's. While the Amazons couldn't help them in China, Indochina & Thailand ~ the Khanate could and was. The Amazons were of more help in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, where the Black Lotus and Amazons were going everywhere on the offensive against the Seven Pillars while the normal tight cohesion and iron-clad confidence, traits which made the 7P's so dangerous ~ were shaken by their horrendous losses in the 'Homeland' aka Mainland China.Less we forget, the 'military intelligence' wing of their organization had been decimated by the Khanate's Anthrax attack due to members of the Earth & Sky sacrificing themselves by being injected with the toxin then allowing themselves to be captured, which always ended in torture and death.Furthermore, the People's Republic of China, while having a scary 18% of the population either captured, imprisoned, dead, or displaced due to the Khanate invasion, that had come with the loss of 63% of their landmass (they had lost all of Nei Mongol, Ningxia & Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Regions, Qinghai and Gansu as well as 90% of Yunnan, 80% of Sichuan and 20% of Shaanxi provinces) to the Khanate and the 'abomination' that was a free Tibet.Then came the Russian 'stab in the back' which entailed the loss of another 10% of their people falling under foreign dominion as well as losing 8% of their most industrialized territory, Manchuria (Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces ~ the Nei Mongol portion of 'Manchuria' was in the Khanate's greedy clutches, from the viewpoint of a Seven P's warrior).Don't get me wrong, they weren't about to throw in the towel. If anything, they were becoming more dedicated to trying harder, digging deep into their knowledge of every atrocity, inhumanity and perversion now deemed necessary to re-chart history back onto its 'correct' path. It was this willingness to act in an even greater sociopathic manner which was being used against them. After all, the 7P's had plenty of proxy allies, who were starting to get really nervous about what their paymasters were now asking them to do,We Amazons were getting some extra special help too. The Booth-gan (Do not call them Thuggee ~ the confederate 9 Clan member based out of India though long since ensconced within various Hindi enclaves across the Globe) had created an all-female group of ultra-fanatical Kali-devotees ~ a gift for the upcoming battle fomented by the Will of the Goddess herself.While Aya was our Queen and the Regency would rule until she wished to assume command of the Amazon People, the nuts-and-bolts of the Host's activities were handled by Saint Marie as Golden Mare (our Minister of War) (technically she held the top spot due to our State of War, though no Golden Mare had ever exercised such authority over a Queen (and she definitely believed Aya was our Queen)), Katrina (as Minister of Intelligence and Security), Beyoncé (as Havenstone (the multinational corporation) ~ our Treasurer/Economic Tsarina) and me (our Foreign Minister).Saint Marie had decided to forgo a public face in order to better facilitate her moving around to various battle fronts and holding clandestine meetings with her junior regional commanders. Her Havenstone corporate title was 'Chief of Security Training and Certification'. As an extra level of deception, the head of Security Services wasn't even a Director-level position, instead being folded into the duties of the Office of the President.To my current circumstances ~ I had been given Constanza's house name which could only mean she wasn't currently assigned to the Security Detail; a fact that couldn't have made her bad attitude any better. Marilynn had completely lost her way as an Amazon when I first met her, burying her pain and confusion in endless partying and intoxicants. I believed only her grandmother's status as High Priestess kept her from the severest of reprimands, or death. I didn't even know what Marilynn's caste was. Sabia,"While I'm sure you are both far more qualified than I, precisely how did you two get these jobs?" I had to ask my two non-coworkers. Constanza glowered. Marilynn flinched."I have an in depth knowledge of Havenstone security procedures and resources," Constanza replied."Shawnee requested me," was Marilynn's comeback. "I also have intimate knowledge of the City of New York and its environs.""Actually, Buffy Ishara recommended you both to Shawnee," Beyoncé corrected their misconceptions. I knew the score. I'd be working intimately with the tight community around the President (Shawnee) and Vice Presidents (Buffy & Rhada). Buffy wanted me to be surrounded by women who hated my guts, so I wouldn't end up boinking them. It rarely worked that way. All too often ladies who hated my still-beating heart ended up punishing me with sex. I wasn't sure why that happened, but it did."Beyoncé, didn't the Chief Diplomat of the Host have her own office? I'm pretty sure Troika had one before her unfortunate collision with Saint Marie," I felt entitled to inquire."Do you feel you've earned that office space?" she riposted."Oh, fuck no!" I waved my hands one over the other to accentuate my denial. "I was just wondering where I could stick Juanita while I'm hanging around, here.""She has the desk right outside the door, Cáel," Beyoncé smiled knowingly. "So there is no way you can sneak past her.""Oh," I grunted. "Buffy again?""No. Pamela Pile put in that particular request.""Oh, Sweet Mother of God, now she is conspiring against me too?""Yes. Some of us realize the greatest hazard to your health is yourself, Ishara," Beyoncé chided me. "We'd like to keep you around, so we listen to those charged with that nigh impossible task.""Is she going to be hanging around the office often?" Constanza asked, either myself, Juanita, or Beyoncé; I wasn't sure. She = Pamela."Please, Constanza," I attempted to intervene, "don't make Pamela kill you. It will upset Mona." Constanza's scowl was accentuated by the eyepatch covering her ruined left socket, the one Pamela had carved out when Constanza had insulted me and House Ishara on our first day of rebirth. I didn't tell Juanita this, because Juanita might just shoot Constanza over the insult before Pamela got a chance to finish the job.The tension was palatable."Mona and I have talked, about Romania, and other things," Constanza grudgingly allowed. It took me a second to realize there was a hidden meaning to what she said. Mona was part of my personal Security Detail bodyguard unit. If she felt Constanza, the woman who had raised her after her birth-mother had died, was a threat to me, she'd feel duty-bound to snuff Constanza first. Amazons were hard-ass bitches alright and I think Mona had made that clear."I hope things can improve between us," I offered to Constanza. "Beyoncé, I just stopped in to say 'hey'. I'm off to JIKIT and I've got three of the Pope's people waiting on me in the garage so,""Vice President Varma requested a moment of your time," Beyoncé smirked. "She is in 2604.""Who?""Vice President Rhada Varma, a moment of your time, alone?" she clarified."Sure thing," I backed out of the office. Once I had some space, I turned to Juanita. "Give me three minutes then bust in and say, I don't know, a tsunami is about to overwhelm the city, or something. Otherwise, I won't get out for at least an hour and I think I've put the Bishop and his people through enough delays as it is.""Are you actually asking me to stop you from having an in-office liaison?" she studied me intently as we walked in the direction of Rhada's office."Yes. It's not likely to happen often, believe me.""Oh, I do, in that you won't ask me to do it often," she grumbled. I'd deal with Juanita's morale problem later. Right now, I had to gird my loins so they wouldn't do anything else with Rhada. I had work to do, damn it!Rhada was sitting at her desk, working on something, stylus raised up so she could chew on the end. Her hair was pulled back in a half-ponytail, the type that captured the rear half of the hair in a ponytail while leaving the front and bangs free to flow down. Rhada's blouse was white & billowy and, as I was soon to discover, her pants were ultra-tight and contour hugging."Mr. Nyilas," she greeted me. "I would like a moment of your time," she relayed what I already knew. She was more than a tad nervous to boot."Vice President Varma," I started off."When in private you may call me Rhada," she interrupted."Rhada, you look more ravishing than ever."That got up her and coming around her desk, which revealed her ultra-tight pants with no sign of her wearing underwear. Yikes! My cock was preparing to do what a cock was meant to do and I just didn't have the time, Really!"Do you have any time?" she let her bosom heave."Not today, ugh," I groaned. See, Rhada took the stylus and dragged it down her chin, throat and in between her bountiful mounds.All of which exposed the top of her black bra."Are you sure, Master?" she enticed me by turning around and then leaning over her desk, point that ass in my direction. My mouth began salivating and my groin ached. I found myself quick-stepping to her and giving those buttocks two firm slaps, one on each cheek."No, damn it, though I'm going to make you pay for this when I get back," I rumbled."Master will make me wait?" she taunted me."That will cost you even more," I growled. "I have business which simply won't wait and here is my captive teasing me with the treasures of her flesh. Bad, war captive," I spanked her yet again, hard. "Bad!" and I spanked her a fourth time. With each beating, Rhada gasped in pain and then exhaled in pleasure."If I've been bad, Master must be extra harsh with me when he returns in triumph from the Great Hunt," she gloated. Rhada had gotten what she wanted, which was another affirmation of my lust for her and our 'game'. I could provide her the release she so desperately craved while allowing her the safety of remaining in the Amazon fold. It was a perfect pairing, for her.I had other problems, such as all the other baby mamas in my life plus the extra-marital affairs I was contemplating. I still took the moments we had to snuggle with Rhada, her grinding that tush into my rod while I held both her arms tightly to her side while raining kisses down onto her neck and head."Sir! A giant tsunami is approaching the city!" Juanita exploded through the door."What?" I coughed. I had a face full of hair."Huh?" Rhada pushed up and away from me. I let her go."Right now," Juanita insisted. She really needed to stop taking me so seriously when I gave her such advice."Really?" from Rhada. She shot me a curious look so I shrugged. What else was I supposed to do with such a flimsy lie forcing our separation? At least I got out of there on time?{9:50 am, Monday, September 8th ~ Last day}(JKIT HQ)"Is this a common occurrence?" Sister Rafaela Sophia whispered to the closest woman, who happened to be Wiesława, the Polish Amazon. Since she hadn't arrived with us from Havenstone, the nun might have assumed she was with the 'Americans', or British."What?" Wiesława responded evenly."Weapons combat, they look real," the nun clarified."They are real. We always practice with real weapons.""Really?""Of course," Wiesława smiled at her. "We believe a few cuts and scrapes now will save lives when the true tests come.""Oh, you are with, Havenstone?" Rafaela clued in."Yes. I am Wiesława of House Živa. I am currently assigned to Unit L, Cáel's unit within JIKIT," she offered her hand to shake. Despite being a full-blooded Amazon from a freehold, her 'human' skills were progressing nicely. The nun shook it."I am Sister Rafaela Sophia of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, that is a Roman Catholic Religious Order." Pause. "Do you hate Catholics too?""Yes. We have lived beside your people for many centuries and found your clergy to be much more dangerous than your pagan predecessors. Still, Cáel thinks you can be relied on and he's proven we can trust outsider women, which I was raised to believe was unlikely, and outsider men, which was basically anathema, so I'm willing to set aside my prejudices and judge you as an individual," the Pole imparted."Outsider men?" Rafaela mumbled."Well, yes," Wiesława smirked. "You are a nun, right?""Yes.""So you set aside the World of Men to live mostly among women, right?""Not entirely," the nun chose her words carefully. "We still rely on priests for religious rights and of course obey the life teachings of Christ and follow the leadership of his Holiness, the Pope, a man.""No one is perfect," the Amazon bantered back."Do you know the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ?" Rafaela ventured into dangerous waters."Yes. He was the semi-historical Son of your supposed One True God. We are not monotheists. We are Polytheists. Živa is my House's matron Goddess. It is also the name of the first woman to lead the House, her birth name surrendered to Destiny so all the daughters who came afterwards would be equals.""Oh, is Mr. Nyilas also pagan?" she inquired."I am unsure. From what I have been told, he has commended the spirit of his fallen father to your Jesus in a sacred ceremony then, in the presence of your Trinity and the Goddess Ishara, brought in new members to his House. I suspect he may be both," Wiesława reasoned. "Why don't you ask him?""Because he's fighting for his life?" Rafaela looked my way.See, the entire time their discussion had been going on, I had been sparring in a spare room at JIKIT HQ with Estere Abed, the Hashashin assassin (rather redundant ~ like saying the Sahara Desert). I had two tomahawks while she had a scimitar and curved dagger. While we sparred using the furniture as obstacles, Agent-86 was briefing me on various World events to get my input.Addison Stuart (CIA) and Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke (MI-6) were having a chat with Bishop Nicolé de Santis, verifying for themselves he was worth adding to the team. Juanita was having a similar discussion with Rikki Martin (US State Department) concerning my earlier encounter with the Papal team. Nicolé's buddy, Wachtmeister Mathias Bosshart of the Swiss Guard, was getting acquainted with the other security personnel.In comparison, those two had it easy. Both men were in their elements. Nicolé was a spook who pretended to be a diplomat for the Pope and was well acquainted with terms like 'deniable assets', 'plausible deniability' and your direct superior referring to requests concerning your identity/diplomatic status by saying 'I never heard of him and if I had, I have no idea what he was doing when you caught him doing what I don't know what he was doing', or something like that.Mathias was in the company of military-security specialists, brother professionals who were introducing him to his 'sister' professionals. Our Homeland Security gang were almost entirely former military by now. They got along with our JSOC folks and both had gained a limited acceptance with the Amazon security contingent.They bonded over the fact they were forced to work with really shady characters ~ the 9 Clans menagerie ~ who didn't always appreciate JIKIT operational security. Without going into particulars, the Wachtmeister was given the impression the abnormal was the norm and if you didn't think there was a 'down-side' to being able to carry your personally favorite bang-bang (the SG 552-2P Commando in his case) with some serious attachments (read: grenade launcher) around in downtown Manhattan, you probably didn't belong on this team.Back in the room,"He's not fighting for his life," Estere laughed. "He is fighting for mine.""Right," I responded sarcastically. We went through a flurry of exchanges, ending up with me kicking a chair at her. Estere stepped over it, colliding with me.I blocked her dagger, disarmed her scimitar and,"You are dead," she panted down at me, smiling. I was on my back, her straddling me. She had a belt-knife to my throat. I hadn't see her draw it. The scimitar 'disarm' had been a distraction."Woot!" I exhaled."But you're dead," Sister Rafaela misunderstood my good humor."He survived a minute and thirty-four seconds more today than his previous record," Estere responded. She slithered off of me, doing my arousal no good whatsoever, then offered me a hand up."And that's better?""He's a rank amateur with a few months on the job. I've been training to kill people for nearly two decades," Estere smiled. "Care to have a go?""With him, or you?""Either," Estere offered."I don't have a knife, or any hand weapons," she stated."We'll need to remedy that," Wiesława stated. "You should at least carry a knife.""Really? Why?""It is a nearly universal tool," I verbally stepped up. "Even if you are disarmed, you should be able to find one relatively easily, people are less likely to miss a stolen knife than a purloined gun, and a concealed blade could come in handy.""Do you train in knife-work?" Rafaela eye-balled me."Absolutely. It is part of my culture," I grinned."Okay. Can we spar, hand-to-hand?""Sure," I nodded. I put my tomahawks in their harnesses then put my harnesses aside. Estere gave me a wink before giving us the fighting space."So," Rafaela began to circle, "are you Christian?""By your definition, or mine?""By the definition of the Catholic Church."Oh cool, she went for a Savate stance. This was going to get ugly.My "no," was followed by her kick and my block, lunge and grapple. She wasn't nearly as good as Felix. I had her down and in a choke hold within fifteen seconds.Perhaps she thought I'd take it easy on her. She tapped out. I released her, retreated and flowed back to my boxing stance. It took her a moment to realize this was 'practice', not 'an interview'. She hadn't failed in anyone's eyes. We were both doing this to get better."See, I really, truly believe I have talked to supernatural entities ~ some who are considered divinities," I continued. This time she was more careful, trading jabs and blocks with me. "They don't claim to be the One True God. I believe in such a thing, but I also believe having been given the Message, Humanity has been left to muddle things out for ourselves."Whoops, she popped me one."The Woman-Thing this morning?""Yep," I evaded another flurry. She got cocky and I landed three blows, dropping her to the ground. I didn't help her up. Instead, I withdrew and let her get back up on her own before deciding if she wanted to continue. She did."I believe I've seen dragons and ghosts. I have felt legions of my ancestors give me quiet encouragement when I needed it. I know the dead have been brought back to life," I came at her. This time we both went for body blows, knees, elbows and fists. She was not SD-caliber and she needed to be. I grappled and she was forced to tap out again. After she regained her feet, she held up a hand for a pause."Do you believe any of that?" she addressed Estere."I am an adherent of Ismaili Islam yet nothing Cáel has encountered is contrary to my belief system. The Universe is a complex place and the Divine Light is often seen through a fractured lenses," she counseled the nun."Among the escapees were lawyer Francisco Luemba, Catholic Priest Raul Tati, economist Belchior Lanso Tati and former policeman Benjamin Fuca who are serving jail sentences of between three and six years each for supposed links to the rebel group FLEC (Frente para a Libertaé'o do Enclave de Cabinda), which carried out the attack on the Togolese football team at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, 2010," Agent-86 read off yet another bit of global minutia."We need to get to them," I half turned. Sister Rafaela punched me in the gut and I folded up."Oh!" she gasped. "I'm sorry.""Okay," I mumbled. I had to keep with the plan. "Those men. We need to contact our Coils people in Kinshasa and the Warden of the Mountain Ways ('she' was the Amazon Host's leader of Africa ~ in the ancient times, the mountain ways had been the routes of southern vulnerability for the Amazon tribe thus the name).""Okay," both Agent-86 and Estere answered."Why?" 86 added."The Coils and the Host have had a serious problem with no nation in Africa giving them even back room recognition so we are going to take over our own country, Cabinda. It's been struggling to be free of Angola since 1975 and, by latest estimates, we've got strike elements of over 2,000 Amazons ready and waiting next door in Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo.""So you are going to go to war with Angola?" Estere frowned. "Don't we have enough enemies?""Au contraire," I grinned wickedly. "The resistance movement is genuine," I ticked off my points, "they have tons of offshore oil, and after we set off some spectacular explosions in the two main Angolan ports which are just down the coast, we allow global panic to bully the UN into intervening before the Angolan military launch an effective counter-offensive ~ considering the Angolan Armed Forces (I'd been reading up on a ton of CIA & MI-6 briefings) will most likely involve attrition warfare since they can't beat us in a stand-up fight.""They, the Angolans, have no overland access, they are separated by 60 kilometers of territory belonging to the Democratic Republic of Congo over some sad ass roads Plus the Congo River itself which is freaking huge by the time it gets that close to the Atlantic, Cabinda rests on the Atlantic Ocean by the way. No bridges. The Angolan Navy is anemic. Let me think."I began pacing."Hmm, they have no paratroopers though they have some Special Forces, we will need to hit as many of them in the barracks as we can. Their last invasion was from the north, overland, from the Republic of the Congo, in 1975, not likely to happen this time, though I may have my 'Brother' weasel up a battalion of Indian paratroopers to act as convincing peacekeepers after the initial take over.""Perhaps we can recruit some Vietnamese. I'm sure they'll love fighting in someone else's jungle for a change. We'll need some of 'our' guys to seize the port of Soyo, it is on the wrong side of the river, but has the major refinery the Cabindans will need. Since the entire surrounding province are the same ethnic make-up as the Cabindans, we'll have to take that too.""Man-o-man, I bet by the time this is over they'll really wish they'd given little Cabinda independence back in 1975. As for their other refinery, it is in their capital, Luanda, a few big explosions there too will get the markets jittery. Check that ~ the complete and utter destruction of their major petroleum facility will create a stampede for Peace," I continued. I walked over as our resident computer intelligence genius worked his magic."Blowing things up, you mean killing people," the nun blanched."Yes. This is what I do," I spared her a sympathetic glance. "I've got a madman roaming around in my head who provides me truly epic military advice which normally, but not always, means blowing shit up and killing folks. Welcome to the team," then as the data appeared, "Holy Shit! Did they build their oil refinery in the midst of their ghetto?" I was staggered. The refinery in Soyo was isolated from the town so it could be easily (and safely) seized. It was the one in Luanda which was the 'Holy Shit' site."It looks that way," Agent-86 agreed nonplussed. "Hmm, yeah, here is the port facility then your neighborhood of shoddily constructed one- and two-story dwellings between the refinery and the inland storage tanks, the perimeter barrier appears to be a chain link fence. I'd hate to be their Chief of Security.""Oh yeah," I choked. Estere slipped around to get a look."Whoops," she snorted."What are these people thinking?" I continued. "The whole shebang is exposed to the northern quarter of the city. The storage tanks have residential dwellings on all four sides with numerous side streets. Two teams with RPGs and four rounds apiece, Holy Crap. Sorry Sister.""But I want to save lives," she sputtered."Limiting the collateral damage could be pretty tough," Estere frowned. She toggled throw a series of maps to multiple pictures."Oh, look (dripping sarcasm); they light up the refinery at night. You can sit off the coast in a speed boat under cover of darkness and attack from there," she noted."Damn. Those are a lot of lights," Agent-86 agreed."24-7 operation," I suspected."We will need some experts," the government agent nodded."Or we are going to kill a fuck-load of innocent people. Not just the workers, but can you imagine a fire spreading to those neighborhoods? Shit," I muttered."You can't seriously be contemplating doing something like this," the nun sputtered. "It is inhumane. Think of the families, the children.""Lady, yes I am. Do you have any idea what the Human Rights record of the Angolan Army in Cabinda is? It is truly horrific and in case you missed it, one of the guys in dire need of rescuing by me, due to him being a huge rebel leader who has managed to escape, is also a Catholic priest. He's going to be part of the new government we are going to install once we kill a few hundred Angolans ~ mostly soldiers (more like well over a thousand).""We are going to kill a few hundred so a few hundred thousand can live free, democratic lives without worrying about the local police and political establishment torturing and murdering them. It is all part of the plan.""I think I need to talk with the Bishop.""Hang on. Let me finish," I forestalled her. "He'll get briefed along with everyone else. After all, it is a majority Roman Catholic country as is Angola, so I'm sure your guy can be of immense help.""The people you are putting at risk don't deserve this," she protested."They never do," I nodded in agreement with her. "It rarely stops terrible crap from happening to them though."I felt sorry for the Sister. She thought the Bishop was going to put a stop to this. Poor girl; he was going to do the exact opposite. See, the two competing forces at play here were a communistic kleptocracy (currently ruling Angola) and Catholic liberation theology united with a Cabindan national identity dating back to 1885. At stake was 900,000 barrels a day of petroleum. That was a bunch of funding for somebody. Last I checked, the state run energy conglomerate had misplaced $32 billion, in just three years.Mind you, the Coils of the Serpent and the Amazon Host didn't want to help the People of Cabinda out of the goodness of their hearts either. They wanted cover for the importation of weapons and other war-fighting material so they could kill the Condottieri in Africa. If the rebel leaders-turned-legitimate government didn't play ball well, the Coils were in the 'assassinating people' business and somewhere along the line the survivors would figure out keeping 'us' happy kept them alive. Problem solved.It was Bishop Nicolé de Santis' job to facilitate that understanding. If certain people with Vatican credentials explained the 'facts of life' to the new regime a lot more lives could be saved, Catholic lives. In turn, he could work to make sure the new group in power wasn't nearly as corrupt as the gang we were tossing out. Better education and quality of life, improved infrastructure & security and a nice shiny cathedral, or two.We, as in JIKIT and our component members, didn't want to rule the country and dominate the people's lives. We needed the ports and the airfields with a blind eye turned to our skullduggery. Sure, there would be future considerations. Amazons and Coil members would be fighting and dying for these people's freedom ~ public recognition definitely not required. No; the Amazons wanted to be left alone in their deep jungle homes which was an isolation they basically already had. This was a future chit which said 'don't come looking'.The Coils? Let's just say in the future Cabinda would have embassies around the globe and if occasionally they wanted someone to slip through under diplomatic cover ~ they were good for it. And if the Cabindans ever needed help in the future they knew they had friends in dark places who were now invested in Cabinda's survival. It was a win-win-win, unless you were an Angolan big-wig, or one of their foot-soldier currently serving in Cabinda. Amazons weren't big on taking prisoners, or even giving the opposition the option of giving up.For me, it wasn't lunch yet and here I was plotting to overthrow yet another government in yet another country ~ though in only two, small provinces this time. Thank the Goddess I had the rest of the week

Hey Friends,It's been a long time, nearly 2.5 years since I started this newsletter, and I want to introduce myself to my 2,340 readers.So, hi again! I'm Dr. Nina Patrick, the author of Nina's Notes, a weekly health & science newsletter and podcast.My journey into longevity and health science started during my PhD, where I studied epigenetics, the code that sits on top of our DNA.Epigenetics controls which genes are turned on or off, and epigenetics is influenced by our environment.I also explored the neurotoxicity of MDMA (ecstasy) in the rat brain, which was my first real dive into how substances impact longevity and neurobiology.After my PhD, I worked in biotech startups in Silicon Valley, then launched my own at-home diagnostics company in Berlin, helping people track health biomarkers through urine tests.I also run Longevity Wednesdays, a Lisbon-based community for professionals in longevity, where we host events on everything from panels on which longevity supplement we should take, to building the investment case for women's health.Through this work, I've become fascinated by the intersection of longevity, wellness, and psychedelics.And over time, I've developed my Six Pillars of Longevity.These are the foundations I live by, and today, I want to share them with you.Listen here.

Confidence Comes Later   In this episode of Richer Soul, we welcome Angus Nelson, an executive coach dedicated to transforming entrepreneurs into their best selves. Angus shares his powerful story of overcoming burnout, addiction, and personal loss to build a life of balance and fulfillment. He discusses the psychology of success, emotional intelligence, and how to cultivate a wealthy life beyond just financial gains. His insights have impacted leaders in startups, Fortune 500 companies, and even celebrity circles. Join us as we dive into Angus' transformative journey and learn how you, too, can redefine success on your terms.   Key Takeaways: Overcoming Burnout and Self-Sabotage. Angus shares how his early years of relentless work ethic led him to a dark place—losing his first marriage and business. His turning point came when he realized that self-worth isn't tied to how hard one works, but rather to the person one becomes. Learning to step back, prioritize mental health, and embrace self-awareness helped him rebuild his life. Redefining Wealth and Success. Growing up, Angus was raised in a culture that equated success with material gain and status. However, he later discovered that true wealth is about personal fulfillment, meaningful relationships, and impact. He now coaches high achievers to shift their mindsets from a scarcity-driven, fixed-pie mentality to one of abundance and growth. The Power of Emotional Intelligence. Success isn't just about strategy and execution; it's about managing emotions, communication, and self-awareness. Angus emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in business and leadership. He teaches his clients how to harness their emotions, build resilience, and cultivate deeper connections with those they lead. Personal Growth is the Key to Financial Abundance. Rather than chasing money, Angus believes in attracting it by becoming a better person. He stresses that financial success follows personal transformation. When you invest in yourself—your mindset, your emotional well-being, and your vision—you naturally create opportunities and wealth.   Money Learning: Angus grew up in a financially stable household where money was never scarce, but his parents' later shift to a scarcity mindset influenced his early beliefs. He learned that money should be earned through hard work, but he also absorbed limiting beliefs about wealth. It wasn't until later in life that he redefined his relationship with money—shifting from a mindset of limitation to one of possibility and abundance.   Guest Bio: Angus Nelson is an executive coach who helps entrepreneurs and business leaders unlock their full potential. As the host of the Evolve Leadership podcast and founder of the Wealthy Entrepreneur Circle mastermind, he has worked with high achievers in startups, Fortune 500 companies, and celebrity circles. His expertise in business psychology and emotional intelligence makes him a sought-after strategist for those committed to excellence. Angus has shared his insights with companies such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, BMW, Adobe, and Fidelidade. Currently based in Lisbon, Portugal, he lives with his family and two large dogs.   Key Discussion Points: Angus's childhood influences his financial mindset. The impact of a relentless work ethic and how it led to burnout. How faith and personal reflection helped him redefine success. The transition from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mentality. Emotional intelligence as a game-changer in leadership. The importance of identity and self-worth beyond work and financial success. Strategies for creating financial and personal fulfillment simultaneously.   Conclusion: Angus Nelson's journey is a testament to the power of self-awareness, resilience, and mindset transformation. His insights remind us that true wealth isn't just about financial success—it's about becoming a person of impact, fulfillment, and emotional mastery.   Links: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@angusnelson4340 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusnelson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angusnelson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angusnelson   Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom! Thanks for listening!   Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/   Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes   If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul   https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ rocky@richersoul.com   Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast   Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Join us for an exclusive live-recorded episode of 'Navigating the PD Universe' podcast, kicking off our new series at the BIAL PD Summit in Lisbon, 2025. Professors Werner Poewe and Bas Bloem welcome a remarkable special guest, Sir Nicholas Mostyn, host of the acclaimed Movers and Shakers podcast. Together, they dive into the challenges and realities of Parkinson's disease, blending expert insights with Sir Nicholas's personal journey of living with the condition. This candid, inspiring conversation is a must-listen for anyone touched by Parkinson's.

So, I decided that this month, I'd look at the issue of burnout. In Canada, like the rest of the world to varying degrees, we're facing a sea change with America no longer willing to play the role they've played since the end of World War II. With tariffs applied to our long-standing trade, and threats to annex us, Canadians feel this new threat to their core. And people simmer in the stress of it without any real awareness of the havoc this is playing in our nervous systems. In today's episode, I'm sharing a few thoughts, and some found music from Lisbon, Portugal. I hope it helps you find some calmness in your day.  And a word of gratitude for street musicians all over the world, but particularly those in Lisbon who have unknowingly contributed to this episode. You all Rock!! And you make the world a better place as you share your talents. Thank you.Please, share this episode around, and if you're of a mind, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts; and give us a review. If you have comments or questions, please send them to meanderingswithtrudy@gmail.com.Episode links:As usual, this podcast is sponsored by my company, Chapman Coaching Inc.Meander with Maddalena Molina from December, 2022, and her company, Comfortable Hiking HolidaysInside Lisbon was the company our Lisbon tour guide Pedro worked for, and learn more about his work in Ukraine with UNESCORoyalty free music is called Sunday Stroll – by Huma-Huma

For details about our upcoming classes, visit:http://www.sweathead.comChicago, NYC, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Prague, and more.Find Mark here:http://www.instagram.com/markpollard

Phil is in Los Angeles, Dean is back in home in Detroit (or its environs) and normalcy is restored on this week's show. Dean offers up his final thoughts about Lisbon, shares the status of his ongoing home renovations, and weighs in on the in-flight movies he availed himself of: John Woo's remake of his […]

Original Release Date: Monday 31 March 2025    Description:   Phil is in Los Angeles, Dean is back in home in Detroit (or its environs) and normalcy is restored on this week's show. Dean offers up his final thoughts about Lisbon, shares the status of his ongoing home renovations, and wighs in on the in-flight movies he availed himself of: John Woo's remake of his own The Killer and a zombie dog horror film from South Korea. Phil weighs in on a once-great television series that has jumped the shark and a great spy film from Steven Soderbergh that is meeting with box office failure. The state of the box office, film distribution, and what can be done to fix all of it gets analyzed. Then, in "Celebrity Deaths" two great character actors, two chart-topping music-makers, a heavyweight champion turned grillmaster, and a philanthropist who championed architecture all get remembered.

Piper speaks with show jumping riders Kristen VanderVeen and Alise Oken, who will be representing the US at the FEI World Cup Finals in Basel, Switzerland on April 1-6, 2025. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services.Host: Piper Klemm, publisher of The Plaid HorseGuest: Kristen VanderVeen is one of the most accomplished American show jumpers over the past decade. At rank 60 worldwide on the LONGINES FEI List, she's the 6th highest-ranking U.S. Show Jumper and third highest-ranked U.S. female rider. Kristen is one of only 4 U.S. Show Jumpers who has won over 100 FEI competitions/Ranking Classes- sharing that accomplishment with McLain Ward, Kent Farrington, and Laura Kraut. Kristen has been extremely successful in grand prixs through the 5* level and has represented the U.S. in World Cups in Paris and Germany. Kristen will soon be heading to Basel, Switzerland, to represent the U.S.A. in the World Cup.Guest: Alise Oken is a 33-year-old show jumper from Charlotte, North Carolina. As a junior, Alise competed in the FEI North American Youth Championships and, in 2010, won the team silver medal. Alise competed in her first senior Nations Cup in 2014, and since then, has been a member of the U.S. Jumping Team that won bronze in the FEI Jumping Nations Cup CSIO3* in Lisbon and a part of the U.S. team that finished third in the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of Sweden. In 2024, Alise competed for Team U.S.A. at the Longines League of Nations CSIO5* in Abu Dhabi and was a member of the fourth-place U.S. team at the FEI Nations Cup™ in Rome. Most recently, Alise was named to compete at the 2025 FEI World Cup Finals, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland.Title Sponsor: Taylor, Harris Insurance ServicesSubscribe To: The Plaid Horse Magazine

"Olá Bom Dia ALEGRIA! Munson here with the Good Morning Portugal! show, livestream & podcast. Tudo bem?" We start the show with the 'Bom Dia Daily' - 20 minutes of news, weather, language, culture & wellbeing in Portugal, by way of an introduction today to...Veronica, the legendary American in Portugal (Algarve), and Carl Hyde, the Brit in Lisbon, with their professional and personal insight from their respective parts of the country.Comments in the chat, pics & vids to WhatsApp (00 351) 913 590 303Get more at www.goodmorningportugal.com / Support the show and join the Portugal Club at www.gmpvip.comWant to create live shows like mine? Try https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4668289695875072Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support.

"Olá Bom Dia ALEGRIA! Munson here with the Good Morning Portugal! show, livestream & podcast. Tudo bem?" We start the show with the 'Bom Dia Daily' - 20 minutes of news, weather, language, culture & wellbeing in Portugal, by way of an introduction today to...Gary 'Positive Echo' Coulton who co-hosts a podcast of the same name with Carl.Learn more about him here - https://garycoulton.substack.com/And Stewart Noakes joining us with an entrepreneurial update from Canopy, Lisbon.Comments in the chat, pics & vids to WhatsApp (00 351) 913 590 303 Get more at www.goodmorningportugal.com / Support the show and join the Portugal Club at www.gmpvip.comWant to create live shows like mine? Try https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4668289695875072Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-good-morning-portugal-podcast-with-carl-munson--2903992/support.

Sponsor of this episode is https://formulaeq.com/az-event

Joe, Scott, Liam, Marty and Jason speak about the hun defeat, before being joined by a Green Brigade member to give the lowdown on what occured at Celtic Association that morning, before Joe tells us about his trip to Lisbon and a very brief look at Hearts.

Carlos Antunes, Director for the Americas, at TAP Air Portugal, joins Lisa Dent to discuss how TAP Air Portugal can fly you non-stop to Lisbon from Chicago O’Hare. During the summer season, their flights increase to five a week, connecting you with Portugal and beyond. Antunes discusses why Portugal is such a popular destination for […]

Ready to daydream about your next getaway? In this episode, Josey takes us on a journey through Portugal — from the colorful streets and cozy cafés of the mainland to the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Azores. If you've ever wondered what it's like to experience both sides of Portugal in one trip, this one's for you!How Was Your Trip — where we bring you an exclusive interview-style travel podcast that dives into the stories, travel hacks, and advice from travelers of all kinds. Tune in every other Tuesday as we unravel the world, one interview at a time.

Gurd shares some great places to eat and drink in Lisbon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kai-Julian Hendler is a geotechnical consulting engineer at Boley Geotechnik in Munich, Germany. He holds a master's degree in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in geotechnical engineering from the University of Lisbon. Over the past 8 years working at Boley Geotechnik, he has been a site engineer on port construction projects in South Africa, Guinea, and Australia. In his current role, he focuses on the geotechnical challenges of infrastructure projects for railways, metros, and roads.Christoph Verschaffel-Drefke is a Geotechnical Engineering and Hydrology Coordinator for Transnet BW, a transmission systems operator in Germany. After getting his degree in Geoscience Engineering, he worked on several research projects based around the heat dissipation of underground cables. During his 6 years working at TransnetBW, he has overseen projects relating to thermal soil investigation, thermal dimensioning, bedding materials of cables, and heat emissions.

In this conversation, Josh and Steve delve into the real estate market in Portugal, particularly focusing on Lisbon. They discuss the vibrant nature of the market, historical trends, and current economic conditions. Steve shares insights on whether now is a good time to buy, the importance of understanding prime real estate, and highlights key areas in and around Lisbon that are worth considering. Additionally, they explore the role of a buyer's agent and the differences between new builds and existing properties, providing valuable information for potential buyers. Green Ocean Global Financial Advisor: Book a call with John here - http://www.calendly.com/johnoceansgreenChoose the ExpatsEverywhere intro call and you'll get a free 15 minute call with him to see if you would like to work with him.For an introduction with Steve, contact Kalie at info@expatseverywhere.comInfinity Tower - https://residential.jll.pt/en-gb/development/infinity-tower/13774825https://www.vangproperties.com/en/lisbon-portugal-real-estate/infinity/ ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Have you ever opened Instagram to see a bunch of people posting from the same place — Lisbon? The Amalfi Coast? Charleston? Japan? It's no coincidence that every year, it feels like everyone is going on the exact same trips. In this episode, we're going to pull back the curtain on the travel media industry and show you how a place becomes a viral destination.        Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Episode 73 - Part 2 - Bernard Lane, Sydney-based journalist discusses the international debate about youth gender clinics over the past five years and Genspect conference in Lisbon. Disclaimer: Please note that all information and content on the UK Health Radio Network, all its radio broadcasts and podcasts are provided by the authors, producers, presenters and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your general knowledge. As a service to our listeners/readers our programs/content are for general information and entertainment only.  The UK Health Radio Network does not recommend, endorse, or object to the views, products or topics expressed or discussed by show hosts or their guests, authors and interviewees.  We suggest you always consult with your own professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advisor. So please do not delay or disregard any professional – personal, medical, financial or legal advice received due to something you have heard or read on the UK Health Radio Network.

Welcome to episode 240 of the Women's Running podcast. I'm your host Esther Newman and she's your other host Holly Taylor. On this podcast we talk about health, politics, stuff on TV and what we ate last night. Occasionally, we talk about running.Bath HalfIt's the week after the Bath Half and we have had lots of thoughts, not least about the roast we celebrated with afterwards. After a bit of nonsense about Holly's verbal diarrhea on whatsapp voicenotes (which I really think is the Podcast Moment of the Year).We talk to Jordan about our race day experiences at the Bath Half – no spoilers but there is a LOT to discuss; from the race village to the run itself, how we've recovered since, and how drunk we got in the pub. As I say: lots to discuss.Lisbon controversyAnd then on to a HUGE controversy which we dive into, which is all about the experiences of runners at the Lisbon Half. Listen in for big gasp moments, and let us know your thoughts and experiences if you were there too! Email us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.ukBefore I forget to mention it, did you know about our Discord channel? This is an exclusive forum for you, our gorgeous Pod Squad, to meet up, chat about running, TV, books, menopause, and anything else you like. To get a ton of support from new friends just like you, all you need to do is head to patreon.com/womensrunning and join us for just £2 a month. It's worth every penny.Lovely extra bitsThis episode is sponsored by Coopah. Coopah are offering all pod squadders a 2-week free trial of their app and then giving 20% off their standard annual subscription price. Just download the Coopah app and use the code WOMENSRUNNING when you sign up. Or visit coopah.com/womensrunning where you can find all of these details.We picked up our lovely hotel rooms through Marathon Tours: you can pick up hotel rooms for the Marathon here: TCS London Marathon 2025 | Marathon Tours & Travel UKDo also check them out if you're eyeing up one of the other marathon majors.@marathontours_uk on Instagram ·      Subscribe to Women's Running – and you'll save 50%Setting up your own podcast? Try Zencastr – we've been using it for ages and LOVE ITDownload a FREE mini mag to help you run 5K! Go to womensrunning.co.uk/runBuy a Pod Squad t-shirt!Do join us on Patreon so you can come and chat in our new Pod Squad community on Discord! Go to patreon.co.uk/womensrunningEmail us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk with any questions or running stories Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week w ego back to NYE to present the second part of Carlos Manaça set recorded at Vision LX New Year's Eve at Titanic Sur Mer in Lisbon in a surprise back to back with Luis XL Garcia.More info athttps://music.beepd.co/card/carlosmanacahttps://linktr.ee/carlosmanacahttps://linktr.ee/luisxlgarcia 

Send us a textIn this episode we are joined by Gary Bartelings, a supporter of the Pan Am Museum and founder and managing director of Bartelings, a company dedicated to unique travel experiences by private jet. We also welcome back to the program our good friend Becky Sprecher. She has been a frequent guest and contributor to this podcast. Becky brings great history to this episode about the flying boats of 1930s and the insight into Pan Am's legendary passenger service. From June 16, 2025 to June 28, 2025, Pan Am returns to the sky for an exclusive journey for 50 intrepid voyagers aboard a luxurious and modern private 757 aircraft with Pan Am livery! This exclusive trip, called Tracing the Transatlantic, will follow some of Pan Am's original flying boat routes across the Atlantic Ocean with stops in New York, Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London and Foynes. For more information, visit criteriontravel.com/panam Founded in 2015, Bartelings was incorporated to provide discerning travel companies access to extensive expertise and knowledge to create incredible and exclusive trips for customers. Their aim is to create unique experiences throughout the world allowing guests to connect with other cultures, visit incredible sights –both natural and man-made– and to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world we all inhabit.Our guest Gary Bartelings grew up in the Netherlands. His original career plan was to study at the Hotel School, however, he changed his mind and wanted to broaden his education to tourism. Gary started his travel career in 1987 with Qantas Airways in Amsterdam after completing his education. During his career he has been involved in everything from telephone sales to aircraft dispatch, brochure production to contract negotiation, crisis management to tour managing, public speaking to PR relationships and so on.Having had the privilege to travel extensively around the world he believes there is no better way to connect people and cultures than through understanding, acceptance and respect. The best way to achieve that is to travel, to visit, to interact, to learn. Gary has a passion for travel in all it shapes and forms, he has explored Asia donning a backpack, drove a classic car through Southern India to raise money for charity and at the other end of the scale visited famous monuments of humanity traveling by private jet and each experience  strengthens his appreciation of the world we live in. Support the show Visit Us for more Pan Am History! Support the Podcast! Donate to the Museum! Visit The Hangar online store for Pan Am gear! Become a Member! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!

Send us a textJourney back to the humble beginnings of one of football's greatest icons—Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo's story is about perseverance, passion, and determination, born on February 5, 1985, in the modest, mountainous neighborhood of Santo Antonio, Funchal, Madeira. Listen along as we uncover Ronaldo's early struggles, from his father Jose's guidance at local club Andorinha to overcoming emotional fragility and earning his childhood nickname "Crybaby." Follow young Cristiano as he bravely leaves his family behind at age 12 to chase his dreams at Sporting CP, where a three-day trial marked the beginning of a legendary journey.Discover Ronaldo's humble moments, including late-night trips to McDonald's with teammates, hoping for leftover hamburgers to ease their hunger. Learn how he overcame educational challenges, a serious heart condition, and loneliness before dazzling Manchester United's stars in Lisbon. This unforgettable performance set him on the path to global stardom. Ronaldo's career included incredible spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al-Nassr, making history at every club.Perfect for soccer friends, young and old. Support the showSupport the show! Become a member and have access to fan art, new episodes, shout outs, story input, educational resources and the Soccer Bedtime Community. To become a Soccer Bedtime Stories Member Visit us at Buzzsprout!We would love to hear from you and connect with other soccer/football lovers from around the world! Leave a comment, email or find us on social media.Find us on Instagram: MySoccerBedtimeFind us on Facebook: SoccerBedtimeStoriesAlso excited to launch our first story coloring pages, you can find them at: The Soccer Teacher by Soccer Bedtime Stories

In this episode of Healthy Waves, host Avik Chakraborty welcomes the extraordinary Aisha Makara, an artist, entrepreneur, author, and global traveler who has redefined what it means to live freely and fearlessly. From growing up as an orphan to traveling over 60 countries, launching businesses, and even sending her art to outer space with SpaceX, Aisha's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and limitless possibilities. We dive into the power of reinvention, how to overcome self-doubt, and why joyful living is a conscious choice. Aisha shares lessons from her nomadic lifestyle, her involvement with Burning Man, and the philosophy behind her book, "The Joyful Living Guidebook". If you've ever felt stuck or uninspired, this episode will challenge you to break free from limitations and start creating a life of purpose and passion. About the Guest – Aisha Makara   Aisha Makara is a multifaceted creative force, blending art, engineering, business, and travel into a life of true self-expression. From founding a boutique hotel & property management company in Lisbon to living a nomadic lifestyle in a custom van, Aisha is constantly exploring, reinventing, and inspiring others to embrace their own path to freedom. She believes that everyone has the power to create a life filled with joy, authenticity, and adventure. Key Takeaways:   ✅ Reinvention is a choice – You don't have to stay in one version of yourself forever. Embrace change.✅ Fear is a mindset – The unknown isn't something to be afraid of; it's an opportunity to grow.✅ Creativity is for everyone – You don't need to be an artist to live creatively. Dance, travel, explore!✅ The key to joy is presence – Stop worrying about the future; happiness is in today's small moments.✅ Surround yourself with the right people – Find a community that uplifts and inspires you.✅ Burning Man teaches radical creativity & giving – A reminder that abundance comes from sharing. How to Connect with Aisha Makara  - https://aisha.today/    Want to Be a Guest on Healthy Waves?  

The first Portuguese surfer to ever qualify for the Championship Tour, surfing legend Tiago Pires joins us on The Lineup. Calling in from his post-competitive venture, Twin Fin Agency, Tiago takes us through his transition from World Tour competitor to athlete management, social media strategy, and event organization. He opens up about the mental toll of his final year on tour, how fatherhood shifted his perspective, and what it was like growing up as a surfer in 1990s Lisbon. We dive into Supertubos ahead of the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, breaking down what makes the wave so unpredictable, the conditions to expect, and who's looking dangerous in the lineup. Tiago also takes us back to his roots—overcoming childhood fear of the ocean, the stoke from catching his first wave, and the relentless drive that pushed him from Portugal's small surf scene to international success. We wrap things up with answering your Instagram questions and a rapid-fire Lightning Round. Learn more about Tiago here and follow him here Play WSL CT Fantasy contest and join The Lineup Podcast Mega League for a chance to win! Terms and Conditions apply. Stay tuned for the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented By Corona Cero, Mar 15 - 25. Join the conversation by following The Lineup podcast with Dave Prodan on Instagram and subscribing to our YouTube channel. Get the latest WSL rankings, news, and event info. **Visit this page if you've been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, and would like to volunteer or donate. Our hearts are with  you.** Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joana Marques fala-nos de uma estrela do amapiano, Dandy Lisbon, e ele fala-nos do seu estilo internacional.

Musa and Ryan begin with an amazing result for Liverpool, who scored with their second shot to come back from Paris with a 1-0 lead against a PSG side who were brilliant, but came up against a mighty Alisson Becker performance (02:52). Bayern are all but through, after a 3-0 win on what was a very disappointing night for Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen (10:10). Barcelona held out for a 1-0 win in Lisbon, despite being down to ten for 70 minutes (15:22) and Inter beat Feyenoord in Rotterdam, where Lautaro Martínez became their all-time leading Champions League scorer (22:04). Hosts: Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga Producer: Ryan Hunn Additional Production: Patris Gordon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices