Podcasts about Lovely

Get the entire episode on Patreon here! We've got Blood Work's Greg Foley on to discuss the… happenings, involving another permutation of a guy named Thomas, and some guys in masks, and the British criminal justice system, and also another recent happening in a farm field in Gloucestershire, and also an article about the post-chud ambiance for misfit internet right-wingers in Budapest. It's a lot! The Brian Goodman article we read from is available here! Check out Blood Work here! Today is a Bandcamp Friday, and that means any music purchases you make on Bandcamp don't have platform fees applied! If you're looking for an artist to support, Nate's band Second Homes has an album available here!   Get more TF episodes each week by subscribing to our Patreon here!   RILEY ALERT Check out No Gods, No Mayors here! HUSSEIN ALERT Check out 10k Posts here! MILO ALERT Check out Milo's tour dates here: https://www.miloedwards.co.uk/liveshows Trashfuture are: Riley (@raaleh), Milo (@Milo_Edwards), Hussein (@HKesvani), Nate (@inthesedeserts), and November (@postoctobrist)

In this episode, Clayton Bullion and Steve Shadrach talk with Lovely, the first Filipino full-time staff member with STUMO in Cebu City, Philippines. Lovely shares her personal story of coming to faith, what campus life and ministry look like in the Philippines, unique challenges Filipino students face, and how God is raising up local student leaders to impact their nation and the world. You will discover inspiring stories of transformation and practical wisdom for reaching students in diverse cultural contexts.

Northern News is BACK with a brand new series!Headlines this week include a competitive Microsoft Excel champion from Scunthorpe goes for gold, and a woman "treats" her husband-to-be with a surprise for their wedding day. Amy is going on tour next year with her brand new stand-up show Thanks For Having Me. For tickets and dates head to plosive.co.uk.Want to support the pod? Join our Patreon and unlock bags of bonus content, live show discount codes, BTS clips and more...Got a juicy story from t'North? Email it to northernnewspod@gmail.com.Follow Northern News on Instagram @NorthernNewsPodcastProduced, recorded and edited by Aniya Das for Plosive.Assistant Producer is Amy Townsend-Lowcock.Artwork by Welcome Studio.Photography by Jonathan Birch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast, Kushal speaks with Tushar Gupta about the protests at Chitkara and Lovely University. Students at these universities began protesting over random rumours spread on social media. This led to some violent elements ransacking the entire campus. They will also discuss the unfortunate events at IIT B where a student committed suicide after he was accused of cheating allegedly. The student's parents accused the IIT B professor of caste discrimination. IIT B then released video evidence showing the student allegedly cheating. What lessons can students learn from all these incidents? Follow them: X: @Tushar15_ Substack: https://politypolicy.substack.com/ Website: https://politypolicy.com/ Tool: https://politypolicy.com/SpendingByType Tool: https://politypolicy.com/SpendingByFunction Tool: https://politypolicy.com/StateFiscalMatrix Tool: https://politypolicy.com/StateFiscalHeadToHead #LPU #ChitkaraUniversity #IITB #Punjab #cockroachjantaparty #socialmedia #genz #reservations ------------------------------------------------------------ Listen to the podcasts on: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kushal-mehra-99891819 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rVcDV3upgVurMVW1wwoBp Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-c%C4%81rv%C4%81ka-podcast/id1445348369 Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-carvaka-podcast ------------------------------------------------------------ Support The Cārvāka Podcast: Buy Kushal's Book: https://amzn.in/d/58cY4dU Become a Member on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKPx... Become a Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carvaka UPI: kushalmehra@icici Interac Canada: kushalmehra81@gmail.com To buy The Carvaka Podcast Exclusive Merch please visit: http://kushalmehra.com/shop ------------------------------------------------------------ Follow Kushal: Twitter: https://twitter.com/kushal_mehra?ref_... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KushalMehraO... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecarvakap... Koo: https://www.kooapp.com/profile/kushal... Inquiries: https://kushalmehra.com/ Feedback: kushalmehra81@gmail.com

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes Wade Lightheart, a certified sports nutritionist and co-founder of BiOptimizers, for a deep dive into a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves: digestion. Wade brings a remarkable personal story—after losing his sister to Hodgkin's disease and later experiencing a mysterious 42-pound weight gain in just 11 weeks, he discovered he had learned to build his body from the outside in, not the inside out.  He explains that humans are the only species that cooks their food, destroying the enzymes naturally present in what we eat, which places enormous strain on the body's own enzyme production. For women in midlife, this matters enormously: when protein cannot be broken down into amino acids, the consequences ripple outward into muscle loss, stubborn weight gain, mood disruption, and fatigue. Wade walks through the five stages of digestion, offers a simple at-home baking soda test to check stomach acid, and explains why protein timing and digestive support are essential for women navigating menopause.  This episode is a masterclass in why digestion is the foundation of hormonal health, metabolism, and vitality. Episode Highlights: Why cooking food depletes enzymes and burdens the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder The five stages of digestion and where things typically go wrong A simple baking soda test to determine if you need more stomach acid Why "it's not what you consume, it's what you digest, absorb, and utilize" The critical link between gut health, serotonin production, and carbohydrate cravings Why women should prioritize protein early in the day, not just at dinner If you've been eating all the right things but still feeling depleted, this conversation will change how you think about every meal.   Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

Author and journalist Garrison Lovely joins Nathan to discuss his book Obsolete and examine the motivations and beliefs of the leaders racing to build AGI. Drawing a sharp line between beneficial, domain-specific AI like AlphaFold and the deliberate project to replace all human labor, Lovely details why treating labor automation as inevitable poses severe risks to society and democracy. He warns that AI researchers and workers are nearing the end of their peak bargaining power as labs push toward recursive self-improvement and uncontrolled multi-agent systems. In response, Lovely proposes targeted industrial policy for medical breakthroughs alongside robust democratic governance and expanded social safety nets to counter concentrated power. For full show notes, links, and references, read the episode page:https://www.cognitiverevolution.ai/obsolete-or-irreplaceable-garrison-lovely-on-stopping-the-race-to-replace-human-labor/ Sponsors: Athena: Athena matches you with a dedicated, top 1% executive assistant to handle your inbox, calendar, and daily workflows so you can save an average of 15 hours a week. Get matched with your EA today at https://athena.com/cognitive Parallel: Parallel provides enterprise-grade web search APIs for AI agents, offering the optimal balance of quality, speed, and cost. Get started for free at https://parallel.ai/tcr Deepgram Flux TTS: Deepgram Flux TTS is a streaming text-to-speech model built for voice agents with natural tone, context awareness, and interruption handling. Try it free until September 12 at https://deepgram.com/keep-talking OutSystems: OutSystems is the leading agentic systems platform, helping enterprises build, modernize, and operate mission-critical applications at the speed of AI. Learn more and start owning your agentic future at https://outsystems.com/tcr Claude: Claude is the AI collaborator for problem solvers, helping with writing, coding, financial models, strategy, and more. Get started with Claude and explore Claude Pro at https://claude.ai/tcr CHAPTERS: (00:00) About the Episode (04:36) Using AI in journalism (13:57) Leftist skepticism towards AI (Part 1) (18:54) Sponsors: Athena | Parallel (21:45) Leftist skepticism towards AI (Part 2) (28:37) The AI obsoleting project (Part 1) (34:13) Sponsors: Deepgram Flux TTS | OutSystems | Claude (38:11) The AI obsoleting project (Part 2) (46:36) Envisioning a prohuman future (01:00:10) Organizing frontier tech workers (01:15:31) Critiquing the alignment problem (01:32:56) Freezing the AI frontier (01:50:15) Organizing against the machine (01:56:20) Navigating the China dynamic (02:02:55) Protecting frontier AI whistleblowers (02:10:11) Episode Outro (02:12:38) Outro PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing

Crying After Stroke: What Bobby Chaggar’s Recovery Taught Him About Grief and Strength The night his stroke happened, Ramandeep “Bobby” Chaggar didn’t feel what he expected to feel. No pins and needles. No dramatic collapse. Just a left arm that wouldn’t answer him anymore.  He limped to the kitchen anyway, poured a glass of water, and brought one back for his wife because that’s what you do, even when your body has just stopped taking instructions from half of itself. It wasn’t until the ambulance service ran him through the BFAST test over the phone that the word “stroke” entered the room. A right ischaemic pontine stroke, in December 2023. He was, by his own account, in the best health of his life at the time: no blood pressure issues, no diabetes, cycling a hundred kilometres most weekends. Growing Up Believing a Stroke Meant You Were Gone Bobby grew up in an era and a family where a stroke wasn’t something you researched; it was something you heard about secondhand. “That particular cousin’s father’s grandfather had a stroke, and he’s gone,” is how the news used to travel. Nobody around him distinguished a stroke in the brain from a stroke in the heart. There was no internet to check, only the flat, final verdict that passed between relatives: he’s done for.  It’s a belief he carried into his own stroke, even as his medical training Bobby spent years as a veterinary surgeon in India before qualifying in Australia told him something else was happening. That veterinary background is exactly why he recognised what was going on in his own body faster than most people would. It didn’t make the belief disappear. It just meant he was fighting it from the inside while everyone around him was still catching up. Why His Arm Seemed to Move Then Stopped In those first disorienting hours, Bobby was convinced his arm had started moving again. He filmed it and sent the video to his sister as proof, he thought, that he was already turning a corner. By morning, the movement was gone. “It was like a bad dream,” he says. “I was like, what was that?”  What he was seeing wasn’t recovery. Doctors later explained that in the earliest hours after a stroke, the body can still fire off remnant spinal reflexes old movement patterns held in the spinal cord that can briefly activate on their own, independent of the brain damage that’s actually occurred. It’s a strange, almost cruel mechanism: the body offering a flicker of hope before the real work of recovery has even started. The Physio Who Promised Him He’d Walk Again Bobby spent 45 days in rehabilitation at Parkville, six months in a wheelchair overall, and credits one moment above almost everything else: his first physiotherapist he calls her Hannah sitting on the floor, moving his foot, and telling him he would walk again. It mattered enough that his book was originally going to be titled Walking with Hannah, before privacy considerations changed the plan. His son, who narrates the audiobook, still opens the acknowledgements by thanking her directly. Learning to Cry Again This is the part of Bobby’s story that speaks most directly to what so many stroke survivors go through and rarely say out loud. In his culture, and in his family, showing emotion, especially for the men expected to be providers and caretakers, wasn’t really an option. When his father died in 1997, he was told to be strong for his mother and sister. When his mother died in 2013, he was told the same thing again. “I’ve been told that stroke is a part of grief, and you should not suppress your feelings.” It took his brother-in-law showing up every day to help him with basic care showering, dressing, the things that felt hardest to accept before something shifted. His own psychologist eventually gave him the instruction that reframed everything: put on your own life jacket first, before you try to save anyone else. It’s advice Bobby now extends to every caregiver he talks to: the person supporting a stroke survivor needs their own support too, or they burn out trying to hold everything together. He isn’t alone in this. Bill has spoken openly on the podcast about his own experience with unexpected, involuntary crying after a neurological injury, and how much energy goes into reassuring the people around you that the tears don’t mean something is wrong. For Bobby, permission to cry didn’t erase the culture he was raised in. It just meant he stopped fighting it. A New Normal, On His Own Terms Bobby’s recovery is full of small, deliberate acts of reclaiming identity. He got his first tattoo not long after his stroke, partly, he says, because people notice ink before they notice a limp. He’s spent years slowly making peace with not tying a turban the way he used to, calling himself, with real affection, a recovering “turbanator.” He built his own incline-and-decline walking circuit near his home and quietly upped the difficulty every fortnight, the same instinct that now has him choosing stairs over the lift at the allied health course he’s completing. Running, he says flatly, is overrated. He can’t do it anymore, and he’s decided that’s fine. It’s the same acceptance that let him and his family move to Perth just one month after his stroke, and then move back again when isolation made the recovery harder than the geography ever was.  None of it looks like the version of recovery he grew up believing in, the one where a stroke simply meant a story was over. Bobby’s version has a motorbike with a sidecar he now rides himself, a book he wrote one voice note at a time because typing with one hand wasn’t fast enough, and a fairly simple message for anyone who asked him to just think positively: some things are still hard, and that’s allowed to be true at the same time as everything else.  If you’re navigating your own recovery or supporting someone who is, Bill’s book, The Unexpected Way That A Stroke Became The Best Thing That Happened (recoveryafterstroke.com/book), walks through ten practical tools for rebuilding after a stroke. And if trauma has made your world feel smaller than it used to be, Bill’s newest book, Your World Doesn’t Have to Stay This Small, is written for exactly that.  If this episode helped you, you can support the show directly at patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your health or recovery plan. Bobby Chaggar: Learning to Cry After Stroke (Interview) He was taught a stroke meant you were gone. Bobby Chaggar’s story proves otherwise and shows why crying after a stroke is nothing to hide. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Life Before the Stroke 09:28 Rehabilitation Journey 12:00 Crying After Stroke 14:52 Reflections on Recovery and Growth 26:33 The Promise of Recovery and Writing a Book 29:37 Cultural Identity and Personal Beliefs 37:28 Relocation and Its Challenges 41:44 The Importance of Caregiver Self-Care 44:10 Adjusting to a New Normal 51:09 The Journey of Riding Again 57:09 Bobby’s Journey of Unlearning and Grief Transcript: Introduction – Crying after stroke Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (00:00) I realized that I was having a stroke. because it was not their usual pins and needles and there was no sensation. I couldn’t move my arm. I managed to limp. I went all the way to the kitchen. I trudged a little to the kitchen. I had a glass of water, brought a glass for my wife. in the hospital, I thought my arm started moving. And the doctors, and when I got up in the morning, it was like a bad dream. No, it was not moving again. So I was like, what was that? Bill Gasiamis (00:19) Welcome back to Recovery After Stroke. I’m Bill Gasiamis and today I’m talking with Bobby Chaggar, a veterinary surgeon originally from India, now living in Melbourne, who survived a right ischemic pontain stroke in December 2023. Bobby’s story covers a lot of ground, the cultural belief he grew up with, that a stroke simply meant you were gone. The strange confusion of a spinal reflex that made his arm move before it didn’t. Physiotherapist whose promise changed the course of recovery and what it actually took for him as a man raised to be the strong one to let himself cry. Before we get into it, if trauma has made your world feel smaller than it used to be, my new book, Your World Doesn’t Have to Stay This Small, is exactly what it’s about. Search for it on Amazon or tap the link in the show notes to grab your copy today. And one more thing, this show exists because listeners decide it’s worth keeping going. There’s no other funding behind it. If an episode like this one has ever helped you or helped someone you love, even a few dollars a month on Patreon is what keeps these conversations free for the next person who finds themselves Googling this stuff alone at two in the morning, scared, looking for someone who’s actually been through it. That’s all. patreon.com/recoveryafterstroke.. A small amount every month makes a massive difference. But now let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Bobby. Bill Gasiamis (01:56) Bobby Chaggar. Welcome to the podcast. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (01:58) Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Bill. Life Before the Stroke Bill Gasiamis (02:00) So you grew up in a house with 22 dogs, three cats and a trilingual parrot as well, right? So what’s the situation there? You’re living with pets. Were you important in your family or Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (02:10) Ha ha. Bill Gasiamis (02:11) did the animals come first? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (02:14) the animals definitely did come first. my mother was also a teacher, but she decided to stay at home and be a stay you know, stay a worker from home mom for for the for the kids. And my parents never used to say no to any patient. So they used to admit everything and anything. And in India also it’s quite common to rehome pets and a lot of times they don’t get proper homes. So we used to say yes to everything. So I I specifically remember this number because my mom had fallen and broken her shoulder once while walking in Labrador. So that day we counted the animals and we said, okay, no, after this, no more. That’s it. And the parrot was trilingual because the kids would play with him, so he wouldn’t know nursery rhymes, he would know the whistles, and then my grandmom’s dialect was Punjabi, so he could he could swear in Punjabi, and he could swear in Hindi because my mom was Hindi. So that’s why trilingual. Bill Gasiamis (03:08) I love that. That’s an awesome way to grow up. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (03:09) Yep. Yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (03:12) Tell me about this bike though. So this Royal Enfield motorbike, what was the deal with that? Why was it coming to Australia? Why was it a big deal on that day? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (03:22) it was gifted to me by it was restored and gifted to me by my wife on my fortieth. And this time on my fiftieth, the guy who had restored it, he’s a friend of mine, he decided to build this sidecar and ship it to me. And it’s a vintage, it’s a nineteen seventy three. So I’ve literally grown up on motorcycles, drive riding them, and I was quite excited about the whole thing. And I was so excited because my son’s school was only five minutes away. So I was always looking forward that I’m gonna drop him off in school in the sidecar. It’s gonna be such a big thing for him. So it was quite cool. So that’s the reason we were expecting it. It took almost two months for it to come via ship. And you know, once a ship leaves the country, there’s no way of live tracking it. There they must must be ways for the guys who are doing it, but for the clients, they have no way. They have no clue. They just talk to the customer care. And you have no idea what’s happening. And suddenly one day it just pops up and they say, Yeah, it’s in customs. Here you go and you have to do this, this and this and come and pick it up. So that’s the excitement. Bill Gasiamis (04:23) So you get that phone call and that’s it. You’re on the bikes here. We’re going to go and get it. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (04:26) Yep, yep, yep. We were just looking forward for the bike. Yep. Bill Gasiamis (04:29) I love it. In your book, you wrote about your culture that when somebody Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (04:34) Mm-hmm. Bill Gasiamis (04:35) has a stroke, most people believe that you’re gone, right? And it seems like you also believe that where does a belief like that come from? And what did you do in the first few hours? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (04:47) You know the first because it’s it’s it’s not I mean in the era I’ve grown up there was not a lot of internet. They were only encyclopedias. So getting information was a little challenge. So as as kids when we were growing up, we were just here that that particular cousin’s father’s grandfather had a stroke and he’s gone. That particular person’s family member has has had a stroke and he’s done for. So you know a few things like that. But there are families who’ve been through stroke. Now I’ve realized and also met them. So they know stroke one could recover from the stroke and one also forgets about it over time. I’ve heard that. But mostly the thought process was because it was not too kind of a disease. And we also did not know what is a stroke in the heart. Some would someone would say he had a stroke in the heart, someone would say he had a stroke in the brain. So we had no idea what that meant. We could just as kids, as growing up people, we just knew that he had a stroke and he’s done for, he’s gone. That’s one. And because of my medical background, my veterinary background, I realized that I was having a stroke. because it was not their usual pins and needles and there was no sensation. I couldn’t move my arm. I managed to limp. I went all the way to the kitchen. I trudged a little to the kitchen. I had a glass of water, brought a glass for my wife. And I’ve also realized, learnt from doctors here that there are remnant spinal reflexes which work for some time. So those reflexes help you I think, navigate the initial few hours. It’s just that’s how we are made. Because I, you know, in the hospital, I thought my arm started moving. And the doctors, and when I got up in the morning, it was like a bad dream. No, it was not moving again. So I was like, what was that? And I have a video of that. I was sending it to my sister. Look, my arm is started to move. Wow, I’m so happy. So they told me that was just a part of the spinal reflex. So maybe that’s what made me go to the kitchen and back. So we called the Ambos and they did the BFAST test. It was FAST initially, but now the acronym has changed to BFAST. so they did that over the phone and they confirmed it was a stroke. And they were they said they’ll be at my place in two minutes. And then we made the second phone call to my brother in law who works with neurointerventional surgeons all over Australia. He’s also vet by education. So I thought he might be the best person to give me advice. And he always used to share his stories of patients, aneurysms, brain things, strokes. So I thought that, you know, he he will fix me, man. So we called Bill Gasiamis (07:10) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (07:11) him and he said, Come straight to Royal Melbourne and th that’s where I was. And and the Amus asked me, he they said, Your catchment is northern, but where do you want to go? I said, Please take me to Northern because my brother’s gonna be there. So they drove me to Royal Melbourne and that’s where my journey started. Yep. Bill Gasiamis (07:27) Yeah. My journey started at the Austin hospital, ended up at the Royal Melbourne as well. And I had my surgery there and I learned to walk again at the Royal Melbourne hospital and at their Parkville facility where the rehab was done. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (07:42) Yeah, that’s where I was. Yep. Bill Gasiamis (07:43) Yeah, good experience. Really helpful. So you are also a vet. Okay. A surgeon as well. Are all Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (07:52) Yes. Bill Gasiamis (07:53) vets surgeons? Do they all operate on animals? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (07:56) So in primitive times, the veterin surgery education is made around five types of animals, which is a canine, which is dogs, that that species, filine, which is cats, equines, which is horses, bovines, which is cattle, and one animal from wildlife, and one random fish, including birds. So we have to compare them in all aspects. So when we technically pass out, or rather I would say, When we used to technically pass out in those years, we were supposed to take take care of everything surgeries, medicine, prevention for all these species throughout. And obviously it was a it was a big experience learning practically as we went. Because when my father became a vet, my my grandparents were like, I don’t know whether anybody’s gonna get married to him or not. They they got worried. It was looked so down upon though that profession, you know. So he bought clamor to it. He showed everybody that passion. Can happen. It can happen in bed science also. In India. It must be good in other countries, but that’s all I know about India. Only the rich class had the dogs. The Britishers, they’re the people who were connected to the Britishers when they had gone, when they had left the country. Only that rich class was able to afford dogs because you know it was a poor country. So that’s where he started. Yep, yep. Yep. And now you have specializations Bill Gasiamis (09:05) Yeah, understood. Understood. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (09:08) on around everything. Now you can be a surgeon, you can be a bone surgeon. There’s a friend of mine, he’s a he’s a animal onko oncologist. So things like that. Yep. Bill Gasiamis (09:17) amazing how far things have come. So Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (09:19) yes, definitely. Yeah. Rehabilitation Journey Bill Gasiamis (09:20) the fact that you were kind of a surgeon, even if it was in veterinary surgery, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (09:28) Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (09:30) does that kind of medical knowledge that you have make it harder to face what you’re going through? Do you apply those kind of medical skills onto your own condition? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (09:42) I would say it definitely helps in doing research and digging out evidence based study because that’s how we’ve been trained, right? So we have to we have been trained to look for specific information in a specific way. So I thought I think that is what probably helps a little bit extra when someone is from that background. So most of the medical jargon we understand because it’s same. Every all animals are same, mostly, except the ruminants which have four stomachs. So Bill Gasiamis (10:06) Mm-hmm. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (10:07) so So the single stomach animals are mostly similar, and how the physiology of the body works, how the brain works, how the conduction works, all the diseases, they have things like MS, they have things like diabetes. We used to treat them all the time. So yeah, yes, it helps. It does. Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (10:22) Yeah, that’s fascinating. I love it. so give me a little bit of an idea of you’ve gone to hospital. you realize that your arm is moving and now it’s no longer moving. And then how long were you in hospital for? And what was that, experience like what, what was your hospital stay like? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (10:43) I remember I was very emotional. Even now I’m very emotional. If I talk about nice things, I end up crying sometimes. Or I laugh more, I cry more. But I was really worried at that point. I didn’t know what’s gonna happen. My cousins used to call me, my friends used to call me, doctors used to go past and they would tell me that you’ll be fine, man. And you know, that was you’ll be fine was was kind of unbelievable because nothing’s moving. I mean I I don’t know how that’s gonna happen. Bill Gasiamis (11:09) your left side your whole left side was gone. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (11:11) Yeah, I was on the wheelchair for about six months and I was in the same rehab as you just mentioned at Parkwell for 45 days. Bill Gasiamis (11:18) Hmm. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (11:18) And if we must have been to the chapel, which is just behind the Parkville camp campus. So I used to go there every day. My son used to wheel me there. Yeah. So it was it was quite overwhelming for me because I didn’t know what was going on. I had heard that there are these injections which which are given within the golden period. Crying After Stroke And they can just reverse the stroke instantly. But I did not know the concept. So those injections basically work and dissolve the clot which is in the brain. But if if if the stroke is of a bleeder’s type, it can also kill the person. So we were waiting for the MRI. We are waiting for the MRI when’s that gonna happen. And it was unfortunately a Saturday night, Sunday morning. So everything were lined up. You know how the systems are in Melbourne. So all the emergency patients who are dying are first, people who are not dying are second, people who just Got normal things, they’re third. So things like that. So probably that took a little while. So I had my MRI on Monday. So I was in the hospital till Monday. I just had nurses coming in assessing me if I could stand, if I could step forward, step backwards. I mean, obviously they were doing my cognition tests and everything. I got tested for a drug which was is which is called clopedrogel, I think. that is the one which dissolves clots. So they give that as an oral thing to you and they test the blood in the body that whether it responds to that or not. So they are ready for it. As soon as they have the result, they just shoot you with injections. But it was unfortunate that I got diagnosed only in about twenty four hours. And then they moved me to the rehab. I was lucky to get a room and this amazing partner in my room, and that’s that’s when my rehab started. Bill Gasiamis (12:47) What was the cause of the stroke? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (12:48) Nobody knows. I was pr absolutely healthy. I don’t have blood pressure. I don’t have diabetes. I don’t have anything with I was cycling hundred kilometers on the weekend. I was walking my dog twice a day. I was very, very active. Even now I’m very active. I was I was when I was in rehab, obviously I started eating I was eating the same and I was obviously not exercising. So my weight went up to 120 kilos, for example, because my activity was so high. People were literally telling me that you’re eating like a Labrador, man. What happened? What’s happening? I was just like this. And the food in Royal Melbourne rehab is really good. They come to you with a menu and they ask you what you want. And so I was ordering everything I loved. So and I was hearing in one of your podcasts before, it it was literally like that. I had the I’ve had the best time of life in the last two years. Different realization, it’s changed me, and I’ve just had the best time. I always liked exercising. I’ve exercised Bill Gasiamis (13:39) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (13:42) exercised so much at the last two years, it’s not even funny. I think he must be listening that I want to exercise. He said, Okay, go for it, man. Bill Gasiamis (13:51) You got to, you, you sounds like you were given, this like massive learning opportunity, but also a scary learning opportunity. Things were really difficult. at one point, but things have kind of progressed. Well, things are going well and that’s awesome. you’ve taken it, you’ve taken it away where this is an opportunity to grow, to learn, to try new things. but what was it like on your on the day that you noticed some movement, like in rehab, I think was that on day 28 or something like that, there was a little bit of, first Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (14:26) I think it was twenty five it was I think. Bill Gasiamis (14:28) voluntary voluntary movement first, first, yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (14:30) Yeah, correct, correct. I still have that video. I remember there was this friend of mine who used to come to the hospital and she used to massage my arm. So that is also called I think it’s called passive passive stretching. And she would really press my arm and she will caught cause me pain. And I’ve been told that I’ve got a good pain threshold. Maybe that’s because of my martial arts training when I was younger. Reflections on Recovery and Growth Bill Gasiamis (14:52) Okay. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (14:53) So she used to press my arm and it was really painful. And I remember my roommate, he he had a problem with his arm, and they had to give him Botox injections to paralyze those muscles. So he could move and the muscles could be pain free. So that’s a that’s a routine thing which they do. So Botox is basically bottleneum toxin, which causes paralysis. and they give it in the muscle which is spas spas which is spasming for the person and it it releases the muscle and they feel better. So I was fortunate that she was there and I remember after her Three, four weeks of massaging my hand, and my wife used to be sitting beside my bed and she used to be pressing on my left leg, I remember. So that particular day I could see my foot move a little like this, b which I could. So that was that was a big one for me. I just cried and I didn’t know what to what to expect. my God. Yep. Bill Gasiamis (15:41) tears of relief. Yeah. that is all often a very good sign. And then, a lot of people kind of built from that. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (15:52) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (15:53) but were you, were you near the diabetic ward as well? Were you watching people, have amputations walking out after a few days and getting down about that, that they, why are they getting out so quick? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (16:06) So, you know, the the building which is opposite to the rehab facility on Parkville Road on the other side is the diabetic ward. Bill Gasiamis (16:11) Yep. Right. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (16:13) So those patients after their surgeries, after their treatments are shifted into rehab. And I could see that these guys are coming in and because initially I was a little curious that what’s happening here. This guy, you know, he’s he’s got an amputation and he’s just gone. After three days, four days, they would go away. So then they would new new patients come in, they would learn how to walk, then three, four, five days they’ll go away again. So I had no clue what was going on. But then over time I realized there was a diabetic ward. So those were guys was ob obviously coming in because of their neuropathies. They’ve lost some limbs. Some people were lucky, they only lost fingers, some people unlucky, they lost legs, arms sometimes. But it can be it can be quite challenging for them also, you know, certainly because it’s too quick. I I think stroke is still slow. It gets you ready, it gets you going, but it’s it’s slow paced. And now I’m an expert, I know what is gonna work. So I’m still completing three years in December. So With an exercise, I I know the stress and I know the difficulty and and and I can feel it. I can feel it that this will work. So in their in their case they don’t have time. They just lose a limb and they just have to learn in three, four days. Fortunately their brain is okay, so they are more you know, neuroplastic, I would say, but as compared to us. Bill Gasiamis (17:17) So was playing on your mind a little bit, seeing this difference in the way people were rehabilitating after an amputation compared to a stroke survivor. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (17:26) Yes, hundred percent. And considering that one of my family people, my uncles, cousins, far cousin, he had passed on because of this particular problem. And it because of the way the medicines and the medical system is in India, so I saw that he ha also had to be his one of his toes had to be amputated. and he had a neuropathy and then he lost his foot and he eventually died because of kidney problems. So this does happen in diabetic patients, very common. So it I kept thinking of those those days, you know, when I would I would hear of him, we would go and visit him in hospital. So it’s very different. They are Bill Gasiamis (18:02) Hmm. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (18:03) more conservative, they try to save the limb. Here they are more aggressive. They say that we if there’s a the there’s gangrene here, we want to cut from here and we want to make sure that you’re safe. Your life is safe. So they they are more aggressive here. Over there, they say, We’ll try to save this, we’ll try to save this, we’ll try to save this. So it’s it’s different. We have Bill Gasiamis (18:18) Yeah. So I’m to make a few huge assumptions. You’re a male, you’re Indian and your culture probably makes it difficult to accept care, especially when it comes to physical care. you know, being treated as stroke survivor in a rehabilitation hospital, when your left side’s not working means that people have to shower you and, help you at the bathroom and all that kind of stuff. What was that like for you? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (18:47) It was hard. Then that was another time when I was really crying. Maybe it happens to everyone, you know. I’m not special. But I I was I was quite emotional and it took me a couple of days to get used to my brother in law coming in, and he said, I’ll do it for you, man. And he’s he’s a champ. And he would come every day. So it’s in our culture, it’s it’s I think it’s maybe egoistic or maybe it’s how we are. That the elder people or the boys are more looked from a perspective of as providers and caretakers. So I remember when my father passed on in 97, I was told that be strong for your mom, be strong for your sister. And then when my mom passed on in 2013, I was told the same thing: be strong for your sister. But there was one of my friends, one of my uncles, who told me that, you know, you need to do something, you need to have a couple of drinks, go to a corner and just cry it out, man. It’s important. So now I know that grief is important. and I was I’ve been told that stroke is a part of a grief and you should not suppress your feelings. Like I can do with that box of tissues right now. I can go all out. No problem. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (19:50) Yeah, man. I’m the same. was just talking about my situation a few days ago. This happened to me in 2013. Brain surgery was in 2014 and I cry all the time. It’s not really like it’s strange. Have you heard of the super pseudo bulb affect? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (20:06) Which one is that? No, so no, I’ve Bill Gasiamis (20:07) It’s a condition. It’s a condition where people who with neurological injuries tend to cry, or laugh Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (20:14) More. Bill Gasiamis (20:15) more and out of the blue suddenly. And often at the beginning, it’s a very difficult to control. And then later it gets better. But then for me, I, you know, a couple of years ago, I was told to go and do a presentation for the Royal Melbourne hospital neurosciences, gala ball to, to tell them what stroke, sorry, what neurosurgery meant to me, you know, like, I’m only standing there because of neurosurgery without it, I wouldn’t be standing there. My surgeon was in the room. It was 400 people in the room. And I got up and I didn’t make it to the front lectern before I started crying. And then when I got up to say the speech, I was holding on to the lectern, just waiting for the crying to stop just so that I can start the speech. And then through the speech, I had to stop a couple of times. Now I wasn’t upset. I wasn’t sad. was, I was excited, but the 400 people and the, situation talking about me, my family, et cetera, and having to describe what neurosurgery meant to me made it impossible to get through that speech. I got through it, but it was, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (21:16) Yep, yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (21:20) but it was interesting to go through that, you know, 13 years, you know, 12, 13 years later, like it was, yeah, crazy. So, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (21:25) Two thirty news, huh? So Bill Gasiamis (21:28) It’s not uncommon, very, very common. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (21:30) So tell me something, is it easy for you to have a poker face? Bill Gasiamis (21:34) If the, not in a, not in a situation where I have to talk about something that’s emotional, that’s about me, my experience. And if my family involved, forget about it. can’t stay out kind of the poker face. No way. Yeah. But I can in a poker game when we’re trying to take somebody else’s money. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (21:52) I think same, same. So it’s similar. I can I can cry on animations also. And my son says that he’s crying, you it’s on animation also. It’s a good movie. Good movie story. And that’s you’re done. Bill Gasiamis (21:59) Yeah. Yeah, I used to cry with the cat tripping over or something Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (22:05) Ha ha ha. Bill Gasiamis (22:06) silly, know, crazy stuff. And my wife would be going, what are you crying about now? I don’t know. I’m just crying. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (22:12) Short short. Bill Gasiamis (22:15) And the difficult part is not me. It’s the people around me thinking that I’m sad or thinking that there’s something wrong. And that’s reeducating them so that they know that’s not what’s happening. what’s today today we’re recording on Saturday on Thursday night. I was in Melbourne at Marvel stadium. there was an electronic dance music festival, 60,000 people in a stadium for a DJ. It Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (22:39) wow. Bill Gasiamis (22:39) was a most amazing electronic dance laser show. It was sensational. Now my wife didn’t see because it was too dark and she was focusing on the show, but you know, I had about three or four moments where I cried. But it wasn’t big cries, it was just tears and excitement and something else happening that made me cry. And I was moved by the fact that I was A, at the event, B, it was such an amazing event that all the people there were having a great time. Like, it was moving rather than sad or upsetting or, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (23:14) I understand. Bill Gasiamis (23:16) and telling, kind of trying to bring people into understanding that that’s what’s happening. That was the hard part because you know, we’re from a Greek family. They see you cry. Everything’s terrible. Everything’s bad. You know, they don’t know. They don’t know how to deal with it. You know, so you’ve got to reeducate people. That was the hardest part of that experience for me. That’s all it was. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (23:37) No, because I keep thinking that since I was always in sales and I enjoyed my sales, I don’t know if that’s gonna settle down ever with me, my emotions. Bill Gasiamis (23:47) will, it will settle down and then sometimes it will just come out of nowhere and you won’t, you wouldn’t have expected it. Yeah. It changes for a lot of people. remember interviewing one gentleman. can’t remember his name now. And on the, on his wedding day, he told me that he was almost dehydrated from crying so much, you know, and he needed to continue, continue his fluids so that he doesn’t dehydrate. It was. We laughed about it like you and I are laughing. Cause that’s he’s got to that stage where it’s like, wow, you know, it is what it is. Like no big deal. He was totally moved by the fact that he was a alive, able to be at the wedding, get married to the person that he loved. and then, and then later on they had a kid and it was down all downhill again from there, you know, more tears, more crazy stuff. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (24:33) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (24:34) It’s, it’s, it’s involuntary. And I think it’s actually very helpful for me. It’s helpful to just get it out. Like what your mate said, you know, just go into the corner and have a cry, get it out, and this whole thing, you know, our culture is the same and many cultures are the same. It’s like, you know, the men are not supposed to show emotion. You’re supposed to toughen up, you know, be stronger for everybody else. And nobody checks in with you to say, you know, okay, how are you doing now? That’s That’s just how it is. Many cultures are like that. So who’s Hannah? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (25:05) So Hannah was my first physio who was, you know, it’s it was quite moving for me from that perspective as well. Because I I always thank and thank my stars that I got unwell in Australia. Because there are so many systems here which help younger people like NDIS and got all kinds of help. And and the medical is top-notch. The medicine is top-notch. The first day that I remember they took me to the physio room. I had this pretty girl. I c we couldn’t see them because you know it was post COVID so everybody was still using masks. But I could just see the eyes. And she was so beautiful. So she sat on the floor and she was moving my foot. So it was quite moving for me, even now. Sorry for that. Bill Gasiamis (25:41) Yeah. Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (25:42) So that was Hannah. Initially, my book was supposed to be called Walking with Hannah. So, but one of my advisors told me that look, if the book becomes really popular, then she is gonna benefit more. Change the name, man. Change it. And there are different privacy laws in Australia. So just to make sure that you are around the privacy laws, don’t put anybody’s name on it. Bill Gasiamis (26:03) Like you’re on the ground. She’s moving your leg or your foot and she makes you a promise that you would walk again. Now that’s a pretty big deal to hear that from somebody who’s in the rehabilitation space trying to help you to recover. And I think at the same time, that’s kind of when you had the realization that you should write a book. how did that come about? What was the, why did that carry so much weight that situation? The Promise of Recovery and Writing a Book Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (26:33) Should I be ready with our tissues? Have you had people who really, really break down badly on a show? Is it okay? Bill Gasiamis (26:39) Yeah, yeah, yeah. yeah, it’s okay. And yes, they have. Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (26:43) So I think in that situation For me, only that one promise coming from a physio was a big deal. I wanted to share with my friends, I wanted to share with my clients. I’ve got a lot of good people in my book, and vice versa. So I I wanted to share with all of them what I’m going through. So I was constantly taking pictures, recording voice notes. I was not so good at typing because you know I just had gone from two hands to one hand. So I just couldn’t type. So I was I was doing a lot of voice to text notes, I was writing notes, I was taking pictures, I was taking videos. We are very audiovisual. I am very audiovisual rather. So I was really doing a lot. And then I also have a habit of listening to audiobooks. And I was doing prayers and I was listening to audiobooks. I don’t even remember what book I was listening to. maybe I think it was Andrea Gossi the one. I was listening to that one. Moving story. Good story. So I thought, hey, why why don’t why can’t I convert all this what I’m writing into a book? So and I had ample time. So I thought Bill Gasiamis (27:41) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (27:42) I was like, yeah, let’s do it. It was not it was not a business model. It was not Bill Gasiamis (27:45) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (27:45) something which will actually make money. There was no thought around it. I just Bill Gasiamis (27:48) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (27:48) wanted to write a book. I was just emotionally wanted to write a book. I was just compulsive. I wanted to write a book. That’s it. Done. Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (27:55) I love it. I know that I know that feeling like same same here when I wrote the first book, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (28:01) Yes go. Bill Gasiamis (28:01) the unexpected way this joke became the best thing that happened. It was like, I’ve learned all of this stuff. And I kind of don’t want to forget it. I want to have it in one space. I want to capture the moment as well. Like it’s like a time in history, a snapshot Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (28:14) Yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (28:14) of history, you know, that book. And if I can just put everything in a book, then I could well, I could have a book, but then if people want to buy it and it helps them. then that would be a bonus. So it was the idea was about that. And then, of course, when you have a book, you may as well have the best book, and you may as well sell as many copies as possible. Well, what’s the point of having a book otherwise, you know, you want to make sure that it gets sold. So I really relate to what you’re saying about that. My book idea came in hospital as well. So no, the podcast came in hospital as well. I was getting wheeled transferred from the Royal Melbourne. to Parkville and I was waiting in the transit lounge and that is when I had the idea to start the podcast, but I was never going to do it. I don’t think I was going to do it. A friend of mine put the idea in my head later on again. And because of that, the podcast emerged. I had the idea, he reinforced it. And then I went ahead and did it. And the book again was an idea from another friend. You’ve learned all this stuff, know, you know, how, are you going to do with it? You how are you going to… tell other people about it. The podcast was one way and then the book was another way. And of course, then it’s not just about me, it’s about other people as well. Now, if I understood correctly, are you from the religion, the Sikh religion? Did you seek right? Cultural Identity and Personal Beliefs Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (29:37) Yes, I’ve yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (29:40) And in the religion turban is quite important. How was that? How is dealing with that situation where your left side doesn’t work and the use or the need to have a turban on your head, do you kind of deal with that? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (29:57) So I’ve been through times in my life when I was without a turban for a couple of months because I had a ac I had a small unfortunate accident with my Jeep. So I had to cut off a little bit of hair, so I just didn’t bother p going back to the turban initially. So and and I was I’m not very religious, religious. So And I was very proud of my turban because people used to tell me that your turban looks fantastic, man. You’re the best looking Sikh we’ve we’ve seen around, you know. So I was quite proud of it. And I was I used to feel on top of the world with my turban. So every every trip of mine, every travel of mine, I had to pack a couple of turbans and and I’m I think I am O C D. So I used to match it with my shirt. Sometimes I used to match it with my ties. It should should be the same color. Sometimes I’ll match it with my jeans. So you know it was it was quite a task. Every time I’m traveling. But I loved it. Having said that, I decided that my son is not gonna be a turbanator. I called myself a turbanator because of the same reason. I said that’s one thing less to take care of. It’s not that I don’t w want him to be a Sikh. He he realizes he’s a Sikh. He’s a good Sikh. He does what I do in the Sikh Sikh temple as well, which is serve. But from a religious perspective, he’s okay. He you don’t have to have a turban on your head to be that religion. You know, you can be a good person from that religion perspective also. So I was very proud of it and not being able to do it initially was a big blow to my ego or my you know image in my own brain. I lost I lost my identity, I I thought, and and my my prayer consisted of that that you know I hope I can go back to tying a turban. Even you can see I still don’t dye a turban. A lot of my friends tell me that I look good like this. The man bun suits me. But you know, I’m like, okay, go with the flow. Well, let’s see, let’s see. Bill Gasiamis (31:37) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (31:38) Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (31:39) so it’s challenging for people, right? Like if somebody is wearing a turban for their entire lives, then they have a stroke and then they can wear a turban because they can’t tie a turban. Then you can understand why that would be impactful in another way, you know, to their identity, to, their beliefs, to all the things that are associated to a turban. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (32:00) You know, it was it was more like a shame. It was more like Bill Gasiamis (32:03) Uh-huh. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (32:03) a shame of an uncovered head, nothing on the Bill Gasiamis (32:06) Uh-huh. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (32:06) head. Because whenever my father would get up in the morning, he’ll make sure that he just wraps around a cloth around his head. When I would whenever I would get up in the morning, I’ll put something on my head, then I’ll go out. So, you know, we had a smaller version, we had a bigger version, which was a formal more formal thing. So we were always used to having something on the head. So it’s what which was more shame shameful, you know? Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (32:25) Yeah. Is it personal shame or is it or back in the day was a shame within the community from other people? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (32:33) I think we were we were brought up both ways. So personal shame number one, and a lot of times when we had gone to temples with a cap on my head, for example, some elder would come up to me and they were this is a very conservative community also in those times. You know, they would tell Why you wearing a cap? Just take it off. If you like wearing a cap, you can just cut your hair. Or if you know, Sikhs and smoking don’t go together. So it’s not that the religion says that you can’t smoke. Since they are warriors, they’re supposed to be a warrior race. It was just said that you don’t do any kind of bad thing to your body, just take care of yourself, be healthy. So if if if someone saw a Sikh smoking in public, they will definitely go up to them and tell them that if you are a Sikh, why you smoking, man? You should cut your hair. Just take it easy. So things like Bill Gasiamis (33:10) Uh-huh. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (33:10) that. It was a very conservative society and it was a taboo. Smoking was a taboo, for example. So that’s how we grew up. So that’s the turban part. But I was I was more more spiritual and I was just more Personally ashamed of not being able to do it. Bill Gasiamis (33:23) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (33:24) But I think it’s it’s it’s worked well. So I’m I’m kind of in a in a gray area now. You know, I’ve come back to hair. So I I will I will I’m open to tying it again. I want to do it, but I’m not rushing it. I know it’ll Bill Gasiamis (33:34) Yeah. Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (33:36) happen. It’ll happen one day, 100%. But I’m not Bill Gasiamis (33:38) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (33:39) too eager. Yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (33:40) a lot of stroke survivors get tattoos. Did you get a few? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (33:43) yes. This one for example And it’s got my son’s name here. is it? It’s here. That’s Raj, Raj, yeah, that’s his name. So Bill Gasiamis (33:55) Uh-huh. Is that the impact that arm that, the arm that was impacted by the stroke? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (34:00) It’s it’s very funny you asked that because you know we were not very pro tattoo. I mean, to to risk due respect to everybody who’s got a tattoo. It’s not it’s nothing negative. But we we were not very inclined to color our bodies in any r any way, right? When we grew up. So, but but there’s a friend of mine who was visiting me in hospital. He had a few, and he was in New Zealand for a long time. So he was he had that Kiwi influence, he had a Kiwi wife. my first nurse who sat with me and she told me that, you know, you’ll be fine. And she held my hand. So she had a few. So maybe that had my had an effect. And then my brother in law said, he said, just don’t worry, man. When he’s when he saw me upset, he just told me, he You don’t have to be upset, you’re alive. Just just get okay, get a few tattoos, just travel around the world, do that. So, you know, that was that’s just got stuck in me. That okay, I want to do this. So I did it. Got it done. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Bill Gasiamis (34:52) Was it like also, I Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (34:54) Mm. Bill Gasiamis (34:54) think you mentioned in your book, it was like a bit of a protection. Is this some, is was a way to change the conversation? what other role did it serve? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (35:03) So, you know, at that point I got it done specifically at that point because of the same reason. So I wanted to get it done, but I didn’t know when. So I just thought of it. I remember one day I was walking past someone and he was coming to that table and he sat down and people asked him about his tattoo, which is that which he had on his leg. So I was like, hey. So people are just noticing that. He’s such a gorgeous looking guy, man. He’s well dressed and look at his specks, what he’s wearing. Look at the car, he’s come in. So he was quite polished. So and still he had tattoos. So the it broke the s the usual stereotype, you know? Everything that’s stereotypical. So I thought, yeah, I think this is the right time for me if I want to do it, because people will not notice my little limp. Because I was still limping and I was in a bad way for for at least a year. I was quite negative in my mind. I mean, and especially when I was 120 kilos, I don’t know what to do about do about it because I could not exercise, I could not cycle. Just didn’t know what to do about it. And I could not fast at that time because I I was having so many medicines morning and evening. So it it would call a cause acidity. So I was quite negative end of the spectrum. But that’s the time when I realized when I then I thought that I don’t care about anybody else. I am just doing this, man. So I looked up a few people and this lovely girl who used to come to drive for me, she took me around we were in Perth at that time. So she took me around my house and we went we visited a few places and then there was this lovely gentleman who was coming to Perth and he was apparently from Melbourne. So that was my turning point. So this happened in December. I booked him for for my appointment for for my tattoo in Perth. But then he told me that he he said, look, if you want to move back, if you are moving back eventually, because I had that in my mind. I wanted to move back. So he said if you’re moving back, I’m based out of Melbourne, just come to me there. So that’s when it happened. That was my new year gift to myself. And everybody was so, you know, amazed with my the the thing which I had done on one leg. And they were like, Wow, that’s a good one. Man, where do you do it? I was like, there’s a special guy who does this. So I was just end up talking of that and not of anything else. I was so happy. I think, Bill Gasiamis (37:00) I love it. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (37:00) yeah, that helped that helped in my recovery for sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah. Relocation and Its Challenges Bill Gasiamis (37:02) Great distraction, great distraction. Yeah. That’s a great idea. So one of the things my wife says to me every so often, she says, we should go live in a different location for a little bit, know, try the beach or whatever. And I’m thinking, well, you know, that sounds like a great idea. But in my immediately in my mind and in my body, I tense up and I just find that thinking about moving. emptying a house, filling another house, doing all that stuff just fills me with like dread. And I don’t know why it’s her idea is a great idea, but I just feel kind of comfortable or whatever. But I wouldn’t think of moving. You moved your family back to Perth. And what was that like? Because. I can’t imagine leaving Melbourne and going to Perth and packing up the whole family, the whole house and all that kind of stuff and doing that. Not because I can’t do them. I can’t live in another location because I can’t do all the work that comes with that before and all the work after. It feels like it’s going to take up way too much of my attention, time, energy. What was the move like for you? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (38:10) So imagine if you can say that ten, fifteen years into your stroke after recovering so much. So for for even that far recovery is difficult for them. So doing it one year into the stroke, or I would say one month into the stroke and moving everybody lock, stock, and barrel. I think that was the silliest idea I had. But my family supported me and we did it together and we did it. But it was pretty lonely for me. I was pretty lonely. We had no friends, we had no support system there. Although we were in a very good place, we were very central as compared to the country here. Because we were st always struggling to get physios in, OTs in. So it was, you know, a constant struggle. So over there we were central, so everything was okay, we’ll do this. It was just bang on. And I spent a good time just learning I mean, getting myself stronger, walking every day in the morning. So that was the positive. But I was quite negative, in here. Physically I was positive, but mentally I was quite I was a goner. Bill Gasiamis (39:03) Isolated, Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (39:03) But Bill Gasiamis (39:04) you isolated yourself Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (39:06) Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (39:07) unwittingly. Like you didn’t expect that that would happen. Is it just something that happened later? You, realized later. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (39:14) And plus, you know, I my my job, I my job questioned me that why should we not terminate your thing? Because we don’t have much in Perth. So if even if you become okay, why should we not Not let you come back. I mean, so we had the discussion and they almost fired me, but they were happy to take me back when I was back in Melbourne, but they still let go of me. So I don’t know where what happened. I don’t have a job. Bill Gasiamis (39:36) Yeah. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (39:36) So yep. So I think that was a very silly decision. But that whole year I spent like that in December, I moved for my son’s holidays to my sister’s house in Melbourne. She’s also in Melbourne, and we were there for about two months. she’s in the Bay side. So after spending that quality time with family and people who were familiar, I had friends visiting me, I had people visiting me, I had so many doctors, I had these doctors’ support system from RMH. supportive stride strides workshop, which was happening, things like that. So it was it just helped me recover. And I thought that this is it, man, that this is what I should do. And and then I was, you know, I was still talking to my psychologist over the phone, and she in the book by mistake, I I just wrote a he. I think I missed the S because of this bloody autocorrect. She told me that look, you need to wear your seat your life jacket first. You know, that was one statement. Ha ha. made me calculate and rethink. So that’s when we decided, okay, let’s come back. So twice, twice in here. Yep, Bill Gasiamis (40:38) Well then. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (40:39) yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (40:40) You need to wear your life jacket first. That’s Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (40:42) Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (40:44) such an amazing statement. And also, it’s really important for caregivers to remember that that they need to wear their own life jacket first. Because caregivers go through this with their loved ones, whoever they’re caring for that had a stroke, and they put themselves second. And then they suffer, they suffer because they haven’t got time to themselves because they get on well. And often with people who are very kind of motivated to help their loved one. Often they end up becoming sick and passing away before the stroke survivor. So everyone needs to put on their life raft, their own life jacket first. Once they’re stable and everything is okay, then they need to assess what they can do for the other person. I love that. Such a profound statement. I can see why it moved you so much. Often stroke survivors also complain, not complain, but they mention when somebody says, just think positively. what was it like for you to hear that? Just think positively Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (41:43) Okay. The Importance of Caregiver Self-Care Bill Gasiamis (41:44) statement. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (41:44) I think my an analyzing people was out of the window. I was not analyz analysing anyone. I’m I’m not even judgmental as a person. So I don’t easily judge. I trust people at the first instance. Sorry. So it was quite common to hear that all the time. And I wouldn’t even tell anybody that I’ve had a stroke. I wouldn’t tell them. I will just talk to them. I will try to hide my walk. I don’t know, I was a little shameful. I don’t know why. For example, I’m reskilling to be an allied health assistant at the moment in Boxhill Institute. So it took me about six months before I disclosed to my class that, you know, I walk funny sometimes because of my stroke. Because I just didn’t want to tell anybody. I was a little apprehensive. And when I warmed up when everybody got to know me and I was I’m like probably the friendliest in the class. So everybody likes me. So then I told everybody, they’re friends. I said this is this is what has happened, that’s my book. Please read it. See if it helps someone. And I don’t know if this book is gonna actually help someone or not. I don’t know if there’s no scientific information in that. There’s no medical information. But what is gonna help in that book, I’m not sure. But the idea was just if even it can help one person. Bill Gasiamis (42:46) Yeah, that’s the thing. That’s interesting. I put podcast episodes out all the time. I I’ve got no idea which part will help, but somebody will reach out and they’ll pick an obscure part of the podcast episode. I’ll say that really helped me hearing that really helped me. And I was like, okay. Cool. We’ve, we’ve, we’ve achieved our outcome. It helped you. I’m happy that it helped you. And because everyone is in a different position and they’re looking for different types of information and you know, what’s, the timeline that they’re in in their recovery, whether it’s emotional, mental or physical is unique to them. So that one word might be overlooked by you and me, but then somebody else goes, that’s just the word I needed to hear. And that’s why 400 episodes of the podcast are really good because there’s something in at least one of those episodes for everybody, you know, so it will, it will help. It will make it so that people maybe even if they just realized that they can write a book, maybe if they realize that they could just share their story, that’s all, that’s good enough. Adjusting to a New Normal So, how about this whole new normal statement? Now some people are told that they have to adjust to their new normal. And I kind of, I see why people say that it helps with acceptance in some situations when you have to let go of how you went about the past, how you did your life previously. when you were more physically able-bodied or more cognitively able. So how did you handle the new normal comment statement? Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (44:20) I obviously didn’t like it initially. But then, you know, the whole religious part and how we’ve been brought up, it’s with a lot of acceptance. So which is, I think, important for a child sitting next to someone who’s a nobody, or for a child who’s sitting next to someone who’s super duper rich. Maybe he’s a prime minister of the country, but they are sitting on the same level and having food, for example, on the floor. Someone who’s sitting next to you who’s who cleans houses on the floor. They’re humans. So I think that probably got me ready for the acceptance. I mean, that that primed me for the level of expect acceptance we had. I had to work less towards accepting things. and yeah, for example, I can’t run at the moment. But then what I say to people about that, that it’s overrated, I don’t care. You know, for example, so that’s it. That’s my acceptance. That’s what I do. Make a joke of it, man. That’s it. You can’t do it, you can’t do it. What do you do? Bill Gasiamis (45:11) Dude, it is overrated. That’s the I’m going to use that now as well. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (45:16) Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (45:18) In a couple of weeks, I’m going to go and spend some time away with a friend of mine. I’ve got a really amazing friend. We grew up together. He used to work at the Royal Melbourne hospital when I was there. He was a radiographer and he would come and see me when I was admitted. He would do my scans. Amazing. Like I’ve known this guy my entire life since I was about four years old. And we’re going to go and spend eight days just away from the whole family, the wives, everybody. We’re just going to go to Hawaii for a little bit. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (45:46) Are you going running? Bill Gasiamis (45:46) He said to me, I wake up in the morning and I go for a run. I said, fantastic. I’m going to wake up in the morning and go for a walk. You go for a run. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (45:52) Yeah. Bill Gasiamis (45:53) I’m not running. I can’t run. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (45:55) You can run either, huh? Yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (45:56) Not anymore. No. My left leg, my left leg goes down a little bit differently from my right leg. And because I have proprioception issues and the feeling is not correct, I never know when it’s exactly in the right position. And I risk injuring my knee because sometimes I can overextend, hyper extend. And, and Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (46:15) Yep, yep, yep, yep. I know exactly what he’s saying, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (46:17) I’m really concerned. And also my ankle, I’m not comfortable with my the foot going down and my ankle being solid. So I don’t want to run. I can run across the road to make sure that I’m safe and there’s no car coming too fast or injuring me, but I’m not running two kilometers or a marathon or anything like that. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar (46:37) I think walking is better. Yep, yep, yep. Bill Gasiamis (46:38) Yeah, I have to think about it too much as well. And it makes it more fatiguing, more exhausting. Ramandeep (bobby) chaggar

The Wallabies finished with ELEVEN MEN and still beat the world champions. George Ford spent his afternoon with Bears charging down his channel. And we've got two of them in for questioning…

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PENNY IS BACK… and she's got plenty to catch us up on! With Sophie away this week, the absolute LEGEND that is Penny is stepping in! She's giving Jamie some much-needed parenting advice, revealing what she REALLY thought of him on Made in Chelsea, and sharing her secrets to keeping the romance alive. PLUS, a certain story from her last appearance has resulted in some VERY interesting messages landing in Penny's inbox…

The Great Leader opened the doors for listeners to contribute today and luckily they didn't let themselves down. Lovely. After all that, there was still plenty more to talk about, including Steve's method for measuring olive oil and how exactly one can bridge the generational divide, should one want or need to.Please send your listener comments to Danny@radiox.co.ukThis week's podcast is dedicated to Natalie, Eddie & Ruth.Thank you.

Sept. 27, 2026 - Lovely Wonderful Thoughts - (Philippians 2:1-11) - David Tucker - cpcspokane.org

Lows in the 50??  Lovely...  Will take it!  Now if the farm could just get about 12" of rain.Piddly things done on the farm, working in the garden, cutting firewood, messing with the goats.Springfield house will get a new roof on Monday- guy said it would be done in a day.  Acorn was not amused with all the bids.  Get it done and let that be all the major issues for a good few years...

This week, your friends Count Vardulon and DM watch a film that's been on the Count's must-watch list for a while. The Empty Man starts out great but kinda looses steam over its way-too-long runtime. Tune in for a video game recommendation, and stay for a Criminal Minds check-in. 

What Your Unconscious Mind Is Trying To Tell You Ever had that strange "ooh… I don't like that" feeling when nothing obvious seems to be wrong? I've been getting it more often while exploring questions about my life, my direction and my North Star. At first, it's tempting to push an uncomfortable feeling away, but what if that feeling is actually unconscious communication? In this deeper dive, we explore how the unconscious mind communicates through feelings, intuition, memories and emotional signals, and how becoming curious about an uncomfortable feeling can reveal what's underneath it. Rather than fighting anxiety, uncertainty or emotional resistance, I'm exploring a different approach: pause, listen, get curious, discover what you need, then choose your next step. There's also a simple process you can use to explore an uncomfortable feeling, discover what it may be trying to tell you, and decide whether you need to act—or simply give things time to settle. This is another part of my own journey of personal development, finding direction, trusting yourself and creating a more meaningful life. I'm learning as I go, and sharing the bloody journey with you. Don't suppress the signal. Get curious about it. Please share this episode: https://personaldevelopmentunplugged.com/490-what-your-unconscious-mind-is-trying-to-tell-you If something in the episode stirs a question or challenge for you, email me at feedback@personaldevelopmentunplugged.com. I read the emails personally. And if you're curious to see me recording this https://youtu.be/QqsuPtTs7OI Shine Brightly

Welcome back to The Lovely Show! This week we have a great episode in store for you as your lovely hosts chat everything from Ed Sheeran to The Healy Rae's. Plus... Kevin makes his very first acting debut on the podcast. If you enjoyed this episode of The Lovely Show, please ensure to leave us a LOVELY review. Support The Lovely Show to get ad-free listening and bonus episodes at ⁠https://headstuffpodcasts.com/membership/⁠ - listen to your bonus episodes and ad-free feed in your favourite app! This is a HeadStuff podcast produced by Hilary Barry. Artwork by Matt Mahon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's an Emmajority Report Thursday on The Majority Report On toady's program: Local news stations across the country are highlighting how the Republican's war have sent gas prices soaring and sabotaged businesses. We look at interviews with a farmer in Iowa, a school bus company in Tennessee and long-haul truckers in Georgia who have all had their livelihoods put in jeopardy by this Republican administration. Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman joins to discuss her campaign for mayor of Los Angeles. Garrison Lovely, freelance journalist covering AI, tech and political economy joins to discuss his book, "Obsolete: The AI Industry's Trillion-Dollar Race to Replace Us - and How to Stop It". In the Fun Half: Brandon Sutton and Matt Binder join. Deputy Assistant to the President Sebastian Gorka thinks that complaining about soaring fuel costs makes you unamerican. Senator Tommy Tuberville speaks for 20-minutes on the Senate floor about the dangers of pilots who are furries. Shaky Susan Collins is offended by ProPublica investigating into her corruption. Trump defies another court order by denying certain media outlets access to the White House. all that and more. Please consider helping the Aldaghma family, they are the family behind Gaza Bakery, which provides bread and meals to displaced families, and Future Flowers Kindergarten, which gives children a place to learn, play, and experience moments of normalcy whenever conditions allow. On Sunday, October 4, Emma will be in Los Angeles doing a Bitchuation Room Live with Francesca Fiorentini at the Lodge Room. Get tickets here. To connect and organize with your local ICE rapid response team visit ICERRT.com The Congress switchboard number is (202) 224-3121. You can use this number to connect with either the U.S. Senate or the House of Representatives. Follow us on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here: https://rumble.com/user/majorityreport Check out our alt YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the AM Quickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! https://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: https://majority.fm/app Go to https://JustCoffee.coop and use coupon code majority to get 10% off your purchase Check out today's sponsors: BLUELAND: Get 15% off your first order at Blueland.com/MAJORITY. NUTRAFOL: Get $10 off your first month's subscription + free shipping at Nutrafol.com when you use promo code TMR10 SUNSET LAKE CBD: Head to SunsetLakeCBD.com and use coupon code 'Left Is Best' to save 20% your entire order. Follow the crew on X @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech On Instagram: @MrBryanVokey Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on YouTube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's YouTube channel: https://ww.youtube.com/Th3Discourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here: https:/www.youtube.com/@avaraiza

Before We Dive InI'm writing and recording this on September 23rd, because I'm heading to Seattle tomorrow to visit my two daughters — both of whom got engaged last month. Two engagements in August. Very Cancer season. I am very much the Great Mother right now.Which means I will not be doing a political video this week. Back Sunday. Normal service resumed next week.But this is the week I have been building toward all year — and the cards (which I'll read at the end) are, I am not even joking, telling you to join the Venus class. So let me say it plainly before we get into what is a genuinely extraordinary week:The Venus Retrograde: Heroine's Journey class starts October 1st at 10am Mountain Time. The morning of October 1st is the absolute last chance to register — I won't accept late joiners, because this is a group journey into the underworld, and the group needs to begin together.Two tiers:The Journey — $397. Seven weeks, eight calls, all recordings, full course portal with pre-work videos, slides in colour and black-and-white, and materials you keep. We go really deep.Dragon Rider — $897 total. Everything above, plus: a private 30-minute one-on-one with me (starts after the class), a full year's membership in the Spiral Codex private community ($600 value, weekly calls and great discounts), and a personalized gift — I'll be asking Dragon Riders for their addresses to mail those out. The one-on-one and membership both begin after the class finishes.I have to mention: the first call starts at 10am Mountain Time on October 1st, and Venus is right on the Ascendant at that exact moment. I did not plan that. It is just the way my life seems to work.louiseedington.com/VenusRetrograde2026The Evolving Astrologer — my Venus retrograde article has been published in OPA's free online magazine. I'm on page 21. If you missed the OPA Live panel last weekend, it's available at opaastrology.org — Merridith Cassels also did a wonderful piece on asteroids you'll want to catch.And yes — I made t-shirts from one of the Venus class slides. You truly cannot make this stuff up.Also: Taylor Swift is releasing new music from her Life of the Showgirl albums this Friday, including a single called Patient Zero. I'll just leave that there, alongside everything that's happening at 0° Scorpio this week. She knows astrology. I happen to know she's consulted someone. I'll say no more.The Week at a GlanceThis is arguably one of the most significant week of 2026 for the inner life.The sky patterns:* A Cardinal Grand Cross pressing hard for change throughout* A Fixed Grand Cross building as Mars enters Leo and Mercury enters Scorpio* An Air Grand Trine forming a kite — ideas, information, big awakenings* Mars moves into Leo at the end of Sunday* Mercury enters Scorpio on Wednesday September 30th — the 10th Pluto-Haumea exact square happens the same day at 3:15pm Eastern* October 1st: the Venus class begins* October 3rd, 3:15am Eastern: Venus stations retrograde at 8°29' Scorpio* Last Quarter Moon also on October 3rd — a cardinal Grand Cross with Saturn, Moon, Sun, PholusWaning moon all week. Going within. These cards are about recalibration, not momentum.The nodes are still at 29°. Still holding eclipse charge until October 9th.The Cards — A First GlanceFrom the Red Seeds Tarot (Linda Hill, Etsy UK) and the Witch Oracle by Angie Sullins: The Hermit reversed, Three of Torches reversed, Five of Seeds reversed, and The Selkie.Three reversals and a Selkie. The first three say: withdraw, feel the stall, then begin to see a way through. And the Selkie says: shed the good girl pelt and dive into the soul home. Keep reading. These cards are saying something specific.Day by DaySunday, September 27 — Cardinal Grand Cross. Mars at the Threshold. Last Day of the Waning Aries Moon.We open the week post-Aries Full Moon, waning. The Moon is still in Aries and still carrying the full moon's illumination — but it's releasing now, not building.Mercury in Libra squares Asteroid Lilith to open the day — talking and fighting for justice, for the marginalized, for everyone who has been othered by the power-over paradigm. Asteroid Lilith says: nobody puts baby back in the corner. The Mercury square is a push. More people speaking out. Particularly, in my reading, those who have been most excluded.At the same time, Mercury opposes Eris — completing the formation of a Cardinal Grand Cross with Juno (sacred contracts; none of this is working) — which forces things to change. Initiating. Cardinal energy doesn't wait.Heading into the midterms, the voices are getting louder: we can't keep doing this. The tools exist. We just have to use them.The Aries Moon conjuncts Saturn — reality check, brakes applied, feeling held back. You might feel stalled. That is appropriate. The waning cycle is the releasing cycle.The Moon trines Black Moon Lilith — the wild, elemental feminine speaking clearly. There is real female rage alive this week, in the best sense. Female Rage: The Musical would be right at home.Mars at the anaretic 29° Cancer squares Chiron in Aries — the guardian energy looking at the wound of the toxic masculine. All of us carry this, regardless of gender, because we were raised in this culture. Mars in Cancer has been learning: I am a protector, not an attacker. I am a firefighter in the IFS sense — I want to put out fires, but that doesn't mean I have to attack everything. And now Mars is about to move into Leo.The Moon squares Ceres in Cancer — how are we mothering ourselves? How are we nurturing each other, in a genuinely healthy way?The Moon meets Pallas Athena — the wise warrior seeing the patterns. Oh. I see it now. We've got to change how we do this. The Moon trines Jupiter — a big fire trine, burning things down and creating differently.And then, at the very end of the day: Mars enters Leo.Mars in Leo is fire and heart and creative self-expression. Mars is not just war, and I want to be clear about this. Mars is our will, our drive, our energy. It's a firefighter in the internal family systems sense — highly protective. And Mars in Leo, heading toward the South Node and Regulus, is going to help take down more of what needs to come down. Because Mars in Leo will square 0° Scorpio — the exact point of the Venus Star Point. You want to be in the class when that happens. Week one slides are already done.The Moon closes the day conjuncting Vesta — what are you focused and committed to? What lights your inner flame? Here is the invitation this Venus retrograde is about to offer you.Monday, September 28 — Moon Into Taurus. The Fixed T-Square Begins.The Aries Moon finishes its journey by sextiling Hekate — the torchbearer at the crossroads, at this big turning point we're entering. I'm here. I'm lighting the way. We're going into the depths. This is not dark as in “oh my god.” It's dark as in depth. Personal and collective transformation happening at a profound level.The Moon conjuncts Eris (more table-turning within — the outer mirror of inner work), then aspects Asteroid Lilith, Juno, and Mercury — joining that Cardinal Grand Cross and saying collectively: we have to be the change we want to see in the world. Then the Moon meets Chiron — another look at the wounded masculine energy in all of us. Mars is now in Leo; the lesson keeps arriving from different angles.At 10:40am Eastern, the Moon enters Taurus. And immediately — a Fixed T-Square with 0° Scorpio.The Moon squares Mars in Leo. Mars in Leo squaring 0° Scorpio. This is gnarly energy, and it will activate on and off right through Venus and Mercury's retrogrades. What it's asking: dig into your deepest attachments. Your values. Your power dynamics and manipulation patterns — those you've been subjected to and those you've participated in. And find your way to acting from the heart. From Leo's highest.The Sun in Libra trines Uranus — a beautiful air trine bringing downloads, flashing insights, radical change of perception. Grace. When you know better, you do better. No beating yourself up for what's happened in the past. Manwë (the Law of Grace) is part of this cluster — the Sun opposes it exactly.Juno exactly opposes Asteroid Lilith — the Queen of Gods (who represented women, children, and the marginalized) facing the original equal. The fight for genuine equality is being activated at every level.The Moon opposes Haumea — and here's what to know: Pluto and Haumea are only 5 minutes apart at this point. They are about to have their next exact square. The Moon activating both of them simultaneously is a preview.Tuesday, September 29 — Moon Opposes Venus. Okyrhoe the Seer. The Looking Glass.The Taurus Moon opposes Venus in Scorpio while conjuncting Okyrhoe — the daughter of Chiron and Chariklo, the prophetess, the seer. This conjunction gives the Moon/Venus opposition a oracular quality: you may start to receive foresight around what you need to let go of. What attachments. What values. What old stories about who you are.The Venus class guides you through exactly this. And I will guide you through shamanic journeys that work precisely in this territory — going through the looking glass, seeing things in non-ordinary reality, pulling the pieces and patterns together. Pallas Athena (retrograde) squares Ceres today — the wise strategist looking at what feeds us and what doesn't, with that Alice-in-Wonderland capacity to see through the distortion to the pattern underneath.The Moon trines Pholus — Pandora's box is open. We can't look away anymore. Whatever has been sealed behind those lids: it's out. The Moon squares Jupiter — big emotions about what we're seeing. Jupiter in Leo can be the overblown king energy, the my way or the highway energy — and we're starting to see it clearly.The Moon aspects Nessus — the toxins, the poisons. But look: alongside that, heart-led expansion is available. The antidote to what we've been seeing is leading from the heart.Mercury opposes Chiron — the voice meeting the wounded masculine. Speak out. Do this differently. Language has power here.Mercury also makes its final aspects to the North Node — the strongest pull is toward where we're going: the Aquarian future. More humanitarian. More egalitarian. The question being asked everywhere from politics to tech: why are we letting four people — the owners of the AI companies — dictate what our collective future looks like? Why are we allowing it? Go and listen to the Politics Girl podcast this week; the author Ahmi Fields Meyer makes this case compellingly. We need to come together across our differences and use the tools we have.Wednesday, September 30 — Mercury Enters Scorpio. Pluto-Haumea Square Exact. The 10th.The Taurus Moon squares Chariklo and Hekate in Aquarius — both retrograde, both quiet, both holding the torch and spinning the new story from the wreckage. We're here. We're still holding space. Come with us.The Moon finishes its Taurus journey by squaring the Nodes at 29° — one more push. Change has got to come.At 7:44am Eastern, Mercury enters Scorpio — joining Venus in the deep waters. The voice, the mind, the communication descends. Mercury is, by the way, non-binary — and deeply at home in Scorpio's investigative, truth-seeking, depths-penetrating energy. More hearing and speaking about manipulation and power games. More going into the deep interior. Like the last Venus retrograde when Venus went through Aries and Mercury followed — now they're both in Scorpio, and they'll station direct on the same day: November 13th.At 1:26pm Eastern, the Moon enters Gemini.And then, at 3:15pm Eastern: Pluto exactly squares Haumea at 3° Aquarius/Scorpio. This is the 10th of 13 exact squares between these two, running from 2022 to spring 2028. Three more to go.I wrote an article on the Pluto-Haumea square — hereThe number 3° is worth sitting with. From The Numerology and the Divine Triangle (a wonderful book): 3 combines the qualities of 1 and 2. It carries the qualities of manifestation and self-expression. The ion which sprang into existence from zero sought to assert its individuality, then felt the attraction of others, and now awakens to its need for social interaction. 3 is the need to communicate and become involved in the pure joy of living. Keywords: expansive, dramatic, communicative, diversified, creative. Lovely number.Haumea is the great mother goddess of the Hawaiian pantheon — pure regeneration and rebirth. Pluto pressing on her at the number of creative manifestation, with Venus 3 days from stationing retrograde. This adds extraordinary potency to what we're entering.The Gemini Moon conjuncts Uranus at end of day — the whole air grand trine kite is activated. Big ideas. Speaking out. Court cases. Revelations. And all of it happening within, too.Thursday, October 1 — The First Call. Venus on the Ascendant. Last Chance to Join.The Venus Retrograde: Heroine's Journey begins at 10am Mountain Time.And at 10am Mountain Time, Venus is right on the Ascendant. I did not plan this. I never do. It just works for me.The morning of October 1st is the absolute last chance to register. I will not accept late joiners — this is a group journey into the underworld, and the container needs to hold everyone together from the beginning. If you've been saying I'm not sure, I don't know — this is the moment. louiseedington.com/VenusRetrograde2026Astrologically, the Gemini Moon trines the Sun — the first major Moon-Sun aspect after the Aries Full Moon. Activates the air grand trine. Speaking out, new ideas, diving deeper. A beautiful day to begin.The Moon sextiles Saturn (opportunity to release more self-limiting beliefs — and there will be many to release in this class), sextiles Pallas Athena (turning that steely, pattern-seeing gaze inward — exactly what we'll do), and sextiles Jupiter (expansion, big ideas, the heart opening toward what's possible).The Moon opposes Black Moon Lilith — I always associate Black Moon Lilith with Scorpio, and she's pointing directly into where we're about to descend.Quiet day, astrologically. Good for beginning something deep.Friday, October 2 — Mercury-Mars-Pluto. The Fixed Grand Cross Tightens. Cancer Moon Out of Bounds.The Gemini Moon squares Nessus at 21° — another look at the toxins, the poisons, what's been coming out. Then Mars aspects Sedna — we know we have to change. We know it. The question is what action we're going to take.Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo — and squares Pluto in Aquarius — completing the Fixed Grand Cross in earnest now. Mercury's voice and mind in the depths, Mars's will and drive in the heart, Pluto's excavation of shadow in the collective — all pressing on each other. Everything speaking truth. Everything connected. Think about what action is required.The Gemini Moon trines Chariklo and Hekate, sextiles Eris (opportunity to flip the inner tables), aspects Chiron (wound and medicine) — then at 3:54pm Eastern, the Moon enters Cancer — her own sign. And she is way out of bounds.Mercury in Scorpio squares Pluto and conjuncts Haumea — the total period of deep regeneration from the inside out. Soul detective. Corruption detective. Scorpio investigates what's hidden.Mars in Leo trines Neptune in Aries — Mars in Leo, Neptune in Aries, both Mars's signs in harmonious conversation. The lesson Mars keeps getting, from every angle: you are a protector, not an attacker. You don't have to stomp on others. You have to find different ways to do this.The Sun squares Pholus — Pandora's box, still open. More coming to light. The lid has been off too long to go back on.The Moon makes a water trine to Mercury and Haumea — deep, feeling, regenerative, creative. The inner detective work is happening.Saturday, October 3 — Venus Stations Retrograde. Last Quarter Moon. The Descent Begins.At 3:15am Eastern, Venus stations retrograde at 8°29' Scorpio.She will be retrograde through November 13th, when she stations direct alongside Mercury. The descent into the underworld begins.Where is 8° Scorpio in your chart? What about 22° Libra — the degree where Venus will station direct? The path between those two degrees is the territory of this retrograde. And if you were born under a prenatal Scorpio Venus Star Point, this is your star point cycle, and it will be extraordinarily personal.Even if you're not a Scorpio star point: look back 8 years to 2018. And 8 years before that. And 8 years before that. Venus has been going retrograde through Scorpio on this 8-year cycle. Not for exact events — but for feelings, themes, the part of your chart activated. What echoes are you hearing?The out-of-bounds Cancer Moon (deeply emotional, operating beyond the normal range) makes a water trine to Venus at 6:15am Eastern — this moment feels significant. A deep tide turning. We're going to feel it.Then: Mars in Leo opposes Pluto, squares Mercury, and squares Haumea — the Fixed Grand Cross at full force. Take action to dig deep. Go into your own heart and shadows. Transform from the inside out. This is not comfortable. It is the work.The Moon opposes Pholus (Pandora's box wide open as we descend).And then the Last Quarter Moon — the Moon reaches 10° Cancer, squaring the Sun in Libra, with Saturn and Pholus completing another Cardinal Grand Cross. Forcing change from within. Dane Rudhyar called Last Quarter Moons a “crisis in consciousness.” This one, with Venus having just stationed retrograde hours before, with a Fixed Grand Cross also activated, with Mercury in Scorpio and Mars pressing on Pluto — this is not a gentle crisis.Mars squares Haumea — the divine masculine learning, still, that the rebirth requires depth not domination.The Moon meets Ceres — and I want to end there, because Ceres is about our needs and our attachments. In my Ceres book, I write about her connection to attachment style: what we're attached to, who we're attached to, what ideas and stories we're clinging to. The Venus retrograde class begins peeling all of this back. And Ceres at the end of this intense day is saying: look at what you're attached to. You don't have to carry all of it.The Cards in DetailThe Hermit, reversed:You may start this week wanting to withdraw from the world. Feeling antisocial. Feeling like you want to hibernate. And you know what? That's okay. The waning cycle is the releasing cycle, and this is a big week of going inward.The caution of the reversal: don't let the going-within become “woe is me” with no movement. The Hermit reversed can be too much navel-gazing without the intentional “okay, and now what do I do with what I've found?” The invitation is solitude with purpose — even if that purpose is just let me feel this before I act on it.Three of Torches (Wands), reversed — Roadblocks and Recalibration:Venus grinding to a halt. Cardinal and Fixed Grand Crosses. Waning moon. Everything going within.You may feel delays, roadblocks, a loss of momentum and confidence this week. Your drive is going underground. This is not failure. This is the Three of Torches asking for recalibration — and it is pointing directly at the class. Recalibrate in community. Recalibrate in the underworld, with a guide and a map and seven weeks to find your feet.Five of Seeds (Pentacles), reversed — I Have My Own Back:This one lands at the end of the week, as Venus stations retrograde.You will start to feel that you can overcome hardship. You will start to see that the difficult times could be over.But here is the core message: you've got to have your own back. For better or worse. Through the descent and the return. You matter. And your actions matter.The Selkie (Witch Oracle by Angie Sullins):When I read this card, I said out loud: This is what I do in the Venus class. And I wasn't joking.“Legend tells of the Selkie — a shape-shifting woman-seal, often seen off the coast of northern Scotland, who can shed her skin by moonlight and dance upon the shores. Fishermen were known to catch the seal maid's skin in order to keep her pinned to the land, captured as bride, preventing her return to her true skin and soul home.To reclaim your soul skin in the current legend you're living, you must let go of the good girl pelt you were raised to wear. This means getting comfortable with letting people have their own ideas about who you are, so that you can develop the freedom to be what is most natural to you.Toss off all that no longer fits you, and dive deep into the places where your soul feels most at home.Let go of old demands you put yourself under to be that good girl, good friend, good daughter, good wife, good mother. Shed the pelt of expectation, demand, and approval, including your own.The woman in total control of herself you are becoming will cost you relationships, spaces, comfort, security, and convenience.Choose her over everything.”The Venus class is the place where we do this work — consciously, guided, over seven weeks. Where the shamanic journeys help you find your soul skin. Where the descent into Scorpio's underworld is not random suffering but initiated transformation.This is why these cards were telling you to join. The Selkie arrived at the week Venus goes retrograde. She is looking you directly in the eyes.Choose her over everything.Summing UpA Cardinal Grand Cross pressing and pressing for change. A Fixed Grand Cross building as Mars enters Leo and Mercury dives into Scorpio. The 10th Pluto-Haumea exact square at the number of creative manifestation. Mercury in Scorpio. Venus stationing retrograde at 3:15am on Saturday. The Last Quarter Moon adding its cardinal pressure. And Ceres closing the week by asking about our attachments.The Hermit reversed says: withdraw with intention, not despair. The Three of Torches reversed says: this stalling is a recalibration. The Five of Seeds reversed says: you can overcome the hardship — you have your own back. And the Selkie says: shed the good girl pelt. Dive deep into where your soul feels most at home.If you're in the class: welcome. We start October 1st.If you're still deciding: this is the last weekend. Enrollment closes the morning of October 1st.The underworld is waiting. Hekate has her torch.— LouiseVenus Retrograde: Heroine's Journey — last chance to register is the morning of October 1st. louiseedington.com/VenusRetrograde2026My article in The Evolving Astrologer (OPA's free magazine) — page 21. OPA Live panel: opaastrology.org. https://opaastrology.org/magazine/OPA-TEA-2026-September-Equinox.pdf?mc_cid=98ab9f9e71&mc_eid=d5af1effe0Pluto-Haumea “Aspect of the Decade” article — here on Substack.Code COSMICOWL20 (20% off) or COSMICOWL30 (30% off $99+) at Otter Spirit. Spiral Weave / Spiral Codex — $10/month or $90/year. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cosmicowlastrology.substack.com/subscribe

WBS: Working Hard or Hardly Working #380 -- The gang is at it again. Brimstone is joined by his wing-man Alex DaPonte as they chat about Brim's weight loss journey, all the places he's been going, and his Step2Gold cane that has helped him get healthier. They chat about ticks having been crazy this past season, Alex moving into a new house, and a throwback to All in the Family and The Jefferson's. They discuss the Parasocial people on the internet, how it is absolutely bizarre, and why this pertains to the Raina is Crazy video situation. Brim explains what gets Within Brim's Skin.

The Good Liars’ Jason Selvig stops by to talk about Trump’s crackdown on the media. Then we’ll talk to author and Organize Against the Machine host Garrison Lovely about his new book, Obsolete: The AI Industry’s Trillion-Dollar Race to Replace Us—and How to Stop It and the host of the podcast Organize Against The Machine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well...We made it, we survived the batchelor party and live to retell the tale.Your regular host Andy, is busy with work. So the Stag, Ant, is in the hotseat and joined by Dun and Designated Driver and Batchelor party Dad, Bill.We picked some game to start the celebrations...- QPR PTSD kicks in ahead of the game- Then Harvey Vale gets injured in the warm up- Sigh...- First symptoms identified 20 seconds in- They've scored too early right?- Amplified 15 minutes in as Cirkin sees red- Full blown PTSD 26 minutes as Kenny slams home the second - A Hyrox endurance race of a first half- Stephan makes changes leading to a very different second half as QPR dominate chances and possession with 10 men- Kwame's first goal in front of the Loft gives us relief...and hope- Preston hit the bar...- Lloyd's unlucky couple of minutes- Smythy pings in a cracker in the 90th minute- Cue pandemonium in the stadium and a living room in upstate New York- Iversen keeps out Madsen's free kick to earn the point- Not all points are the same. This really did feel like a win. - QPR show some balls. Balls also seen in the living room...- Way more positives than negatives - Cory Adjetey-Brew is very much better off on loan as he proves his worth to Worthing.- A well recieved club forum. What a pressure applied to a certain young player and water pressure. The ball is in your court Rayan- What are they feeding the kids at Bolton? Raw meat?- No break for our players as they head off on international break.- A This Week in Newburghing special. We remember some lads celebrating Ant's upcoming nuptuals, one of us might not remember though- Busy week in NYC as the UN is in town and Mayor and President meet at the mansion- Jets are Jetsy, but not as Jetsy as usual and the Giants are but down to size by the Rams, and lose their QB for the season. Why can't the Giants have nice things?- We remember some loans as Andros Townsend has a flat performance following an argument with a pitch roller- Kit Korner Interna...Wait! We check out a very flash Ant Originals creation. - Lovely stuff is really lovely as we pay tribute to the power of a muse. The incredibly lovely Sarah.- It's all Greek to Jacob, as he submits from his vacation.- But he also sent a surprise for Ant...Rate, review, send best wishes to Ant in the comments. We have some specials upcoming for the international break...Keep a close eye on your feed.

 * Rest in Peace Jude Pierce* Rest in Peace Aunty Patsy Cameron* Pharmaceutical Blackmail - U.S.A.* "International Law" - Furphy* Monetarising hate - "Lovely money"* Judge, Jury & Executioner - The Washington Buffoon speaks* Piss weak Australian media* Nationalising "000" - about time* Profit before community safety* An a-political society is an easily manipulated society

From her early days as a Fair & Lovely ad model and a student at Army School Kathmandu earning ₹500 at a Bhrikuti Mandap book fair, to Senior Director at MIT RAISE raising $28 Million from Google, this is the unvarnished story of Rupa Laxmi Shah. Over the last 13+ years at the world's premier technology institute (MIT Media Lab / MIT RAISE), Rupa has closed landmark multi-million-dollar partnerships with Google, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Schmidt Futures, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club, impacting over 30 million children globally. In this candid masterclass with Anup Ghimire, Rupa pulls back the curtain on how high-stakes global philanthropy actually works: sitting across tables with over 160 billionaires, the psychology of raising 8-figure checks, the hard research on why AI won't replace teachers, and why sending generic ChatGPT cold emails is destroying your chances with global investors. Timestamps 00:00 - Highlights 03:09 - Growing Up in Kathmandu: Army School & Teaching at Age 15 06:09 - Moving to America 23 Years Ago: Arriving at MIT Media Lab 10:24 - The $28,000,000 Cheque: Closing Google for MIT RAISE 15:39 - The Anatomy of a $17M Research Initiative 20:09 - Walking Into Rooms of Power: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 25:39 - How Billionaires Actually Give Money (DAFs & The 5% Rule) 30:24 - Sitting Across 160 Billionaires: What the Super-Wealthy Care About 36:09 - Storytelling Over Pitch Decks: The Art of Raising Capital 40:39 - The Brutal Truth About AI in Education (Gates Foundation Research) 45:24 - Scaling AI Ethics in Asia: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Project 51:09 - Motherhood & The Dual High-Impact Career Reality 56:24 - The Nepal Capital Trap: Why Nepali Giants Can't Invest Globally 01:01:39 - Mentoring Nepali Founders: How to Pitch US Investors 01:05:24 - The Golden Rule: Stop Sending Generic ChatGPT Emails!   Want to become a video podcaster? Get info: https://becomeadoer.com/programs/become-a-video-podcaster?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Episode+Description&utm_campaign=BAVP_C2      For Collaborations ✉ Reach out to us at partners@doersnepal.com    

Lazy idiots nearly escalate conflict with China by using AI for pentagon intelligence reports while the US dollar continues its death spiral as the Epstein bankers accelerate propaganda and preparation for planned major war with Russia. In Canada, politicians and media hysterically kvetch about special chosen boys while it's citizens die off faster than the summer mosquitos. TIP: www.ko-fi.com/ragecast Links Rumble X/Twitter Kick

Wooden It Be Lovely

In this candid solo episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely steps away from the interview format to share a personal update with her listeners—and it's a conversation worth settling in for. She opens up about a recent week-long getaway with her "meno besties," a group of like-minded practitioners and friends, and reflects on how deeply nourishing female friendship has become in midlife. Karen Martel, host of The Hormone Solutions Podcast, reminded her during that time that crossing the 50 milestone brought a sense of confidence and "don't mess with me" attitude. That connection inspired her to share a story she told them: at 53, she's discovered what it feels like to be athletic for the first time through pickleball, a pursuit she's now devoted over a year to mastering. Dr. Fiona also marks a significant personal milestone—two years on a low-dose GLP-1 medication as part of her menopause medicine plan. She speaks honestly about her decades-long history of metabolic markers and how this journey has reversed them, reduced inflammation, and restored her ability to move without pain. She shares that she has just hired her first strength trainer, with a goal that will resonate with many: "Give me an ass. I don't want to break a hip." She also recounts a powerful exercise led by gerontologist Zora Benhamou, host of Hack my Age Podcast, in which she visualized and engaged with her 80-year-old self, challenging the cultural fear of aging. Finally, Dr. Fiona celebrates the upcoming graduation of her first cohort of menopause doula scholars and announces open enrollment for the next group. Tune in for inspiration, honesty, and a reminder that you don't have to navigate this transition alone. Thank you to our sponsors for this episode: If you're noticing fine lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin — thanks menopause —ugh, me too. Menopause can deplete your skin's collagen, speeding up aging. But here's the game-changer: Vitali Skincare has built its entire line on the power of GHK-Cu copper peptides — a proven ingredient that signals your skin's stem cells to produce new, healthy collagen. Head to vitaliskincare.com and use the code LOVELY at checkout for 20% off. Be sure to check out the Vita exosome serum for less saggy, dull skin. If vaginal dryness or discomfort is disrupting your day, Womaness's Melt For You inserts offer a gentle, deeply restorative way to find relief. Completely hormone-free and safe to use alongside HRT, these applicator-free suppositories use hyaluronic and lactic acids to naturally replenish moisture, stabilize hydration, and support your vaginal microbiome. Because supporting your body through menopause means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. Head to womaness.com and use code LOVELY for a special discount.  How to work with Dr. Lovely: We get many requests for this info, so here it is!  First off, thank you for listening to the NYMM podcast.  It's because of your support - listening and sharing the episodes and using our product links, we can continue to dispense this information.❤️ Thank you!

I hadn't planned this episode - it seems to be the way, these days - it arrived instead, out of a small, quite ordinary battle with a piece of technology that simply wouldn't cooperate - and the frustration that came with it.As today's episode unfolded, there were three threads that appeared:What happens when something feels hard - not the BIG moments but those small things that thwart us - frustrating, annoying, irritating - and the choices we might forget we haveHow trying to enforce 'unenforceable rules' can lead us to 'pushing on through', when perhaps something else might serve the situation betterAnd I share my new book, everyday compassion (365 days of ordinary kindness), is published on 22 September. Pre-orders are open now, and I would love to inscribe a copy for you, or for someone you love.Henny xResources & Ways of ConnectingTo order everyday compassion... https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/everyday-compassionTo discover The Field... https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/enter-the-fieldShare where you go... when things feel like they're thwarting you, I'd love to hear https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/contact ★ Support this podcast ★

Your host Andy, regulars Ant and Dun are joined by some technical gremlins this week to help them for the second consecutive double gameweek. This time with added listener contributions! - HMS P*ss The League sets sail up the Thames for a midweek game at Charlton. All Change!- More good football, less good finishing- Kealey Adamson recreates the Scott Sterling skit saving a goalbound effort with his face- Tyreece Anthony Tupac Shakur Campbell is spitting as the lino bars his goal. However, Lino I Ain't Mad Atcha. Nathan Jones on the other hand. - Dun's cat Luna is not impressed with Nathan Jones' post match comments- The pitchmonster joined us on the trip as we lose Lamptey and Dunne during the game- A trip to the Hawthorns with a thinning squad fails to reach the heights.- An awful Kit Klash makes a tough game tough to watch. - A Heggeboo-boo, as the Norwegian striker misses from close range. Heggeboo-hoo. - Always great to see a QPR fan score for the R's as Chris Mepham Scott Sterlings a ball into the back of the net- Three minutes later, West Brom scores a stylish goal of their own- R's fail to pay the Price as Isaac pulls the strings, but to no avail.- 2 away games, 2 away points, still unbeaten away- Great football dos Lack of goals a concern- The injuries are taking their toll. Are we ever properly cooked? - The international break can't come quickly enough- A tribute to Ludek Miklosko- Is that a Justin Obikwu sighting? and who is that coming on for the Dev Squad- Scarlett fever? Two impressive cameos from Leon (and that's Leon, definitely not Jade) - A thread on Julian's threads. Fits for a King?- A listener has a suggestion for a club anthem. We break it down- And what the hell is this Dun found on Spotify?- A somber week for New York as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is marked.- A busy and successful week for New York sports teams. A baseball series where a New York team both won and lost every game.- Remembering where we put the lads? That's not for everyone. Including us.- Ant's Kit Korner wallpapers over the cracks in the sameiness of Preston's away kits- We predict a result on our big day out. It never ends well...(apart from the last one of course)- Lovely Stuff and more listener contributions which is always Lovely stuff- ...including another music round!- Jacob's Stanza's may have been knobbled by autocorrect- The loveliest stuff of all. Please follow @lilykickscancer on instagram for some really positive updates!Rate, review and all that good stuff. We'll be back next week hopefully if we survive Ant's batchelor party.

On this month's episode Nicole is joined by Susannah Dickey to read from and discuss her story ‘Diplomats' published in Issue 54 Volume Two of The Stinging Fly magazine.In their conversation Nicole and Susannah talk about rivalry and jealousy in female friendships, toxic masculinity and femininity, the difficulty of forming a self and identity in early adulthood, AC/DC, the British Empire as enemy, and the pleasure of writing characters in their 20's. Susannah Dickey is a writer from Derry. She is the author of three novels, most recently Into The Wreck (Bloomsbury, 2026). Her debut poetry collection, ISDAL, won the inaugural PEN Heaney Prize and the Michael Murphy Memorial Prize, was shortlisted for the Forward Prize for Best First Collection and was a book of the year in the Guardian and The Irish Times. Her second poetry collection will be published in 2027.Nicole Flattery⁠⁠ is a writer and critic. Her story collection ⁠⁠Show Them A Good Time⁠⁠, was published by The Stinging Fly and Bloomsbury in 2019. Her novel, Nothing Special, was published by Bloomsbury in 2023. Her new novel Everything is Nice, Everything is Lovely will be published by Jonathan Cape in May 2027.---Each month on The Stinging Fly Podcast,  we invite writers from the latest issue of the magazine to read and discuss their work. Previous episodes of the podcast ⁠⁠can be found here⁠⁠. The podcast's theme music is ⁠⁠‘Sale of Lakes', by Divan⁠⁠. All of ⁠⁠The Stinging Fly's archive⁠⁠ is available to ⁠⁠subscribers.⁠Apple PodcastsSpotifyListen and subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts

In this lively and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Fiona Lovely welcomes back Dr. Carrie Jones, a naturopathic physician and internationally recognized expert in women's health and hormones. Known as the "Queen of Hormones," Dr. Jones brings over two decades of clinical experience to a discussion that moves seamlessly from the deeply clinical to the delightfully personal. The two explore how the definition of perimenopause has been far too narrow, with symptoms often beginning in a woman's thirties—years before most doctors think to look. Dr. Jones also highlights a significant shift in the field: new position papers from international menopause societies now recommend that women who reach menopause before age 45 be treated differently, with hormone replacement positioned as protection for the brain, bones, and heart, not merely symptom relief. Beyond the clinical, the conversation celebrates the friendships that sustain women through this transition and challenges the notion that menopause should be endured in silence. Dr. Jones shares her own experience of moving through the "I don't care" era with newfound peace, and she offers candid reflections on everything from Korean skincare to strength training.  Listeners will walk away informed, encouraged, and reminded that the wisest years are still ahead.   Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones: IG: @dr.carriejones Tiktok: @dr.carriejones Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones Spotify: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Apple Podcast: Hello Hormones w/ Dr. Carrie Jones Website: www.drcarriejones.com    Thank you to our sponsors for this episode:

Author of Obsolete: The AI Industry's Trillion-Dollar Race to Replace Us joins Bad Faith to weigh in on Anthropic whistleblower Jacob Coxon's viral tweet warning that AI could lead to the end of humanity within the next decade. Is this false alarmism or a real threat? Is the threat real but exaggerated for the purpose of securing favorable anti-trust policies for AI leaders? What about tech writers like Cory Doctorow who have warned that tales of artificial intelligence advancement have been grossly overstated? And how would AI actually cause the "end of humanity" anyway? Find Bad Faith on Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. Or subscribe to our RSS feed. Follow Bad Faith on Twitter (@badfaithpod) and Instagram (@badfaithpod). Subscribe at patreon.com/badfaithpodcast for an additional Monday episode every week. Watch all episodes at Bad Faith YouTube, and don't forget to like and subscribe. Theme by Nick Thorburn (@nickfromislands). Produced by (@armandaviram)

Garrison Lovely, author of Obsolete, discusses the terrors and possible promise of artificial intelligence. Dave Zirin looks back on the life and work of Howard Zinn, the subject of his new biography. Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global.

We all know the value of capturing our farmers' and vendors' stories to strengthen connections between our markets and our communities. Megan Lovely took things in another direction when she set up a table at the 32nd Street Farmers Market in Baltimore, Maryland for more than a year and asked shoppers to tell their stories. She captured that experience in her book, Story Seeds: Growing Home at the Farmers Market. Join us for this episode as she shares:   The strong value of farmers' markets' "weak ties" Creating and recognizing Third Places Realizing stories are made of small moments Learning from a shoppers' view of your market How to gather your market community's stories   Buy the book Story Seeds: Recipes for Community at recipesforcommunity.com    SAVE THE DATE: January 20th to 23rd, 2027 at our first East Coast conference, as we host the Farmers Market Forum sessions at the 28th annual Future Harvest Conference in Silver Spring, Maryland. Registration opens in late October. 

#6 Choicepoints. Those of you who have listened to some of my 333 podcasts might remember my use of this made-up term. It reflects those moments, sometimes days, weeks, months or longer in duration, when we are face to face with “two roads diverged in a yellow wood...” I long ago abandoned to dust any formal religious paths to truth. Thank you, Ecclesiastes 3:20 “All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return.” I define spirit as all that is, and soul as a unique conscious individual manifestation of that greater ocean of being. As if a bubble broke free of the surface and floated on its own journey. Distinctly different and yet still connected. That – in a nutshell – is the essence of my spiritual worldview. Lovely ancient phrase that one, originating with Pliny the Elder, who wrote a story in first century AD Rome about a copy of the Iliad written on parchment that fit into a nutshell. The term signified tiny physical spaces or very small writing, derived from the Latin word nuce. Not until the 19th century did its meaning morph into being concise and summarizing. Similar to the modern day, “long story, short.” I wonder about that newly minted idiom, spoken as if we are apologizing for taking up too much of the listener's time and attention. Perhaps a product of our busy busy hurry hurry multitasking verse we've collectively created as a species. This world seems more and more spinning out of control. The Italian word for what I feel is scombussolato, or scombussolata for a female. It roughly translates as disoriented, confused, rattled, shaken up, and more. Makes it even more challenging to experience the clarity I seek.   When, where, which of these, this or that. Should I pluck my choice from a hat? Flip a coin, perhaps ask a bird? Yet ancient wisdom I have heard: When you've two apparent choices It's best to always pick the third. What choicepoints speak to me of woe? Can't they please wait till the morrow?   A favorite from Robert Frost: Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler, long I stood And looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth;   Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same,   And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.   I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.    

Garrison Lovely rejoins KK&F to discuss the Hugging Face hack and the possibility of the AI takeover in our future. 

Welcome to The Reel Schmooze with ToI film reviewer Jordan Hoffman and host Amanda Borschel-Dan, where we bring you all the entertainment news and film reviews a Jew can use. This week, we abandon all pretense of intellectuality and hunker down to watch the new Gal Gadot vehicle, "The Runner," now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The film is a fast-paced sprint through London, during which Gadot must arrive at a certain location to save her son, who is in an induced diabetic coma. The plot seems simple, but the end carries a twist that got Borschel-Dan's husband thinking the whole week. Let’s hear who gave this film an “oy,” “meh” or the prized “not bad” this week on The Reel Schmooze. The Reel Schmooze is produced by Ari Schlacht and can be found wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

emocleW, emocleW, emocleW to the Distraction Pieces Podcast with Scroobius Pip!This is your bonus FRIDAY REWIND episode! Today, we catch up with HIMESH PATEL, originally episode 342 from 2020-09-02.Original writeup below:A very nice chat which encompasses everything in Himesh's inspirational rise to well earned fame and recognition, from those early days in acting school and his relationship with his parents throughout the process, to early gigs and his almost decade long run in Eastenders… Not only that - of course Yesterday comes up, as does Avenue 5, but there's some ace Chris Nolan-based talk as Himesh stars in 2020's only(?) blockbuster Tenet! Lovely stuff for your mid-week pick-me-up. Get to know Himesh!PIP'S PATREON PAGE if you're of a supporting natureIMDBTHE ODYSSEYYESTERDAYTENETEASTENDERSPIP TWITCH • (music stuff)PIP INSTAGRAMSPEECH DEVELOPMENT WEBSTOREPIP TWITTERPIP IMDB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THIS WEEK: FUCK MY LIFE,SHITTY SONG LYRICS, FUN AT COMIC CON AND WHY CATS ARE THE DEVIL

Welcome back to The Lovely Show! This week Kevin and Justine (remotely) talk Brighton, Pink Slices from Dundalk and, the one and only... The Ballyconnell Bachelor If you enjoyed this episode of The Lovely Show, please ensure to leave us a LOVELY review. Thank you for supporting The Lovely Show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's another battle episode, and this time the boys were each given a random year to choose tracks from. For some reason, the wheel of random years decided to take everyone out of their comfort zone by only selecting years beyond 2010. Lovely. It's 2011 vs 2016 vs 2024. Let's see how things shake out!

Matt Slayer sits down with Blake Lovely for a wildly unfiltered round of frosty margaritas, industry talk, and the kind of conversational detours that define And Now We Drink. What starts with nerd banter about lasers, Lord of the Rings, and questionable childhood movie obsessions quickly spirals into a candid, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful deep dive into life in adult entertainment, social media chaos, and surviving the internet's worst impulses. Blake opens up about her path from music into the industry, how the work helped her build stability and invest in therapy, and why she refuses to join the chorus of performers who dismiss the industry after benefiting from it. She and Matt dig into the realities behind  sets, the difference between followers and true fans, the pressure to go viral, and the increasingly hostile landscape for workers on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and beyond. The conversation also takes on AI models, likeness rights, censorship, anti-trans harassment, trans representation in media, Southern roots, age-gap relationships, studio awards, directing ambitious features, and why hate comments often say more about the commenter than the target. Blake shares stories from sets, parties, music sessions, and her rise as both a performer and director, including her award-winning feature Once Upon a TS Summer and hints at an even bigger project on the horizon. Equal parts raunchy, political, personal, and hilarious, this episode is a candid snapshot of Blake Lovely's confidence, resilience, and sharp wit—served with tequila, tangents, and zero apologies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Friends! We are back! Thank you for waiting an extra week and change so Taylor could go guest star on Stitches in Time (look for that late October, early November) and now we're ready to review The Infinite Quest...which is not itself infinite, but rather a quest for something called The Infinite! And, for something designed to be 13 little three minute long segments and aired on Totally Doctor Who (like, radical, man!)...it leaves us wanting. Wanting to go watch Treasure Planet instead (great film!). But you know us, we'll cherry pick the best parts.

Friends! We are back! Thank you for waiting an extra week and change so Taylor could go guest star on Stitches in Time (look for that late October, early November) and now we're ready to review The Infinite Quest...which is not itself infinite, but rather a quest for something called The Infinite! And, for something designed to be 13 little three minute long segments and aired on Totally Doctor Who (like, radical, man!)...it leaves us wanting. Wanting to go watch Treasure Planet instead (great film!). But you know us, we'll cherry pick the best parts.

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Fiona Lovely sits down with Dr. Michael Bader, a psychoanalyst with over 45 years of experience, for a deep dive into the psychology of sexual desire, pleasure, and the often-unexamined beliefs that shape our erotic lives. Together, they explore why sexual excitement is not simply a biological drive that bursts into consciousness, but rather something the mind carefully regulates based on unconscious assessments of safety and danger. Dr. Bader introduces listeners to the concept of pathogenic beliefs—the unconscious rules we form in childhood about what we are "supposed" to feel or not feel. These beliefs, often rooted in guilt or shame, can create roadblocks to sexual excitement into adulthood that no amount of hormone replacement therapy alone can fix. He explains how sexual fantasies function as creative solutions, momentarily bypassing these inhibitions and allowing pleasure to flow.  Listeners will walk away with a new understanding of their own erotic minds and practical insight into how psychological safety, guilt, and shame influence their capacity for pleasure. Dr. Bader offers a compassionate perspective, reminding women that understanding these dynamics is valuable—but that acceptance without judgment is also a valid and healthy outcome.  Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it is liberating.   Connect with Dr. Bader: Website:  https://michaelbader.com/ X: https://x.com/psychpolitics YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjTd0ydMlfFZO__pCjDrZxw   Thank you to our sponsor for this episode:

1989's Parenthood started life on a long haul flight. Director Ron Howard would tell of how 'testing' it was to do such a journey with kids in tow, and soon, he realised there was a film in it. But it'd be a movie where he, producer Brian Grazer, and writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel, would end up mining their personal lives. Plus, it was going to need one hell of an ensemble cast. For the second part of this episode, Simon is joined by Robert Carlyle, who has just directed for the third time. Fittingly, it's a short film called three, and Robert talks about why he made it, how it differered from his other directing film, plus the importance of putting the bins out... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philippa reviews four books — including two she couldn't wait to tell you about — before a wonderful, wide-ranging conversation with C.J. Tudor about her latest novel Serenity Falls, out 10th September, the book she needed to write after the hardest year of her life.

LOVELY! a truly fantastic episode if me we can must say!

In this special episode of Hero Radio we interview one of Cincinnati's most talented musicians, Brian Lovely. Brian shares his stories from the road with his various bands which include Blessid Union of Souls, The Faux Frenchmen and Flying Underground. Want to hear about the time he shared the stage with Spinal Tap? Tune In!

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 326 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:   Off the Needles On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing KAL News Events On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu & Mandi's Makings   Off the Needles   Neckerchief #2 Pattern: none Yarn: Valley Yarns Huntington (75% Merino, 25% Nylon) in colorway 22 Navy Needles: US 6 (4 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Goldwing Sweater Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details) Ravelry Project Page Progress: Nearly done with the ribbing now!   Log Cabin Blanket Pattern: Log Cabin Square by Julie Harrison. Free crochet pattern available on Ravelry. Video tutorial available on the Little Woollie Makes YouTube Channel Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Minis (mostly from Advent calendars 2023 & 2024) Hook: I (5.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page My color placement is inspired by this project/pattern available on Ravelry. Inspired to pick it back up after see Sue (from Legacy Fiber Artz)'s version on their latest podcast episode. She bordered with cream before seaming. I love it. You can see a peek in this Instagram post. Progress: 30 squares completed! I bought two skeins of Dirty Water Dyeworks Lucia DK (SW Merino Nylon blend) in colorway March sky to try to border/seam with.  I found a YouTube video to use as a guide for joining as I add the last row of moss/linen stitch.   Confetti Cannon Socks Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Confetti Cannon Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page New base for Woolens & Nosh that was very kindly gifted to me by Michele to try out! Thank you! I love this new base. About the Colorway: butter yellow, pink, purple, coral, tan, fuschia, aqua, lime/grass green. Mini skein: teal Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.   Big Feelings Socks Yarn: Woolens and Nosh BFL Fingering (85% SW BFL + 15% Nylon) in the Big Feelings Colorway (2nd Quarter 2026 club colorway) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I am beyond heel on first sock.   Deschain Pattern: Deschain by Leila Raven ($6.50 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Yarn: Berroco Remix in colorway 3922 Buttercup Needles: US 10 (6 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I am only a few repeats into the front of the top.   Tray-mat Pattern: None Yarn: Lion Brand Made with Love The Cotton One in the Red Red Wine Colorway (60% Cotton/ 40% Acrylic) Aran weight yarn Hook: H (5.9 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I have crocheted around 5 inches so far.   Brainstorming   Blanket options I'm considering No-Purl Ribbed Blanket by Purl Soho (free knitting pattern) Football Lovie by Alissa Clevenger $5 crochet pattern available on Ravelry   Project to bring to France Tip Top Tank Fine by Emily Bolduan- Free Ravelry knitting pattern Islander Vest by Claire Jackson- $11 knitting pattern (options for pay what you can)   From the Armchair   The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth. Amazon Affiliate Link. In Her Defense by Phillippa Malicka. Amazon Affiliate Link. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Watching: Silo Series on Apple TV- season 3   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing David sent me photos of his Pollen Party socks at work and at Pilates!   KAL News   Pigskin Party '26 Details Event runs 9/9/26-2/15/27 Everything you need can be found in the Start Here Thread on Ravelry Sign up (must be registered to win) - opened 8/19 Rules (includes changes made for the '26 season) Finish a Project? Enter for points using the Points Tally Form Share in the End Zone Dance Ravelry thread to celebrate with friends Check your Stats on the Scoreboard Have a Question? Post it in this Ravelry Thread Sponsor List can be found here (check often for updates) Pro Shop Sponsors can create Exclusive Items which are shared in this Ravelry Thread Coupons & deals from our Sponsors can be found in this Ravelry Thread   Updates for this episode: The next Stretches for Stitchers session (from Fitness by Mara) starts Sept. 14th but participants can join at anytime or use a single class pack! Check out our Quarter 1 (October) Challenge hosted by Doolittle Yarnery. Details in this Ravelry Thread. Thanks to Ravelry user Elisewentwest for updating her worksheet for project tracking. If you want to check it out click here and then make a copy of it to edit for your own tracking purposes.   Events September 12 & 13: Boston Fiber Festival in Boston, MA (full or half day passes, or 2 day passes) September 17-20: Cape & South Shore Yarn Haul September 19 & 20: Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival in Greenwich, NY September 24-27: Greater Boston Yarn Crawl October 17 & 18: NY State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY November 7: Fiber Festival of New England in Springfield, MA   On a Happy Note Laura's Visit- Flight Club Boston. Lolita for dinner. Sunday- breakfast at Yaz's Table, thrifting and shopping for college stuff with Riley. Megg and I saw Jagged Little Pill at Company Theatre Riley getting off to college successfully! Seeing Aila and Hattie perform in the Cabaret show Facetime tour of Riley's dorm Marta is meeting Laura and I in Colmar, France! A step challenge through my gym has me out on more walks. Lovely message from Natalie (remembrances pottery) about a stone wall she's building after seeing one on my vlogmas walks. Megg and I went to Liz's band, Safe Journey's, show at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. Check them out on Instagram. Then on Saturday, Dan, Dad and I went to an outdoor musical festival in Providence, RI where Safe Journey was playing. We had lunch and beers at the pavilion at 195 District Park. We really enjoyed the Guild Brewery beers and seltzer. Rhinoceros at ART in Cambridge wearing thirfted dress.   Quote of the Week   "Summers had a logic all their own and they always brought something out in me. Summer was supposed to be about freedom and youth and no school and possibilities and adventure and exploration. Summer was a book of hope. That's why I loved and hated summers. Because they made me want to believe."   ―Benjamin Alire Sáenz, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe     No episode on 9/15. I'll be in Paris!   ------ Thank you for tuning in!   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.