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Rachel Maurice shares her path from a left brain medical training at McGill into a new model of health rooted in light, water, and frequency. She describes pivotal moments including a Joe Dispenza retreat experience, her growing distrust of institutional narratives, and her focus on lifestyle signals like circadian rhythm. The conversation explores water memory through Veda Austin's work, cymatics, fascia, trauma release, and the idea that biology responds to information before chemistry. As part of redefining Conscious Performance in a distracted world, we spotlight builders who are doing it in real time.Connect with Rachel Mauricehttps://www.instagram.com/rachel_maurice_md/Be featured on The Kid Carson ShowStep into a premium interview experience and create content for your business with Kid Carson.
Vincent Paquin, Assistant Professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and psychiatrist at the Jewish General Hospital
On apprenait cette fin de semaine dans le National Post que la Chine veut envoyer 200 000 satellites dans l’espace. Elon Musk veut en lancer 1 million supplémentaire et des milliers d’autres sont en attente d’approbation. Qui décide quelles sont les lois de l’espace ? L'université MCGill est une pionnière dans la question avec l'Institut de droit aérien et spatial. Entrevue avec Vincent Correia, codirecteur de l'Institut de droit aérien et spatial de l’université McGill. Regardez aussi cette discussion en vidéo via https://www.qub.ca/videos ou en vous abonnant à QUB télé : https://www.tvaplus.ca/qub ou sur la chaîne YouTube QUB https://www.youtube.com/@qub_radioPour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
Les libéraux sont de retour | Crise en Iran | Droit spatial: à qui appartient l’espace? | Fin du PEQ : une citoyenne française vit un pur cauchemar | Vive Heated Rivalry! Dans cet épisode intégral du 4 mars, en entrevue : Vincent Correia, codirecteur de l'Institut de droit aérien et spatial de l’université McGill. Stéphane Dion, ex-ministre fédéral et ancien ambassadeur du Canada en Allemagne et en France. Il devient le premier « diplomate en résidence » de l'histoire de l'Université de Montréal. Tiffany Corti, Française arrivée au Québec en 2023 Une production QUB Mars 2026Pour de l'information concernant l'utilisation de vos données personnelles - https://omnystudio.com/policies/listener/fr
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLC
We sat down with Adam Meakins to talk about critical thinking in the rehab and strength world.McGill. Squat U. FMS. Back pain fear. Neurotic athletes. Fascia training. “Magic coaching eye.” This is a conversation about nuance.How to question dogma without becoming a troll. How to think critically without becoming arrogant. Why most pain problems are dosage problems. Why graded exposure beats avoidance. Why strength training is safer than sitting on the couch. If you're a young coach trying to find your voice without becoming a carbon copy of your mentors, this one's for you.Timestamps:0:00 Intro2:05 Poking holes in dogma without being a troll10:56 Willful ignorance, sunk cost fallacy, and Squat U18:07 Planting seeds vs shock-and-awe on social media26:00 Scapular dyskinesis and the myth of perfect symmetry34:15 FMS, asymmetry, and creating neurotic athletes45:49 “You'll get hurt if you don't”50:00 Back pain, surgery culture, and financial incentives56:05 Graded exposure vs avoiding movements1:07:27 Fascia training, slings, and overcomplicating everything
GLP-1 medications are either wildly overhyped or harshly criticized depending on the week—and one of the loudest concerns right now is that they “cause muscle loss.” In this episode, I'm digging into what the research actually shows about lean mass changes on GLP-1s, what's being misunderstood online, and what patients and clinicians can do to protect muscle while still benefiting from these powerful therapies. To help me unpack this, I'm joined by Dr. Michael Tsoukas, Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at the McGill University Health Centre, Co-Director of the Metabolic & Weight Optimization Clinic, and a clinician-scientist whose work focuses on GLP-1 pharmacotherapy and obesity treatment. He's trained at Tufts, McGill, and Harvard, and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications.We talk about where the muscle-loss concern came from, how GLP-1 weight loss compares to bariatric surgery and diet-only approaches, and whether lean mass loss always reflects true functional muscle loss. We also get practical, discussing resistance training and protein targets (it's more than you may think!).If you're on a GLP-1, considering one, or prescribing them—this is a science-based conversation that separates fear from facts.Guest: Dr. Michael TsoukasWebsite: mwoc.caWORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedOntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don't have to do it alone. I've created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/
Joan Leslie McGill LIVE on LI in the AM w/ Jay Oliver by JVC Broadcasting
Months before the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., earlier this month, the shooter was banned from OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, for violating its usage policy. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported this, said that the interactions with ChatGPT were describing scenarios involving gun violence. That has furthered calls for the Canadian government to regulate AI companies and their products – but there are challenges. Taylor Owen is an associate professor at McGill and founding director of McGill's Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy. He's also host of The Globe and Mail podcast Machines Like Us. He'll tell us what responsibility companies have to report concerning or violent content, and what the government is up against in trying to regulate AI. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLCmnironrangehockey,irchockey,section7ahockey,section7aahockey,mnboyshshockey,MNHShockey
Tom and Zac discuss the state of the McGill Redbirds
Freight Industry Warning: The February 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour tackled a topic that affects every farmer, processor, retailer, and consumer in California — freight. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill devoted the program to a candid and urgent conversation with Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express, who say the state's trucking industry is approaching a critical breaking point. Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet based in Kings County, laid out the growing list of challenges facing California freight companies: rising fuel costs, increasing insurance premiums, emissions regulations, equipment mandates, licensing issues, and deteriorating road infrastructure. While growers often talk about water, labor, and regulation, Woods emphasized that none of it matters if product can't move. “If you can't get it to market, you're dead in the water,” McGill noted — a reality that applies to almonds, tomatoes, citrus, livestock, and every other commodity grown in the state. Fuel remains one of the largest burdens. California diesel prices run significantly higher than neighboring states, and with refinery closures looming, uncertainty around supply and future pricing adds another layer of stress. Woods warned that rising transportation costs inevitably trickle down to consumers — whether it's the price of produce, meat, or a restaurant meal. Insurance is another major pressure point. Freight companies are investing in advanced safety technology — including AI-powered monitoring systems and in-cab cameras — to reduce accidents and protect drivers. Yet despite those investments, insurance costs continue climbing. Woods said companies are doing everything they can to operate safely and efficiently, but margins remain razor thin. Regulatory complexity compounds the issue. Emissions testing requirements, equipment standards, and licensing enforcement create additional compliance hurdles. Woods expressed concern that smaller operators may not survive under the weight of expanding mandates, particularly as newer truck models become more expensive. The conversation also addressed workforce challenges. While interest in commercial driving remains steady, language requirements and licensing scrutiny are impacting available drivers. Meanwhile, California's poor road conditions accelerate wear and tear on already costly equipment. Papagni underscored a critical point: everything in your home — from food to furniture — was delivered by truck. Freight is not optional. It is foundational. As Woods put it, the trucking industry isn't asking for special treatment — just a level playing field and practical policies that allow companies to remain profitable while serving California agriculture. Part two of the freight discussion continues tomorrow.
Dr. Joe Schwarcz is director of the McGill Office for Science & Society. He is also host of The Dr. Joe Show, Sundays at 3 p.m. on CJAD 800.
National FFA Week: The February 23 edition of the AgNet News Hour put the spotlight on one of the most influential youth organizations in agriculture, the National FFA Organization. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program discussing improving weather conditions across California as bloom season approaches, but the heart of the show focused on celebrating National FFA Week and the leadership pipeline shaping agriculture's future. Joining the program was Christy Meyer, Marketing and Communications Director for the National FFA Organization. Meyer shared that FFA now serves more than one million members nationwide, with over 9,000 chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Established in 1948, National FFA Week was strategically designed to include George Washington's birthday, honoring his agricultural roots and reinforcing farming's foundational role in America. Throughout the week, chapters host service projects, alumni celebrations, advisor appreciation events, and community outreach efforts. One of the most impactful days is Advisor Appreciation Day, recognizing agricultural educators who often serve as mentors well beyond the classroom. Papagni emphasized that nearly every FFA member he has interviewed credits a teacher or advisor for life-changing guidance. Meyer noted that FFA participation does not require growing up on a farm. Students enroll through agricultural education courses that range from animal science and plant science to agricultural technology and agribusiness. The organization prepares students for more than 300 agriculture-related career pathways, including food science, engineering, communications, research, and emerging ag technologies. Leadership development remains the cornerstone of the organization. Public speaking, critical thinking, community service, and hands-on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) equip members with marketable skills that translate well beyond agriculture. McGill shared his own background studying agricultural education and acknowledged how FFA builds confidence and professionalism in young leaders. The program also touched on broader agricultural policy developments, including federal efforts to prioritize domestic glyphosate and phosphate production. Hosts noted that strengthening agricultural inputs at home could help stabilize costs for growers nationwide. As bloom season begins and spring approaches, the message was clear: the future of agriculture depends not only on technology and policy, but on cultivating the next generation of leaders. National FFA Week serves as a reminder that agriculture's strength lies in its people, and the young men and women proudly wearing blue jackets today may soon be leading farms, companies, and communities tomorrow.
Rencontre avec l'auteur de "L'humanité artificielle", publié aux Éditions XYZ. Ollivier Dyens, professeur à McGill, explique que l'IA a franchi un seuil quand elle a commencé à dialoguer avec nous avec une finesse qui ressemble à une autre “entité” conversationnelle. Il propose l'image de la chrysalide, une technologie née de nous, qui nous englobe et nous oblige à nous réinventer, au point de “liquéfier” des repères comme l'identité et l'unicité. Selon lui, ce qui distingue encore l'humain, pour l'instant, c'est l'incarnation, une intelligence façonnée par l'évolution, la survie et l'expérience du monde physique. Il s'inquiète surtout de l'intimité artificielle, des relations émotionnelles avec l'IA et de la possibilité de créer des avatars de personnes décédées, ce qui bouleverserait le deuil et la finitude. Dyens insiste sur la séduction des grandes plateformes, pensées pour capter l'attention, et sur la nécessité de décider collectivement ce qu'on délègue à la machine et ce qu'on veut garder humain. Il évoque une fusion “humain-machine” comparable à des siamois, et voit l'enjeu central dans l'espace à négocier entre les deux, gouvernance, autonomie, éthique. Au quotidien, il dit utiliser l'IA comme amplificateur d'idées, tout en mettant en garde contre le piège des raccourcis qui appauvrissent la pensée.
The TWENTY30's co-hosts Hanaa Almoaibed and Lucien Zeigler sit down with Saud Alturki, Saudi music producer, curator, and founder of Brij Entertainment ahead of the release of his third album, High Octane. A project two and a half years in the making, the track list reads like a love letter to hip hop royalty. Busta Rhymes. Swizz Beatz. West Side Boogie. Rhapsody, whom Saud calls his favorite female MC alive today. Working with his creative director Chindi, who turned every production conversation into something closer to a therapy session, Saud landed on a concept that's deeply rooted in where he's from, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Saud takes us back to the beginning: a freshman at McGill in Montreal, freezing through his first Canadian winter and discovering that music wasn't just something he loved — it was something he could do. A move to LA, a chance encounter at a Verizon store with a gospel-tinged R&B singer named Bernard, and seven years of patience later, he finally put out his first single. That story alone sets the tone for everything that follows: Saud is someone who builds slowly, deliberately, and for keeps. But the conversation doesn't stop at the album. Saud talks about what it really takes to build a music industry in Saudi Arabia — not just a music scene. Venues, labels, studios, government support, festivals like Middle Beast that have built an entire ecosystem around artists. He's careful to say Saudi isn't quite an industry yet, but the infrastructure is finally arriving, and the talent — including his Brij Entertainment artist Hajaj, the first Saudi to perform at Grammy weekend in LA — is already outpacing it. There's also a sharp, honest take on the streaming era, why dropping albums in 2025 is "not the best move" (and why he's doing it anyway), the emerging Saudi genre Hoppe — a fusion of Sambri and hip hop that he wishes he'd invented — and what he tells young artists in Riyadh who have every resource he never had at 17. High Octane drops after Ramadan.
In this episode of Lessons in Leadership, Steve Adubato and Mary Gamba talk with Sabine Salvatore, Head of Talent Development and Enterprise Learning, Valley Bank, about the importance of trust, the need for everyone to be a leader and the importance of lifelong learning. Then, Steve talks about the importance of attracting talent to the … Continue reading Lessons in Leadership: Sabine Salvatore / Scott Shaw, Jack Nugent, Marty McGill
The February 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused squarely on agricultural automation, return on investment, and whether California is ready to truly support innovation in the field. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill broadcast on a drying Friday morning following recent storms, but the real spotlight was on cutting-edge technology unveiled at the 2026 World Ag Expo. The featured guest was Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, the company behind the LaserWeeder and the newly announced Autonomous Tractor Kit (ATK). Mikesell shared how he built the first version of the laser weeding system in his backyard after years of working with artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley. His goal was simple: apply advanced AI to solve real-world farming problems — specifically herbicide resistance, rising labor costs, and environmental concerns. The LaserWeeder uses AI-powered cameras and high-precision lasers to identify and eliminate weeds without chemicals. According to Mikesell, growers are seeing up to 80 percent savings on weed control while improving crop health and market timing. The key, he emphasized, is ROI. Farmers want automation to pay for itself in one to three years — not five or ten. That financial reality has shaped Carbon Robotics' business model and rapid global expansion into 15 countries. Beyond weed control, the company introduced Carbon ATK, an autonomous tractor kit that can convert existing tractors into self-driving units. Unlike other autonomous systems that shut down when encountering unexpected obstacles, Carbon's system allows remote operators to take control instantly, ensuring full workdays in the field. The technology is designed to handle tillage, spraying, and other field operations with real-time AI oversight. But the conversation also highlighted regulatory challenges in California. While self-driving vehicles operate on public streets in San Francisco, autonomous tractors face gray areas under state labor and safety regulations. Mikesell called for clearer policies that allow farmers to adopt the best tools available without unnecessary roadblocks. Papagni and McGill underscored the broader takeaway: automation must make financial sense for growers. With labor costs high and margins tight, farmers cannot afford technology that doesn't deliver quick, measurable returns. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, adaptability and affordability will determine which companies succeed. The episode closed with a call for common-sense leadership and stronger support for agriculture in California. As automation advances, the question remains — will policy keep pace with innovation?
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLC
The February 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a fast-moving and wide-ranging program as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill covered everything from almond crop projections and propane-powered irrigation savings to cattle health and agricultural advocacy. With bloom season underway and storms rolling through California, the message was clear: growers are adapting in real time to protect both this year's crop and their bottom line. The show featured an in-depth interview with Steve Malanca, longtime almond hauler and co-founder of the “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign. Malanca provided an updated almond crop estimate, noting that early fears of a sharply reduced harvest may have been overstated. While some counties reported yields down as much as 15 percent, stronger-than-expected production in Kern County helped stabilize the statewide total. Current projections now place the crop closer to the mid–2.6 to 2.7 billion pound range. Looking ahead, Malanca said chill hours and bloom conditions could position nonpareils for a rebound year, while pistachios may cycle down after last season's record harvest. Beyond production numbers, he emphasized the importance of soil health, carbon sequestration, and moisture retention strategies—especially for Westside growers facing extreme water costs. With some farmers paying $1,000 to $1,500 per acre-foot in dry years, innovation is no longer optional. The program also spotlighted energy efficiency through a compelling interview with grower Lance Sheblut, who detailed his switch from diesel and electric irrigation pumps to propane-powered engines. After running side-by-side comparisons during peak summer heat, Sheblut reported significantly lower operating costs with propane—saving thousands of dollars over just a ten-day period compared to diesel and electricity. With available rebates and full tax write-offs on new equipment, propane is quickly becoming a serious option for growers looking to reduce overhead. Cattle health and disease management were also addressed, with insights into bovine respiratory disease and ongoing vigilance within the beef industry. Meanwhile, the hosts discussed recent arrests tied to beehive theft, underscoring the importance of protecting pollination assets during bloom. Beyond agronomics and economics, the episode reinforced the importance of advocacy. Malanca's “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign continues to raise awareness about how many industries rely on farming, while events like the upcoming Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo highlight the value of networking and innovation across state lines. As Papagni and McGill wrapped the show, one theme stood out: whether it's crop projections, energy solutions, livestock health, or public outreach, California agriculture continues to adjust, innovate, and push forward.
The February 17 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most emotional and urgent interviews of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed back Stephanie Moreda-Arend, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from the Point Reyes–Petaluma area. Her message was clear: small, organic dairy families are being pushed off historic land, and California agriculture cannot afford to ignore it. Moreda-Arend first joined the program months ago when environmental groups filed lawsuits aimed at removing multi-generational farms from land leased through Point Reyes National Seashore. Now, the situation has escalated. A settlement agreement signed in early January has already led to several dairy families selling their cattle, shutting down operations, and leaving land that has been farmed for over a century. The impact goes far beyond a handful of ranches. According to Moreda-Arend, the closures affect not only farm owners, but also the dozens of families who live and work on those properties. Many employees receive housing as part of their employment, meaning entire households are now scrambling to find new homes, new jobs, and new schools for their children in an already tight California housing market. She pushed back strongly on claims that removing agriculture protects the environment. In her view, regenerative dairy operations and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand. Quality soil, clean water, and strong pasture management are not optional — they are essential to producing high-quality milk and beef. “You can't have good food without good land,” she emphasized. Moreda-Arend also raised concerns about the long-term consequences. Once a dairy shuts down, it rarely returns. The generational knowledge, infrastructure, and passion required to run a dairy operation cannot simply be replaced. If small family farms disappear, she warned, food production will consolidate into fewer, larger operations — or shift out of state entirely. The conversation also touched on federal attention to the issue. While the legal complexities of national park land make intervention challenging, Moreda-Arend said awareness at the national level is growing. Still, she stressed that public support and continued pressure are critical if remaining farms are to survive. For her personally, the fight has added another layer of responsibility to an already demanding life. Dairy farming is a 24/7 commitment, and advocacy was never part of the original job description. But she believes staying silent is no longer an option. Papagni and McGill underscored the broader takeaway: California cannot claim to value sustainability while dismantling the very farms that produce local, organic food. As Moreda-Arend put it, protecting small family dairies isn't just about one region — it's about preserving the backbone of American agriculture.
Under pressure, our nerves can take over. At job interviews, performing in front of an audience and it's definitely present in sports. But why do our skills desert us at such a crucial moment? And what can be done to avoid choking? Studies have shown that when people tell themselves they're excited rather than nervous, they perform better. This podcast explores more ways to avoid the choke and why it happens. *This episode originally aired on Nov. 23, 2022.Guests in this episode:Sian Beilock is a cognitive scientist and author of Choke: What the Secrets of the Brain Reveal About Getting it Right When You Have to and How the Body Knows its Mind. She's recently been named President-elect of Dartmouth College.Sandra Bezic is a former Olympian and Canadian champion in figure skating (with her brother Val), and is now a producer, director and choreographer.Carolyn Christie is a retired member of the flute section of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. She now teaches classical flute at McGill and is also a Certified Mental Skills Consultant.Niklas Häusler is a neuroscientist and co-founder and CEO of the German startup company Neuro 11.Noa Kageyama is a performance psychologist. He maintains a blog and podcast, Bulletproof Musician.Elizabeth Manley was world and Olympic silver medalist in figure skating in 1988, and is now an executive life coach.Jennifer Montone is the principal horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra.Aaron Williamon is head of the Center for Performance Science, a partnership between the Royal College of Music and Imperial College, London.
He's the guy you instantly recognize even if you don't know his name. In this deep dive, we explore the long and fascinating career of character acting legend Bruce McGill, the actor who quietly elevates every film and TV show he appears in. From his breakout role in National Lampoon's Animal House to memorable turns in My Cousin Vinny, The Insider, and Collateral, McGill has spent decades becoming one of Hollywood's most dependable scene-stealers. We will also dive into his television legacy, incliding his fan-favorite role on MacGyver and later appearances in prestige projects like Lincoln. Why does every movie feel richer when he shows up?
The February 16 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off a week of rain, World Ag Expo momentum, and a major political conversation as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Jamie Johansson, candidate for California's District 3 Assembly seat. Johansson, a first-generation farmer and former President of the California Farm Bureau, made it clear that 2026 could be a defining year for agriculture, energy, and water policy in the Golden State. Johansson farms olives and citrus in Butte County and has spent years advocating for growers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Now, with current Assemblymember James Gallagher terming out, Johansson says the North State needs someone who can “hit the ground running” on day one. His district spans six counties stretching from Yuba-Sutter to the Oregon border, covering vast agricultural and forested lands that often feel overlooked in a legislature dominated by urban representation. A central theme of the interview was predictability — something Johansson believes California has lost. Farmers face rising regulatory costs, soaring energy prices, and water uncertainty that make it nearly impossible to plan for the next season. Electricity rates hovering around 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to a national average closer to 17 cents, hit both farms and families hard. “There has to be accountability,” Johansson said, pointing to the state's multi-billion-dollar deficit and a pattern of promises made to agriculture that go unfunded. Water policy also took center stage. Johansson discussed the importance of moving forward with long-delayed projects like Sites Reservoir and emphasized the need to treat hydropower as clean energy again. He argued that removing dams under the current regulatory climate only weakens both rural communities and the state's energy reliability. Wildfire management, forest thinning, and predator issues such as wolves were also part of the conversation. Johansson said Northern California communities have lived with evacuation warnings and catastrophic fires for years, and regulatory barriers must be addressed to allow proactive forest management instead of reactive disaster response. Beyond policy, Johansson spoke personally about generational farming. As a first-generation farmer raising three children, he understands the fear that the next generation may not be able to afford to live — let alone farm — in California. He urged agricultural voters to get involved, whether through campaigns, local boards, or simply showing up at the ballot box. Papagni and McGill emphasized that agriculture needs strong, experienced voices in Sacramento. Johansson's background with Farm Bureau and local government positions him to advocate effectively in a legislature often disconnected from rural realities. As Johansson put it, California still has everything it needs — soil, water, forests, and hardworking families. The question is whether leadership will restore accountability and abundance before more farms disappear.
Witness to Yesterday (The Champlain Society Podcast on Canadian History)
Donald Wright speaks with Don Nerbas and Tess Elsworthy about their book McGill in History. This book brings together diverse historiographies and perspectives to critically examine how McGill has been implicated in power structures and is the product of conflicting ideologies. James McGill, the university's namesake, owned and profited from the sale of enslaved Black and Indigenous people, a legacy highlighted by the removal of his statue and ongoing debates over the racially charged Redman name used by the men's sports teams. Imperialism, settler colonialism, slavery, sexism, and homophobia are elements of McGill's story that must be fully integrated into a broader understanding of the university's institutional history. Challenging siloed narratives with new research, the contributors in this volume highlight the important task of scholars to scrutinize and confront history that is unflattering and to rethink their institution's own story – a reckoning happening across many institutions of higher education around the world. Don Nerbas is associate professor of history and St Andrew's Society/McEuen Scholarship Foundation Chair in Canadian-Scottish Studies at McGill University. Tess Elsworthy is an MA student in the Department of History and Classical Studies at McGill University in Montreal studying under Laura Madokoro. If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.
Injectable peptide therapy, a controversial wellness trend that caught fire online in 2025, shows no signs of slowing down in 2026 despite an overwhelming lack of safety data. Peptides, especially “research peptides” like BPC-157 and TB-500, have been hailed by famous podcasters, biohackers, and longevity gurus as a miracle cure for just about anything that ails you, from torn ligaments and gut issues to curbing wrinkles and dull skin. There are several well-studied, FDA-approved peptides available today, such as insulin and GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy, but that's just a sliver of the peptide pie. There are thousands more with glowing online reviews, but scant scientific data, that can be procured online or through longevity clinics. Mixes of various peptides, called “peptide stacks,” often come with clever names like the ‘'wolverine stack' or ‘glow protocol', while others have earned names like ‘Barbie peptide' for their ability to tan the skin without the sun. These popular stacks are not FDA-approved, so they're distributed online as 'research peptides' that are meant for in-lab research, not human use — a workaround for their gray market status. To find out more, host Lexy Lebsack sat down with two experts on the topic. First up was NYT's David Dodge (8:42), who walked us through the rise of peptide therapy online. He published an article for NYT in November titled “The internet loves peptide therapy. Is it really a miracle cure?” Lebsack also interviews McGill's Jonathan Jarry (29:35), who wrote an article in late 2023 — well ahead of a rush of online articles — called “The human lab rats injecting themselves with peptides.” Jarry walks us through the hard science, and lack thereof, of many popular stacks, ahead.
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLCmnironrangehockey,irchockey,section7ahockey,section7aahockey,mnboyshshockey,MNHShockey
The February 12 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the most detailed and solutions-driven conversations of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center. Broadcasting during the final day of World Ag Expo, the discussion centered on a bold but practical idea: dredging the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to increase water supply, reduce conflict, and restore environmental balance. Ring argued that California's water crisis is not simply about scarcity — it's about management. Since the 1970s, environmental litigation halted large-scale dredging operations in the Delta. Over time, silt accumulation has significantly reduced channel capacity, cutting water throughput from historic levels of roughly 200,000 cubic feet per second down to about 130,000. That reduced flow capacity, Ring explained, forces reservoir operators to release more water for flood control rather than storing it for farms and cities. According to Ring, restoring the Delta's channel depth could potentially free up one to two million acre-feet of additional water per year — water that currently flows out to sea during high-flow winter events. He emphasized that dredging would not only benefit agriculture and urban water users but could also help salmon migration by creating deeper, cooler channels that improve fish habitat. The conversation highlighted growing cooperation between Delta farmers, San Joaquin Valley growers, and Southern California water agencies — groups that historically clashed over pumping. Ring said deeper channels would ease that tension by preventing irrigation channels from running dry when pumps are operating. In his view, this is one of the rare opportunities where agricultural, urban, and environmental interests could align. Ring also addressed groundwater recharge. During recent winter storms, hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water passed through the system without being captured. He suggested temporarily allowing growers to divert excess flows for recharge — without counting it against summer allocations — as a way to accelerate aquifer recovery under SGMA. “Let farmers put floodwater to work,” he said, arguing that smart agreements could restore groundwater faster while reducing long-term restrictions. Beyond dredging, Ring called for a shift away from a conservation-only mindset. Urban water use, he noted, has remained nearly flat for decades despite massive population growth — proof that conservation has already delivered major gains. The next phase, he said, must focus on infrastructure expansion and water abundance, not permanent scarcity. Papagni and McGill emphasized that bringing experts like Ring onto the program reflects the show's commitment to practical solutions. With new storms forecast and allocations still uncertain, the conversation served as a reminder that California has options — if leaders are willing to act. Part two of the interview, focusing on energy policy, airs Friday.
McGill Talmudic Law Class Recording #11 - 2/9/26 by Rabbi Michael Whitman
The February 9 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off a powerful week of conversations focused on pistachios, water, and California agriculture's future as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Richard Kreps, a longtime California pistachio grower and industry leader. With the World Ag Expo just days away, Kreps delivered a no-nonsense assessment of where agriculture stands — and where policy continues to fall short. Kreps opened by reflecting on the record-setting pistachio crop California growers just delivered. While early projections suggested a crop nearing two billion pounds, final numbers came in just over 1.5 billion pounds, still the largest harvest in industry history. Strong international marketing efforts in regions like India, Brazil, South Korea, and Europe helped move volume, with global demand continuing to outpace supply — a positive sign for pricing and long-term stability. Trade was a key topic throughout the interview. Kreps explained that pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are among the most nutrient-dense foods California produces, giving them leverage in global markets. While tariffs often dominate headlines, Kreps argued that when consumers worldwide want high-quality, healthy food, barriers tend to fall. “Nutrition matters,” he said, adding that California's permanent crops offer something few regions can match. The conversation quickly turned to water, where Kreps was especially blunt. He criticized decades of mismanagement that have left farmers dealing with unpredictable allocations despite full reservoirs. He noted that California has doubled its population without building major new water storage, while sending massive volumes of rain and snowmelt straight to the ocean. “We have enough water,” Kreps said. “We just refuse to store it.” Kreps also addressed the frustration growers feel when allocations are announced too late to plan crops. Even when water is eventually released, he said, timing often makes it unusable for planting decisions. That uncertainty forces growers to fallow land, rely on groundwater, or abandon opportunities — all while still paying for water they never receive. From an agronomic perspective, Kreps urged pistachio growers to rethink traditional nutrition strategies as bloom approaches. With newer varieties reducing extreme alternate bearing, he emphasized balancing fertility year-round rather than cutting back during lighter years. Proper nutrient management, water quality monitoring, and tissue sampling, he said, are now essential for consistent yields and long-term orchard health. Despite the challenges, Kreps struck an optimistic tone. He believes California agriculture still holds unmatched advantages in climate, soils, and expertise — but only if policymakers embrace common sense. “Farmers are the best environmentalists,” he said. “We just need the freedom to do our jobs.” Papagni and McGill closed the episode by noting that voices like Richard Kreps matter now more than ever, especially as agriculture heads into a pivotal year for water, policy, and public awareness.
The February 6 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered welcome optimism for tree nut growers as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Robert Verloop, CEO and Executive Director of the California Walnut Commission and Board. After several difficult years marked by low prices, rising costs, and market uncertainty, Verloop believes the walnut industry is finally turning a corner — both at home and abroad. Verloop opened with a reminder of California's dominance in walnuts. Nearly 99 percent of U.S. walnuts are grown in California, and roughly 65 percent of production is exported. That global reach has made trade policy especially important, and Verloop called recent developments with India the most significant news the industry has seen in years. India currently imposes a 100 percent tariff on walnuts, severely limiting market access. Verloop said a newly finalized agreement between the U.S. and India could dramatically lower that tariff — potentially to 30 percent or less. If that happens, India could quickly become California's largest walnut export market, with the potential to absorb an additional 100,000 tons annually. “That's a game changer,” Verloop said, noting that growers planted acreage years ago in anticipation of broader access to the Indian market. Beyond trade, the discussion focused heavily on marketing and consumer demand, especially domestically. While walnuts are a nutritional powerhouse — rich in omega-3s, fiber, and healthy fats — Verloop acknowledged the industry has been slow to modernize its image. “Today's walnuts are not your grandmother's baking ingredient,” he said. The Commission is now pushing a feel-good campaign aimed at younger families, repositioning walnuts as a daily snack and a versatile ingredient for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Health research is a major pillar of that effort. Verloop highlighted studies linking walnuts to improved heart health, gut health, sleep quality, and even potential benefits in colorectal cancer prevention and brain health. “A handful a day can make a difference,” he said, emphasizing that walnuts align perfectly with growing interest in plant-based nutrition. On the production side, Verloop said California has about 380,000 producing acres of walnuts, with acreage beginning to stabilize after recent declines. Rising input costs, labor challenges, and water availability remain major concerns, particularly for smaller family farms averaging around 60 acres. Many growers, he said, rely on off-farm income to stay afloat. Looking ahead to 2026, Verloop expressed cautious optimism. A strong recent crop, improving global demand, and potential tariff relief could help stabilize grower returns. “We have the product, the quality, and the health story,” he said. “Now we need the markets to line up.” Papagni and McGill closed the episode by agreeing that walnuts may be one of California agriculture's quiet comeback stories — rooted in tradition, but finally embracing modern marketing and global opportunity.
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLC
The February 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the most candid and wide-ranging conversations of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Jeff Aiello, a 13-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, PBS host, and founder of 1830 Entertainment. Aiello, best known for his work on American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag and Outside Beyond the Lens, shared what he has learned firsthand while documenting California agriculture, wolves, forests, and water policy. Aiello explained that his recent wolf documentaries were not planned around a narrative — they unfolded in real time. While filming in Sierra Valley, he witnessed California Department of Fish and Wildlife, USDA officials, drones, wardens, and ranchers all scrambling to respond to active wolf depredation events. “It was chaos,” Aiello said. “And it was completely unsustainable.” What stood out most to him was how predictable the crisis had been. Wolves, reintroduced decades ago in Yellowstone and later migrating into California, were placed under strict protections without a meaningful management plan. Once deer and elk populations declined, wolves did what wolves are designed to do — find new prey. In California, that meant livestock. Aiello emphasized that wolves are intelligent apex predators, not villains, but said policy failures have forced them into conflict with people. Aiello contrasted California's approach with Canada and other western states, where lethal control is part of responsible wolf management. “When a pack learns cattle are dangerous, they move on,” he said. “Here, they've learned there are no consequences.” He warned that continued inaction risks pushing ranchers into desperate situations while ultimately putting wolves themselves in greater danger. The conversation expanded beyond wolves into forest and water management, where Aiello believes California has repeated the same mistakes for decades. He described how shutting down logging while continuing aggressive fire suppression created overgrown forests — setting the stage for today's catastrophic wildfires. Those fires, he noted, destroy habitat, forcing wildlife downhill and closer to farms and towns. Water policy was another major focus. Aiello argued that California's water problems are largely man-made, pointing to failed storage projects, Delta mismanagement, and a refusal to acknowledge infrastructure realities. He warned that a major earthquake in the Delta could instantly cripple water deliveries to Southern California, exposing how fragile the system truly is. One of Aiello's strongest messages centered on food security. He criticized the idea that reducing agriculture in California helps the environment, calling it hypocritical. “You're exporting your environmental responsibility to countries with fewer regulations,” he said. “People still have to eat.” He reminded listeners that agriculture is the world's largest carbon-removal industry, pulling CO₂ from the atmosphere every day through crops and orchards. Papagni and McGill praised Aiello for telling agriculture's story honestly, without spin. As Aiello put it, “Farmers aren't the problem — they're the solution. They just need to be allowed to do their jobs.”
McGill Talmudic Law Class Recording #10 - 2-4-26 by Rabbi Michael Whitman
Trucking isn't just a job—it's a craft, a culture, and a way of life. In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Watson sits down with journalist and lifelong trucker Gord McGill to unpack how deregulation, automation, government policy, and the “driver shortage” narrative have transformed trucking over the past few decades—and not for the better. Drawing from McGill's upcoming book End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, the conversation explores declining wages, rising safety risks, forced churn, and the erosion of driver skill and pride. It's a candid, sometimes uncomfortable look at what's gone wrong in trucking—and what it will take to fix it. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Trucking isn't just a job—it's a craft, a culture, and a way of life. In this episode of Loaded and Rolling, host Thomas Watson sits down with journalist and lifelong trucker Gord McGill to unpack how deregulation, automation, government policy, and the “driver shortage” narrative have transformed trucking over the past few decades—and not for the better. Drawing from McGill's upcoming book End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers, the conversation explores declining wages, rising safety risks, forced churn, and the erosion of driver skill and pride. It's a candid, sometimes uncomfortable look at what's gone wrong in trucking—and what it will take to fix it. Follow the Loaded and Rolling Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The February 3 edition of the AgNet News Hour wrapped up a powerful three-part interview series with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen's Association, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill explored what lies ahead for California agriculture — and why complacency could be its greatest threat. The conversation blended hard truths about politics, land use, and regulation with a clear call to action for farmers, ranchers, and ag supporters statewide. Roberti explained that cattle production remains one of the least automated and most hands-on segments of agriculture. Raising beef is a three-year investment, from breeding to harvest, requiring constant care, daily labor, and long-term financial risk. “You don't just flip a switch,” Roberti said. “Every animal represents years of work before it ever reaches a plate.” Despite record-high cattle prices driven by strong consumer demand, Roberti warned that profitability is still fragile. Rising costs, regulatory pressure, predator losses, and uncertainty around water and land access continue to strain producers. He pointed out that California cattle numbers are historically low, and rebuilding herds takes years — not months — making policy mistakes especially dangerous right now. A major theme of the episode was land conversion. Roberti said thousands of acres of productive farmland are lost every year to housing and development, and once land is paved over, it never comes back. In many rangeland areas, cattle are the only viable use of the land. Remove livestock, he warned, and those landscapes either become unmanaged fire hazards or targets for urban sprawl. Politics also took center stage. Roberti acknowledged frustration within agriculture but urged producers not to disengage. “Giving up guarantees you lose,” he said. He believes progress is still possible by working with moderate lawmakers who are beginning to recognize that California's current approach isn't working. Local government, he emphasized, is where agriculture can make the biggest difference — from city councils to county boards of supervisors. Roberti encouraged farmers and ranchers to tell their story directly. He shared an example where public understanding shifted dramatically once officials explained the realities of wolf depredation and livestock losses. “Most people don't hate agriculture,” he said. “They just don't understand it — because no one has explained it to them.” The episode also featured updates on World Ag Expo, with Papagni and McGill reminding listeners that innovation remains one of agriculture's strongest tools. Precision technology, smarter agronomy, and efficient equipment are helping growers stretch inputs and stay competitive, even as regulatory pressure increases. As the series concluded, Roberti struck an optimistic tone. California, he said, still has unmatched climate, soil, and production capacity. What's missing is leadership with vision and common sense. “This state isn't lost,” he said. “But agriculture has to stand up for itself — or someone else will decide its future.” Papagni summed it up plainly: “As long as people eat, farming matters. And California farmers deserve a fair shot.”
The February 2 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued the powerful, multi-part conversation with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen's Association, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dug deeper into what ranchers are really facing on the ground. From unchecked predators to workforce uncertainty and food security, Roberti warned that California is drifting dangerously far from common sense — and the consequences are already showing. Roberti explained that California's wolf problem has moved well beyond theory and into daily reality. In regions like Sierra Valley, ranchers documented more than 100 livestock kills in just a few months, despite constant monitoring and intervention by state and federal agencies. Wolves in California, he said, have never been pressured or deterred, making them fearless around cattle and people. “They don't know what consequences are,” Roberti said. “They've never had any.” State agencies attempted extensive non-lethal methods, including round-the-clock wardens, night-vision surveillance, and even USDA drone teams. None of it stopped the killings. Roberti said the idea that ranchers can solve the problem with guard dogs or range riders ignores reality. “If drones and helicopters couldn't stop them, how is a guy on horseback supposed to?” he asked. The impact goes far beyond livestock losses. Ranchers are now pulling cattle out of mountain grazing areas entirely, making it impossible to sustain operations that have relied on that land for generations. That decision ripples outward — reducing county revenue, increasing wildfire risk due to unmanaged vegetation, and weakening already-fragile rural economies. Roberti tied the wolf crisis into a broader pattern of policy failure. He said California continues to lose farmland to development while importing more food than it exports — a shift he called alarming. “A nation that can't feed itself isn't free,” he said, warning that the U.S. is edging closer to that reality. Another major concern is succession. Roberti said fewer young people are willing to take over ranches that require seven-day-a-week commitment with constant regulatory pressure and financial risk. When families sell, land is often purchased by investors with no long-term connection to agriculture. “They'll still run cows,” he said, “but it's not the same when it's not your life.” Water management and forest policy also entered the discussion. Roberti argued that decades of mismanagement — including halting logging and controlled burns — have contributed to catastrophic wildfires and habitat loss, which in turn pushes predators closer to livestock and communities. “This isn't climate change,” he said. “This is fuel buildup and bad decisions.” Despite the challenges, Roberti stressed that cattle producers are not asking to eliminate wolves or abandon environmental responsibility. They want balance — and the right to protect their livelihoods. “Give us the ability to defend our property,” he said. “The wolves will learn fast.” Papagni and McGill closed the episode by emphasizing that the cattle industry's struggle reflects a larger disconnect between policymakers and rural California. As Roberti put it, “You can't manage agriculture from a desk and expect it to work in the real world.”
The January 30 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most graphic and hard-hitting conversations yet on California's escalating wolf crisis, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill continued their in-depth interview with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen's Association. This first installment of a three-part series pulled back the curtain on what ranchers are facing in real time — and why many believe state policy has gone dangerously off the rails. Roberti explained that California's wolf population did not organically re-establish itself, but instead migrated from Yellowstone wolves introduced decades ago. Once a single wolf crossed into California roughly a dozen years ago, the state quickly listed wolves under its own Endangered Species Act, creating some of the strictest predator protections in the country. That decision, Roberti said, left ranchers defenseless. Under California law, ranchers are prohibited from hazing, deterring, or defending against wolves — even when livestock are actively being attacked. “You couldn't even chase them off,” Roberti said. “That's hard for people to believe, but it's true.” As packs expanded, wolves adapted quickly, losing their fear of humans and learning that cattle herds offered easy prey. Roberti described in disturbing detail how wolves kill livestock — often not to eat, but for sport. Unlike mountain lions, which kill quickly and return to their prey, wolves maim animals over long periods, leaving calves and cows paralyzed and suffering before consuming only select portions. In open valleys like Sierra Valley, ranchers have been able to document the damage firsthand, revealing daily losses that would otherwise go unnoticed in rough terrain. The situation is compounded by declining wildlife populations. With deer and elk numbers collapsing due to unchecked predators like mountain lions and bears, wolves have shifted closer to human communities. Roberti said wolves are now being spotted near homes and ranch yards, creating safety concerns far beyond livestock losses. Beyond wolves, Roberti highlighted the broader pressure facing the cattle industry. U.S. cattle numbers are at their lowest level since 1951, and rebuilding a herd takes years — not months. While producers have improved meat quality and efficiency, challenges like labor costs, regulation, border issues, and threats such as the New World screwworm continue to strain operations. Despite the grim realities, Roberti emphasized that California cattle producers still have unique advantages, including year-round grass growth and fall calving that produces premium-timed animals for the market. But he warned that without policy changes, those advantages won't be enough. Papagni and McGill stressed that this issue goes beyond cattle — it reflects a growing disconnect between decision-makers and the realities of rural life. As Roberti put it, “You can't manage wildlife from a desk in Sacramento and expect it to work on the ground.” This episode served as a stark reminder that California agriculture isn't asking for special treatment — just the ability to survive.
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLC
Martha McGill, president of Nemours Children's Health Hospital, shares Nemours' bold push to become Florida's top-ranked children's health system. From expanding their core clinical programs to developing sharply talented care teams, Martha is leading the mission to invest in the wellbeing of kids across the state. In this episode, she joins SMPR President Heidi Otway to share her journey from bedside nurse to pediatric health leader, and how she's helping Nemours make a life-changing impact on children and families, bringing the "magic" of children's hospitals to life.
The January 28 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most detailed and urgent updates yet on the unfolding Potter Valley water crisis, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with longtime local veterinarian Rich Brazil to explain what's truly at stake if the Potter Valley Project dams are removed. The message was clear: this isn't just a Northern California issue — it's a warning for every rural community in the state. Brazil, who has lived and worked in Potter Valley for 38 years, explained that the region's farms, ranches, homes, and businesses exist because of a century-old water diversion system connecting the Eel River to the Russian River watershed. That small diversion — roughly 30,000 acre-feet — represents less than one-half of one percent of the Eel River's annual flow, yet supports agriculture, domestic water supplies, fire protection, and entire rural economies downstream. Environmental groups are pushing to remove Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, arguing that free-flowing rivers will restore fish populations. Brazil countered that argument with hard data. Over the past 20 years, diversion flows have already been cut by 60 to 80 percent, yet salmon numbers have continued to decline. “That tells you the problem isn't the water diversion,” Brazil said. “It's habitat issues, predators, and offshore impacts.” One of the most alarming consequences Brazil outlined is what would happen if the dams were removed outright. Behind the dams sit an estimated 20 to 40 million cubic yards of sediment. If released, that material could bury the river system in silt, destroying spawning habitat and harming the very fish the removals are meant to protect. Meanwhile, communities would lose reliable water overnight. Domestic wells would dry up, farmland would be abandoned, and property values would collapse. Brazil emphasized that local leaders have repeatedly proposed compromise solutions — including fish ladders and infrastructure upgrades — that would allow fish recovery while preserving water reliability for people. Those options, he said, were rejected outright. “This isn't about sharing,” he warned. “This is about taking everything.” The conversation also touched on the broader political landscape. Brazil believes the Potter Valley dams have become symbolic targets in California's aggressive environmental agenda, and that rural communities are being treated as expendable. However, he expressed cautious optimism thanks to recent engagement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and NRCS Chief Aubrey J. D. Bettencourt, calling their involvement a turning point after years of being ignored at the state level. Papagni and McGill stressed that the Potter Valley fight mirrors other California battles — from wolves to water storage — where policy decisions are made far from the people who live with the consequences. As Brazil put it, “If this can happen here, it can happen anywhere.” The episode closed with a call for awareness, engagement, and persistence. “Sunlight matters,” Brazil said. “When people understand what's really happening, common sense still has a chance.”
The January 27 edition of the AgNet News Hour took a deep and urgent look at one of California agriculture's most emotionally charged and fast-growing crises: wolves. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill were joined by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, who represents California's massive and rural District 1, stretching across much of the state's northern tier. Her message was blunt—California's current wolf policies are failing ranchers, rural families, and public safety. Hadwick explained that while wolves have been present in Northern California for several years, the situation has escalated dramatically. Declining deer, elk, and antelope populations have left wolves without adequate natural food sources, pushing them closer to ranches, schools, and neighborhoods. In some areas, wolf packs have killed more than 100 head of cattle in a single season, devastating family ranching operations that were already struggling with rising costs. What frustrates ranchers most, Hadwick said, is that California law leaves them virtually powerless. Wolves are so heavily protected that ranchers cannot haze them, deter them, or defend their livestock without risking legal consequences. “They're being asked to watch their livelihoods be destroyed,” she said, “and they aren't even allowed to protect their own property.” The problem goes beyond livestock losses. Hadwick described growing fear in rural communities, where wolves have been spotted near schools, playgrounds, and homes. Parents are hesitant to let their children play outside, and ranchers are spending sleepless nights patrolling calving grounds. “There's an emotional and mental toll here that no compensation check can fix,” she said. Hadwick contrasted California's approach with neighboring states and even Canada, where wolf populations are managed with clearer rules that balance wildlife conservation and human safety. In California, she said, predator management is fragmented, with wolves, bears, and mountain lions all handled separately—despite exploding populations and shrinking habitat. Bears alone are now estimated at more than 65,000 statewide, with some of the highest concentrations in her district. To address the crisis, Hadwick is introducing legislation aimed at improving transparency, response time, and public safety authority. One proposal would allow local sheriffs to act when wolves pose an immediate threat, while another would require real-time tracking data so ranchers know when wolves are nearby—rather than learning hours later after livestock has been killed. Papagni and McGill agreed the issue isn't about eliminating wolves, but about restoring balance. Other states have proven coexistence is possible when policy reflects reality on the ground. Hadwick warned that without change, California risks pushing ranchers into desperate situations—and losing more of its rural communities in the process. “This is about common sense,” she said. “And it's about protecting the people who produce our food.”
The January 23 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most emotional and urgent interviews of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill zeroed in on the growing crisis in Potter Valley—a Northern California farming region now facing the potential removal of two dams that support water, jobs, and everyday life for hundreds of thousands of people. Papagni opened the show by saying this issue should stop every listener in their tracks, because what's happening in Potter Valley isn't just a local fight—it's a warning for rural communities across the state. The guest was Todd Lands, Vice Mayor and former Mayor of Cloverdale, who explained how the Potter Valley Project depends on two dams: Scott Dam (which forms Lake Pillsbury) and Cape Horn Dam, which diverts water to help create Lake Mendocino and supports power generation. Lands said the state's long-running push to remove dams in the name of “free-flowing rivers” would devastate the region. If the dams are removed, Potter Valley becomes a dry basin, farmland values collapse, and farming and ranching communities could disappear almost overnight. Even areas far beyond Potter Valley—including wine country—depend heavily on this system because the diversion supplies a large portion of the Russian River's flow. One of the most striking moments of the episode came when Lands described what daily life could look like without the water system in place: families choosing between taking a shower or doing laundry, residents losing gardens that help feed their households, and water shortages weakening local fire protection during peak wildfire season. He warned that the situation would also trigger enormous cost increases for residents, estimating that utility bills could become unbearable for most working families. Lands also challenged the argument that dam removal will restore a thriving fishery. He said the dams only block about two miles of river, and there is evidence that removal won't meaningfully improve salmon and trout recovery. In fact, he warned it could make conditions worse by reducing water volume and raising river temperatures—creating a tougher environment for fish survival. Perhaps most frustrating, Lands said, is that there was a practical compromise. An independent engineering report identified upgrading the dams and installing a fish ladder as the best, most cost-effective option—but that path was reportedly shut down because it didn't satisfy activist demands. The hosts emphasized that this is not a partisan issue. Lands noted that both Republicans and Democrats have voiced support for keeping the Potter Valley dams because “water is life,” and because the consequences of losing the project would ripple far beyond one small town. Papagni and McGill agreed—calling this the same “fish versus people” fight California has seen before, with real communities paying the price. Lands said local leaders tried to work through state channels but were repeatedly told it was “too late” and the outcome was already decided. That's when the effort reached the federal level. He credited U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt for stepping in, saying their involvement gave the community hope when state leadership would not. As the episode wrapped, Lands issued a call to action for California agriculture: write letters, contact elected officials, and demand transparency. His warning to every farming community was simple—if the state can do this to Potter Valley, it can do it to anyone.
↓↓Please hit Subscribe above & Share with your hockeyfriends. ▼▼Adam Johnson's Foundation: https://gracf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3661The Rink Sport Bar- https://www.therinksportsbar.com/Arrow Auto- https://www.arrowautosupply.com/Aspire Heating &Control- www.aspireheatingandcontrol.comFortune Bay Casino- www.fortunebay.comZorbaz Grand Rapids- (218) 326-1006-https://www.zorbaz.com/lake-pokegamaIntegral Hockey Twin Ports/Iron Range- https://www.facebook.com/share/1CGhwoMeJD/?mibextid=wwXIfrGrand Rapids Chevrolet GMC- https://www.grandrapidschevroletgmc.com/MN Hockey Camps- https://www.mnhockeycamps.com/ Iron Range Plumbing & Heating- https://www.ironrangeplumbing.com/ Gohere to learn more about Jack's FASCIA STRENGTH & POWER program: https://jackthompsoncoaching.com/fascia-strength--power/VirginiaFamily Dental- https://www.virginiafamilydental.net/Jackson Hole Moose hockey Club- https://snowkingsec.com/moose-hockey/#/team/IcrJqqbc0HExKlCmGoat Sports Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyn--fsBpA4--LegYAuplhAGoat Sports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOAT-Sports-103631275092231Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4tzCsGnFXbTw8ZMgdMHtrJ?si=_o-XMLATRXyAI4uZ3ATBNARumble: https://rumble.com/v5endii-91224-tea-with-ms-mcgill-show-presented-by-fortune-bay-resort-and-casino-fe.htmlX (Twitter): TeaMcgillWe'd like to hear fromyou: Goatsportsmediallc@gmail.com#MNironrangehockey #irchockey #section7ahockey #section7aahockey #MNHShockey#MNboyshockeyA production of G.O.A.T. Sports Media LLC
The January 22 edition of the AgNet News Hour tackled a growing concern many California growers know all too well—foreign competition flooding the market during peak domestic seasons. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill focused the conversation on California pears, featuring an interview with Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board, who laid out why the state's pear industry is fighting for survival. Zanobini explained that California's pear industry is relatively small, with only about 60 growers remaining—many of them fifth- and sixth-generation family farmers. Pear orchards can remain productive for decades, meaning these farms represent long-term investment and deep roots in rural communities. But now, he says, the industry's short and carefully managed marketing window is being disrupted by imported pears arriving at the worst possible time. California pears typically harvest beginning in early July and aim to finish shipping by late October to avoid competing with other domestic pear-growing regions like Oregon and Washington. The problem, Zanobini said, is that Argentine pears are coming into the U.S. in heavy volume during June, July, and even into September, right when California is trying to sell its crop. The result is a market that starts the season already flooded, with retailers delaying California programs by weeks. One major concern Zanobini highlighted is a product commonly used overseas called 1-MCP, a ripening inhibitor that allows pears to store for an extremely long time, but often prevents them from ripening properly. That can lead to a poor consumer experience—hard, disappointing fruit that hurts pear demand overall. California, he noted, made a commitment years ago not to use 1-MCP because of its impact on eating quality. The competitive imbalance comes down to cost. Zanobini said California growers face the highest production standards in the world—labor, chemical restrictions, water requirements, and environmental compliance—yet they aren't paid extra for meeting those standards. Imported pears, meanwhile, can arrive cheaper by $5 to $10 per box, making them attractive to retailers focused on price and margins. Zanobini also shared a jaw-dropping stat: Argentina imported more than 1.3 million boxes of pears, which exceeded California's production of Bartlett pears this year—California's primary variety. He said the industry can't tolerate that trajectory much longer, and without change, more multi-generation pear farms could disappear. Papagni and McGill pointed out that this isn't just a pear problem—it's a California agriculture problem, impacting everything from citrus to tomatoes to raisins. Their message to listeners was simple: California growers need a fair playing field, and consumers can help by asking for domestic fruit and supporting local farmers when it's in season.
A wealthy drug dealer gave up everything he'd earned to follow the Lord. That was easy compared to the real challenge – teasing and threats from his old friends. How did he stay strong when everyone wanted him to fall? Find out in Part two of the true story of Shawn McGill, soon, on Unshackled!
THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to the war in Italy. They analyze Virgil's dialogue with Homer, noting how the poem's opening words invoke both the Iliad's warfare and the Odyssey's wanderings. They also highlight the terrifying, visual nature of Virgil's depiction of the underworld. NUMBER 11
SHOW 12-25-25 THE SHOW BEGINS WITH DOUBTS ABOUT THE MODERN STORY OF MARY AND HER FAMILY. 1868 NAZARETH SEPPHORIS AND THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF MARY'S LIFE Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies Sepphoris, a Roman capital near Nazareth, as Mary's birthplace. He reimagines Jesus and Joseph as "tektons" (builders) working in this urban center rather than simple carpenters. This proximity meant Mary witnessed Romanbrutality and the city's destruction, influencing her family's spiritual views on the Kingdom of God. NUMBER 1 INVESTIGATING THE NAME PANTERA Colleague James Tabor. Tabor explores the name "Pantera," found in rabbinic texts and on a Roman soldier's tombstone. He suggests this might be a family name rather than a slur, investigating the possibility that Jesus's father was a relative or soldier, which challenges the theological narrative of a virgin birth. NUMBER 2 RECLAIMING THE HISTORICAL JEWISH FAMILY Colleague James Tabor. Highlighting the Protoevangelium of James, Tabor contrasts its depiction of a perpetual virgin Mary with historical evidence of a large Jewish family. He argues Mary had numerous children and that her parents were likely wealthy property owners in Sepphoris, integrating Jesus into a close-knit extended family. NUMBER 3 JAMES THE JUST AS TRUE SUCCESSOR Colleague James Tabor. Tabor asserts James, Jesus's brother, was the movement's true successor, not Peter. Citing Acts and the Gospel of Thomas, he notes James led the Jerusalem council and stood at the cross. Tabor argues the "beloved disciple" entrusted with Mary's care was this blood brother, not Johnthe fisherman. NUMBER 4 THE HEADQUARTERS ON MOUNT ZION Colleague James Tabor. Tabor describes excavations on Mount Zion, identifying a first-century house foundation as the "upper room" and headquarters of the early movement. He visualizes Mary as the matriarch in this courtyard, welcoming pilgrims and apostles like Paul, and establishes James as the leader of this house synagogue. NUMBER 5 THE FLIGHT TO PELLA AND MARY'S DEATH Colleague James Tabor. Tabor discusses the Christian flight to Pella during the Roman revolt. He speculates Mary died before this event, likely around 49–63 CE, and was buried on Mount Zion. Consequently, she disappears from the New Testament record, which shifts focus to Peter and Paul after the Jerusalem church's dispersal. NUMBER 6 THE TALPIOT TOMB AND DNA EVIDENCE Colleague James Tabor. Discussing the Talpiot tomb, Tabor details ossuaries bearing names like "Jesus son of Joseph" and "Mariamne." He argues statistical clusters and potential DNA evidence suggest this is the Jesus family tomb, positing that physical remains support historical existence without necessarily negating the concept of spiritual resurrection. NUMBER 7 THE Q SOURCE AND MARY'S TEACHINGS Colleague James Tabor. Tabor identifies the "Q" source as a collection of ethical teachings shared by Matthew and Luke. He attributes these core values—such as charity and humility—to a family tradition taught by Mary to Jesus, James, and John the Baptizer, aiming to restore Mary'shistorical influence as a teacher. NUMBER 8 VIRGIL'S RURAL ORIGINS AND AUGUSTAN CONNECTION Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The guests discuss Virgil's birth in 70 BCE near Mantua and his rural upbringing, which influenced his poetry. They trace his move to Rome during civil war and his eventual connection to Augustus, noting that Virgil promised a grand epic for the emperor in his earlier work, the Georgics. NUMBER 9 TRANSLATING THE SOUND AND METER OF VIRGIL Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. The translators explain choosing iambic pentameter over dactylic hexameter to provide an English cultural equivalent to the original's epic feel. They describe their efforts to replicate Virgil's auditory effects, such as alliteration and assonance, and preserve specific line repetitions that connect characters like Turnus and Camilla. NUMBER 10 THE AENEID'S PLOT AND HOMERIC INFLUENCES Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. McGill and Wright summarize the plot, from Troy's destruction to the war in Italy. They analyze Virgil's dialogue with Homer, noting how the poem's opening words invoke both the Iliad's warfare and the Odyssey's wanderings. They also highlight the terrifying, visual nature of Virgil's depiction of the underworld. NUMBER 11 ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a human story. McGill argues the poem survives because it creates sympathy for antagonists like Dido and Turnus. They explore how Virgil portrays the costs of empire and Aeneas's rage, complicating the narrative of Augustan propaganda. NUMBER 12 CLODIA'S PRIVILEGE AND CICERO'S AMBITION Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin introduces Clodia, a privileged woman from an ancient Roman family on Palatine Hill. He contrasts her aristocratic, independent nature—manifested in her name spelling—with the rise of Cicero, a talented outsider. Boin frames their eventual conflict as a clash between established power and ambitious newcomers. NUMBER 13 THE POLITICS OF TRIBUNES AND REFORM Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin details the divide between the Optimates and Populares. He explains how Clodia and her brother Clodius used the office of Tribune—the "people's protector" with veto power—to enact reforms. This strategy allowed them to challenge the Senate's authority and set the stage for Clodius's political dominance. NUMBER 14 THE TRIAL OF RUFUS AND CICERO'S MISOGYNY Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin describes a trial where Clodia accused her ex-lover Rufus of poisoning. Cicero defended Rufus by launching misogynistic attacks on Clodia, calling her "cow-eyed" and alleging incest. Boin argues this famous speech unfairly solidified Clodia's negative historical reputation while obscuring the political power she wielded. NUMBER 15 THE DEATH OF CLODIUS AND THE REPUBLIC'S END Colleague Douglas Boin. Boin recounts the violent death of Clodius by rival gangs, marking a turning point toward the Republic's collapse. He views Clodia's subsequent disappearance from history as a symbol of the loss of women's influence and civic rights, framing her story as a cautionary tale about political violence. NUMBER 16
ROMAN EXCEPTIONALISM VS. HUMAN TRAGEDY Colleagues Scott McGill and Susanna Wright. They discuss whether the Aeneid justifies Roman empire or tells a human story. McGill argues the poem survives because it creates sympathy for antagonists like Dido and Turnus. They explore how Virgil portrays the costs of empire and Aeneas's rage, complicating the narrative of Augustan propaganda. NUMBER 12