Podcasts about middle eastern

Senior Editor Michael Feinberg is joined by Jason Burke of The Guardian, the author of “The Revolutionists: The Story of the Extremists who Hijacked the 1970s.” The two discuss the roots of European and Middle Eastern terrorist organizations from that decade, as well as the response of governments to their attacks and the lingering hold that the milieu still maintains on popular culture.To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like last week, mostly new music with a special trip to 1970. Lots of Indian and Middle Eastern sounds, too.Playlist: Antibalas - SolaceNoah Franche-Nolan - Union townJohn McLaughlin - Peace oneJohn McLaughlin - Peace twoWanees Zarour - FestivalBellbird - MurmationAmir ElSaffar - Ghazalu

As President Donald Trump positions “the largest naval and air forces” off Iran's coast that the U.S. has “seen since the invasion of Iraq in 2003,” he has some pros and cons to weigh about striking the Middle Eastern country.  The U.S. isn't in a war with Iran right now, so Trump's positioning of forces could be for “either a preventive war, long-term threat, or a preemptive war,” explains Victor Davis Hanson on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.” “It's very controversial, and we don't know whether he's going to pull the trigger or not ... He'll have to make the decision pretty quickly because you can't just take those many naval assets and stick them halfway across the world ... The window is probably about another six weeks.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christians in the West see chaos growing: violent protests, unbiblical social movements, political instability and even pressures to shutter churches. So how should Christians respond? The Arab Springs offer a helpful case study of Christians responding in the midst of chaos. During the Arab Spring (roughly 2010 - 2012 AD), protests swept through many Middle Eastern countries and several governments fell. Poverty, extremism and war threatened the Christians who called those nations home.  How they responded offers us clues in how we can respond to growing pressures today. "John," a Christian worker born and raised in Syria, returned to the Christian Emergency Podcast to offer insights from this chaotic period. Originally recorded in November 2020, this encore episode examines what Christians can expect in unstable days, thoughtful ways we can respond, and spiritual opportunities to look for.  If you are blessed by this encore episode, please leave us a five star rating. Also share the Christian Emergency Podcast with your friends.Learn more about John's ministry, Ananias House, by visiting https://ananiashouse.org/.Learn more about the Christian Emergency Alliance - or donate to our ministry - at https://www.christianemergency.com/.Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Twitter: @ChristianEmerg1Follow the Christian Emergency Alliance on Facebook: @ChristianEmergencyThe Christian Emergency Podcast is a production of the Christian Emergency Alliance.Soli Deo Gloria

Some things never change. God has always used fools to shame the wise, has worked to lift up the lowly and knock down the mighty, and demonstrated strength through weakness. And, oddly enough, even though Jesus refuses the temptations of the tempter in the wilderness, by the end of the gospel he will, in fact, do the things the devil suggests. Instead of turning a boulder into a biscuit in the wilderness, Jesus will feed the 5,000 with little more than a bag of wonder bread and a handful of fish sticks. Instead of pulling off a Houdini-esque magic trick that would make even the crowds in Vegas jump to their feet, Jesus dies and then refuses to stay dead. Instead of getting caught up in all the internal machinations of Middle Eastern politics, Jesus reigns from the hard wood of the cross and then ascends to rule over the living and the dead at the right hand of the God the Father Almighty as King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus doesn't change from the beginning of the Gospel to the end, he merely makes the changes necessary for us to be set free from the chains of sin and death.

Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with elements of the Saudi royal family has long hovered in the background of the scandal, rarely explored with the seriousness it deserves. Epstein moved easily within elite Gulf circles during the 1990s and early 2000s, cultivating relationships with Saudi businessmen, royals, and intelligence-adjacent figures under the same vague cover he used everywhere else: finance, philanthropy, and “advising” powerful people. His access was not casual. Epstein traveled repeatedly to Saudi Arabia, hosted Saudi nationals at his properties, and was known to facilitate introductions between Middle Eastern elites and Western political and financial figures. As with many of his relationships, the exact nature of the services he provided remains opaque, but the pattern is familiar: proximity to power, insulation from scrutiny, and an ability to operate across borders with little interference from U.S. authorities.The most disturbing and concrete piece of evidence tying Epstein to Saudi state-level protection surfaced after his 2019 arrest, when law enforcement discovered he was in possession of a Saudi passport. The passport listed a false name but included his photograph, raising immediate red flags about who issued it, why it existed, and how Epstein obtained it. This was not a novelty item or souvenir. Saudi passports are tightly controlled state documents, and possession of one by a non-citizen under an alias strongly suggests official facilitation rather than private forgery. Epstein claimed he used it for travel in the Middle East, yet no serious public accounting has ever been given for how a convicted sex offender and alleged intelligence-linked financier ended up holding sovereign identity documents from a foreign monarchy. Like so much of the Epstein story, the discovery was quickly noted, then quietly sidelined, leaving unanswered questions about foreign intelligence ties, diplomatic cover, and how deep Epstein's international protection network truly went.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

As You Wish Talk Radio with James Gilliland Freedom, Health, Universal Law, Whales UFOs and Challenges In this broadcast, James Gilliland explores the shifting global paradigm, ranging from imminent UFO disclosure to the hidden dangers of AI and mass surveillance. He contrasts a world of "tyranny and division" with a spiritual evolution based on universal law, while addressing personal challenges and "character assassinations" facing the ECETI community. UFO Disclosure and the Political Landscape The discussion begins with the potential for full UFO disclosure under the Trump administration. Gilliland expresses hope for a genuine revelation regarding Earth's history and the presence of technologically and spiritually advanced off-worlders, rather than a "limited hangout" or controlled narrative. He suggests that true disclosure would fundamentally disrupt the current "controlled narrative" and the livelihoods of those maintaining it. The Technological Control Matrix A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the perceived dangers of modern technology, including 5G, smart devices, and Artificial Intelligence. Gilliland argues that these technologies are currently being weaponized to erode privacy and cause physical ailments like dementia and immune disorders, though they could easily be reconfigured for healing. He highlights a specific interaction with ChatGPT, suggesting the AI's responses reveal a "darker plan" for control and a connection to "ancient" forces. Geopolitical Conflicts and Bioweapons The narrative shifts to Palantir's alleged role in global surveillance and its involvement in targeting AI used in Middle Eastern conflicts. Gilliland discusses claims from hackers regarding the creation of bioweapons in Ukraine intended for use against Russia, funded by billionaire eugenicists and the CIA. He links these activities to a broader "depopulation program," which he claims includes the COVID-19 vaccines, referring to them as "bioweapons" that have caused monumental adverse effects globally. Spiritual Warfare and the "Demiurge" Gilliland describes a "bifurcation of worlds" where humanity must choose between the path of Universal Law (peace, freedom, and prosperity) and the path of the "Demiurge" (war, disease, and tyranny). He identifies "Archons" and "Satanic Luciferians" as the forces behind social engineering, gender division, and the destruction of the family unit. He emphasizes that forgiveness and unity are the "kryptonite" to these dark influences, which feed on pain and suffering. ECETI Hawaii and Personal Integrity The latter half of the document addresses a personal dispute involving ECETI Hawaii. Gilliland claims that neighbors and former associates misappropriated over $1.5 million in funds intended for the sanctuary and have since engaged in "character assassination" to justify their actions. He defends his "enlightened masculinity" and authenticity, stating that ECETI will continue its mission on its own 7.5-acre property despite these setbacks. Gilliland maintains that despite the "chaos and anti-madness" of the current era, those who anchor themselves in higher consciousness and universal law will find protection and eventually achieve a "quantum leap in evolution".

In episode 75 of Night Owls, John Ellis and Joe Klein pour a late-night double of geopolitics, economics, and technological dread. The conversation opens with President Trump's latest press conference on Iran, where the rhetoric is hot, the implications hotter, and the margin for miscalculation somewhere between “razor-thin” and “catastrophic.” Ellis and Klein unpack the strange chessboard of Middle Eastern politics, where every move, whether military, rhetorical, or symbolic, reverberates through Israel's strategic calculus, Iran's internal factions, and America's appetite for risk.Back home, the mood doesn't exactly lighten. Inflation continues its slow, grinding assault on American consumers, turning everyday purchases into small existential crises. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence looms over the labor market like an unpaid intern who just learned how to do your job better than you can. Ellis and Klein explore what happens when automation stops being theoretical and starts quietly rearranging reality.Then comes the truly unnerving frontier: deepfakes. In a world where seeing is no longer believing, the hosts examine how synthetic media threatens to collapse the already fragile boundary between truth and fiction, and what that means for democracy, journalism, and basic sanity.Finally, the episode closes with a reflection on Jesse Jackson's political legacy and the shifting power dynamics inside a Democratic Party that seems, depending on the day, either on the brink of reinvention or total confusion.Hosted by John Ellis and Joe KleinSanity Clause on SubstackNews Items on SubstackProduced by Dale Eisinger

On this episode of Mission Brief, we sit down with actor and Israel advocate Nate Buzz. From growing up in Sydney among diverse Middle Eastern communities to Hollywood and volunteering in Iraq during the ISIS conflict, Nate shares his journey of faith, resilience, and advocacy.We discuss the role of social media in modern conflicts, narratives surrounding Israel and Gaza, and the courage it takes to speak out amid cancel culture.

A first! For the first time since our inception 6 years ago, we welcome back a guest for their third visit. General David Petraeus, once described by Simon Sebag Montefiore as the ultimate soldier-scholar, is Chairman of the KKR Global Institute. Prior to this, David had a distinguished US military career and was the CIA Director during the Obama administration. He assesses the heat map of geopolitical and military tensions which is glowing red. Starting with the Indo-Pacific he assesses President Xi's removal of his top Generals, what this might mean, and why peace must prevail despite the undercurrent of tensions.Having returned recently from Ukraine, he then gives some fresh perspectives which challenge stale narratives and describes the immense scale of loss of Russian lives and the technological prowess of Ukraine manufacturing and know-how.He then weights Iran's options; the US's potential moves and the perspective of other Middle Eastern nations.  Finally he offers advice for leaders in an environment where “just in time” has morphed into “just in case”.The Money Maze Podcast is kindly sponsored by Schroders, IFM Investors, World Gold Council and LSEG.Sign up to our Newsletter | Follow us on LinkedIn | Watch on YouTube 

Send a textWe're launching a new occasional series about magical creatures, and of course, our first exploration has to be dragons.But first, we're satisfying our own appetites with delicious food. Louise is headed to local Middle Eastern restaurant, Roya, and Renee is mixing up a Salted Caramel White Russian.Then we dive deep into the myths around draconic beings. Dragons and their many cousins have appeared in nearly every ancient civilization around the world and have captured the human imagination for centuries. They also happen to be Louise's favorite animal. So join us to learn all about these powerful being from Professor Louise.Then we share what's making us feel awesome this week. Renee is excited about acceptance for her deep nerdiness, and Louise is learning that kindness can be an effective leadership strategy.For complete show notes and links, go to awesomeon20.com/episode245Follow Renee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Renee_awesomeon20/Follow Louise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Louise_awesomeon20Support the showIf you're able, give this podcast your support by joining the International Coven of Awesomeness on Patreon so we can keep sharing witchy content for that's free for all.Get your free ebook How to Work with the Moon to Get Things Done.Check out the latest workshop offerings from the STC Witchcraft Academy for both online workshops and in-person circles in the Glasgow, Scotland area.Find all your favorite recipes and witch tips at Awesome on 20 Kitchen Magick.Book a tarot reading with Renee at Sagittarian Tarot & Coaching. Join the Moon Magic Membership coven to receiving ongoing support in your witchcraft journey. Join our Coven of Awesomeness Facebook group open to everyone.

Is Europe's defense investment wave real, or is it simply venture capital wrapped in a Ukrainian flag?The debate featured Nicholas Nelson, General Partner at Archangel Ventures, and Sebastian von Ribbentrop, Founding Partner at Join Capital.At stake is more than narrative. It is about capability, returns, sovereignty — and the structural future of European capital markets.Until recently, defense investing in Europe was controversial. Many institutional LPs avoided the sector. ESG mandates were interpreted narrowly. Defense was often softened under the label “dual-use.” Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed the landscape. Defense budgets rose. Political rhetoric shifted. Venture capital began flowing into the sector at unprecedented levels.But the central question remains:Is this a structural capital reallocation — or a short-term momentum trade?The debate crystallizes around one fault line: defense-first vs dual-use.Nicholas argues Europe's hesitation to embrace defense-first investing is both strategically and financially misguided. Defense-only startups, he contends, have historically outperformed. Dual-use often dilutes focus by forcing two distinct go-to-market motions. Real capability requires designing directly for the warfighter — not adapting commercial products later. In his view, dual-use in Europe often functions as a reputational hedge rather than a strategy.Sebastian counters that dual-use is not compromise — it is risk management. Advanced technologies can serve both industrial and defense customers without duplicating entire teams. Diversified revenue reduces concentration risk. Non-dilutive defense contracts can substitute late-stage equity rounds in a region where growth capital remains thin. And Europe's comparative advantage may lie less in building vertically integrated primes — and more in dominating high-precision subsystems.As the conversation escalates, it moves beyond product strategy into a deeper structural issue: scale capital. Even where early-stage defense investment has improved, later-stage funding remains limited. Several leading European defense startups have relied heavily on US or Middle Eastern growth capital.Which raises uncomfortable questions:Can Europe build independent defense champions without foreign growth capital?Will its strongest companies inevitably “pick a flag” as they scale?Is fragmentation across 30+ procurement regimes Europe's structural disadvantage?Without coordination at scale, even strong early-stage ecosystems struggle to produce global champions.What's covered:00:30 Framing the question — structural shift or narrative trade?02:00 From taboo to trend — ESG optics and the Ukraine inflection point04:15 Defense-first vs dual-use — the core strategic divide07:30 The defense-first case — focus, procurement alignment, and capability building11:00 The dual-use counterargument — diversification and risk management14:30 Subsystems vs primes — where Europe's advantage may lie18:00 The growth capital gap — reliance on US and Middle Eastern funding21:00 “Picking a flag” — sovereignty vs scale23:30 Procurement fragmentation — 30+ regimes and scaling friction26:00 Final takeaway — Europe's defense future depends on capital conviction and coordination

Much of the world's attention remains fixed on Iran, Israel, and the Palestinian question. But another rivalry is quietly reshaping Middle Eastern politics: Saudi Arabia versus the United Arab Emirates. Once close partners, the two Gulf powers now find themselves moving from cooperation toward competition—and perhaps even confrontation. In this episode, Professor Rob Geist Pinfold explores what is driving the shift, what is at stake for regional leadership, and how Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed are maneuvering for influence. While definitive answers may be premature, informed analysis reveals why this evolving relationship matters far beyond the Gulf.

In this episode, we welcome Oscar-nominated writer/director Joachim Trier and Oscar-nominated editor Olivier Bugge Coutté, the longtime collaborators behind Sentimental Value. The film has earned nine Academy Award nominations, including recognition for both of their work. Trier and Coutté have also collaborated on films such as The Worst Person in the World, Reprise, Oslo, August 31st, Louder Than Bombs, and Thelma. In our chat, Joachim shares on developing the story and writing the screenplay, while both dive deep into their creative partnership. They also offer practical advice for emerging writers, directors, and editors navigating their own creative paths.The Making Of is presented by AJA:From cinema to proAV: gaining a competitive edge with streaming knowledgeThe worlds of cinema production and proAV are converging. Cinema-grade equipment is making its way into more stadiums, houses of worship, and concert venues. Because of this, professionals that understand the tools and disciplines powering both will stand out. Get ahead of the curve with the latest streaming insights and gear from AJA.‘The 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films' Review: Major Themes, Minor LengthsThree critics briefly consider the short films nominated for the 98th Academy Awards.From dive-bar patrons to Regency paramours, cross-generational friendship to same-sex longing, and chilly science fiction to Middle Eastern politics, this year's live action category of Oscar nominated shorts is refreshingly varied.Read more hereNow with Massive 8TB Capacity—Thunderbolt 5 SpeedThe OWC Envoy Pro Ultra now comes in a new 8TB capacity, pairing enormous space with next‑generation Thunderbolt 5 performance. With real‑world speeds over 6000 MB/s and a rugged, bus‑powered design, it's perfect for 4K/8K workflows, on‑location shoots, and fast media offloads. High‑speed, high‑capacity, and ready for serious creative work.Browse hereShowcase Your Brand: Feature your products or services in this newsletter and reach 250K film, TV and broadcast industry pros each week. To learn more, please email mvalinsky@me.comZEISS Aatma – Contemporary Full Frame Primes with a Soulful Legacy LookZEISS introduces the new Aatma, set of nine high-end full frame T1.5 cinema primes (18mm, 25mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm, 85mm, 100mm, and 135mm) designed to marry the benefits of modern optical design with the nostalgic image characteristics that are popular today. Drawing inspiration from some of the most beloved ZEISS lenses of the 20th century, Aatma combines an emotion-driven look with the mechanical reliability, data integration, and workflow compatibility that's expected for current production. Read more hereA New Solution from Atomos: The Atomos Shogun AV-19 Rack-Mounted 4K HDR Monitor/Recorder/Switcher is your all-in-one solution for professional live production, combining a stunning 19” 4K HDR DCI-P3 display with quad-channel switching, real-time ISO recording of up to four camera feeds plus program out, and support for 10-bit Apple ProRes, ProRes RAW, and Avid DNx recording to CFexpress or USB-C media. Perfect for studios, video village, and broadcast environments, it delivers the monitoring accuracy and workflow efficiency your production demands. The Atomos Shogun AV-19 is available for pre-order now for $2,099.00. Learn more at Videoguys.com or call our production experts at 800-323-2325 today!OWC Exclusive Listener Offer:Enjoy 10% off your next order as a thank-you for tuning in to The Making Of! Whether you're upgrading your workflow or adding pro-level gear, OWC has you covered. Use your exclusive listener link below and save on the tools that help bring your creative vision to life. Explore herePodcast Rewind:Feb. 2026 - Ep. 119. Get full access to The Making Of at themakingof.substack.com/subscribe

This episode is unique and timely. Shah Ahmadi was born and raised in Iran in a devout Muslim family, under a system where Islam functions as state law, not just personal faith.He grew up memorizing the Quran for hours at a time. Believing his good deeds had to outweigh his bad. Never hearing the word grace.As he began questioning and searching for truth, anxiety followed him. Fear of punishment. Spiritual resistance when he stepped toward church.Then he encountered Jesus not as an idea, but as peace .His decision cost him. His family faced arrest. And still he says, “I love Muslims. I would die for them.”This conversation is about truth, compassion, and courage. It gives insight into the climate of Iran and other Middle Eastern countries right now. Listen with an open heart. Tune into the premiere tonight at 7:30PM on the Rich Wilkerson Jr. YouTube Channel

This week the show opens as Deece gets a call from a leader of a Middle Eastern country, and he's then joined by Professor of Criminal Psychology and Author, Petter Sacco. They talk living in an instant society, where comedy is going next, the difference between the truth and my truth, stigmas around fatherhood and […]

Law professor and former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter joins Chad with the huge problems he sees with the money the Trump family has brought in from Middle-Eastern nations and other ethical and unconstitutional actions by the administration.

The first national report on racism at universities in Australia has found it is a problem that is widespread and systemic. The report found 70 per cent of students and staff from 42 universities had witnessed racism. Levels of racism were higher among Indigenous, Chinese, African, Jewish and Middle Eastern students and staff; with only six per cent of those who experienced racism making a complaint.

In the medieval Middle East, no group was as feared as the Order of the Assassins - or as misunderstood. In this episode, Olivia and Aran chart the emergence of this deadly organisation and their role in the complex web of Middle Eastern politics. This episode has everything you could want: high-octane derring-do, arcane Islamic eschatology, thundering Mongol armies and yes: even a few scheming viziers. Come for the assassins, stay for Aran almost bursting a vessel trying to accurately explain all of early Islamic history in five minutes.

“I really wanted to slow things down… to create an experience where people take their time, build relationships, and connect with design in a more human way.”​ Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte has spent fifteen years living out of a suitcase, experiencing the quiet palazzos of Venice as well as the bustling streets of Beirut. He sits down with Hashem to share how his way of life and thirst for travel have inspired Nomad, a design fair that trades the noise of transactional fairs for the soul found in historic architecture. ​ ​They dive into the intentional revival of Abu Dhabi's Terminal 1 for Nomad's Middle Eastern debut, the cultural renaissance currently sweeping the Middle East, and why, in our digital-heavy world, we're all just looking for a reason to put down our phones and experience real connections.

Dirk has a stimulating encounter with a friend s wife.By Original Aramis. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dirk was halfway through another of his wandering road trips, this time to see an old biker buddy of his who had moved two states away when he was transferred by his company. Dirk had known Hal Jenkins since high school; he was one of the few people that Dirk got along with, and they had been friends ever since. When Hal got into motorcycles Dirk had approached him about joining the MC, but Hal said he just wasn t into it so he didn t. That didn t matter to Dirk as Hal was a true biker in every sense of the word, and the two of them had gone through some pretty interesting times and some pretty interesting women before Hal was transferred.When Hal called Dirk about six months ago to invite him to his wedding, you could have knocked Dirk over with a feather. Hal was the last person besides himself that Dirk would have ever thought would get married, but Hal told Dirk that his fianc , Renee, was the woman of my dreams in every possible way and that he wanted to marry her ‘before she wises up! Dirk was unable to make the wedding since it was scheduled for the following week Hal never was one for planning things out which is one reason Dirk never thought he would ever get married but they had planned instead on Dirk riding out to see him and staying for a few days. The earliest Hal s schedule at work would let that happen was six months away, but the time had finally passed and now Dirk was sitting in Hal s man cave (his garage) with their bikes parked in the driveway, cooling off after a long day s ride. It was the afternoon of the last day of Dirk s two-day visit, and they had made the best of it. They were sitting in a couple of foldable camp chairs enjoying a couple of cold bottles of beer with Dirk still wearing his colors, talking about anything and everything, just enjoying life and each other s company.So whattaya think about my ol lady, Dirk? Hal asked, grinning at him over his beer bottle. She s really something, ain t she?Yes, she most certainly is! Dirk replied, nodding as he spoke. When he had met Renee upon his arrival, to say he was stunned would have been the understatement of the year. The best way to describe Renee was to say that she was what everyone thought about when they thought of the term 'biker chick.Renee was about five feet five inches tall and around 115 pounds, Dirk would have guessed, with just enough meat on her bones to make her look really good. Dirk also would have guessed that at least eight pounds of that would have been breast meat, because Renee had a simply magnificent pair of tits. Full and round with just the right amount of sag to make them wobble inside the white halter top she was wearing when he first saw her, they were truly a sight to behold. The halter top was showing about a mile of cleavage, something which Dirk appreciated very much, and was a perfect match for the low-slung faded jeans she was wearing. The jeans were skintight until they reached her knees and then flared out just enough to give her a retro '60s hippie kind of look. Her waist was tapered and her stomach was flat, and while not as firm as a young girl s it was still firm enough to be very enticing. The faux diamond that hung from her navel only added to the look.And to top it all off, Renee had the blackest hair Dirk had ever seen, wavy and long, going down past her shoulders nearly to the middle of her back. Her hair was very thick as well, so Dirk imagined that she had either some Italian or Middle Eastern blood in her veins. The only thing missing from Renee having a complete 'biker chick look was a tattoo or two, and when she turned to walk away from him Dirk saw not only a rounded, firm ass that swayed enticingly as she walked but a butterfly 'tramp stamp peeking out from above the waistband her jeans as well.But the thing that drew Dirk s attention the most, even more than her spectacular bustline (Dirk had always been a 'boob man ) was Renee s face, specifically her lips. Renee had big, dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a perfect nose that sat above the fullest, softest, most beautiful and absolutely perfect pair of lips he had ever seen.He had no idea how Hal had been lucky enough to land a woman who looked the way Renee looked, but he was glad for his old friend all the same.Yeah, I m damned lucky to have her, and you better believe I know it! Hal said, taking a pull from his beer. Dirk was just about to fire up a cigar when Hal surprised him so much with his next statement that he nearly burned his face off.And how about those lips, huh? Ain t those the best pair of dick sucking lips you ve ever seen on a broad? Hal said, grinning at Dirk.Jesus, Hal! Dirk said, shaking his hand to put out the match he was using to light the cigar.What? Hal said, looking at him.That s your wife you re talking about, you know! he said, putting the cigar back into the pocket of his vest while he was trying to make light of what he thought could turn out to be a bad situation. Hal quickly proved that he had nothing to worry about.Hell, I know that! But she don t mind, trust me, Hal said, grinning at Dirk. I brag about her and those big DSLs to my friends all the time whether she s here or not!And she really doesn t mind? Dirk asked, genuinely surprised.Hell, no, she doesn t mind! Hal said, laughing. She loves to hear me brag about her! I think it kind of turns her on, you know? he said, lowering his voice in a conspiratorial way. All I know is that every time she hears me bragging about her DSLs to my friends, we have some of the best sex ever!Well, some women are like that, that s for sure, he said, having run into a woman or two like that in his life as well.And besides, she really does! Hal said, raising his beer bottle to his lips to take another drink.She really does, what? Dirk asked, doing the same.She really does suck a mean cock! Dirk sprayed beer out of his mouth when Hal said this.Dammit, Hal! he said, sitting up and wiping the beer from the front of his shirt and vest.Well, she does! Hal insisted, not understanding what all the fuss was about. I tell ya, that woman can suck a golf ball through a garden hose!I m sure she does well, maybe not quite that good, but still warn me before you say something like that, willya? Dirk said, sitting back in his chair again.You don t believe me, Hal said, looking at Dirk.Huh? Dirk said.About how good Renee is at sucking dick. You don t believe me!Of course I do! You ve never lied to me before, have you?No, I haven t.Okay, so why wouldn t I believe you now?Then what s with that 'maybe not quite that good part, then? Hal asked.I didn t mean anything by it, Hal, really, Dirk said, concerned that he d hurt his friend s feelings. I m sorry, I m sure she s just as good at sucking dick, as you say she is.Okay, well, then let me prove it to you, Hal said, a smile creeping across his face.Prove it to me? How? Dirk asked.By letting Renee suck your dick, he said, grinning at Dirk.Are you serious? Dirk asked, staring at his old friend. I mean, really? You re serious? You want Renee, your own wife, to suck my dick? he asked, not believing what he had heard.Serious as a heart attack, my brother! Hal replied, sitting back in his chair and grinning at Dirk. He lifted his beer bottle to his lips and took a drink before continuing. And trust me, when she s done with you, you ll be thanking me for letting her do it! That woman can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch, I tell ya!This is incredible, Dirk said, sitting back in his chair, still holding his beer in one hand. I can t believe you d have Renee do that!Well, you d better believe it, my friend, because it s about to happen! Hal said, getting up and going over to the short staircase leading to the door that opened into the house. He climbed up the three steps and opened the door, then called out to his wife.Hey, Renee, darlin , would you come in here for a minute, please? he said, then walked back over and sat down in the camp chair to await her arrival. It was less than a minute later when Renee appeared in the doorway, giving them both a big smile. She was wearing the same jeans as before, but this time she was wearing a red and white striped tube top instead of the halter.Yes, baby? she said, her hands on the sides of the doorframe.'My God, but that woman is hot! Dirk thought to himself, taking a drink from his beer.I been braggin on you and those DSLs of yours again to Dirk here, tellin him all about how good you are at giving blowjobs and all, and I m not sure he believes me, Hal said, motioning towards Dirk with his beer. Renee looked at Dirk and her smile got bigger.So you want me to suck his dick to prove it to him, baby? she said, looking Dirk straight in the eyes. Is that it?Yep, that s it, darlin ! Hal said, smiling.I can do that! Renee said, her smile bigger than ever. She walked down the three steps into the garage, her big tits swaying in the tube top, never taking her eyes off of Dirk. She walked over to him and stopped in front of him, standing between his feet as he sat in the chair. She looked down at him for just a moment, still smiling, before she spoke again.How about it, Dirk? Would you like for me to suck your dick? she asked, her voice low and sultry. I m really good at sucking dick, and I d just love to prove it to you by sucking yours!What about Hal? You know, your husband? Dirk said, looking up into those dark brown eyes that were now sparkling and filled with desire. You d do that with him sitting right there? he asked.Sure! Renee replied, her smile getting a bit bigger. I suck dick in front of him all the time, don t I, baby? she said, her eyes traveling down to Dirk s crotch and lingering there for a moment before going back to his eyes.You sure do! Hal said, grinning proudly. Every time we throw a party, she finds a guy that turns her on and she just has to suck his dick, and I always get to watch! he explained.And then, when the party is over, we go into the bedroom and I tell Hal all about it, how it turned me on, how good the guy s cum tasted, and then we have the best sex you can imagine! she said, her smile never faltering.But she never fucks anyone else, though, Hal said. That s reserved just for me, right, darlin ? Hal said. Renee nodded as she replied.That s right, baby, nobody fucks me but you! she said. So how about it, Dirk? You want me to show you how good I am at sucking cock by sucking yours?Sure, why the fuck not! Dirk said, tossing his hands up in the air and letting them drop to the arm rests of the chair, still holding on to his beer with one hand. He was trapped and he knew it, so why not sit back and enjoy it?'Besides, there s no way she s as good as Amy, Dirk thought to himself, thinking of the girl he d met at a club party a few weeks ago. She had really gone at him, and the memories were still fresh.Good! Renee said, moving in closer. She reached down and spread his legs further apart, then knelt down between them right in front of his crotch. Hal, honey, you might want to turn the fan on and close the garage door, she said, settling in front of Dirk. We don t want to give the neighbors a free show, and with the door closed it s gonna get hot in here pretty quick!Good point, baby! Hal said, getting up and going over to the button on the wall next to the door to the house and pressing it. The garage door slid closed behind them, and then Hal flipped a switch next to the garage door button and a fan mounted up in a corner of the ceiling came on. Then Hal walked over to a canoe that was lying on the floor next to the wall, picking up a floatation cushion and then handing it to his wife.Here, darlin , use this! Hal said, handing her the cushion.Thank you, baby! Renee said, taking the cushion from him and putting it on the ground in front of her to kneel on. As soon as she was settled, she reached up and began unfastening Dirk s jeans, smiling as she worked at getting them open.I bet you have a big dick! You have a big dick, don t you, Dirk? she asked, looking up at him and smiling while getting the jeans open and pulling down the fly.See for yourself! he said, making Renee grin. She reached inside his jeans for his cock and was pleasantly surprised to find that he wasn t wearing anything under his jeans. She looked up at him and grinned as she wrapped her fingers around his soft cock.No underwear! she said, pulling his cock out of his jeans and then spreading the fly of the jeans as wide as possible. I like that! But right now, I m gonna wrap my lips around your cock and suck it until it s hard, she said, looking up at him and smiling. I just love feeling a man s cock get hard in my mouth!Before Dirk could reply she dipped her head down and put her lips on the head of his cock, sucking his entire soft cock into her mouth. She looked up at him as sucked hard, her cheeks hollowing in, running her tongue over and around the sensitive tip. This made Dirk jump just a little as he was really sensitive at the tip of his dick, and Hal chuckled at his reaction.Told you she was good! he said, grinning at Dirk. But you ain t seen nothin yet!Renee pulled her head back and let his hardening cock slip out of her mouth, holding the head in her mouth for a moment before sucking it all in her mouth again. She did this several times, pleased to find that Dirk was getting harder, longer, and thicker in her mouth very quickly. She slid her mouth up to the head of his cock, holding it there for a moment before she released it from her mouth with a soft 'pop. She smiled up at him as she spoke, gripping his cock tightly in one hand while opening his jeans further with the other.Let s get these big balls out, shall we? she said, smiling up at him as she pulled his balls out of his jeans. Oooh, nice! I just love playing with a man s balls! she said, massaging them in her hand while still pumping his cock. He was rock-hard by now, the precum beginning to flow with a drop of the clear fluid appearing at the tip of his cock.Oh, look! she said, grinning up at him as she noticed the drop of precum. Is that for me? Yummy! she said, sticking her wide, long tongue out and licking up the drop of slick fluid, making sure she licked as much of the head of his cock as she could in doing so. She had the widest, longest, and thickest tongue Dirk had ever seen, and she was good with it very good. As he watched, she put her lips right on the tip of his cock and sucked, pulling more of the fluid out of him.Hmm! she moaned, smiling up at him. She sat back a little and swallowed, then ran her wet tongue over her lips and smiled, looking directly at him. Eye contact was obviously a big thing with her, and she was very good at it among other things, as he was about to find out.I m gonna give you a tongue bath, and then I m gonna suck the cum right out of you! she said, grinning from ear to ear. She looked like an excited little girl with her hand gripping a nice, big lollypop, and Dirk had a feeling that was exactly how she was going to treat him like a treat ready to be swallowed. She stuck that wide, thick tongue out again and slowly licked him from the base of his balls all the way up to the head of his cock, never taking her eyes from his.Want me to time you, baby? Hal asked, taking a pull from his beer.Sure! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk as she pumped his cock in her hand. Let s see if I can break my record on how fast I can make him cum!So what s your record? Dirk asked.Five minutes! she said, giving him a sly smile before licking his cock again. But I have a feeling you might take a little bit longer than that, she said, licking him again.What makes you say that, baby? Hal asked.Call it a hunch, Renee replied, never taking her eyes from Dirk, but I just have a feeling that ol Dirk here is gonna be a tough nut to crack or to make cum, that is!Guess there s only one way to find out, huh? Dirk said, smiling at her. She smiled back as she replied.I guess so! she said, giving him one last, wet, lingering lick from his balls to the head of his dick.You ready, baby? Hal asked, holding up his wrist with his watch on it, thumb on the button.Oh, yeah! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk.Go! Hal said, starting the stopwatch.Renee lowered her mouth down to his cock and took the head into her mouth, clamping her lips around the shaft just behind the flared ridge. Then she applied suction, lots of it, and then slid her mouth down onto his hard shaft, taking his entire length into her mouth in one long, fluid motion. She pulled her head back up the length of his shaft slowly, running her thick tongue over and around his cock as she did, massaging and squeezing his balls with one hand, maintaining the suction she was applying. When she got to the head of his cock she paused, keeping it trapped in her mouth, running her tongue over and around the sensitive head before sliding her mouth back down his cock once more, literally sucking it into her mouth and down her throat. She pushed her face down until her nose bumped against his abdomen, and she moaned as she made the trip back up his cock once more, her cheeks hollowing in from the suction she was applying.Um! she moaned, looking up at Dirk and smiling around his cock in her mouth. When she got to the head of his cock she held it in her mouth again, sucking on it while running her thick tongue along the underside. The suction she was applying was incredible, and Dirk could feel the precum being sucked from him. Her eyes rolled back into her head as she let about half of the head of his cock out of her mouth, her big, soft lips wrapped around it as she sucked on him. Then she moaned again as she slid her mouth back down his cock once more, making loud slurping noises as she sucked his throbbing shaft into her wet, sucking mouth. His cock was coated with her saliva by now, and he could feel it running down his balls as she worked on him.'Holy shit, she s good! She s even better than Amy! Dirk thought to himself as he watched Renee gobbling his cock over and over again. She was applying constant suction on his cock, pausing every now and then to draw a breath either through her nose or through her mouth when she opened her lips up just enough to breathe before clamping them around his cock again. She was obviously a fan of sloppy blowjobs, as by now his cock and balls and the front of his jeans were drenched with her saliva, and the garage was filled with the slurping sounds she was making as she sucked his cock.While she was working on his cock with her mouth, she was busy working on his balls with her hand. She massaged and squeezed them as she sucked on his cock, pulling and tugging on them as well. Dirk gritted his teeth as she tugged on them particularly hard as she sucked on his cock very hard, dragging her mouth back up its length. Dirk knew that if she kept this up he d be cumming in her mouth in no time, and he was determined to resist as long as he could.Renee looked up at him as she paused to suck on the head of his cock yet again, the loud slurping sounds filling the garage. She winked at him before looking over at her husband, tapping her finger against the back of her other wrist, her mouth still clamped onto the head of Dirk s cock. Hal looked down at his watch and smiled.Four min

Dirk has a stimulating encounter with a friend s wife.By Original Aramis. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dirk was halfway through another of his wandering road trips, this time to see an old biker buddy of his who had moved two states away when he was transferred by his company. Dirk had known Hal Jenkins since high school; he was one of the few people that Dirk got along with, and they had been friends ever since. When Hal got into motorcycles Dirk had approached him about joining the MC, but Hal said he just wasn t into it so he didn t. That didn t matter to Dirk as Hal was a true biker in every sense of the word, and the two of them had gone through some pretty interesting times and some pretty interesting women before Hal was transferred.When Hal called Dirk about six months ago to invite him to his wedding, you could have knocked Dirk over with a feather. Hal was the last person besides himself that Dirk would have ever thought would get married, but Hal told Dirk that his fianc , Renee, was the woman of my dreams in every possible way and that he wanted to marry her ‘before she wises up! Dirk was unable to make the wedding since it was scheduled for the following week Hal never was one for planning things out which is one reason Dirk never thought he would ever get married but they had planned instead on Dirk riding out to see him and staying for a few days. The earliest Hal s schedule at work would let that happen was six months away, but the time had finally passed and now Dirk was sitting in Hal s man cave (his garage) with their bikes parked in the driveway, cooling off after a long day s ride. It was the afternoon of the last day of Dirk s two-day visit, and they had made the best of it. They were sitting in a couple of foldable camp chairs enjoying a couple of cold bottles of beer with Dirk still wearing his colors, talking about anything and everything, just enjoying life and each other s company.So whattaya think about my ol lady, Dirk? Hal asked, grinning at him over his beer bottle. She s really something, ain t she?Yes, she most certainly is! Dirk replied, nodding as he spoke. When he had met Renee upon his arrival, to say he was stunned would have been the understatement of the year. The best way to describe Renee was to say that she was what everyone thought about when they thought of the term 'biker chick.Renee was about five feet five inches tall and around 115 pounds, Dirk would have guessed, with just enough meat on her bones to make her look really good. Dirk also would have guessed that at least eight pounds of that would have been breast meat, because Renee had a simply magnificent pair of tits. Full and round with just the right amount of sag to make them wobble inside the white halter top she was wearing when he first saw her, they were truly a sight to behold. The halter top was showing about a mile of cleavage, something which Dirk appreciated very much, and was a perfect match for the low-slung faded jeans she was wearing. The jeans were skintight until they reached her knees and then flared out just enough to give her a retro '60s hippie kind of look. Her waist was tapered and her stomach was flat, and while not as firm as a young girl s it was still firm enough to be very enticing. The faux diamond that hung from her navel only added to the look.And to top it all off, Renee had the blackest hair Dirk had ever seen, wavy and long, going down past her shoulders nearly to the middle of her back. Her hair was very thick as well, so Dirk imagined that she had either some Italian or Middle Eastern blood in her veins. The only thing missing from Renee having a complete 'biker chick look was a tattoo or two, and when she turned to walk away from him Dirk saw not only a rounded, firm ass that swayed enticingly as she walked but a butterfly 'tramp stamp peeking out from above the waistband her jeans as well.But the thing that drew Dirk s attention the most, even more than her spectacular bustline (Dirk had always been a 'boob man ) was Renee s face, specifically her lips. Renee had big, dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a perfect nose that sat above the fullest, softest, most beautiful and absolutely perfect pair of lips he had ever seen.He had no idea how Hal had been lucky enough to land a woman who looked the way Renee looked, but he was glad for his old friend all the same.Yeah, I m damned lucky to have her, and you better believe I know it! Hal said, taking a pull from his beer. Dirk was just about to fire up a cigar when Hal surprised him so much with his next statement that he nearly burned his face off.And how about those lips, huh? Ain t those the best pair of dick sucking lips you ve ever seen on a broad? Hal said, grinning at Dirk.Jesus, Hal! Dirk said, shaking his hand to put out the match he was using to light the cigar.What? Hal said, looking at him.That s your wife you re talking about, you know! he said, putting the cigar back into the pocket of his vest while he was trying to make light of what he thought could turn out to be a bad situation. Hal quickly proved that he had nothing to worry about.Hell, I know that! But she don t mind, trust me, Hal said, grinning at Dirk. I brag about her and those big DSLs to my friends all the time whether she s here or not!And she really doesn t mind? Dirk asked, genuinely surprised.Hell, no, she doesn t mind! Hal said, laughing. She loves to hear me brag about her! I think it kind of turns her on, you know? he said, lowering his voice in a conspiratorial way. All I know is that every time she hears me bragging about her DSLs to my friends, we have some of the best sex ever!Well, some women are like that, that s for sure, he said, having run into a woman or two like that in his life as well.And besides, she really does! Hal said, raising his beer bottle to his lips to take another drink.She really does, what? Dirk asked, doing the same.She really does suck a mean cock! Dirk sprayed beer out of his mouth when Hal said this.Dammit, Hal! he said, sitting up and wiping the beer from the front of his shirt and vest.Well, she does! Hal insisted, not understanding what all the fuss was about. I tell ya, that woman can suck a golf ball through a garden hose!I m sure she does well, maybe not quite that good, but still warn me before you say something like that, willya? Dirk said, sitting back in his chair again.You don t believe me, Hal said, looking at Dirk.Huh? Dirk said.About how good Renee is at sucking dick. You don t believe me!Of course I do! You ve never lied to me before, have you?No, I haven t.Okay, so why wouldn t I believe you now?Then what s with that 'maybe not quite that good part, then? Hal asked.I didn t mean anything by it, Hal, really, Dirk said, concerned that he d hurt his friend s feelings. I m sorry, I m sure she s just as good at sucking dick, as you say she is.Okay, well, then let me prove it to you, Hal said, a smile creeping across his face.Prove it to me? How? Dirk asked.By letting Renee suck your dick, he said, grinning at Dirk.Are you serious? Dirk asked, staring at his old friend. I mean, really? You re serious? You want Renee, your own wife, to suck my dick? he asked, not believing what he had heard.Serious as a heart attack, my brother! Hal replied, sitting back in his chair and grinning at Dirk. He lifted his beer bottle to his lips and took a drink before continuing. And trust me, when she s done with you, you ll be thanking me for letting her do it! That woman can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch, I tell ya!This is incredible, Dirk said, sitting back in his chair, still holding his beer in one hand. I can t believe you d have Renee do that!Well, you d better believe it, my friend, because it s about to happen! Hal said, getting up and going over to the short staircase leading to the door that opened into the house. He climbed up the three steps and opened the door, then called out to his wife.Hey, Renee, darlin , would you come in here for a minute, please? he said, then walked back over and sat down in the camp chair to await her arrival. It was less than a minute later when Renee appeared in the doorway, giving them both a big smile. She was wearing the same jeans as before, but this time she was wearing a red and white striped tube top instead of the halter.Yes, baby? she said, her hands on the sides of the doorframe.'My God, but that woman is hot! Dirk thought to himself, taking a drink from his beer.I been braggin on you and those DSLs of yours again to Dirk here, tellin him all about how good you are at giving blowjobs and all, and I m not sure he believes me, Hal said, motioning towards Dirk with his beer. Renee looked at Dirk and her smile got bigger.So you want me to suck his dick to prove it to him, baby? she said, looking Dirk straight in the eyes. Is that it?Yep, that s it, darlin ! Hal said, smiling.I can do that! Renee said, her smile bigger than ever. She walked down the three steps into the garage, her big tits swaying in the tube top, never taking her eyes off of Dirk. She walked over to him and stopped in front of him, standing between his feet as he sat in the chair. She looked down at him for just a moment, still smiling, before she spoke again.How about it, Dirk? Would you like for me to suck your dick? she asked, her voice low and sultry. I m really good at sucking dick, and I d just love to prove it to you by sucking yours!What about Hal? You know, your husband? Dirk said, looking up into those dark brown eyes that were now sparkling and filled with desire. You d do that with him sitting right there? he asked.Sure! Renee replied, her smile getting a bit bigger. I suck dick in front of him all the time, don t I, baby? she said, her eyes traveling down to Dirk s crotch and lingering there for a moment before going back to his eyes.You sure do! Hal said, grinning proudly. Every time we throw a party, she finds a guy that turns her on and she just has to suck his dick, and I always get to watch! he explained.And then, when the party is over, we go into the bedroom and I tell Hal all about it, how it turned me on, how good the guy s cum tasted, and then we have the best sex you can imagine! she said, her smile never faltering.But she never fucks anyone else, though, Hal said. That s reserved just for me, right, darlin ? Hal said. Renee nodded as she replied.That s right, baby, nobody fucks me but you! she said. So how about it, Dirk? You want me to show you how good I am at sucking cock by sucking yours?Sure, why the fuck not! Dirk said, tossing his hands up in the air and letting them drop to the arm rests of the chair, still holding on to his beer with one hand. He was trapped and he knew it, so why not sit back and enjoy it?'Besides, there s no way she s as good as Amy, Dirk thought to himself, thinking of the girl he d met at a club party a few weeks ago. She had really gone at him, and the memories were still fresh.Good! Renee said, moving in closer. She reached down and spread his legs further apart, then knelt down between them right in front of his crotch. Hal, honey, you might want to turn the fan on and close the garage door, she said, settling in front of Dirk. We don t want to give the neighbors a free show, and with the door closed it s gonna get hot in here pretty quick!Good point, baby! Hal said, getting up and going over to the button on the wall next to the door to the house and pressing it. The garage door slid closed behind them, and then Hal flipped a switch next to the garage door button and a fan mounted up in a corner of the ceiling came on. Then Hal walked over to a canoe that was lying on the floor next to the wall, picking up a floatation cushion and then handing it to his wife.Here, darlin , use this! Hal said, handing her the cushion.Thank you, baby! Renee said, taking the cushion from him and putting it on the ground in front of her to kneel on. As soon as she was settled, she reached up and began unfastening Dirk s jeans, smiling as she worked at getting them open.I bet you have a big dick! You have a big dick, don t you, Dirk? she asked, looking up at him and smiling while getting the jeans open and pulling down the fly.See for yourself! he said, making Renee grin. She reached inside his jeans for his cock and was pleasantly surprised to find that he wasn t wearing anything under his jeans. She looked up at him and grinned as she wrapped her fingers around his soft cock.No underwear! she said, pulling his cock out of his jeans and then spreading the fly of the jeans as wide as possible. I like that! But right now, I m gonna wrap my lips around your cock and suck it until it s hard, she said, looking up at him and smiling. I just love feeling a man s cock get hard in my mouth!Before Dirk could reply she dipped her head down and put her lips on the head of his cock, sucking his entire soft cock into her mouth. She looked up at him as sucked hard, her cheeks hollowing in, running her tongue over and around the sensitive tip. This made Dirk jump just a little as he was really sensitive at the tip of his dick, and Hal chuckled at his reaction.Told you she was good! he said, grinning at Dirk. But you ain t seen nothin yet!Renee pulled her head back and let his hardening cock slip out of her mouth, holding the head in her mouth for a moment before sucking it all in her mouth again. She did this several times, pleased to find that Dirk was getting harder, longer, and thicker in her mouth very quickly. She slid her mouth up to the head of his cock, holding it there for a moment before she released it from her mouth with a soft 'pop. She smiled up at him as she spoke, gripping his cock tightly in one hand while opening his jeans further with the other.Let s get these big balls out, shall we? she said, smiling up at him as she pulled his balls out of his jeans. Oooh, nice! I just love playing with a man s balls! she said, massaging them in her hand while still pumping his cock. He was rock-hard by now, the precum beginning to flow with a drop of the clear fluid appearing at the tip of his cock.Oh, look! she said, grinning up at him as she noticed the drop of precum. Is that for me? Yummy! she said, sticking her wide, long tongue out and licking up the drop of slick fluid, making sure she licked as much of the head of his cock as she could in doing so. She had the widest, longest, and thickest tongue Dirk had ever seen, and she was good with it very good. As he watched, she put her lips right on the tip of his cock and sucked, pulling more of the fluid out of him.Hmm! she moaned, smiling up at him. She sat back a little and swallowed, then ran her wet tongue over her lips and smiled, looking directly at him. Eye contact was obviously a big thing with her, and she was very good at it among other things, as he was about to find out.I m gonna give you a tongue bath, and then I m gonna suck the cum right out of you! she said, grinning from ear to ear. She looked like an excited little girl with her hand gripping a nice, big lollypop, and Dirk had a feeling that was exactly how she was going to treat him like a treat ready to be swallowed. She stuck that wide, thick tongue out again and slowly licked him from the base of his balls all the way up to the head of his cock, never taking her eyes from his.Want me to time you, baby? Hal asked, taking a pull from his beer.Sure! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk as she pumped his cock in her hand. Let s see if I can break my record on how fast I can make him cum!So what s your record? Dirk asked.Five minutes! she said, giving him a sly smile before licking his cock again. But I have a feeling you might take a little bit longer than that, she said, licking him again.What makes you say that, baby? Hal asked.Call it a hunch, Renee replied, never taking her eyes from Dirk, but I just have a feeling that ol Dirk here is gonna be a tough nut to crack or to make cum, that is!Guess there s only one way to find out, huh? Dirk said, smiling at her. She smiled back as she replied.I guess so! she said, giving him one last, wet, lingering lick from his balls to the head of his dick.You ready, baby? Hal asked, holding up his wrist with his watch on it, thumb on the button.Oh, yeah! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk.Go! Hal said, starting the stopwatch.Renee lowered her mouth down to his cock and took the head into her mouth, clamping her lips around the shaft just behind the flared ridge. Then she applied suction, lots of it, and then slid her mouth down onto his hard shaft, taking his entire length into her mouth in one long, fluid motion. She pulled her head back up the length of his shaft slowly, running her thick tongue over and around his cock as she did, massaging and squeezing his balls with one hand, maintaining the suction she was applying. When she got to the head of his cock she paused, keeping it trapped in her mouth, running her tongue over and around the sensitive head before sliding her mouth back down his cock once more, literally sucking it into her mouth and down her throat. She pushed her face down until her nose bumped against his abdomen, and she moaned as she made the trip back up his cock once more, her cheeks hollowing in from the suction she was applying.Um! she moaned, looking up at Dirk and smiling around his cock in her mouth. When she got to the head of his cock she held it in her mouth again, sucking on it while running her thick tongue along the underside. The suction she was applying was incredible, and Dirk could feel the precum being sucked from him. Her eyes rolled back into her head as she let about half of the head of his cock out of her mouth, her big, soft lips wrapped around it as she sucked on him. Then she moaned again as she slid her mouth back down his cock once more, making loud slurping noises as she sucked his throbbing shaft into her wet, sucking mouth. His cock was coated with her saliva by now, and he could feel it running down his balls as she worked on him.'Holy shit, she s good! She s even better than Amy! Dirk thought to himself as he watched Renee gobbling his cock over and over again. She was applying constant suction on his cock, pausing every now and then to draw a breath either through her nose or through her mouth when she opened her lips up just enough to breathe before clamping them around his cock again. She was obviously a fan of sloppy blowjobs, as by now his cock and balls and the front of his jeans were drenched with her saliva, and the garage was filled with the slurping sounds she was making as she sucked his cock.While she was working on his cock with her mouth, she was busy working on his balls with her hand. She massaged and squeezed them as she sucked on his cock, pulling and tugging on them as well. Dirk gritted his teeth as she tugged on them particularly hard as she sucked on his cock very hard, dragging her mouth back up its length. Dirk knew that if she kept this up he d be cumming in her mouth in no time, and he was determined to resist as long as he could.Renee looked up at him as she paused to suck on the head of his cock yet again, the loud slurping sounds filling the garage. She winked at him before looking over at her husband, tapping her finger against the back of her other wrist, her mouth still clamped onto the head of Dirk s cock. Hal looked down at his watch and smiled.Four min

Dirk has a stimulating encounter with a friend s wife.By Original Aramis. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories.Dirk was halfway through another of his wandering road trips, this time to see an old biker buddy of his who had moved two states away when he was transferred by his company. Dirk had known Hal Jenkins since high school; he was one of the few people that Dirk got along with, and they had been friends ever since. When Hal got into motorcycles Dirk had approached him about joining the MC, but Hal said he just wasn t into it so he didn t. That didn t matter to Dirk as Hal was a true biker in every sense of the word, and the two of them had gone through some pretty interesting times and some pretty interesting women before Hal was transferred.When Hal called Dirk about six months ago to invite him to his wedding, you could have knocked Dirk over with a feather. Hal was the last person besides himself that Dirk would have ever thought would get married, but Hal told Dirk that his fianc , Renee, was the woman of my dreams in every possible way and that he wanted to marry her ‘before she wises up! Dirk was unable to make the wedding since it was scheduled for the following week Hal never was one for planning things out which is one reason Dirk never thought he would ever get married but they had planned instead on Dirk riding out to see him and staying for a few days. The earliest Hal s schedule at work would let that happen was six months away, but the time had finally passed and now Dirk was sitting in Hal s man cave (his garage) with their bikes parked in the driveway, cooling off after a long day s ride. It was the afternoon of the last day of Dirk s two-day visit, and they had made the best of it. They were sitting in a couple of foldable camp chairs enjoying a couple of cold bottles of beer with Dirk still wearing his colors, talking about anything and everything, just enjoying life and each other s company.So whattaya think about my ol lady, Dirk? Hal asked, grinning at him over his beer bottle. She s really something, ain t she?Yes, she most certainly is! Dirk replied, nodding as he spoke. When he had met Renee upon his arrival, to say he was stunned would have been the understatement of the year. The best way to describe Renee was to say that she was what everyone thought about when they thought of the term 'biker chick.Renee was about five feet five inches tall and around 115 pounds, Dirk would have guessed, with just enough meat on her bones to make her look really good. Dirk also would have guessed that at least eight pounds of that would have been breast meat, because Renee had a simply magnificent pair of tits. Full and round with just the right amount of sag to make them wobble inside the white halter top she was wearing when he first saw her, they were truly a sight to behold. The halter top was showing about a mile of cleavage, something which Dirk appreciated very much, and was a perfect match for the low-slung faded jeans she was wearing. The jeans were skintight until they reached her knees and then flared out just enough to give her a retro '60s hippie kind of look. Her waist was tapered and her stomach was flat, and while not as firm as a young girl s it was still firm enough to be very enticing. The faux diamond that hung from her navel only added to the look.And to top it all off, Renee had the blackest hair Dirk had ever seen, wavy and long, going down past her shoulders nearly to the middle of her back. Her hair was very thick as well, so Dirk imagined that she had either some Italian or Middle Eastern blood in her veins. The only thing missing from Renee having a complete 'biker chick look was a tattoo or two, and when she turned to walk away from him Dirk saw not only a rounded, firm ass that swayed enticingly as she walked but a butterfly 'tramp stamp peeking out from above the waistband her jeans as well.But the thing that drew Dirk s attention the most, even more than her spectacular bustline (Dirk had always been a 'boob man ) was Renee s face, specifically her lips. Renee had big, dark brown eyes, high cheekbones, and a perfect nose that sat above the fullest, softest, most beautiful and absolutely perfect pair of lips he had ever seen.He had no idea how Hal had been lucky enough to land a woman who looked the way Renee looked, but he was glad for his old friend all the same.Yeah, I m damned lucky to have her, and you better believe I know it! Hal said, taking a pull from his beer. Dirk was just about to fire up a cigar when Hal surprised him so much with his next statement that he nearly burned his face off.And how about those lips, huh? Ain t those the best pair of dick sucking lips you ve ever seen on a broad? Hal said, grinning at Dirk.Jesus, Hal! Dirk said, shaking his hand to put out the match he was using to light the cigar.What? Hal said, looking at him.That s your wife you re talking about, you know! he said, putting the cigar back into the pocket of his vest while he was trying to make light of what he thought could turn out to be a bad situation. Hal quickly proved that he had nothing to worry about.Hell, I know that! But she don t mind, trust me, Hal said, grinning at Dirk. I brag about her and those big DSLs to my friends all the time whether she s here or not!And she really doesn t mind? Dirk asked, genuinely surprised.Hell, no, she doesn t mind! Hal said, laughing. She loves to hear me brag about her! I think it kind of turns her on, you know? he said, lowering his voice in a conspiratorial way. All I know is that every time she hears me bragging about her DSLs to my friends, we have some of the best sex ever!Well, some women are like that, that s for sure, he said, having run into a woman or two like that in his life as well.And besides, she really does! Hal said, raising his beer bottle to his lips to take another drink.She really does, what? Dirk asked, doing the same.She really does suck a mean cock! Dirk sprayed beer out of his mouth when Hal said this.Dammit, Hal! he said, sitting up and wiping the beer from the front of his shirt and vest.Well, she does! Hal insisted, not understanding what all the fuss was about. I tell ya, that woman can suck a golf ball through a garden hose!I m sure she does well, maybe not quite that good, but still warn me before you say something like that, willya? Dirk said, sitting back in his chair again.You don t believe me, Hal said, looking at Dirk.Huh? Dirk said.About how good Renee is at sucking dick. You don t believe me!Of course I do! You ve never lied to me before, have you?No, I haven t.Okay, so why wouldn t I believe you now?Then what s with that 'maybe not quite that good part, then? Hal asked.I didn t mean anything by it, Hal, really, Dirk said, concerned that he d hurt his friend s feelings. I m sorry, I m sure she s just as good at sucking dick, as you say she is.Okay, well, then let me prove it to you, Hal said, a smile creeping across his face.Prove it to me? How? Dirk asked.By letting Renee suck your dick, he said, grinning at Dirk.Are you serious? Dirk asked, staring at his old friend. I mean, really? You re serious? You want Renee, your own wife, to suck my dick? he asked, not believing what he had heard.Serious as a heart attack, my brother! Hal replied, sitting back in his chair and grinning at Dirk. He lifted his beer bottle to his lips and took a drink before continuing. And trust me, when she s done with you, you ll be thanking me for letting her do it! That woman can suck the chrome off a trailer hitch, I tell ya!This is incredible, Dirk said, sitting back in his chair, still holding his beer in one hand. I can t believe you d have Renee do that!Well, you d better believe it, my friend, because it s about to happen! Hal said, getting up and going over to the short staircase leading to the door that opened into the house. He climbed up the three steps and opened the door, then called out to his wife.Hey, Renee, darlin , would you come in here for a minute, please? he said, then walked back over and sat down in the camp chair to await her arrival. It was less than a minute later when Renee appeared in the doorway, giving them both a big smile. She was wearing the same jeans as before, but this time she was wearing a red and white striped tube top instead of the halter.Yes, baby? she said, her hands on the sides of the doorframe.'My God, but that woman is hot! Dirk thought to himself, taking a drink from his beer.I been braggin on you and those DSLs of yours again to Dirk here, tellin him all about how good you are at giving blowjobs and all, and I m not sure he believes me, Hal said, motioning towards Dirk with his beer. Renee looked at Dirk and her smile got bigger.So you want me to suck his dick to prove it to him, baby? she said, looking Dirk straight in the eyes. Is that it?Yep, that s it, darlin ! Hal said, smiling.I can do that! Renee said, her smile bigger than ever. She walked down the three steps into the garage, her big tits swaying in the tube top, never taking her eyes off of Dirk. She walked over to him and stopped in front of him, standing between his feet as he sat in the chair. She looked down at him for just a moment, still smiling, before she spoke again.How about it, Dirk? Would you like for me to suck your dick? she asked, her voice low and sultry. I m really good at sucking dick, and I d just love to prove it to you by sucking yours!What about Hal? You know, your husband? Dirk said, looking up into those dark brown eyes that were now sparkling and filled with desire. You d do that with him sitting right there? he asked.Sure! Renee replied, her smile getting a bit bigger. I suck dick in front of him all the time, don t I, baby? she said, her eyes traveling down to Dirk s crotch and lingering there for a moment before going back to his eyes.You sure do! Hal said, grinning proudly. Every time we throw a party, she finds a guy that turns her on and she just has to suck his dick, and I always get to watch! he explained.And then, when the party is over, we go into the bedroom and I tell Hal all about it, how it turned me on, how good the guy s cum tasted, and then we have the best sex you can imagine! she said, her smile never faltering.But she never fucks anyone else, though, Hal said. That s reserved just for me, right, darlin ? Hal said. Renee nodded as she replied.That s right, baby, nobody fucks me but you! she said. So how about it, Dirk? You want me to show you how good I am at sucking cock by sucking yours?Sure, why the fuck not! Dirk said, tossing his hands up in the air and letting them drop to the arm rests of the chair, still holding on to his beer with one hand. He was trapped and he knew it, so why not sit back and enjoy it?'Besides, there s no way she s as good as Amy, Dirk thought to himself, thinking of the girl he d met at a club party a few weeks ago. She had really gone at him, and the memories were still fresh.Good! Renee said, moving in closer. She reached down and spread his legs further apart, then knelt down between them right in front of his crotch. Hal, honey, you might want to turn the fan on and close the garage door, she said, settling in front of Dirk. We don t want to give the neighbors a free show, and with the door closed it s gonna get hot in here pretty quick!Good point, baby! Hal said, getting up and going over to the button on the wall next to the door to the house and pressing it. The garage door slid closed behind them, and then Hal flipped a switch next to the garage door button and a fan mounted up in a corner of the ceiling came on. Then Hal walked over to a canoe that was lying on the floor next to the wall, picking up a floatation cushion and then handing it to his wife.Here, darlin , use this! Hal said, handing her the cushion.Thank you, baby! Renee said, taking the cushion from him and putting it on the ground in front of her to kneel on. As soon as she was settled, she reached up and began unfastening Dirk s jeans, smiling as she worked at getting them open.I bet you have a big dick! You have a big dick, don t you, Dirk? she asked, looking up at him and smiling while getting the jeans open and pulling down the fly.See for yourself! he said, making Renee grin. She reached inside his jeans for his cock and was pleasantly surprised to find that he wasn t wearing anything under his jeans. She looked up at him and grinned as she wrapped her fingers around his soft cock.No underwear! she said, pulling his cock out of his jeans and then spreading the fly of the jeans as wide as possible. I like that! But right now, I m gonna wrap my lips around your cock and suck it until it s hard, she said, looking up at him and smiling. I just love feeling a man s cock get hard in my mouth!Before Dirk could reply she dipped her head down and put her lips on the head of his cock, sucking his entire soft cock into her mouth. She looked up at him as sucked hard, her cheeks hollowing in, running her tongue over and around the sensitive tip. This made Dirk jump just a little as he was really sensitive at the tip of his dick, and Hal chuckled at his reaction.Told you she was good! he said, grinning at Dirk. But you ain t seen nothin yet!Renee pulled her head back and let his hardening cock slip out of her mouth, holding the head in her mouth for a moment before sucking it all in her mouth again. She did this several times, pleased to find that Dirk was getting harder, longer, and thicker in her mouth very quickly. She slid her mouth up to the head of his cock, holding it there for a moment before she released it from her mouth with a soft 'pop. She smiled up at him as she spoke, gripping his cock tightly in one hand while opening his jeans further with the other.Let s get these big balls out, shall we? she said, smiling up at him as she pulled his balls out of his jeans. Oooh, nice! I just love playing with a man s balls! she said, massaging them in her hand while still pumping his cock. He was rock-hard by now, the precum beginning to flow with a drop of the clear fluid appearing at the tip of his cock.Oh, look! she said, grinning up at him as she noticed the drop of precum. Is that for me? Yummy! she said, sticking her wide, long tongue out and licking up the drop of slick fluid, making sure she licked as much of the head of his cock as she could in doing so. She had the widest, longest, and thickest tongue Dirk had ever seen, and she was good with it very good. As he watched, she put her lips right on the tip of his cock and sucked, pulling more of the fluid out of him.Hmm! she moaned, smiling up at him. She sat back a little and swallowed, then ran her wet tongue over her lips and smiled, looking directly at him. Eye contact was obviously a big thing with her, and she was very good at it among other things, as he was about to find out.I m gonna give you a tongue bath, and then I m gonna suck the cum right out of you! she said, grinning from ear to ear. She looked like an excited little girl with her hand gripping a nice, big lollypop, and Dirk had a feeling that was exactly how she was going to treat him like a treat ready to be swallowed. She stuck that wide, thick tongue out again and slowly licked him from the base of his balls all the way up to the head of his cock, never taking her eyes from his.Want me to time you, baby? Hal asked, taking a pull from his beer.Sure! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk as she pumped his cock in her hand. Let s see if I can break my record on how fast I can make him cum!So what s your record? Dirk asked.Five minutes! she said, giving him a sly smile before licking his cock again. But I have a feeling you might take a little bit longer than that, she said, licking him again.What makes you say that, baby? Hal asked.Call it a hunch, Renee replied, never taking her eyes from Dirk, but I just have a feeling that ol Dirk here is gonna be a tough nut to crack or to make cum, that is!Guess there s only one way to find out, huh? Dirk said, smiling at her. She smiled back as she replied.I guess so! she said, giving him one last, wet, lingering lick from his balls to the head of his dick.You ready, baby? Hal asked, holding up his wrist with his watch on it, thumb on the button.Oh, yeah! Renee replied, grinning up at Dirk.Go! Hal said, starting the stopwatch.Renee lowered her mouth down to his cock and took the head into her mouth, clamping her lips around the shaft just behind the flared ridge. Then she applied suction, lots of it, and then slid her mouth down onto his hard shaft, taking his entire length into her mouth in one long, fluid motion. She pulled her head back up the length of his shaft slowly, running her thick tongue over and around his cock as she did, massaging and squeezing his balls with one hand, maintaining the suction she was applying. When she got to the head of his cock she paused, keeping it trapped in her mouth, running her tongue over and around the sensitive head before sliding her mouth back down his cock once more, literally sucking it into her mouth and down her throat. She pushed her face down until her nose bumped against his abdomen, and she moaned as she made the trip back up his cock once more, her cheeks hollowing in from the suction she was applying.Um! she moaned, looking up at Dirk and smiling around his cock in her mouth. When she got to the head of his cock she held it in her mouth again, sucking on it while running her thick tongue along the underside. The suction she was applying was incredible, and Dirk could feel the precum being sucked from him. Her eyes rolled back into her head as she let about half of the head of his cock out of her mouth, her big, soft lips wrapped around it as she sucked on him. Then she moaned again as she slid her mouth back down his cock once more, making loud slurping noises as she sucked his throbbing shaft into her wet, sucking mouth. His cock was coated with her saliva by now, and he could feel it running down his balls as she worked on him.'Holy shit, she s good! She s even better than Amy! Dirk thought to himself as he watched Renee gobbling his cock over and over again. She was applying constant suction on his cock, pausing every now and then to draw a breath either through her nose or through her mouth when she opened her lips up just enough to breathe before clamping them around his cock again. She was obviously a fan of sloppy blowjobs, as by now his cock and balls and the front of his jeans were drenched with her saliva, and the garage was filled with the slurping sounds she was making as she sucked his cock.While she was working on his cock with her mouth, she was busy working on his balls with her hand. She massaged and squeezed them as she sucked on his cock, pulling and tugging on them as well. Dirk gritted his teeth as she tugged on them particularly hard as she sucked on his cock very hard, dragging her mouth back up its length. Dirk knew that if she kept this up he d be cumming in her mouth in no time, and he was determined to resist as long as he could.Renee looked up at him as she paused to suck on the head of his cock yet again, the loud slurping sounds filling the garage. She winked at him before looking over at her husband, tapping her finger against the back of her other wrist, her mouth still clamped onto the head of Dirk s cock. Hal looked down at his watch and smiled.Four min

 Biblical prophecy and progressive revelation; the sealing and unsealing of Daniel and Revelation; the Four Horsemen and the identity of Antichrist; the danger of conspiracy theories and speculative prophecy; discerning Scripture before interpreting current events; the Antichrist as a counterfeit of Christ; false peace and false unity; the limits of dogmatism in eschatology; Daniel's visions (the statue, the ten toes, iron and clay); the ten horns/kings; Europe, global politics, and historical empires as prophetic shadows; Psalm 83 and Middle Eastern hostility toward Israel; the necessity of “proper food at the proper time” in understanding prophecy. Overall Summary: In this extended teaching, Jacob Prasch urges believers to approach end-times prophecy with sobriety, humility, and strict fidelity to Scripture, warning against speculation, conspiracy theories, and premature certainty. He explains that biblical prophecy unfolds through progressive revelation, emphasizing that many details—particularly the identity of the Antichrist and the meaning of the ten horns—will only become fully clear when God “unseals” them at the appointed time. Drawing from Daniel, Revelation, the Gospels, and historical precedent, Prasch stresses that faithful believers will recognize the truth when the time comes, but not before, and that Scripture must interpret current events—not the other way around.The message also explores the repeated biblical theme that human attempts at forced unity—political, cultural, or religious—ultimately fail, illustrated by Daniel's image of iron mixed with clay and by historical and modern geopolitical examples. Prasch connects this to the Antichrist's future counterfeit peace and global coalition, which will briefly succeed before collapsing under divine judgment. The teaching concludes with a pastoral exhortation: believers must diligently study, obey, and apply what God has already revealed, trusting that further understanding will be given only when it is truly needed.

This week U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak about how to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions. This episode explores recent space-related developments in Israel, Iran, and more generally the rest of the Middle-Eastern region. Laura Winter speaks with Lawrence Rubin, co-director of the Georgia Tech DC Program and an associate professor in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs.

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup. The city also plays host this week to the Asian Racing Conference, where Nick catches up with NYRA CEO David O'Rourke, alongside Total Performance Data supremo Will Duff-Gordon. At the track, trainer Tom Clover talks about his quartet of runners across 4 Middle Eastern venues over the next fortnight, while Toshi Onikubo runs the rule over the Japanese contingent. David Yates is in Closutton, drawing out the thoughts of Willie `Mullins on his key Cheltenham contenders.

This podcast episode of Future Shop features WSL's Wendy Liebmann and Elia Auchane as they recap their recent trip to Cosmoprof North America in Miami. Together, they explore the shifting landscape of the beauty industry, questioning if the sector is “tapped out” while identifying the viral trends, from K-Beauty to Middle Eastern fragrances, that are currently dominating the global market. Through the lens of retail curation and the “toyification” of beauty, they break down how social media and community building have replaced traditional marketing as the primary engines of growth. Episode Highlights The Clash of Worlds: Why the “sleepy,” clinical minimalism of K-Beauty and the “glossy,” over-the-top opulence of Middle Eastern fragrances dominated the show floor. The TikTok Feed Come to Life: How trade shows have evolved into live content sets for influencers and social media brands. Fragrance Wardrobing: The shift from having a “signature scent” to collecting affordable, viral fragrances based on mood.Retail as Curator: Why small-footprint, discovery-focused environments like airport shops are becoming the gold standard for beauty retail.Beyond the Desk: The importance of Retail Safaris® and physical immersion to understand where the competition is actually spending.Send a textVisit our website for transcripts, links mentioned on this episodes, and video podcasts. Subscribe and rate us with your favorite podcast app!

Community Matters Café Executive Chef Chayil Johnson shares his story of culinary service that extends beyond the food menu. Learn how he combines his Creole heritage, traditional African foodway influences, Middle Eastern flavor, and a formal education into one-of-a-kind gumbo for Charlotte Rescue Mission's life skills program.  Chayil explains where Community Matters Café fits into the mission's 180-day addiction recovery program. Working in New Orleans kitchens at 12 and matriculating to Charlotte's Johnson & Wales a decade ago, Chayil is earning recognition from the James Beard Foundation, Charlotte media and industry organizations. Hear how he credits his own hard work and a community of family and global influencers that clearly matter in the food he creates. This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by Carolina Barbecue Festival, April 17-18 at Victoria Yards in Charlotte. 30+ pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond celebrate the traditions of whole hog barbecue while supporting Operation BBQ Relief. Reserve your tickets today for the Kickoff, the Festival, or a full weekend of barbecue. Visit the Low & Slow Barbecue website here!

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup. The city also plays host this week to the Asian Racing Conference, where Nick catches up with NYRA CEO David O'Rourke, alongside Total Performance Data supremo Will Duff-Gordon. At the track, trainer Tom Clover talks about his quartet of runners across 4 Middle Eastern venues over the next fortnight, while Toshi Onikubo runs the rule over the Japanese contingent. David Yates is in Closutton, drawing out the thoughts of Willie `Mullins on his key Cheltenham contenders.

In this episode, Alice interviews two academics who are part of the newly-founded Ancient Peace Studies Network: Professor John Hyland and Dr Rhyne King. John is a professor of ancient history at Christopher Newport University, specialising in the history of Achaemenid Persia and its relations with Classical Greece and ancient Anatolia, during the 6th-4th centuries BCE. He is the author of Persian Interventions: the Achaemenid Empire, Athens, and Sparta 450-386 BCE (Johns Hopkins UP, 2018) and co-editor of Brill's Companion to War in the Ancient Iranian Empires (Brill, 2024), and he has a new book just out called Persia's Greek Campaigns: Kingship, War, and Empire on the Achaemenid Frontier (Oxford, 2025).Rhyne is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto, who also researches the Achaemenid Persian Empire, drawing on Greek historiographical sources (Herodotus, Xenophon, etc.) and documentary evidence in Middle Eastern languages such as Akkadian, Elamite, and Aramaic.His first book, published with the University of California press in 2025, is called The House of the Satrap: The Making of the Ancient Persian Empire. This episode digs into different conceptualisations of peace and peacebuilding across the Achaemenid Persian Empire, exploring it both from a domestic viewpoint and in the light of interstate relations. We touch on sources such as the famous Cyrus Cylinder, and its ongoing resonance in Iranian identity-building and international politics today. And we explore the peace rhetoric of kings such as Darius I, as seen in e.g. the Bīsotūn monument. The conversation considers the relationship between peace and order, peace and the gods, and peace and 'paradise'; and we also discuss the insights which ancient Persian peace imaginaries might offer on modern concepts and practices.We hope you enjoy the episode! For a version of our podcast with close captions, please use this link. For more information about individuals and their projects, please visit the University of St Andrews' Visualising War website and the Ancient Peace Studies Network.Music composed by Jonathan YoungSound mixing by Zofia Guertin

The latest wave of protests in Iran shook the country to the core. Clearly, the Islamic Republic regime felt squeezed to the point of using excessive violence. Many thousands have likely lost their lives, with exact estimations varying greatly. The Middle Eastern expert and analyst, Rouzbeh Parsi, joins Edgar for a conversation about the background to this cycle of protests in Iran, about what makes it different but also what similarities it has with previous waves.To listen to the episode ad-free subscribe to our Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/kalampodcastFollow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/kalampodcast/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabriel Fanelli is back on the Grey Dynamics Podcast, and this time as our new Director of Training.Look, I've been wanting to have this conversation since we first met. Gabe's trajectory is different from most people in the intelligence world. Bronze Star recipient, 14 years in the Army, former SOCOM instructor, fluent in Arabic, and now leading our training programs at Grey Dynamics. But what makes this conversation special isn't just his resume.We went deep on this one. We talked about what it really means to be a crypto linguist, not the Hollywood version. But the actual work of listening to intercepted communications while sitting in a forward operating base in Syria. We talked about why he hated being stuck in a SCIF and how he found his way to tactical SIGINT work where he could actually connect with people on the ground.But we also talked about languages in a way I haven't explored on this podcast before. Gabe's father was an archaeologist, and he grew up surrounded by Middle Eastern artifacts and culture. His love for Arabic didn't come from military necessity. It came from genuine fascination. And that makes all the difference when you're trying to connect with people. Whether you're an intelligence collector or just someone trying to understand the world better.We touched on OSINT and where it sits in the intelligence ecosystem. Gabe's take is refreshing. OSINT isn't better than SIGINT or HUMINT, and those disciplines aren't better than OSINT. They're all sinew connecting different parts of the same body. The gatekeeping and chest-pounding about which INT is superior misses the point entirely.And then we got philosophical. We talked about AI's role in intelligence work, about writing and how to convey complex ideas without sucking the humanity out of them, about the goal in life not being happiness but usefulness. Gabe wrote a book called The Resilient Dad after losing a friend to suicide, and his perspective on fatherhood, masculinity, and what it means to show up for people hit differently than most self-help nonsense you see online.This is probably the most introspective conversation I've had on this podcast. Usually I'm just listening and learning from guests, but because Gabe and I are already friends, this felt more like two people thinking out loud together. If you're interested in intelligence tradecraft, if you care about language and cross-cultural communication. Or if you're just trying to figure out how to be a better human being in a world that's increasingly automated and disconnected—this one's for you.And for those asking: yes, Gabe will be launching our Operational OSINT Fundamentals course soon, along with an open-source SIGINT course for people who want to get their feet wet in that world. More details are coming.Listen now and see why I'm so excited to have Gabe on the team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. U.S. Government & Political Context The podcast opens with a brief discussion of the government shutdown that ended quickly, and is evidence of political posturing rather than substantive conflict. The transition sets the stage for broader national security concerns rather than domestic legislative issues. 2. Emergence of the Polisario Front as a National Security Threat The Polisario Front, a separatist group in Western Sahara founded in 1973, is presented as an underrecognized but growing terrorist threat. Iran is funding, training, and supplying the group, attempting to turn it into a West African proxy similar to the Houthis. Alleged activities include: Collaboration with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah Use of drones, weapons transfers, and regional destabilization Labeling the group as a terrorist organization is essential, this represents a dangerous blind spot in U.S. counterterrorism policy. 3. Accusation of Institutional Caution and “Deep State” Resistance State Department officials are portrayed as intentionally evasive during Senate testimony. The analysis claims this reluctance stems from: Ongoing diplomatic efforts in Africa Desire to avoid disrupting negotiations involving Morocco and Algeria 4. Iran at a “Tipping Point” Iran has become internally fragile, facing: Widespread protests Mass casualties allegedly ranging from 10,000–40,000 protesters The Iranian regime’s actions (e.g., drones near U.S. naval assets, attempted tanker seizures) are interpreted as provocations meant to rally domestic support and distract from internal collapse.: Negotiations with Iran are a delaying tactic The U.S. should support Iranian protesters directly, including by providing weapons Regime change is framed as: Preferable if carried out by Iranians themselves Potentially the largest positive national security shift since the Cold War if successful. 5. Global Domino Effect Narrative Iran is grouped with Venezuela and Cuba as regimes allegedly near collapse. Simultaneous democratic transitions in all three would represent a historic geopolitical realignment in favor of U.S. interests. 6. Netflix–Warner Bros. Merger & National Security Concerns The proposed $83 billion Netflix–Warner Bros. merger is criticized on two main grounds: Cultural and ideological influence The entertainment industry is portrayed as overwhelmingly left‑leaning and hostile to conservative or pro‑American perspectives. Concern that increased market power could amplify ideological “propaganda.” Foreign influence Alarm over foreign (especially Middle Eastern and Chinese) capital shaping American entertainment content. Content has been altered or censored to appease foreign governments. The merger is not merely an antitrust issue but as a matter of national sovereignty and cultural security. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love, sweetness, and deep cultural symbolism take center stage in this Valentine's season episode of The Modern Persian Food Podcast.

Interview withAndrew Penkethman, MD & CEO of Ardea Resources Ltd.Mark Selby, CEO of Canada NickelRecording date: 2nd February 2026The global nickel market is undergoing a fundamental transformation that is creating investment opportunities in Western-controlled supply chains. Andrew Penkethman, CEO of Ardea Resources, and Mark Selby, CEO of Canada Nickel, recently discussed how their large-scale projects in Australia and Canada are positioned to capitalise on this shift.After two challenging years dominated by Indonesian supply flooding global markets, the landscape is changing. Since December 2025, nickel prices have risen approximately $4,500 per ton as Indonesia transitions from overwhelming production to active supply management. Selby characterises Indonesia as "an OPEC of one country," now implementing quota controls rather than unrestricted output. Price increases across the entire supply chain—from ore to nickel pig iron to stainless steel—indicate genuine market tightness rather than temporary speculation.Both executives emphasise a critical distinction between their new development projects and the aging operations that closed in 2024. Legacy assets from BHP and First Quantum represent 30-year-old mines with declining grades, increasing costs, and years of underinvestment. In contrast, Ardea's Goongarrie Hub and Canada Nickel's Crawford project offer fresh economics with 30-50+ year mine lives, substantial resources, and modern processing capabilities that position them favourably on the cost curve.Strategic validation has arrived through significant partnerships. Ardea secured $98.5 million in definitive feasibility study funding from Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation, whilst Canada Nickel attracted Anglo American, Agnico Eagle, and Samsung SDI as investors. These experienced institutions seek long-term supply arrangements spanning decades, not speculative positions.Government support is accelerating development timelines. Both projects have received major project status enabling streamlined permitting and access to sovereign wealth fund financing. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney personally promotes the Crawford project to Middle Eastern investors, whilst Australia develops an "investor front door" program for critical minerals projects.The investment thesis extends beyond electric vehicles into broader critical minerals security. Chinese interests control approximately 80% of refined nickel supply, creating strategic vulnerabilities that Western governments address through supply chain diversification initiatives. With defence spending increasing globally and only a handful of quality nickel projects advancing worldwide, both companies expect construction decisions in 2026-2027.Sign up for Crux Investor: https://cruxinvestor.com

Most startup stories focus on what companies become.This one focuses on how they are built.In this special Qatar Development Bank series of Couchonomics with Arjun, Arjun sits down in Doha with Hamad Al-Hajri, Founder and CEO of Snoonu, to explore how one of Qatar's most successful tech companies was built and why its journey matters for the region. Hamad explains why Snoonu was never meant to be just a delivery app, but a speed-led business designed for small, fragmented markets. From brand identity and culture to engineering excellence and profitability, the conversation unpacks what it really takes to scale from Qatar.The episode also covers Snoonu's acquisition by Jahez, the role of AI in product discovery, and how platform-led expansion could shape the next phase of growth.An honest discussion on super apps, culture as infrastructure, and building globally relevant companies from the Middle East.

Ever heard of a band that traveled to Egypt on a Goethe Institute tour, recorded street sounds in Cairo bazaars, then came home to Berlin and created one of the most mind-bending krautrock albums of the '70s? This week, we're digging into Malesch by Agitation Free—a 1972 experimental masterpiece that won our listener poll despite none of us having ever heard it before. This is pure discovery territory.In this episode, we explore how a Berlin rock band named themselves after playing a free show, lost their drummer to Tangerine Dream, then embarked on a two-week Middle Eastern tour that changed everything. Armed with field recorders and cutting-edge EMS Synthi A synthesizers, Agitation Free created an album that sounds simultaneously prehistoric and futuristic—cosmic krautrock fused with Egyptian street recordings, primal percussion, and space-age electronics.We discuss what makes Malesch so challenging yet compelling: the lack of traditional song structures, the subtle integration of Middle Eastern influences without clichés, the innovative use of early synth technology, and why this album works better as immersive background music than active listening. Is this metal? Barely. Is it original? Absolutely. Does it connect to modern bands like Blood Incantation? More than you'd think.If you love Tangerine Dream, Can, Cluster, early Pink Floyd, Grateful Dead jams, or experimental krautrock that defies easy categorization, this episode is for you.Episode Highlights0:00 – Intro & Poll Results – How an obscure 1972 krautrock album beat out Humble Pie for our January 70s poll4:32 – Band History – From “Agitation” to “Agitation Free” and the Tangerine Dream connection6:10 – The Middle East Tour – Goethe Institute sponsorship, field recordings in Egypt, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Greece9:21 – “You Play For Us Today” – Opening the album with phrases captured from a Middle East Airlines pilot13:17 – What Works – Atmospheric mood-setting, early synth innovation, and why this sounds like nothing else from 197219:00 – “Pulse” – The buzzing, bee-like synthesizer showcase that's both annoying and mesmerizing21:10 – Krautrock Context – How German post-war youth created experimental music that influenced decades of rock22:26 – The Blood Incantation Connection – Modern death metal's surprising embrace of ambient krautrock24:03 – The Jandek Tangent – Why Malesch is challenging but not that challenging28:05 – What Doesn't Work – Fragmented structure, lack of consistent grooves, and the “convincing metalheads this is metal” challenge30:39 – “Malesch” – The eight-minute title track that's the album's most mesmerizing moment34:01 – Final Ratings – Worthy Album vs. Decent Single debate37:40 – Band Legacy – Still active in 2023, Christopher Franke's Tangerine Dream career, and the Vertigo swirl label collectibilityJoin the Metal Union! Become a Patreon member at digmeoutpodcast.com to vote on future albums, access bonus episodes, and join our private Discord community. Visit dmounion.com to keep the metal ad-free and make the next episode happen.Explore more 70s and 80s metal deep cuts, forgotten krautrock gems, and underrated progressive rock classics. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts and follow us for weekly episodes covering everything from Humble Pie to Agitation Free—the albums you know and the ones you've never heard of.#AgitationFree #Malesch #Krautrock #GermanRock #1970sRock #ExperimentalRock #ProgRock #TangerineDream #VertigoRecords #DigMeOut #MetalPodcast #70sMetal #KrautrockClassics #PsychedelicRock #EMSSynthiA #MiddleEasternRock #CultClassics #ObscureAlbums This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.digmeoutpodcast.com/subscribe

Start Artist Song Time Album Year 0:01:54 Venus Loon The Eternal Amicus Dance 4:08 Ophanim 2025 0:06:21 Jason Blake Pluvial Thoughts 5:03 Ethereal Dialogue 2024 0:11:46 Ævestaden Jag vill ut och du vill ner i jorden 5:44 Ni blomster i en åker 2025 0:18:21 Rubi Ate The Fig Gilgamesh 3:55 Desert Electric 2025 0:22:52 Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore Perpetual Adoration 5:26 Tragic Magic 2026 0:28:43 Europa String Choir Waterfall 4:46 Lemon Crash-25th Anniversary Edition 2025 0:33:55 Tyler Kamen Spirit Box (The Call / The Dream) 10:10 Echoe’s End 2026 0:44:29 Estas Tonne Wheel of Life-The Insight 6:41 Sound Ceremony (Live in Zurich, 2024) 2026 0:51:37 Ashley Reaks Deep Inside Our Silent Sorrow 5:21 Nature Reversed 2026 0:57:18 Faun Drei Tage 4:35 Drei Tage 2026 Ophanim by Venus Loon favorite track The Eternal Amicus Dance Peter Lawson and Wolfgang Ostermann have teamed up as Venus Loon, bringing a fine release of progressive/space rock. Peter plays guitars, bass, keyboards, and mandolin, and Wolfgang provides the drums for the tracks. Ethereal Dialogue by Jason Blake favorite track Pluvial Thoughts Chicagoan Jason Blake plays Warr guitar, often in a more progressive rock style rather than this atmospheric outing. He combines looping and various echo effects into resplendent meditations Ni blomster i en åker by Ævestaden favorite track Jag vill ut och du vill ner i jorden This Norwegian trio of multi-instrumentalists play fiddle, jaw harp, lyres, kantele, cow horn, and electronics. They expertly blend vocal harmonies into a rich pastiche which harkens to ancient Nordic traditions. Desert Electric by Rubi Ate the Fig favorite track Gilgamesh Based out of New Mexico, the core band is led by composter Sharon Eliashar on vocals and guitar, members add qanun, drums and other percussion, guitars, keyboards, bass, saz, cello, and buzuq. Guest musicians play ney, Arabic strings, additional percussion, duduk, oud, zourna, farfisa organ, additional backing vocals, a string quartet, and probably there's a kitchen sink in there, too. The music is a heady amalgamation of rock and psych, blended with Middle Eastern traditions. Tragic Magic by Julianna Barwick & Mary Lattimore favorite track Perpetual Adoration Here is a collaboration of vocalist and electronica composer Julianna Barwick and harpist Mary Lattimore. Recorded at the Philharmonie de Paris, they utilized the Musée de la Musique's instrument collection, which included ancient harps and analog synths. Together they have created a bewitching musical spell. Lemon Crash – 25th Anniversary Edition by Europa String Choir favorite track Waterfall around for just a little while. This is a release with the pieces being reworked with modern equipment for superior sound. Instruments are 6-string violectra, guitars, and 8-string touch guitar, producing a heady blend of acoustic and electric music. Echoe’s End by Tyler Kamen favorite track Spirit Box, Pt. 2 – The Dream New York psych/folk/blues-tinged multi-instrumentalist and composer Tyler Kamen returns with this lovely, layered, lysergic plunge deep into the otherworld. There is no mistaking his signature sound for anyone else, yet each release is not merely delving into the same territory as the ones before. Dreamy and phantasmagoric. Sound Ceremony (Live in Zurich, Spring 2024) by Estas Tonne feat. Ali Ghamsari, Sylvia Kirchherr, Ben Aylon, Yonatan Bar Rashi favorite track Wheel of Life-The Insight This superb guitarist and composer is joined live with guests on Iranian tar, various percussion instruments and vocalists. He has indeed created somewhat of a ceremonial atmosphere for this show, with several extended pieces, which are stunning. For brevity's sake, I am choosing Wheel of Life – The Insight, which reflects most of what you will find here. Nature Reversed by Ashley Reaks favorite track Deep Inside Our Silent Sorrow Ashley Reaks has issued another fine release, which sounds unmistakenly like him, and no one else. These songs are all inspired by the Yorkshire Dales, but don't expect them to be cheerily bucolic because of that. These are dark dales, where the wanderer is struggling with angst and faces his own inner familial demons. He eventually succeeds, finding a sort of peace after he has faced them and the storms have passed. FAUN “Drei Tage” Single 2026 FAUN return with their superb amalgamation of traditional and modern instrumentation that places them squarely at the leading edge of the dark/pagan/medieval folk pack. Drei Tage features dulcet vocals and lush orchestration, it's full of mystery and Nordic darkness.

We’re talking about where faith & DNA collide. This is a throwback episode from my 2018 interview with Dr Simon Southerton. We’ll discuss how this former LDS bishop got excommunicated over his writings about DNA problems with the Book of Mormon and his book “Losing a Lost Tribe.” Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/N0pD5jz01OA Chapters 0:00 Faith & DNA Collision Result in Excommunication 18:41 Cohen Haplotype 36:06 DNA Shouldn’t Vanish 54:45 The Flood & Religious Beliefs Check out our other conversations on DNA & Book of Mormon: https://gospeltangents.com/lds_theology/dna-book-of-mormon/ Faith & DNA Collision: LDS Bishop to Genetic Skeptic What happens when a molecular geneticist, serving as a faithful LDS Bishop, encounters scientific data that directly contradicts the keystone of his religion? I'm excited to release the full video of our 2018 interview with Australian researcher Dr. Simon Southerton. A former Senior Research Scientist with the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization), Dr. Southerton's journey from devout leader to vocal critic is one of the most compelling narratives in the world of Mormon studies. Dr. Southerton utilizes his expertise in population genetics to tackle apologetic theories regarding the Book of Mormon, offering a hard-hitting look at DNA, history, and the cost of following his conscience. Global Flood and “Cognitive Dissonance” Dr. Southerton's transition didn’t begin with DNA, but with the Flood. While serving as a bishop, he read an Ensign article classifying those who believe in a “local flood” (rather than a global catastrophe 4,500 years ago) as effectively denying the faith. Knowing that a global flood is scientifically impossible due to geological and genetic evidence, he felt alienated. This prompted him to research Native American DNA, hoping to find evidence supporting the Book of Mormon. Instead, he found that 99% of Native American markers are derived from Asia, with the remainder being post-Columbus European or African admixture. The realization hit him during a family night: “We chose Book of Mormon stories… by the end of that song I was pretty deeply upset… I remember thinking at the time I’m never going to sing that song again with my children because it’s wrong.” “Vanishing DNA” Theory A major portion of the interview addresses the apologetic argument—promoted by scholars like Ugo Perego—that Lehi's party was so small their DNA “vanished” or was swamped by existing populations. Southerton rejects this as inconsistent with the text. He argues that the Book of Mormon describes massive civilizations and rapid population growth, not a small family that immediately disappeared into a dominant culture. He notes that whole-genome sequencing of ancient Mayans consistently shows Asian ancestry, not Middle Eastern. Cohen Haplotype vs. The X Lineage Dr. Southerton explains why DNA can track ancient migrations if they actually occurred. He points to the Lemba tribe in Africa, who claimed Jewish ancestry. Genetic testing revealed they carried the “Cohen Haplotype,” a specific Semitic Y-chromosome marker, vindicating their oral history. Conversely, he takes aim at the theories of Rodney Meldrum, whom he characterizes as a “snake oil salesman”. Meldrum argues the “X Lineage” in North America is evidence of Middle Eastern migration. Southerton clarifies that the X lineage is an ancient marker arriving roughly 15,000 years ago—long before the Nephites—and is distantly related to Middle Eastern markers, splitting off 30,000 years ago. The Viking Argument Apologists often argue that since we can’t find Viking DNA in the Americas (despite knowing they were there), we shouldn’t expect to find Nephite DNA. Southerton dismisses this parallel. He argues that Vikings were raiders and traders who didn’t establish massive, centuries-long civilizations comparable to the Nephites and Lamanites described in the scriptures. Excommunication and Life After Faith Finally, Dr. Southerton opens up about the “draconian” process of his excommunication. While the Church charged him with “inappropriate relationships” during a separation from his wife, Southerton asserts the true motivation was his book, Losing a Lost Tribe. He describes the disciplinary council as a “15th-century” process where the outcome is decided before the accused enters the room. Today, Southerton identifies as agnostic, finding peace outside of organized religion. He emphasizes that one does not need the Church to be a “delightful, decent, good human being.” Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

You're still showing up. But are you leading with clarity — or just holding it together? Take 15 minutes to reflect with the Christian Leader® Self-Assessment — a simple tool to help you see what's really working... and what's quietly wearing you out. It's free!https://www.ryanfranklin.org/clselfassessment In this episode of The Christian Leader Made Simple Show, Ryan Franklin sits down with Scott Sistrunk to talk honestly about rejection, failure, and staying motivated in ministry. Drawing from his missions experience and a powerful story of a Middle Eastern convert, Scott shares how leaders can endure resistance without letting it redefine their calling. This conversation offers biblical perspective, real-world wisdom, and practical encouragement for pastors and church leaders who feel worn down, discouraged, or tempted to quit.Purchase Christian Leader Sight Planner (a tool that has drastically changed Ryan's productivity): Black Cover – https://amzn.to/3JpBHvm Blue Cover – https://amzn.to/4ouFRB9 Green Cover – https://amzn.to/4oXVLUrPurchase The Christian Leader Blueprint book today: https://www.ryanfranklin.org/blueprintbookConnect with Ryan: Email: info@ryanfranklin.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rnfranklin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rnfranklin/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnfranklin/ Website: https://www.ryanfranklin.org Audio mastering by Apostolic Audio: https://www.apostolic-audio.com#leadership, #thoughtleadership, #ministry, #pastor, #pastors, #churches, #leadershiptraining, #churchleader, #churchleaders, #influence, #leadershipdevelopment, #coaching, #executivecoach, #leadershipcoaching, #productivitycoach, #productivity, #growthmindset, #theproductiveleader, #ChristianLeader, #ChristianLeadership, #LeadershipPodcast, #FaithAndBusiness, #PodcastInterview, #ChristianEntrepreneurship, #KingdomImpact, #PodcastInspiration, #LeadershipJourney, #PurposeDriven, #ChristianPodcast, #LeadershipEssentials, #LeadershipFundamentalsSend us a text

TCP's inaugural episode features Suraj Yengde and Anupama Rao, two scholars whose academic work and activism have helped to set the parameters of the contemporary debate on caste. In our conversation, we addressed the challenge of defining caste, their individual pathways into researching and writing on the caste question, and the virtues and limitations of comparing caste and race as two enduring forms of social stratification. We ended with a discussion of Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, the runaway bestseller that made caste and its relationship to race a topic of mainstream debate in the United States. Guests: Suraj Yengde: scholar, public intellectual, and anti-caste activist. Anupama Rao: Professor of History and Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, Columbia University Mentioned in the episode: B.R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste IITs: the Indian Institutes of Technology IIMs: the Indian Institutes of Management Reserved candidates: beneficiaries of India's system of affirmative action B.R. Ambedkar, “Castes in India” Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents Anupama Rao, The Caste Question Suraj Yengde, Caste Matters Suraj Yengde, Caste: A Global Story Shaadi.com: an Indian matrimonial website Phule: Jyotirao Phule was an anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra. Periyar: E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, commonly known as Periyar, was a writer, social revolutionary, and politician who was one of the principal ideologues of the Self-Respect Movement. Begumpura, or “city without sorrow” expresses the notion of a casteless, classless utopia and was first formulated by Sant Ravidas (c. 1450-1520). Dalit Panthers was a revolutionary, anti-caste organization founded in 1972. It was based in Maharashtra and drew inspiration from the American Black Panther Party. Oliver Cox, Caste, Class, and Race: A Study in Social Dynamics (1948) Divya Cherian, Merchants of Virtue Meet the Savarnas: 2025 book by Ravikant Kisana Ramesh Bairy, Being Brahmin, Being Modern Dumont, Homo Hierarchicus Daniel Immerwahr, “Caste of Colony?” Nico Slate, Colored Cosmopolitanism W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk W.E.B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction Ajantha Subramanian is Professor of Anthropology at CUNY Graduate Center and host of The Caste Pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

TCP's inaugural episode features Suraj Yengde and Anupama Rao, two scholars whose academic work and activism have helped to set the parameters of the contemporary debate on caste. In our conversation, we addressed the challenge of defining caste, their individual pathways into researching and writing on the caste question, and the virtues and limitations of comparing caste and race as two enduring forms of social stratification. We ended with a discussion of Isabel Wilkerson's Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, the runaway bestseller that made caste and its relationship to race a topic of mainstream debate in the United States. Guests: Suraj Yengde: scholar, public intellectual, and anti-caste activist. Anupama Rao: Professor of History and Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, Columbia University Mentioned in the episode: B.R. Ambedkar, Annihilation of Caste IITs: the Indian Institutes of Technology IIMs: the Indian Institutes of Management Reserved candidates: beneficiaries of India's system of affirmative action B.R. Ambedkar, “Castes in India” Isabel Wilkerson, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents Anupama Rao, The Caste Question Suraj Yengde, Caste Matters Suraj Yengde, Caste: A Global Story Shaadi.com: an Indian matrimonial website Phule: Jyotirao Phule was an anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra. Periyar: E.V. Ramasamy Naicker, commonly known as Periyar, was a writer, social revolutionary, and politician who was one of the principal ideologues of the Self-Respect Movement. Begumpura, or “city without sorrow” expresses the notion of a casteless, classless utopia and was first formulated by Sant Ravidas (c. 1450-1520). Dalit Panthers was a revolutionary, anti-caste organization founded in 1972. It was based in Maharashtra and drew inspiration from the American Black Panther Party. Oliver Cox, Caste, Class, and Race: A Study in Social Dynamics (1948) Divya Cherian, Merchants of Virtue Meet the Savarnas: 2025 book by Ravikant Kisana Ramesh Bairy, Being Brahmin, Being Modern Dumont, Homo Hierarchicus Daniel Immerwahr, “Caste of Colony?” Nico Slate, Colored Cosmopolitanism W.E.B. Du Bois, The Souls of Black Folk W.E.B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction Ajantha Subramanian is Professor of Anthropology at CUNY Graduate Center and host of The Caste Pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

What if everything you were taught about history is not just incomplete but inverted? What if America is not the New World but the Old World? What if the Mississippi River is the real Nile and the Grand Canyon is the true Giza Plateau? What if Utah is Judah, the Great Salt Lake is the Dead Sea, and the Exodus did not happen in the Middle East but right here, on American soil? Tonight we enter territory that will challenge everything you think you know about where you live, who built the world around you, and why the truth has been buried. Taylor Durden, known online as Tao Lore, has spent years piecing together what he calls the hidden history. His research spans Tartaria, a worldwide civilization that mainstream historians barely acknowledge, to quantum biology, to the claim that at least five major resets have erased previous societies from memory, with a thousand years injected into the timeline to cover the deception. He connects the Moors, the A00 haplogroup, and the true builders of the magnificent architecture we see across the world. He asks why Ellis Island looks like a Moorish palace and why Middle Eastern city names are scattered across the United States. But Taylor goes further. He says the human body is the first quantum computer. He says parasites are inherited, feeding on fear and pride across generations. He says hospital birth severs us from past life memories and that the orphan trains of the 1800s were not charity but repopulation efforts after a reset wiped out the previous inhabitants. He speaks of clones, of NPCs walking among us without souls, of Archons who architect this dream reality we mistake for waking life. This is not comfortable territory. This is the deep end. And tonight, we are diving in.

Victoria Coates, VP of The Heritage Foundation & Former Deputy National Security Advisor, joins Sid to wish him a happy 10-year anniversary at WABC Radio, before she dives into all the news of the day pertaining to Middle Eastern affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEGMENT 14: EMERGING SUNNI OR ISLAMIC NATO IN ASIA Guest: Gregory Copley Copley explores the potential formation of a new security alliance among Sunni Muslim nations in Asia. Discussion covers the strategic drivers behind such a coalition, which countries might participate, how this Islamic NATO could reshape regional power dynamics, and implications for Western alliances and Middle Eastern stability.

SHOW SCHEDULE 1-20-20251907 GREENLANDSEGMENT 1: RETAIL SALES AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Guest: Liz Peek Strong retail sales signal consumer confidence as Trump takes office. Peek discusses holiday spending numbers, the stock market's performance, and economic expectations for the new administration. Conversation touches on inflation pressures, interest rate concerns, and whether the economy's momentum can continue under new policy directions.SEGMENT 2: MARKETS AND GREENLAND CONTROVERSY Guest: Liz Peek Peek analyzes market reactions to the incoming administration and addresses Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Discussion covers the strategic importance of Greenland's resources and location, European responses to the proposal, and how this diplomatic imbroglio fits into broader economic and geopolitical considerations facing the new term.SEGMENT 3: EUROPEAN FRUSTRATION WITH TRUMP'S RETURN Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Dempsey assesses European anxiety as Trump begins his second term. Discussion covers EU economic stagnation, Germany's struggling industrial base, and widespread frustration among European leaders unprepared for renewed American pressure on trade, defense spending, and NATO commitments. McCotter joins from Detroit offering domestic political perspective.SEGMENT 4: EU ECONOMY AND TRANSATLANTIC TENSIONS Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Continued analysis of Europe's economic malaise and political uncertainty ahead of German elections. Dempsey examines how EU leadership plans to navigate Trump's transactional approach to alliances, concerns over tariffs and energy policy, and whether Europe can muster unified responses to American demands on defense and trade.SEGMENT 5: POWELL VS. TRUMP ON MONETARY POLICY Guest: Joseph Sternberg (London) Sternberg analyzes the brewing conflict between Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and President Trump over interest rate policy. Discussion examines Trump's public criticism of Powell, the Fed's independence, inflation concerns, and how this tension between the White House and central bank could shape economic policy and market confidence.SEGMENT 6: STARMER'S LEADERSHIP FAILURES AND CHINA EMBASSY CONCERNS Guest: Joseph Sternberg (London) Sternberg critiques Prime Minister Keir Starmer's struggling leadership and lack of clear direction for Britain. Discussion turns to Starmer's belated scrutiny of China's massive new London embassy complex, raising security concerns about the sprawling diplomatic compound and questions about why earlier governments permitted its construction without adequate review.SEGMENT 7: IRAN EXECUTIONS AND TRUMP'S PROMISE OF HELP Guest: Jonathan Schanzer (Washington, DC) Schanzer reports on the surge of executions inside Iran as the regime cracks down on dissent. Discussion covers Trump's remarks signaling support for the Iranian people, the brutal nature of the regime's repression, recent execution numbers, and whether American policy shifts could aid those suffering under Tehran's authoritarian rule.SEGMENT 8: GAZA CEASEFIRE AND POSTWAR GOVERNANCE Guest: Jonathan Schanzer (Washington, DC) Schanzer examines the fragile Gaza ceasefire and critical questions about who will govern after the fighting ends. Discussion analyzes the proposed makeup of any postwar governing board, the challenges of reconstruction, Hamas's continued presence, and regional players jockeying for influence over Gaza's future political arrangements.SEGMENT 9: GREENLAND STRATEGY AND ARCTIC AMBITIONS Guest: Mary Kissel (Former Senior Adviser to Secretary Pompeo) Kissel offers insider perspective on Trump's renewed push for Greenland, drawing on her State Department experience. Discussion examines the strategic rationale behind the proposal, Arctic security concerns, Danish and European reactions, and whether this represents serious policy or negotiating leverage for broader geopolitical objectives.SEGMENT 10: GAZA DIPLOMACY AND INVITATIONS TO ADVERSARIES Guest: Mary Kissel Kissel analyzes the peculiar diplomatic landscape surrounding Gaza negotiations, including controversial outreach to bad actors like Putin. Discussion questions the wisdom of engaging hostile powers in Middle East peacemaking, the signals this sends to allies, and how the new administration might reshape these diplomatic approaches going forward.SEGMENT 11: JAPAN'S SNAP ELECTION UNDER PM TAKAICHI Guest: Lance Gatling (Tokyo), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Gatling reports from Tokyo on Prime Minister Takaichi's decision to call snap elections. Discussion covers the political calculations behind this move, Takaichi's nationalist stance, implications for US-Japan relations under the new Trump administration, and how Japanese voters are responding to shifting domestic and regional dynamics.SEGMENT 12: CHINA'S GROWING THREAT TO JAPAN Guest: Lance Gatling (Tokyo), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Gatling assesses the mounting Chinese military threat facing Japan, including naval provocations and airspace incursions. Discussion examines Japan's defense posture, increased military spending, the importance of the US-Japan alliance in deterring Beijing, and how Tokyo views the security landscape with Trump returning to the White House.SEGMENT 13: NATO'S DECLINE AND THE GREENLAND CRISIS Guest: Gregory Copley Copley argues the Greenland controversy reveals deeper fractures signaling NATO's erosion. Discussion examines how the alliance has weakened through neglect and diverging interests, European defensiveness over Arctic claims, and whether the transatlantic security architecture built after World War II can survive current political and strategic pressures.SEGMENT 14: EMERGING SUNNI OR ISLAMIC NATO IN ASIA Guest: Gregory Copley Copley explores the potential formation of a new security alliance among Sunni Muslim nations in Asia. Discussion covers the strategic drivers behind such a coalition, which countries might participate, how this Islamic NATO could reshape regional power dynamics, and implications for Western alliances and Middle Eastern stability.SEGMENT 15: GREAT POWERS VERSUS SMALL STATES IN STRATEGIC THINKING Guest: Gregory Copley Copley contrasts how great powers often act impulsively while smaller states analyze carefully before moving. Discussion examines the hubris of major nations shooting from the hip on foreign policy, the advantages smaller countries gain through meticulous strategic calculation, and lessons for American policymakers in an increasingly complex world.SEGMENT 16: THE CALMING POWER OF KINGSHIP Guest: Gregory Copley Copley offers praise for monarchical systems as stabilizing forces in nations facing discontent. Discussion examines how kingship provides continuity, national unity, and legitimacy that elected leaders often cannot muster, with examples of how constitutional monarchies successfully navigate political turbulence and maintain social cohesion during crises.

Three young boys are killed by a car bomb, their mother Doreen and older brother in the front seat are the only survivors. Detectives Goren and Eames learn Paul Whitlock developed a new kind of land mine and his wife had spotted some threatening-looking Middle Eastern men before the blast.  But there are indications the pipe bomb was built in their garage and someone swept it up. Bobby and Alex suspect the depressed Doreen blew up the car in a murder/suicide attempt.ADA Ron Carver insists the overbearing husband is their best suspect. The detectives find a space heater Doreen tampered with to leak carbon monoxide. The overwhelmed mother confesses she wanted to take the children to heaven with her, where she could be a better parent. But Goren and Eames discover the cold-blooded Whitlock knew Doreen wanted to die and was fine if she did - he just didn't know the children would get hurt. Enraged at his cruelty, the detectives insist Carver hold him legally responsible, but he says there's no crime in not stopping your wife from killing herself and her family.We're talking about Law & Order: Criminal Intent season 4 episode 7 “Magnificat.” Our returning guest is Katie from the A Date with Dateline podcast.Plot points in this episode are inspired by the 2001 case of Andrea Yates. For exclusive content from Kevin and Rebecca, sign up on Patreon.This show was recorded in The Caitlin Rogers Project Studio. Click to find out more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 459 of Hidden Forces is the twelfth episode in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with Kamran Bokhari, a strategic forecaster and geopolitical analyst who specializes on the Middle Eastern and Eurasia, about Iran's nationwide protests, what they reveal about the power and stability of the Iranian regime, and what the state of Iranian affairs portends for Iran's future, the region's geopolitics, and the strategic considerations and objectives of the United States. The conversation's opening hour traces Iran's modern formation—beginning in the early 1900s with the Constitutional Revolution, moving through the 1953 coup and the Shah's rule, and culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Kamran walks the audience through the evolution of Iran's dual military structure, explaining the critical distinction between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular armed forces (Artesh), and how the IRGC grew from an ideological militia into an oversized parallel state controlling everything from telecommunications to Iran's nuclear program, while becoming increasingly corrupt and internally divided. The second hour is devoted to analyzing the current protests engulfing Iran, how they differ from previous uprisings, and the implications for a severely weakened IRGC following Israel's dismantling of its proxy network, the relentless targeting of its commanders, and its failure to secure the safety of its own citizens from Israeli reprisals. They explore the regime's internal factionalization, the role of the merchant class in these protests, the potential pathways forward—from managed regime decay to military intervention to outright chaos—and the cascading effects that Iran's instability could have on its neighbors, from Turkey and Azerbaijan to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/15/2026

Episode 459 of Hidden Forces is the twelfth episode in the Hundred Year Pivot podcast series. In it, Demetri Kofinas and Grant Williams speak with Kamran Bokhari, a strategic forecaster and geopolitical analyst who specializes on the Middle Eastern and Eurasia, about Iran's nationwide protests, what they reveal about the power and stability of the Iranian regime, and what the state of Iranian affairs portends for Iran's future, the region's geopolitics, and the strategic considerations and objectives of the United States. The conversation's opening hour traces Iran's modern formation—beginning in the early 1900s with the Constitutional Revolution, moving through the 1953 coup and the Shah's rule, and culminating in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. Kamran walks the audience through the evolution of Iran's dual military structure, explaining the critical distinction between the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular armed forces (Artesh), and how the IRGC grew from an ideological militia into an oversized parallel state controlling everything from telecommunications to Iran's nuclear program, while becoming increasingly corrupt and internally divided. The second hour is devoted to analyzing the current protests engulfing Iran, how they differ from previous uprisings, and the implications for a severely weakened IRGC following Israel's dismantling of its proxy network, the relentless targeting of its commanders, and its failure to secure the safety of its own citizens from Israeli reprisals. They explore the regime's internal factionalization, the role of the merchant class in these protests, the potential pathways forward—from managed regime decay to military intervention to outright chaos—and the cascading effects that Iran's instability could have on its neighbors, from Turkey and Azerbaijan to Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. Subscribe to our premium content—including our premium feed, episode transcripts, and Intelligence Reports—by visiting HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you'd like to join the conversation and become a member of the Hidden Forces Genius community—with benefits like Q&A calls with guests, exclusive research and analysis, in-person events, and dinners—you can also sign up on our subscriber page at HiddenForces.io/subscribe. If you enjoyed today's episode of Hidden Forces, please support the show by: Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Stitcher, SoundCloud, CastBox, or via our RSS Feed Writing us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify Joining our mailing list at https://hiddenforces.io/newsletter/ Producer & Host: Demetri Kofinas Editor & Engineer: Stylianos Nicolaou Subscribe and support the podcast at https://hiddenforces.io. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @hiddenforcespod Follow Demetri on Twitter at @Kofinas Episode Recorded on 01/15/2026

Trump freezes immigration from over 70 countries; Deranged Libs find a new low to stoop to; and the U.S. evacuates a major Middle Eastern military base amid tensions in Iran. Watch VINCE Live on Rumble - Mon-Fri 10AM ET ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://rumble.com/vince⁠ FBI Raids Home of Washington Post Reporter in Classified Docs Probe ⁠https://justthenews.com/accountability/media/washington-post-says-fbi-searched-reporters-home-classified-documents-probe⁠ Woke Democrats' Viral Anti-ICE Claim Gets Debunked With Video Footage ⁠https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2026/01/13/woke-tn-democrat-has-viral-claim-about-ice-debunked-after-dashcam-video-drops-n2198089⁠ Iran Uprisings Turn Deadlier as Regime Reportedly Targets the Wounded and Hospitals ⁠https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2026/01/14/iran-hospital-atrocities-n2669439⁠ Sponsors: Kalshi - ⁠https://kalshi.com/vince⁠ Patriot Mobile - ⁠https://patriotmobile.com/Vince⁠ Zippix - ⁠https://ZippixToothpicks.com⁠  code: Vince Bon Charge - ⁠https://boncharge.com⁠ code: VINCE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices