Podcasts about Normalization

In this episode, host Lisa Bilyeu is joined by ex-CIA spy Andrew Bustamante and renowned defense attorney Karen Conti for a riveting discussion on the complex interplay between power, money, and justice in high-profile cases. Focusing on Sean "Diddy" Combs, the panel unravels allegations of abuse, manipulation, and the concealed video evidence that has sparked intense debate.Our guests delve into the mechanisms of reputational protection, the ethics and legality of selective video management by hotels, and the broader implications of federal investigations that could ripple through the entertainment and financial sectors. They also touch on the societal idolization of celebrities and the reluctance to believe victims of abuse, especially in racially charged contexts.The conversation does not shy away from the darker aspects of celebrity culture, including the psychological and legal struggles victims face, and the role of powerful networks in perpetuating harmful behavior. Andrew and Karen provide insights into the strategic use of influence and blackmail, comparing Diddy's case to other notorious figures like Jeffrey Epstein and R. Kelly.SHOWNOTES-Prosecutor challenges: doubt, juror skepticism, evidence.-Normalization leads to acceptance of inappropriate behavior.-Narcissism fueled by adoration led to crime.-Hollywood power and blackmail delayed revelations.-The entertainment industry is extremely abusive.-Reputational protection industry safeguards high-profile individuals.-We define our own privacy, not others.-Diddy appears dazed; Cassie tries escaping situation.-Apology video seemed scripted and well-produced.-Professionals empathize with aggressors, differing amateurs.-Was his organization structured like a business?FOLLOW LISA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/Twitter: https://twitter.com/lisabilyeuYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/womenofimpactTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisa_bilyeu?lang=enSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, news that didn't make the news, from Palestine. First up, I sit down with Palestinian writer and researcher Nadine Sayegh to discuss her latest piece State, Soldiers, and Systematic Sadism: The Israeli Military's Normalization of Sexual Violence. Nadine explains the Israeli hasbara tactic of purple-washing, the global Norths violent feminism, and the confluence of sex and genocidal violence. We discuss the medias failure to place accountability on systems, suggesting that the problem, much like with the US own torture programs, is just a few bad eggs. Next up, associate editor at the Electronic Intifada Nora Barrows Friedman comes back on the show to discuss the latest news from Palestine: what's the story with Hamas stepping down, as concentration camps are constructed inside the concentration camp of Gaza, and as the so-called ceasefire continues to be violently broken by Israel daily? Nora also discusses the most recent violent escalations of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, and the medias continued failure to cover it, and if they do, to cover it only from the side of Israeli propaganda. Nadine N. Sayegh is a Palestinian multidisciplinary writer and researcher focusing on the Arab-speaking world. Her work spans gender, geopolitics, human security, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. She holds an MA in Media and the Middle East from SOAS, London, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Toulouse (Jean-Jaurs), where her dissertation examined multiscalar gendered oppression in Palestine and Jordan. Her research and commentary have been featured in scholarly and journalistic venues, with select works translated internationally. Nora Barrows Friedman is an associate editor at Electronic Intifada and the co-host of their weekly livestream. The News That Didn't Make the News. Each week, co-hosts Mickey Huff and Eleanor Goldfield conduct in depth interviews with their guests and offer hard hitting commentary on the key political, social, and economic issues of the day with an emphasis on critical media literacy. The post Project Censored – Purple-Washing, Pogroms & Media Malpractice on Palestine [ENCORE] appeared first on KPFA.

Jim George is a stillness coach, former animator, and one of the first guests ever to appear on this podcast. He has spent nearly 50 years developing what he calls practical spirituality, a way of working with the mind that requires no doctrine, no dogma, and no special belief system. What it does require is the willingness to get quiet enough to see what is actually there. In this conversation, we return to the most essential territory: the cost of mental noise, the nature of the ego, and what it genuinely means to be present for your own life.What We Dive Into:1. The noise in the mind is not neutral. Every moment spent in a self-generated narrative about the past or future is a moment you were not actually there. At the end of a life of that, Jim says, there is a strange vacuum.2. The drive for status was not a character flaw. It was, quite literally, a matter of life and death for our ancestors. Understanding that gives you room to stop being run by it. When you see the mechanism clearly, competition can begin to evolve into something closer to cooperation, which Jim argues is the actual path forward for the species.3. Gratitude is not a feeling you perform. It is focused attention on what already is, and it shifts your neurochemistry from dopamine-driven wanting toward something more stable. Know Thyself, but not by yourself. A guided space to return home to yourself.https://www.knowthyselfcollective.com✨THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:https://www.im8health.com/knowthyselfcode KNOWTHYSELF for an exclusive offerhttps://drinkLMNT.com/KnowThyselfTry LMNT & get a free sample pack ___________00:00 Intro02:40 The Cost of Normalizing Internal Noise06:07 What the Noise Is Made Of: Limbic Survival and Chatter12:11 The Contrast Between Noise and Stillness14:52 Status as an Evolutionary Artifact24:16 Normalization and the Tiger in the Mind29:18 Pure Stillness vs. Stillishness32:37 The Ego Narrative and the Illusion of Separation40:14 Everything We Want Is an End to Seeking45:36 Simplicity, Dopamine, and the Holotropic Universe49:27 What Happens When Subject and Object Dissolve57:32 Stillness as Practice, Not Destination59:24 Self-Love vs. Realizing Self as Love1:02:08 How to Actually Do It: The Long, Short, and Micro Form1:08:38 The Gifts of Headlessness: Harding's List1:13:47 Physics, the Quantum Field, and the Non-Physical1:25:15 How Far the Self Can Expand1:37:08 Values Work: What's Actually Driving Your Behavior1:47:18 Finding Your Me-Shaped Hole in the Universe1:59:43 The Universe Conspires When You Commit2:08:31 Closing Message: Quiet Down and Bring It___________✨MORE FROM ↳Instagram:

This week, news that didn't make the news, from Palestine. First up, I sit down with Palestinian writer and researcher Nadine Sayegh to discuss her latest piece State, Soldiers, and Systematic Sadism: The Israeli Military's Normalization of Sexual Violence. Nadine explains the Israeli hasbara tactic of purple-washing, the global Norths violent feminism, and the confluence of sex and genocidal violence. We discuss the medias failure to place accountability on systems, suggesting that the problem, much like with the US own torture programs, is just a few bad eggs. Next up, associate editor at the Electronic Intifada Nora Barrows Friedman comes back on the show to discuss the latest news from Palestine: what's the story with Hamas stepping down, as concentration camps are constructed inside the concentration camp of Gaza, and as the so-called ceasefire continues to be violently broken by Israel daily? Nora also discusses the most recent violent escalations of settler violence in the occupied West Bank, and the medias continued failure to cover it, and if they do, to cover it only from the side of Israeli propaganda. Nadine N. Sayegh is a Palestinian multidisciplinary writer and researcher focusing on the Arab-speaking world. Her work spans gender, geopolitics, human security, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. She holds an MA in Media and the Middle East from SOAS, London, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Toulouse (Jean-Jaurs), where her dissertation examined multiscalar gendered oppression in Palestine and Jordan. Her research and commentary have been featured in scholarly and journalistic venues, with select works translated internationally. Nora Barrows Friedman is an associate editor at Electronic Intifada and the co-host of their weekly livestream. The News That Didn't Make the News. Each week, co-hosts Mickey Huff and Eleanor Goldfield conduct in depth interviews with their guests and offer hard hitting commentary on the key political, social, and economic issues of the day with an emphasis on critical media literacy. The post Project Censored – Purple-Washing, Pogroms & Media Malpractice on Palestine appeared first on KPFA.

Host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Derin McMains, a former professional baseball player turned elite mental performance coach. Derin spent years building mental performance programs for the San Francisco Giants (three-time World Champions), the Seattle Mariners, and the University of Notre Dame, and currently serves as Director of Mental Performance at global cybersecurity company ReliaQuest. In this wide-ranging conversation on The Greatness Machine, Derin and Darius explore what separates good performers from great ones, the psychology of competitive freedom, the role of spirituality in peak performance, and why mastering the fundamentals is the foundation of elite achievement. In this episode, Darius and Derin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Background (01:57) Derin's Origin Story and Journey (04:47) The Search for Competitive Edge (09:00) Mastery and Normalization in Performance (15:06) Embodiment and Mental Performance (20:10) Paths to Unshakable Belief (24:06) Mental Toughness and Spirituality (31:45) The Game of Life vs. Real Life (32:30) Embodiment and Mental Health (33:57) The Need for Mental Performance Training (35:27) Intentional Relationships and Self-Selection (37:39) The Impact of Surroundings on Behavior (39:19) High Challenge, High Support Dynamics (41:33) Leadership and Capacity Building (43:50) Pushing Past Capacity in a Healthy Way (49:51) Seasons of Life and Intentional Downtime (54:29) Overcoming Perfectionism Derin McMains is a leading Mental Performance Coach who works with elite athletes, business executives, and high-performing teams. A former professional baseball player and manager, he has spent more than 14 years developing mental performance programs for organizations including the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, and the University of Notre Dame. A three-time World Series champion with the Giants, McMains also serves as a mental performance consultant for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Beyond sports, he leads the Mental Performance team at ReliaQuest, where he coaches leaders across four countries, and hosts the No Show Dogs podcast, recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 5 podcasts for Leadership and Wellness. Connect with Derin: Website: https://reliaquest.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derin-mcmains-cmpc-09158662  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmac_mindset/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness. 

On this episode of the Project Censored Show, co-host Eleanor Goldfield speaks with Palestinian writer and researcher Nadine N. Sayegh to discuss her latest piece State, Soldiers, and Systematic Sadism: The Israeli Military's Normalization of Sexual Violence. Nadine explains the Israeli hasbara tactic of purple-washing, the global North's violent feminism,… The post State, Soldiers, and Systematic Sadism appeared first on Project Censored.

Key Topics The details and potential consequences of the US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement and its departure from previous non-proliferation standards The strategic importance of the Iran war, nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, and regional reactions to new US policies The Trump administration's approach to tariffs aimed at combating forced labor and their impact on international trade UK's post-election foreign policy outlook under Prime Minister Burnham, focusing on relations with Europe, the US, and support for Ukraine NATO defense commitments, international defense spending, and how UK's role in security continues to shape global stability The influence of the UK's domestic political landscape on its foreign policy and international partnerships Links Hugh Tomlinson — https://x.com/hughtomlinson Felicia Schwartz — https://x.com/felschwartz?lang=en Robbie Gramer — https://x.com/robbiegramer Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs — belfercenter.org World Review with Ivo Daalder — belfercenter.org/world-review-ivo-daalder

U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a 30-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to share civilian nuclear power technology. The deal, estimated to be worth tens of billions of dollars, aims to give U.S. companies a central role in developing Saudi Arabia’s nuclear infrastructure while explicitly excluding foreign competitors. Normalization with Israel was not mentioned. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Prof Yossi Mann, a researcher in the Department of Middle Eastern studies in Bar-Ilan University. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation explores the shift in the Giant Talk podcast's focus, introduces Ian Turner and delves into his HR experience, transformation, and human-centered leadership. It discusses empathy, performance standards, and the impact of a CEO's disrespectful comments on culture. The conversation also covers OKRs, individual recognition, challenges in human-centered leadership, and the balance between ego and leadership approach. It concludes with a focus on authenticity in leadership.TakeawaysHuman-centered leadership emphasizes empathy and individual recognition.Authenticity in leadership is crucial for creating a positive and supportive work culture.Chapters00:00 Introduction to New and Improved Giant Talk Podcast01:12 Introducing Ian Turner and His HR Experience03:03 Transformation and Human-Centered Leadership05:38 Navigating Change and Resistance07:04 Authentic Communication and Transparency08:12 Human-Centered Leadership and Individual Recognition10:57 Empathy and Performance Standards15:16 CEO's Disrespectful Comments and Impact on Culture18:52 Normalization of Destructive Leadership Behaviors21:15 OKRs and Human-Centered Practices25:18 Recognizing Individual Contributions and Talents26:33 Challenges and Barriers in Human-Centered Leadership31:57 Balancing Ego and Leadership Approach36:06 Authenticity and Human-Centered Leadership43:25 Authentic Leadership vs. Inauthentic Leadership

This episode explores the growing prominence of malevolent forces and spiritual battles that are affecting our culture, society, and faith in profound ways. Hosted by BT, the conversation with Kyle, of theworldatwarmedia.com delves deeply into the essence of spiritual influence, examining how cultural erosion is reshaping societal norms and values. They discuss the alarming rise of occult practices and their impact on everyday life, highlighting the challenges believers face in maintaining their faith and integrity. The episode provides insights into how individuals can recognize these spiritual threats and offers guidance on how to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of such chaos, ensuring that their beliefs and principles remain unshaken.Kyle's Website: thewordatwarmedia.com

Dictatorship doesn't always look like tanks and troops in your city. It's the everyday lawlessness and looting spree in the White House, the draconian persecution of activists exercising their Constitutionally protected rights in Republican-hostage states like Texas and Tennessee. It's routine executions by the police.  None of this is normal, which is why we must reject it, and learn how we resist succumbing to a freeze or fawning response, and instead take action, keeping ourselves and our communities safe.  For more insights on ways to resist, listen to our summer 2025 interview with Jamila Raqib of the Albert Einstein Institute founded by Gene Sharp, author of From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Guide to Nonviolent Resistance. Listen here to her advice on concrete steps to take for non-violent resistance, including how to prepare to be brave.  ICE is ramping up kidnappings again. So be sure to stay grounded in the concrete steps you can take to protect against ICE and know your rights. Join a community self-defense. If you don't have one, start one. More here:  ICE Watch Programs Can Protect Immigrants in Your Neighborhood — Here's What to Know https://www.teenvogue.com/story/ice-watch-programs-immigrants-how-to-start Know Your Rights: If You Encounter ICE https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/ What to do if you see ICE in your neighborhood https://pix11.com/news/local-news/what-to-do-if-you-see-ice-in-your-neighborhood/ A Group of Organizers Is Building an Anti-ICE Movement Rooted in Jewish Values https://truthout.org/articles/a-group-of-organizers-is-building-an-anti-ice-movement-rooted-in-jewish-values/ Millions of small decisions become sand in their gears. We are not powerless. We are the leaders we've been waiting for.  Never forget the power of your voice. We're publishing now on Thursdays an excerpt from Monday's salon, and our full recording of the salon for our Patreon donors at the $10/month tier and higher (anyone who was receiving this perk before will continue to receive it at any tier, as long as your membership is currently active). Not yet signed up? Become a member on Patreon.com/Gaslit, GaslitNation.Substack.com, or as a YouTube member; discounted annual memberships are available, and you can give the gift of membership. Thank you to everyone who supports the show–we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!

We discuss how the alcohol industry has tricked us into believing alcohol is harmless and beneficial to us. And how they have convinced us that without alcohol we are missing out on something. We challenge the myths and assumptions that have lead to the normalization of abnormal drinking.   To learn more, visit the show notes.

George Black, guest author, recounts how, in the aftermath of the war, the United States struggled with the trauma of its first major defeat, often looking for scapegoats like the media or "faithless civilians." This bitterness manifested in the MIA/POW issue, which became a massive political obstacle to normalizing relations with Vietnam. A legend persisted that living American prisoners were being held in the jungles of Laos, despite repeated congressional investigations finding no credible evidence. This movement, fueled by conspiracy theories and Hollywood celebrities, blocked conversations about the war's actual damage for over a decade. While the search for remains was a moral humanitarian obligation, the focus on living MIAs prevented the US from addressing the herbicidal damage and unexploded ordnance left behind. Meanwhile, individuals like Adelaide Borton observed deformed babies in Vietnamese hospitals, though these reports were largely ignored in Washington. Normalization only began in earnest during the late 1980s and 1990s as the US shifted toward engaging the Vietnamese for cooperation on finding remains. American veterans finally won recognition for Agent Orange-related illnesses in 1991, though Vietnamese victims were dismissed as purveyors of "communist propaganda." The Long Reckoning (5)

George Black, guest author, explains that the mid-1990s marked a turning point as Bill Clinton moved toward diplomatic normalization with Vietnam in 1995, supported by key veteran senators like John McCain and John Kerry. This political cover was essential to overcome fierce opposition in Congress. During this time, Chuck Searcy returned to Vietnam and co-founded Project RENEW to address the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO), which continued to maim civilians. Searcy's approach was collaborative, working closely with Vietnamese officials like Hoang Nam to find local solutions rather than imposing American ones. While UXO removal was relatively straightforward, addressing the Agent Orange legacy remained controversial, and many American officials were initially reluctant to engage with it. Charles Bailey of the Ford Foundation became a key figure in this effort after witnessing barren, defoliated landscapes in the central highlands and asking the Vietnamese what they needed. He shifted focus toward aid for the disabled and landscape restoration. The work of early Vietnamese scientists, such as Dr. Ton That Tung, was also critical, though they had long been unfairly dismissed as propagandists. The Long Reckoning (6)

The media is working overtime to help Democrats normalize a shift toward socialism. Seattle is full of empty “zombie towers” as the state's economy careens off a cliff. National Education Association celebrates Washington's new income tax. Balogun's red card turns political.

Renowned astrologer Rick Levine returns to Just Tap In with Emilio Ortiz to explore the forces reshaping our world beneath the surface of current events. From the once-in-6,000-year Saturn–Neptune conjunction at the World Point to the rare planetary alignments unfolding throughout July, Rick reveals why the changes ahead may extend far beyond politics, economics, or even disclosure itself. Together, we explore the collapse of old realities, the nature of imagination as a creative force, the rewriting of human history, the rise of extraterrestrial and non-physical intelligence into public awareness, and the possibility that humanity is being pulled toward a future it cannot yet fully comprehend. As Rick shares, “What was once imagined is now proved,” and the question is no longer what is happening—but what is real.This conversation dives into the deepest themes of our time: the Saturn–Neptune cycle that began a new chapter of civilization, the Uranus–Pluto trine that is bringing hidden truths to the surface, the difference between normalization and desensitization, the role of disclosure, AI, ancient technologies, and the accelerating collapse of outdated narratives. More than a forecast, this is an invitation to remain awake in a moment when the world is changing faster than our minds can process. If the next century looks back on 2026 as the beginning of something extraordinary, this may be one of the conversations that helps explain why.___________________PODCAST CHAPTERS0:00 — Rick Levine Intro2:01 - 6,000-Year Evolutionary Turning Point7:42 - We Haven't Seen Anything Yet: The Unfolding Global Shift10:53 - Is Reality an Illusion? 14:08 - The Rare Cosmic Alignment Reshaping Humanity's Future18:55 - Is the Future Pulling Us Toward a Great Attractor?21:18 - What Did André Barbeau Predict About This Moment?26:02 - Extraterrestrial Intelligence, AI & the Expanding Definition of Consciousness30:04 - Uranus Trine Pluto: The Great Awakening Begins32:51 - The Hero's Journey Into the Underworld34:43 - Why the 1960s Revolution Is Returning Now40:17 - UFOs, Remote Viewing & Hidden Histories Resurfacing42:38 - Quantum Physics, Ancient Civilizations & Rewriting Human History47:41 - July 2026: The Energetic Gateway Ahead48:20 - Jupiter Enters Leo & the Cosmic Wake-Up Call51:06 - Normalization vs Desensitization: Are We Being Flooded?53:57 - Disclosure Day, Spielberg & Controlled Disclosure56:48 - Preparing Humanity for Contact57:45 - The Magician's Trick: What Are We Not Being Shown?58:20 - Rumi's Warning: Don't Go Back to Sleep59:55 - Which Mythology Best Explains the Times We're Living Through?1:00:55 - Humanity's Current Stage of the Hero's Journey1:03:19 - Living in a Futureless Environment1:06:21 - The End of Escapism & Facing Reality1:11:06 - Humanity's Highest Potential1:13:39 - What Future Generations May Say About 20261:15:26 - The Question That Matters Most___________________Guests: Rick Levine, Top Astrologer✦ Website | https://www.ricklevineastrologer.com/✦ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ricklevineastrologer✦ YouTube |  @RickLevine  ✦ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ricklevineastrologerHost: Emilio Ortiz✦ IG | https://www.instagram.com/iamemilioortiz/✦ Subscribe to Channel | https://www.youtube.com/EmilioOrtizSpecial Offerings to Support the Show:✦ Make a One-Time or Recurring Donation on PayPal

00:08 — Mar Omega is a community organizer and head of the media team for the San Francisco Trans March. She also goes by Mar xoxo, the Bay Area's finest trans pinay pop princesa. Both her music and social work are intimately intertwined as she creates audiovisual and physical spaces for everyone to be liberated and celebrated. Her song “like this” is out now. 00:20 — Isaac Ceja is a freelance contributor to the LA Local reporting on Boyle Heights. 00:33 — Zubaida Akbar is the Afghanistan Program Manager at Femena. Her work is focused on supporting the work of grassroots civic movements and women human rights defenders, who are advocating for gender equality and an end to the oppressive policies of the Taliban imposed on women.   The post Trans March Kicks Off Pride Weekend; Plus, Boyle Heights Community After the Lineage Warehouse Fire; Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan Exacerbated by International Community's Normalization of Taliban appeared first on KPFA.

The Normalization of Crisis in Bolivia. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. Professor Evan Ellis reports on the 49-day blockade in Bolivia that is strangling the economy under President Rodrigo Paz. Driven by Evo Morales and indigenous groups, the protests have caused significant GDP shrinkage and business closures. Despite being resource-rich, the country faces a fiscal crisis as natural gas reserves dwindle. 5

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Kate Simpson joins Earnest and Alexa to share her journey from starting as a history major at the UNC endowment to leading the venture strategy at multi-asset OCIO firm GEM. She explains how she learned institutional investing, specialized in private markets, and refined her craft at Parish Capital and Truebridge, including fund-of-funds due diligence, reference work, and the power of platforms and networks. The conversation dives into how to build a venture program from scratch, why alignment, patience, and resource intensity matter, and how GEM uses a barbell approach across top-tier scaled platforms and emerging managers while avoiding the “crowded middle.” Kate breaks down how LPs evaluate managers (source, pick, win), why fund math and ownership are critical, and how today's AI-driven cycle, secondary markets, and companies staying private longer are reshaping ventures. Also, don't miss Nick Cassin from Sidley as he explains the rapid growth of the private-fund secondary market, what's driving the surge in secondary and continuation vehicle (CV) transactions, and how new types of capital providers are stepping in as lead investors to provide liquidity to private-market participants. Highlights from this week's conversation include: Starting at UNC Endowment With No Finance Background (0:31)   Transitioning from TrueBridge to Gem and Taking on a Leadership Role (6:10) Advice for Building a New Venture Program and Aligning Stakeholders (10:12) Democratization of Venture Access and Barbell Strategy for Manager Selection (12:38) Sourcing and Evaluating New Venture Managers with a High-Volume Funnel (16:26) Secondaries Market Boom and Macro Dynamics Driving Liquidity Needs (21:00) Rise of Continuation Vehicles and Structural Evolution of Secondaries (23:36) How to Approach a First LP Meeting and Importance of Fund Math (26:03) Defining Early Versus Later Stages and Gem's Seed and Micro Fund Threshold (28:13) Normalization of Secondary Liquidity for Founders and Early Investors (35:24) Future Opportunities in Smaller Funds and the Dynamic Early Ecosystem (36:12) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (40:12) GEM is an independent investment management firm that provides customized solutions for long-term investors worldwide. Since 2007, we have sought to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns to our clients by combining disciplined investment research and active portfolio management with exceptional service and enduring partnership. With a global platform, broad institutional investment capabilities, and an experienced team, we design portfolios to meet the unique needs of each investor we serve. For more information, visit www.geminvestments.com. Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with a dedicated Venture Funds practice, advising top venture capital firms, institutional investors, and private equity sponsors on fund formation, investment structuring, and regulatory compliance. With deep expertise across private markets, Sidley provides strategic legal counsel to help funds scale effectively. Learn more at sidley.com. Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies.  The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[From June 10, 2025] Mary welcomes back Olivier Melnick to discuss the new normal: antisemitism. He is a Jewish believer in Jesus from France, the son of Holocaust survivors, whose maternal grandfather was killed by the Nazis. Olivier is an internationally known speaker on antisemitism. He holds a BA from Moody Bible Institute and a masters from Dallas Theological Seminary, and has been equipping believers to understand and fight antisemitism since 2000. The ramping up of antisemitism is a complete surprise to some, it’s not that long ago that they were the target of genocide during WW2, and if anyone alive has a parent who fought in that war, the connection is still strong. So why now? How are things different? Today we talk about the stages of normalization from his book, “The Normalization of Antisemitism”. World leaders are not so subtly being drawn into this hate as the world turns their back on Israel. Words matter. Words turn to violence. Even our neighbor to the north is being drawn in. Israel can do nothing right, so they might as well do what they are going to do to stave off the end of the west through violence, immigration, and Islam.   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

In this episode, Nihal El Aasar returns to this podcast to discuss the competing progressive alternatives in the Arab world prior to the establishment of the State of Israel. Arab attempts to join capitalist systems were obstructed by British and Zionist colonial power, leading to the maintenance of a hegemonic state. We also reference the Union of Arab States and the role of the Zionist entity in hindering regional development. Gamal Abdel Nasser and other leaders in Egypt attempted to create a sovereign economic and political space through nationalist projects. This was actively resisted by Western powers and seen as a threat to imperialist interests. The theory of dependency, as developed by Samir Amin, highlights how underdevelopment in the global South is the result of the expansion of global capital. Nihal argues that while Nasser's project was popular and supported by the masses, his distrust in popular participation and repressive actions against intellectuals helped prevent the project from fully being actualized. The formation of Israel was intertwined with Western efforts to manage the political future of the so-called Middle Eastern region. Israel has hindered the Arab modernization project and has negatively affected the surrounding countries. We discuss how Israel exists in the region to halt the potential of the Arab people as a whole. This is done through repression, impoverishment, and preventing economic prosperity. The U.S. interests in extraction and controlling resources in the region also play a role in this. Apart from that, we meditate on Egypt's early 20th century role as a leader in the Arab world and the expectations placed on its military and economy for stability and development being largely shaped by its history of conflict with Israel and the continued presence of Zionism in the region. The military's control of the economy, rise of religious fundamentalism, and prevalence of conspiracy theories can all be traced back to this relationship. Additionally, Egypt's 20th century development was and continued to be hindered by both structural pressures from outside and its own struggle with overextension as a newly decolonized nation. The working class in Egypt consisted mainly of peasants who were oppressed under the Egyptian monarchy. Land reforms were necessary for progress and industrialization was slowly taking place. From the start, Egyptian nationalism was formed in opposition to Zionism. Nasser faced challenges from the US and its allies and had to build up the Egyptian military in response. We discuss how the nationalization of the Suez Canal and the creation of the United Arab Republic were unprecedented events, but internal struggles and external interference ultimately led to its downfall. The Gulf monarchies have also been deeply intertwined with imperial and capitalist interests since their founding, making them a natural opposition to Arab socialist and progressive projects. The 1973 oil embargo, El Aasar argues, was the last major act of Arab unity but was not an altruistic act of solidarity. The embargo affirmed the importance of the petrodollar for the US and was influential in bringing about the Camp David Accords, which aimed to consolidate the petrodollar and move Egypt fully from the Soviet camp to that of the United States. We meditate on the significance of Camp David and the 1978 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, arguing that it represents a betrayal of Egyptian sovereignty and a move towards neoliberalism and repression. She also highlights how this has instilled a defeatist mindset in Egyptians and led to ongoing struggles with poverty and domestic warfare. She argues that the current regime in Egypt is a continuation of the "Camp David Republic" and that the promised benefits of peace, such as prosperity and political openness, have been left unfulfilled.   If you like what we do and want to support our ability to have more conversations like this. Please consider becoming a Patron. You can do so for as little as a 1 Dollar a month and you will gain access to our Discord.   Nihal is an Egyptian  writer, researcher, political analyst, radio host and DJ. She has written about politics, political economy, culture, literature and music in several publications including The Baffler, The Transnational Institute, Verso, Jacobin, Tribune, Parapraxis, Mundial, Art Review, The Wire, Protean, Novara media, and others, as well as authoring a book chapter about Egyptian political economy and consulting on related issues. "The Condition for Freedom Is for the Egyptian Masses to Take to the Streets"Egypt's Centrality in the Struggle for Palestine" by Nihal El Aasar   Episode artwork includes an artificially colorized version of this photo: "Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin acknowledge applause during a Joint Session of Congress in which President Jimmy Carter announced the results of the Camp David Accords." full credit information here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sadat_and_Begin_clean3.jpg  

Headlines for June 12, 2026; “New Form of Imperialism”: Renowned U.N. Scientist on AI Boom’s Huge Water, Carbon & Land Footprint; U.S. Attacks Iranian Water Reservoirs Amid “Normalization” of Targeting Civilian Infrastructure; “Cautionary Tale”: NYC’s The New School Guts Faculty & Staff as Colleges Intensify Austerity; Palestinian Activist Mohsen Mahdawi: Trump Admin “Weaponizing Immigration Laws” to Deport Me; “Hell’s Army”: New Film Tracks Russia’s Wagner Group & Rise of Mercenary Armies

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a triple board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine.  We're talking about the gap between health knowledge and real-life behavior change. We explore why trauma survivors often struggle to implement what they already know about health, and how shame, stress, and survival responses can interfere with sustainable lifestyle change. During our conversation, Dr. Ragasa explains her LIVEN Method—a framework centered on Listening, Imperfection, Validation, Empowerment, and Normalization—to help clinicians and patients build trust and create lasting change through human connection.  She also talks about the “humble plate” vs. celebratory foods, and how cultural food traditions and identity come into play. If you've ever struggled with knowing what to do but not being able to follow through, this episode is for you.  Connect with Dr. Regina Ragasa: Instagram: @CaliWellnessDoc Website: CaliWellnessDPC.com Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.

Dr. Elliot Justin — emergency medicine physician, serial entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of FirmTech — joins us to discuss “erectile fitness” and how sexual health can reveal critical insights about overall wellness. Using data from over 2.4 million erections, he explains the connection between erections, heart disease, sleep, aging, and why many ED diagnoses are misunderstood. Dr. Justin also breaks down the limits of ED pills, the benefits of simple alternatives like rings, and why men's health conversations need less stigma and more science.

Have you ever questioned why you believe what you believe, or have you simply accepted things because they've been normalized around you? In Part 3 of the "Super Spiritual" series, we are pulling back the mask on psychological conditioning and modern brainwashing operating under the guise of extra-holy performance.Through the lens of an aggressive, real-world encounter and a deep dive into historical compromises, this episode exposes the subtle ways toxic church environments pull people in and alter how they think without them ever realizing it. We break down the mechanics of spiritual control into three dangerous components:The Normalization of Behavior: How toxic patterns become everyday routines, contrasted against the true biblical renewal of the mind found in Romans 12:2.The Architecture of the Crowd: How our fundamental human desire to belong can be weaponized to force compliance, exposed by secular social experiments and the shocking crowd whiplash of Acts 14.The Weaponization of Fear: How structural intimidation and spiritual threats are used to demand blind submission, just like the religious elites forced upon the family in John 9.If you have ever carried the heavy weight of church hurt, felt bullied into ungodly compliance, or viewed your salvation as mere "hell insurance," this message is a rescue mission. Discover how true Kingdom transformation doesn't run on the engine of fear, but on the radical kindness of God (Romans 2:4) that leads to authentic heart renovation. It's time to reject the spell of what has always been allowed, pull down the pedestals, and step into true spiritual freedom.—To connect, learn more or donate, visit gravetopchurch.com  Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok by searching @gravetopchurch

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor speaks with Matt Duss and Zuri Linetsky about the destabilizing nature of the Abraham Accords; the evolution of the security dilemma and how integration may drive destabilization by fostering aggressive behavior; and whether the Abraham Accords undermined the reinstatement of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action - the Iran nuclear deal) by the Biden Administration. Also see: How the Abraham Accords Fueled A New Era of Conflict (Foreign Policy, May 2026), by Matt Duss and Zuri Linetsky; The End of the Axis of Abraham (Foreign Affairs, May 2026), by H. A. Hellyer. Matt Duss is the Executive VP at the Center for International Policy. Before joining CIP, Duss was a visiting scholar in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. From 2017-22, Duss was foreign policy advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt). From 2014-17, Duss was the president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. From 2008-14 Duss was a National Security and International Policy analyst at the Center for American Progress. Zuri Linetsky is head of research and analytics for Dandelion Works and an expert on geopolitics and international security. Ahmed Moor is a Palestinian-American writer born in Gaza and a Fellow at FMEP. He is an advisory board member of the US Campaign for Palestinian rights, co-editor of After Zionism (Saqi Books) and is currently writing a book about Palestine. He also currently serves on the board of the Independence Media Foundation. His work has been published in The Guardian, The London Review of Books, The Nation, and elsewhere. He earned a BA at the University of Pennsylvania and an MPP at Harvard University. You can follow Ahmed on Substack at: https://ahmedmoor.substack.com and on X at @AhmedMoor.

Thanks to our Partners, Pico Technology, Autel, and Independent Wrench JobsWatch Full Video EpisodeMatt Fanslow revisits the Challenger disaster, not just as a historical tragedy, but as a case study in how standards, tolerances, and risk perception can shift over time. The common simplified story is that management ignored engineers, pushed the launch forward, and disaster followed. While that is part of the story, Matt looks at the deeper concept sociologist Diane Vaughan identified: normalization of deviance.The Challenger disaster happened 73 seconds after launch in 1986, killing all seven astronauts onboard. The failure was traced to O-rings in the solid rocket boosters that lost sealing ability in unusually cold conditions. But the broader lesson is not simply that one part failed. It is that warning signs had appeared before, yet each successful mission expanded the boundary of what NASA considered acceptable. What would have once been treated as outside tolerance gradually became normal.Matt connects this idea to the phrase, “slowly, then all at once,” often used to describe the collapse of relationships, marriages, systems, and businesses. The visible failure may seem sudden, but the conditions that made it possible usually developed over a long period of tolerated drift.From there, the discussion moves into automotive repair. Shops can experience the same pattern with ADAS calibrations, wheel torque procedures, tire repairs, safety glasses, uniforms, training expectations, and other operating standards. A procedure gets missed once. Nothing bad happens. It gets missed again. Still nothing bad happens. Eventually, the shop no longer treats the original standard as the standard at all. The absence of immediate consequences becomes false evidence that the deviation is safe.Matt uses ADAS calibration as a major example. A shop may begin by following OEM procedures after alignments or repairs, but over time, scheduling problems, delays, cost pressure, or customer pushback can lead to skipped calibrations. If no warning lights appear and no customer complains, the skipped step starts to feel acceptable. But that does not mean the risk disappeared. It may simply mean the failure has not happened yet.The episode also references tire repair liability and the John Eagle collision repair case as examples of what can happen when accepted industry habits conflict with OEM procedure. The lesson is not that every shop owner or technical specialist who drifts from procedure is malicious. The more uncomfortable lesson is that drift is natural. That is exactly why it has to be recognized and managed.Matt closes by encouraging listeners to look around their own shops and ask where tolerance has expanded without conscious approval. Are torque procedures still being followed? Are retorques still being performed? Are safety practices still enforced? Is training still treated as essential? Are customer-facing and liability-related procedures being maintained, or have they quietly become optional?Key ThemesNormalization of deviance: The gradual process where unacceptable practices become accepted because nothing bad happens immediately.Challenger as a system failure: The O-ring failed physically, but the larger failure involved shifting standards, repeated warning signs, and expanded tolerance.“Slowly, then all at once” Major failures often appear sudden, but the underlying drift usually develops over time.Automotive examples: ADAS calibrations, tire repairs, torque sticks, wheel retorques, safety glasses, uniforms, training, and shop SOPs can all become vulnerable to tolerance drift.OEM procedures and liability: The episode reinforces the importance of following documented procedures, especially where safety, liability, and driver-assistance systems are involved.Not always malicious: Deviance can become normalized without anyone consciously deciding to take a major risk.Memorable Ideas“What would have failed in 1981 passes in 1986.”“The tolerance for acceptability expanded.”“It happened slowly and then all at once.”“It's not a problem until it is, and then it's a big problem.”“The absence of consequences is not the same thing as proof of safety.”Listener TakeawayEvery shop has standards that were created for a reason. Some protect quality. Some protect the customer. Some protect the business. Some protect people's lives. The danger is that those standards can erode so gradually that no one notices until the failure is already public, expensive, or irreversible.Thanks to our Partner, Pico TechnologyAre you chasing elusive automotive problems? Pico Technology empowers you to see what's really happening. Their PicoScope oscilloscopes transform your diagnostic capabilities. Visit PicoAuto.comThanks to our Partner, AutelFrom drivability diagnostics and TPMS service to ADAS and advanced safety systems, Autel helps technicians follow OEM procedures and repair with confidence. Learn more at Autel.comThanks to our Partner, Independent Wrench JobsIndependent Wrench Jobs is a new, tech-only community to help you find better independent shops—fair dispatch, steady work, real leadership. No games.Built by Technician Find—serving the industry since 2017. Join free at IndependentWrenchJobs.comContact InformationEmail Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.comDiagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube ChannelThe Automotive Repair Podcast Network: https://automotiverepairpodcastnetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest. https://huntdemarest.captivate.fm/The Auto Repair Marketing Podcast with Kim and Brian Walker: Marketing Experts Brian & Kim Walker Work with Shop Owners to Take it to the Next Level. https://autorepairmarketing.captivate.fm/The Weekly Blitz with Chris Cotton: Weekly Inspiration with Business Coach Chris Cotton from AutoFix - Auto Shop Coaching. https://chriscotton.captivate.fm/Speak Up! Effective Communication with Craig O'Neill: Develop Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills when Speaking to Audiences of Any Size. https://craigoneill.captivate.fm/

In a world that demands instant results, we’ve found a thousand new ways to numb the pain of existence. Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew for the final installment of our series as they tackle the normalization of "quick-fix" drugs—from anabolic steroids and TRT in the fitness world to the rise of GLP-1s like Ozempic. We explore the dangerous trade-offs of modern biohacking and why the Christian life calls us to lean into the "friction" of reality rather than anesthetizing ourselves against it. If you've ever felt the pressure to "optimize" your body at the expense of your soul, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: The Normalization of Performance Enhancers: Why younger generations are turning to steroids and TRT for social media clout. The "Numbing" Culture: How we use substances to avoid the "existential sniffles" and the discomfort of growth. The GLP-1 Wave: Examining the psychological and spiritual implications of the newest drug trends. Sanctification vs. Optimization: Why the Christian walk requires "grit" and "friction" that a pill or injection can’t provide. Working Toward Your Own Dismissal: A challenge to leaders and counselors to build structures that help people find freedom, not just temporary relief. Don’t miss this deep dive into how we can bear faithful witness in a culture that wants to edit out every struggle. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Donald Trump keeps testing the limits — and more importantly, acting like there may not be any.This week on Political Rehab, Matt Robison and Matt Wylie break down the most important political stories hiding beneath the headlines: Trump-backed Republicans crushing dissent inside the GOP, ICE abuse reports and escalating mass deportation tactics, Mike Johnson's collapsing House coalition, Kash Patel's retaliation spiral at the FBI, profiteering around the Iran crisis, and the deep dive: why Trump's third-term talk may be more dangerous than people realize.The question running through the whole episode: what happens when a political movement starts behaving like the rules no longer apply?Subscribe to Worth Knowing:https://www.youtube.com/@worthknowing-mattrobison?sub_confirmation=1Subscribe to the Worth Knowing Substack:https://worthknowing.substack.comCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:31 Trump Dump: Ballroom spending, cowardice, and GOP fear03:41 “Who's going to stop us?” Trump vs. the courts06:08 Indiana primaries and Trump's grip on Republicans08:49 ICE abuse reports and mass deportation escalation11:38 Mike Johnson's race against time in the House14:08 Kash Patel, the FBI, and retaliation politics16:18 Iran war profiteering and Hormuz supply risks19:18 Deep Dive: Could Trump try for a third term?24:12 Trump 2028: ego, trolling, leverage, and money26:01 Normalization, grooming, and constitutional stress testing29:28 “There is a danger”: why plausibility matters#PoliticalRehab #Trump #DonaldTrump #MAGA #Politics #USPolitics #PoliticalNews #Trump2028 #Constitution #ICE #KashPatel #MikeJohnson #Iran #PoliticalCommentary #NewsAnalysis #WorthKnowingKeywords: Trump third term, Trump 2028, Donald Trump news, Trump court rulings, constitutional crisis, ICE abuse reports, Kash Patel FBI, Mike Johnson House Republicans, Iran oil markets, MAGA politics, Political Rehab, Matt Robison, Matt Wylie, Worth Knowing

On this week's episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, RCI Editor J. Peder Zane and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney speak with Gary Saul Morson, a professor of Arts and Humanities at Northwestern University and a scholar of Russian literature about what Dostoevsky can teach us about modern progressives. In our round-up of the week's best investigative reporting, Zane and Varney discuss a Wall Street Journal article about China's stranglehold on drone production, Roger Pielke Jr.'s Substack piece on a dramatic change in climate change forecasts, and a Daily Wire story on the Los Angeles arsonists who drew inspiration from the assassin Luigi Mangione. 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Events 03:13 The Impact of Chinese Supply Chains on U.S. Defense 05:58 Climate Change Narratives and Scientific Realities 09:10 The Ideological Underpinnings of Violence in Society 12:07 Interview with Professor Gary Saul Morrison on Communism and Ideology 14:45 Dostoevsky's Insights on Modern Progressivism 17:53 The Role of the Intelligentsia in Revolutionary Movements 20:59 The Normalization of Violence in Political Discourse 24:09 Comparisons Between Historical and Modern Revolutionary Movements 32:44 The Role of Liberals in Political Change 34:00 The Dangers of Labeling Political Opponents 38:21 Lessons from History: The Power of the Majority 41:13 The Importance of Literature and Universal Values 47:16 The Psychology of Political Identity 51:32 The Challenge of Compromise in Democracy 55:22 The Role of Science in Political Ideology 01:01:04 The Transformative Power of Literature Articles Discussed in This Podcast:   Gary Saul Morson: Re-Possessed – Commentary Magazine Gary Saul Morson: Solzhenitsyn Warned Us – Commentary Magazine Gary Saul Morson: The Return of the ‘Useful Idiot' – Commentary Magazine Gary Saul Morson: The Red Star Returns - The New Criterion Gary Saul Morson: Marxism Is a Gulag of the Mind - WSJ Wall Street Journal: U.S. Targets China's Stranglehold on Drone Production  Roger Pielke Jr. Substack: New Climate Report Eliminates Most Extreme Scenarios  Daily Wire: LA Arson Suspect Obsessed Over Luigi Mangione  Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter. Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube ChannelContact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

Political violence is escalating, and the left's political violence problem can't be ignored. This episode exposes how media narratives, Democratic rhetoric, and selective data create a permission structure for violence. The latest Trump assassination attempt is not an isolated incident. Professor Nick Giordano breaks down the pattern of political violence targeting Trump, conservatives, Supreme Court justices, Republican lawmakers, and public figures, while exposing how the media deflects, manipulates data, and hides behind January 6 whenever the facts become inconvenient. What You'll Learn How the phrase "Friendly Federal Assassin" reveals the moral permission structure behind political violence  Why Obama's post after the manifesto release looked more like narrative control than unity  The partial list of assassination attempts and politically motivated attacks the media downplays  •    How datasets manipulate the "right-wing violence" narrative by excluding BLM riots, anti-ICE attacks, anti-Tesla attacks, and anti-Israel violence  Why figures like Luigi Mangione and Hasan Piker reveal a growing culture where violence is framed as moral virtue  This is not a generic "both sides" lecture. It is a deeper look at the rhetoric, data games, and moral inversion fueling America's political violence crisis.

14. HEADLINE: Ideological Barriers in Pakistan's Foreign Policy GUEST: Sadanand Dhume SUMMARY:Sadanand Dhume explores Pakistan's deep-rooted hostility toward Israel, which persists despite regional shifts toward normalization. While India views Pakistan's mediation role with envy, Pakistan's military leadership, under Field Marshal Munir, maintains power behind a civilian facade to insulate itself from economic discontent and governance pressures.1916

The Dangerous Normalization of Political Assassination Rhetoric

Teachers’ Unions as Political Power Brokers Major teachers’ unions (e.g., NEA, AFT) have contributed over $1 billion to left‑wing political causes over the past decade. This funding overwhelmingly supports Democratic candidates, progressive activism, and ideological causes unrelated to education. Education System as Ideological Indoctrination Unions have shifted from focusing on education (reading, writing, math) to political indoctrination of students. Declining academic performance is linked to this ideological focus rather than educational reform. Coerced Union Participation Teachers are forced to contribute union dues and face professional consequences if they dissent, framing this as coercive or unethical. Link Between Education, Ideology, and Political Violence Left‑leaning control of education has normalized hatred of conservatives, Christians, and Donald Trump. There is a direct causal line between: union political spending, ideological education, polling data suggesting some Democrats justify political violence, and alleged assassination attempts on Donald Trump. Normalization of Political Violence 25% of Democrats believe political violence can be justified. This reflects a broader cultural shift allegedly driven by education and political messaging. Democratic Strategy Framing Democrats deliberately pursued a “long game” by controlling education from elementary school through universities to shape future voters. Education institutions are culture‑shaping tools rather than neutral public services. Call to Parental Action This is a warning to parents for continued and increased involvement in school boards. This activism is a response to loss of trust, lack of accountability, and ideological overreach. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz 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 X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Free Audiobooks/Courses: samlacrosse.netSubstack: samlacrosse.substack.comInstagram: instagram.com/realsamlaxX: x.com/realsamlaxLinkedIn: linkedin.com/realsamlaxCultural Commentary#culture #politics #currentevents #genz #christianity #christian #faith #traditional #values

Navigating the New Normal in Distressed Real EstateWelcome back to another essential update for real estate investors, note buyers, and market watchers! We are officially in Q2 of 2026, and the landscape of distressed property is shifting rapidly. In this episode, we dive deep into the latest data from the Texas foreclosure auctions and broader national trends. Is the market entering a crisis, or are we simply returning to pre-pandemic normalization? Whether you are looking for residential opportunities in Harris County or commercial assets in North Texas, this episode provides the data-backed roadmap you need to stay ahead of the curve.National Trends & Q1 Market DataWe kick things off by breaking down the latest quarterly report from Auction.com, featuring insights from industry expert Darren Blomquist. Across the USA, we are seeing a significant return to 2020 levels of market stress.National Volume Spike: Foreclosure auction volume increased 33% in 2026, reaching a six-year high.Widespread Distress: 44 states and the District of Columbia reported annual increases in foreclosure volume.Normalization vs. Crisis: While volume is up, the data suggests a steady "normalization" to pre-pandemic levels rather than a sudden market crash.Equity Erosion: Average equity for scheduled foreclosures has declined to 26.9%—a 13% drop year-over-year—driven by cooling property values.The REO Shift: Banks are increasingly taking properties back at auction and listing them as REOs on digital platforms at "market-attuned" pricing.The Texas Lone Star Update: May 2026As one of the leading foreclosure states in the country, Texas is seeing a fascinating month-over-month shift. We break down the residential and commercial filings for May:The Monthly Drop: Despite an annual upward trend, May saw 3,774 filings—a 20% decrease from April.Commercial Snapshot: There are 456 commercial filings across Texas this month, with North Texas (DFW area) leading the charge at 144 filings.County Breakdown:Harris County: Remains a powerhouse with 698 residential filings.Bexar County: Holding steady with 397 filings.Dallas & Tarrant: Seeing slight month-over-month declines but still high-volume markets.The "Zero" List: Notably, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties showed zero scheduled foreclosures in the reported data for this specific period.Strategies for InvestorsWe also discuss how to capitalize on these trends, including a recap of our session with Texas legend Arnie Abramson on making money at tax sales. Learn why buyers are currently paying roughly 67 cents on the dollar for auction assets and how "bid-ask spreads" are narrowing as sellers adjust to sluggish conditions.Conclusion: Take Action in the Distressed MarketThe numbers don't lie—the foreclosure supply is rebuilding, and the opportunities for prepared investors are growing. Don't wait for the competition to catch up. Use the resources mentioned in today's show, like Roddy's List and Foreclosure.com, to do your due diligence and start bidding with confidence. If you found this update helpful, subscribe to the Note Closers Show Podcast and join us at the next auction. Until next time, go out there, take action, and we'll see you at the top! Watch the Original VIDEO HERE!Book a Call With Scott HERE!Sign up for the next FREE One-Day Note Class HERE!Sign up for the WCN Membership HERE!Sign up for the next Note Buying For Dummies Workshop HERE!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here's How »Join the Note Closers Show community today:WeCloseNotes.comThe Note Closers Show FacebookThe Note Closers Show TwitterScott Carson LinkedInThe Note Closers Show YouTubeThe Note Closers Show VimeoThe Note Closers Show InstagramWe Close Notes PinterestGet Signed Up For the Next Note Buying Workshop HERE!

Diana and Sam are back diving into Episode 4 of The Testaments, and this one is a lot.  What looks beautiful on the surface quickly turns unsettling, as Agnes, Daisy, and Becca each experience Gilead in very different (and dangerous) ways.  What We Talk About The contrast between beauty and danger (that opening

What men must do in order to make this world feel safer for women. They won't like it but it is necessary. Please subscribe to my Substack by clicking on this link...https://substack.com/@wendymcclurethehopefulist2

Everyone's talking about the Eric Swalwell scandal……but nobody is talking about where these stories actually START.Not the headlines.Not the investigations.Not the press conferences.The DM.Tonight's Wacky Wednesday, Chad Law breaks down a pattern hiding in plain sight:➡️ Why unsolicited nudes aren't random➡️ How boundary testing becomes normalized➡️ The psychological profile behind the behavior➡️ And how that SAME mindset shows up in people with powerFrom Anthony Weiner to Chris Lee to today's headlines — this isn't coincidence.It's a system.And once you see it… you can't unsee it.

Did you know the habits and environment you create in your child's first six years can shape how they focus and function for life? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Teresa Angeles, a Montessori educator, parent mentor, and author of The Montessori Home and Beyond. Together, they explore how early childhood development connects directly to adult productivity, and how a Montessori approach can bring more calm, clarity, and intention into everyday life. Teresa explains the Montessori method in a practical way, showing how ideas like the "Absorbent Mind" and a thoughtfully prepared environment influence both children and adults. Backed by modern neuroscience, these principles help us raise emotionally balanced kids while also becoming more focused and less stressed ourselves. Hear simple but powerful insights, like how clutter affects your nervous system, why following curiosity helps you get into flow, and how your surroundings quietly shape your behavior. The conversation also touches on epigenetics, highlighting how a peaceful, organized space can support productivity at a deeper level. Teresa shares easy, actionable steps you can start using right away to create a more supportive environment, whether you have children or not. Tune in to learn how to design your home and routines in a way that reduces stress, builds focus, and supports lasting productivity.   What We Discuss [00:00] Introduction [02:01] Guest introduction: Teresa Angeles [05:08] Teresa's success with Montessori and its impact on her parenting [08:45] The role of environment and epigenetics [10:41] Montessori's focus on environment [12:32] Montessori principles [16:21] Multiple intelligences and nurturing gifts [18:18] Montessori practices: circle time and self-trust [19:38] Normalization and flow [21:16] Right brain development and language acquisition [23:28] Structure, order, and emotional regulation [26:34] Decluttering and creating order [28:33] Observation and the Montessori adult [31:47] Practical habits and learning areas [33:06] Setting up the Montessori home [39:38] Observation and self-reflection [44:08] Where to find Teresa and her work   Notable Quotes [07:37] "There were three things impacting the child… the child, the adult and the environment." – Teresa Angeles [09:31] "If you set up the right environment for the children and for yourself as an adult, you begin to turn on productive genes." – Gerald J. Leonard [11:19] "Give them time to plan their own schedules, even as toddlers. It creates the executive functioning skills." – Teresa Angeles [14:18] "Neuroscience is now confirming that the right brain is totally in control for the first five to six years of a child's life." – Teresa Angeles [14:57] "The first six years is the time that you want to give your child everything beautiful—your heart, your presence, your kindness." – Teresa Angeles [17:59] "Montessori said that every child has what she called an inner teacher. It's like the inner sense." – Teresa Angeles [19:44] "Normalization is the idea that, again, by doing what we love to do. By learning to concentrate, we develop flow." – Teresa Angeles [26:35] "Try to clear out the clutter in your home." – Teresa Angeles [27:00] "I finally learned from being in a Montessori environment that I have to order my environment before I can even think." – Teresa Angeles   Resource and Links Teresa Angeles Website: https://montessorifamilies.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresa-angeles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturingyourchildsheart/ Book: The Montessori Home and Beyond   Productivity Smarts Podcast Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com Gerald J. Leonard Website - geraldjleonard.com Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard   Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds

7. Evan Ellis evaluates a Russian oil delivery to Cuba and potential backroom negotiations with the Trumpadministration. He also analyzes the normalization of Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez amid efforts toward political transition. (7)1920 CUBA

Iran is winning the war that was started by the USA and Israel. This is now admitted even by major Western media outlets. Tehran has successfully destroyed the US military bases in West Asia (aka the Middle East), forcing the Pentagon to operate from Europe. Ben Norton explains Iran's goals, and how it is seeking to establish deterrence and escalation dominance, using asymmetric tactics. VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV26rb-9YsE Topics 0:00 Iran is winning the war 2:32 Iran's strategic goals 2:47 Failure of regime change 3:34 US military bases 4:25 Iran destroyed US bases 7:32 USA wages war from Europe 8:53 Bases used by USA in Europe 9:30 Iran's objectives 10:05 Gulf monarchies (GCC) 13:46 Normalization with Israel 14:54 Threats to Gulf regimes 16:40 Lifting of US sanctions 19:10 Oil and Strait of Hormuz 22:34 Escalation dominance 23:33 Costs of the war 25:34 USA running out of missiles 26:59 Deterrence 29:17 US and Israel are losing 29:42 Multipolar world 31:34 Outro

9/11 STYLE ATTACK IN THE NEAR FUTURE? + NORMALIZATION OF TYRANNY IN THE US.

This week, Sam talks to Emily Bender and Alex Hanna about the marketing ploys of “artificial intelligence,” why ridicule works to keep big tech's claims in check, and what makes them hopeful for the future. They're the authors of The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want.Dr. Alex Hanna is a writer and sociologist of technology, labor, and politics. She's the Director of Research at the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR) and a Lecturer in the School of Information at the University of California Berkeley. Dr. Emily M. Bender is a Professor of Linguistics at the University of Washington where she is also the Faculty Director of the Computational Linguistics Master of Science program and affiliate faculty in the School of Computer Science and Engineering and the Information School.They also host the The Mystery AI Hype Theater 3000 podcast which “deflates AI hype and draws attention to the real harms of the automation technologies we call ‘artificial intelligence'.”  Flood of AI-Generated Submissions ‘Final Straw' for Small 22-Year-Old Publisher The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech's Hype and Create the Future We Want Emily's cartoon  Questioning the Normalization of Surveillance by the Center on Privacy & Technology at Georgetown You Are Not a Parrot at NY Mag YouTube Version: https://youtu.be/UwBZiuH-1QY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon explores why red flags in abusive relationships rarely look like red flags at the beginning. What starts as confusion, discomfort, or a moment that feels easy to explain away can slowly become a pattern over time. This episode examines the psychology behind that process, including attachment bias, gradual desensitization, shifting baselines, and intermittent reinforcement. Because by the time the pattern becomes visible, many survivors are already emotionally attached, deeply invested, and questioning why they didn't see it sooner. This is an episode about why the signs were not always obvious, how abuse becomes normalized, and why recognition often comes much later. Click if you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@pm.me Click on the title to read about Coercive Control as Care: Signs & Patterns Sign up to our Domestic Violence Newsletter  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Republicans KNOW Trump will destroy democracy — and they don't care.Marc Elias sits down with Tim Miller of The Bulwark to find out why.Tim Miller went from running Jeb Bush' presidential campaign to becoming one of the most prominent voices defendingdemocracy against Trump's authoritarian project. In this conversation, he pulls no punches on what he's witnessed from inside the Republican Party — and why so many elites are choosing to stay silentSupport Democracy Docket's mission:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/anchor-youtube-thursday00:00 Introduction00:43 The Political Journey: From Jeb Bush to the Current Coalition04:19 The Real Reason Republican Elites Still Support Trump06:41 Is the Authoritarian Project Specific to One Leader?08:31 The Durability of the Pro-Democracy Alignment12:32 Why Former Republicans Find Common Ground with the Left16:53 Winning Strategies for Democrats in the 2026 Elections20:24 Critical Geographic and Demographic Shifts Underway23:34 Strategies for Making Voter Realignments Permanent26:11 Ending the Normalization of Political Chaos in Media29:05 The Evolving Role of Independent Media32:14 Can the Pre-Trump Republican Party Ever Return?35:28 Major Risks Facing the Integrity of Future Elections39:15 Maintaining Resilience in a Highly Polarized Environment42:40 Guidance for the Next Generation of Political Leaders46:15 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow the Discussion

6. Guest Author: George Black Headline:Normalization and Addressing Unexploded Ordnance Summary: Black recounts the 1995 normalization under Clinton, the role of veteran senators, and the founding of Project RENEW to address unexploded wartime ordnance. (6)1966 EVACUATION FROM VC

5. Guest Author: George Black Headline: The Bitter Legacy of the MIA Issue Summary: The discussion covers post-war trauma and how the MIA issue and conspiracy theories blocked diplomatic normalization between the United States and Vietnam for decades. (5)1968 THIRD MARINES

Jonathan Schanzer reports that IDF ground troops enter Lebanon to "clean house," targeting missile silos and leadership, while secret talks explore normalization between the two nations after Hezbollah's removal. 11.1897 SAMARAKAND PERSIA

Andrew, Blake, Mikey, and Pastor John Amanchukwu take an hour of questions live from CK Exclusives subscribers, including: - How can the church keep younger generations engaged in their faith? - How can conservatives push back against the steady normalization of political violence? - When is it acceptable to defy the laws for the sake of the Gospel? - What does the show think of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney? Become an Exclusives subscriber and ask the team a question on-air by going to members.charliekirk.com Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.