Podcasts about observes

Welcome back to Snafu w/ Robin Zander.  In this episode, I'm joined by Brian Elliott, former Slack executive and co-founder of Future Forum. We discuss the common mistakes leaders make about AI and why trust and transparency are more crucial than ever. Brian shares lessons from building high-performing teams, what makes good leadership, and how to foster real collaboration. He also reflects on raising values-driven kids, the breakdown of institutional trust, and why purpose matters. We touch on the early research behind Future Forum and what he'd do differently today. Brian will also be joining us live at Responsive Conference 2025, and I'm excited to continue the conversation there. If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get them here. What Do Most People Get Wrong About AI? (1:53) “Senior leaders sit on polar ends of the spectrum on this stuff. Very, very infrequently, sit in the middle, which is kind of where I find myself too often.”  Robin notes Brian will be co-leading an active session on AI at Responsive Conference with longtime collaborator Helen Kupp. He tees up the conversation by saying Brian holds “a lot of controversial opinions” on AI, not that it's insignificant, but that there's a lot of “idealization.” Brian says most senior leaders fall into one of two camps: Camp A: “Oh my God, this changes everything.” These are the fear-mongers shouting: “If you don't adopt now, your career is over.” Camp B: “This will blow over.” They treat AI as just another productivity fad, like others before it. Brian positions himself somewhere in the middle but is frustrated by both ends of the spectrum. He points out that the loudest voices (Mark Benioff, Andy Jassy, Zuckerberg, Sam Altman) are “arms merchants” – they're pushing AI tools because they've invested billions. These tools are massively expensive to build and run, and unless they displace labor, it's unclear how they generate ROI. believe in AI's potential and  aggressively push adoption inside their companies. So, naturally, these execs have to: But “nothing ever changes that fast,” and both the hype and the dismissal are off-base. Why Playing with AI Matters More Than Training (3:29) AI is materially different from past tech, but what's missing is attention to how adoption happens. “The organizational craft of driving adoption is not about handing out tools. It's all emotional.” Adoption depends on whether people respond with fear or aspiration, not whether they have the software. Frontline managers are key: it's their job to create the time and space for teams to experiment with AI. Brian credits Helen Kupp for being great at facilitating this kind of low-stakes experimentation. Suggests teams should “play with AI tools” in a way totally unrelated to their actual job. Example: take a look at your fridge, list the ingredients you have, and have AI suggest a recipe. “Well, that's a sucky recipe, but it could do that, right?” The point isn't utility,  it's comfort and conversation: What's OK to use AI for? Is it acceptable to draft your self-assessment for performance reviews with AI? Should you tell your boss or hide it? The Purpose of Doing the Thing (5:30) Robin brings up Ezra Klein's podcast in The New York Times, where Ezra asks: “What's the purpose of writing an essay in college?” AI can now do better research than a student, faster and maybe more accurately. But Robin argues that the act of writing is what matters, not just the output. Says: “I'm much better at writing that letter than ChatGPT can ever be, because only Robin Zander can write that letter.” Example: Robin and his partner are in contract on a house and wrote a letter to the seller – the usual “sob story” to win favor. All the writing he's done over the past two years prepared him to write that one letter better. “The utility of doing the thing is not the thing itself – it's what it trains.” Learning How to Learn (6:35) Robin's fascinated by “skills that train skills” – a lifelong theme in both work and athletics. He brings up Josh Waitzkin (from Searching for Bobby Fischer), who went from chess prodigy to big wave surfer to foil board rider. Josh trained his surfing skills by riding a OneWheel through NYC, practicing balance in a different context. Robin is drawn to that kind of transfer learning and “meta-learning” – especially since it's so hard to measure or study. He asks: What might AI be training in us that isn't the thing itself? We don't yet know the cognitive effects of using generative AI daily, but we should be asking. Cognitive Risk vs. Capability Boost (8:00) Brian brings up early research suggesting AI could make us “dumber.” Outsourcing thinking to AI reduces sharpness over time. But also: the “10,000 repetitions” idea still holds weight – doing the thing builds skill. There's a tension between “performance mode” (getting the thing done) and “growth mode” (learning). He relates it to writing: Says he's a decent writer, not a great one, but wants to keep getting better. Has a “quad project” with an editor who helps refine tone and clarity but doesn't do the writing. The setup: he provides 80% drafts, guidelines, tone notes, and past writing samples. The AI/editor cleans things up, but Brian still reviews: “I want that colloquialism back in.” “I want that specific example back in.” “That's clunky, I don't want to keep it.” Writing is iterative, and tools can help, but shouldn't replace his voice. On Em Dashes & Detecting Human Writing (9:30) Robin shares a trick: he used em dashes long before ChatGPT and does them with a space on either side. He says that ChatGPT's em dashes are double-length and don't have spaces. If you want to prove ChatGPT didn't write something, “just add the space.” Brian agrees and jokes that his editors often remove the spaces, but he puts them back in. Reiterates that professional human editors like the ones he works with at Charter and Sloan are still better than AI. Closing the Gap Takes More Than Practice (10:31) Robin references The Gap by Ira Glass, a 2014 video that explores the disconnect between a creator's vision and their current ability to execute on that vision. He highlights Glass's core advice: the only way to close that gap is through consistent repetition – what Glass calls “the reps.” Brian agrees, noting that putting in the reps is exactly what creators must do, even when their output doesn't yet meet their standards. Brian also brings up his recent conversation with Nick Petrie, whose work focuses not only on what causes burnout but also on what actually resolves it. He notes research showing that people stuck in repetitive performance mode – like doctors doing the same task for decades – eventually see a decline in performance. Brian recommends mixing in growth opportunities alongside mastery work. “exploit” mode (doing what you're already good at) and  “explore” mode (trying something new that pushes you) He says doing things that stretch your boundaries builds muscle that strengthens your core skills and breaks stagnation. He emphasizes the value of alternating between  He adds that this applies just as much to personal growth, especially when people begin to question their deeper purpose and ask hard questions like, “Is this all there is to my life or career? Brian observes that stepping back for self-reflection is often necessary, either by choice or because burnout forces a hard stop. He suggests that sustainable performance requires not just consistency but also intentional space for growth, purpose, and honest self-evaluation. Why Taste And Soft Skills Now Matter More Than Ever (12:30) On AI, Brian argues that most people get it wrong. “I do think it's augmentation.” The tools are evolving rapidly, and so are the ways we use them. They view it as a way to speed up work, especially for engineers, but that's missing the bigger picture. Brian stresses that EQ is becoming more important than IQ. Companies still need people with developer mindsets – hypothesis-driven, structured thinkers. But now, communication, empathy, and adaptability are no longer optional; they are critical. “Human communication skills just went from ‘they kind of suck at it but it's okay' to ‘that's not acceptable.'” As AI takes over more specialist tasks, the value of generalists is rising. People who can generate ideas, anticipate consequences, and rally others around a vision will be most valuable. “Tools can handle the specialized knowledge – but only humans can connect it to purpose.” Brian warns that traditional job descriptions and org charts are becoming obsolete. Instead of looking for ways to rush employees into doing more work, “rethink the roles. What can a small group do when aligned around a common purpose?” The future lies in small, aligned teams with shared goals. Vision Is Not a Strategy (15:56) Robin reflects on durable human traits through Steve Jobs' bio by Isaac Walterson. Jobs succeeded not just with tech, but with taste, persuasion, charisma, and vision. “He was less technologist, more storyteller.” They discuss Sam Altman, the subject of Empire of AI. Whether or not the book is fully accurate, Robin argues that Altman's defining trait is deal-making. Robin shares his experience using ChatGPT in real estate. It changed how he researched topics like redwood root systems on foundational structure and mosquito mitigation. Despite the tech, both agree that human connection is more important than ever. “We need humans now more than ever.” Brian references data from Kelly Monahan showing AI power users are highly productive but deeply burned out. 40% more productive than their peers. 88% are completely burnt out. Many don't believe their company's AI strategy, even while using the tools daily. There's a growing disconnect between executive AI hype and on-the-ground experience. But internal tests by top engineers showed only 10% improvement, mostly in simple tasks. “You've got to get into the tools yourself to be fluent on this.” One CTO believed AI would produce 30% efficiency gains. Brian urges leaders to personally engage with the tools before making sweeping decisions. He warns against blindly accepting optimistic vendor promises or trends. Leaders pushing AI without firsthand experience risk overburdening their teams. “You're bringing the Kool-Aid and then you're shoving it down your team's throat.” This results in burnout, not productivity. “You're cranking up the demands. You're cranking up the burnout, too.” “That's not going to lead to what you want either.” If You Want Control, Just Say That (20:47) Robin raises the topic of returning to the office, which has been a long-standing area of interest for him. “I interviewed Joel Gascoyne on stage in 2016… the largest fully distributed company in the world at the time.” He's tracked distributed work since Responsive 2016. Also mentions Shelby Wolpa (ex-Envision), who scaled thousands remotely. Robin notes the shift post-COVID: companies are mandating returns without adjusting for today's realities.” Example: “Intel just did a mandatory 4 days a week return to office… and now people live hours away.” He acknowledges the benefits of in-person collaboration, especially in creative or physical industries. “There is an undeniable utility.”, especially as they met in Robin's Cafe to talk about Responsive, despite a commute, because it was worth it. But he challenges blanket return-to-office mandates, especially when the rationale is unclear. According to Brian, any company uses RTO as a veiled soft layoff tactic. Cites Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy openly stating RTO is meant to encourage attrition. He says policies without clarity are ineffective. “If you quit, I don't have to pay you severance.” Robin notes that the Responsive Manifesto isn't about providing answers but outlining tensions to balance. Before enforcing an RTO policy, leaders should ask: “What problem are we trying to solve – and do we have evidence of it?” Before You Mandate, Check the Data (24:50) Performance data should guide decisions, not executive assumptions. For instance, junior salespeople may benefit from in-person mentorship, but… That may only apply to certain teams, and doesn't justify full mandates. “I've seen situations where productivity has fallen – well-defined productivity.” The decision-making process should be decentralized and nuanced. Different teams have different needs — orgs must avoid one-size-fits-all policies, especially in large, distributed orgs. “Should your CEO be making that decision? Or should your head of sales?” Brian offers a two-part test for leaders to assess their RTO logic: Are you trying to attract and retain the best talent? Are your teams co-located or distributed? If the answer to #1 is yes: People will be less engaged, not more. High performers will quietly leave or disengage while staying. Forcing long commutes will hurt retention and morale. If the answer to #2 is “distributed”: Brian then tells a story about a JPMorgan IT manager who asks Jamie Dimon for flexibility. “It's freaking stupid… it actually made it harder to do their core work.” Instead, teams need to define shared norms and operating agreements. “Teams have to have norms to be effective.” RTO makes even less sense. His team spanned time zones and offices, forcing them into daily hurt collaboration. He argues most RTO mandates are driven by fear and a desire for control. More important than office days are questions like: What hours are we available for meetings? What tools do we use and why? How do we make decisions? Who owns which roles and responsibilities? The Bottom Line: The policy must match the structure. If teams are remote by design, dragging them into an office is counterproductive. How to Be a Leader in Chaotic Times (28:34) “We're living in a more chaotic time than any in my lifetime.” Robin asks how leaders should guide their organizations through uncertainty. He reflects on his early work years during the 2008 crash and the unpredictability he's seen since. Observes current instability like the UCSF and NIH funding and hiring freezes disrupting universities, rising political violence, and murders of public officials from the McKnight Foundation, and more may persist for years without relief. “I was bussing tables for two weeks, quit, became a personal trainer… my old client jumped out a window because he lost his fortune as a banker.” Brian says what's needed now is: Resilience – a mindset of positive realism: acknowledging the issues, while focusing on agency and possibility, and supporting one another. Trust – not just psychological safety, but deep belief in leadership clarity and honesty. His definition of resilience includes: “What options do we have?” “What can we do as a team?” “What's the opportunity in this?” What Builds Trust (and What Breaks It) (31:00) Brian recalls laying off more people than he hired during the dot-com bust – and what helped his team endure: “Here's what we need to do. If you're all in, we'll get through this together.” He believes trust is built when: Leaders communicate clearly and early. They acknowledge difficulty, without sugarcoating. They create clarity about what matters most right now. They involve their team in solutions. He critiques companies that delay communication until they're in PR cleanup mode: Like Target's CEO, who responded to backlash months too late – and with vague platitudes. “Of course, he got backlash,” Brian says. “He wasn't present.” According to him, “Trust isn't just psychological safety. It's also honesty.” Trust Makes Work Faster, Better, and More Fun (34:10) “When trust is there, the work is more fun, and the results are better.” Robin offers a Zander Media story: Longtime collaborator Jonathan Kofahl lives in Austin. Despite being remote, they prep for shoots with 3-minute calls instead of hour-long meetings. The relationship is fast, fluid, and joyful, and the end product reflects that. He explains the ripple effects of trust: Faster workflows Higher-quality output More fun and less burnout Better client experience Fewer miscommunications or dropped balls He also likens it to acrobatics: “If trust isn't there, you land on your head.” Seldom Wrong, Never in Doubt (35:45) “Seldom wrong, never in doubt – that bit me in the butt.” Brian reflects on a toxic early-career mantra: As a young consultant, he was taught to project confidence at all times. It was said that “if you show doubt, you lose credibility,” especially with older clients. Why that backfired: It made him arrogant. It discouraged honest questions or collaborative problem-solving. It modeled bad leadership for others. Brian critiques the startup world's hero culture: Tech glorifies mavericks and contrarians, people who bet against the grain and win. But we rarely see the 95% who bet big and failed, and the survivors become models, often with toxic effects. The real danger: Leaders try to imitate success without understanding the context. Contrarianism becomes a virtue in itself – even when it's wrong. Now, he models something else: “I can point to the mountain, but I don't know the exact path.” Leaders should admit they don't have all the answers. Inviting the team to figure it out together builds alignment and ownership. That's how you lead through uncertainty, by trusting your team to co-create. Slack, Remote Work, and the Birth of Future Forum (37:40) Brian recalls the early days of Future Forum: Slack was deeply office-centric pre-pandemic. He worked 5 days a week in SF, and even interns were expected to show up regularly. Slack's leadership, especially CTO Cal Henderson, was hesitant to go remote, not because they were anti-remote, but because they didn't know how. But when COVID hit, Slack, like everyone else, had to figure out remote work in real time. Brian had long-standing relationships with Slack's internal research team: He pitched Stewart Butterfield (Slack's CEO) on the idea of a think tank, where he was then joined by Helen Kupp and Sheela Subramanian, who became his co-founders in the venture. Thus, Future Forum was born. Christina Janzer, Lucas Puente, and others. Their research was excellent, but mostly internal-facing, used for product and marketing. Brian, self-described as a “data geek,” saw an opportunity: Remote Work Increased Belonging, But Not for Everyone (40:56) In mid-2020, Future Forum launched its first major study. Expected finding: employee belonging would drop due to isolation. Reality: it did, but not equally across all demographics. For Black office workers, a sense of belonging actually increased. Future Forum brought in Dr. Brian Lowery, a Black professor at Stanford, to help interpret the results. Lowery explained: “I'm a Black professor at Stanford. Whatever you think of it as a liberal school, if I have to walk on that campus five days a week and be on and not be Black five days a week, 9 to 5 – it's taxing. It's exhausting. If I can dial in and out of that situation, it's a release.” A Philosophy Disguised as a Playbook (42:00) Brian, Helen, and Sheela co-authored a book that distilled lessons from: Slack's research Hundreds of executive conversations Real-world trials during the remote work shift One editor even commented on how the book is “more like a philosophy book disguised as a playbook.” The key principles are: “Start with what matters to us as an organization. Then ask: What's safe to try?” Policies don't work. Principles do. Norms > mandates. Team-level agreements matter more than companywide rules. Focus on outcomes, not activity.  Train your managers. Clarity, trust, and support start there. Safe-to-try experiments. Iterate fast and test what works for your team. Co-create team norms. Define how decisions get made, what tools get used, and when people are available. What's great with the book is that no matter where you are, this same set of rules still applies.  When Leadership Means Letting Go (43:54) “My job was to model the kind of presence I wanted my team to show.” Robin recalls a defining moment at Robin's Café: Employees were chatting behind the counter while a banana peel sat on the floor, surrounded by dirty dishes. It was a lawsuit waiting to happen. His first impulse was to berate them, a habit from his small business upbringing. But in that moment, he reframed his role. “I'm here to inspire, model, and demonstrate the behavior I want to see.” He realized: Hovering behind the counter = surveillance, not leadership. True leadership = empowering your team to care, even when you're not around. You train your manager to create a culture, not compliance. Brian and Robin agree: Rules only go so far. Teams thrive when they believe in the ‘why' behind the work. Robin draws a link between strong workplace culture and… The global rise of authoritarianism The erosion of trust in institutions If trust makes Zander Media better, and helps VC-backed companies scale — “Why do our political systems seem to be rewarding the exact opposite?” Populism, Charisma & Bullshit (45:20) According to Robin, “We're in a world where trust is in very short supply.” Brian reflects on why authoritarianism is thriving globally: The media is fragmented. Everyone's in different pocket universes. People now get news from YouTube or TikTok, not trusted institutions. Truth is no longer shared, and without shared truth, trust collapses. “Walter Cronkite doesn't exist anymore.” He references Andor, where the character, Mon Mothma, says: People no longer trust journalism, government, universities, science, or even business. Edelman's Trust Barometer dipped for business leaders for the first time in 25 years. CEOs who once declared strong values are now going silent, which damages trust even more. “The death of truth is really the problem that's at work here.” Robin points out: Trump and Elon, both charismatic, populist figures, continue to gain power despite low trust. Why? Because their clarity and simplicity still outperform thoughtful leadership. He also calls Trump a “marketing genius.” Brian's frustration: Case in point: Trump-era officials who spread conspiracy theories now can't walk them back. Populists manufacture distrust, then struggle to govern once in power. He shares a recent example: Result: Their base turned on them. Right-wing pundits (Pam Bondi, Dan Bongino) fanned Jeffrey Epstein conspiracies. But in power, they had to admit: “There's no client list publicly.” Brian then suggests that trust should be rebuilt locally. He points to leaders like Zohran Mamdani (NY): “I may not agree with all his positions, but he can articulate a populist vision that isn't exploitative.” Where Are the Leaders? (51:19) Brian expresses frustration at the silence from people in power: “I'm disappointed, highly disappointed, in the number of leaders in positions of power and authority who could lend their voice to something as basic as: science is real.” He calls for a return to shared facts: “Let's just start with: vaccines do not cause autism. Let's start there.” He draws a line between public health and trust: We've had over a century of scientific evidence backing vaccines But misinformation is eroding communal health Brian clarifies: this isn't about wedge issues like guns or Roe v. Wade The problem is that scientists lack public authority, but CEOs don't CEOs of major institutions could shift the narrative, especially those with massive employee bases. And yet, most say nothing: “They know it's going to bite them… and still, no one's saying it.” He warns: ignoring this will hurt businesses, frontline workers, and society at large. 89 Seconds from Midnight (52:45) Robin brings up the Doomsday Clock: Historically, it was 2–4 minutes to midnight “We are 89 seconds to midnight.” (as of January 2025) This was issued by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, a symbol of how close humanity is to destroying itself. Despite that, he remains hopeful: “I might be the most energetic person in any room – and yet, I'm a prepper.” Robin shared that: And in a real emergency? You might not make it. He grew up in the wilderness, where ambulances don't arrive, and CPR is a ritual of death. He frequently visits Vieques, an island off Puerto Rico with no hospital, where a car crash likely means you won't survive. As there is a saying there that goes, ‘No Hay Hospital', meaning ‘there is no hospital'. If something serious happens, you're likely a few hours' drive or even a flight away from medical care. That shapes his worldview: “We've forgotten how precious life is in privileged countries.” Despite his joy and optimism, Robin is also: Deeply aware of fragility – of systems, bodies, institutions. Committed to preparation, not paranoia. Focused on teaching resilience, care, and responsibility. How to Raise Men with Heart and Backbone (55:00) Robin asks: “How do you counsel your boys to show up as protectors and earners, especially in a capitalist world, while also taking care of people, especially when we're facing the potential end of humanity in our lifetimes?” Brian responds: His sons are now 25 and 23, and he's incredibly proud of who they're becoming. Credits both parenting and luck but he also acknowledges many friends who've had harder parenting experiences. His sons are: Sharp and thoughtful In healthy relationships Focused on values over achievements Educational path: “They think deeply about what are now called ‘social justice' issues in a very real way.” Example: In 4th grade, their class did a homelessness simulation – replicating the fragmented, frustrating process of accessing services. Preschool at the Jewish Community Center Elementary at a Quaker school in San Francisco He jokes that they needed a Buddhist high school to complete the loop Not religious, but values-based, non-dogmatic education had a real impact That hands-on empathy helped them see systemic problems early on, especially in San Francisco, where it's worse. What Is Actually Enough? (56:54) “We were terrified our kids would take their comfort for granted.” Brian's kids: Lived modestly, but comfortably in San Francisco. Took vacations, had more than he and his wife did growing up. Worried their sons would chase status over substance. But what he taught them instead: Family matters. Friendships matter. Being dependable matters. Not just being good, but being someone others can count on. He also cautioned against: “We too often push kids toward something unattainable, and we act surprised when they burn out in the pursuit of that.” The “gold ring” mentality is like chasing elite schools, careers, and accolades. In sports and academics, he and his wife aimed for balance, not obsession. Brian on Parenting, Purpose, and Perspective (59:15) Brian sees promise in his kids' generation: But also more: Purpose-driven Skeptical of false promises Less obsessed with traditional success markers Yes, they're more stressed and overamped on social media. Gen Z has been labeled just like every generation before: “I'm Gen X. They literally made a movie about us called Slackers.” He believes the best thing we can do is: Model what matters Spend time reflecting: What really does matter? Help the next generation define enough for themselves, earlier than we did. The Real Measure of Success (1:00:07) Brian references Clay Christensen, famed author of The Innovator's Dilemma and How Will You Measure Your Life? Clay's insight: “Success isn't what you thought it was.” Early reunions are full of bravado – titles, accomplishments, money. Later reunions reveal divorce, estrangement, and regret. The longer you go, the more you see: Brian's takeaway: Even for Elon, it might be about Mars. But for most of us, it's not about how many projects we shipped. It's about: Family Friends Presence Meaning “If you can realize that earlier, you give yourself the chance to adjust – and find your way back.” Where to Find Brian (01:02:05) LinkedIn WorkForward.com Newsletter: The Work Forward on Substack “Some weeks it's lame, some weeks it's great. But there's a lot of community and feedback.” And of course, join us at Responsive Conference this September 17-18, 2025. Books Mentioned How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Responsive Manifesto Empire of AI by Karen Hao Podcasts Mentioned The Gap by Ira Glass The Ezra Klein Show Movies Mentioned Andor Slackers Organizations Mentioned: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists McKnight Foundation National Institutes of Health (NIH) Responsive.org University of California, San Francisco

PREVIEW: Colleague Liz Peek observes that Elon Musk demands a contraction of lower government spending and more handout tax breaks to EV owners. More. 1961

Preview: Author Hampton Sides, "The Wide, Wide Sea," observes the gradual breakdown of Cook among the Society Islanders -- foreshadow of the end. More. 1781

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is recognized on June 15th annually, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs uses this opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by older persons around us, and to renew our commitment to ensuring accessible health care, and support for their well-being. This day of recognition was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, in 2006 and remains an important observance to remind us that we need to protect our older generations from abuse and neglect. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, supports the United Nations International Plan of Action that acknowledges the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. By shining a spotlight on this form of abuse, we are encouraged as a nation to take action and support justice for older persons. As we make the commitment to take responsibility to prevent the abuse of older persons, we can lend a hand to those in need, be their voice when they need it, and take actions to protect them. 

PREVIEW: Colleague David Daoud of FDD observes that the Iran regime seeks to survive the Israeli offensive, in order to fight another day. More. 1925 PERSIA/IRAN 

Preview: Colleague Joseph Sternberg observes the spectacular rise of the pleasant and savvy Nigel Farage of his own Reform Party. More later. 1900 LONDON

Preview: Colleague Jim McTague observes that Ozempic and Kind may account for a drop in food spending and an increase in health spending. More later. 1960

PREVIEW: COLLEAGUE ANATOL LIEVEN OBSERVES A DECLINE IN AMERICAN DIPLOMACY SINCE THE END OF THE COLD WAR. MORE LATER. 1932

In observance of World Hypertension Day on May 17, 2025, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs joined the global community in raising awareness of hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, which continues to be a major contributor to premature deaths both globally and in Saint Lucia. This year's global theme, “Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer,” reinforces the Ministry's ongoing efforts to promote better health practices. Read more: https://www.govt.lc/news/ministry-of-health-observes-world-hypertension-day-2025

A new MP3 sermon from VCY America is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The World Observes the Passing of a Pope Subtitle: Crosstalk America Speaker: Jim Schneider Broadcaster: VCY America Event: Current Events Date: 4/23/2025 Length: 53 min.

This past Monday, worldwide media brought us the news that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. Network coverage was dominated by this news, with lengthy pieces, hour-long specials and even live streaming showing thousands filing past the body of the Pope. Yet to come is the funeral this Saturday, in St. Peter's Square, outside the basilica where leaders and heads of state from about 170 governments from all over the world will be in attendance. With more on this topic, Crosstalk welcomed Mike Gendron. Mike is the founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry. Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else. Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith. Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures.Pope Francis had a history of false teachings. For example, in May of 2013 he said that atheists would go to heaven if they lead good and honorable lives. In July of that same year, in the context of whether homosexuals could serve in the priesthood, he said that if someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who was he to judge? In November of 2015 he proclaimed that Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. In June of 2016 he said that all religions are different paths to the same god.

This past Monday, worldwide media brought us the news that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88. Network coverage was dominated by this news, with lengthy pieces, hour-long specials and even live streaming showing thousands filing past the body of the Pope. Yet to come is the funeral this Saturday, in St. Peter's Square, outside the basilica where leaders and heads of state from about 170 governments from all over the world will be in attendance. With more on this topic, Crosstalk welcomed Mike Gendron. Mike is the founder and director of Proclaiming the Gospel Ministry. Mike was a devout Roman Catholic for over 3 decades and was taught to rely upon the authority of the church above all else. Mike searched the Scriptures and was amazed to find that what he read contradicted the teaching and tradition of the church he had been a part of for so long. He trusted Jesus as his Savior and now the Bible has become his sole authority in all matters of faith. Mike is the author of the books, Preparing for Eternity and Contending for the Gospel and has produced numerous videos with warnings concerning false teachings vs. the truth of the Scriptures.Pope Francis had a history of false teachings. For example, in May of 2013 he said that atheists would go to heaven if they lead good and honorable lives. In July of that same year, in the context of whether homosexuals could serve in the priesthood, he said that if someone is gay and searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who was he to judge? In November of 2015 he proclaimed that Christians and Muslims are brothers and sisters. In June of 2016 he said that all religions are different paths to the same god.

"Preview: Colleague Brett Arends of MarketWatch observes that putting the market back together is a Humpty-Dumpty challenge. More later." 1969 NYSE

Preview: Colleague Judy Dempsey in Berlin observes that Germany needs a new plan on trade and competitiveness. More later. 1890 SAXONY

The United Nations has observed the International Day of Remembrance for victims of slavery. This annual Day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today, and remembers those who suffered and died at the hands of the slavery system. But experts say slavery is not something that's in the past - and it remains an issue in Australia today.

Preview: Colleague Charles Burton observes that the PRC treats Canada as an inferior farming tool. More later. Ottawa

PREVIEW: Colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie in Berlin observes that the Trump administration's assumed intention to pass the baton of European defense may have "galvanized" the EU states to take responsibility. More later. 1350 MEDIEVAL CAVALRY 

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. United Nations observes International Women's Day, celebrating advances but warning of push-back and “mainstreaming of misogyny” Trump hosts White House summit on bitcoin, vows to make USA the “crypto capital of the world” Trump says he's “strongly considering” new sanctions on Russia, as massive drone strike hits Ukraine energy infrastructure Measles outbreak in West Texas still growing, as CDC plans study of vaccine-autism link despite research showing no connection The post United Nations observes International Women's Day, warning of “mainstreaming of misogyny”; Trump holds White House summit on cryptocurrency he once said “seems like a scam” – March 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

I am thrilled to announce that our new book, the Kindness Daily Reader: Season One, is now available on Amazon. (See Link Below)  Secondly, we are embarking on a new chapter with Season Three of the One Kind Moment podcast. In Season One, we primarily focused on broad topics of kindness and compassion, while in Season Two, we explored areas such as self-compassion, self-help, and self-care. Now, in Season Three, we're shifting our focus to a specific area of self-care that we call Practical Spirituality for Everyone. We'll be delving into topics like spirituality in nature, spiritual intelligence, everyday mindfulness, the science of consciousness, the mystery of life, the science of awe, and managing uncertainty. We're excited to take this new direction and are grateful for your continued support and interest in the One Kind Moment podcast. EXPLORE OUR NEW BOOK! Kindness Daily Reader: Season One https://a.co/d/04RvXldy #onekindmoment #spirituality Yesterday by John Hobart - Music Design by Jason Inc. https://brucewaynemclellan.com/  

Preview: Colleague Rebecca Grant of the Lexington Institute observes that USN carriers are the answer to PLA-Navy outside the first island chain. More later 1943 YORKTOWN

PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that EU voters care about migrants and jobs, not about Ukraine and defense; and this explains the rise of populism labeled as far-right. More later. 1870 Schweinfort

PREVIEW: Colleague Joseph Sternberg of WSJ observes that the EU is unhappy with the US because now it must pay for its own defense. More later. 1920 Poland

Callahan Walsh is an advocate for the cause of Missing and Exploited Children and is the leading voice in the fight to protect children and support families. He’s also the Executive Director of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1981, Callahan’s brother Adam was kidnapped in South Florida and his remains were found two weeks after his abduction. “It's a sad story, but Adam's disappearance changed the way we look for missing kids in America. I've come to realize over time that, unfortunately, it oftentimes does take a tragedy to bring about meaningful change.” Callahan’s parents realized there was no support system or organization that aided help in distributing missing children’s posters or even searches other than local law enforcement. “They didn't know how. You know, they didn't have the training and the protocol around missing children's cases like we do now. A lot has changed since 1981.” Adam’s case captured nationwide attention, and his parents realized something needed to be done so this won’t happen to other families. They created the Adam Walsh Resource Center in Florida shortly after Adam’s death. “It started off with just a card table and a landline telephone, which has grown to become the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an organization that's helped recover over 460 ,000 missing kids since its inception.” Listen to the podcast to hear how the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children works to prevent child exploitation, how families can protect their kids online, and what to do if the child goes missing.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"PREVIEW: GAZA: Colleague Sadanand Dhume of WSJ observes that Arab nations are not accepting Gazan refugees during reconstruction or offering permanent resettlement. More tonight." 1867 GAZA https://www.wsj.com/opinion/if-indians-and-pakistanis-can-relocate-why-cant-gazans-refugees-displacement-palestinians-39d7678c

"PREVIEW: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that the U.S. is unlikely to leave NATO and Europe given the strategic advantage of its European bases. More tonight." 1953

"PREVIEW: UKRAINE-RUSSIA: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that Russian territorial advances and significant Ukrainian losses will influence upcoming negotiations. More tonight." 1919 Ukraine

PREVIEW: AI: Colleague Elizabeth Peek observes that the US economy is in the "pole position" in the AI competition with China and the EU. More tonight. 1951: GALAXY

"PREVIEW: RUSSIA: HYBRID WAR: Colleague Jeff McCausland observes that the recent suspected sabotage of undersea cables in Europe and Asia is unlikely to cease even if there is a ceasefire in Ukraine. More tonight." 1934 Stalin

PREVIEW - EU: RUSSIA & PRC Colleague Judy Dempsey of Carnegie observes that EU states perceive Russia and China as hostile powers, yet are not ready to respond and show far less resolve than the Trump Administration.  More tonight. 1910 Brussels

PREVIEW - LESS REGULATION, MORE PROSPERITY Colleague Elizabeth Peek observes that the current bullishness on Wall Street and Main Street stems from expectations that the Trump administration will maintain a light regulatory approach. More tonight 1945 Roswell, New Mexico.

AP correspondent Rica Ann Garcia reports on the Azerbaijan airliner crash as the nation observes a nationwide day of mourning for the victims.

AP correspondent Rica Ann Garcia reports on the Azerbaijan air crash as the nation observes a nationwide day of mourning for the victims.

PREVIEW: PRC: AMERICAS: Colleague Ernesto Araujo, former FM Brazil, observes that the PRC moving to control South and Central American waterways, such as ports and the Panama Canal. More later. 1910 Canal de Panama

Preview: Syria: Colleague Anatol Lieven observes that Russia may seek accommodation with HTS in order to remain in Syria. More later. 1893 Russian warship

"PREVIEW: PRC: Author Mr. Ward observes that the battlespace between the predatory PRC and the US is not military but financial and industrial. More later." 1890 Peking

PREVIEW: MEXICO - Colleague Evan Ellis of the US Army War College observes the POTUS-elect's challenge to Mexico: either secure the US border from migrants and fentanyl or face withering tariffs on Mexican products. More tonight. 1911 Mexico City

AJ had time to get some things off her chest. She sounds off early in the day since she had a 1pm interview pushed back to later. Phillies and Eagles were on her agenda. Listen if you will as she gives thoughts on the Phillies NLDS roster and the Eagles who are off the bye week and playing back at home this Sunday.

PREVIEW: ESA/COMMERCIAL SPACE: Colleague Bob Zimmerman observes that European countries are choosing between two futures: commercial space and profit, or state space and unending spending. More tonight. 1951

PREVIEW: UKRAINE/NORTH KOREA: Colleague John Hardie of FDD observes what is known of the reported North Korean elements joining the Russian Army in Ukraine - and where. Details tonight. 1951 USMC in Korean War

In this 440th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano's “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano observes this Halloween’s outdoor decorations are a “bare bones” display.

Today's Scripture passages are 2 Chronicles 34:29 - 35:19 | 2 Kings 23:21-28 | Jeremiah 47 | Psalm 100 | Psalm 122 | Psalm 145 | Philippians 4:2-9.Read by Christina Edmondson.Get in The Word with Truth's Table is a production of InterVarsity Press. For 75 years, IVP has published and created thoughtful Christian books for the university, church, and the world. Our Bible reading plan is adapted from Bible Study Together, and the Bible version is the New English Translation, used by permission.SPECIAL OFFER | As a listener of this podcast, use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode at ivpress.com.Additional Credits:Song production: Seaux ChillSong lyrics written by: Seaux Chill, Ekemini Uwan, and Christina EdmondsonPodcast art: Kate LillardPhotography: Shelly EveBible consultant: JM SmithSound engineering: Podastery StudiosCreative producers: Ekemini Uwan and Christina EdmondsonAssistant producer: Christine Pelliccio MeloExecutive producer: Helen LeeDisclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

 RADAR is very powerful tool since it can precisely measure an asteroid's position and velocity as well as in some cases yield information about its size, shape, and other characteristics. 

PREVIEW: UK; STARMER: Colleague Joseph Sternberg of the WSJ observes that the new PM Sir Keir Starmer can sell his tax hikes to the public if he delivers something worthwhile in return. More tonight. 1900 Tottenham Court

PREVIEW: #SCOTUS: #IMMUNITY: Conversation with Professor Richard Epstein of Hoover Institution re the SCOTUS 6-3 decision to assert there are official and unofficial acts of a POTUS that must be defined by lower courts - and the professor observes that what must be avoided is charging a POTUS with ill-defined acts that are labelled crimes after POTUS has left office, an endless vulnerability. 1936 FDR and Fala

PREVIEW: #ANTISEMITISM: Conversation with colleague Malcolm Hoenlein re a new poll among Jewish-Americas that observes 42 % are reluctant to wear Jewish symbols in public and have been since October 7.  More later. https://www.jta.org/2024/06/10/united-states/42-of-jews-have-felt-unsafe-wearing-jewish-symbols-in-public-since-oct-7-study-finds 1940 Galilee

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7xaMWyeCM0 From  Aug 11, 2023. Hosted by Tony Darnell. Imagine a planet that is so far away from us that it takes 40 years for its light to reach us. Now imagine that this planet has not one, but two stars that it orbits around. And finally, imagine that this planet has clouds made of sand particles that change the brightness of its atmosphere wildly as they move in the air.    This planet, VHS 1256 b, has recently been observed by the James Webb Space Telescope and it is a very interesting world. It is not like any of the planets in our solar system, or even like most of the planets that we have found outside our solar system. It is a type of planet called a brown dwarf, which is somewhere between a giant gas planet and a small star. Brown dwarfs are very hard to study, because they are very faint and cold compared to stars, and very bright and hot compared to planets.   Get all episodes at https://exoplanetradio.com Music by Geodesium: https://lochnessproductions.com   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. It is day 220 of the war with Hamas. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and news editor Amy Spiro join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. As the IDF operation in Rafah appears poised for expansion, Egypt announced Sunday it would support South Africa's ongoing lawsuit in the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Is it a warning shot or something more serious? In an Israeli Channel 12 interview last night, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew insisted that “fundamentally, nothing has changed in the basic relationship” between Israel and the US — despite the decision last week by US President Joe Biden's administration to delay a shipment of high-payload bombs to Israel, and Biden's declaration that he would not supply offensive weapons to Israel for a major IDF offensive affecting population centers in southern Gaza's Rafah. What is the significance of Lew's rare Israeli media appearance? Speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday night, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said he is responsible for providing answers to the families of slain troops. While his remarks were not new, Berman talks about their importance on this day. Following October 7, The Times of Israel has been working nonstop to bring readers the personal stories of those who were killed through our Those We Have Lost project, a dedicated page to share the names, faces and stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves. Project coordinator Spiro describes the process behind these memorials and shares the story of Mark Mordechai Peretz, 51, from Rishon Lezion, who was murdered on October 7 while trying to save his daughter from the Supernova music festival. Borschel-Dan speaks about Cpt. Amir Zur, 23, a paramedic in the elite Sayeret Matkal unit, fell in battle while attempting to “save and free” Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7. Borschel-Dan describes Zur, her husband's cousin, and talks about the last time she and her family spent time with him. For the latest updates, please see The Times of Israel's ongoing live blog. Discussed articles include: Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel as one official warns Rafah op puts peace at risk US envoy denies ties with Israel have changed: Only ‘1 set of munitions' held back ‘A tear in the heart of Israel': Nation marks a visceral post-October 7 Memorial Day Mark Peretz, 51: Father slain while trying to rescue his daughter Cpt. Amir Zur, 23: ‘You will always be our guardian angel' THOSE WE HAVE LOST: Civilians and soldiers killed in Hamas's onslaught on Israel THOSE WE ARE MISSING: The hostages and victims whose fate is still unknown Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.  IMAGE: Bereaved families, friends and Israeli soldiers visit the graves of fallen soldier during Memorial Day which commemorates the fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, at Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem on May 13, 2024. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW: #PUTIN: #POLAND: #BALTICS: From a conversation with Geopolitical Futures founder George Friedman re the Putin lengthy presentation to the American audience (as translated) during the Carlson interview -- and why, George Friedman observes, Putin mentioned Poland and the Baltics.  More later. 1920 Poland