Podcasts about pacific islands

In a world-first, the International Court of Justice is preparing to deliver an advisory opinion on climate change and human rights - all thanks to a youth-led campaign that began thousands of miles from The Hague, in the Pacific Islands.This week, we look inside that extraordinary campaign, and hear the story of Cynthia Houniuhi, who - as a young law student from the Solomon Islands - helped launch the movement that would ultimately unite over 130 countries behind a single goal. Now, six years after this idea began in a law classroom, the world's highest court is set to weigh in on the responsibility of states to protect current and future generations from climate harm.Christiana Figueres, Tom Rivett-Carnac, and Paul Dickinson reflect on the power of legal activism, the role of youth leadership, and what this landmark case could mean for the future of international climate law.Learn more ⚖️ Read more information about the ICJ climate case on the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change website

The Catch hosted a live podcast taping at the United Nations' third annual Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Moderator Philippe Cousteau was joined by former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and U.N. Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson to discuss diplomacy's importance to our ocean. Our panelists followed this discussion by looking closely at the challenges and successes of the tuna fishery in the Pacific Islands, the focus for our next season. Our panelists were Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean commissioner for the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat; Chris Dorsett, the vice president of conservation for Ocean Conservancy; Kristin Kleisner, the lead senior scientist and senior director for oceans at the Environmental Defense Fund; and Paolo Domondon, the chief program and policy officer for Global Fishing Watch. And stay tuned for Season 6 of The Catch, coming to you later this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send me a Text Message here.A Pacific Plea turned into a ProjectWe shine the SPOTLIGHT on fellow sign language interpreter Zane Hema and the team he works with in this episode. The light spreads as Zane illuminates the details of a grand project to bring formal training to sign language interpreters throughout Oceania. What started off as a conversation and requests for support became a blossoming 26-week program.Enjoy part 1 of the project's story through the eyes of Zane Hema.The Interpreter's Workshop with Tim Curry is three years old in June of 2025!In the summer 2025, July and August, the Interpreter's Workshop with Tim Curry will take a break.The episodes will resume in September.Catch up on the episodes you've not listened to yet!Check me out on Instagram @interpretersworkshop.Support the showDon't forget to tell a friend or colleague! Click below! IW Community Buy Me a Coffee Get extras with a subscription! Share the PODCAST Subscribe to the Monthly Newsletter Listen & follow on many other platforms. Send me a voicemail! [TRANSCRIPTS ARE HERE] Thanks for listening. I'll see you next week.Take care now.

In an effort to help her daughter heal, Sandra tried the Carnivore diet, and in the process, also improved her own sharp chest pain, painful menstrual cycle, knee pain, constipation, anxiety, and improved her mental clarity. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sandraasare4656 Timestamps: 00:00 Trailer 00:23 Introduction 05:37 Pacific Islands' reliance on imports 07:53 Unresolved health problems 10:24 Surprising produce prices 15:22 Starch-heavy diet concerns 18:49 Overeating on carnivore diet 21:10 Gradual healing over time Join Revero now to regain your health: https://revero.com/YT Revero.com is an online medical clinic for treating chronic diseases with this root-cause approach of nutrition therapy. You can get access to medical providers, personalized nutrition therapy, biomarker tracking, lab testing, ongoing clinical care, and daily coaching. You will also learn everything you need with educational videos, hundreds of recipes, and articles to make this easy for you. Join the Revero team (medical providers, etc): https://revero.com/jobs ‪#Revero #ReveroHealth #shawnbaker  #Carnivorediet #MeatHeals #AnimalBased #ZeroCarb #DietCoach  #FatAdapted #Carnivore #sugarfree Disclaimer: The content on this channel is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider.

Hilda Wayne explores why fewer Pacific Island women are using birth control today.This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 6th April 2022

Dr. Togzhan Kassenova is a Washington, DC-based senior fellow at SUNY-Albany's PISCES and a nonresident fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She specializes in nuclear politics, WMD nonproliferation, strategic trade controls, sanctions, and financial crime prevention. Her current work focuses on countering proliferation financing. She holds a Ph.D. in Politics from the University of Leeds. From 2011 to 2015, she served on the UN secretary general's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters. For this month's episode of Hypervelocity, I was joined by Dr. Togzhan Kassenova to discuss her book Atomic Steppe: How Kazakhstan Gave Up the Bomb⁠ (Stanford University Press, 2022). Togzhan's work powerfully recounts the impact of the Soviet nuclear programme on the people and nation of Kazakhstan, as well as the country's efforts to denuclearise after the collapse of the USSR—an experience that echoes the histories of other colonial nuclear testing grounds, such as Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Native American lands.What stands out in Togzhan's account are the deeply human stories of resistance, resilience, and at times, dark humour in the face of the devastating legacy of nuclear testing. Her work also challenges classic International Relations theories that treat states like ‘Kazakhstan', the ‘USSR', or the ‘United States' as black boxes of foreign policy. Instead, she highlights the agency of individuals—both among the general public, who organised anti-nuclear protest movements, and among diplomats, who built personal relationships and trust across borders to make denuclearisation possible. These efforts were crucial in helping Kazakhstan give up the nuclear weapons it inherited from the Soviet Union and chart a new path.Togzhan's writing also critiques the assumptions of game theory, demonstrating that it is possible for nations to enhance their security without resorting to the zero-sum logic of mutually assured destruction. In fact, following its decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal, Kazakhstan emerged as a model state in upholding international law, swiftly joining agreements such as the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty.Later in the episode, we explore whether—given Russia's invasion of Ukraine—Kazakhstan was right to give up its nuclear weapons. Finally, we catch up on what is happening today with the survivors of the Soviet-era nuclear tests.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Toghzan Kassenova and Her Work02:10 The Impact of Nuclear Testing in Kazakhstan08:57 Kazakhstan's Decision to Denuclearize16:07 The Infrastructure of Nuclear Testing20:25 Kazakhstan's Role in Global Nuclear Disarmament29:30 The Importance of International Treaties35:17 Human Connections in Nuclear Disarmament41:31 Kazakhstan as a Model for Disarmament45:37 Reflections on Security and Nuclear Deterrence50:05 The Legacy of Nuclear Testing on Survivors55:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Veerle Nouwens, Morgan Michaels and Darshana Baruah to reflect on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held on 30 May–1 June 2025. Meia, Veerle, Morgan and Darshana discuss key takeaways and topics include: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his landmark speech on the US' new ambitions for the Indo-Pacific; President Macron's proposal for greater European-Asian engagement;Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim's call for shared purpose and cooperation in order to prevent further fracturing of the international order and support peace and stability; andhow the wider Indo-Pacific dynamics featured in this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, such as the security priorities of Pacific Island states and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 3 June 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 2nd 2025 Yuriy discusses the highly successful operation by Ukrainian special forces against Russian long-range strategic aircraft and delves into the symbolic significance of these aircraft for Russia, the historical context of their production, and the broader implications on Russian propaganda and the concept of a Soviet restoration. You can email Yuriy, ask him questions or simply send him a message of support: fightingtherussianbeast@gmail.com    You can help Yuriy and his family by donating to his GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-yuriys-family   Yuriy's Podbean Patron sign-up to give once or regularly: https://patron.podbean.com/yuriy   Buy Yuriy a coffee here: https://bmc.link/yuriymat  Subscribe to his substack: https://yuriymatsarsky.substack.com/  ----more---- TRANSCRIPT: (Apple Podcasts & Podbean app users can enjoy accurate closed captions)   It is July 2nd. I understand that you are all aware of a highly successful operation by Ukrainian special forces, which destroyed or damaged dozens of Russian long range strategic aircraft using kamikaze drones. However, I must highlight a critical aspect of this operation. These aircraft are not only tools for killing Ukrainians, but also objects of religious worship for many Russians- a symbol of what they call "state greatness." Russia has no means to replace the destroyed aircraft. They were built 40, 50, or 60 years ago during Soviet times, and the technology to produce them has been lost. These planes represent the pinnacle of Soviet technological thought. After the collapse of USSR, the arms industry began to crumble. Russia lacks modern aircraft and helicopter engines, avionics, and, and proprietary software. Despite having access to modern technologies. We cannot replicate where our designs from the World War II era. Russian propaganda constantly claims: everything will return once the Soviet Union is restored. The planes, thousands of tanks, missiles- everything will be back as soon as the USSR is revived. This is called a cargo cult. The term originated during World War II, when inhabitants of remote Pacific Islands received various useful items from American soldiers stationed there. After the war ended, the islanders suddenly found themselves without canned food, Coca-Cola, or batteries for radios. They believed these things would return if we mimicked the American's actions. So we began building straw airplanes, crafting Jeeps out of mud and marching like soldiers. Russians have way own cargo cult. They believed that everything lost will return once the Soviet Union is restored. For this, they spare neither ours nor themselves. The restoration of the USSR is the kind of Moloch, to which Russians are ready to offer daily sacrifices. Their cargo cult is also a death cult. The destroyed aircraft are not only weapons eliminated, but also were humiliated idols of this bloody cult.

With Prime Minister Albanese's government returned to office with a large majority, Darren is wondering what the data from the PM and Foreign Minister's first overseas trips tell us about the early trajectory of Australian foreign policy in this new term. Is it one of continuity or change? Stephen Dziedzic of the ABC, who accompanied the PM on his trip to Jakarta, the Vatican, and Singapore, joins to discuss that trip and FM Penny Wong's trip to three Pacific Island nations. Finally, the PM was critical of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) this week, and in light of that story Darren ventures a model of think thank influence, much to Stephen's delight! Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Walter Colnaghi and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Stephen Dziedzic, “Albanese calls for deeper economic ties with Indonesia on first visit since re-election”, ABC News, 15 May 2025: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-15/anthony-albanese-first-overseas-trip-to-indonesia/105298630 Greg Earl, “Australia-Indonesia relations: From Keating's bold vision to Albanese's careful pragmatism”, Lowy Interpreter, 22 May 2025: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/australia-indonesia-relations-keating-s-bold-vision-albanese-s-careful-pragmatism Stephen Dziedzic, “Anthony Albanese tells Volodymyr Zelenskyy Australia doing 'whatever we can' to pressure Russia”, ABC News, 19 May 2025: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-19/albanese-meets-zelenskyy-and-the-pope-in-rome/105308062 Stephen Dziedzic, “Pacific Island nations support China's Taiwan claims at high-profile foreign ministers' meeting”, ABC News, 29 May 2025: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-29/china-wang-yi-pacific-islands-meeting-climate-taiwan/105353012 Andrew Greene, “Anthony Albanese tells think tank to 'have a look at themselves' after defence report”, ABC News, 29 May 2025: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-29/albanese-lashes-aspi-defence-spending-report/105351518 Christoper Clary, “Four Days in May: The India-Pakistan Crisis of 2025”, Stimson Center. Working Paper, 28 May 2025: https://www.stimson.org/2025/four-days-in-may-the-india-pakistan-crisis-of-2025/ Grand Tamasha (podcast), “How this India-Pakistan conflict will shape the next one”, 20 May 2025: https://carnegieendowment.org/podcasts/grand-tamasha/how-this-india-pakistan-conflict-will-shape-the-next-one?lang=en Interesting Times with Ross Douthat (podcast), “Progressives Are Driving Themselves Into Extinction” 29 May 2025: (Youtube link) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BBapHuklN8

Israel announces 22 new West Bank settlements, South Korea tallies record early voting in its post-martial law election, Mexico prepares for its first-ever judicial elections, China pledges climate aid to Pacific Islands nations, Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wins a defamation case against the BBC, Elon Musk officially exits DOGE, The U.S. Supreme Court allows President Trump to end status for 500,000 migrants, The Supreme Court also limits environmental reviews for infrastructure projects, The White House responds to issues with RFK Jr.'s Make America Healthy Again report, and remains of 3,000-year-old Mayan City are unearthed in Guatemala. Sources: www.verity.news

China is strengthening its ties with Pacific Island nations following the conclusion of a major diplomatic event – the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Xiamen. The meeting, chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, brought together senior diplomats from 11 Pacific nations with formal ties to Beijing.What were the key takeaways from the meeting? How is China's growing partnership with Pacific Island nations shaping sustainable regional development? As China's role expands, is there opportunity for traditional and emerging partners to collaborate on Pacific-led priorities?Host Xu Yawen joins Chen Xi, Assistant to the Director at the New Zealand Studies Center at East China Normal University; Professor Sandra Tarte, Associate Professor in the School of Law and Social Sciences at the University of the South Pacific; and Professor Warwick Powell, Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology, to decode the meeting at the Chat Lounge.

China's offering the Pacific Island's increased support. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has committed economic support in the Pacific's fight against climate change. He says over the next three years, China will undertake 100 projects in parts of the region that have ties to China. Asia Business Correspondent Peter Lewis talks to Heather du Plessis-Allan about the commitment. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana opens our Faith and Film Series with a deep look at Disney's Moana 2 through the lens of Unitarian Universalist faith, Pacific Island history, and womanist theology. Moana's journey to reconnect her people becomes a powerful metaphor for how we find our way in hard times - when the path isn't clear, when we feel lost, or when we're trying to heal what's been broken. Rev. Dana weaves in the true story of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii's last monarch, and reflects on the spiritual power of aloha, the wisdom of our ancestors, and how we move forward with love and justice. Whether you're a fan of Moana, exploring spirituality, or seeking hope in uncertain times, this sermon offers guidance, courage, and connection.

China has announced projects to help Pacific Island countries to resist climate change over a three-year period (1:05). China says the U.S. announcement to revoke visas for Chinese students is discriminatory (11:51). And China has launched its asteroid sampling Tianwen-2 mission (17:47).

Pacific Island countries attending a ministerial meeting in Xiamen say China treats them as equals and with respect, as they look to expand cooperation (0:58). Hungry Palestinians in Gaza have swarmed a U.S.-backed aid hub in a scene that the United Nations described as heartbreaking (13:17). And the Trump administration is threatening to terminate up to 100 million U.S. dollars of federal contracts with Harvard University (21:46).

Growing up in the Pacific Island culture, one of the many commandments we have to live by is to respect our elders.  At times this means dealing with certain members of family that we just have to tolerate for the rest of our lives - -  our overbearing aunties.But, of course, we do more than just, tolerate them. We adore them, we look up to them, and we love them. And most of all, we obey them.  ABC broadcasters Seiuli Salamasina von Reiche and Agnes Tupou share what made their aunties so special and how being an aunty has shaped them.  

The United States suspends new student visa interviews as it readies tougher guidelines to vet foreign applicants' social media accounts. German leaders and families of Israeli hostages criticize Tel Aviv over its deadly air strikes and blockade on Gaza. China and 11 Pacific Island nations seek to bolster ties during their two-day meeting in east China.

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For the first time, shipping companies will have to pay for the emissions produced by their vessels, but the decision falls far short of what Pacific Island nations had fought for at the recent International Maritime Organisation talks.

In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso sit down with Cleo Paskal, a leading Indo-Pacific analyst and non-resident senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, to unpack the growing threat of China's gray zone influence in the Pacific Islands and why it matters for the United States and its allies.Paskal explains the strategic significance of the Pacific Islands, which include U.S. territories and the three Compact of Free Association states—Palau, the Marshall Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia. These islands serve as America's “gateway to Asia,” enabling military access and power projection across the Pacific to key allies like Japan and Taiwan. Historically, whoever controls these islands can threaten the U.S. mainland and dominate Pacific trade routes—a reality recognized since the days of President McKinley and the Spanish-American War.Cleo prefers the Filipino term “ICAD” (Illegal, Coercive, Aggressive, and Deceptive) over “gray zone” to describe China's activities. She details how Beijing uses a “braided” approach that combines commercial investments, strategic infrastructure, and criminal enterprises. Chinese-linked businesses often promise development but end up facilitating elite capture, corruption, and even state capture, while most of the population sees little benefit. Activities include:Bribery and elite capture of local officialsStrategic port and real estate acquisitions near sensitive military sitesCriminal networks trafficking drugs, gambling, and human traffickingPolitical interference, media manipulation, and lawfare against local oppositionThe podcast explores how China's influx of money and promises of quick infrastructure projects are hard for small island economies to resist—especially when Western aid is slow, bureaucratic, or absent. However, Cleo notes that Chinese economic engagement often benefits only a narrow elite and can leave countries worse off, both economically and environmentally. She argues that the West, especially the U.S., must offer meaningful economic alternatives and support for good governance, not just military or diplomatic engagement.Despite U.S. political polarization, Cleo notes that support for the Pacific Islands remains bipartisan, especially regarding the renewal of the Compacts of Free Association. She also stresses that Pacific Islanders view the U.S. differently from former colonial powers, seeing America as a beacon of liberty and democracy—an image China is actively trying to undermine through narrative warfare.This episode makes clear that the Pacific Islands are not just remote dots on the map but are central to U.S. security, the rules-based order, and the future of the Indo-Pacific. China's gray zone campaign is a sophisticated, multi-layered threat that demands urgent, coordinated action from the U.S. and its allies—combining hard security, economic opportunity, and support for local agency and resilience.Follow our podcast on X, @IndoPacPodcast; or on LinkedIn or BlueSkySponsored by BowerGroupAsia

Nackie and Carl talk about the community events they attended this past weekend.

It's Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we're using this week's episode to highlight scientists and researchers from those regions to emphasize their contributions to science across all different fields of study. Then, Sam speaks with Dr. Steven Mana'oakamai Johnson. He explains how people are responding to climate change across the Pacific Islands and the importance of local knowledge when it comes to understanding and preparing for new types of weather systems in that region. And finally, Sam investigates a recent study where researchers created an artificial leaf that could have a real impact when it comes to renewable energy. Link to Show Notes HERE Follow Curiosity Weekly on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Dr. Samantha Yammine — for free! Still curious? Get science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for trespassing at a federal ICE detention facility he wants to close. He refused to leave when asked, showing politicians' arrogance. Trespassing and refusing to leave leads to arrest, as nobody, including politicians, is above the law. Protesting inside a federal law enforcement center isn't allowed, and while ICE enforces the law, Democrats claim they're unrestrained by it. Interim U.S. Attorney for NJ Alina Habba calls in to explain exactly what happened with the arrest. This is federal property, and the laws can't be broken, no matter who you are.  Also, AG Letitia James dismisses the mortgage fraud allegations against her as unfounded, despite published forms and evidence suggesting criminal activity. Later, 15 states are suing over Trump's order to speed up oil and gas projects. Most likely, a judge will block energy independence. It's time for the Supreme Court to step up against these rogue judges.  There might be a time when Americans defy the courts because they won't respect the rogue activity of these judges. If judges won't abide by the law, why should the people listen to their orders? This is all about sabotage and obstruction by these judges. Afterward, Trump is considering a plan to strengthen ties with Greenland by proposing a Compact of Free Association (COFA), similar to agreements with Pacific Island nations. This brilliant move aims to bring Greenland into America's sphere of influence. This is what a consequential president does. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hilda Wayne talks to Pacific Island women who are the eldest sister in their family about the challenges and rewards of this unique role.This week's episode of Sistas, Let's Talk is a repeat of the show broadcast on 21st June 2022

The Commerce Commission has confirmed it will not be formally putting the cost of flying under the microscope. Rangitata MP James Meager has suggested the Government could help keep fares competitive by supporting regional airlines. It's been revealed some flights to Pacific Island nations are cheaper than certain trips within New Zealand. Commission Chair Dr John Small says flying short routes with low demand is very expensive. "There's no law against charging high prices - that's the reality of things in New Zealand. If it's a monopoly - on a monopoly route - it's potentially able to be regulated." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 of the Nuclear Mini-Series This is part two of my mini-series on nuclear power and whether it could be the clean energy solution we've all been waiting for.As I said before (and it bears repeating): fossil fuels kill about 8 million people every single year — more than the populations of Aotearoa and most of the Pacific Islands combined.Despite that, nuclear power remains the energy source we fear the most. But should we?In the last episode, we explored the science of nuclear — what it is, how it works, and why it's not nearly as scary as it sounds. In this episode, we dive into its history — a sometimes horrifying, sometimes absurd, and often misunderstood timeline that shaped our collective anxiety around nuclear energy.In this episode, I cover:The early discoveries of nuclear materials and radiationHow public fear around nuclear energy really beganThe rise of nuclear bombs and the race for atomic powerWhat actually happens inside a nuclear reactor (in plain English)The major nuclear disasters that shaped global perceptionWhat went wrong at Three Mile IslandWhat made Chernobyl so catastrophicWhy Fukushima shook public confidence in nuclear safetyKey quotes:“Nuclear energy got its hideous reputation before it had even powered a single light bulb.”“Creepy green glows and mutant fish? That's science fiction, not reality.”“Public anxiety about nuclear energy didn't actually start with power stations.”Books & Resources Mentioned:Here are the books and materials I mentioned for anyone who wants to explore:The Radium Girls by Kate MooreA gripping and enraging true story of the young women who painted glow-in-the-dark watch faces with radioactive paint — and paid the ultimate price. The Woman Who Knew Too Much by Gayle GreeneA biography of Dr. Alice Stewart, who studied radiation risks and stood up to the nuclear establishment. (Recommended for broader radiation safety context).Atoms and Ashes: A Global History of Nuclear Disasters by Serhii PlokhyCovers Six major nuclear incidents — including Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island — with historical and political analysis.If you want to go down the rabbit hole, I also recommend googling:“Radithor” (yes, that glowing bottled water was real)“Clarence Dally and Thomas Edison” (the first radiation death in the U.S).Find our full podcast via the website here:https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/

Fossil fuels kill about 8 million people every single year, which is more than the populations of Aotearoa and most of the remaining Pacific Islands put together.Nuclear power, though - it's the one that evokes all of that terror and fear, and, well, fair enough because radiation sickness is terrifying. But I am fascinated by nuclear energy ever since I found out that Chernobyl happened on my birthday, albeit the year before I was born, but still - fascinating.The big fact is that nuclear is a far safer way to create energy than fossil fuels.So it begs the question: if nuclear energy's fatality rate is orders of magnitude lower than coal's, why are we still burning coal like it's 1890?To get into this, I'm doing a 4-part series on nuclear power, and to start with, I'll be discussing what it actually is.In this episode I share:What is an atom, what's it made of and how can they be changedHow atoms can become reactiveWhat nuclear reactions are and the creation of isotopesThe two types of radiationWhat the 4 main types of ionising radiation areNeutrons and their role in radiation and nuclear reactorsThe fear and danger that comes with radiationKey Quotes“Ionising radiation can knock electrons out of DNA molecules and that is what ultimately can lead to cancer.”“Ultimately radiation is if the neutron to proton ratio in an atom isn't balanced, it calms itself by emitting energy.”Find our full podcast via the website here:https://www.nowthatswhaticall.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowthatswhaticallgreen/You can follow me on socials on the below accounts.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannemwest/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@briannemwestLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannemwest/For our latest big project, find out more about Incrediballs here: https://incrediballs.com/

Noah Musingku made a fortune with a Ponzi scheme and then retreated to a remote armed compound in the jungle, where he still commands the loyalty of his Bougainville subjects By Sean Williams. Read by Simon Darwen. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

Dengue fever is in the news right now after the death of a young Samoan boy at Starship Hospital last week. As many New Zealanders travel to the Pacific Islands, the recent outbreak means it's something to consider. The other interesting fact about dengue fever is as well as being relevant to the Pacific, it's becoming more common around the world due to climate change – increasing temperature and humidity driving mosquito population and leading to more people being infected. What is it? A mosquito-spread virus. You get it when a mosquito bites you that is infected with dengue fever. Unlike malaria, it's carried by the small mosquitoes that come out during the day. Not the evening/early morning mosquitoes that typically carry malaria. It's becoming more common around the world with climate change – with hotter more humid temperatures. Endemic in Pacific, which is presently going through an outbreak. Can actually now be found in places like far North Queensland. It could it reach New Zealand one day – possibly with climate change. What happens if you are bitten by a mosquito carrying dengue fever? Symptoms occur 4-10 days after the mosquito bite. Typical symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches (has been referred to as ‘break bone fever'), nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. Often people recover after 1-2 weeks. Severe form is called haemorrhagic fever with bleeding, cardiovascular shock, and sometimes death. Typically occurs when you get an infection a second time – not the first. What can we do treat it? Important: There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, once you have it there is no treatment. Just treat the symptoms: Paracetamol, not ibuprofen or aspirin as this can increase bleeding risk. Plenty of fluids and rest. A majority will get better, however, if symptoms are severe, you need to see a doctor and may need the hospital. How do we prevent it? Be aware that Pacific destinations Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have had recent outbreaks. Outbreaks are often every 2-5 years with year-round risk. Resorts often put in place protocols to reduce/eliminate mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are around, protect against getting bitten with insect repellents, long sleeve shorts/pants, and mosquito nets. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us feedback about this episode!Today's episode features an interview with renowned textile artist and quilter Sylvia Pippen, whose work beautifully blends traditional Japanese sashiko with contemporary appliqué techniques. Sylvia shares her creative journey—from growing up in a family of artists to developing her signature style inspired by nature, Pacific Island culture, and the rhythms of hand stitching.We talk about the history and uses of sashiko, the process behind her stunning botanical designs, and how she approaches teaching with both tradition and innovation in mind. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or simply curious about slow stitching, Sylvia's insights will leave you inspired to pick up your needle and thread.Show notes for each episode: www.thestraightstitchpodcast.comMy website: www.janetszabo.comSee my sewing projects at: www.janetszabo.com/blogE-mail me! janet@janetszabo.com

What does the climate crisis mean for sovereignty in a world where certain countries face existential risk? I spoke to Taukiei Kitara, a native of Tuvalu, about the case of low-lying Pacific Islands, including his native Tuvalu.Please sign up for my substack at arthursnell.substack.com and follow me on Bluesky @snellarthur.bsky.social. You can sometimes find me on other podcasts - most often Disorder which I am involved with in partnership with RUSI, the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest think tank. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In April of 1722 Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen and his crew stumbled upon a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. They sailed for the Dutch West India Company in search of Terra Australis Incognita, a hypothetical undiscovered continent that doesn't actually exist. The land they found instead was just a 64 square mile speck some 1,200 miles from the nearest island and over 2,000 miles from the nearest continent. This island, which they spotted on Easter Sunday, was incredibly small and incredibly remote. And yet, remarkably, there seemed to be people living there. Roggeveen and his crew were confused, as were the handful of Europeans who made occasional landfall in the centuries that followed. None of them could understand the mysterious people of Easter Island. Where did they come from? How did they get there? Why did they carve massive stone heads? How did they move them? There were so many unanswered questions that have led to a complete lack of answers even today. But the real mystery is, why didn't anyone just ask the Rapanui people themselves? Perhaps, if they had, Easter Island, Rapa Nui wouldn't be the mystery it is today. Join me this week to finally learn about Rapa Nui. We'll examine recent DNA evidence that completely debunks past theories and we'll finally listen to the Rapanui people whose rich oral traditions, storytelling, have survived despite it all.Support the show! Join the Patreon (patreon.com/historyfixpodcast)Buy some merchBuy Me a CoffeeVenmo @Shea-LaFountaineSources: UNESCO "Rapa Nui National Park"Smithsonian Magazine "The Secrets of Easter Island"Smithsonian Magazine "Easter Island's Ancient Population Never Faced Ecological Collapse, Suggests Another StudyNature "Ancient Rapanui genomes reveal resilience and pre-European contact with the AmericasEBSCO "European Discovery of Easter Island"Wikipedia "History of Easter Island"PBS NOVA Online "Secrets of Easter Island"Shoot me a message!

This week: Scott's Guest Co-Host is Dave Hilfman, Special Report: Chris Sloan on the Pacific Island Hopper; News: Frontier, Delta, revenue lower than projected; United adding significant numbers of seats; What's happening with the NOTAM system? FAA still having trouble with technology; Avelo accepts contract to operate deportation flights; Listener Q: Is a Republic - SkyWest merger in the cards?

Rosalind Pedron a senior from Australia majoring in Pacific Island studies and political science and Didier Pedron a senior from Tahiti majoring in business marketing share their journey about how their passion with photography developed as they combined each other's strengths.

Polyfest started 50 years ago, with only four schools participating. It has since grown to be the largest Maori and Pacific Islands festival of its kind in the world, show-casing traditional music, dance and speeches from thousands of secondary school students. RNZ's Coco Lance joins live from the grounds, on the final day of Polyfest 2025.

Garth Heckman TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com The David Alliance      What are the marks of a man in history?      Across the globe, various cultures have developed unique and often intense rituals to mark a young male's transition into manhood. These rites of passage serve to test physical and mental fortitude, impart cultural knowledge, and solidify the individual's place within the community. Here are a few examples: Amazonian Tribes (e.g., Sateré-Mawé): A particularly grueling ritual involves the "bullet ant glove." Young men must wear gloves filled with hundreds of highly venomous bullet ants, enduring excruciating pain to demonstrate their strength and resilience. Ethiopian Tribes (e.g., Hamar): The "bull-jumping" ceremony requires young men to leap across the backs of several cattle, proving their agility and courage. Pacific Islands (e.g., Vanuatu): "Land diving" involves young men jumping from tall wooden towers with vines tied to their ankles, a dangerous feat that tests their bravery. Australian Aboriginal Cultures: "Walkabout" is a traditional journey where young men venture into the wilderness for extended periods, learning survival skills and cultural knowledge. Various African Cultures: Circumcision rituals are common, symbolizing the transition from boyhood to manhood. There are also many cultures that have rituals that include periods of isolation, where the young men are taught the traditional laws, and history of their people. Jewish Culture: The Bar Mitzvah, at age 13, marks a young man's religious coming-of-age, signifying his responsibility to observe Jewish law. These rituals often involve: Physical endurance: Tests of strength, pain tolerance, and survival skills. Spiritual or ceremonial elements: Rituals that connect the individual to their cultural heritage and beliefs. Community recognition: Public ceremonies that acknowledge the young man's new status within the group. Instruction and knowledge transfer: Older men imparting essential skills and cultural wisdom to the initiates. It's important to approach these cultural practices with respect and understanding, recognizing their significance within their respective communities.   What are my three marks of a man in todays world? Here are the three I think are relevant for your society.   Save your virginity until marriage   Serve others as a lifestyle    Evangelize the lost - tell others about Jesus   Why these three? They do three things…    Evangelism: It challenges you to learn. You must learn scripture, learn how to read people. Learn how to share the gospel with differing people, belief systems and environments. Learn how to answer questions that have a biblical backing, loving in nature and make God look good. And how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.    Servanthood. It challenges you to live outside your world and the worlds view (its all about me - its all about what my eyes want, my soul wants, my appetites want, what my pride wants… servanthood crushes that) One should monthly - and honestly more than once a month… but you should be serving in a capacity where you help others less fortunate than you. There are dozens of areas… food pantry, boys club, Prison ministry, Tutor kids, babysit for single parents,  visit a nursing home, Go hand out sandwiches to the homeless, help your church in some serving role, houses for humanity, work at a pet shelter… And part of serving is giving your money and not just your time.      They challenge you to learn discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit to tame your most powerful, lustful and fleshly desires. If you can't tame your sex drive you will never fully be able to serve God with all your heart. It is the proving ground of truly wanting to be a man of God - more than evangelism and servanthood. If a girl/woman wants to marry a Christian man and he cannot handle is sex drive than he is simply confessing through his actions that his fleshly desires are more important than God and his word.

This week Mike joins Victor Cha, President OF Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at CSIS. From 2021 to 2025, he was appointed by Joseph R. Biden administration to serve on the Defense Policy Board in an advisory role to the secretary of defense. From 2004 to 2007, he served on the National Security Council (NSC) and was responsible for Japan, Korea, Australia/New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations. They discuss South Korea's recently failed coup in 2024, and the future of South Korean international relations in the region. 

If you have Denisovan DNA, it means you carry genes from an ancient human species that lived thousands of years ago.

David Pocock, the former rugby star turned independent senator, embraces the label of “weirdo” for his belief that sports and politics should go hand in hand. The former rugby star isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, famously refused to marry until same-sex couples had the same rights and being arrested for climate protests. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, David explains why rugby must lead on climate action, given its deep ties to Pacific Island nations with communities already bearing the brunt of climate change. Weekend list with Helen Smith TO WATCH: The White Lotus season 3 on Binge TO EAT: Pistachio Papi Spread TO READ: Conspiracy? War on the waterfront on ABC Listen TO LISTEN: Discover weekly playlist on Spotify Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @listnrnewsroom Instagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroom Facebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No pleasant introductions, or quaint toast at the end of this one folks. We may have moved past the brink, and into the abyss, but that's to discuss in later episodes....Today, three long-term USAID staffers  now retired and free to talk describe their anger over how  the foreign aid  program has been gutted and colleagues maligned, their fear about global suffering and losses that will result ,and their hope for a  come back  in the future.Francisco Bencosme was formerly the China Policy Lead for USAID, the principal advisor on issues relating to China and Taiwan. Prior to joining USAID, he was deputy to the Special Presidential Envoy for Compact of Free Association talks, helping conclude agreements with the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau in the Pacific Islands. He was at the same time senior advisor to the assistant secretary for East Asian and the Pacific Affairs.Before joining the Biden/Harris administration, he was a senior policy advisor at the Open Society Foundations covering Asia and Latin America. During his time at Amnesty International USA, Bencosme led the US human rights policy and advocacy program towards the Asia Pacific.  In 2018, he was named one of The Hill's Top Lobbyist for a campaign on Myanmar Rohingya issues. He also has served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff.Ann Posner spent more than 32 years working in USAID missions in the Czech Republic, Russia, Albania, Bosnia and the West Bank-Gaza.  As a Foreign Service Executive Officer she led local administrative staffs and helped manage programs involving issues ranged from crop marketing in the Eastern Caribbean, anti-corruption and free election laws in Russia, and agricultural aid in Albania to investigation journalism and judicial reform in BosniaSusan Reichle is a retired Senior Foreign Service officer of USAID and former president and CEO of the International Youth Foundation — global non-profit working to equip and inspire young people everywhere to transform their lives. Before joining IYF, Susan spent 26 years in leadership positions at USAID missions overseas and in Washington, D.C. During her last three years at USAID, she served as the Counselor to the Agency, USAID's most Senior Foreign Service Officer, and advised the administrator and senior leadership on global development policies and management issues. She served in Haiti, Nicaragua, Russia, Colombia and her last assignment in USAID/Washington she led the Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance bureau.

A not so fallow weekend with PWR semis, mad URC results and plenty more to cover... patreon.com/bloodandmud for full episodes, bonus content, and other stuff besides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dennis Hulbert has had a very successful career for 39 years with the U.S.D.A Forest Service as the Region 5 Aviation Officer representing California and Pacific Islands. After retiring he began to focus on his lifelong passion as a musician and his work with the music group that he founded 33 years ago, Machaira. Working with such notable musicians as John McFee from Doobie Brothers, Billy Kirchen from Commander Cody, Dennis is looking to take his band to a new level. This current journey is allowing Dennis the opportunity to work/record with many great players: Marc Russo- from Doobie Brothers, Mic Gillette from Tower Of Power, Michael Hossack- from Doobie Brothers, Brent Bourgeois from Bourgeois Tagg, Scott Joss from Merle Haggard, and Keith Edwards from Ricky Skaggs, to name a few. Dennis is devoting his time to developing and managing the Machaira band and the Go Girls of Machaira. Along with co-managing Machaira Entertainment, a multi facet entertainment endeavor. Dennis was our guest on Episode 154 of the Agents of Innovation podcast. Learn more about him and his band Machaira at: https://www.coopdeville.com and their YouTube page at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_2eojoSgKJKcF_FzMd-iTg You can watch this full episode on YouTube podcast: https://youtu.be/O2IJrOYxJs8 Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovationradio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/agentinnovation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgentsOfInnovationPodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also learn more about how to join our network through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org/ 0:00 Episode Intro 2:46 Introducing Dennis Hulbert 3:16 Work for the U.S. Forest Service 4:58 Innovating in the fire retardant space 7:43 Be a good team leader 8:22 The inspiration to go into the U.S. Forestry Service 9:12 Aviation Officer in California and Pacific Islands 11:24 Early days learning music 13:02 Faith music, tours of Russia, American diplomacy 14:00 Surround yourself with good people 14:14 Over 40 people have been in the band, world tours, top guest artists 14:35 Nonprofit band, have never charged a penny 15:25 Taking band to the next level 16:10 11-person band, seasoned professionals, and a movie 18:09 A future reality TV show? 19:03 California, Montana, and tours 19:46 New album: Life is a Rock and Roll Circus 21:51 The business of music 26:25 Profiles of other band members 30:52 The origin of the band name, "Machaira" 32:30 New album releases March 2025 and live shows 34:45 Cover of Elvis Presley "Saved" 35:15 Agent of Innovation Matt Stone as Elvis 37:00 Learn by doing, never miss a gig, and practice 39:50 Keys to success

Our cash-strapped, underfunded, overspent defence force is in line for a budget boost, and experts say it can't come soon enoughFrom peacekeeping on the Russia-Ukraine border to defending our own waters, experts say it can't come soon enoughTwo defence experts are warning that New Zealand's ageing navy is woefully inadequate and underfunded when it comes to protecting our waters.Warnings like this have been shrugged off before because we are too far away to worry, but yesterday came news that three Chinese navy ships were sailing in international waters east of Sydney, and could be headed toward Pacific Islands countries, in a move that's been called “unusual” and “provocative”.“We seem to think that if it all goes wrong we'll be safe down here,” former defence minister and NZ First MP, Ron Mark tells The Detail.“The world is a volatile space and it's been increasingly so and the one thing that you can absolutely bank on is that what you think today is going to be the situation tomorrow, will not be.”New Zealand's exclusive economic zone covers 4 million square kilometres of the earth's surface but Mark says the country is not doing enough to look after it.“We think we can protect it by penny-pinching our way forward. The only people who pay are our military personnel,” he says.Victoria University's director of the centre for strategic studies David Capie says the increasingly dangerous world means New Zealand will “have to do a lot for ourselves and working with our ally Australia”.Their warnings came on the same day as it was revealed China's naval ships were sailing 150 nautical miles off Sydney. Defence Minister Judith Collins said the Chinese naval task group was being monitored.Professor Rory Medcalf, of the Australian National University National Security College, told Australia's ABC that “a confronting strategic future is arriving fast”.“It would be hard to find a more tangible sign of the need for Australia to increase defence spending and to sustain our campaign of statecraft aimed at stopping China establishing a military base in the Pacific,” he said.New Zealand's own defence budget is in the spotlight again with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon this week responding to questions about raising it to 2 percent of GDP, which would nearly double the current funding and bring it in line with Australia's allocation. At the same time, US President Donald Trump has been pushing for Nato members to raise their defence spending from 2 to 5 percent…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

What would you do to save your home from disappearing? As sea levels rise, the tiny Pacific island nation of Tuvalu mulls a permanent move to the metaverse to save its culture. But not everyone is giving up just yet.

The guys return to Everglades National Park, again looking for a predator that Daniel wants to get too close to: the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). Listen in as Daniel shares some research, busts croc-related myths, and Steve probably gets a little too excited about how crocs deal with salt water. Bill doesn't have much to say, but he's there, too. Enjoy!This episode was recorded on January 7, 2025 on the Bear Lake Trail in Everglades National Park. The last bit where the guys find the croc was also recorded in the Park, at the Flamingo Marina.Episode Notes and LinksAs promised during the episode, Steve is looking into how crocs process and excrete excess salt. As soon as he gets to the bottom of it, we'll share it here.In the meantime, here's what Bill found when he asked DeepSeek: Crocodiles, like many other marine and estuarine reptiles, have specialized salt glands to help them excrete excess salt from their bodies. These glands, known as salt glands or lingual glands (located on their tongues), actively transport salt ions (primarily sodium and chloride) from their bloodstream into the gland ducts. The salt is then excreted as a concentrated saline solution, which is expelled from the body.Crocodiles do not chemically change the salt (sodium chloride) into something else. Instead, they filter and concentrate it, allowing them to maintain proper electrolyte balance in their bodies, especially when living in saltwater environments. This process is crucial for osmoregulation, as it prevents dehydration and helps them survive in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.In summary, crocodiles excrete salt in its original form (sodium chloride) but in a highly concentrated solution, rather than transforming it into a different substance.Sponsors and Ways to Support UsGumleaf Boots, USA (free shipping for patrons)Thank you to Always Wandering Art (Website and Etsy Shop) for providing the artwork for many of our episodes.Support us on Patreon.Check out the Field Guides merch at our Teespring store. It's really a great deal: you get to pay us to turn your body into a billboard for the podcast!Works CitedAdmin, CrocAttack. “Database.” CrocAttack, CrocAttack, 17 July 2023, crocattack.org/database/. Balaguera-Reina, S. A., M. Venegas-Anaya, V. Beltrán-López, A. Cristancho, and L. D. Densmore III 2018. Food habits and ontogenetic dietary partitioning of American crocodiles in a tropical Pacific Island in Central America. Ecosphere 9(9):e02393. 10.1002/ecs2.2393Briggs-Gonzalez VS, Basille M, Cherkiss MS, Mazzotti FJ. American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) as restoration bioindicators in the Florida Everglades. PLoS One. 2021 May 19;16(5):e0250510. doi: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34010342/Grigg, Gordon C., et al. Biology and Evolution of Crocodylians. Comstock Publishing Associates, a Division of Cornell University Press ; CSIRO Publishing, 2015. Mazzotti Frank J. , Balaguera-Reina Sergio A. , Brandt Laura A. , Briggs-González Venetia , Cherkiss Mike , Farris Seth , Godahewa Avishka 2022. Natural and Anthropogenic Factors Influencing Nesting Ecology of the American Crocodile in Florida, United States. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution Vol. 10. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/ecology-and-evolution/articles/10.3389/fevo.2022.904576 ISSN=2296-701XMazzotti, F.J. The American Crocodile in Florida Bay. Estuaries 22, 552–561 (1999). https://doi.org/10.2307/1353217Mazzoti, Frank. “American Crocodiles (Crocodylus Acutus) in Florida.” Myfwc.Com, University of Florida IFAS Extension, myfwc.com/media/1847/americancrocodilesinfl.pdf. Accessed Dec. 2024. Villegas, Alejandro, & Schmitter-Soto, Juan Jacobo. (2008). Feeding habits of the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus (Cuvier, 1807) (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) in the southern coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Acta zoológica mexicana, 24(3), 117-124. Recuperado en 30 de enero de 2025, de http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0065-17372008000300008&lng=es&tlng=en.

In the future near-peer and peer fight, salvo competition and missiles will be the preeminent means by which one country will kinetically overwhelm the other in a fight. I discuss the way the US Navy is in an existential hazard of being woefully under-prepared to meet the threat if Western forces go toe toe with regional hegemons in the East or West. Let's anticipate the disasters now that are the Spanish in the English Channel in 1588, the British Royal Navy at Jutland in 1916, and the discovery in WWII all these battleships were not really capital ships, or had adequate armaments, yet their political dimensions compel not only their continuous construction but are the most devastating when lost. The aircraft carrier has been a signature component of US naval power and prestige for more than a century. The utility has continued to diminish since the end of WWII. The tremendous disadvantage of putting so much manpower and treasure into these single use leviathan systems in the modern world of distributed missile and PGM systems, emerging near-peer & peer adversaries and concentration of power in vulnerable systems is a recipe for future disaster. The US Navy surface fleet is in tatters and shattered by readiness, maintenance and armament issues that are critical indicators of a navy totally unprepared. It's time to clean house and fire the admirals and SES personnel. More on the carrier dilemma in Chasing Ghosts Episode #034 and Dispatch #006. References: Gregory Vistica Fall from Glory: The Men Who Sank the U.S. Navy Michael Junge Crimes of Command: in the United States Navy, 1945-2015 Gerry Doyle Carrier Killer: China's Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles and Theater of Operations in the early 21st Century David Lee Russell Early U.S. Navy Carrier Raids, February-April 1942: Five Operations That Tested a New Dimension of American Air Power Jeff Vandenengel Questioning the Carrier: Opportunities in Fleet Design for the U.S. Navy Jeff Vandenengel interview on Midrats with CDR Salamander Ivan Gogin Fighting ships of the PEOPLE LIBERATION ARMY NAVY 1949 - 2023 Jerry Hendrix Retreat From Range: The Rise and Fall of Carrier Aviation Pacific War in WWII James D. Hornfischer Neptune's Inferno: The U.S. Navy at Guadalcanal James D. Hornfischer The Fleet at Flood Tide: America at Total War in the Pacific, 1944-1945 Ian W. Toll Pacific Crucible: War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 Ian W. Toll The Conquering Tide: War in the Pacific Islands, 1942–1944 Ian W. Toll Twilight of the Gods: War in the Western Pacific, 1944-1945 Jeffry R. Cox Rising Sun, Falling Skies: The Disastrous Java Sea Campaign of World War II Jeffrey R. Cox Morning Star, Midnight Sun: The Early Guadalcanal-Solomons Campaign of World War II August–October 1942 Jeffrey R. Cox Blazing Star, Setting Sun: The Guadalcanal-Solomons Campaign November 1942–March 1943 Jeffrey R. Cox Dark Waters, Starry Skies: The Guadalcanal-Solomons Campaign, March–October 1943 Samuel Eliot Morrison The Two-Ocean War: A Short History of the United States Navy in the Second World War My Substack Write me at cgpodcast@pm.me

From the BBC World Service: Norway has suspended its plans for commercial-scale deep sea mining after facing criticism from environmental scientists. In the Pacific, the Cook Islands hopes the practice could help bolster its economy, but it’s not without opposition. But first: South Korea’s acting president has ordered a safety inspection of the country’s entire airline system after 179 people were killed in a plane crash on Sunday.

From the BBC World Service: Norway has suspended its plans for commercial-scale deep sea mining after facing criticism from environmental scientists. In the Pacific, the Cook Islands hopes the practice could help bolster its economy, but it’s not without opposition. But first: South Korea’s acting president has ordered a safety inspection of the country’s entire airline system after 179 people were killed in a plane crash on Sunday.

From the BBC World Service: Norway has suspended its plans for commercial-scale deep sea mining after facing criticism from environmental scientists. In the Pacific, the Cook Islands hopes the practice could help bolster its economy, but it’s not without opposition. But first: South Korea’s acting president has ordered a safety inspection of the country’s entire airline system after 179 people were killed in a plane crash on Sunday.

Today, half of the world’s population lives around the Pacific Rim. This ocean has been the crossroads of international travel, trade, and commerce for at least 500 years. The economy was driven by workers in rickety sailing boats like in Moby Dick. The risk of starvation, dehydration, shipwreck, sinking, and death began as soon as you stepped out into open water. Today, we’re going to zero in on one of those stories. On December 10, 1887, a shark fishing boat disappeared. On board the doomed vessel were the Walkers—the ship’s captain Frederick, his wife Elizabeth, their three teenage sons, and their dog—along with the ship’s crew. The family had spotted a promising fishing location when a terrible storm arose, splitting their vessel in two. The Walker family was shipwrecked on a deserted island in the South Pacific. The survivors soon discovered that their island refuge was already inhabited by a ragged and emaciated man who introduced himself as Hans. This fellow castaway quickly educated the Walkers and their crew on the island’s resources. But Hans had a secret, and as the Walkers slowly came to learn more, the luck of having this mysterious stranger’s assistance would become something more ominous. To look at this story and the wider world of Pacific maritime life – and death – we are joined by today’s guest, Matthew Pearl, author of “Save our Souls: The True Story of a Castaway Family, Treachery, and Murder.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.